Carol's Paperplayce

Anything but a card.........

2010-07-17T20:11:00.004+01:00

.......is the theme over at Penny Black Saturday Challenge, so here is what i have for this week.........................

I joined a 'share' for these coffee bags on the forum i belong to...............one lovely person offers up the share, lots of us join in and get the goodies cheaper by buying in bulk! Some online stores only sell in 250's or 500's etc etc, so doing it like this we all get a few rather than hundreds :)

Mine has cotton wool inside but of course the ideal scenario would be to fill them with something totally yummy..........and why not, especially for Christmas!

I've used a mixture of supplies today, some from my older stash and some Stampin' Up! any questions feel free to ask.......and...................hopefully i will see you again soon ;-D

Carol x x

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

2010-07-10T17:53:00.004+01:00

It has been such a long time since i played along with the Penny Black challenge so today i thought i would have a go!
There is a fabulous sketch today and you know how i love a good sketch to work from! and here it is................I am in Christmas Crafting Frenzy at the moment as it is only two weeks to my all day event and of course i need lots of samples for the lovely ladies that will be attending................here is my second card of the day!

Aren't they cute!!

I have been very disciplined since i started my Stampin' Up! business and have not purchased a single crafty item from another company but.................there are some things that i just won't be able to sell on and they are...............my Penny Black stamps(cause i LOVE them) my Promarkers and my Basic Grey papers! Admittedly, i don't use them very often but i will always have room for them in my stash :)

If you would like to view the other card i made today, you will find it here

Enjoy the rest of your weekend..........

Hugs
Carol xxx

It's been a while......

2010-06-15T00:01:00.002+01:00

......since i posted anything here! I LOVE being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, but i do seriously miss all the challenges i used to play along with and also lots of my regular stash. I have not shown you anything for ages!!!! so to make up for that i have a FREE tutorial for you :)

If you pop over to Crescent Stampin' and look in the right side bar you will see a 'handbag' style box......click on the picture and it will show you the tutorial. The tutorial is for the male version of the bag......perfect for Father's Day this Sunday, or if you change the papers and the handle you could make the pretty female version! I hope you will enjoy making one of your own and do remember to add a link so that i can come and have a look at what you've made.....

Enjoy! :)

Carol xxx

New Mini Catalogue

2010-04-01T01:45:00.002+01:00

So many gorgeous products.........click on the cover to be taken to my SU blog......you can view from there...........

Carol xxx

Easter Treats

2010-03-20T07:24:00.001Z

After seeing this cute little basket over on SCS i was desperate to have a go myself, so here's one i made earlier this week along with a card to go with it.................
A certain 'little person' will be receiving these for her Easter gift!

All materials used on the basket are Stampin' Up!.... shredded tissue from a local shop and the lovely choccy eggs which are M&S......yummy!!

See you soon ;-D
Carol xx

Recent creations......

2010-02-21T10:01:00.008Z

A few more cards created for my recent stamp class, using some older stash along with some fabulous Stampin'Up! supplies.............any questions you have please, feel free to ask and i will be happy to answer :) Hope you like them!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.....

Hugs
Carol x

Carol's Sketch Fun

2010-02-10T23:51:00.003Z

Long time, no blogging!! :) I hope a few of you are still there and have not got bored with waiting around for something new to look at :)
Here is a little card i made for my latest sketch.................

..........................it's not that i haven't been getting crafty, it's just that most things i make these days are for my Stampin' Up! business and are shown on my other blog which is.................. Crescent Stampin'.............. if you would like to see more then pop over and have a nosey! and if you like sketches to work from, then why not give this one a go....there's a fab little prize too!

Hugs
Carol xx

My sketch fun starts back today................

2010-01-13T18:14:00.003Z

.................over at Carol's Sketch Fun

Here is the card i made to go with the current sketch
A bright cheery card for a dreary old day here in the U.K!! Why not have have a go this fortnight, there is a lovely prize on offer :)

Also, if you love the supplies i used for my sample, you make want to check out some of my other Stampin' Up! projects over at Crescent Stampin'

Carol xxx

A very......

2009-12-31T22:41:00.003Z

to all my friends that still pop in to 'see' me :) I hope you all have a wonderful, healthy and peaceful New Year!

Hugs
Carol x

A few Christmas treats!

2009-12-28T10:34:00.004Z

......for my family at our Boxing Day celebrations............

A little box containing a Molton Brown Bath & Shower gel for each person, with some sequinned hair clips for my Granddaughter Danielle

I also gave some of them a Gift Card inside these little 4 x 4 folders. I found the tutorial for these here All products used in these projects are Stampin' Up!

These were for my oldest two children and their partners...................they can choose what they would like with the Gift Cards enclosed. I think it gets harder to choose gifts the older they get!! so i took the easy route this year :)

Everyone was very pleased with their gifts and Christmas lunch was a complete success, so happy faces and full tummies all around!

I hope your celebrations went according to plan and that you all had a great time..............see you soon I hope ;-D

Carol x x

A couple more Christmas Cards.....

2009-11-11T16:18:00.004Z

Just wanted to share with you all the other two cards that i made as samples for my workshop yesterday evening..............some of my Ladies like to copy them to the millimetre, others put their own little slant on them........ As long as they enjoy themselves and love what they make, then i feel happy too!
We have two more scheduled workshops left for this year and i've already booked my dates at the church hall for 2010 which will be the start of my sixth year!! Hopefully i can inspire them enough so that they will enjoy cardmaking throughout the New Year :)

The images here are from my ever growing stash, although i have had these two cuties for a while now! I've coloured them in with some very popular marker pens....you know the ones they start with the letter P! and can be found in lots of good craft outlets!!

The coloured card i've used and also the patterned paper is all from Stampin' Up! as i am now a demonstrator, which means i have access to a whole catalogue of crafty goodies :) If you pop over to my blog Crescent Stampin', you can view the other two workshop cards and also the catalogue in PDF format........just click on the picture of the front cover in the right side bar.

I am hoping to continue posting cards here for you to see, however it may not be as often as before! ............Thanks for popping in today, i appreciate your visits ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

My New Group

2009-10-28T01:16:00.002Z

I have a new 'Stampers 10' just started, if you live in the U.K. and would like to join this new group there are eight places still available................. check out the details over at Crescent Stampin' :)

Carol x

A couple of Christmas Cards

2009-10-25T13:11:00.003Z

I've been making four Christmas cards for my regular Tuesday workshop, here are a couple of them, the other two can be found over at Crescent Stampin'..........

I've used stamps from my stash, one is more traditional in the reds and greens, but the other is a slightly quirky colour scheme for a Christmas card.................but, i actually quite like it makes a change don't you think? I've used some popular markers to colour my images! and added some Dazzling Diamonds for a bit of sparkle :)
The sentiments and backgrounds are from Stampin' Up! .......also the satin ribbon and most of the cardstock. I've used my SU border punches and also the plain and scallop ovals...............if i can help you out with any of the Stampin' Up! supplies please let me know.........you can also browse the catalogue over at Crescent Stampin'................Enjoy the rest of your weekend ;-D

See you soon,
Hugs
Carol x

Thanks Girls!

2009-10-24T15:46:00.002+01:00

I have received some lovely messages from my former team mates of Funky Hand and also Cute Daisy May and The Pink Elephant.

Thank You all so much for the well wishes and your lovely kind comments............i never imagined that when i started this little old blog that i would 'meet' albeit electronically! so many wonderful crafting friends....................from all over the globe......love you all :)

Hugs
Carol x

A note to say.......

2009-10-20T22:46:00.002+01:00

.... that unfortunately i have had to resign from all my current DT commitments. I will be having a little tidy up here, so if there is anything you wish to 'bookmark' then please do so :)

I have enjoyed playing along with all the different challenges and of course i will be continuing my sketch challenge every fortnight over at Carol's Sketch Fun

My main activity however will be on my Stampin' Up! site Crescent Stampin
I hope lots of my lovely followers will maybe visit me over there :) Hopefully when i get a bit more 'settled' i will have some regular tutorials for you and i usually have a special offer or two!

I would like to say a big thanks to all the lovely people that pop in to see me, the comments are always appreciated and are a boost to the system, especially after a bad day at the office :)

Big Hugs to you all........

Carol x

A6 Card Box

2009-10-15T23:49:00.006+01:00

Hello All :) I am afraid i have neglected this little place recently!! i've been busy trying to get samples made for my SU business! so that i have things to show at demonstrations and for my open day on Saturday. Apologies to my lovely visitors that have popped in to find something new............................. !

My most recent 'make' is this A6 Card Box................................i'll just show a couple of pictures here, but if you would like the instructions, complete with pictures then you can find them over at my SU blog Crescent Stampin'

I hope you enjoy the tutorial and that you will try it out for yourselves :)

Thanks for popping in today ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

A Rose for You

2009-10-07T07:57:00.003+01:00

A little card for you today using some of my new Stampin Up! goodies and my current sketch #16
Please pop over to Carol's Sketch Fun, where the new sketch will be posted at 9am, as usual with a fab little prize!

All products used on this card can be found in the current U.K. Stampin Up! catalogue which can be viewed online over at my SU blog Crescent Stampin

Have a lovely Wednesday ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Cute Daisy May

2009-10-05T08:08:00.000+01:00

It's Monday and time again for our new challenge over at Cute Daisy May...........

PINK CHRISTMAS

Now i'm sure Linnie will forgive me for saying that i think this gorgeous Fairy is rather raunchy!!
I have printed my sentiment from the PC for this one, i also found that i didn't really have any Christmas designer paper in pink! luckily i found one small piece just to set off the colours of my image and background.

Image.... Cute Daisy May sheet 9
Colour.... Promarkers
DP.... Papermania
Nesties circle stippled with Ranger Sea Brights 'Bikini Pink'
Cuttlebug & Snowflake folder
Glamour Dust on wings
Snowflakes.... Quikcutz
snowflake brad from stash

I hope you can play along with us all this week and share all your wonderful pink Christmas Cards!

Thanks for popping in today, see you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Colour Challenge ~ week 68

2009-09-29T07:59:00.002+01:00

It's been a few weeks since I played along with the challenge over at PBSC...........this week it's a colour challenge.............

CHOCOLATE...... LEMON & PINK

This very cute little image is from an acrylic set called......'Tiny Wishes'

Image.... PB 'Tiny Wishes' 30-026
Colour.... Promarkers
Nesties & Cuttlebug
Patterned paper.... Basic Grey 'Porcelain'
Yellow card & ribbon.... Stampin Up! 'so saffron'
other card from stash
My sketch #7

I have my regular class this evening, trolleys are packed...........just hope i have packed everything that i need!! I received some more SU goodies yesterday, so i'll take those along and they can have a bit of a play with those too :)
Thanks for your visit today.....

Hugs
Carol x

Cute Daisy May ~ a Recipe

2009-09-28T07:32:00.000+01:00

Morning lovelies, we have a recipe for you today over at Cute Daisy May........

1 Ribbon, 2 Buttons, 3 Flowers

I've completely suprised myself with my DT card this week!.............i very rarely leave 'white space' on my cards, preferring usually to cover the card front with at least one designer paper.....today i resisted that urge.........

As you can see, i did not want to confuse this beautiful image, Linnie's drawings have such pretty faces they speak for themselves...............and those of you that know me well, will know that i am not fond of images without proper faces!!

I would love to see what you can 'cook up' with our recipe this week, and don't forget to check out the fabulous creations from my team mates!

I have another parcel arriving today with lots more new Stampin Up! goodies from the brand new catalogue, launching on the 1st October. If you would like to treat yourself to some too... and spread the cost over the next few months, pop over to Crescent Stampin to find the details of my Stampers Clubs...............you can enjoy Hostess benefits and free product without moving from your armchair!!

Thanks for popping in today.......see you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Meet Coco!

2009-09-23T22:48:00.003+01:00

Yes, ........we have increased our little menagerie of pets to 15 now!!!! with the arrival of the very handsome Coco...................
originally owned by a friend of my MIL, who to be honest did not have the time to spend handling, interacting and talking to his animals. Don't be misled he cares for them perfectly well
just not as obsessed as us when it comes to spending time with them.......................he was also a bit 'miffed' that he has never had any lovely duck eggs in the year that he has owned this gorgeous creature........................and the reason?..................................it's a boy!!!!!!!!

I'm happy to say that our girls Pepsi & Splash have accepted him rather well, although because he has never been handled at all, he is very wary of most things at the moment, especially Flopsy........one of our ex-battery hens that has taken an instant dislike to him and we can only let them be in the same area when we are watching...........he has only been here for two days, so hopefully things will improve when everyone gets more used to him being around!

Isn't he gorgeous?

See you soon.....
Hugs
Carol x

Cute Daisy May ~ Texture

2009-09-21T01:38:00.004+01:00

Hello.............. The challenge we have for you this week over at Cute Daisy May is..........

TEXTURE

We want to see your fabulous designs using some form of texture.....it could be embossing, fabric, ribbon or anything that is 'touchy feely'!
For my DT card i've gone with some perforated cardstock and some dead easy to use die cut felt strip.......... The sweet girl is from download sheet number 53

C ome on over and play......you don't have to use a Cute Daisy May image , but you will be in with the chance of winning a gorgeous download which you can use on future challenges!

Thanks for your visit today.........see you soon.......

Hugs
Carol x

Cute Daisy May ~ Hey Baby.....

2009-09-14T08:30:00.000+01:00

Without wishing to make too many of you feel broody! our challenge at Cute Daisy May this week is..........

BABY

Linnie has so many lovely images for you for this theme, and of course all the other girls on the DT have worked their magic to inspire you as well............some really gorgeous creations to feast your eyes on!

I chose to use this fab little Elephant for my card today from sheet #40...........

Image.... CDM digi sheet #40
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 'lemonade'
Large oval.... Cuttlebug & Nesties
Sentiment oval punches.... Stampin Up!
Sentiment.... Stampin Up!
Ribbon & button from stash

*if you live in the u.k. and would like any SU product,
please e-mail me to place your order*

I hope you will enjoy playing along with our challenge this week and i look forward to visiting you to see what you have made :)

Happy Monday ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant

2009-09-14T05:00:00.000+01:00

Good Morning lovelies :) Wow! can you believe we are up to challenge #32 at TPE ......already!!

Today we have a fun challenge.......

Back to School / For Teacher

My gorgeous Granddaughter has started going to school now, but just for the afternoons at the moment, apparently she asks her Mum or Dad several times during the mornings "Is it time for school yet?" she's loving every minute :) so i have made a card for her to give to her teacher :)

I think this is called an 'easel' card.......found some images in the gallery at SCS but couldn't actually find any instructions, so i just made it 5 x 5 to fit the envelopes i already have! It was very easy to make and i love how it looks..............hope Mrs Franklin likes it!!

Image.... Digi image that i won from lovely Joni
Colour.... Promarkers
Stamps.... Hero Arts LL760 good Alphabet(teacher)
5/8" Circle Punch.... Woodware
all other supplies from stash

Don't forget to check out the fabulous creations from my lovely team mates and i hope you have fun with this weeks challenge :)

Back soon with Cute Daisy May ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Here are the RAK winners.........

2009-09-13T22:51:00.002+01:00

I used Random.org to pick the numbers and after almost going boss-eyed!! here are the six winners.........................................

Karen B

Milliesmarvels

Hazel Q

Scotspanda

Kathleen

Anne

Congratulations Ladies :) Please e-mail with your full postal address(addy in side bar) and i will get your paper bundle posted out to you.
If i do not hear from you by Wednesday at 5pm GMT i will have no alternative but to draw some more names from the list.

A huge Thank You to everyone that joined in this time.......and don't be too disappointed a new Blog Candy is on the horizon.........i still need to make more space!! ;-D
See you tomorrow,

Hugs
Carol x

RAK is now closed......

2009-09-13T21:00:00.002+01:00

........I will use Random. Org to draw the six winners. the winning names will be announced here as soon as possible.............................Back soon :)

Hugs
Carol x

Funky New Downloads

2009-09-13T09:46:00.003+01:00

Anice at Funky Hand has been working her magic again designing two brand new Christmas Wordbooks, so now i get to show you the samples i worked on and here they are..................

TIS THE SEASON

BLUE CHRISTMAS

You can of course pop over to Funky Hand and buy them now.........you could be making them this afternoon! Oh, and while you are there don't forget to look at all the other gorgeous samples from my fabby team mates.....................you'll find them all in the gallery!

Thanks for popping in today, i'll see you later with the results of my RAK.......and then back tomorrow with The Pink Elephant & Cute Daisy May!

Also, if you haven't popped over to my new website yet, i will be having some fantastic offers in the next few days, so if you live in the U.K. you might want to check those out too! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Saturday ~ Week 65

2009-09-09T09:07:00.003+01:00

Morning lovelies......... my last day of crafty freedom before going back to work tomorrow! I have really enjoyed the last three days..............i'm very easy to please, just give me stamps and paper and i'm a happy bunny!!

I've been creating some DT projects for two new Christmas wordbook downloads soon to be available over at Funky Hand.......so watch out for those! I also made a little card for the current challenge over at PBSC which is called................. Hearts Desire

The layout follows my current sketch over at Carol's Sketch Fun...............with a fabulous prize this fortnight................you will not want to miss your chance at this one!!

Image.... PB 'Crush' 3786F
Sentiment.... Stampin Up! 'Soft Summer'113802
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 12 x 12 'Bittersweet'
Nesties.... Scalloped Rectangles
Sentiment Punches.... Stampin Up!
Border Punch.... Fiskars
bobble trim & ribbon from stash

Off now to cut up the rest of the paper for my RAK Candy..............you still have a few days to enter for a chance at 50 sheets of 6 x 6 Designer Paper.....................and watch out very soon for another Candy giveaway!
I have everything crossed that my Stampin Up! starter kit will arrive today, then i will get chance for a little play before returning to work! :)
Thanks for popping in today, i hope you can spend your Wednesday doing what you love too!
See you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Cute Daisy May ~ First DT assignment....

2009-09-07T12:22:00.004+01:00

Hi again, back as promised with my first DT card for Cute Daisy May......i just loved working with this gorgeous image and i look forward to working with more of Linnie's fab drawings......

My first assignment is a colour challenge........Pink &...............

.....Green!..................... isn't she so cute!!

Image.... Cute Daisy May digi sheet 56
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Lemonade'
Cuttlebug & Nesties.... Mega Curved Rectangles
EK Success.... Border punch 'Fleur de Lys'
Oval for sentiment.... Nesties Petite Ovals Large
small pink pearls from stash

Why not pop over now and look at all the fab creations from the rest of the DT girls............and better still, i would love to see what you can do with our colour challenge this week.....thanks for popping back in, and i'll see you very soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant ~ challenge #31

2009-09-07T05:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Monday to you all :)

Today at The Pink Elephant we have a colour challenge for you.................

Black, Red, Yellow and White

Not sure why but this colour combination just made me think of Halloween!

Chipboard Tree.... Maya Road(inked with charcoal cats eye)
Background brayered with Adirondack ink.... Red Pepper, & Sea Brights Beach Ball Yellow
Punches.... Martha Stewart, Woodware
Circle sentiment.... Funky Hand 'Now That's Funky' CD rom
Cuttlebug.... Cut & Emboss 'Creepy Spiders & Bats
ribbon, skull button and cardstock from stash

I always love to see what the other DT girls have done with the challenges...........and i love to visit you and see how you interpret them.................the one thing i must do this week is try to leave you a comment so you know that i've popped in!!!

I will see you in a few hours with my first DT card for Cute Daisy May...........bye for now ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Some more news!

2009-09-06T20:49:00.002+01:00

I received an e-mail a couple of weeks ago from the very talented Linnie over at Cute Daisy May inviting me onto her Design Team! I was very chuffed and didn't even have to think about it........who wouldn't love working with all her fabulous drawings........now that's real talent.......

My first card as a DT member will be shown tomorrow over at Cute Daisy May challenges and i would love it if you could join in this week.........the digi designs are so wonderful to work with and oh so cute!.................See you there ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Today......................

2009-09-05T12:34:00.004+01:00

..................is our 28th Wedding Anniversary and look what's just arrived...

Love the bones of you, ..............you gorgeous man :)

Very pleased to announce.........

2009-09-03T23:28:00.006+01:00

..........that i am now an Independent Stampin Up! Demonstrator.......i have started to construct a new blog dedicated to all things Stampin Up!......called Crescent Stampin ..........still got the builders in at the moment!........ but hopefully things will soon be looking good...........see you there ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Didn't we have a lovely time........

2009-09-02T20:01:00.007+01:00

......the day Steph came to demo! :)

And we all made one of these sweet little flowerpot cards................here's mine.........
And this is a mini pizza box & matching card that i made for Steph..............
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it certainly made a nice change to actually sit down and make something along with all my lovely ladies...............

Thanks so much girls......... Margaret, Sue, Heather, Sandra, Lindsey, Nikki(who gave birth to her second beautiful daughter just 2 weeks ago!!) Wendy, Sue and last but by no means least Lynne(thanks for our little chat)..... I appreciate each and every one of you ;-D x x

Huge hugs to lovely Steph for keeping us all busy :)

Carol x

Get Funky ~ Challenge 2

2009-09-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

The 1st of September sees the launch of challenge number 2 over at Get Funky! This month it's the turn of my fab team mate Ruth, both her gorgeous boys have their Birthdays during September.....so her challenge is.........................

Two Little Boys

Both my boys have their Birthdays in September - Jacob will be 4 and Samuel will be 6.

So my challenge is to make a boy themed card, layout, project or what ever you fancy as long as it is aimed at a boy and uses a Funky Hand paper or extra.

Here is the first of my two cards.........i will be showing the other one a bit later on :)

I've used papers from Very Funky the 'Spring Morning' collection. The cute super dragon image is a digi from Dustin Pike which has been coloured with Promarkers. I used my Nestabilities to cut the ovals and coloured the number and lettering to match the ribbon.

You have a whole month to play along with our challenge and the chance to win a £20.00 gift voucher to spend on the website. I hope you will enjoy seeing what the rest of my teamies did with this challenge and i look forward to visiting you to check out what you have made :) Get Funky!!!

Hugs
Carol x

PINK ELEPHANT Challenge #30

2009-08-31T07:42:00.004+01:00

Good Morning lovelies......a little later than usual for TPE (i forgot to schedule my post for 5am!...sorry)

This week at The Pink Elephant we have a recipe from Ella's Kitchen.............

1 Ribbon, 2 Squares, and something that Sparkles

Now, we all know how hard it is to photograph something sparkly! but i think you can just about see the glamour dust on his hat!! .................isn't he a 'jolly' looking Santa ?

Image....'Crayon Santa' JudiKins 2401H
Colour.... Promarkers
Sentiment.... Stamps by Judith
Sparkle.... Glamour Dust
Cuttlebug & Snowflakes folder
DP.... Papermania
Candy Dots.... Pebbles Inc
ribbon & charm from stash

It's a Bank Holiday today here in the U.K. so no work! Yippee!!! Enjoy your day everyone :)

Make sure you head over to TPE to check out the gorgeous work from the rest of my DT pals.........then get busy with your stash and show us what you can do with Ella's Recipe!

If you would like a chance at 50 6 x 6 sheets of Designer Paper then have a nosy at my RAK post which can be found in the sidebar.

Have a fabulous day everyone and i'll see you very soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

CUTE CARD THURSDAY

2009-08-30T20:04:00.005+01:00

The challenge this week over at Cute Card Thursday is...........

'New Beginnings'

I've taken one of my lovely LilyBoo images and made a New Home card........i adore these little birdie images.........
Image.... LilyBoo's Boutique
Colour.... Promarkers
Inkssentials pen
Cardstock.... Bazzill / Papermania
Sentiment.... Studio G mini alpha stamps
Punches.... Woodware small fern / 35mm square / 16mm circle
other supplies from stash

See you tomorrow...............it's Pink Elephant day!! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Time for some RAK's ;-D

2009-08-30T13:46:00.003+01:00

Happy Sunday everyone :) I am feeling much better now, Thank You all for your kind wishes ~ x~

I have been having a little sort out of my designer paper stash! I need to make lots of room for other things..............(all will be revealed very shortly!) so i have decided to have a giveaway :)

50 6 x 6 sheeets of Designer Paper
x 6
picture to follow(need to cut them all up first!!)

(I still need to add 27 sheets to the top 2 piles!)

I will randomly draw six names from the comments here at this post. If you would like to mention it on your blog, then i'll pop your name in twice :) The six winners will be drawn on Sunday 13th September at 9pm GMT.........................Good Luck!

Hugs
Carol x

Funky Hand Sale

2009-08-29T09:52:00.002+01:00

There is a fab Sale this weekend at Funky Hand..........

Wow!!!! 20% off everything! How can you resist??? You can pop over and stock up on all the gorgeous goodies, just in time to join our new challenge which goes live on 1st September over at Get Funky.......................see you there :)

Hugs
Carol x

DT Sneaky peeks

2009-08-28T10:50:00.004+01:00

Hi Everyone :)
In between sneezing, blowing my nose and trying to sleep!! i have managed to complete some of my DT work for the coming week so i though i would pop on and show you a couple of sneaky peeks.........

This first one is for the new challenge over at 'Get Funky' which goes live on Tuesday 1st September...................set by my fab team mate Ruth......and if your mojo has done a 'runner' you will find some great inspiration from the rest of my team mates! And............if you don't have any Funky Hand goodies to work with yet, make sure you check the website over the weekend for a VERY special offer.......................more about that tomorrow!

And this one................well, i've been 'itching' to tell you.............but i can't just yet!!.......watch this space ;-D

hugs
Carol x

Poinsettia's

2009-08-27T09:24:00.003+01:00

Morning everyone :) I have been quite unwell this week, so hence the lack of activity! Thankfully i am feeling a little better now and hopefully i will be back to my usual self very soon...........

In the meantime i have a card for you today using my current sketch #13

If you would like to play along with CSF #13, then just pop over to my other blog to find all the details.................there is a great little prize on offer this time, so just link up your card or project in the comments and i can pop over to your place and see what you have made :) If you don't have a blog but still want to play then just e-mail me a j-peg and i will upload it for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.....

Hopefully i will see you very soon with another project ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Challenge #29 at The Pink Elephant

2009-08-24T05:00:00.002+01:00

Happy Monday to you all :)

Robin has provided us all with a great sketch to work from over at TPE this week, and not only that, but we have a fab sponsor too!
The girls on the DT were very lucky to be able to choose two digi images from The Little Paper Shop.................our sponsors for this challenge......................as you may know i am very, very fond of animals, so i chose Lily Lamb and Sammy Seal!

I hope you can tell how much fun i had with the sketch............if you have never played along with us before a sketch is the perfect place to start, so maybe you could make this your first time entering our challenge :) or..............maybe you are one of the lovely ladies that join us each and every week with your fabulous entries...........i confess!! i cannot keep up with you all, but i thank you for your dedication week in, week out :)

It is extremely late here in the u.k.(nearly 2am!!!!) and i should have been in my bed long before now!! Oh well............................ guess it's two cans of Red Bull for breakfast then................. ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

An award :)

2009-08-23T16:22:00.002+01:00

I was very lucky to be presented with this fab award from my very sweet talented friend Sheri

Now, as usual this award has some rules attached to it...........................................but i am going to duck out of those :) For a start you wouldn't want to wait months while i think of seven interesting facts about myself now would you???

I visit many, many wonderful blogs on a daily basis and i am always thrilled to see such fabulous things made with paper & ink, so i would find it impossible to choose just a few to pass the award onto and also i know many of you have it already!
So.............................if you want to snag this for your trophy cabinet, then take it with my pleasure...... however, if you would like to do it properly then you can sheck out the rules over at Sheri's place...........................happy hopping ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Daring Cardmakers

2009-08-23T12:08:00.003+01:00

Keryn has set the dare this week over at DCM to celebrate her 2nd Anniversary as a Stampin Up demonstrator................so the dare is entitled...........

The Anniversary Waltz

It's always useful to have a few Wedding Anniversary cards in my stock box, so i decided to go with that on my card today..................

Aren't these birds so cute? They are another fab download available from Lily-Boo's Boutique and i have been playing around with the colour on these birds..............can't quite decide which colour i prefer them at the moment, i still have a few more combinations to try! There are five other images in this set.......great value at only £1.99..........................think i'm getting addicted to digi downloads..............they're so simple to resize and you can just print one to a page if that's what you prefer............instant gratification.......lovely :)

Image.... Digi download from LilyBoo's
Colour.... Promarkers
Dotty paper.... Basic Grey 'figgy pudding'
Scalloped cardstock.... Papermania
pre- folded scallop card blank.... Craftwork Cards

My gorgeous granddaughter Danielle is here with me today, currently fast asleep on the sofa after a rather late night last night.........................we are having a quick lunch today as Andy & Darren are very busy with the bouncy castles and Justine will be here later when she finishes work.........................enjoy your day whatever you are doing and i'll see you tomorrow for The Pink Elephant and the fab new challenge ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Sneaky Peeks.........

2009-08-22T18:47:00.003+01:00

Quick sneaky peeks of what's coming up on Monday!

I know, I know........some of you love them and some of you don't!

Sorry for such a quick post, but the X Factor is starting in a few minutes........arming myself with a lovely cuppa and a chelsea bun that Andy bought me earlier :) (he's at an event tonight with the Rodeo Bull)..........let's see how i go this year with picking out my faves............then the suspense of seeing how many of them make it to the end!............................so excited! I love it, so see you all very soon......

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Challenge

2009-08-20T07:15:00.000+01:00

My card today is for the current challenge over at PBSC, a colour theme of.....................

BLUE,TAN & CREAM

Tip of the day..........................crystals will not go through the Cuttlebug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was only after i had stuck the crystals to the image that i decided to cut out the image with the nesties...............bad news!! ............ the Cuttlebug absolutely crushed them to a powder almost, so i had to prise off what was left of them and stick on some new ones!!! Luckily it didn't mess up the rest of the image and i was able to complete my card without any more hassles :)

Image.... Brush Ornament Penny Black 2801k
Hero Arts.... Scribble Background
Sentiment.... HOTP
Ink.... Archival Sepia
Stickles.... Platinum
Swarorovski crystals
Nestabilities & Cuttlebug
Blue paper.... Basic Grey Lime Rickey
organza dotty ribbon from stash

Short staffed in the office today and tomorrow, so i may not see you for a day or two.......i'll be too cream crackered! ...........enjoy your day ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

DCM challenge.......

2009-08-19T07:12:00.000+01:00

Morning lovelies :)
Kathy has set the dare this week over at Daring Card Makers, with the word LACEI hope that the black trim on this card will qualify..............it's not really lace, but hey....... it's fun having a go anyway..........................

I've used another of the fab Lily-Boo's images that i puchased on Saturday.............thought this little 'incy wincy' was perfect for a Halloween card, my first one this year! .............. I was tempted to give it a tooth gem but i resisted the urge!!
This is also based on my current sketch...................why not pop over to my sketch blog and have a go? i have a fab liitle prize bundle to give away too!

Image.... Lily-Boo's digi
Colour.... Promarkers
Paper.... Basic Grey 'Lime Rickey'
Cardstock.... Papermania
Doodlebug skull button
Doodlebug loopy lou stickers
ColorBox Charcoal chalk ink
black trim from stash

See you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Inspirational card Sketches #29

2009-08-18T07:53:00.002+01:00

There's a great sketch this week over at ICS.............
.......................and here is my interpretation

Image.... Lily-Boo's Boutique
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey & My Minds Eye
Cuttlebug & Stylised Flowers folder
Sentiment.... PennyBlack
Papermania scalloped card cut like this
gems & black card from stash

Have a great Tuesday! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Summer Fun @ The Pink Elephant

2009-08-17T05:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone :) For this week the challenge at TPE is entitled..............

Summer Fun

I guess that title could mean lots of different things to you, but to me it means just one thing......................children playing! so that it what i have for you on my DT samples today :) It seems to me that many children spend so much of their time stuck in front of the telly or the computer................not 'proper' playing outside in the fresh air!!

My 3 used to love going to the woods and finding a log pile to climb or a fallen tree that they could play on.......once we were lucky enough to find a rope on a tree with a huge knot to sit on..... they swung for hours!.........such great fun and didn't cost a penny!!

These fabulous images are drawings by the very talented Sam over at Lily-Boo's Boutique
i've been looking for ages and i finally took the plunge and ordered several!! so easy to do and instant gratification...............all from your armchair :) .........my favourite sort of shopping!!

Images.... Digi downloads from Lily-Boo's
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Lemonade'
other supplies....Martha Stewart punch, Dovecraft punches
Cuttlebug, Nesties, Stamps Away, Hero Arts, Daisy & Dandelion

I am sure you will have fun playing along with the challenge this week and i bet i will see some real 'eye candy' on my visits........... Thanks for your time today.......hope to see you really soon with a challenge or two......... ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Sneaky Peeks!...........

2009-08-16T09:30:00.004+01:00

Morning lovelies :) still sooo busy and not very much i can show you!! ........bit like a duck really.............not much on the surface, but paddling like heck underneath!!!!

What i do have for you today is some sneaky peeks of my DT cards for The Pink Elephant tomorrow..................
Have they got you wondering???.............not long to wait :)

Speaking of The Pink Elephant....................i want to say thanks to everyone that plays along! whether you are a weekly participant or just pop in when you can, it's great to see all the work that you do...........................sometimes i am a little slow in getting to you and sometimes i don't even get time to leave a comment :( however i stiil try to make it around to you all, so if you don't 'see' me it doesn't mean that i haven't been over!!!

I have my 'little bundle of gorgeousness' coming over later, so i am off to catch up on some of you before she arrives!

Thanks for popping in today, see you tomorrow for the reveal ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Card Orders.....

2009-08-14T07:58:00.004+01:00

Not had much time this week for many challenges.........busy, busy with card orders! One of which is this one..................................details to follow............... This card is now winging it's way to Glasgow ready for the big day on Wednesday!

Image.... Penny Black 'evening glow' 3679k
Colour.... Promarkers
Cuttlebug & Birthday embossing folder
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Lemonade'
bet that isn't what she'll be drinking on Wednesday night!!
Happy Birthday stamp.... MFT
Making Memories tiny alphas
AC foam thickers
Prima 'say it in crystals'

Have a Great Friday everyone!!!!

Hugs
Carol x

New Sketch...............

2009-08-12T09:00:00.002+01:00

Just a quick card for you today using my newest sketch #12.

If you would like to play along with Carol's Sketch Fun and be in with a chance of a fabby little prize bundle, then just click HERE :)

Image.... Clarity Stamp(...love this wolf image!)
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Black Tie'
Nestabilities.... Standard Circles Large
Inks.... Versafine & Colorbox
brads from stash

Have a fab Wednesday everyone....................and if you're crafting today...............lucky you! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

2009-08-11T08:00:00.000+01:00

I was chuffed to find the challenge over at PBSC this week is a lovely sketch by Beth..............

The oval for the image is the perfect shape for this gorgeous Penny Black Hedgehog, which was one of my purchases from the Stamperama show at Stevenage yesterday. The papers are Basic Grey 'Lemonade'(also from the show)lovely bright summery colours.............all we need now is the weather to match!!Image.... PB 'tiny wishes' acrylic set 30-026

Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Lemonade'
Sentiment.... MFT
Nestabilities.... petite ovals large
Flowers.... Prima
ColorBox cats eye chalk 'orchid pastel'
Punches.... Woodware 5/8" circle ~ small leaf
Brads, spacer and ric-rac from stash

Just a little reminder.............. that you have until 10pm GMT tonight if you would like to enter my current sketch challenge for the chance to win a Black & White prize bundle :)

Oh, and just before i go, i thought you may like to see the other goodies that i was lucky enough to get at the show yesterday.........................

Ooooh lovely :) :)

Shame they couldn't sell me some extra hours, so that i can find time to use it all !!!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit today........thanks for popping in, see you soon........ ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Pink Elephant Day and a Colour Challenge....

2009-08-10T05:00:00.001+01:00

Morning lovelies! Today at TPE we have for you a Colour challenge..................

Brown, Turquoise, Neutral

You can make whatever you wish for this challenge............ we do love to see Scrapbook Layouts or altered projects as well as all the lovely cards..........this is a lovely colour combination and i can't wait to see what you create :)

My card for you today features one of my favourite stamps..................

Image.... Hero Arts 'Dandelion'
PSX White embossing powder
Nestabilities.... Labels Two dies
Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots
Ek Success border punch
Sentiment.... Printworks
Polka Dot Paper.... HOTP
Cardstock.... Bazzill
ColorBox chalk inks Alabaster & Dk Brown
Butterfly Charm.... RAK from Mummylade
ribbon from stash

I am sure the rest of the girls on the DT had fun with this colour challenge......be sure to visit them for some wonderful inspiration............If you are unsure about the design of your card, you can always use my layout that i have here today, or..............a past sketch from my other blog......i am more than happy to share :)
Have a great Monday and i'll see you tomorrow with another challenge card ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Secret Crafter

2009-08-08T20:43:00.003+01:00

I almost squealed with delight when i saw the challenge today over at Secret Crafter! They want to see cute bugs! ......................the perfect opportunity for me to use another of the gorgeous digi images that i was lucky enough to win over at Inktegrity..........

Image.... abc Ladybug from here
Colour.... Promarkers
Paper.... Karen Foster
Cardstock.... Papermania
Chipboard letters.... Donna Downey
Sentiment.... HOTP
Flower.... Bazzill
Inkssentials white pen

Hoping to make one more card tonight to upload tomorrow..................i am off to Stamperama for the day to stock up on some more crafty stash :) I have some cash put aside as i really should not take any plastic with me..................that's fatal!!!!! because however much i tell myself not to get out the little credit card...........................i have no willpower when it comes to buying stamps & paper!!!
If i don't see you tomorrow, i will be here on Monday for The Pink Elephant............enjoy the rest of the weekend ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Sweet Sketch Wednesday meets a ladybug!

2009-08-07T07:55:00.001+01:00

It's Friday :) :) so i am backtracking a little here with my card for Sweet Sketch Wednesday!

I was so excited to discover yesterday evening that i had been lucky enough to win the Ladybugs over at Inktegrity ........................i couldn't wait to get started with them, so here is the first one.......How CUTE is this little guy :)

Image.... Out on a limb by Joni

Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Making Memories
Chipboard Letters.... Donna Downey
Sentiment.... K&Co
Brad, pearls and scrap of Glitter die-cut paper
from stash

I'm off to work very soon, but hey, its Friday.............i'm certainly ready for the weekend to arrive!! and looking forward to Stamperama on Sunday :)

Thanks so much for popping in, enjoy your day and i'll see you very soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

WoooHoooo!!! I won the bugs :)

2009-08-06T18:36:00.002+01:00

I am so chuffed to say that my name was picked today for Joni's gorgeous, cute little bugs! Yay!!!!
want to know what i'm getting so excited about, just pop over here and see for yourself ;-D

Tuesday Morning Sketches........

2009-08-06T07:53:00.001+01:00

.......on a Thursday :)
Recently found another great sketch challenge blog called Tuesday Morning Sketches, you know i can't resist a good sketch.........i think i'm addicted!!

You may also know that i like my cards to actually look like the sketch i've followed...........sometimes you see designs that are nothing like the original sketch! which i have to say i find very bemusing!!!

Image.... Judi-Kins 5616F

Colour.... Promarkers
Stickles.... Frosted Lace
Papers.... Basic Grey 'porcelain'
Sentiment.... HOTP
Punches.... EK Success, Woodware
Die cut Snowflakes.... Quickutz
ColorBox Cats Eyes.... peach pastel, pink pastel
cardboard from copy paper box
Ranger paint dabber.... Snow Cap
Glamour Dust

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today, and don't forget you still have almost a week left on my current sketch challenge, or if you are addicted like me, then you could try TMS as well ;-D

see you soon
Carol x

Oh!......................................

2009-08-06T01:26:00.003+01:00

..............guess this means no more blog hopping then???

Love Juzzy~x~

Penny Black Challenge

2009-08-05T07:48:00.002+01:00

The challenge this week over at PBSC is ....................

SUMMER

Do you think we've had it? or is it yet to arrive................... who knows, but at least with challenges like this we can bring some Summer into our crafting :)

Not sure of the title of this image as it was very kindly loaned to me at my last workshop, Heather had just bought several new sets and let me stamp some out to colour later, so i have no idea what it's called! As soon as i find out, i'll let you know :)

Image.... PB ?
Colour.... Promarkers
Nestabilities Labels One
Sentiment.... Daisy & Dandelion(gone fishing set)
Cats eye chalk ink Creamy brown
Prima flowers, sparkly brads
and twine from stash

As i was eating dinner last night(stuffed peppers) one of my teeth decided to break off at gum level, leaving me with just a stump still in the gum!!! I am very much hoping that my dentist will be able to fit me in today and somehow sort it out................it would have to be near the front.........i actually laughed at myself when i looked in the mirror.....i look like an extra from Pirates of the Carribean!!!!!

Have a great day all, and wish me luck! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

ADDED EXTRA! My dentist is on Holiday this week!!!! However they did send me to another very nice man , and said tooth is now back in place :) It was a crowned tooth, so a little bit of drilling and some cement did the trick, and the best part................. i only had to part with £14.50....................................for now :)

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

2009-08-04T07:42:00.000+01:00

My Funky Hand team mate Lythan has set the dare this week over at DCM..............

Bejewelled Bliss

In honour of my addiction to the Bejewelled Blitz game

I would like to see cards with lots of bling and sparkle!

I will have to ask my eldest daughter Chloe(almost23) if she plays this game on Facebook, me, i'm clueless! but here is my card for the dare...................
I have used another element from my new Spellbinder 'Fleur De Lis' pendant die and also my new Cuttlebug embossing folder. I then remembered my EK Success border punch which has the same pattern................do you see a theme developing here............. !

The other things i've used today are some Artoz gems and a Dovecraft Jewel brad, i've Glamour dusted the portion behind the focal and the pink sparkly ribbon is from my local Frosts Garden centre! The sentiment is a rub-on.

Hope i've 'glammed up' your day just a little....thanks for popping in ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant

2009-08-03T05:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Monday! and time for another new challenge over at The Pink Elephant :)
Today we have for you a recipe from Ella's Kitchen..........................

1 Flower, 3 Brads and 1 Patterned Paper

And yes, i know i promised no more Christmas cards for a while, but i just can't help myself!!
I wanted to use my new Spellbinder Fleur De Lys pendant die and i have found that it is great for the Judi-Kins cube stamps that i have several of :) they fit in the centre perfectly, so you may well be seeing lots more little cards like this!!

Image.... Judi-Kins Merry Christmas Cube 6731I
Colour.... Promarkers
Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendant S4-204
Papers.... Basic Grey 'wassail'
Stickles.... Icicle
Artoz flower
brads & twine from stash

I hope you will have fun with our Recipe challenge this week, but before you get started be sure to check out the cards from the rest of the girls on the team............i love to see how everyone interprets the challenges and i promise to try and visit you all this week!! I am very often 'burning the midnight oil' and i still can't get around to you all........ the time just runs away with me and before i know it it's Monday morning again and back to work :(

Have a great day, and hopefully i will be over to see you very soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Our Creative Corner

2009-08-02T09:43:00.004+01:00

Hello everyone :) The challenge this week over at OCC is a colour challenge......

Shades of Purple

Now i have to confess that purple is not a colour i use often in my cardmaking, so this was a good challenge to bring me 'out of my box'. I've used one of my sketches for the layout of the card and the most gorgeous kitten who's called 'Sinatra'.............a free digi image from Mo's Digital Pencil
you have to check out the work from this very talented lady, she is genius with a pencil!! :) and the artwork she offers in her Etsy shop is so unique..................
In my opinion, to be able to draw like this is real talent, she has captured exactly what a cat would do with a ball of wool.................i have three cats and the 'movement' in this drawing is perfect......even down to the flattened ears.........that is just what they do......... :)

Image.... Mo's Digital Pencil
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... HOTP
Carstock.... Bazzill
Nesties.... Small scalloped circles
EK Success Border Punch.... Fleur De Lys
Pearls.... Kanban
ribbon from stash

I must be off now to catch up on some jobs around the house.........my gorgeous Granddaughter is away on her Holiday so she won't be visiting this weekend :( .........i really hope the weather is kind to them!
See you tomorrow with my DT card for the new challenge at The Pink Elephant......Have a Great Sunday ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Sweet Sketch Wednesday

2009-08-01T12:37:00.004+01:00

Hello again.........i have recently found a new sketch challenge blog, thanks to my bloggy friend........... Sheri :)
It's called Sweet Sketch Wednesday
and here is my card for the current sketch...........

I've used my new Daisy & Dandelion set for my card today 'Dandelion Goes Fishing' and i'm almost certain that this card will be for my eldest daughter's partner.........he eats,sleeps and breathes fishing!! and just so happens to be marketing manager for Nash....one of the leaders in the industry in the U.K.

Image & sentiments.... Daisy & Dandelion
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... HOTP
EK Success wave border punch
mesh trim from stash

The deisgn team cards are fabulous, why not pop over and have a look!................maybe back later with another challenge card .............enjoy your day ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Get Funky!

2009-08-01T09:00:00.004+01:00

Morning everyone.....today is the start of our brand new challenge blog..............

GET FUNKY!

Myself and the rest of the Design Team, and our very fabby boss Anice are delighted to bring you a monthly challenge using all the fabulous papers and goodies that Funky Hand have to offer.

The rules are very simple......each month one of the Design Team members will set the challenge on the first day of the month, you will then have the whole month to join in. The requirements are very simple........just use at least one Funky Hand paper or extra in your design to be in with the chance of winning a £20.00 voucher!!

To get you started Anice has designed a fab sketch to work from............
I chose to use Fun Daze papers from the Funky Daze CD to create my card.........
The oval was cut on my Cricut machine using George and Basic Shapes cartridge @ 5.1/2". I drew the cupcake onto the papers and added some Cinnamon Stickles to the icing. The sentiment was cut from another of the papers and i added some American Crafts sparkly ribbon. I finished by adding lots of doodling with an Inkssentials pen and a Zig pen.

If you are already a fan of Funky Hand then you are 'good to go'.............. if you are a 'first timer' then Anice has created a set of freebies to get you going which you can find here
My team mates have created some fabulous projects with Anice's sketch so be sure to pop over and have a look at all of those. We are all very excited to bring you this new challenge blog and now we can't wait to see what you create...................so what are you waiting for......Get Funky!

Hugs
Carol x

........

Christening Card & My new sketch challenge.....

2009-07-29T07:44:00.001+01:00

This Christening card is for a colleague in the Glasgow office. It has given me a few headaches as i did not have a suitable image.................however after scouring the internet i found this image on a colouring pages web site............
I hope she is happy with it as i don't have any time to make another!

I also have a new sketch for you over at Carol's Sketch Fun, the challenge will be posted at 9am, so i hope you will pop over there and give it a try! I have a fabulous little prize package for the winner.................my followers are creeping up thanks to lots of you that are helping to spread the word.....Thank You to everyone that has joined in so far :) I am still looking for sponsors for the challenges and in return you will have a permanent link to your site/shop so if you feel you would like to sponsor a future challenge please e-mail me using the address in the right side bar.

Here is my card for CSF #11

Thanks so much for popping in today, see you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Pink Elephant Day.................

2009-07-27T05:00:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone :) It's Monday and of course that means another challenge over at TPE! This week we have a fabulous sketch for you designed by my DT pal Robin......................
We have another fantastic sponsor this week who very generously sent each DT member two sets of stamps to work with and they are so adorable......

I am sure you will all be familiar with our sponsor

Joanna Sheen

.....the website is brimming with gorgeous stamps and supplies, so many goodies all in one spot, and....free P&P!!
My first card is made with the Doctor Lofty set LF210.......isn't he cute in his Doctor's outfit!

Papers.... Bo Bunny 'Love Shack'
& Basic Grey which has been embossed with
Cuttlebug & D'Vine Swirl
Colour.... Promarkers (from Joanna Sheen)
Brads.... HOTP

My second card is made with Messy Rabbit set Party MR130.....so sweet!

Papers.... Funky Hand 'Shabby Saturday' download
Colour.... Promarkers
Nestabilities Labels Die
Gems.... Kanban

We had a bumper entry for our challenge last week, let's see if we can top that this week!! don't forget to check out what the rest of the DT girls have to show you and make sure you visit Joanna's site to order yourself some yummy new stash :)
Thanks for your time today, see you very soon............... ;-D

Hugs
carol x

Funky Hand ~ New Download......

2009-07-26T18:59:00.004+01:00

My very clever 'boss' Anice has just released a brand new download over at Funky Hand called

'Hearts & Flowers'

A fabulous mix of lilacs and purples with some yummy lime green. Twenty A4 papers with some toppers and alphas too! and all for the brilliant price of £3.49!!

Here are a couple of my DT projects made with these yummy papers...........

And..............some more exciting news for all you Funky Hand fans.................

Get Funky Challenge Blog

The fun starts next Saturday 1st August, we hope you will all join us for the fun things we have lined up for you. A monthly challenge with a £20.00 voucher to spend on the website!
Also if you head over there now, you can pick up some freebie papers in preparation for the launch.....................................see you there! ;-D

On a different note........ I would like to say a big thanks to all my lovely ladies that attended my 'Christmas in July' workshop yesterday, a busy day was had by all and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves......Wendy i hope your Migraine disappeared in time for your party!!

Tomorrow is Pink Elephant day and we have a fabulous sponsor this week, so you won't want to miss out on that one, also.................you still have a couple of days left to join in with Carol's Sketch Fun #10 where you have a chance of winning a fabulous Popcorn the Bear stamp set! and where you will also find a PDF template for the little handbag shown above..........see you tomorrow ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm.....................

2009-07-24T07:57:00.005+01:00

Morning lovelies and Happy Friday to you all ! ;-D

One last Christmas card for a while...............using my all time favourite Christmas stamp.....

Image.... Hero Arts 'Peace on Earth' k2001

stamped with Versafine 'onyx black'
Colour.... Pebbles Inc Chalk Palette
Cuttlebug & Nesties
Kanban Gem

This was my first time embossing the card front with the Nestie die.....................need some more pratice as there is a line on the inside of the card where i've 'rolled' too far :(

*************************************

Day off from the office today but busy, busy day for me gathering all my supplies, samples and tools for my workshop tomorrow......................the house will look like a craft shop as i lay everything out before packing into my trolleys.......................i nearly always forget something but as the venue is only 5 mins away from home i can always pop back and get it!!

Just maybe i might get time for a little bit of this later...................................

or this...........................................

Have a great weekend everyone............see you soon! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Cupcake Craft Challenge

2009-07-22T20:50:00.003+01:00

It's been an absolute age since i joined in over at Cupcake Craft Challenges, so when i discovered that this weeks challenge was Christmas...........................'say no more!!!...............i'm there!!

Yet another sample for Saturday! although this one did come together quite quickly as most of it is made from scraps................good scraps of course, the ones i save after a session on my Cricut machine! and the image was already coloured(in lunchbreak!) which always helps time wise :)

Image.... PB 'You make me blush'
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Papermania 'Deck the Halls'
Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots/Snowflake cut&emboss
Cricut & Home Decor(black frame)
other snowflake - Christmas Cheer
Felt trim.... Papermania
Sentiment.... HOTP

I wonder how many more samples i can get done before Saturday?........ At this rate i will be able to supply the whole street with handmade cards this Christmas!! :)

See you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Saturday ~ week 58

2009-07-21T07:48:00.006+01:00

The challenge this week over at PBSC is............

SOFT & SWEET

"This week we'd like something Soft & Sweet on your projects... now this can be soft papers, soft textures, sweet images, sweet papers... the choice is yours... so get those thinking caps on."

Of course it had to be another Christmas card from me...........although unfortunately this won't be a sample for my workshop on Saturday as i don't have enough of the felt trim left for everyone to use :( I guess something else could be used instead though, i'll have to have a think!!

Image.... PB 'Holly Day Critters' 30017
Colour.... Promarkers
Cuttlebug & Snowflakes folder
Core'dinations Whitewash
Paper.... Dena's Closet
Marvy Giga Punch.... scalloped oval 3"
Felt trim.... Papermania
Snow.... Pebbles Inc Candy dots
Rub-on sentiment.... Stemma

Thanks for popping in today...........see you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

TPE #24

2009-07-20T05:00:00.002+01:00

It's challenge #24 over at The Pink Elephant this week and boy do we have a 'stonker' for you!!

'Animals'

This week we are sponsored by none other than the fabulously mega talented............

Dustin Pike

This man is 'magic' with a pencil, if you have not yet discovered his talents then you must pop over to his site and check it out...............you will be so glad you did!

As a DT member i was able to choose two images to work with............that, was the hardest part..... there are soooo many to choose from, after spending an age browsing i opted for these two..............

CupeeCake Monkey

Birdie BathThese images are just fabulous, and of course once you have the digi's stored on your computer you can just re-size and print out as many as you need whenever you desire!

I haven't given a materials list today, so if you have any questions about the products i've used, then feel free to ask and i will be only too happy to help :) In the meantime be sure to check out what the other girls did this week and i sure hope Mr Linky will be playing nice when it comes round to you entering the challenge :)

See you tomorrow ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Blog Candy Winner.................

2009-07-19T19:45:00.003+01:00

I would like to thank all of you that left a comment for my 30,000 hit Blog Candy and to all of my extra followers! i do hope you will stay now the candy is over.....................it won't be too long before i offer some more for you all :)

After checking all the entries to see that the requirements were met..............

The winner this time is.........

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: 111 Result: 15 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

CRAFTANNY

Congratulations Anne :) if you can e-mail me with your postal details i will get your parcel out to you

If you would like a chance at another smaller candy, then you could play along with my sketch challenge blog Carol's Sketch Fun where there is a fab little prize on offer.........all you need to do is make a card following my sketch!

Thanks again to everyone that entered............

Hugs
Carol x

Cute Card Thursday challenge 69

2009-07-18T12:10:00.004+01:00

The current challenge over at Cute Card Thursday is 'Christmas in July' which could have been specifically chosen for me as i am beavering away making samples for my 'Christmas in July' workshop next Saturday! ................perfect!!

Today i've used my gorgeous new 'Stamps by Judith Snowman...............he's so lovely, one of the nicest snowmen i've ever seen.....................coloured with my Promarkers which i think i'm starting to get the hang of! I have 28 colours at present but it may be time to add a few more to my collection now :)

Image.... Stamps by Judith s34
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 'figgy pudding'
Mega Nestabilities.... curved rectangles
Chipboard snowflake.... Creative Imaginations
Alpha beads.... The Stamp Attic
jingle bell & twine from stash

I hope you have enjoyed your visit today and don't forget you still have time to enter my candy giveaway which closes tonight at 9pm GMT...................have a great weekend ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black week 57

2009-07-17T07:53:00.001+01:00

The challenge this week over at Penny Black Saturday is 'Swirls' As usual i've left it to the last minute, so it had to be quick card today!!

The image is of course the fabulous 'Brush Ornament' from Penny Black. I've used this so many times over the last two or three years, i don't think i will ever tire of it :)
The gorgeous swirly paper is from the latest Funky Hand download called 'I Do', the blue cardstock is K&Co re-make.
I've inked the image with a ColorBox cats eye in 'Blue Iris' and added some stickles and Kanban grey flat back pearls. I used an Ornare template to prick the swirl in the corner and under the sentiment(HOTP) and the lush grey ribbon is from a local garden centre gift department.

I've really cheated with this one, so i hope it's still acceptable! Thanks for popping in today, see you soon :-D

Hugs
Carol x

Holly Jolly Wednesday!

2009-07-15T07:27:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone :) ...........i did a very silly thing yesterday evening and promptly fell asleep on the sofa after my dinner! which left me typing my post for my new sketch challenge at 2.16am!!!!

My card today is for CSF #10 which will be available for you to view at 9am...........i hope you will play along, there is a very cute prize this time around...............

Not sure if this little card will fit any other challenges around at the moment............have not had time yet this week to have a browse! The weeks just seem to fly by at the moment!! and most of the things i would like to join in with are over by the time i get to them, although i have asked the boss if i can cut my hours at the office............working full time really gets in the way of my crafting!!!!!!!

see you soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant ~ Challenge #23

2009-07-13T05:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone! been missing for the last few days, doing some sorting out in preparation for my all day workshop on the 25th! but i'm back today with the new Pink Elephant Challenge :)

Today, we have for you a colour challenge............................

Light Blue, Red & Dark Blue

I've really utilised some of my fabulous tools in the making of my card today. I guess i am like many of you out there and just have to have all the crafting goodies that the numerous manufacturers have available for us, but i am also guilty of not maximising the potential of these tools..................................so today i thought i would leave my stamps in their draws and see what i could create without them! ....................some of my swiss dots are squashed as i pressed a little too hard with my glue roller!! hopefully i won't make that mistake again :)

Large floral medallion.... Cricut & Home Accents cart @ 4"
Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots embossing folder
EK Success border punch.... Arrows
Scalloped portions are the edges cut from
Papermania 12 x 12 scalloped stack
Blue cardstock.... Bazzill
Circle punches.... Woodware
Sentiment.... Printworks
Gems are pale blue cellphone stickers!

We usually have a fabulous number of entries each week and it's great visiting everyone to see what you have made for us :) I am in awe each week at the stunning creations you link up for us to see, and have found some wonderful inspiration from you all.............Keep up the good work :)

Hugs
Carol x

House Mouse #45 - Seasons

2009-07-09T07:40:00.003+01:00

Morning lovelies! Yes, you've guessed it......................another Christmas card!!
Well the challenge this week over at House Mouse is 'Seasons' so what better excuse did i need :)

I have been neglecting these gorgeous little guys lately, so i thought it was about time for them to appear again!
I often feel that i 'over embellish' some of my cards and do not allow the beauty of the image to shine through..............so with this one today i've kept it really simple..........however i also feel that although i am loving them, my Promarker pens were not the best choice for colouring my micey friends................all that said, i still adore this image.

Image.... 'Mistletoe Moment' HMI 1004
Colour.... Promarkers
edge of image stippled with Ranger Archival 'Coffee'
Nestabilities & Cuttlebug
Papers.... Cosmo Cricket(last years leftovers)
small circle punch to cut the corners!
Artoz flower & Pebbles Inc. candy dot
ribbon & twine from stash

Speaking of 'stash' you still have time to enter my 30,000 hit candy! If you click the picture at the top of this page it will take you to the original posting where you will find the details :)

Thanks for your time today and i will see you very soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge

2009-07-08T07:37:00.004+01:00

How could i resist the current challenge over at Stamptacular Sunday........i'm already in Christmas mode getting all the samples made for my workshop on the 25th!

This week's challenge is called:

"Christmas in July!"

I think i have mentioned before that i keep all the usable scraps that are left after using my Cricut machine, and the 'frame' (pale blue swirly bit!) on the front of my card today is one of those scraps! After cutting some ovals from white card i am left with lots of these 'frames' which i put to one side to use later ........ then i just cover with them with the DP of my choice :)

Image.... Whipper Snapper 'Warm Snowman Wishes'

Colour.... Promarkers

Sentiment.... HOTP

Papers.... Anna Griffin

Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots folder

Artoz flowers, papermania brads & HOTP metal pinwheels

ribbon was a gift from my friend Margaret

I just adore this snowman image............must get me some more Whipper Snapper stamps to add to my current quota of two!!

Thanks for popping in today, and don't forget you still have a week to go if you would like to enter my sketch challenge ...............see you tomorrow!

Hugs

Carol x

Penny Black Saturday & A Purple Butterfly!

2009-07-07T07:47:00.002+01:00

Can you believe the last three projects i've made contain no designer patterned paper!!!

My card today for the current challenge of Red, White & Blue over at PBSC is one of those projects......i still had my supplies to hand after completing my DT projects for TPE.........so i used them for this one too!

Image.... PB 'Catching the Star' 2990k
Colour.... Promarkers
Sentiment.... Printworks
Ink.... Versafine Onyx Black
Cardstock.... Bazzill, K&Co re-make, & Papermania
Square & circle punches.... Woodware
Pearls.... Kanban
Inkssentials pen

The ballet show was fabulous yesterday! and in time honoured tradition my gorgeous Granddaughter had only been on the stage about 30 seconds before i started blubbing!! She looked so beautiful as a Purple Butterfly(as they all did) and i felt so proud of her.........it was all a bit overwhelming.........worst of it was i didn't have a tissue..........we left the house in such a hurry that i left my handbag at home.....................no money for a drink in the interval and no tissues!!

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures at the show, but luckily my son managed to snap a few before they dashed off to the performance..................

see the little sticker from her comic on the back of her hand! .......shame about Mark's legs!! (other Grandad)....the backdrop is a bit of a shambles!!

It wasn't a ballet show in the true sense of the word, more like a dance show with some ballet included. It was called 'Wish you were here' whereby they covered several countries around the globe with different dance routines,they even had loads of them dessed as lions for the Africa section....... Danielle was a purple Butterfly in an English Country Garden..................it lasted an hour and a half with a break of 20mins in the middle.........it was wonderful and i thoroughly enjoyed myself :)

Thanks for your time today................see you soon ;-D
Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant ~ challenge #22

2009-07-06T05:00:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday morning to you all!

Before i get to show you my projects today, i need to apologise to all of those that entered last weeks challenge and have not received a comment from me..........we had a mega week.... i think, our best to date and i just didn't get chance to visit you all.............we are blessed with some very talented cardmakers here at TPE............long may it continue :-D

Challenge #22

A recipe from Ella's kitchen........

Stars & Strips (of ribbon, of paper, etc)

You can find a tutorial for this fab little box HERE :)

As i still had all my supplies out on my desk the following day, i also made a matching card.......

Cardstock.... Bazzill, K&Co re-make, Papermania
Inkssentials pen
Zig pen
Making memories rub-on
Cloud 9 Design clear sticker
Buttons, ribbon & twine from stash.

I hope you will have fun playing along with our challenge this week and i will try my hardest to get to visit you all!!

Back tomorrow with my card for the Penny Black challenge.............same colours too! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Papertake Weekly Challenge

2009-07-04T19:25:00.004+01:00

A bit late in the day for this but i've been doing lots of Housework!!!!...........be prepared, it may well snow tomorrow!! :) .......................... Only joking!

Can't resist a good sketch, so i made a card using Dawny's sketch over at Papertake Weekly......
Not a Christmas card today but a rather summery one........................using the gorgeous Duck from the new Popcorn the Bear 'Bunches of Love' set by Crafter's Companion.............treated myself to two of these sets last Saturday :)

Isn't she cute!
***

Image.... Popcorn's Duck! Crafter's Companion

Papers.... Brenda Walton for K&Co
Colour.... Promarkers
Sentiment....(on the little tag) is from the set
Other sentiment.... Pebbles Inc. rub-on
scalloped card.... Papermania
ribbon from stash

Not sure if i will be around tomorrow as we are off to see Danielle in her ballet show! I'm so looking forward to it, can't even begin to say how much!!............unfortunately i will not be able to share any pictures as any cameras and videos are prohibited!...............i know! ..... but if it helps to stop any wrong doing by the perverted people in this world then it's fine by me!

Thanks for popping in today, enjoy the rest of the weekend ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

4th July

2009-07-04T14:36:00.003+01:00

"Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light...........................just wishing all my lovely American friends...........................................................

********HAPPY 4TH JULY********

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

2009-07-03T07:37:00.001+01:00

Woohoo............. it's Friday! hopefully the weather will be a little cooler today :)

My card today is for the current challenge over at PBSC.......a fabulous sketch designed by Nat, and i'm sneaking this in at the last minute almost......................it's been sitting on my desk for a couple of days now half finished.........just can't seem to get my act together in this hot weather!!

Image.... PB 'Just wishing You'
Sentiment.... HOTP
Colour.... Promarkers(still practising!)
Papers.... Basic Grey
Cardstock.... Papermania
Marvy liquid applique
Flowers.... Artoz
brads & trims from stash

I hope seeing my Christmas card will have helped to cool you down a bit! ........and, if like me you enjoy creating from a sketch, maybe you would like to try my current sketch challenge i'd love to see your work :)
Thanks for taking the time to pop in...........see you tomorrow ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Charisma Cardz Thursday Challenge

2009-07-01T07:55:00.002+01:00

Just sneaking in at the last minute almost with my card for the current challenge over at Charisma Cardz............"Rubbernecker week............any theme, any style"

Sorry, but i am in Christmas mode already, getting samples made for my all day workshop on 25th July!!
The layout of this card is following my current sketch over at Carol's Sketch Fun where the new sketch will be posted at 9am along with a fab little prize! It's bi-weekly so there's
plenty of time for you to join in if you wish :)

Image.... Peeking Angel 5614F JudiKins

Papers.... Anna Griffin
Colour.... Promarkers
Sentiment.... HOTP
Cuttlebug & Snowflakes folder
Candy Dots.... Pebbles Inc
Stickles, Chalks & Fibre from stash

I also have this card which would also qualify for the challenge...................a commission for a colleague in our Glasgow office..................

Thanks for popping in today...........we're having a heatwave!! here in the u.k.......can you believe it?.............Stay Cool if you can..... ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant Challenge #21

2009-06-29T05:00:00.002+01:00

Happy Monday to you all!

For our challenge this week at TPE, we have a nice easy one.............
'Favourite Colours'

You make make absolutely anything your heart desires.........just use your favourite colours!

All the girls on the DT were sent some lovely stamps by our sponsor this week to use on our sample cards for the colour challenge. Be sure to check out DRS Designs.......you may be as excited as i was to find they have Dustin Pike images in their catalogue and also tons more fabulous stamps........i'm sure you will find something to tempt you! :)

Image & Sentiment.... DRS Designs
Cardstock.... K&Co & Bazzill
Colour.... Promarkers
Cuttlebug & Distressed Stripes folder
EK Success border punch
Cricut machine & Home Accents cartridge (leaves)
Artoz flowers and brads from stash

My favourite colours are brights or earthy tones and i think i've covered both with this card! There are some colours i don't use too often i.e. purple or blue.....it's not that i dislike those colours, i just tend not to go for them so much :)
I hope you will have fun playing with our colour challenge this week, and don't forget you may be lucky enough to win the prize from DRS Designs!!

Hugs
Carol x

Blog Candy ~ 30,000 Hits!

2009-06-28T20:12:00.004+01:00

Hi Folks! My hit counter has recently passed 30,000, so as a token of thanks to you all for being such great bloggy pals i am offering up some Candy...............I am thankful that so many of you visit and take the time to leave me such lovely comments, i really do appreciate them all and if i'm feeling down they cheer me up no end!

Several of you have joined me over at my new challenge blog Carol's Sketch Fun........ Thanks for your support with that as well and for those that have not joined in yet, maybe you can play along in the future.............there is fabby prize each fortnight and i am hoping to secure some sponsors for future prizes too!

Now onto the Candy.......................A little Brown theme going on here! which consists of..............

One 12 x 12 K&Co re-make cardstock pad in brown tones
12 8 x 8 DCWV papers
One packet of DCWV adhesive ribbons
One pack of Kanban Diamonds & Pearls
One bunch of paper roses

To enter the draw for this candy, just leave a comment here at this post and post a picture of my candy on your blog with a link back here to me......if you would like to become a follower that would be lovely too but not a requirement of entry!

I will post worldwide and a winner will be drawn using a random number generator. The candy will close at 9pm GMT on Saturday 18th July and the winner will be announced in a new posting on Sunday 19th July at 8pm GMT............................. this candy is open to active craft bloggers and blogs that depict candy only will not be counted in the draw......sorry to be so strict, but them's the rules!!

Good Luck Everyone ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Our Creative Corner ~ Sketch Challenge

2009-06-28T11:45:00.004+01:00

Had a good day yesterday.....got my DT work finished and a couple of cards made! one of which was another Christmas Card following the current sketch over at OCC. Such a simple elegant sketch which allows for many possibilities with the design..............just the sort of sketch i like :)
If like me you enjoy sketch challenges, you may wish to try my current sketch over at Carol's Sketch Fun.........................

I've kept my card very simple to allow the beauty of the image to shine through, i adore this stamp and use it each year for many of my Christmas cards.

Image.... Paper Inspirations 'Santa & Baby portrait'
inked with Versafine 'onyx black'
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Wassail'
Sentiment.... HOTP
Circle brads.... Basic Grey
satin ribbon & tree brad from stash

It is a wonderful sunny warm day here in Bedford, so i will be spending the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the warmth...................although my gorgeous Granddaughter is here today so i really don't get to sit still for many minutes!! but it's all good fun :)

I will be posting some Blog Candy this evening for passing 30,000 hits so you may wish to check back to leave your entry! ............... Have a great Sunday ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Inspirational Card Sketches #22

2009-06-27T08:31:00.005+01:00

I'm sure everyone knows by now that i can't resist a good sketch! I have used the current sketch over at ICS to create my card today.............. fab little sketch but with the little window element it just makes it a bit different!
It's been very warm here of late but it felt really good to look out all my Christmas stash ready to create lots of samples for my 'Christmas in July' workshop!........... I apologise in advance for the abundance of seasonal cards you may be seeing over the next three weeks or so!!.........i will try to slot in the occasional 'normal' card..........after all it is summer! :)

Image.... DeNami Designs trifles set
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Figgy'
Colour.... Promarkers
Cuttlebug & Snowflakes folder
Brads, Rub-on and Ric-Rac from stash

I'm off out today to stock up on a few more supplies :)....................and also to purchase some goodies for my next Blog Candy!...........................watch this space!!! I may be back later with a picture, but if not i will see you tomorrow! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Allsorts Challenge 6

2009-06-26T07:49:00.003+01:00

WINGS

Morning everyone :)
The challenge this week at Allsorts had me in a bit of a quandry.............I have several stamps featuring winged things, but in the end I decided to go with this one from my Inkadinkado set......
..................'Patterned Birds & Bugs' 99120.

I know i've gone a bit mad with the colours on the bird but i'm still playing around with my Promarkers! He looks very tropical don't you think :)

The papers are all from Anice's brilliant CD 'Funky Daze' which you can find here I've also used a Maya Road journaling sheer and a couple of my EK Success border punches(love them!)
The gems ribbon and flower are from my stash and the scalloped card blank was purchased from Craftwork Cards.

I noticed earlier this evening that my hit counter has passed the 30,000 mark!................so watch out for some Blog Candy coming soon!! I would like to thank everyone of you that pops in to 'see' me and for all the lovely comments you leave, I appreciate them all :-D

Have a fab Friday!

Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Challenge ~ Week 54

2009-06-25T07:52:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone! At last i'm back with a card!! This one is for the current challenge at PBSC.............

Embossing

I have actually done something on this card that i haven't done for a long time...............i've used embossing powder on the image..... to keep in with the challenge and also because i don't have any Memento ink yet and i wanted to use my new Promarkers. Not sure why i thought this would work................. in fact it hasn't!! it's still a bit smudgy round the edges, but it's all a bit trial and error with them at the moment :)
I embossed the image with the Swiss Dots folder after i had coloured it.......i quite like the effect it gives...................

Image.... PB 'Snow Cuddle'

Colour.... Promarkers
Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots
Papers.... 3 Bugs in a Rug (i think!)
Rub -on.... Stemma
Lg Snowflake.... Cricut
Small snowflakes.... punch with no name!
Glamour Dust

I used my current sketch from my new challenge blog for the layout.........it's a bi-weekly sketch challenge and you have until next Tuesday evening if you would like to join in :) Hope to see you over there!

Have a great Thursday.......

Hugs
Carol x

Our Baby Hedgehogs 2009!

2009-06-24T19:29:00.010+01:00

I am so in love with these little guys!!! Thought you might like to see some more pictures of our gorgeous Hedgehog babies.......................beware!!!! cuteness overload :)

Aren't they adorable..............funniest thing was, i got a bit worried about them starting to come out as they are really tiny still.....so i said to them 'you best get back into your nest because your Mum will be back soon'..............and they both went back into the house!!.......so cute :)

And of course not wanting to miss a photo opportunity here is Pepsi doing her 'posing'!

She's such a little show- off!

I hope you've enjoyed the photo's today.........hope to be back tomorrow with a card to show you!

Thanks for popping in..... ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant ~ Challenge 20

2009-06-22T05:00:00.001+01:00

I'm very pleased to introduce you to our challenge this week at The Pink Elephant! It's another of my sketches .........................and we also have a fabulous sponsor for this weeks prize giveaway....

UNITY STAMP COMPANY

All the DT girls were sent some fabulous stamps to work with this week, i really enjoyed creating with them :)

Here is my sketch.................i hand drew this sketch back in February! and then Robin works her magic on them to make them look so professional ..............Thanks Robin :)I decided to make two sample cards this week simply to show how the stamps i received could be used as a focal point but also are good for backgrounds too........................

It took me FOREVER!! to add all the stickles to the flower heads...........i've tried to capture them in the photo.......hope you can see them! I haven't given a list of materials for today's cards, so if you have any questions, or if i can help in any way just leave it on the comment form and i will get back to you with the answer :0)

I hope you have enjoyed my cards today and i hope you will enjoy having a go at my sketch!.......................do check out the lovely projects from the rest of the girls and make sure you pop over to Unity and see all the fabulous goodies they have for you to drool over!! :)

Hugs
Carol x

*** I just wanted to leave an apology here to say sorry for not getting around to all the entries last week..........i have been feeling under the weather for several days now, but i hope to get back up to speed really soon!.......I hope you'll forgive me........ ***

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge

2009-06-18T07:30:00.000+01:00

My card today is for the current challenge over at Secret Crafter...............'In the Jungle' i haven't played for a while, but couldn't resist this week :)

It also gave me the perfect opportunity to use this cute giraffe digi download from the very talented Dawn..............i 'met' Dawn when she won some of my blog candy a while back, but boy has she 'been hiding her light under a bushel' ........i didn't know she could draw like this!!!!.............This cute giraffe, which i've nicknamed 'Georgina' is one of many free downloads on Dawn's blog, you must pop over and have a look.......there is a really cute bird with attitude................so funny, i can't wait to use him :)

Image.... free digi from Dawn
Colour.... Promarkers
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Marrakech'
Chipboard.... Brenda Pinnick
Sentiment stamp.... Stamps Away
Leaf Punch.... Woodware
Inkssentials Pen

I just received my new Promarkers yesterday and i have to thank Amanda for pointing me in the right direction for some colouring & shading tips..............as you will see till i get used to them it will be very basic, but i am loving the way they don't bleed on the digi images that i've printed out...........that has to be a bonus!!!

********************************************

Sketches! {by Tamara}

This is my last design for Sketches! i would like to thank Tamara for having me on the team for so long and to wish her and the other girls every success for the future :) Tamara will be having a new DT call at the beginning of August........................

Thanks for popping in today ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

Hoglets, a Tortoise and ProMarkers!!

2009-06-16T21:07:00.008+01:00

Hi Everyone! as promised here are some pictures of the Hedgehog babies that have been born again this year in our Tortoise house! Good job our Tortoise is tolerant and doesn't mind sleeping elsewhere!...........................

The first two are from 11th June.........

The following photo's were all taken earlier this evening.............
Hereis our lovely tolerant Tortoise enjoying some red pepper.....................
And last but by no means least....................look what arrived for me today!...............

My lovely husband Andy got these for me for helping him out with some typing for the business, and for minding the phones all day on Saturday! I have been looking at these and Copics for ages, just couldn't decide.......................but i've bitten the bullet and gone for ProMarkers.........i just hope i can do them justice!

I shall have to look for some tutorials on line with regards to the best way to use them, but i guess that they are like most things crafty...............just play about with them until you get the desired result......................watch this space!! :)
I hope you have enjoyed the pictures today, i'll be back with some cards soon and don't forget to check Carol's Sketch Fun tomorrow to see the winner of CSF #7 and of course the reveal of CSF #8............Happy Crafting! ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant

2009-06-15T05:00:00.000+01:00

It's the start of a new week and a brand new challenge for you at The Pink Elephant................

"WEDDINGS"

We would love to see your projects with a Wedding Theme.......it can be anything you wish...a card, scrapbook page, altered item.....we love to see all your beautiful things week after week......thanks so much for playing along with us :)

I love Weddings but unfortunately i don't get to go to that many! and i didn't think i had anything in my stash that i could make a card with, until i remembered the lovely doves on the 'Joys of the Season' cartridge for my Cricut machine!This second view is to show the layering..............i think it just gives the card a bit more interest :)

Image.... Turtle Doves from 'Joys of the Season' 3.5"
Colour.... Pebbles pearlescent chalks
Heart Corner Punch.... Make Me
Cuttlebug & embossing folders Heart Blocks/Swiss Dot
Crystals.... Heidi Swapp
Rub-down.... Letraset
Border Punch.... EK Success

ribbons from stash

Thanks for popping in today....... see you soon :-D
Hugs
Carol x

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

2009-06-13T23:14:00.004+01:00

It's Birthday time over at Penny Black Saturday Challenge and boy are they celebrating in style!!!!

'HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY LADIES'

I can hardly believe that a year has gone by since they started!!.........just shows how time flies when you're having fun! Penny Black keep producing such fabulous stamps to work with and having a dedicated blog to use them is just perfect.................and of course like many of my fellow bloggy friends, i love to join in the fun :) So....................from me and 'the girls'..................................

Aren't they just so cute all trooping along to the party!! I've nicknamed this stamp 'the girls' because it reminds me so much of our own hens that we rescued from the battery farm.......they do actually look like this now, much different to when they first came home!! Mind you......the cake and the flowers would never make it to the party.........they would just eat them before they arrived!!!!

Image.... PB 'Cluck,Cluck,Cluck' 2347K
Colour.... Adirondack Inks
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Sultry' & 'Sugared'
Sentiment.... Stamps Away HB Circle 1107
Nestabilities Mega Curved Rectangles
Pom Pom Trim.... Bazzill
brown grossgrain scrap from stash

I am so looking forward to the next year of PBSC and to all the fabulous inspiration from the Design Team...........I know how much hard work goes into all the samples and i love looking at them each week :)

I know this is a ridiculous hour to be posting this card but Danielle is here with Grandma all day tomorrow(Andy & Darren are working in St Albans! Justine will be at work too!!) and Chloe and Alan are up from Rayleigh, so i will be kept very busy doing other things......................Have a fab Sunday and i'll see you on Monday with The Pink Elephant!!

You still have a couple of days to enter my sketch challenge! I would love it if you could play along :) there is a fab little prize too!

Hugs
Carol x

Sketches! {by Tamara}

2009-06-11T07:39:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone! I unfortunately cant count!!!! i mentioned last week that there would only be one more design left on Sketches! before the summer break.................in fact there are two more still to go!

Here is my first design of the remaining two..............and don't forget Tamara will be looking for her new team at the beginning of August....

Flourish Stamp.... Technique Tuesday
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Eva'
Ribbon.... American Crafts
Sentiment.... Making Memories Tiny Alpha stickers
Gem flowers.... Impex

It would be really great if you could play along with the last couple of sketch challenges.............you'll miss them when they're gone!! :)

Thanks for popping in today......back later with some more Hedgehog photo's :-D

Hugs
Carol x

Blooming Gorgeous.......

2009-06-10T07:51:00.000+01:00

..........is the name of the current challenge over at Penny Black Saturday. I've really missed not joining in for the last couple of weeks so i couldn't let this one go....................without having a go!!
I absolutely adore Wisteria and was very lucky to find this stamp whilst on one of my many stash shopping trips.........................can't even remember where i bought it from, i just knew i had to have it!!

Image.... Wisteria Corner 626k
Sentiment.... HOTP
Colour.... Adirondack & Distress Inks
Cardstock.... Papermania & Bazzill
Leaf Punch.... Woodware
Gems,Flowers, Ribbon
and gold embellishments from stash.

There were only a handful of ladies at my workshop last night, so i was able to colour this image while they were busily working away on their projects! I have some more ideas in the pipeline for my new sketch blog but i just need a bit of time to play about with the ideas before uploading them! and of course you still have almost a week to go if you wish to try a card for my current sketch .
Off to work soon, but hey it's already Wednesday! ..................soon be the weekend again :)

Hugs
Carol x

The Pink Elephant Challenge #18

2009-06-08T05:00:00.000+01:00

Wow! what a fabulous week we have for you at The Pink Elephant, a gorgeous Colour Challenge.............

Pink, Chocolate and White

sponsored for you by none other than The Greeting Farm the home of the fabulous Ian & Anya range and so much more!...........be sure to pop over to their site and drool over the gorgeous things they have to offer........................i am so in love with the Vintage Birds set :)

The DT were given some digi images to work with and i decided to choose '50's Sweethearts' for my card today. After several attempts to get the colouring right, even though i did heat set the ink i still had a problem with their faces...............so they look like they've made a mistake with the fake tan!!....and we have a problem with streaks!!! I do love to colour my images with Distress Inks, but was getting frustrated with the outcome, so in this instance I reverted to my watercolour pencils.

Can you see her blushing?....................He's just asked her to marry him!

Image.... Digi stamp '50's Sweethearts'
Colour.... Watercolour pencils
Papers.... Basic Grey 'Bittersweet'
Border Punch.... EK Success
Cuttlebug & Nestabilities
Ribbon.... American Crafts
Gems.... Kanban

I have to schedule this post to co-incide with the girls in the U.S. and for the timing of the challenge going live......................................i can hardly wait till i wake up to see what the other girls on the team have done with the challenge each week :)
I hope you can find time to play along with us this week, i love coming to visit you all....................you could be in with a chance of winning the fab goodies from The Greeting Farm and having your winning entry in Ella's Hall of Fame!

Have a great day and thanks for popping in! I'll see you very soon ;-D

Hugs
Carol x

p.s. Why not check out my new sketch challenge blog....Carol's Sketch Fun!