Stash..Stash..And More Stash...

It's been a long time!!!....

2011-02-13T03:41:00.000-08:00

I've been AWOL for a while! Gosh I have nearly forgotten how to do this blogging!! Crafting has taken a bit of a back seat for me in the last year or so but I have decided to participate in the odd challenge so I guess I need to get back into the swing of posting again. I have recently bought some of the wonderful Waltzingmouse stamps and I have to say I think I am a bit addicted!!! I love them!! So I made this card for the Waltzingmouse sketch challenge this week;

This card has a bit of everything I like on it - flowers, seam binding (love it!) and some stitching.

Thanks for looking!

Sarah x

Stamps - Waltzingmouse (very vintage labels 4 and fancy phrases)

seam binding - The Ribbon Girl

flower -Wild Orchid crafts

Been A While....

2009-07-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone still looks at my blog these days - I have been a very naughty blogger lately. I have had a few computer problems and haven't been able to load photos until now.

I have been busy making cards for Poppicrafts, here are a selection of my latest;

If you need any ribbon or embellies get yourself over to Poppicrafts as there is a clearance sale on at the moment and you can grab some bargains.

Mr Postie has just brought me a couple of lovely stash parcels so I'm off to have a look at my purchases.

Love Sarah x

Daring Cardmakers and A little competition...

2009-06-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

HURRAH! I managed a challenge this week! Time is just not on my side at the moment but I managed to throw together a quick card this morning for the daring cardmakers challenge this week;

Hi it's Keryn here this week and in New Zealand we're in the middle of winter. Not snow like some of you get but we think it's cold all the same. I want to see card creations using only sizzling hot yellow based colours like red, orange and yellow to send some heat out to us through the web.

Well orange is not my favourite crafting colour, but I do love the MME papers and they do feature quite a lot of bright sunny colours, so put your sunglasses on for this this one -

pp -MME

chipboard - POPPICRAFTS

flower - PRIMA

I have also made a little something for Poppicrafts. Michelle is running her last competition over at Poppicrafts and it features one of my favourite craft must haves - CHIPBOARD! We all have tons of the stuff in our craft rooms so why not take part in the challenge and be in with a chance of winning £30 of Poppicraft vouchers? All you need to do is come up with something original using chipboard.

Michelle sent me these chipboard flowers to make a sample for the comp and they are a perfect size to make a sweet little notebook with! And the best bit is these two beauties will only set you back 40p! Can you believe how cheap they are? I covered them with some MME papers and used a sizzix round die to cut out the pages and then bound them with the Bind it all (you could easily use some book rings instead) finishing off with some grosgrain ribbon (also from Poppicrafts).

I made this with Poppi in mind and of course I couldn't leave out her brother Riley so I also made him a little notebook using a pirate theme.

Why not give the competition a try - you can buy no end of gorgeous stuff with a £30 voucher!

Sarah x

Meet Pocket and Floss...

2009-05-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at proper sewing - I use my sewing machine everyday on paper projects but this is the first time I have actually made anything completely with fabrics. I was lucky enough to win a kit to make these two a long while ago, I put the kit away in my craft cupboard and only very recently discovered them again, and i had great fun making these. I think I might be hooked on sewing now. They are a bit big to photograph together.

I haven't completely given up on my cardmaking though, I have been busy gardening for the last few weeks, but I finally got a chance to do a couple of challenges this week, this first card is for the Pink Elephant challenge this week which is a fab sketch. I used my new MME pretty please papers (yum!), they are lovely and needed plenty of stroking before I finally cut into them. The photos are a bit dark as I took these really early this morning.

And the second card is another sketch from Card Patterns, well worth a visit as there are some fabulous sketches on the site - oh and on their design team is a male scrapbooker/cardmaker!

that's my lot for today, I hope to do a few more challenges over the weekend.

Sarah x

Papertake Weekly..

2009-05-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

A day off for me today which gave me a chance to do another challenge! I loved the sketch over on Papertake Weekly and used it to make a card for a colleagues Birthday. I used more of the fabulous My Mind's Eye - Bella Bella papers, they are so gorgeous and I think this is one of my favourite colour combinations too.

pp - bella bella collection - MME

stamp -Penny Black

brads -making memories

unfortunately it's back to work for me tomorrow so the challenges will have to wait until the weekend now.

Lots of Love

Sarah x

CPS 114......

2009-05-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

This week's sketch on CPS is fabulous! I need lots of cards for the next month for family and friends so this was a perfect opportunity to make a start. I think I may use this sketch for a few more cards too.

I have been using this Hero Arts butterfly stamp quite a bit, I love all the little hearts on the wings. Don't look at my stitching too closely, I am fine doing the straight lines but not so good going around the oval! I used a really old sizzix die for the oval, I haven't used this for years, but I think it works quite well for the sketch. I finished off with some of my favourite prima hydrangeas and some buttons.

Well we are getting on with doing some gardening this weekend, yesterday I stained the table and chairs so it looks as good as new again and today I think I will get the mower out and cut the lawn. Gotta make the best of this sunshine while it lasts.

Enjoy the rest of this bank holiday weekend!

Lots of love

Sarah x

Remember me?...

2009-05-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

Ok I have been a norty, norty blogger!! I've had no time for any cardmaking as my Hubby has been to hospital for an operation so I have been spending lots of time pampering him. Thankfully he is on the mend now so I can sneak a few quiet moments in my craft room.

So today's card was made using the lovely Kathy's sketch on her sketch blog. If you haven't tried one of her sketches yet you really should take a few moments to visit, as they are really versatile.

I used some Bloom and grow Papers by My Mind's Eye, this is still one of my favourite collections at the moment, I even like the orange papers! I also used my new border punch by fiskars - Apron Lace. I had a bit of trouble locating this little beauty but it was worth the searching. I finished off with some flowers cut out of the papers and a couple of my favourite little flower buttons from Poppicrafts.

Hopefully this weekend I will get to to make a couple of challenge cards!

Love

Sarah x

Daring Cardmakers Hide and Seek...

2009-04-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

OK so don't faint - 2 posts in 2 days is unheard of on my blog lately! I am continuing on my mission to make a few cards just for the fun of it, and what better way than with Daring Cardmakers. It is such a long time since I joined in with one of these challenges but this weeks was right up my street, to incorporate a hidden message onto your card.

This one is for my Mum (you'd never have guessed would you?) as it's her 70th Birthday soon. Using more of my new stash of papers (which are fabulous), and a few primas.

pp - MME Bela Bella -Bellezo collection

hydrangeas - Prima

buttons -BG

Flower button brad- Poppicrafts

Chipboard - Scenic Route

Thanks for the challenge Ladies, I had fun with this one!

Lots of Love

Sarah x

2 Sketches....

2009-04-14T02:07:00.000-07:00

I've been busy catching up with family and friends over Easter but now I am home and at last have had a bit of spare time to make a card for my favourite sketch blog 2 Sketches 4 You. It's such a long time since I managed to join in but I am on a mission to make some cards just for fun and this is my first one;

Totally inspired by the fantastic Berdien who is the Queen of butterfly inspired cards, if you have not visited her blog (where have you been?) then take a look at her wonderful creations here. Everything she creates is just beautiful.

Aren't these papers just gorgeous? I have treated myself to quite a few new packs of papers lately and this one is probably my favourite, the colours are just my cup of tea.

pp - MME - Bella Bella - French Flea Market collection

stamp - Hero Arts

buttons - Basic Grey

Lastly, but by no means least, I would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone for their lovely comments on Tag You're It ! this week, they mean so much to the team. I know we will all miss our lovely followers, but I hope we can still keep in touch through blogland.

Lots of Love

Sarah x

Skinny Ribbon challenge...

2009-04-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

Michelle at Poppicrafts is having a competition - I struggled with this one I have to say - make a card using skinny ribbon (maximum width 7mm) as the main focal point of your card. Well I love ribbon and for me the thicker the better - 25mm is my favourite so when Michelle sent me this 5mm ribbon to make a sample for the competition I did panic a bit!! Eventually I decided to thread it through a series of holes to make a flower. The other DT members have been really inventive you can see what they came up with here. So do you want to win a £20 voucher to spend at Poppicrafts? Just post a card for this challenge on your blog and leave Michelle a link. Think how much ribbon you could buy with that!

I have been busy making some DT cards for Poppicrafts, I wasn't sure about this one perhaps it's a bit too green but I did love this chipboard butterfly, I embellished it with some of the tiny buttons and of course some of the fabulous blooms.

More basic grey papers on this card, with some 10mm ribbon and more blooms and delicious buttons.

My favourite card was this Easter one, inspired by a card that Michelle sent me recently, I love these little heart buttons, they come in such a wonderful variety of bright and cheerful colours, and of course my favourite 25mm satin ribbon (moss green - yum!)and some skinny ribbon too.

pp - variety of Basic Grey

Buttons, ribbons, blooms and brads all from Poppicrafts

We don't have much planned for the Easter break here, a bit of gardening and of course some crafting, and maybe even a little bit of chocolate! Whatever you are up to have a very happy Easter!

Sarah x

At last some cards!!!...

2009-04-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

Well a couple of cards anyway!! I have been busy making some stuff with the gorgeous parcel of stash sent to me by Michelle at Poppicrafts. What a treat I have when these parcels arrive, stuffed full of ribbons, flowers, chipboard, brads and every embellishment you could think of.

This first card uses just about all of my favourite things;

I managed to get this lace Martha Stewart punch, I love it and want to use it on everything at the moment. I used my most favourite satin ribbon - this comes in just about every colour you can think of, some flowers (obviously!) and more cute pins.

Next one is my first attempt using Nesties;

I need more practise using these - and as I haven't got the embossing mats yet I had to improvise using a sheet of funky foam! More gorgeous flowers and these sweet little leaves and of course no card could be complete without some ribbon.

And lastly for today I made this Pamper kit for Michelle, filled with lots of pampering kinda things, and obviously using more luscious ribbon and flowers.

It does feel good to be blogging some cards again! I'll be back in a few days with more DT stuff I made for Michelle.

Sarah x

It's Party Time!

2009-04-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

Today is a really special day for all of us at Tag You're It! as it's our first Birthday! And in celebration we are having a bit of a party - and you know what happens at parties - PRESENTS!

This week the team are giving away several presents and all you have to do to be in with a chance of getting a lovely pressie popping through your letter box is to make a Birthday themed tag. How easy is that? The theme this week is Party time - make a tag to celebrate! Here is mine;

And here's the pressie I am giving away;

Pop over to the Tag You're It! blog to see what fabulous creations my teamies have come up with .

I am waiting for Mr Postie to arrive as I am expecting a lovely parcel from the Glitter Pot, lots of lovely goodies just fell into my shopping cart - how did that happen? I have treated myself to lots of lovely new papers and a few stamps too. Well I had to have a little present on our Birthday now didn't I?

I can't wait to see what you all come up with.

Lots of love

Sarah x

Cute as a Button...

2009-03-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

Gosh my blog is fast becoming a tag only blog!!! I really must try and find time to take photos of cards before I send them off! Well surprise, surprise(sung in my best Cilla accent!) I have another tag to share with you today!

This weeks challenge on Tag You're It! is set by my fabby team mate Dawn. Now Dawn really does like to challenge me - this week she chose 'Cute and Cuddly', in fact it was such a challenge that Dawn had to provide me with some images to use! I settled for the Forever Friends image eventually, and I had to use my daughter's water colour pencils to colour it with - another challenge in itself. The photo doesn't really show up the colouring very well - probably just as well as it is quite messy!

I did get to use my new Basic Grey buttons though - aren't they pretty? I love coming into my craftroom I have a shelf full of jars of ribbon scraps, flowers and buttons all colour coordinated and it always reminds me of a sweet shop full of jars of brightly coloured sweets, sherbet pips, bon-bons, cola cubes, mint imperials, midget gems......... the buttons do look good enough to eat don't they?

This week we have a fabulous prize to give away - these lovely sugar nellie stamps from Funky Kits, so if you haven't joined us and made a tag yet - why not have a go this week?

Fingers crossed we have some sunshine this weekend, I have heaps of gardening to do!

Sarah x

A little Recipe...

2009-03-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

Well time has just been passing me by for the last few weeks, I don't seem to have time for anything much except working! Sadly crafting has been put on the backburner, but as from next week I will have more free time and I am going to craft to my hearts content! I have missed joining in with challenges, so I fully intend to make a start on a few of those next week.

Friday is Tag You're It! challenge day and this week it was my turn to set the challenge, I have chosen a little recipe;

1 piece of ribbon

2 buttons

3 brads or eyelets

Any theme is allowed, and other stash items but the tag must include these items.

I realised after I took the photos that it looks as if I have only used one button - in fact there are two, I have layered them on top of the flower. I used my new stamp set from Papertrey Ink (around and about) which I love.

Papers and buttons - BG Sultry

Stamps - Papertrey Ink

Flowers and ribbon - Poppicrafts

Brads - from stash

The sun is shining and it looks as if it will last the weekend so I will be tacking the garden this weekend, along with a bit of cardmaking too.

Sarah x

Time for Tea...

2009-03-12T05:22:00.001-07:00

I really loved making my tag this week for our challenge on Tag You're It! Firstly I love cupcakes! And this week The Cutting Cafe have sponsored us and we got to use one of the fabulous downloads - yep - Cupcakes! Well this download business is completely new to me but it was very simple.

Our lovely Kath set the challenge this week - Time for Tea.

If you join in with the tag challenge this week you will have a chance of winning 3 of the brilliant download sets of your choice from the Cutting Cafe - What a prize!

Also I have at last finished my stash ban - oooh it was getting so difficult and I so wanted these BG Bittersweet Papers. I just love them and want to use them on everything at the moment. Ooh and I got a huge parcel of loveliness from Poppicrafts - the new blooms are just gorgeous - trust me you need some! I am very lucky to have all of them, and I just want to put them on everything at the moment, don't they look cute on the cupcake?

I must say it is so nice to have the odd parcel dropping through the letter box every now and again.

Well I look forward to seeing all your wonderful tags this week,

Sarah x

Wings.....

2009-03-06T00:48:00.000-08:00

That's the challenge this week for Tag You're It! set by the lovely Carol. Hmmm not something I usually use on my cards so this was a challenge for me. I found a little chipboard butterfly in my stash so I covered it with a scrap of paper and used a few pearls for the body. I kept my tag simple this week;

stamp - Stampin' Up

bloom, button and ribbon from Poppicrafts

Butterfly from stash

why not join in with the challenge this week?

Sarah x

A couple of cards at last!.....

2009-03-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have actually managed to sit down and make a couple of cards today! Things have not been going to plan here, I had an incident with a needle and my big toe which meant a trip to A&E recently, let's just say my toe was kebabed! So a tetanus jab was needed and it made me feel quite poorly for a couple of days. Oh well I am back on track now and I had some free time today to make a few things.

I have lots of challenges to catch up on so I started to day with a couple from JB forum, The first was to use Kraft card;

and this card was for a challenge to keep to the same colours;

Right I have lots to catch up on so I'm off to get started on my Mother's day cards.

Sarah x

Diamond are a girls best friend....

2009-02-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic challenge Anne has set on Tag You're It this week "diamonds are a girl's best friend" interpret how you like but please include the bling!

I have used this lovely stamp which I bought from a forum friend and then forgot I had - but I think it works really well for this challenge. The diamonte buckle came with some making memories ribbon, and then I just added some bling to the image. Black ribbon from Poppicrafts.

we have another fabulous prize giveaway this week from Scrapz, so definitely worth getting your bling out for this challenge ladies.

No cards to show today, I haven't had much spare time this week to make anything.

enjoy your weekend,

Sarah x

Better late than never!

2009-02-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

What a rubbish team mate I am - I was late making my tag for the challenge this week on Tag You're it!, mainly due to the toothache which I still have, been to the dentist and he says I have no decay so it might be an infection. Well anyway it still hurts like hell. So here is my tag for this weeks challenge set by the lovely Dawn which is swirls and circles;

A bit pink me thinks - but never mind. ( poor quality photo due to a dark day here)

I haven't done a lot of crafting this week as I don't think I mentioned that I have TOOTHACHE, so I will share a few photos of recent stuff made for Michelle at Poppicrafts;

A little Mother's day card made using gorgeous Fancy Pants felt, FP pin, blooms to go and these lovely little spacers which I have never used before but I really like them.(all from Poppicrafts)

More felt on this card and my most favourite epoxy brads by Imaginisce and Fancy Pants Key Lime papers.

This cute card was made using the bargainous button selections that Michelle stocks , lovely bright selection of colours(and can you believe only 59p for 25 buttons!) and teamed with grosgrain ribbon;

And lastly these cute little Easter buckets (I love altering these ) one each for Michelle's little ones. I have used doodlebug papers and stickers finished off with assorted 5mm grosgrain ribbons and more gorgeous imaginisce epoxy brads;

That's all folks!

Sarah x

I Need Sympathy..

2009-02-18T00:18:00.000-08:00

I have toothache! Nooooooooo!! I think I may have to visit the dreaded dentist as it's not settling down, and I am not due for my check up for another month. No amount of paracetamol is helping, and I think it's getting more painful as the days go by.

Enough moaning! I have a few cards to share that I made for Poppicrafts recently, Michelle has some gorgeous ribbon packs on offer at the moment, and I particularly love the spotty ribbon!

I have also used the lovely crochet flowers,blooms to go and large fabric brads for this card.

I've been using my swiss dots embossing folder quite a bit lately, it does use up lots of scraps and I like the simplicity of the white card too. Here's another card using the swiss dots;

I have had this stamp set a long while now and never inked it up before, but I thought the sentiment was perfect for these pretty blooms, I have used an assortment of small blooms with some seriously lovely buttons (I have a fetish for buttons!) all from Poppicrafts too.

This last card is my favourite, I love using fabric on my cards and gingham is one of my favourites.

I stuffed the heart a little bit to make it more tactile . Heart buttons and 5mm grosgrain ribbon were also from Poppicrafts.

I have a few more bits to share but I will show them tomorrow. Well toothache permitting that is!

Sarah x

Valentine's tags....

2009-02-11T03:02:00.001-08:00

This week the Tag You're It! challenge is Love and Romance - well with it being Valentine's day tomorrow what other theme could there be? However you don't have to make a Valentines tag - any interpretation of love and romance is allowed.

This week we have a fantastic giveaway donated by Sugar Nellies stamps - we have 3 of their fabulous stamps for one tagger who will be chosen at random next Friday.

So in celebration of this the design team have used Sugar Nellie stamps for their tag this week, I have in fact made two tags using the wonderful Leanne Ellis stamps;

I think I overdone the pearls on this one a bit!

And this has to be my favourite stamp;

I have to admit to not really being a stamper - I use stamps for sentiments but rarely use images, but there was something very therapeutic about colouring these images, I am a complete beginner with the colouring in thing - I didn't know what materials I should use so I had to experiment quite a bit first. I tried Marvy le plume pens - which I have to say were a bit rubbish actually I thought they were just like kids felt tips! So I abandoned those and used Letraset Promarkers (luckily I won some of these a few years ago and have hardly ever used them but they worked really well) and I just used the tiniest amount of watercolour for the faces.

Why not join in with the challenge this week - it's a fab prize and someone's gotta win it!

I look forward to seeing all your tags!

Sarah x

Let's mix it up - Basic Grey Challenge...

2009-02-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to join in with this challenge blog for such a long time, but never seem to have enough crafting hours to participate. This week though I decided that I would make time and as I needed one of the dreaded 'man cards' I thought I would used this challenge for it.

As the title suggests you have to use more than one range from Basic Grey on your card. No problem - granola and archaic papers and the green brads on the corners are from the Wassail range. Ooh and I have just realised that the word 'Happy' was made using Phoebe stickers.

I found these really old letter tiles in my stash rubbish box - I throw bits and pieces in the box and then have a good sort out every now and again - I quite like them on this card.

And here is a card made using up more of my very old papers, this one is for a challenge on JB forum to use green and pink. As you can see I am still ploughing through my button collection trying to use some of them up.

Sarah x

A sketch...

2009-02-06T01:13:00.001-08:00

That's the challenge this week set by our lovely Kath for Tag You're it! As I am still on a mission to use up all my scraps I made this quick little tag with some Fancy Pants splendid papers - this is my favourite set of papers at the moment, lovely bright colours and gorgeous hearts.

Here is the sketch;

And here is my tag;

FP papers, tiny buttons, ric rac and ribbons all from Poppicrafts.

As you can see I am not the worlds best doodler! I think it's time to rethread my sewing machine!

Have a great weekend,

Sarah x

How many buttons????

2009-02-05T13:33:00.001-08:00

So what do you do when it's cold and snowy outside? You stay in and craft, craft craft! The stash ban is still on here - I think it's week 6 now - and I am starting to struggle a bit now. So I have decided to go right to the bottom of my stash pile and see what I can use up. I found some really old Crate papers - Avenue? collection I think, and made 2 cards with what I had left. I still really like this collection although I am sure they don't make it now.

I also used up quite a few buttons for these cards too.

And lastly a little note card using up a few scraps for a challenge on JB forum.

More snow forecast for tonight, so wrap up warm tonight!

Sarah x

2 Sketches 4 You...

2009-02-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

The sketch this week is wonderful over at 2 Sketches 4 You. I had a little bit of time to join in this week as we have had so much snow here that I had some time off work, which meant staying in and wrapping up warm and crafting to my hearts content!

I have again used BG Urban Prairie paper - I don't have much of this pad left now, I have loved every sheet so far.

More of my favourite ribbon, FP felt and a cute little flower button (all from Poppicrafts) to finish it off.

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more cards to show you.

Stay warm!

Love Sarah x x

Rubber Fetish....

2009-01-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Not THAT kind of a rubber fetish but I do have a fetish for Purple Onion stamps! And we have been very lucky this week at Tag You're It! as Michelle from Purple Onion has not only joined the team and made a tag but she has donated a fabulous prize too! So to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous rubber get yourself over to the blog ASAP!

So have you guessed what the challenge is yet? Make a tag using the colour Purple! Obviously! Here is my little tag;

I have used my Purple Onion Vintage Journalling set for this tag and just kept the tag quite simple. My very favourite stamps are the noteblock range and one of these babies is included in the prize this week.

pp - from my scraps box

stamp - purple onion

flowers - prima

buttons - stash

Sarah x

I love my Cropadile.....

2009-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well I wouldn't have attempted this card without my trusty cropadile - I don't use eyelets very often but for this card I went all out and used just about every kind that I have! Bea at Ribbon Oasis sent me a lovely parcel of ribbons to make a few design team projects with, and this gorgeous valentine ribbon was included - I love it so much I used it on both cards.

The heart shaped ribbon was also included in my pack - this is fabulous and self adhesive too.

And lastly for today a little Easter project - I kept these jars (they had sweets in at Christmas) and gave them a little decoration for Easter - yum!

All ribbons from Ribbon Oasis

pp- basic grey

stamps - Papertrey ink

Thanks for looking!

Sarah x

Numbers....

2009-01-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

That's the theme for this weeks Tag You're It challenge. As I am still fighting through the enormous amount of unused stash that I have I thought I would try and use up some of my rub ons this week. I have a huge selection but I have noticed that in time they seem to deteriorate a bit and become more fragile so I am going to try and use more instead of sentiment stamps.

I have used some 7gypsies rub ons for this tag and the number 4 for the challenge. Papers are BG Granola - I love the colours in this pack, a few ribbon scraps and a pearl embellishment.

Sarah x

Something old, something new....

2009-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

I loved altering this little box, I bought it a long while ago and it has been sitting in my craft cupboard ever since. I made this for a swap with some of my dear crafty friends, we all made something with our newest stash. Well the box was old but these lush Fancy Pants papers are not - they are the newest papers I have and the leaves were a Christmas pressie so they are new as well. It took an age to cover the box and the dust from sanding the edges - I was covered by the time it was finished.

Originally I planned to make a little maze book to go inside, but in the end I settled for a note block - I got to use up more stash by cutting up some paper from my stash boxes I finished it off with some ribbon and a bloom and more of these fabulous leaves.

Week 4 of the dreaded stash ban is now here - and BG bittersweet papers are calling to me - but I have resisted. I plan to keep going for at least another 4 weeks - I have so much to use up. I am still trying to use up my scraps as I go - but there are so many of them I am struggling a bit.

Back tomorrow with my tag,

Sarah x

Where does the weekend go???..

2009-01-17T23:37:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday already - how did that happen? I don't seem to have achieved much at all so far - and today we are off to Bluewater Shopping centre to my favourite shop - John Lewis. I just love looking at everything in there - the kitchen equipment, make up, clothes and the fabrics - oooh I love the fabrics! Today I am shopping for a new blind so I get to look at the fabrics again and again before choosing - Bliss!

I can share the rest of my Poppicrafts DT stuff now as it's all in the gallery, more Fancy Pants delights;

This one uses my favourite ribbon teamed with a cute FP button and FP lace;

No sewing on this one! these chipboard swirls are fab!

More of the cute little pins and FP felt;

And this one is a simple card just using Fancy pants botanical papers and a chipboard frame. Ooh and orange (so unusual for me to use orange but it seemed the right colour for this card.)

Right off to hit Bluewater with my credit card!!

Sarah x

Cupcake Friday....

2009-01-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

That's my kind of a Friday! The theme this week on Tag You're It! is Sugar Candy Kisses! Interpret however you like - ice creams, cupcakes, sweets, gorgeous pastel colours etc. Well it had to be a cupcake tag for me because I love them! They seem to be everywhere in the crafting world at the moment on papers, stamps, ribbons - I want them all! A good excuse to do a tag with pink overload on it as well.

I cut the cupcake out of felt and used some lovely imaginisce paper, finished with some lovely ribbon and buttons.

Well I am off to work soon,TGI Friday!

Sarah x

Put on your Fancy Pants and get crafting...

2009-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

That's what I have been doing for the last couple of weeks - and now that Michelle has put my work in the Poppicrafts gallery I can share some with you.

I just love the FP mini kits, lovely thick felt, pins and gorgeous buttons all in one co-ordinated kit - these have been selling fast so if you want some (and you get extra discount until tomorrow when the sale finishes) you will need to order quickly.

I have also been using some of the Fancy Pants papers - all double sided and so beautifully co-ordinated, this little card was made with the 'crush' collection with more felt of course and a sweet little pin - perfect for valentines cards.

I love the extra dimension that the felt gives and along with all the lovely ribbons which are so tactile.

I have more to share with you but will wait til the weekend - but remember the sale ends tomorrow.

Sarah x

Copycat!

2009-01-14T01:38:00.000-08:00

Yep that's me today - It's ok though as it's a challenge on JB forum at the moment - Nicky has invited us to card lift one of her fabby cards, such an easy way to craft, let someone else come up with the design first!!

Well I made a card which I usually struggle with - a kiddie's card - and not just a kiddies card but a boy card!! I am not inspired by these cards and always struggle but I have to say that the BG Archaic papers made it a lot easier. I've had these for a while now but I have to admit it's the first time I have cut into any of them. In fact I was a real goodie two shoes and even used up the scraps to make a matching tag.

I am beginning week 3 of the stash ban - it's becoming a struggle I can tell you - but was made a bit easier when my DT pack came from Michelle at Poppicrafts and it was full of the most divine embellies I have seen for a long while, and oodles of lovely ribbon too. I can't wait to start on those babies I can tell you.

It's still very cold down here on the coast although we do have a rare glimpse of the sun today.

Off now to try and start on a new project.

Sarah x

Friday is tag day!...

2009-01-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Yep - its Friday again already - where do the days go? So what is the challenge this week? Our lovely Kath chose the theme - Let's go Stripey- create a tag using something with stripes on it. Easy peasy!

I have used more of the BG Urban Prairie paper, lovin' this stuff, I have already used over half the pad and I am not saving any scraps of it - using them all up as I go. I hope this paper can be classed as stripey - it kind of has stripes on it don't you think? Also some more of the Fancy Pants felt and buttons, and I bet you didn't notice that I haven't used my sewing machine on this one at all. I thought I would doodle a bit instead, I did sew the buttons on though.

pp- BG Urban Prairie
FP felt and buttons, ribbon- Poppicrafts
Whale of a punch - retro flower

Pop over to the Tag You're It blog and have a look at the other DT samples.

Busy, busy at the moment making up some DT samples, and finding it hard to get back into the swing of crafting after the Christmas break.

Have a good weekend and..
Keep warm!

Sarah x

2 Sketches for you...

2009-01-07T00:14:00.001-08:00

I promised myself I would join in with more challenges after Christmas and I am trying to make extra time for this. I have managed to do a quick card for 2 Sketches for you this week - although after seeing Kath's fabulous card using scraps I was a bit ashamed of my effort!

pp - BG Urban Prairie
brads - papermania

ribbon and rub ons - doodlebug

And over on JB forum Bex challenged us to use up our old papers and scraps, so this thank you card uses up a piece of BG gypsy paper which I have had for years. The green blooms needed using up too so I plonked them on too.

Well I am approaching week 2 of the stash ban and so far so good, although it was really difficult not to order anything from Poppicrafts sale - some real bargains to be had :o(

Back tomorrow with my tag.
Sarah x

My Top Ten ...

2009-01-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

My fabulous blogging buddie and DT team mate Kath did a fabulous post of her Top Ten favourite cards of 2008, and invited others to do the same. I thought this was a fabulous idea as we soon forget what we have created throughout the year. So here are mine;

December - one of my favourite Christmas cards - mainly because it was the last one I made for the year! But don't you just love that felt?

October - I was asked to join the Tag You're It design team - I have so enjoyed working on my tags, I get to use up scraps and have a fabulous group of team mates!

Another one for October - Michelle offered me a place on the Poppicrafts Design team and this was one of my first projects for her. What a generous person she is and I feel very lucky to have found a friend in her.

September - I couldn't look back on my crafting without including some of my DT work, I made this for Ribbon Oasis - very time consuming but I loved making this!

August - this card was made with my daughter Leah's help - made for a friend's son. This card was really good fun to make and I was really pleased with the finished result too!

July - my favourite colour combination - green and red , not just for Christmas but for anniversaries too! This card was chosen as one of the Fab 5 for 2 sketches 4 You.

June - This card won card of the week on the very first 2 Sketches 4 You challenge - how chuffed was I?

April - I made this card using a tag I had previously made for a Tag You're It challenge - anything with Melissa Frances stickers on it has to be included in my favourites! I like the shabby look of this card.

March- A card for a forum friend - I love the spring colours on this card and the hand stitching;

February - not a card - a notebook for my daughter's birthday, I love the zingy colours and all that delicious ribbon!

There were quite a few more that I could have included! What were your top ten?

Love Sarah x

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T02:46:00.000-08:00

So another Year begins - anyone broken their resolution yet?

What better way to start the New Year than with a Tag You're It challenge? New year - New stash! This week we want you to create a tag using some stash that you got for Christmas or if Santa didn't bring you anything (naughty Santa!) , then you could use some of your most recent purchases.

I was very lucky to be given these gorgeous Prima leaves and I have included my most recent purchase of BG urban prairie papers so I have used both for my tag. I used up lots of little gems for the swirls.

Unfortunately it is so dark here at the moment my photos are not clear as I have to use the flash everytime.
Well it's back to normal here, the tree and decorations are down and I have to go back to work this afternoon (Boo!) and although I do love Christmas crafting I am so glad to be making things in lovely bright colours again.

I am on day 2 of the stash ban and I am doing quite well, no withdrawal symptoms yet, but given time I know I will get mood swings etc LOL! if only all the craft websites would stop their sales and discounts I would be fine!

pp - Basic Grey Urban Prairie ( if you haven't got these - trust me you need 'em!)
leaves - prima
flowers, gems and ribbon from stash
button from Poppicrafts.

Please join in with the tag challenge this week we love looking at all your beautiful creations, and I am very nosey and want to see what you all got for Christmas!

Sarah x

Another New Year approaching.....

2008-12-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go it seems like yesterday I was walking around with my Eighties perm and listening to Wham on my record player!!! Those were the days when I could daydream about romancing with George Michael and not know he would probably rather romance my husband...

Christmas was a relaxed and rather quiet affair in our house this year, just the four of us and ooodles of fattening choccies and biscuits. My pressies were all lovely and I did find a Scorpal and some lovely stamps in my stocking as well as lots of fab non- crafty gifts as well.

To be honest I haven't done much crafting over the holidays, but I made a few quick cards to keep in my cardbox for January, and I have some DT projects I am working on at the moment, so you will have to pop back some other time to see those.

Sorry the photos are dark but it seems to be night time almost 24 hours a day at the moment - not good for taking photos! These are a few of the quick cards I made using BG Urban Prairie 6x6 papers. This is my favourite BG range at the moment - lovely bright colours - I have even used yellow (I hardly ever use the colour yellow), and I have used up lots of ribbon scraps and some old blooms as well.

January is the time of the year when I have to be strict and put myself on a stash ban - this year it will last at least 2 and maybe even 3 months as I am surrounded by a huge mountain of stuff which is going to waste in my craft room. Also I am going to continue with my mission to use up my scraps of card and paper, I have found the threading water punch very useful for this as I can make thin strips of paper look a bit more appealing on a card.

Well I have to go get ready for a party - well it is New Years Eve ;o)

Sarah x

Secret santa

2008-12-19T02:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a little tag I made for this weeks challenge on Tag You're It - The theme this week is Secret Santa. Interpret the theme anyway you like - join in if you can as Kath has donated a fab prize this week from her huge stash win for being this years Card Designer of the Year for Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine. Gosh don't I mix in famous circles!

I think this will be my last Christmas make this year as I am at last finished and I have to say I am happy about that(even though Christmas cards are my favourite to make) - time for a change now. I have lots of Birthday cards to make for the new year so that will be my next crafty job.

I really have missed joining in with some of my favourite challenge sites in the last few months, so that's my resolution for 2009 - to make sure I have time for a few more challenges! especially sketches coz I do love 'em!!!

Oh and I just wanted to say a big thank you to Becky who asked if she could feature a few of my cards on Inspirational (click on the blinkie to go to their fab blog!)

Well nearly everything is ready for Christmas here - I just have to do the last of the food shopping - a job I dread especially as I missed a delivery slot for this year and will now have to actually set foot in a supermarket! Noooooooo!!!! Think of me trying to fight my way to the brussel sprouts and parsnips with 50,000 other people! Why do people buy so much food anyway - the supermarkets are only shut for 48 hours?!!!

What are you getting for Christmas then girls? I know I have a scor-pal as I may have accidentally seen the order confirmation on my Husband's emails - not that I was being sneaky or anything ;oS

Have a great weekend

Sarah x

My last Christmas card!!!!!...

2008-12-18T00:58:00.000-08:00

I am finished. At last. 4 months of making Christmas cards has taken its toll on me - I am even happy to put away my BG wassail papers - well what's left of them! I have a ridiculous amount of Christmas stash and next year I am going to ban myself from buying anything with even a slightly Festive theme ( well obviously if BG release a new range I may have to adapt that plan slightly) I have bought Christmas stamps this year that I didn't even open let alone ink up! I am a Christmas stash addict - there I have said it ! I will be enrolling in the SSA - Santa Stashaholics Anonymous support group directly after the January craft sales have finished.

So here is my last Christmas card for the year;

For my youngest Daughter who is a big Love Elsie fan, and I have added a few of my favourites as well - Melissa frances chipboard snowflake, Fancy pants felt -OMG this stuff is fabulous (and not included in the Christmas stash ban for next year obviously) a button and a little bit of ribbon(no card is complete without ribbon in my humble opinion, so obviously that won't be banned for next years festivities either)and some Love Elsie pp.

Now I have the huge task of putting away all this stash and clearing my craft desk. Wish me luck!

Sarah x

2 Sketches 4 You.....

2008-12-17T02:18:00.001-08:00

Don't faint - I actually managed to complete a challenge!! It's an age since I last managed to make a card using my favourite sketch blog - 2 Sketches 4 You. I only had 2 Christmas cards left to make, one for each of my daughters so I used this weeks sketch for one of them. Pink - not very festive but very girlie so my Daughter will love it!

Lots of my favourite stash items on this card - pp from Love Elsie, Ribbon, button and Fancy Pants felt(I am in love with this product!!) from Poppicrafts, chipboard snowflake from Melissa Frances and a bell which was salvaged from an old Christmas decoration.

Right off now to find another challenge for DD2's card.

Love Sarah x

Purple onion festive wrappings..

2008-12-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of money wallets that I made for my nephews using some Purple onion Christmas stamps;

I have sealed them with velco fastenings. I have about 4 more of these to make. I need to finish them tonight so I'm off now to do just that!

Sarah x

Love is in the Air....

2008-12-13T00:35:00.000-08:00

Ok Christmas is soooooo last week in the crafting world girls( we have all been making festive things for far too long), onto the next celebration - Valentine's Day and all things to do with hearts and luuuurve!

So - romance doesn't come naturally to me - I think it' s all a bit embarrassing and silly really - but when Michelle sent me the new SPLENDID range from Fancy Pants I came over all mushy and just had to make a few bits for Valentines and all things of a romantic nature.

This is one of my all time favourite projects - the love nest. I bought this an age ago from Woolworths ( soon to be no more :o( ) and decided that now was the time to have a go at altering it. I covered it with the papers and cut out a few hearts to embellish it - isn't it cute??

I also made a few cards with the range using the 12x12 sheet of tags ( you can make loads of cards with this one sheet!).

These papers are seriously lush - and for a couple more days Poppicrafts have a sale on all Fancy Pants stock - grab them while you can.

Sarah x

A colour Challenge...

2008-12-10T00:22:00.001-08:00

Brown and Aqua is the colour challenge this week for Tag You're it! It was my turn to choose and I thought I had better not make another Festive tag.

I chose to use BG Offbeat papers for this tag this is my favourite sheet in the whole range actually and I have now used every last piece of it! I think I may have cheated a bit with the colour Aqua as this is a little bit darker I suppose. Also some ribbon scraps and a few buttons along with a Penny Black sentiment ( I just love these stamps).

Well I am not showing any Christmas makes today but I would love to know if you have all finished your cards? I have a few more to do but they will have to wait until next week, we have the tree up now and most of the presents are bought and wrapped.

Have a great weekend!

Sarah x

A card for my Mum..

2008-12-07T01:30:00.000-08:00

Last night while watching TV I cut out all the pieces for my Mum's card and this morning I put them all together - I am really pleased with this card and I think Mum will be too.

I have used BG Wassail (loving these papers) and some more of these hinges from Poppicrafts this time in black. I just had enough left over to make a money/gift card holder for one of her pressies too.

It's a very cold day - wrap up warm!

Sarah x

Whoops - It's December already!....

2008-12-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

And I am now getting seriously behind on my target of finishing my Christmas cards by December - Well actually I have failed completely 'coz it's already the 6th and I am nowhere near finished. It's the weekend and I should be finishing them off - but no - I am going shopping instead :0) Seriously though a girl needs a bit of retail therapy to lift her spirits every now and then.

ok what can I show you today?? I have been making some projects with some lovely new stash but I won't be able to share those with you until after all the festivities are over so for now here are a few recent makes;

A couple of Birthday cards using my favourite brads and some scrummy ribbon;

and a thank you card

Ribbon, brads and blooms from Poppicrafts

Oooh I managed a whole post without posting a Christmas project!!!
Enjoy your weekend.

Sarah x

Friday's Lesson of the day - Geometry......

2008-12-05T01:45:00.001-08:00

Today's lesson - the triangle.....

A three sided shape ........(I'm a mathematical genius!!!!)

and also the theme for this weeks challenge on Tag You're It! Now triangles would not be a first choice for tags usually but Carole thought she would stretch your imagination a bit this week! Well OMG I've only gone and done another Christmas tag..... Stop yawning ladies the festive season will soon be over and then I will have to start using some other celebration.

Here is my tag -

I've used the Woodware bubble tree stamp for this as it is a bit of a triangular shape so fits well on the tag - a pink theme so that I can use this on one of my daughter's pressies. I 've also used loads more old gems which I have had since I first started crafting ( shame I can't find a use for the funky foam and mirror card!!!!!) And this lovely ribbon came in some wonderful blog candy I won from Paula (AKA Bettyboo).

Next week I set the challenge and guess what - it won't be a Christmas tag (I can hear you all sigh with relief!!)

The team would love it if you popped over and joined in with the challenge this week!

Oh - if you like fancy Pants products, Michelle at Poppicrafts has some bargains, the felt is to die for ;o)

Sarah x

Snow is falling...

2008-11-27T12:44:00.001-08:00

Well actually it's not here but that is this weeks challenge on Tag You're It!

I made this tag with a stamp I had forgotten I bought, luckily I found it while sorting out a box of stash the other night. I'm not sure about the colours on this tag though, I thought I would try something different. The snowflake is from Heidi Swapp, BG Waissal paper and everything else from my stash. Apologies for the bad photo , I took this at night so the light was pants.

I have a busy weekend planned - I am determined to finish my Christmas cards and get some wrapping up done too. Wish me luck as I still have quite a few to do!

Enjoy your weekend,

Sarah x

Baby It's cold outside......

2008-11-26T01:55:00.000-08:00

Actually it's cold inside as well so I have just put my heating back on. I have been out today for a lovely day with a friend, shopping and a scrummy lunch - a little treat for her Birthday. Lots of people about doing their Christmas shopping, I must get a move on and finish mine now , I planned to be done by the beginning of December but I think I will fail miserably there!

I 've been making my Christmas wish list to give hubby and my girls a few ideas - top of my list is a scor-pal this year and a few other items of stash of course. My colleagues think I am mad, they all ask for perfume or jewellery and I ask for cardboard and paper! Oh well they don't know what they're missing do they girls?

Talking of stash here are a couple more projects I did for Poppicrafts this month, thank you for the lovely comments about my baby cards I appreciate each and every one of them.

I made these little candy cane holders just for fun really - one each for Michelle's little ones. My girls are nearly grown up now but they still love candy canes and insist on hanging a box full on the tree each year (much to my disgust as I like my tree to look just right!) I used some more of my favourite 25mm ribbon on these, and I just love this paper for Christmas.

This card is another take on the pink one I did a couple of weeks ago - Very time consuming but worth it, and I used up so many little old gems that I had gathering dust! Don't you just love these little fabric brads?

And lastly these two were a bit self indulgent really, a gift bag made from an envelope using my favourite stamp at the moment and the vegetable patch embellishment kit from Poppicrafts. And a little holly wreath again just for fun, I rarely use my die cutters these days so it was fun to cut out all the leaves and use more of my favourite ribbon - this time in red and team it with some red buttons.

All ribbon, blooms and buttons from Poppicrafts, eveything else from my stash mountain.

thanks for looking, I love reading your comments,

Sarah x

My favourite type of cards....

2008-11-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

I needed a break from Christmas cards, I have been making them for so long it was lovely to have a chance to do something different and I do love making baby cards. Here are a couple I made recently for Michelle at Poppicrafts.

These cards are 2 of my favourite recent makes - look at these fabulous hinges I just love them, and have used them to hide special information about the new baby.

I think the crochet flowers are ideal for new baby cards as they are so tactile, I have teamed them with these gorgeous baby brads and some of my favourite ribbon - I have so many different colours of this - it seems to be the ribbon I always reach for.

Papers and stickers by Melissa frances, Hinges, Brads, crochet flowers and ribbons are available from Poppicrafts.

I would love to know what you think of these little hinges - It's the first time I have used them and I am now completely addicted - I have lots of ideas for different uses for them which I will show you in the near future (when I have made the last few of my Christmas cards!)

More cards to show you soon.

Sarah x

A Sketch!...

2008-11-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday and that means Tag You're it Challenge day! This week we have another really fab sketch for you to use designed by our very own Anne - she is fab at these little sketches!

And what a surprise I hear you say - Sarah has done a Christmas tag again! Sorry but I wanted to use this stamp - it has been around a long time but I have only just got my hands on it and I have to say I do love this Santa. He's so traditional and I think he stamps out so well. I also had a few scraps of BG Wassail (another gorgeous Christmas range) from making some Christmas cards so I have used them up on this tag. The sentiment is from a Papertrey set - I have used this particular sentiment so much this year. Poinsettia bloom from Poppicrafts.

Pop over to the TYI blog and have a look at the fabulous creations by the other DT members. A bit of sad news for us this week, Sam has decided to take an extended break from crafting and so will not be creating for the team, particularly sad for me as she is a good friend of mine - I will sadly miss her wonderful creations and words of encouragement.

Well I hope you will come over and join in the fun this week - we do love looking at your creations.

Sarah x

Happy Birthday Little Sis!.........

2008-11-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

Norty Blogger - that's me! I never seem to have enough hours in the day - I wish I could just craft all day long but my proper job stops me doing that - in the last 2 days I have worked 20 hours so no time for any paper antics!

I did make this card for my Little Sister, she is really girlie so the card had to be pink.

I love this paper by Imaginisce, and the fact that these blooms and brads and ribbon from Poppicrafts all match so perfectly. Look out for a few new projects I have made for Poppicrafts in the next week or two.

I'll be back tomorrow for the Tag You're It! challenge.

Sarah x

Kath's Colour Challenge...

2008-11-14T02:41:00.000-08:00

Now Kath is a girl after my own heart 'coz she chose Red and Green for this weeks colour challenge on Tag you're It!. Anyone who follows my blog will probably have noticed that I love these 2 colours - tradition always wins for me at Christmas.

So here is my little tag - well actually it's enormous as these stamps are BIG!

I am using up my last few precious scraps of BG Fruitcake - how I love these papers even though this range is a couple of years old now it is still my festive favourite. Poinsettias are from Poppicrafts and these cute little pom poms are from Ribbon Oasis. The ribbon is from my one of my scraps jars.

So my BG fruitcake is nearly all gone but I did invest in a few sheets of the New Wassail BG papers - they are rather scrummy and I had to buy the matching brads and buttons didn't I? Look out for some cards made with these in the next few days.

Sarah x

A few Christmas projects..

2008-11-12T02:56:00.000-08:00

I have been making a few bits for Ribbon Oasis recently - Bea sent me some festive Christmas ribbons which was great for me as I love making Christmas things!!!

This first card has used up all but a few scraps of my BG Fruitcake papers - I do love making tag cards though;

And lucky me - my husband's name is Noel - so guess who's gonna get this card?

I just had enough paper left to make this little wall hanging too;

I might have to give this one away as it would seem as bit strange hanging this up in our house.

And lastly this card - when I bought this tree stamp I didn't think about how long it would take to stick all the embellies onto it!!! I nearly lost my patience making this card! My sister will love this though as she is a bling addict.

Off to make a few more projects now!

Sarah x

Busy making - just not showing yet....

2008-11-09T02:31:00.000-08:00

That's me at the moment - lots of projects being made I just cant share with you yet - I am rubbish at sneaky peaks so sorry my blog is a bit boring right now. I can share this little card with you though - I made this recently for the Poppicrafts gallery;

I love working with fabric as well as paper and actually it usually works out a bit cheaper than pp -strange but true. So this little card uses a scrap of felt that I had and a Heidi Swap heart - these hearts are gorgeous but I only seem to be able to get them in the US - but well worth the extra postage time as they are so cute! I also used some scrummy ribbon from Poppicrafts and these sweet little photo hangers which are so cheap compared to others I have seen.

Off now for a lovely cup of latte and some time in my craftroom.

Sarah x

Tick Tock...

2008-11-07T00:32:00.000-08:00

That's the challenge this week over on Tag You're It! - and did I struggle with this one!!! I looked around for a quote but couldn't find one suitable and was near to giving up - one last search through my trusty stash mountain and looky what I found -A CLOCK FACE!!! Goodness only knows where it came from (I am thinking I must have got it in a kit long, long ago). I cut it in half and used these pretty glitter brads (I don't know where I got these but I soooo need more! And lastly I printed off a time definition. Funny - I had no problem finding some ribbon to go on the tag (I do have rather a large ribbon collection which just seems to grow by the day!!!)

Dawn is offering a lovely giveaway for the challenge this week so why not join in - although I have taken a bit of a liking to one of the stamps so I am going to try to persuade her that I have a good home waiting for it here. ;o)

Now back to the Christmas cards - I have now made over half of mine but need to get a move on with the rest - guess what I'm doing this weekend?

Sarah x

Christmas Bargains!!

2008-11-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Pop over to Poppicrafts for some Christmas bargains - 25% off all Christmas stock - check out all the ribbons you don't want to miss out on a bargain like this!!!

Click on the banner above and go shopping girls!!
Sarah x

Trick or treat...

2008-10-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy halloween!!!!!

Well we are all ready for halloween here - our pumpkin is carved, trick or treat sweets are ready and our Halloween door sign is hung up ready for tonights spooky visitors.

Today's challenge on Tag You're It has a bit of a Ghoulish theme - Ghosties and Ghoulies and long legged Beasties! What a fab theme! I just had to make 2 tags this week as I love this challenge so much.

This tag was made with a Melissa Frances sticker - I just love all her stuff, I just added a few scraps of ribbon and attached them with one these little photo hangers from Poppicrafts.

This tag was made using a fabulous stamp from Purple Onion - I also bought a Christmas one (look out for that one in the next few weeks!) And the little skull stamp is by Imaginisce. More ribbons scraps to finish it off.

Hope you have a Spooktacular Halloween!

Sarah x

A few Christmas cards....

2008-10-25T12:43:00.001-07:00

I have had quite a productive weekend making lots of Christmas cards - I have been so good this year and bought hardly any pps or embellishments - I did buy a couple of stamp sets for Christmas - but haven't yet tried them out. So people keep saying it's too early to start with Christmas preparation - but it's only 8 weeks away - I do have tons of cards to make so I am pleased that I am nearly halfway through now.

These cards were made for a couple more Poppicraft DT projects - I am loving these poinsettia flower packs - you get so many flowers in them and they do layer up so nicely with any type of bloom as well. This first card was made just using the poinsettias and the other two using the small ones layered with some of the lovely Blooms to go - also from Poppicrafts.

All ribbon, buttons, eyelets and blooms were from Poppicrafts, pp - a mixture of scraps from last year, various stickers also from my stash mountain. So how many Christmas cards have you made then girls?

Sarah x

Cupcake Crazy!...

2008-10-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

Yep that's me this week! Can't get enough cupcake craftiness - I made a few projects for Poppicrafts using these fabulous brads, they are so pretty and make fab cards. So easy to team up with some pretty ribbon or a few blooms;

All ribbon, brads and blooms from Poppicrafts, papers from stash.

I made this cute little snowman card for a challenge set by Lis on JB forum - a little recipe - some ribbon, circles or dots and 3 of something. (A few more scraps used up for this card!)

More Poppicraft creations to follow over the weekend.

O' Christmas Tree...

2008-10-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!!! It's my turn to set the challenge on Tag You're It! this week and of course it has to have a Christmas theme - 'coz I do love making Christmas themed things! So my challenge is to make a tag with any interpretation of a Christmas tree - you could do a bog standard tree or think outside the box and try something new, use traditional colours or funky bright colours. Just so long as it's some sort of Christmas tree.

I have gone for my favourite colours, I am such a traditional girl when it comes to Christmas so green, burgundy and red are all I tend to use. Sorting through my stash last week I found a couple of these making Memories clear frames (I don't know where they came from or how long I have had them!!) and they are the perfect size for making a tag. I used a cheap and cheerful stamp that I got last year (well actually Sam got them for me as I couldn't get my hands on any)and a scrap of fabric, some string and an odd bit of ribbon.

Oooooohh nearly forgot to say - I am offering a little prize this week (winner will be picked at random) and everyone who makes a tag will be entered so please do pop over to Tag You're it for details and join in.

Sarah x

A Colour Challenge...

2008-10-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's Carol's turn this week to set the challenge on Tag You're It and she decided on a colour challenge - Pink, Green and Brown. These colours work so well together don't they?

Here is my little tag - BG paper, chipboard flower, little bloom, old buttons, ribbon and some string. I have no idea where they all came from though :oS

This week I have been making lots of cards for Poppicrafts DT - sadly I cannot show any yet but I had such a lot of fun using her lovely products. I have also been sorting out my huge stash mountain and have got rid of loads of my old stash. I found hundreds of sheets of peel offs(blush, blush) which I have given to my friends kiddies to add to their craft box. Loads of old papers and embellishments have now gone and do you know what............... my craft room still looks like a warzone - stuff everywhere , spilling out of cupboards and drawers!

Think I will now go and make a few simple cards to add to my card box to try and use up a bit more of the stash mountain!

Next week is my turn to set the challenge on Tag you're it so I hope you will pop back and join in.

Sarah x

Another toot!

2008-10-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

Well I have just had the best couple of weeks crafting wise - my first week as a design team member on Tag You're It and secondly Michelle over at Poppicrafts has asked me to join her new Design team!!! I have been walking around with a silly smile on my face all week :o)

Click on the Poppicraft banner on my sidebar to have a little look at all the wonderful ribbons ( we all know ribbons are a girls best friend!!!) and blooms and embellishments available. I can't wait to start creating with them! Michelle will be donating all our creations to a local charity as well which is very generous of her. You should also have a little looky at her blog as she is a very talented cardmaker as well.

There is also a fabulous competition on the poppicraft blog at the moment - you could win a huge prize - have a look here. I have been playing with some of these little beauties this week and trust me you definitely need some!!

Sarah x

Autumn..

2008-10-08T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well Autumn is well and truly here now - my garden is covered in leaves of all shapes and colours.

So Autumn is the theme for this weeks challenge on Tag you're It! A fab challenge for me as I get to use all my favourite colours and textures.

Melissa Frances fall sticker, lace, hessian, felt flower cut with cuttlebug, jute string, an old button and a couple of prima leaves (all from my stash mountain).

Can't wait to see what you all come up with.

I made this next card for the 2 Sketches 4 you challenge this week. Another fantastic sketch from Laura again this week.

Now as a rule I don't DO orange but I have been making a few Halloween projects this week and have decided orange is great with black (as long as it's only for Halloween!!!) Needless to say I have a fair bit of orange stash 'coz I never use it!

And while I had the orangy bits and pieces out I made about 30 of these for trick or treat this year. Love these little stamps and such a bargain for only 99p as well. My favourite one has to be the little skull - I couldn't resist making these cute little ribbon bows for her. I always like to make a bit of an effort on Halloween - many people around here will not even open their doors to trick or treaters - now where is the fun in that!!!! I should probably say that in England Halloween is not the big occasion it is the US - such a shame because the kids love it!!!

Have a spooktacular weekend!

Sarah x

A little Toot! - I'm on the Tag Tou're it Design team!!!!..

2008-09-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

How exciting is that!!!!! Sam and Anne asked me to be on the new design team for Tag you're it!! Before you know it I will see the bottom of my paper and card scraps box LOL!

Joining me are these fabulously talented ladies;

Kath

Dawn

Carol

Go check out their blogs to see their fab talent!

Well back to today's challenge -Altered Fabric flowers. Well you may have noticed I do like to add the odd flower or two to my cards and tags - my first thought was felt, then I decided to try and do something a bit different. I have a shopping bag made of hessian that I have already cut into as it had split, so I tried putting it through the big shot and guess what it worked!!!! Oooooh I was dead pleased with myself - I sealed the edges of the flower with pva to stop it fraying and I am quite happy with the result. I added a circle of felt and a button in the middle. Also I managed to use up some more of those scraps - 2 -yes 2 pieces of card and some lovely basic grey paper (mellow I think). And some more scraps of ribbon.

Now you are all thinking to yourselves 'she didn't alter the flower ' - no I altered the shopping bag instead!!!!!! ;oS

Go check out the rest of the team's tags - you are in for a treat!
Thanks Sam and Anne for asking me!
Sarah x

A Little Sketch...

2008-09-28T01:26:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy , busy at the moment and no time for blogging at all this week. I have not been very creative at the moment but I did make time to have a go at Anne's sketch on Tag you're It this week. I loved working with a small sketch and as Christmas is getting nearer I decided on this tag;

This was totally inspired by Sam - I have had these Basic Grey tags for well over a year and never seem to use them on my cards so I used a little oval one from the Figgy Pudding range here. The fab thing about making tags is that you can use up so many scraps - all paper and card on this tag are from my scraps box. Even the ribbon is a scrap I had left over from a card.

Sarah x

Baby book

2008-09-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is a little book I have just finished for a commission. I really enjoy doing these - I use a template and then just add lots of bits and pieces and some spaces for photos.

I don't seem to be getting much time to make as many cards as I would like to, there are some lovely challenges about at the moment so I will have to try and make more time for them.

Sarah x x x

Monochrome..

2008-09-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

That's the theme for Tag You're It! this week - Hmmm not very good at doing one colour only and I may have cheated a bit.

I chose white for my tag but I did add a hint of silver with the sentiment and brad - Sorry girls am I forgiven? The snowflake is cut with glitter card but it doesn't show up on the photo. I used a new cuttlebug die - it's supposed to cut and then emboss but I am a bit disappointed as the embossing folder doesn't really line up with the die cut. Anybody else have the same problem?? I will keep it though coz I like the snowflake die it's a nice size for cards.

I managed to use up 2 more pieces of card from my scraps box as well - ok so it hasn't made a dent in the scraps but if I make 150 more then I will be getting somewhere. ;o)

Sarah x

It's the weekend.....

2008-09-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

At last the weekend is here!!!! This morning I managed to make a few cards, I have an enormous box full of card scraps which is overflowing onto my desk and I am now on a mission not to cut into any new sheets of card until I have used a reasonable amount of these scraps up first. Well that's the theory anyhow!!!

So here are a couple of the cards I made this morning using a few scraps up ;o)

This card is for one of the doctors I work for - I'm not too sure about it though.

and this one I made for a challenge that Lis set on JB forum using this recipe;

1 - something rustic

2 - bit of doodling

3 - a scalloped edge somewhere

4 - and a heart or 2 or 3.......

this card is quite small - 10 x 10 cm - I think it will come in handy for sending a little note sometime.

Have a good weekend.

Sarah x x

Trick or treat...

2008-09-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

For September I received some wonderful ribbons in my DT pack from Bea at Ribbon Oasis - they have a a lovely Autumnal feel to them. So I used some of my ribbon to make an altered Trick or Treat tin filled with some goodies for my friends little ones;

I made this to give them just for fun - Too late to grow any for this year though!

Also included in my pack were a couple of lovely Christmassy ribbons so I decided on an advent theme for this project - I LOVED making this!!!! I got inspiration for this from 2peas and I used up lots of stash for this project too;

You can see these and loads more wonderful ribbons by clicking on the link on my sidebar.

Sarah x

A needle and thread......

2008-09-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

My lovely friends Sam and Anne asked me to be their Guest Designer this week and let me choose the challenge on Tag you're it. So as practically all of my projects have some form of sewing on them I thought that would be an ideal challenge this week.

Sew (sorry couldn't resist) this tag has a bit of machine stitching on it;

And this one has hand stitching on it;

And lastly here is a really quick card I made for a friend's daughter using my fab new threading water punch (if you haven't got one of these, trust me you need one!);

Have a great weekend!

Sarah x x

More Christmas cards..

2008-09-04T04:33:00.001-07:00

I have been trying out new designs for my Christmas cards this year and have decided on one design. Here are a few that I made - but none of these are my final design I can't show that one as some of you who read my blog will be receiving one come December.

I have tried to use a different colour for these cards - I tend to always use red and green for Christmas cards, and although I do like these the final design will be traditional in colours. I have used a variety of stash here but I just love the Melissa Frances stickers - I can't get enough of her stuff.

Sarah x

Christmas is coming...

2008-08-31T15:18:00.002-07:00

Now that September is here I can start work on my most favourite cards - Christmas Cards!!! I don't know why but I just love making them, and always seem to stick to the traditional colours. This year I am going to try and use some more modern designs but these two are more traditional I think.

I made these for a challenge that Sue set over on JB forum - to use circles. Well I hope one circle is ok.

I will be trying out a few more Christmas design in the next few weeks.

Sarah x

2 Sketches 4 you and another Wedding gift..

2008-08-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go?? Leah goes back to school next week and I haven't even got her new school shoes organised yet

I have managed to finish my Ribbon Oasis design team stuff - but sadly cannot show any just yet. Today I made a card using Laura's sketch on 2 sketches 4 you;

And I have just finished making this for a wedding gift, I used a template bought in the Paper Mill shop - it was really simple to do and they have lots of different words to choose from. I also bought 'baby' and 'Noel' so I am looking forward to trying those as well.

I left a few spaces for the happy couple to add a few snapshots of their special day;

And a hidden tag with the Reception venue on.

A very enjoyable project and I loved working with neutral colours.

Hope to be back again this week with a card or two.

Sarah x

Busy, Busy, Busy.....

2008-08-23T00:11:00.001-07:00

OMG I am such a rubbish blogger these days!!!!!! I have been busy making things all week for Ribbon Oasis but sadly cannot show them yet - I may do a few sneak peaks tomorrow.

I made this for my lovely friend Sam as it was her birthday this week - a card and little gift. If you are not familiar with Sam's work please go check out her blog she is so talented.

My daughter Leah made this fabby spaceship card for our neighbour's son using this link;

http://lifeaslou.blogsome.com/2008/06/26/rocket-card-my-first-video-2/

It was really easy to make and you can print off a template as well.

I have a weekend of crafting planned as I have so much to catch up on.

Enjoy the bank holiday, let's hope we get some sunshine.

Sarah x

Wet and Windy...

2008-08-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

The weather has been horrible since we returned from Turkey yesterday - a bit of a shock after the beautiful weather we had out there.

Just before we went on holiday our next door neighbours got married so I altered an old wooden heart I found in a florists some time ago for them;

It started like this;

And ended up like this;

I had to rush this project a bit , but I think it turned out ok.

I have several cards to make this week so I should have some more to show you by the weekend.

Sarah x

Christmas is coming...

2008-07-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

Well maybe not quite yet, but I have been making some Christmas cards this week to donate to a Breast Cancer charity sale. Kathy asked if anyone would like donate a card or two So I got making a couple of card sets and some tags this week.

I have kept them simple but still managed to do a little bit of sewing on them, the biggest challenge was to make the boxes! So now my pizza box is full of cards and tags and a few single cards that I have made for various challenges in the past.

No time for any challenges this week and probably not next week either as I go on holiday next Saturday. I cannot wait to go out to our lovely place in the sun and just chill for a couple of weeks. No cooking or cleaning - Heaven!

Sarah x

2 Sketches 4 you card..

2008-07-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Send me to the corner naughtiness - I am a very bad blogger!!!I have my brother and SIL here for a few days so I have been busy cooking and cleaning.Today is the first day for over a week that I have had time to make anything. So another sketch card using Laura's sketch on 2 sketches 4 you;

Photos are a bit rubbish as I took them too late in the day!

Sarah x

Kazan's sketch

2008-07-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Kazan has come up with another fab sketch this week at 2 Sketches 4 You - so versatile. I made this little pink number with the sketch - all my favourite things on this one - buttons, chipboard, ribbon and of course pink! I have used mostly Love Elsie stuff for this card.

I wont be around for a few days as I am off to spend some time with my brother and sister.

Sarah x

4th of July...

2008-07-04T02:22:00.001-07:00

A new challenge on Tag You're it blog today;

In celebration of this fine day we have decided to honour it in true US style - whatever the title conjures up in your mind, let yourself go and create a tag that befits the Fourth of July!

Sam and Anne have come up with some fab samples for this challenge, I decided to go with the stars and stripes theme for my tag. I have been experimenting using denim on a few projects at the moment - my girls buy loads of jeans so I thought I would try and recycle some of their old pairs! I quite like the effect of the stitched star and using denim strips as ribbon( you can easily fray it to give a slightly shabby look). I also used some Melissa Frances star paper and a few star eyelets - in red white and blue of course!

Enjoy your weekend!

Sarah x

Love Grows...

2008-07-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my DH for our Anniversary next week - we have been married 19 years - I deserve a medal!!!! I used the fabby sketch on 2 Sketches 4 You, Laura has designed another great sketch this week.

I used up some scraps for this card but I am really pleased with it - I love red and green together (probably because I love making Christmas cards!!!) and this little heart stamp was such a bargain.

I also made a card for last weeks sketch but never got around to posting it - this card was made using one of Kazan's sketches.

Got to go tidy up my craft room now!

Sarah x

Insomnia!....

2008-06-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

This little tag and pocket was made during a bout of insomnia last night - I woke at 3.30am and could not get back to sleep, so off I went to my craft room and this is the result. Sam sent me these gorgeous rub ons for my Birthday and they are just so fabulous that I haven't been able to open them - really they are too beautiful to use but I have now ooohed and aahhed and stroked them enough - it was definitely time to open the packet!!! I also cut into some lovely Cosmo Cricket papers I have been saving- sleep deprivation does the most ridiculous things to your brain- imagine opening 2 new things in less than an hour!

Anyway I made this for the Tag you're It challenge this week;

This week we'd like you to create something fabulous incorporating your tag into a pocket! You can choose any style, design or colour scheme and your pocket and tag can be any size you like :)

I really love this challenge! Sam and Anne have made fantastic samples - please make sure you go have a look.

I still couldn't sleep after I finished my tag - so I cleaned the oven at 5.30 am this morning then dropped my daughter at the rail station at 7am - now I am going back to bed.

Sarah x

Laura's Sketch......

2008-06-19T02:35:00.001-07:00

Just finished my card for Laura's sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 you. I just love these hand drawn sketches! I used a tag that I made a while ago and added a little hidden tag as well. May have gone a bit overboard with the ribbon - What am I saying - you can never use enough ribbon!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!

I have used loads of Melissa Frances stuff on this card and some lace scraps as well.

Sarah x

Love is in the Air...

2008-06-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making a few projects for Ribbon Oasis for the past week so I don't have anything new to show you yet - but I do have a few photos of a little mini book which I made for Valentines day. I made this out of a sheet of chipboard that came as packaging, and I used up loads of scraps of one of my all time favourite BG collections. The stickers are from Melissa Frances. I just love her stuff.

I have an idea in my head for something similar for a little wedding gift - watch this space!

Sarah x

Another Sketch Card.....

2008-06-12T23:43:00.000-07:00

I used Kazan's fantastic sketch on 2 sketches 4 you to make this Father's day card for my girls to give to their Dad. I felt so sad making this card as this is the first year I cannot make my Dad a card since he passed away last year.

I used lots of scraps for this card and embossed the letters black. No ribbon though - I never feel a card is complete without ribbon. If you haven't joined in yet with this sketch blog you should definitely go check it out!

Sarah x

Some Good News..

2008-06-08T09:47:00.001-07:00

Sorry nothing to show today, just wanted to share a little bit of news - I made the Ribbon Oasis Design team! You may have noticed that I do use quite a bit of ribbon - in fact I cannot stop buying the stuff! So today I have been busy making some of my first DT projects - hopefully I can share them with you soon.

Oh and my card got picked as Card of the Week on the fab new sketch blog 2 sketches 4 you. Have a little peep here;

http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/2008/06/cards-of-week-gallery.html

That has really made my day!
Sarah x

Not one but two!!!...

2008-06-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well I have managed two sketch cards today and I am feeling rather pleased with myself! I have been a fan of Kazan's blog Nunu Toolies for a while now - she is so talented. The fab thing is that she has set up a new sketch challenge blog 2 Sketches 4 You with her friend Laura and there will be two sketches every week. I love the fact that the sketches are hand drawn.

Here is the card I made using Kazan's sketch;

And Laura's;

Sarah x

I've not been a 'round' for a while.....

2008-06-01T02:34:00.000-07:00

Life is just so busy at the moment, I haven't really done much crafting at all. I have made this tag for the Tag You're it challenge this week though;

And so to another challenge, this week it's to make a tag in a circle shape. You can use any colour, style or design just as long as the basic shape of the tag is a circle.

I found this quite tricky, and have to say I am not too happy with the result, too much ribbon I think!! Never mind it used up a few more scraps!

Sarah x

Remember me?....

2008-05-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yes I have been a bad bad blogger!!!!!!! Life is just so hectic at the moment - my job is taking up a lot of my time and I just feel so tired by the time I get home that I haven't been crafting much.

This morning I did manage a tag for the Tag you're it challenge -

create a tag that's pretty and feminine ... time to go hog wild with lace and ribbon and all things pretty!! Get in touch with your girly side, make it as soft and delicate or bold and beautiful as you like!

Well - I love this challenge and could have made a few more if I had the time or energy, this is what I came up with;

A selection of BG, ribbon, lace and gorgeous Melissa Frances all mixed together with a few flowers - my idea of crafting heaven!!!!!

Hope to share a few more things soon - when I've actually made them obviously!

Sarah x

Challenge Time...

2008-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

This week is Challenge Week over on Just Bex forum! Bex has asked the members to set challenges so I got my thinking hat on and have come up with a few.

The first one was to make a card using a recipe of my favourite things;

chipboard

ribbon

at least one star or flower

a tag

buttons

here are the 2 cards I made as examples;

The second challenge I set was to make a gift bag out of an A4 envelope. Very simple to do - if you want to see the tutorial for these you will have to visit the forum!

I hope to set a couple more later in the week.

Enjoy this fabulous sunshine while it lasts.

Sarah x

A new sketch...

2008-05-05T02:08:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a bit of blog hopping lately and have found some really inspirational blogs. Whilst admiring some of the fantastic cards I came across this sketch site - Kortskissen. I really love the hand drawn effect sketches so I thought I would have a go at the latest sketch.

A card for one of Leah's friends.

Enjoy Bank Holiday!

Sarah x

Never again!......

2008-05-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

Moo cards!!!!!!!!!! Sam set this little (And I mean little!!!) challenge on the TAG YOU'RE IT Blog this week;

This week Sam set the theme and we want to see your Moo Tags.

A moo is a decorated piece of card measuring 2.8 x 7cm (1.1 x 2.8 inches)

So I made 3 and stuck them on a tag. For some reason I used purple,I never use that colour. I have been using this french script stamp on all my projects recently I love it!

Oh - if any of you buy Simply cards and Papercraft magazine I am featured in the latest issue! Have a little look on p.74 and 75, you even get to see a photo of me- I really hate having my picture taken, but tis lovely to see my cards in print!

Well I don't think I will be making any more of these little moo cards - but thanks Sam it was certainly a challenge!

Sarah x

Distress it....

2008-04-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Lovin' this weeks DCM challenge!!!!

Hi it's Keryn here and it's my turn to Distress you all, or at least your cards with this weeks dare. You can make a card for any season, any holiday, any occasion but you need to use either a fingernail, curled edges, sandpaper, tearing, anything you like really as long as looks like it's had a fair bit or wear and tear.

This was right up my street! I used a paper edge distresser, paper tearing and sandpaper for this card - I think it may be a little too distressed but never mind.

This card doubles for a challenge set by the lovely Lis over on JB forum who asked us to make a card to send a hug. This stamp is just perfect for sending hugs!

Enjoy your weekend!

Sarah x

DCM Little extra... copper or wool...

2008-04-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

We’d like you to make a card inspired by the Traditional or Modern gift theme for a 7th Anniversary, which is……'Wool or Copper'

This weeks little extra was a bit different - quite challenging!

I recently bought these lovely crochet flowers which were a bit pricey but so lovely I had to have them!!! They are made my Fancy Pants and come in a range of lovely colours. This is the first one I have used! This card is inspired by some of the Norwegian blogs I have been looking at lately - some fantastic creations on them - unfortunately I don't understand a word they write but their papercrafting is stunning to look at!

A big thank you to everyone who left a comment about my tag in the last post - I really appreciate all the lovely comments people leave me. Wanna see what I did with the tag?

I stuck in on a card with a bit of Cosmo Cricket paper which I roughed up a bit with sandpaper!

Sarah x

No stamping...

2008-04-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Well this challenge on Tag you're It wasn't really a problem for me coz I don't mind not using stamps - as long as I can stitch and add a few flowers!!

I made this tag really quickly using a Melissa Frances(luuurve her stuff!) sticker and a few flowers and scrap of lace. I'm quite pleased with this one.

I didn't have time to make 2 today so I may try and do another over the weekend.

Busy, busy...

2008-04-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's been such a busy week here, thank goodness my day off is finally here and I can chill out a bit.
So I made a card this morning for the Papertake challenge this week which is to use a bit of glitter - well I have to say glitter scares me a bit! I am no good at using it at all so usually steer clear of it! However my friend Penny sent me a clear glitter pen for my Birthday and it's wonderful - very subtle and NO MESS! Not sure if it shows up on here but I have used it in the centre of the flowers, I used this card design last week and liked it so much I made one in different colours - two scoops - yum!

The next card I made earlier in the week, I bought this stamp a while ago but have never used it before. I'm not sure how successful this one is really- maybe because it's a male card.

More BG - this time the Boxer range which I am totally in love with!

Sarah x

Polka Dots...

2008-04-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

Have you had a chance to go to Tag you're it! challenge blog yet? NO !!! Where have you been???!! Then you have sadly missed out on a treat- today they launched their second challenge which is;

This week's challenge is to make a Tag using Polka Dots. They can be on the tag itself, the ribbon, or maybe an embellishment, as long as it incorporates Polka Dots somewhere.

Ok so Sam and Anne were obviously setting this challenge with me in mind coz I luuuurve polka dots!! I managed 2 tags this morning;-

This one will be used at some stage by my daughter who seems to have a zillion friends who all need expensive Birthday pressies! She always wants me to use Love Elsie stuff for their cards so here is a tag for one of their pressies.

Recognise the ribbon and flower Sam? Sam very kindly sent me some very lovely goodies for my Birthday recently and these chipboard flowers were amongst them. I have triple embossed this as covering it with papers seemed far too fiddly!

The second tag was made using up scraps, I love this paper but haven't a clue where it's from! Maybe from an old SA kit? For this tag I used a bit of embroidery thread for the swirl and a little prima. More ribbon scraps as well.

I have more stuff to share but will save that for the weekend.

Sarah x

I Love Basic Grey.....

2008-04-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Well don't we all???? I have just bought 4 new 6x6 pads and I just love them all. But what I really love about BG is that is doesn't seem to date - I still love the older ranges -fruitcake papers for Christmas cards, and Infuse is one of my very favourites. Here is a card I made with this range;

I am on a mission to use up some card and paper scraps so I have been stamping to use up some card, and these papers were in my scraps box - which is constantly overflowing.

The next card was made using one of Sue's templates and a bit more BG. She insisted we use something sharp and some lace - such a hardship - these pins are my very favourite thing at the moment!

Have you popped over to Sassy crafts yet? It's a fabby website, very reasonable and Emma provides great service. Go check it out.

Sarah x

DCM - Shrink to fit..

2008-04-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

Shrink to Fit
I used to be able to make cards with lots of "white space" around the designs, but lately when I've tried to do this my cards just look sooooo naked!
So this week I'd like you to think small - not small cards, but small spaces of embellishment on regular sized cards.
You are allowed to cover no more than a 5x5cms area of your card with paper or embellishment - the rest of the card must be left plain.

This dare took me way back to when I first started cardmaking! All my cards used to look like this! It was actually really difficult to decide what to put on the card when you can only cover a 5cm square.

Eventually This is what I came up with - a very simple Anniversary card made entirely of scraps. Hope the ribbon isn't breaking the rules too much.

This next card is similar to a previous design - I made this for the JB forum challenge to use spots and dots. I now have 2 Christmas cards ready for December!

Enjoy your weekend.

Sarah x

Shades of Blue.....

2008-04-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

I've had a break from cardmaking for a few days, and today I have been making tags!!!! I do make tags quite often to match my cards, or to use as a note card for a friend. So finding out that two of my friends have started a tag challenge blog was great news! Sam and Anne have launched their first challenge today so if you haven't had a look already - pop over and see whats going on these two ladies are incredibly talented.

Their first challenge is ;

Shades of blue..

The great thing about tags is that you get to use up all of your scraps! Well some of them anyway - if you are like me then you find it impossible to throw away any scrap of card, paper or ribbon!

Had fun with this one thanks girls!

Sarah x