Waving goodbye to 2015

And here its is - my very final post of 2015!

I am sure there will be more Christmas cards appearing on my blog, before we are finally done with Christmas, but this particular one seemed quite appropriate as we say goodbye to 2015.

I made this card using techniques learned from the fabulous Barbara Gray - either watching her on TV or picking up snippets from You Tube and her blog.

I ended up wit a lovely wintery scene that I didn't really want to give away!

I hope that 2015 has been filled with happy memories for all my blog friends and that 2016 will be a year of happiness, health and success for all of us.

Happy New Year to All!

Sharon xx

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-92.html
http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/anything-goes.html
http://4craftychicks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/crazy-egganything-goes-4-cc-279.html
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-344-31st-of-december-anything.html

Sheena Fairy and Baubles in shrink plastic on Xmas tree

A very quick post to show you what can be done with Sheena  Douglas's Christmas Fairy and Bauble stamps and a little bit of shrink plastic.

The little fairy ends up being less than two inches high - the perfect size to sit on top of a Christmas Tree.

Then we have the cute little baubles - about 3/4 of an inch....if that!!

It's not the best card you ever saw, but hopefully this might give you a different way to use some of those big stamps in your stash!

Bye for now.

Sharon x

Long time....no blog

Oh my goodness - I didn't realise quite how long it had been since my last blog post!! It seems that the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of everything surrounding Christmas and I have had little time for any crafting except for the things that I needed to do to fulfil my commitments!

Four days away from work seemed like a lovely long break, but here i am on the very last day, wondering whee it all went.....as per usual!!

I thought I would post a quick card using Clarity stamps, just to keep that Christmas Spirit alive a little bit longer!


Hope you like it and see you all again soon.

Sharon x

Easel does it!

Well I am quite pleased with myself as I have had a very industrious day today - a lot of cleaning, and washing done, and I have even baked some gingerbread! Sometimes a rainy old day is not a bad thing as it helps you to focus on stuff you have been putting off for a while. Added bonus was that I got my 10,000 daily paces in, without even leaving the house!

So now I thought I would have a quick few minutes to sit down and post something on my blog……here it is.

An easel card I made using the oh so sweet mouse from Wild Rose Studios, coupled with one of the fabulous Tonic wreath dies and coloured with my Spectrum Noirs of course.

This is actually quite a small card - probably no more than four inches in diameter, but I think it is quite a special one and I loved every minute of making it.

Here's a close up of little Mr Mouse, so you can really see his cuteness. It took me quite a while to get hold of this stamp as it kept selling out (not surprisingly). I think it was towards the middle of the year when I finally managed to get my hands on one.

So, as you can see, I have used a dotting technique to make the mouse look furry, whilst using light and shade to give the bauble a smooth and round look. Of course, this was crating our for glitter and, for once, you can see it sparkling away on this picture.

So, before I go to ice my gingerbread trees, here are some challenges that I would like to enter:

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/winner-top-3-290.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-89.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-257.html
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-83.html
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-341-10th-of-december-christmas.html
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-403-add-some-glitter.html
http://polkadoodle.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/week-50-polkadoodles-crafting-challenge.html
http://addicted-to-stamps-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-115-new-dt-members-and-prize.html
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/lpocf-22-winners-top-3.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

The most wonderful time of the year.

Hi there, I'm back again today with some stamped cards with a lot of sparkle!

I love watching Chloe Endean on the TV and I have some of her stamps so I thought it was time to get them out and have a little play. I has been a long time since I did any heat embossing, but seeing Chloe work her magic with the fabulous WOW powders had me digging in my cupboard for my heat gun and acetate.

I made a couple of cards which are almost identical, but just switched the colour of the berries to give a slightly different look.

I stamped the backing card with a beautiful pine branch and embossed with WOW powder in St Tropez Sands. I then stamped my snow flake wreath once on to my centre card and once on to acetate, which I cut out and mound  on to the main card, slightly offset to make the wealth look fuller.

The sentiment is also a Chloe stamp and I was surprised that you can emboss it and still read it, which is always a bonus!

Finally, I created my berries with Nuvo pearl drops which give a lovely pearl shape to create the perfect berry.

I was so pleased with how these cam e out and I am loving the sparkle. I will definitely be making a few more cards like this.

Before I go, of course I must enter some challenges:

http://rubysrainbow.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/ch-118-christmas-with-metallic-twist.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-256.html
http://cinspirations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-338-anything-goes-option-of.html
http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/118-tis-season-stamping-boutique.html
http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-20.html
http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/december-challenge-anything-goes-with.html
http://addicted-to-stamps-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-115-new-dt-members-and-prize.html
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-23.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

A Snowy Scene

Well Christmas is creeping up on us all too quickly isn't it?

For once I am very much on top of my Christmas shopping……wish I could say the same about my crafty Christmas cards.

I have made quite a lot of cards, but a lot of them  were for samples or charity, and that means I still have my family cards left to do!

None the less, a few weeks ago, I had a great afternoon messing around with my Cardio and Clarity Stamps and this is the result of one of my efforts using Cardio stamps and a Clarity square stencil as a mask.

I had also die cut this lovely reindeer months ago and was just waiting for the right time to use him…I guess this was it!  :-)

I hope you like my wintery festive scene. I have lots of lovely challenges to enter today, so here they are:

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-290-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-88.html
http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-115.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-256.html
http://cinspirations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-338-anything-goes-option-of.html
http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/118-tis-season-stamping-boutique.html
http://4craftychicks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/4-cc-275-winter.html
http://emeraldfaeries.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-74.html
http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-159-anything-christmas-goes.html
http://fantasystampers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/51-cas-christmas.html
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/chnc-challenge-extra-for-december-2015.html
http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-20.html
http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/let-it-snow-with-crafty-calendar.html
http://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/challenge-310-christmas-animals.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

Away with the fairies

Once again I have been away for a while…..I think I need to campaign for something more than a 24 hour day…….or something less than a 5 day working week…..I can but dream!

Meanwhile, did any of you catch the 6 hour Spectrum Noir deal on C&C? If so, you will have seen sound fabulous Morgan Fitzsimons stamps and I was lucky enough to be able to have a play with them and provide some samples.

Here is the first of my cards, made with two of the lovely images.

I had such fun colouring these characters (plus they are quite sizeable too) so I wanted to make them the main focus of my card, so here is lovely lady number one…….

And here is the cute little girl who is looking over her shoulder at the butterflies.

As per usual my photography leaves a lot to be desired so, sadly, you cannot pick up on their sparkly wings, but I used a clear sparkles pen on top on my spectrum noirs and, in real life, they have the most beautiful sparkle.  :-)

I hope you like my card for today…there will be a few more to follow!

Meanwhile, I must, of course enter some challenges.  :-)

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-290-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-88.html
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-401-fairies-and-angels.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-11.html
http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/week-339-colours-of-autumn.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

Something a little different using Sheena's stuff.

A little while ago I was asked to create some samples using Sheena's Elf and bauble sets, so I decided to try something a liitle different.

After a bit of digging in to my craft cupboard, out came some shrink plastic and, as if by magic a pair of Christmas bauble earings came in to being!

I stamped the baubles with Stayzon and the coloured with my Spectrum Noir pencils before shrinking with my heat gun......very quick and easy really.

I wanted them to be presented nicely so I stamped the Elf and his scroll and coloured them in with my Spectrum Noir pens.

Oh - and I may have used a bit of spray and sparkle just to jazz up those earings a bit!

I hope you like my 'something different' today. Thanks for stopping by and here are a few challenges to finish of with:

http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-115.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-289-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-87.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/take-your-pick.html
http://addicted-to-stamps-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-114.html

Thanks for visiting!

Sharon x

White on White at Fab N Funky

This week's challenge over at Fab n Funky is a theme that usually strikes fear in to my heart. I love white on white…….I love what everyone else does……but I can't seem to do it myself!

So, I got started with just colouring my image whilst pondering, what an earth am I going to do about this? Then I thought about my lovely embossing folders……. then I thought about my lovely poinsettia dies and finally my lovely Chloe Endean stamps and sparkly silver embossing powder. Suddenly there was a plan and this was the result.

In the end I had such a fun time with this and the end result was oh so sparkly. Such a pity I had to photograph it on a very dark and dingy  day so I can't really get that sparkle to shine.

In then end I was really pleased with this card and I really loved getting the embossing powders out and enjoying that embossing magic that never gets old!

So now I'm going to invite you to join in at Fab N Funky with your own white creations and I'm really looking forward to all the lovely inspiration that you will give me.

Before I go though, a few more challenges to enter of course!

http://graphitmarkers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/wk46-xmas-sparkles-craft-colouring.html
http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-166-embossing.html
http://fantasystampers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/49-winter-wonderland.html
http://lacysunshine.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/color-your-world-with-team-november-15.html
http://ribbongirls.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/ribbon-girl-november-use-any-image.html
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-22.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-288-always-anything-goes.html
http://cutiepiechallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-93-simply-cute-and-christmassy.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-86.html
http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-59-silent-night.html
http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-117-white-and-one-other-color.html
http://asnowflakespromise.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-10.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-254.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

Getting busy with Fizzy Moon and Serif.

Today it's time to post a non stamped card once again - this time made entirely from digital images sourced from my fizzy moon Serif CD Rom.

It took a bit of fiddly to set up the layers, shadowing, sizing etc, but it was fun to play and I came out with a very nice, personalised little card.

You can't really see from the picture but I printed the image out a few times and decoupaged him for extra lift.

What a little cutie he is!!

Thanks for coming to visit me today!

Sharon x

Stamp Addicts purple sparkly wine glasses

A very quick post using a Wine glass stamp from Stamp Addicts.

The glass comes as part of a set so I simply stamped it out 3 times and then stamped again so the I could decoupage the glass part and fill it with lots of bubbly, made from glitter of course!

A very quick and simple card, which could be used for many occasions.

Hope you like it.

Sharon x

Another diversion from paper craft!

Another day, another craft! A picture I have had stashed in my blog archive for nearly a year now, as it was a Christmas present that I made for a family member last year.

I would love to take credit for this design, but I can't as it was made from a kit that I picked up from Spoilt Rotten Beads , a lovely little site with some gorgeous ears and some great kits to get you going.

I loved the colours on this bracelet, and look at that fabulous clasp……needless to say, this one nearly didn't make it to it's new home!

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

Because I 'felt' like it

I recently had a hankering to play with felt…don't know why but it reminds me a lot of needlework during my school days, and felt is so easy to work with, it very relaxing I think.

So, many months ago I bought a cute set of patterns from http://www.sewsweet.co.uk , printed it……..and then left it sitting in a folder!

Finally, I managed to find the time to make my first felt character and here he is. He was made very easily during and evening, whilst watching TV. Once i had made him, I was hooked, so since then I have been dabbling with other Christmas characters and some little baubles too.

I think crafting is all about fun, and you shouldn't feel tied to one particular thing…sometimes I want to paper craft…sometimes I want to sew or crochet, or make jewellery. It's all good as far as I am concerned, just us long as you are being creative and getting a little buzz of satisfaction from whatever you are doing.

So…..even though this is a paper craft blog…..here's my little felt snowman, with not a scrap of paper in sight.

I hope he has brought you a little smile today.

Sharon x

Clarity children decorating tree

I've been having a little  fun time with some Clarity Stamps lately and here is one of my first attempts.

I followed the techniques that Barbara has shown so many times on her shows and came up with this, using just two stamp pads, and a white gel pen.

I think there is plenty of room for improvement but it was really fun getting inky and doing something a bit different to my usual colouring.

Whilst I had my stuff out, and my fingers were 'inky' I made a bunch of other cards too, so I am sure I will be posting some more cards on this theme in the run up to Christmas.

A very short post, but thanks for visiting today!

Oh - and some challenges I would like to enter…..

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-287-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-85.html
http://natalieandamy.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-38-winter-scenes.html
http://fantasystampers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/49-winter-wonderland.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-252.html

Sharon x

Sheena's Fairy

I little while ago I was lucky enough to get to play with Sheena's diary stamps and dies and here is one of the cards that I made with the fairy.

As you can see, I have gone for a snow globe effect, using some oval dies, some acetate and some sticky pads. I created the base using a smaller oval which I then cut in half.

You can create a similar effect with circular nesting dies too, and the best thing is that you can then create a globe to fit any size of stamp.

Now back to the fairy…the technique is to die cut the base shape first and the apply the cut piece to the stamp. This is down by putting the stamp face up on the table and then putting your card on ti it, so you can see where it fits and make little adjustments if you need to. Totally opposite to anything we have been told before but it really works!!

Finally I coloured my little fairy with my spectrum noirs and applied plenty of sparkle to the wings…that must be where the fairy dust comes from of course!!!

I hope you like my little fairy, and I would like to enter her in to a few challenges:

http://thepapershelter.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-226-layer-on-layer.html
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/angels.html
http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-165-not-square.html
http://graphitmarkers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/wk45-xmas-sparkles-craft-colouring.html
http://fantasystampers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/49-winter-wonderland.html
http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/sparkle-bling-embellish-with-crafty.html
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/november-anything-goes-challenge.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

Use your Dies and Punches at Fab N Funky

 It's time for a new challenge over at Fab n Funky and this week the challenge is to use your dies and punches, so I have taken this to heart and used dies for almost every part of my card......here goes:

• The main card has been made using my Tattered Lace side stepper die, and the holly panels have been cut from the insert dies.
• The main image has been matted and layered using Spellbinders scalloped square dies.
• The holly embellishments are cut from Marianne dies.
• And finally, the sentiment is a Tonic die.

Not bad huh?

Let's not forget our sponsor though, and this week it is Stitchy Bears who provided me with this lovely Christmassy image. I really enjoyed colouring this with my Spectrum Noirs and finally adding a bit of magical sparkle with my glitter.

So that's my card for today, and I hope you will get your dies out, and come and join us over at Fab n Funky.

Bye for now.

Sharon x

The weekend has flown away from me.

Well it is Sunday morning and I am sitting here wondering where on earth the weekend has gone?? Sometimes it goes just too fast!

The good news is that it is Crafters Companion's 10 year anniversary this week which means that there have been lots of lovely new releases and loads of shows on Create and Craft, which will be going out all through the week.

Tomorrow sees the launch of the fabulous and long awaited Sparkle pens and here is a sample that I made painting them directly on to water colour card. Unfortunately I am rubbish at photography so you can't see the lovely sparkle, but trust me, it is there!

There is also a clear sparkle pen in each set and I used mine to colour the little hearts and put a bit of glitter on my backing paper, as well as colouring my flowers, which I had pre coloured with my Spectrum Noirs.

They are very versatile as they come with a built in brush so you can paint them direct, paint on to acetate and mix or water down , and colour over the top of other mediums…they really are fun.

My card today is a suspended butterfly as you can see and, in case anyone was wondering, the trick to this is to attach 2 strips of nylon thread to the back of the aperture and then you have something to attach the butterfly to.  :-)

So, before I go, I would like to enter a few challenges, and here they are:

http://cinspirations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-332-anything-goes-option-of.html
http://a-step-in-the-darkness.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-32.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-250.html
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper-october.html
http://sparklesforumchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-73-pearls-andor-lace.html
http://fantasystampers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/48-animal-antics.html
http://addicted-to-stamps-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-112.html

Bye for now. I am off to make the most of what is left of the weekend.  :-)

Sharon

Boys and Girls come out to Play

 It's time for another challenge at Fab N Funky and this week the theme is 'Boys and Girls Come Out to Play' sponsored by Inky Impreddions.

I chose this lovely image of a boy playing in the mud and matched him up with some lovely NitWits digital papers.

I coloured my boy with promarkers and went to town a bit on the muddiness, stippling the edges of the paper with distress ink, so that you would never guess that the paper was once white!

Before I go - a few other challenges that I would like to join in with:

http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-80-guys-male-themed-cards.html
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper-october.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-8.html
http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-297-anything-goes.html
http://graphitmarkers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/wk-4142-autumnxmas-colours-craft.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-284-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-82.html
http://cinspirations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-332-anything-goes-option-of.html


I'm looking forward to checking out all of your creations over on the challenge blog this week. See you there

Sharon x

Boys and their toys

Today I am posting a card that would probably suit most of the boys that I know! It seems that boys reach a certain age, when they are too old for 'toys' but not yet an adult and the only thing that will fill that void is an Xbox or Playstation.

I coloured this card using my pro markers and a fabulous little stamp from LOTV.

It didn't need much embellishment so I finished it off with some polkadot digi paper and a scrap of ribbon that I found……which really makes me think of a school tie for some reason!

So that's my very quick post for today, and here are some challenges that I would love to enter:

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-81.html
http://a-step-in-the-darkness.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-31.html
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-79-anything-goesspots-andor.html
http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-80-guys-male-themed-cards.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-8.html
http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-155-spots-and-or-stripes.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

A little bit of twinkle goes long way.

Hello everyone. I am back today with a very quick post using some gorgeous Bebunni papers and a topper from the CD Rom, coupled with the lovely twinking lights stamps and dies from the Sheena range.

This was such a quick card to make as there was so little colouring to do, and I didn't even have to cut out those fiddly lights…the die did that job for me. Look at the close up below to see how well they came out.

I coloured them ever so simply with my Spectrum Noirs and then topped off with a bit of glitter for a sparkly effect.  I have to say I REALLY love these fairy lights!

Of course there are lots of lovely challenges out there to enter so here goes:

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-81.html
http://asnowflakespromise.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-7.html
http://a-step-in-the-darkness.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-31.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-249.html
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-79-anything-goesspots-andor.html
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/chnc-challenge-extra-for-october-2015.html
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper-october.html
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-333-15th-of-october-christmas.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-8.html

Thanks for visiting today. I hope to be back soon with something else to show you. Meanwhile, happy crafting!

Sharon x

How long????

I can't remember the exact number (I must have blocked it out to preserve my sanity) but someone at work kindly mentioned that there are only 10…or was it 12 Fridays until Christmas!!!  What a sobering thought…..and then to walk in to Tesco's and see a whole seasonal isle of Christmas stuff right at the front of the shop……I am not ready to give  up on summer yet…never mind Christmas!!!

Luckily, I could craft for Christmas all year long and I was desperate to have a go at some Clarity style stamping, so here is one of my first efforts.
I did the wonderful ripping up paper technique and got brushing with my Clarity brushes and distress inks to come up with this little creation remarkably quickly. I had to be a bit careful though as my fingers got a bit inky…aaaargghh…smudges. All I am saying is that there is a reason why the reindeer is planted right in that particular spot.

I am really drawn to this style as I think the blue monochrome effects gives a lovey icy feel and it's the kind of card that you could give to anyone.

Anyway the good news is that the damage wasn't enough to have to launch this one in to the bin, so I am going to enter a few challenges now….it would be rude not to…ha ha!!!

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-80.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/anything-goes.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/anything-goes.html
http://asnowflakespromise.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-7.html
http://a-step-in-the-darkness.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-31.html
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/welcome-to-pennys-challenge-248.html
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/chnc-challenge-extra-for-october-2015.html
http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/monochrome-or-colour-why.html
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-394-one-layer.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-8.html
http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/week-332-no-design-papers.html
http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/week-245.html

Thanks for visiting today…I am off to get my fingers inky again…this time with something fabulous that will be coming from Crafters Companion in the not too distant future……I can say no more, but watch this space!!

Sharon x

Getting Sassy at Fab n Funky

 I have the happy job of hosting the latest challenge at Fab n Funky this week and, in honour of our Sponsor, Sassy Studios, I have chosen the theme of Sassy Ladies......cute is out of the window this week...we want to see ladies with a bit of swagger!

I think this lady fits the bill perfectly. She looks like she should be draped over a piano singing the blues doesn't she?

I have partnered her up with a selection of papers from the Crafters Companion Frou Frou CD, plus I have been brave and doodles my own silver swirl embellishments with a quickie glue pen and some beautiful fine glitter.

I had a lot of fun making this card, so I hope you will visit at Fab n Funky this week and get out those Sassy images. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks for visiting.

Sharon

Friday Sketchers and Nordic Christmas

I have been having some fun with my Nordic Christmas CD and, for once, I have managed to avoid stamping!

I have used a combination of toppers and papers from the CD, including the little faux buttons which you can see.

I really love this image and was so glad that I found the time to make a card with it.  :-)

Finally, here are some inspiring challenges that I would like to enter:

http://digichoosday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/wk-40-crafting-challenge-at-digi.html
http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/october-challenge.html
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/chnc-challenge-extra-for-october-2015.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-7.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-7.html
http://fridaysketchchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/sketch-101-reminder.html
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-19.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-80.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/anything-goes.html
http://asnowflakespromise.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/challenge-7.html

Thanks for visiting.

Sharon x

Autumnal Breezes

I think that, despite the recent warm weather here in the UK, we can definitely feel autumn creeping up on us...those chilly nights, the wind blowing through your hair and the rustic colours appearing in the trees. It is a lovely time of year to take a look around and observe the wonders of nature, and it is all these lovely things that have inspired me to to make this card.

I have coloured my card using Chameleon pens. I like how they give you light and shade, I just wish the had a broader colour palette.

Anyway, not too much time today, so I am going to get straight on to the challenges, and here they are:

http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-18.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-7.html
http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

/09/monthly-stamp-challenge-61-autumnal.html
http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-145-autumn.html
http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/use-non-white-base.html
http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/week-380-with-bugaboo-stamps.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-79.html
http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-113-autumn.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/take-your-pick.html
http://craftygirlzchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

Thanks for visiting.

Sharon

A little snip and a little glitz

Sometimes there are days when you just feel like snipping away with the scissors and this  card, using a Thomas Kinkade decoupage set from the Joanna Sheen CD rom , was the outcome of just one of those days!

I wanted to make she very traditional Christmas cards for some members of my family and this seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

There are lots of layers on this card and just look at the feet matching paper wotht the lovely deers on there.

This is an A5 card and there really wasn't much needed as the image speaks for itself. My only enhancement was to add glitter to make that snow really sparkle.

Wouldn't you just love to visit a place like this? I know I would!!

So, on to some lovely challenges that I would now like to enter….

http://christmasstampin.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/christmas-stampin-all-year-long_18.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-280-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-280-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-78.html
http://asnowflakespromise.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-6.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/it-will-soon-be-here.html
http://4craftychicks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/4-cc-challenge-265-sparkle-shine.html
http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/108-glitter-it-up-paper-shelter.html
http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-162-glittersparkle.html
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-18.html
http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-7.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon x

The kind of 'Tweet' that I understand

I am back again with news of a new challenge over at Fab n Funky and the theme this week, chosen by Helen, is one of my favourites......cute critters.

This week we are being sponsored by Doodle Pantry and, when I visited their website, I was blown away by all the cute little creatures on there, but I really took a shine to this little guy.

He comes in black and white and coloured versions, with a bunch of sentiments included, so I also used one of them on my card, which I really liked for those 'just because' sort of cards.

I have coloured my bird in Spectrum colours and, for once I have noted down the colours, so here they are for you:

CT1, CT3, CT4, CR1, OR1, OR2, TN7, TN8, CR3, CR6, CR5, LG2, LG3, LG4, LG5.

For my backing papers I have used the Nitwits One birdie lane collection (how appropriate!) and finally I followed a sketch from Friday Sketchers to create my design.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of your cute critters, so I hope to see you over at Fab n Funky.

And here are some other challenges that I would also like to enter:

http://fridaysketchchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/sketch-100.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-280-always-anything-goes.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-78.html
http://cinspirations.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-328-something-sweet.html

Bye for now.

Sharon x

Downton Abbey Mania

Hi all.

Did you manage to catch any of the Downton Abbey shows today on Create and Craft? It seems that all you crafters out there are mad for the stuff and it was literally flying! I am pretty sure tat it won't last for the planned 4 days, but I hope it stays in stock a little while so you can at least get to see some of the lovely demonstrations.

Meanwhile, here is one of my samples that appeared on the shows today....and I am very chuffed to say that Nigel May thought this card was 'wonderful'......whahooooo....praise indeed!  :-) That makes me a very happy girl, particularly as I am not normally a vintage crafter.

You can see a good selection of the papers here and of course some of the lovely stamps which I coloured with my Spectrum Noirs. Believe it or not, because of the built in shading, I hardly had to use any colours to get this effect......here's a list for you:

EB2, GB8, GB10, DR2, DR6........nice and easy!!

I am so pleased that I jumped out of my comfort zone in using these products and now I would like to enter a few challenges:

http://a-step-in-the-darkness.blogspot.co.uk/
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-77-anything-goeskids-ruleback.html
http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-110.html
http://polkadoodle.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/week-38-crafting-challenge-at.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-280-always-anything-goes.html

Thanks for coming to visit today, and don't forget to watch out for those shows on Create and Craft.  :-)

Sharon x

It's time for tea at Downton Abbey

For those of you crafters out there who watch Downton Abbey......you are going to love this!!

Crafter's Companion have secured the licence to produce Downton Abbey craft items and they are launching the range on Create and Craft next week. The range includes all sorts of things including stamps, CDs, embossing folders and dies, so there will be something to suit every type of paper crafter.

I was very lucky to be able to play with some of the stamps and CDs, and here is one of the items that I made....a tea bag gift box.

The idea is that the tea bags kind of pop up when you open the lid, so this is what it looks like open.
How do you like the pattern on the box? These are papers from one of the CDs. It is basically broken down in to a category for each character and they each have their own paper range - beautifully coordinated, as you can see. The added bonus is that the male character are included too, so there are some lovely 'man' papers in there, not to mention the usual embellishments etc.

So my stamps of choice for this sample were from the Downton Abbey Stamps, A Moment in Time and Time for Tea sets. Check out the clock.....so detailed but very easy to colour because all the shading is already in there.

I love this tea pot too.........

So I am sure you will be wanting to see some more inspiration ahead of the shows, so check out these facebook pages for some sneak previews.........

@Crafters Companion UK ( http://www.facebook.com/CraftersCompanion )

○ @Spectrum Noir ( http://www.facebook.com/SpectrumNoir )

○ @Sara Davies ( http://www.facebook.com/SaraDaviesCC )

○ @Fiona Clayton Crafter’s

 

Companion ( http://www.facebook.com/FionaClaytonCraftersCompanion )

○ @Create & Craft TV ( http://www.facebook.com/CreateandCraft )

○ @Downton Abbey ( http://www.facebook.com/DowntonAbbey )

Finally, here are some challenges that I would like to enter:

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-279-always-anything-goes.html

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-77.html

http://craftygirlzchallenges.blogspot.co.uk

http://a-step-in-the-darkness.blogspot.co.uk

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the samples and the shows next week.  :-)

Sharon x

 

A little bit of horsing around

I thought I would post one of my first attempts with aqua markers today just so you can see how easy they are to work with!

I made this card when the Crafter's Companion Thelwell set first came out, and it was for my sister's birthday as we were both very much involved with horses when we were younger.

As you can see, I didn't have any proper water colour card at this time, so I opted for a linen card called Lana Laid, which I happened to have in my stock at the time. As you can see it worked quite nicely, but the paper does tend to ball up a bit as it gets wetter, so I definitely think that a good quality water colour card is well worth the investment.

So I printed on e of the digi scenes from the CD and matched it with some complimentary papers, in order to make a large 8 x 8 card.

I think the bit that took the longest was making the rosette embellishment!

I would like to enter a few challenges before I leave you today, and here they are:

http://withoutwordschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/september-for-boys.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/please-welcome-our-newest-dt-members_16.html
http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-77.html
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/animal-magic.html
http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/challenge-77-anything-goeskids-ruleback.html

Thanks for visiting today.

Sharon