Happy Halloween

I am ready for any Trick or Treaters.  I've put some decorations up outside, a pumpkin wreath is hanging on the door and my goodie bags are packed and ready to give out.

I hope we have some visitors this year as we didn't have any last year!  :( 

Sending Good Thoughts Card

My good friend has been poorly the last week or so and it came to a head last night, so she is now waiting to be seen in A&E.  With her in mind I made this card.

This is one of the pre-prepared backgrounds from a couple of nights ago.  I used the Stampin' up Paisleys & Posies stamp set, stamped in Memento Ink "Grape Jelly".  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up "Perfect Pennants" and is stamped in the same colour.

I die cut the sentiment using the Stampin' up "Banner Framelits dies".  The green foliage was die cut using the Stampin' up "Botanical Builders" dies.

I didn't have flowers of the correct shade so I used Promarkers (Royal Purple, Amethyst & Orchid colours) to shade some cream coloured flowers.  I kept them together by using a small brad.

Trick or Treat Goodie Bags

Today I have finished off making the Trick or Treat goodie bags for children that call by our house tomorrow evening for Halloween.

In Home Bargains, I found packs of 10 paper bags with a grey and white dot design for just 69p per pack.  For the label, I used a Stampin' Up set called "Spooky Fun" for the pumpkin and sentiment.  Once stamped, I then used a Spellbinders oval die to cut the shape. I used two Promarkers for the orange colour of the pumpkins (Bright Orange and Amber).

Paisley & Posies Birthday Card (mint/grey)

While watching TV last night, I had a stamping session using Stampin' Up "Paisley & Posies" stamp set.  I now have lots of backgrounds in various colourways to draw upon for future projects.

For this card I used a Memento ink pad in "London Fog" shade for the background paisley design.  The sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink stamp set called "Stylish Sentiments: Birthday".  The two flowers are die cuts from the Stampin' Up framelits set called "Botanical Builders".

A Paisley & Posies Thank You Card

I've had the Stampin' up "Paisley & Posies" stamp set for some time and for some reason had never got round to using it.  Today I have played with it, making this card.

I used three colours of Memento Inks - Love Letter (Red), Peanut Butter (Beige) and Pastachio (Green).  I stamped in a random fashion using different shapes and colours to fill in the space.

The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "One Big Meaning".  I die cut a scalloped edge oval shape to add a different dimension.

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman - The Book and The Movie

I read "The Light Between Oceans" by M. L. Stedman back in 2014 and loved it.  In fact I gave it a five star rating on Goodreads.  If you've not read the book yet, then it needs to be on your "To Be Read" list.

I was excited to see that this amazing book has been made into a movie (out from 1st November).  You can see the trailer for it by clicking on this link

Handmade With Love Tags

A friend of mine makes knitwear and sewing goods and sells them for charity, so I thought I would help her by making some tags to hang on the garments.

A Valentine Decoupage Card

I visited my local craft store today and noticed in the reduced to clear bin a set of Docrafts/Papermania decoupage papers.  I've never really tried this so for the sake of £1 I thought I would give it a go.  So while watching the final of The Great British Bake Off on TV this evening, I was playing with small pieces of pictures.

Here's a close up of the layering:

A dark shade of cardstock which matched the hearts on the image was used for the background.  I inked the edges and added some foxing marks to give it a more aged appearance.  I then mounted everything on a stone coloured background.

I can't imagine that i'll do more decoupage, it isn't really for me, but I enjoyed playing with it all the same.

The Eye Wreath Tag

This card is made up of odds and ends that were in my off-cuts box, so I decided to put them together into an eye wreath.  The sentiment is from a Paper Artsy set. other wise it's just segments of stamped faces and punched foliage on a Stampin' Up "Swirly Scribbles" die cut wreath.

Folded Paper Hearts Card

I woke early today and decided to get up and fiddle with paper.  I stamped a swirly scribble design across a piece of cardstock and then die cut heart shapes.  I then folded the hearts down the centre.

On each heart (the plain side), I then stamped a circle pattern so that there would be interest for the section that would be flat on the card.

I stuck a striped piece of patterned paper to a blank card and inked some of the edges in various shades of red/brown. I did the same with a small doily/coaster.  Sticking the coaster to the middle of the card.

I then positioned & glued the folded heart shapes into a flower design, adding a small metal embellishment to the middle of each circle pattern.

I stamped and die cut a butterfly using Papertrey Ink "Love Lives Here" stamp set and stuck it onto the card.  I then stamped a sentiment from Stampin' Up, Weather Together set.

From a practical aspect this card wouldn't really be suitable for posting unless it went into a box.  This technique of folded hearts would also work in a shadow box frame too.

The Love Tag

Today I was playing with patterned paper & a doily and ended up creating this tag.  The frame is by Dovecraft.

Vintage Leaves Tag

Last night I was being a taxi for Hubby and some of his friends who had been for a retirement do.  While waiting for the clock to work its way round to midnight, I made this autumn leaves vintage style tag.

I have used a blend of Panpastels for the shaded background colour.  Using Stampin' Up, Vintage leaves set I stamped a small leaf on the lower part of the tag.  On a separate piece of cardstock I stamped and die cut the large leaf.  I then added extra Autumnal shading to the leaf.  I added the stamped word "Autumn" and finally added the ribbon to the top.

Skull Trick or Treat Tag

As the footie was on TV last night, I took myself off to play with stamps.

I started by preparing a Panpastel shaded background.  I then stamped the Green Pepper Press skull image onto the tag.  Next I used Stampin' Up "Spooky Fun" for the bats, sentiment and cobwebs. I then inked the edges.

I played around with the settings on my phone and tried it in black and white and I think I prefer it in a creepy way.

Pine Cone Christmas Tag

Using some of the die cuts left from my earlier project, I made this Christmas tag.

The background uses a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  The pine cones & foliage & ribbon are from the Stampin' Up "Pretty Pines" die set.

Merry Christmas Wreath Card

This card has lots of die cuts, with minimal stamping (only the sentiment). I'm really happy with the way it has turned out.

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the textural background.  I used Stampin' Up "Swirly Scribbles" die for the wreath (I cut two). I  then used Stampin' Up "Pretty Pines die" to cut the foliage and the red bow (I cut two sizes of this for dimension).  I glued everything into place adding some self adhesive pearls to represent the berries for the mistletoe.

I then die cut the word "Merry" using Stampin' Up "Christmas Greeting thinlits".  To finish I stamped the word "Christmas" using Papertrey Ink "Wreath For All Seasons" Christmas sentiment.

Goodreads 2016 Reading Challenge

I am an avid reader of chick lit style books.  If the title involves cakes or Christmas then I get drawn in to downloading them without even reading about the storyline.  I generally use the Kindle app and read from my phone.

Back in December/January Goodreads asks their members if they would like to set themselves a challenge of how many books they will read in 2016.  I set myself the target of 50 books. In previous years I had managed about 35 books.

Here's a list of some of my favourite authors:  Carole Matthews, Jane Green, De-ann Black, Marian Keyes, Jojo Moyes, Katie Fforde, Tilly Tenant, Milly Johnson, Jenny Hale, Rachael Lucas to name just a few.

Well I have done it.  I've finished my 50th book and am about to finish book 51, so I am giving myself a pat on the back as I really didn't think I would do it with weeks to spare.

Happy Halloween (Spooky Fun) Card

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I would make a card on the theme.  I have used two Stampin' Up sets.  "Spooky Fun" stamps and "Halloween Scenes" Edgelit dies.

20% Off At Hobbycraft

I've just noticed that if you sign up for the Hobbycraft Club/Newsletter you can get 20% off your next purchase (this offer excludes sewing machines).  Well worth doing if you're planning a purchase.  

Click here to go straight to the sign up page.

Vintage Floral Tag

While waiting for a TV programme last night, I made this vintage style tag.

I started with a lightly distressed inked background and then used a script stamp (from Crafter's Companion) in a brown shade.  I then used a stamp from the "Gorgeous Grunge" Stampin' Up set for the red splotchy/foxing marks in a rusty red shad.

I die cut the leaves (Sizzix "Back To Nature dies) and added a Prima flower.  A ribbon finishes the tag.

Halloween Trick or Treat Bags

Two little girls live across the road from our house.  At the weekend they were telling me that they are getting dressed up for Halloween, so I asked them if they would like to knock on my door when they're in their costumes to let me see them dressed up.  As these are special Trick or Treaters I've made them a Halloween gift bag each with some little bits and bobs in there that I thought they would like.

I had a pack of brown paper bags with raffia handles which I thought I'd dress up a bit.  (I got them in Home Bargains for about £1 some time ago). I found some 12x12 Halloween patterned paper in my stash (Bo Bunny Press) and went about dressing the bags.  I didn't have enough to do the same on both bags so each have two different designs. The "A" & "O" are the little ones initials so they can identify who they belong to.

Here's the front.

And the reverse.

Butterfly Cards

Today I have made two butterfly cards, both in similar colour tones, one more fussy than the other.  

I used a stamp & die from Papertrey Ink set called "Love Lives Here" for the stamped & die cut butterfly.  The background is embossed using the Stampin' up "Seaside" embossing folder.  The Swirly rose is also from Stampin' Up, called "Swirly Scribbles" and the love sentiment is Stampin' Up from their "Sunshine Wishes" die set.

Autumn Leaves Tag

I have continued to play with stamped leaves from the earlier project, this time making a tag.

I started with a scrap of patterned paper which I cut to tag shape.  I then inked the edges to give it a grungy feel and added red coloured dots using the Stampin' up "Gorgeous Grunge" stamp set.

I then stamped and inked some leaves (Stampin; Up "Vintage Leaves") using a StazOn ink, adding extra colouring to provide a more aged look.  I then stamped the word "Autumn" on to a leaf for the bottom of the tag.

Autumn Thanks Card

I don't often use Kraft cardstock, but as I was planning an Autumn type card I decided it would be the perfect base. Some time ago, I had rescued a ribbon from some flowers, so I decided to use that as the central focal area with a green strip behind it to add some colour.

I used Stampin' Up "Vintage Leaves" stamps & "Leaflet Framelit" dies, the leaves were inked in various Autumnal shades.  I also used a Sizzix die called "Back To Nature #2".

I stamped the sentiment (Stampin' Up - Thoughtful Branches) and then die cut two oval shapes to be mounted one on top of the other and then after a lot of debate stuck everything down.  However I wasn't happy with it - so much so that I was close to putting it in the bin.  

I decided to sleep on it and fortunately, inspiration struck in the middle of the night, which resulted in me getting up and faffing with the card while it was still dark outside.  I am happier with it now.

Starfish Under The Sea Tag

I started this tag by scrunching up a piece of old cardstock and then roughly flattening it.  I then inked the raised areas using Stazon Ink in "Cactus Green".  I cut it to a tag shape.  

I then used a die for the central lines from the Stampin' Up "Swirly Scribbles" set.  The other green foliage was cut using a Sizzix die from the "Back To Nature" set.

I then stamped the starfish using a Stampin' Up stamp from the "By The Seashore" set.  I used a Pumpking Stazon ink and then darkened the edges with other shades.

It was then a matter of assembling the pieces.  I used a silver ink on some of the edges and used little metal embellishments and small gem type bling to give a watery/bubble effect.

Pitter Patter Baby Card

Today, instead of using stamps, I have used die cuts from two Creative Expression die sets - Stuffed Animals (CED10025) and Stitched Doodle Flowers (CED1462).

For the card below I used a Cuttlebug Embossing folder with a daisy design.

Symphony Rose (Red Rooster Fabric) Cushions

I've had a lovely day today, gardening, walking the dog, a little housework and I made some quick envelope backed cushions for the new craft room too.

Talking of which, the exterior of the new craft room has been painted today.  Once the plaster is dry inside the interior decoration will commence.

I've not done any sewing for weeks.  In fact I had to blow the dust off the overlocker - the shame of admitting that!  Fortunately, being a crafter I have plenty of fabric to hand, so I was able to use what I had.  Although not ideal for cushions this 100% cotton fabric that I had originally purchased to make a quilt has turned out very well.

The fabric is called "Symphony Rose" designed by Anna Fishkin for Red Rooster Fabrics.  The material on the reverse is also from the same Red Rooster collection.  I think the cushions will look very pretty on the new green sofa when it arrives.

You Make Me Smile Card

This vibrant card matches the sunny weather outside this afternoon.  I've used a Papertrey Ink stamp set called "The Vault - All About You (Additions)".  Colouring in the areas with Promarkers.

Many Hands Make Light Work Tag

Today I've been playing with a tag and the new Papertrey Ink "Love Lives Here" stamps.

Firstly I stamped the sentiment in the middle of the tag (using Memento ink), then masked it with a stick piece of paper.  Next I used a Creative Expressions Chicken Wire stamp to give the chicken wire look.  I then inked the middle with a turquoise colour and the edges of the tag were coloured in various shades of blue, red and silver.

On a blank piece of cardstock, I stamped the hand shapes then added the heart detail with a stamp.  I cut these out and stuck them to the tag.  I then stamped some small blue flowers within the hexagon shapes and stuck a few silver look embellishments to finish the tag.

A Heart and Home Christmas Card

This card uses a shaded background of Panpastels,  I then used a clear script stamp (by Crafter's Companion) over the background.  I die cut the house/heart shape using Papertrey Ink "Love Lives Here" set, sticking it to the middle of the card.  The stamped sentiment is from another Papertrey Ink set called "Wreath For All Seasons".  I finished the card off mounting it onto red card and then onto a white card blank, adding a little holly with coloured gems to mimic the berries.

Heart and Circles Card

Today I've been playing with the same two sets of stamps from yesterday.  Stampin' Up "Seeing Spots" and Papertrey Ink "Love Lives Here".

I used the "Seeing Spots" for the background pattern for this card and the central area used the "Love Lives Here" stamp set.

Home Is Where The Heart Is Card

I had a lovely delivery from the Postman today.  A set of Papertrey Ink stamps & die set.  Papertrey items are difficult to source in the UK as they're based in America and their postage charges are ridiculous, especially when customs charges are added on.  I was fortunately to find this brand new set of ebay.  The set was quite expensive but well worth the money for what you get.  As soon as I'd unpacked the parcel, I wasted no time in making a card.

I die cut the house shape from the main paper and then die cut the house in the red.  I then mounted a small piece of co-ordinating paper to the underside of the main paper and stuck the red to the top so that there was a little peep hole.

The sentiment of "Home Is Where The Heart Is" also comes from the same set and was stamped below the house shape.

You can see the whole stamp & die set by clicking here

A Seeing Spots Thank You Card

It's a warm, bright and sunny morning which inspired me to make a bright and sunny Thank You card.

I used an old wooden Stampin' Up set of stamps. I've had them for so long that I've forgotten what they're called! I stamped the central "Thank You" circle first and worked my way out to the edges using various shades of Memento ink pads.

 

Edited to add:  This set is called "Seeing Spots" from the 2008/09 Stampin' Up Catalogue - I knew I'd had them a long time, I hadn't realised how long.  Sam x

Less Is More - Happy Christmas Card

Sometimes I look at cards I make and invariably prefer "the less is more"/minimalist look of cards. The card below is a great example of this compared with the lower card which for me just doesn't work.

 

Happy Christmas Snowflake Swirly Wreath Card

Still on a Christmas theme, I made this card using the Stampin' Up Swirly Scribbles die for the Wreath. I then punched out different sizes of snowflakes. (I don't recall the manufacturer for the sentiment).

 

Merry Christmas Pastel Tag

For me Christmas colous are mainly green, white & red. Today I decided to try an alternative colour scheme.

I started by dragging an ink pad along the length of the tag, applying a different pressure as I went.  I then stamped the blue snowflakes all over the surface.  I used an Anna Griffin stamp for "The Merry Christmas" design/sentiment and inked the edges in various pastel shades.

Studio Sketches Cards

I purchased a set of Stampin' Up stamps, called "Studio Sketches" from ebay for a bargain price of 99p recently.  Having woken early again today, I decided to do something with them, stamping onto kraft cardstock and die cutting with a stitched edge.

Merry Christmas Wreath Card 2

Continuing my theme of Christmas wreath cards, I also made this one., which I really like.

The stamped wreath and berries is from a Papertrey Ink stamp set called "Wreath For All Seasons" I then die cut into intp a circle shape.  I did the same with a fancy edged circle in green cardstock and mounted the two together.

I then stamped the Christmas sentiment to the bottom of the card and die cut the "Merry" sentiment using a Stampin' Up set called "Christmas Greetings Thinlits".

Merry Christmas Wreath Card

It's the first of October, so definitely time to get down to some serious Christmas crafting. 

Initially, I stamped the "Merry Christmas" sentiment to the middle of a blank card.  I think the sentiment came free with a magazine.

I die cut the wreath shape using Memorybox "Tupelo Circle, style 98500).  In a darker shade of green I used a Stampin' Up die from the "Botanical Framelits" set for the two extra pieces of foliage.  I then die cut a star on thin cardboard from a serial box (I used this so that it doesn't buckle), coating it with a layer of gold stickles.    I left the piece to set for a couple of hours then positioned it onto the card along with the little red bling gems.