Let it snow...

Good morning and I can't believe that it's Wednesday already! The week is flying past! I spent most of Sunday and Monday busy with the decorating and yesterday at work - in fact, nearly all day Monday was spent up and down a ladder painting the lounge ceiling. I was feeling rather bitter by the end of the day and did point out that whoever invented the idea of decorating should be glued with wallpaper paste to a wall and painted with a thick coat of paint.... At least I managed to keep Tilly the Dog away from the wet paint - it wouldn't have been the first time she'd ended up with added highlights! The wallpapering starts tomorrow so wish me luck....

So a quick post from me today with another Christmas card. I'm quite pleased that I've managed to get quite a few made this year so far - it's obviously been a good incentive having this blog and doing challenges as it's made me get a bit more organised with them!

I used one of my rubber stamps of Humphrey from Crafters Companion that I bought last year. I've coloured him with copics and promarkers, with some added stickles of course! 

And like any typical crafter, I can't bear to throw small pieces of nice crafting papers away! So I decided to use some of the 'offcuts' of my LOTV 'KraftyChristmas' papers and made the patchwork effect background with some added ribbon from stash. I think it works ok - and lets me use the saved bits lol! 

The poinsettia was made with a Marianne die. 

So quite a simple card, but I was quite pleased with the effect. 

I'll be back on Friday with lots of creations - as long as I've not fallen into the wallpaper paste! 

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

DieCuttinDivas - anything goes

LEJ Designs - anything goes

PartyTimeTuesdays - anything goes

CraftyBloggersNetwork - anything goes

Some exciting news....

Hello to all in Blogland and Sunday seems to have come around again pretty quickly! I'm starting the decorating process today :(   - but needs must and my lounge is in dire need of decorating! I don't mind the decorating bit, it's all the upheaval, mess, clearing out that I dread. Sigh.
But anyway, before I start all that, I just wanted to share some news with you.  I was thrilled (bit of an understatement!) to be asked to join the Digital Design Team at Whimsy!  Of course I had to think long and hard about it (for about 2 seconds) and then said I would love to! I know that it's a big undertaking as Whimsy do a monthly release of new digi stamps, etc., and a challenge blog 'WhimsyInspires', but I just couldn't resist the chance to work with the fabulous artwork that they produce! There's now a big DT with designers from all over the globe and lots of exciting new releases in the pipeline. It's a much bigger (and more complex!) set up than I'm used to, and I'm still a relatively new blogger so I hope they'll be gentle with me! But I hope you'll enjoy seeing some of the fantastic Whimsy digis appearing in my little corner of Blogland!

So I've made a Christmas hanger to share with you today using a Whimsy digi - a sentiment from RaindropEcho 'Christmas Sentiments'

I've coloured the stamp with promarkers and pencils

The backing papers are from First Edition, with some distress inks and stitching on the edges. The sentiment is matted onto a Spellbinders 'floral oval'.  The roses are from Wild Orchid and the small green flowers from Joanna Sheen, as is the sheer green ribbon. The ivy is from a Marianne die. 

and the adorable little wooden rocking horse is from a challenge blog prize I was lucky enough to win from CraftyEmblies! Isn't it gorgeous! 

Thanks for letting me share my exciting news with you! And a big welcome to my new followers - although I hope all the waffling that goes on on this blog doesn't frighten you off too much! 

Back soon, 

Kim x 

I'm entering this Christmas Hanger in the following challenges:-

Allsorts - in stitches

Brown Sugar - anything goes

Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - stitching

CraftyAnn's - Christmas

Fussy & Fancy - anything goes

QKR Stampede - sentiment as focal point

StampinfortheWeekend - anything goes

And another very late one...

Yes, I'm back again with another very late posting with the new challenge over at Totally Papercrafts. This week our lovely Carol has picked the very seasonal theme of 'Spooky Halloween' so we'd like to see your spooky offerings!

I've used images from our sponsor this week

and made a 'treats' bag from an envelope, together with a little gift card! 

I coloured the image with promarkers. The backing paper was coloured with a Big'n'Juicy 'mountain meadow' ink pad, with a few hand drawn cobwebs! 

So do join us at Totally Papercrafts with your Halloween creations!

Back tomorrow!

Kim x

A very late post...

Good morning all and I must make apologies first! This post should have appeared yesterday but there was a bit of a problem - I started on Thursday with a wicked migraine which lasted all night and all through Friday and I was definitely not in a good position to spend time with a computer screen! So fingers crossed I don't get another like that again for a while. I seem to be getting them more frequently and they're longer lasting and if I'm honest it's probably an 'age' thing as I'm undergoing that interesting time of life lol! Sigh.

But another day - bright and freezing cold! - so here goes!
A new challenge has started over at CraftyCatz chosen this week by our lovely Aunty Sue - make a 'male' card. Now I know it's not everyone's favourite, but I don't mind really!

I've used an image from this week's sponsor 

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils. 

The stripy backing paper was a freebie with a mag, the coredinations panel was embossed with CraftsToo embossing folder and the dp is from stash.  I mounted the image on silver mirri board, and added bakers twine and a Sizzix die cut star.

So quite simple, but I hope you like it. 

Kim x 

Autumn Showers

Good morning all and hope that your week has been going well? I can't believe it's Thursday already, I seem to have been busy and rushing round all week so far - but not quite sure what I've achieved...! I seem to have been doing a lot of ferrying about (Kim's Cabs!) and catering (Kim's Cafe open 24/7) and clearing up ready for decorating (Kim'sCleaningServices!) - all in between going to work of the paid variety! Talk about multi-tasking! So sorry if I've been behind on the commenting but will try to get around to everyone over the next day or so. And a big hello to my new followers - it's lovely of you to join me!

Anyway, on to today's card!

When I saw this little girl, all ready for the rain, in Mo's Digis I couldn't resist. I just thought she looked so sweet. That's the right attitude towards the wet weather - just get your raincoat and wellies on and go and jump in a few puddles! 

I've coloured her with promarkers and spectrum noir pens, and the cloudy sky was done with chalks. 

The backing papers are from First Edition 'Summer Breeze'. I've added some flowers made with a Marianne die, with pearl centres and a border made with Tonic border punch. The sentiments are from my invaluable (and very well used!) Whimsy ticket stamps with ticket die. 

Hope you like it! 

Back tomorrow with some new challenges from CraftyCatz and Totally Papercrafts

Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

Divas By Design - orange

InkyImpressions - fall or halloween

A&T Emerald Fairies Challenge - anything goes

Jacksons Digital Expressions - brown/teal/orange

CraftyBloggersNetwork - anything goes

DigiMakeoverChallenge - weather

Boo!

Good morning all! How did Monday arrive again so quickly? Who pressed the 'fast forward' button last Friday? Thanks for all your comments yesterday, and yes, thankfully the DIY passed with minimum bloodshed. We were still talking to one another by teatime which is an achievement. And thankfully daughter was very pleased with her new desk and chair - just hope it gets well used for doing work now!
Well, after me confessing on Friday that I'd never made a Halloween project before the hanger I made for CraftyCatz, I've now made another Halloween one!  And apologies before we go any further that the photos are definitely on the 'dodgy' side today - not sure whether to blame the camera, the very dull light or the photographer (honesty compels me to say it's probably the photographer...).

This is another digi stamp from Mos Digital pencil - Kitty Kai - and doesn't he look great in his cat costume! 

I've coloured the image with promarkers. I'm trying to use some stronger colours as I always tend to reach for pastel shades first. And this was the first time I've used my black promarker! 

The backing paper is from K&Co. I'm saving for the fishtail dies that I've had my eye on, but in the meantime I made the 'flags' by using a MS punch then cutting them into strips, but it seems to work ok. I've added buttons and ribbon from stash. The lettering is Sizzix rub-ons on black card. 

I made this one into an easel card. 

So quite a basic and simple design from me today - but hope that you like this cute little character! 

Right, the Monday morning housework is calling :(

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

Come and get it challenges - halloween

Dream Valley Challenges - halloween

2Sisters challenges - cute and creepy

Just some lines challenges - too cute to spook

ATCs and Cards with attitude - halloween

CardCraftersCircle - halloween

StampinfortheWeekend - something spooky

A relaxing Christmas....

Good morning all in Blogland and hope that your weekend has been going well. Bit chilly here this morning (well, it is autumn I suppose lol!) but the sun is shining which is always a bonus!  Just the usual weekend's comings and goings in our house but I'm bracing myself today. Yesterday my daughter's new desk arrived and that means that we're going to be putting it together today.... Oh dear.
Perhaps I should explain. My hubby and I have been together over 23 years. We get along very well, make one another laugh (one of the most important ingredients in a relationship in my opinion!) and enjoy spending time together..... - until DIY gets involved. We never normally argue - my husband's not very good at taking part in a good argument so I gave up trying a long time ago! However, the occasions that nearly always lead to bickering are when we're trying to do DIY together.  I'm from the "just get on with it" school of DIY whereas my husband likes to take his time, measure things out and, in my opinion, generally faff about too much. Sigh. Hence I'm bracing myself for the inevitable clash when we get this desk & room sorted later. I'm planning decorating at the end of this month but worked out a while ago that it's a lot less stressful if I do it myself, put my music on and get on with it. Then I've only got myself to complain to when something goes wrong. And marital peace can be maintained.....

Anyway, that's Sunday mornings waffle over with! And on to today's card.

I've used an LOTV stamp - 'Christmas Snooze' - and this just looks a perfect way to spend time at Christmas! 

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils

The backing papers are from First Edition and Dovecraft, with some red card for matting. The ribbon and lace are from Cart-Us, as is the fabric covered brad.  The sentiment is also from LOTV. 

with the inside decorated to match.

So quite a simple card from me today. I'm making an effort to produce some 'postable' Christmas cards, as although it's tempting to get carried away with the embellishments, it's not really practical for a lot of them. And postage charges being what they are in this country I could be bankrupt before I've even bought Christmas presents lol! 

So, apologies for the moaning waffle about domestic arguments! And can I just say a big thanks once again for all the lovely positive comments you leave - they mean such a lot. And a warm welcome to my new followers - and I promise I don't waffle on quite so much on all my posts! 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Back soon, Kim x

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

ChristmasStampinallyearlong - traditional colours

PoodlesParlour - anything goes

LilisLittleFairies - anything goes

CardsGalore - anything goes

Christmas is creeping up!

I'm back again with a new challenge over at Totally Papercrafts. We had some fantastic entries in our last challenge. And this new challenge, chosen by our lovely Susan is '9 weeks and counting', Christmas is on it's way! So we'd like to see your Christmas creations!

I decided to use one of my Humphrey stamps from CraftersCompanion that I bought last year

I've coloured the image with promarkers and added lots of stickles (no surprise there then lol!). 

The backing papers are from Dovecraft, with some plain card from stash - and using the Spellbinders 'floral oval' die (a new favourite!). The holly corners are from a CheeryLynn die, with some added red beads for the holly berries. 

The sentiment is one of the gorgeous 'Grungy Christmas' ones from LOTV. And then a bow of sheer ribbon from Joanna Sheen. 

So do pop over to Totally Papercrafts and join us with your Christmas offerings! 

Our sponsor this week is 

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

ABC Christmas Challenge - anything goes

I love Promarkers - anything goes

A&T Emerald Fairies - anything goes

CheeryLynn - corner embellishments

OLLCB - Christmas sentiment

Totally Stampalicious - Christmas

Not too scary!

Good morning - Friday again already! Where did that week go then? The days seem to pass so quickly at the moment. I'm busy trying to get some cards made as I'm planning decorating during half term in another week. I don't mind the decorating bit, it's just the clearing everything out and preparing the room that's the 'yuck' bit! But our lounge is desperately in need of doing and I'm determined that it should be done before Christmas - so I'll just have to grit my teeth and get on with it!

Anyway, on to today! It's time for a new challenge over at CraftyCatz - and this week our lovely Dianne has chosen 'Halloween'!  Now, I have a confession to make. I've never made a halloween card or creation before. It's not really something that I'm excited about - and spend most of my time on 31st October stopping Tilly the Dog getting too excited by all the kiddies coming to the door and also stopping my own 'little darlings' from eating the sweets I have in a bowl for the trick & treaters!  So this was a new venture for me - but I surprised myself and actually enjoyed making it!

When I saw this cute 'Bat Cat' image from Mo's Digital Pencil I couldn't resist! We do sing the 'Batman' theme to our cat (but change the words to 'Fat Cat' as she is rather a podge!).

I've coloured the image with promarkers. The backing paper was made using the Big'n'Juicy 'Spice' inkpad and then drawing on some cobwebs. I then added some netting (shaded with the inkpad). The sentiment was printed on the computer (with a little clip art!) and then shaded, and added a couple of Poppystamps 'meadow leaf' die cuts. I then added lots of purple & black and a little sparkle with the ribbons and buttons from stash. 

So I hope you like my first Halloween creation! So do pop over to CraftyCatz with your spooky offerings and join us!  We're sponsored this week by 

Back soon, 

Kim x 

I'm entering this Halloween Hanger in the following challenges:-

Mo's Digital Challenge - Autumn Fun

Victorine Originals - Halloween

Crafting for all seasons - spooky

Decorate to celebrate - halloween party

Divas by Design - spooky

Papercraft Star - pumpkin

Papertake Weekly - Boo

Eureka Stamps - halloween

Forever Friends - halloween

A little bit vintage

Good morning all and hope that your week is going well. After heavy rain this morning it's now sunshine and blue sky! But despite Tilly the Dog now thinking that it's a good time to go for a walk I'm a bit housebound for the moment waiting on a delivery! But a good excuse to get my crafting toys out and have a play for a little while.
Thought I'd share something a bit different with you today

a vintage 'shabby chic' sort of creation - and so much fun to do! I used a vintage photo from a Joanna Sheen cd (ATC Assistant - not sure it's in production any more!) and then got a bit carried away with papers and embellishments!  The papers are from K&Co - just perfect for this sort of thing!. The lace and netting are from my stash and the flowers are from Wild Orchid.  I added a couple of die cuts, Poppystamps 'meadow leaf' and a swirl from Marianne. The pin was a home-made one with some beads.

The sentiment stamp is a Clarity one and I love those words. Cut with a Spellbinders die and some 'antique linen' distress ink. The inside was decorated to match

So, I hope you like my little bit of vintage! And not a promarker or 'cutie' stamp in sight lol! 

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

A&T Emerald Fairies - anything goes

Tuesday Throwdown - tea at grannys

Fashionista Challenge - anything goes

MakeItMonday - anything goes

SimonSaysStampand Show - favourites (flowers)

The ShabbyTeaRoomChallenge - rustic elegance

Frosty Wintertime

Hello and hope that everyone in Blogland is well today and has started the week on a happy note! Can I just say a big hello to my new followers and thank you to everyone for all the lovely comments you leave - they mean so much!
Well, it was the usual routine for me today - once everyone has departed for work/school/uni I try to get the house back into some order after the weekend. I don't work on a Monday (well, the paid variety lol!) - but often think that it's harder 'work' being at home by the time I've sorted laundry, hoovered, stripped beds, etc.! Just call me a domestic goddess! Sigh.
Anyway, on to today's card.

I've used 'Heidi' from Wee Stamps - isn't she adorable! I've coloured her with promarkers and pencils and added plenty of Stickles and some pearl drops.

I've used the Spellbinders 'floral oval' die. The papers are from K&Co and First Edition - and I was quite pleased how the frosty pinks and blues worked. I've added lace down one edge, and some muslin and paper flowers from stash (also with a dash of Stickles!).  The silver snowflake was 'robbed' from some Christmas decorations!

I think this would be suitable for either a Christmas card or a winter birthday card - so I haven't added a sentiment yet. I'll wait and see which I want to use it for!

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

CraftyHazelnutsChristmas - snowflakes

SugarCreekHollow - show some sparkle

Christmas Stampin all year long - anything goes

Eclectic Ellapu - anything goes

Stamp and Create - WinterWonderland

Oops!

Good morning and hope that your weekend is going well! It's a bright & crisp morning here (for 'crisp' you can translate 'down right freezing'!). There was a good layer of ice on the car this morning as I gave my daughter a lift to work - bbrrrr! But at least the sun is shining and I can cope with the cold a lot better when it's bright - so much better than grey clouds and rain.

Today's card features a gorgeous little cutie stamp from LOTV (do they make any other sort of stamp...?) called 'Ooops'

Oh I recognise that expression so well! 

Any of you that have children will, I am sure, have experienced those "It wasn't me!" moments - or was that just mine..? And I have to say, without fear of discrimination here, that we had (and possibly still have!) more of those moments with my youngest son than the girls.  I remember many incidents so well...., the blocked sink (due to cotton ear buds being put down the plug hole), the mysterious stains that appear on soft furnishings that seem to uncannily match whatever food or drink has just been consumed in the vicinity, coming in to find Tilly the Dog dressed in football shirts, etc. One abiding memory is of finding scratches on a highly polished table that I'd inherited from my late mum when I began to polish it one day. When confronted my son gave the usual "It wasn't me" response - which would have perhaps have carried a little more weight had he not actually scratched his own name into the varnish.... Sigh. Perhaps that's why I love the LOTV and Mo images of little boys! 

I've coloured this little rogue with promarkers and pencils.  The backing papers are from First Edition 'Birdsong' with some added stitching and all edges distressed with 'Antique Linen'.  Then I've added bakers twine and a button.  The ticket was made with a Whimsy die and then letters added with Sizzix rub-ons. 

And the sentiment is printed from the computer

and with a little pocket inside! If it wasn't for reviving cups of tea I would have given up long ago! 

Anyway, apologies once more for the waffling post! And thank you for sticking with me! 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend - and hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

CraftyMess - anything goes

Craft Your Passion - hip to be square

2SistersChallenge - anything goes

Divas by Design - anything goes

Good Friends

Back again with the new challenge at Totally Papercrafts! A good challenge this week chosen by our Cathy - make your own flowers!  So I've made a card with my favourite girly pastel colours

I've used a Sarah Kay stamp 'A Lollipop for Susan', coloured with promarkers and pencils

The backing papers are the NitWit ones from LOTV, with some added stitching. I've added some lace from stash and spotty ribbon from CraftersCompanion. The buckle, swirl and flowers were made with Marianne dies, with some added buttons from stash. The sentiment is a Whimsy one with matching ticket die! And the little flower charm is also from my stash. 

Sorry it's a bit heavy on the photos! 

So do pop over to Totally Papercrafts and join in this week. There are 2 sponsors this week - so that means 2 prizes! 

and 

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

MyMumsCraftShop - tickets

Oldie but Goodie Challenge - inspired by a song (Sweets for my sweet - TheSearchers) (old item - stamp)

IncyWincyDesigns - anything goes

TammysScrapinCorner - friendship

Victorine Originals - lots of layers

Pretty Easels!

Good morning! I can't believe that it's Friday again already, although I'm ready for the weekend. I seem to have had a haze of constant headaches and migraines this last week or so, so I'm just hoping this weekend is a bit more relaxing! Mind you, with the usual comings and goings of our house it never seems really quiet - except when the offspring are all away! But despite my moans, I do love having a house full really!
Anyway, as it's Friday it's time for a new challenge over at CraftyCatz, and this week our lovely Carol has chosen the challenge of 'Easel Cards' - so a nice easy one for everyone!
My creation for this is

I've used  the gorgeous 'Winter Fairy' from Wee Stamps - aren't these just the cutest pair?!

I've coloured the image with promarkers and a couple of spectrum noir pens that I got to try. And of course I had to add some Stickles!  The backing papers were printed from the Artylicious 'Seasons Greetings' cd which I bought ages ago. I used it a few times then it got put away and, to my shame, I forgot about it until a week or so ago - oops! There are some gorgeous designs on there, so I'll make sure I use a few! 

I've added holly leaves from Cheery Lynn dies, punched snowflakes (with more stickles!) and a punched border with my Tonic punch. The ribbon is from Joanna Sheen, with red beads for holly berries and then some pearly bits from my pearl pen.

Hope you like it! 

So do pop over to the CraftyCatz challenge and join in. Our sponsor this week is 

with a $10 prize! 

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

Divas by Design - anything goes

Crafts and Me - anything goes

Simon Says Stamp - dies/punches

Whimsy Inspires - sparkly

Creative Card Crew - birds

Christmas Morning!

No it's not really Christmas morning! Although it really isn't that far off as a friend who just popped in pointed out that it's 11 weeks off. Oh dear. Every year I promise myself that I'll be all organised for next Christmas, buy presents well in advance, make cards well in advance, etc, etc..... And every year it always ends up all being done in the last couple of weeks! But then again, I love Christmas and do enjoy all the build up in the last week or so, and it would probably take something of the magic away for me if I was all prepared months ahead!

Anyway, on to today's card, with two of my favourite cutie characters, Bella and Bronte from Mos Digital pencil

And when I saw this digi stamp I had to smile! This definitely has something of our house on Christmas morning!  As I mentioned in a post a while ago, there's often some grumbling and muttering about Tilly the Dog having a bigger stocking than everyone else, and she definitely loves getting pressies!  So this cute pair just looked so great!

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils.  The papers were freebies with a craft magazine!  And the sentiment is from LOTV.  The ribbon is from my stash and I actually coloured the gems with promarkers to match - but unfortunately it doesn't really seem to show on the photo! 

So a fairly simple card from me today. 

Hope you like it!

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

Anything goes challenges - animals

CraftySentiments - anything goes

Deep Ocean Challenge - anything goes

TuesdayAlchemy - anything goes

Mos Digital Challenge - anything goes

A Treat For You!

Good morning - and pleased to report the sun is shining! Yippee! So I thought I'd post a quick 'make', get my jobs done before I head out for lunch with a friend today - so an even bigger yippee! I can feel a big mug of coffee and a cake coming on.....
We had a busy day yesterday and managed to get some gardening done - or at least I did. My husband took refuge on the garage roof! He said he was repairing a leak - but I thought it took a bit longer than necessary although he denied he was avoiding the gardening. Hmmm! And I even had to get on to the garage roof to help - oh dear. I'm alright climbing the ladders and getting on the roof - it's just getting back off the roof and climbing down that I'm not too good at! And having helpful neighbours giggling and shouting comments about whether the roof could support all that weight didn't help! Good job we all get on well with our neighbours or I could have taken it personally!
Anyway, less chatter and on to today's creation! I thought I'd dig out one of last year's Christmas stamps and then made this

I love these cute Humphrey stamps - this one is 'Santa and Rudolph' - and decided to make a little gift bag instead of a card. 

I've coloured the image with promarkers and added Stickles for some glitter - but it doesn't seem to show on the photos! I must work out the best way to take pics of 'sparkly' creations as most of my Christmas makes have some sort of sparkle on them somewhere! 

The 'bag' was actually made with an A5 white envelope, sealed and folded. Let me know if you're not sure how to do that and I might try and do a 'tutorial' - but it's so easy! (Must be if I can make one lol!)

The backing papers are from Dovecraft. I used a Tonic punch along the top edge and then added buttons from stash and spotty ribbon from Joanna Sheen.  So I think I might make a few more of these in different sizes - quite a nice way to make little treat bags for Christmas. 

And can I just add my thanks to those who posted comments for me at the recent Joanna Sheen Challenge blog DT call. I was thrilled to be shortlisted to the final 12 when they had had so many apply (over a 100 apparently!) but unfortunately I didn't make it on to the DT - at this point! But there were some fantastic creations and I'd like to congratulate the ones who did make it on to the Team - well done! 

Right, off to get tidied up then out to enjoy a chat & a cake! 

Back soon, Kim  x

I'd like to enter this creation into the following challenges:-

Penny Black & more - animal magic

Catch the bug - anything goes

Crafty Mess - anything goes

Inspire me Fridays - anything goes

Make it Monday - anything goes

Anything but a card - sparkle