Cute springtime cats!

Hello all and I hope that your Easter weekend has started in a relaxing way with some sunshine. Sadly no sunshine here at the moment - a bit of a grey day - but, being ever-hopeful, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some brightness later! We've had a slightly more relaxed  week this week, and it feels as though I've had time to catch up with a few things - although the boiler breaking down didn't help! It was a case of washing up with kettles of hot water and no heating - thank goodness there wasn't a foot of snow outside lol! Thankfully the plumbers managed to repair it yesterday - yippee!

Anyway, as it's Friday it's time for a new challenge over at Crafty Catz - and this week is my last one as part of the Design Team. I made the difficult decision to step down after 3 years on the team, but time is limited and there are so many other projects I want to work on, so I felt it was time to go. The team have been fantastic, they really are the friendliest DT in Blogland I think, so I will miss them hugely!  But this week's challenge is everyone's favourite - "Anything Goes"!  So the Crafty Catz team would love to see all types of crafty creations that you have been working on.

I was asked by someone at work if I would make a card for his partner - they are both great animal lovers, and his partner particularly loves her cats, so I used the Joanna Sheen Ivory Cats cd to find a gorgeous image

I decided to make a gatefold card, embossing the panels and inside panel with a Crafters Companion embossing folder.  The flowers are from WOC and the ivy, butterfly and dragonfly dies are from Joanna Sheen

And I even managed to make an envelope to fit!  I just hope the recipient likes it! I liked the soft creams and greens - and the look of concentration on the cat's face lol!  Our Grumpy Poppy is definitely too lazy these days to do that sort of thing. She sat out in the garden yesterday, watching the birds bickering on the bird feeders with what I can only describe as 'boredom'! 

I do hope you'll have a look at the fantastic inspiration from the DT over at Crafty Catz and then join in the challenge with your crafty makes. 

And I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing Easter weekend - whatever you have planned.

Back soon,

Kim x 

Christmas Star

Good morning, Friday has whizzed around pretty quickly this week! I have to confess that most of my 'papercrafting' this week has involved wallpaper! The decorating is coming along - but boy, will I be glad when it's done! I have kept muttering threats under my breath and grumbling about whose stupid idea it was to decorate the lounge - but as has been pointed out to me, it was my idea....!  But I don't deal well with the house in disorder (although with the constant comings and goings of a house full you'd think I'd be used to it!), so I'll be very relieved to get things back to normal - well, as normal as our house ever is.

Anyway, less of my waffling! As it's Friday it's time for a new challenge over at Totally Papercrafts - and the theme for this week, chosen by our lovely Laine is 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Christmas Star'!  So we want to see stars somewhere on your creation!  My contribution for this challenge is

I've used this gorgeous stamp from LOTV, and coloured her with promarkers and pencils, with added stickles and pearly bits! 

The backing paper is from Joanna Sheen ('Haberdashery' pad!), and the stripy one was a freebie! I've added some stitching and lace. The spotty ribbon is also from Joanna Sheen. The sentiment is from LOTV. 

We're sponsored at TPC this week by 

So do join us with your 'starry' creations! 

Back soon, 

Kim x 

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

CardsbyLadyAnne'sChallenges - anything goes

DivasbyDesign - festive

Ilovepromarkers - cute

PaperShelter - anything goes

The PerfectSentiment - pinkChristmas

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

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

Flowers for you

Good morning all in Blogland and hope that your weekend has been going well. It's a frosty but sunny morning here in north west UK - much nicer than grey & wet! I don't mind the cold as the trade off is we get the sunshine too! I'm sure my husband is grimacing somewhere as he probably knows that if it's a sunny Sunday morning that means there are more jobs somewhere in the garden to tackle. We haven't got a big garden but there always seems to be some things that need doing. It's not really his favourite occupation - unless he's chopping something down or starting a bonfire! - but I feel the need to get it tidied up before winter. As I do point out to him, one of his working departments at home is 'Parks & Gardens' (along with 'Taxi Driver', 'DIY Call Out', 'Computer/Internet Specialist', etc....). As I'm kind (!) I'll don my wellies first and make a start - then remove him from his Sunday papers and he can come out and help with the heavy duty bits! After housing the usual band of teenagers yesterday afternoon and for tea, it's quite nice to spend some time pottering outside - teenagers don't 'do' gardens (well, mine don't) so I'm usually permitted some peace out there.

Anyway, enough waffling from me! On to today's card. I've used a stamp I bought a while ago from Joanna Sheen - 'Basket of Flowers'

I coloured the image with promarkers and then added some Glossy Accents to the flowers - but with my photo skills this doesn't really show up!

I decided to make this into a 6" square gatefold card for a change. The backing papers are from First Edition 'Birdsong' with some coredinations card for matting and accents. 

I've edged the opening sides with lace, and added a sheen ribbon tied bow to the side. The corners are from a Spellbinders die using 'Persian Accents' and the leaves are using a Marianne die. The flowers are from WOC and CardCraftUK.  At the back of the card I've added a Marianne die cut heart (to hold the ribbon in place!)

I thought I'd share this one with you today as it features stargazer lilies on the stamp which were one of my mum's favourite flowers. Today marks 10 years since she passed away, and we made sure there were stargazer lilies at her funeral. She loved all flowers and this sort of card would have been perfect for her. 

I can't believe 10 years has passed so quickly - and I still want to ring her up or pop round, particularly when the kids have done something clever/funny/annoying! Well, that's what mums are for isn't it? 

So, I'm not ending on a mournful note. She hated people to be miserable! So we're all smiling today as we remember her! Make sure you smile for someone today.

And can I just say a big thank you for all the lovely comments you've been leaving - they mean so much! 

Sorry for the long and waffling post (although nothing new there!). 

Back soon, Kim x 

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

Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog - Down in the garden

Delicious Doodles - flowers

StampinfortheWeekend - feeling floral

PaperPretties - flowers

JellyparkChallenges - pink it up

ArtImpressionsChallenge - pink

Lavender Lace

Good morning - yes I'm back again!  As it's Friday it's also time for a new challenge over at CraftyCatz - and it's our lovely Sassy who has picked this week's challenge which is 'Lace & Bows'.  So that was a bit of a challenge for me - NOT! As a self-confessed ribbon & lace addict, I was pretty sure I could find something to use....

The DT have made some fabulous creations for inspiration so do pop over to the CraftyCatz challenge blog and have a look - and then join in!

My contribution for this one is

I've used this sweet image of Bella and Bronte from Mos Digital Pencil - aren't they so sweet! 

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils. The backing papers are from LOTV Nitwit pads, with some stitching around all the edges. I've added some purple ribbon and lace from my stash and some sheer ribbon from Joanna Sheen. I've added a Marianne die cut swirl and some gem 'flowers' from my stash. The pin is a self-made one using some beads from my never-ending box of 'bits and bobs'! 

And as I couldn't think what sentiment to add, it hasn't got one on - yet! 

I hope that you like it.

Back soon, Kim x 

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

MosDigitalChallenge - ribbons & bows

CraftyCardmakers - lace & stitching

Inky Impressions - animals

Whimsy Inspirations - anything goes

Creative Card Crew - purple

Crafty Bloggers Network - purple

Enjoy the ride!

Good morning all and it's Friday so time for a new challenge over at Totally Papercrafts - and this week it's ME who is the challenge host! And as I'm kind, I've picked a nice easy one for everyone - Pretty Pastels! We're being sponsored this week by

and the winner will receive 2 stamps of their choice!

So do pop over to the Totally Papercrafts challenge and have a look at the fantastic inspiration the DT have provided - as they always do!

My contribution this week is

I've used the LOTV stamp 'Ride with me' - and of course used my favourite pastel shades! 

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils.  The backing papers are from the LOTV Nitwit paper pads.  I've used a Tonic border punch, sheer ribbon from Joanna Sheen and flowers from WOC.  The sentiment is from LOTV. 

and a quick glimpse of the inside of the card. 

Hope you like it!  Do join us this week with your pastel colours at Totally Papercrafts!

Back soon, Kim x 

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

Crafts and Me - favourite colour (pastel pink)

Simon Says Stamp - anything goes

My time to craft - transport

Paper Shelter - anything goes

In The Garden - JS Design Team

Good morning all and what a lovely way to start a new week! Blustery winds & driving rain! Sigh.
Hope that your weekend went well and that you have some nice things to look forward to this week?
Just a quick post from me today you'll be pleased to know - after the long rambling one yesterday lol!
A few weeks ago there was a DT call over on the Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog and so I thought I would give it a try. And I'm thrilled to report that I have been shortlisted to the final 12 from which 3 new DT members will be chosen. When I first started paper crafting (a fair few years ago now...) the first website I ordered from was Joanna's - and still do on a regular basis! I have collected quite a few of her cd's and love all the ribbon supplies, embellies, etc., and swear by the Elegance Satin card for stamping and colouring - works so well with promarkers, etc.

Anyway, onto the card! All the prospective DT members were sent some images & papers to work with from the JaneShasky 'heart of the garden' cd- a decoupage project! - so completely out of my comfort zone! I'm definitely more of a stamps & colours sort of girl! We could use plain cardstock & any die cuts we wished, but to keep to the JS images & papers. So this is what I came up with!

I decided to make an easel style card, as I thought it fitted the image and layout quite nicely

I used an A5 pearl card base, with coredinations card for matting and layering. I added the Memory Box 'arboscello tree' die cuts with the DooHickey 'lovely fence' which I sanded back slightly to give a 'weathered' look (and most of our garden is definitely on the 'weathered' side today lol!).  I've also added some Marianne 'ivy' die cuts and a Memory Box 'buckle' which has been coated with Glossy Accents.  The sheer ribbon is from Joanna Sheen and the small flowers are from WOC. The watering can was from my stash in amongst my cross stitching paraphenalia, but I was so pleased I found it as it just fitted in nicely! 

I only used 3 layers of the decoupage as I'm personally not too keen on the very raised images, but I did love the subtle shades on these papers. 

Sorry, bit of an overload of pics there, but I hope you like the finished product! 

All the projects from the shortlist are on the JS Challenge Blog HERE and there are some fantastic creations! There isn't a 'vote' as such, but the Design Team are looking for comments and opinions about the projects and will base their final choice on that. So I do hope that you will pop over and have a look at the creations - and if you liked my card I do hope that you'll be able to add a positive comment for me to the challenge blog! (I'd never make a politician - I feel so uncomfortable asking for votes lol!).

I know that they will have received many applications to be part of the DT and I'm delighted to have been shortlisted! So do go across and have a look at all the work. And thank you so much for all your support! It's only from the positive & supportive comments I receive on my craft creations on here that I've had the confidence to try other things - so a big thank you! 

Back soon, Kim x 

Waiting for Santa!

Good morning all and hope that your weekend is going well? Thankfully it has started quite bright & sunny here - if a bit chilly! - which is a good job as I have earmarked today as yet another 'get the garden under control' day! My husband is back from his travels and I always feel it's a good idea to dismiss memories of nice hotels, etc., with a good spell of distinctly unglamorous labouring in the garden and jobs in the house! I'm so cruel... lol!

Anyway, today's card has one of the sweet new stamps from LOTV 'Pup with stocking'. I suppose whenever we buy new stamps or images it's because they appeal to us in some way, either because they make us smile, feel they'd be particularly suitable for a certain person or occasion, or because they trigger memories. When I showed this card to my offspring I asked them what story they thought was attached - and they immediately replied 'because the dog gets a bigger Christmas stocking than everyone else'! Yes, I know that our 'children' are all taller than me and in their teens (and older!) but there would still be a mass rebellion and major sulking on Christmas morning if stockings weren't put out - and dutifully filled. However, there is usually some grumbling about the fact that Tilly the Dog has a slightly bigger stocking than anyone else! Not that she's complaining...! So when I saw this stamp it made me smile!

Just look at that expression! I suppose I really should have coloured the pup black like Tilly (perhaps next time!) but to be fair, I can't imagine Tilly sitting so patiently in front of it for long. The only time she usually sits nicely like that is if there is food involved.

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils. The kraft backing paper is from LOTV, the deep red poinsettia paper is from Joanna Sheen cd (and I'm trying to remember which one!) and the glistening poinsettia paper is from a gorgeous First Edition pad 'Vintage Christmas' that I bought last week. 

I've added poinsettias made with a Marianne die, and a holly leaf (hand cut!) with holly berries from my stash. The sentiment is from LOTV. 

Hope you like it! 

So apologies for another rambling post - I'm not quite sure how this blog ended up being part craft and part waffle about our slightly boring/slightly bizarre household! But thank you for all the lovely comments you leave all the same! I'm continually surprised by how many of you stick with the stories! 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday - and I'll go and get the wellies on! 

Back soon, Kim x 

Disdigidesigns - more than one die cut/punch (poinsettias, circle)

Joanna Sheen Challenge - so sweet

Christmascardsallyearround - presents

Christmas Crafting - traditional colours

MarianneDesignDivas - stamp something

ATCs & cards with attitude - anything goes

Divas by Design - lots of layers

If the shoe fits!

Good morning - Monday again! How come weekends go so quickly?  Just hoping that today's weather is a bit better than yesterday - it rained, then rained, then rained a bit more..... Even Tilly the Dog, who's always keen for walkies, went to the door, had a look out, sniffed a bit then trotted back to her bed and flopped there for the afternoon!
My daughter returns from her hols in Lanzarote today so I'm bracing myself for lots of stories about what she did, where she went, etc. - along with all the laundry! At least she's old enough to do her own laundry now! But if this rain carries on all week we'll have the usual problem of getting everything dry - and the house ends up looking like Wishy Washy's Laundry!
Anyway, on to today's card!  This is my second (and final) card for my spot as Guest DT for Ooh La La Crafting Challenge blog - and the challenge for this next fortnight is 'If the shoe fits'.  So I had a browse through some of the gorgeous designs on their 'Shoes in Bloom' crafting cd and came up with this

I decided to go for the dramatic red & black - always a lush combination!

I made a 'pocket' on the card and then printed the bookmark from the cd. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've added a Marianne swirl and heart - and coated the heart with Glossy Accents although I'm not sure if that shows up too well on the photos! 

The sheer ribbons are from Joanna Sheen. 

Hope you like it!  So do go and have a look at the great creations on the Ooh La La challenge blog & then join in! 

Back soon, Kim x 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-
Sisterhood of Crafters - no stamps
Simply Create Too - anything goes

Brown & Orange

Right, I should probably issue a warning at the beginning of this post that you should get yourself and drink and sit comfortably.....

I have officially failed as a mother - again!  My darling son has been complaining for a couple of weeks about having a painful foot and in my best 'Graduate of the School of Caring Motherhood' said "You've probably just knocked it - it'll be fine"!  Eventually, on Wednesday night after he returned from football practice complaining yet again and limping I took a closer look (I usually avoid feet at all costs - particularly those belonging to teenage boys) and realised that there was actually a hard lump on the bridge of his foot.  Oops. So it was off to the doctor's yesterday morning (yes, I actually got an appointment on the same day - a minor miracle methinks).  She examined it too (although I'm sure I saw her flinch a bit too when faced with boy-feet - she has a 15 year old son so know's to brace herself).  Her diagnosis was that it was a ganglion (yes, I had to look it up too) - a type of hardened cyst. So then it was off to the local hospital for an xray and appointment made to see an orthopaedic surgeon in a week or so. She thinks he'll probably have to have it surgically removed via a minor op - and trust me, I'm sure he'll milk it for all it's worth!  This ganglion is going to cost me big time! I'm sure he's taken great delight in telling all and sundry about his forthcoming 'op' (and embellished it a bit for good measure).  His sister even texted me from Lanzarote to ask what was wrong and was he ok as he had already changed his status on his Blackberry! Sigh.

So, amid my motherhood failings, I'd better get on with today's card! As it's Friday it's time for a new challenge over at CraftyCatz - and a great one for this time of year chosen by our lovely Aunty Sue - use the colours 'Brown & Orange'!  We are sponsored this week by

and I've used one of their gorgeous digi stamps for my card. And please remember that we are having a DT call over at CraftyCatz - have a look at the challenge blog for details - and why not combine your 'brown & orange' creation with a DT entry?  It'd be great to have you on our very friendly team!

Doesn't she look like she's having fun?  I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils

The backing papers are from K&Co that I have had in my stash for so long! The sheer ribbon is from Joanna Sheen. And I had a chance to go mad with my recently acquired Spellbinders 'Fall Foliage' die set!  I know I've probably got a bit carried away with all the leaves - but they're just so pretty! 

I think it all gives the card a real 'autumn' feel!  Hope you like it!

So apologies for the rather long waffling post - although that's nothing new! And a very warm welcome to my new followers - it's wonderful to have you join me on my crafting journey - and I hope that you'll be able to cope with the all the waffling too! 

Back soon, Kim x 

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

creative belli - autumn

bearly mine - anything goes

crafty sentiments - leaves 

try it on tuesday -anything goes

Butterflies, Buttons & Bows

Yes, it's me again! As it's Friday it's time for a new challenge over at Totally Papercrafts!  There were some great interpretations of the sketch last week - and congrats to the winner!  This week the lovely Carol has chosen 'Butterflies, Buttons & Bows' as the theme - and I'm sure you'll find plenty to do with that one!

We're sponsored this week by

so definitely worth entering!

My creation for this challenge is

I used the lovely Wild Rose Studio stamp 'Feeding Birds' - and used some of my favourite pastel pinks and blues!  

I've coloured the stamp with promarkers.  The backing papers are from the lovely NitWit pads from LOTV, with some coredinations card.  I've used the arboscello tree die from Memory Box and the Marianne butterfly die.  The button & gems were from my stash, as is the blue lace, and the sheer ribbon is from Joanna Sheen.  

A typical 'girly' card from me then! 

So I hope you can catch a few butterflies and join in with us this week at Totally Papercrafts! 

Back soon, Kim x 

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

DigiStamps4Joy - colours of spring

My Mums Craft Shop - anything goes

Deep Ocean Challenge - things with wings

Ribbon Carousel - beautiful bows

Teddy Present!

Good morning! Yes, another post from me - that's three days on the trot! How keen am I?
It's just a quick post from me today as I'm off to work, hubby's at work as usual, Jack's back at school and Lauren's heading off to Manchester for the day with her friend for some shopping & lunch (alright for some!).  So I'm going to have a very sulky Tilly the Dog today when I get back from work - that after weeks of nearly always having someone here, she'll have been left on her own with just the grumpy cat for company! And the one thing that our hound craves more than anything (even doggy treats!) is company! So I'll have to do the extra-long doggy walks this evening and lots of fussing to compensate!

Today's card uses a lovely teddy stamp from LOTV (do they make any other sort?) - Patchwork Teddy.

I saw the challenge over at Lili's Little Fairies for 'Anything but a square' and decided to take up the challenge. I don't have a large die cutting machine, just a basic and much used BigShot, so any different shape was going to be self-made! Now considering my scissor skills I didn't particularly fancy cutting a large circle, and didn't have any circle shaped cards, so thought that perhaps I could manage a hexagon shape - and here is the result! 

I've coloured the image with promarkers and pencils.  The backing papers are from the lush new Nitwit paper pads at LOTV - ooh these are scrummy, particularly if you like making girly cards like I do! 

I've used Marianne heart & swirl die cuts, and the leaves are using a new set of Spellbinder dies - 'Fall Foliage' - that I recently treated myself to!  The flowers are from WOC, as is the cute heart charm. The sheer ribbon is from Joanna Sheen and the pearly heart from my stash. 

So definitely a 'pink & girly' card - yet again! But I do enjoy adding all the embellishments! I don't think I'll ever manage 'clean and simple' lol! 

Anyway, hope that your day goes well.  I look forward to hearing all my son's tales of how his first day as a Year 9 boy went - and admiring all my daughter's purchases! 

And thank you for all the lovely comments I've been receiving - they mean so much! 

Back soon, Kim x 

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

Lilis Little Fairies - anything but a square

Wild Orchid Challenge - layers