Friday, 20 April 2012

Soccer Barry

There is a new release and freebie today at StampFairy called Barry Soccer, so here's a little shaped card made with one of the newly released images.




This card is available to buy on my eBay listings

eBay



Card Recipe:

Please pop on over to StampFairy to see the newly released digi images.


Here's a preview of the set being released today:



    I've been inspired by :


    Happy crafting

    Saturday, 14 April 2012

    Lisa's Celebration Card

    I wanted to make a card for a sweet lady who has recently been promoted.  It is also her birthday on Monday, but I wanted this card to be a celebration card for her promotion.

    I've used lots of my favourite things on this card; a Stampfairy image of a little cheerleader bear (I thought this was quite appropriate for a celebration),  a fancy shape, some glitter, pretty papers, pearls and flowers.

    As with most of my favourite cards, I got carried away and decorated the inside with a complementary image of Linda Cheerleader bear sitting down (maybe she's worn herself out with all that jumping around!).

    I even made a custom sentiment just for this card.  Hope she likes it!!!




    Card Recipe:
    I've been inspired by:
    Happy Crafting

    Friday, 13 April 2012

    There's something fishy going on with Barry

    Just a quick post from me today, but I wanted to let you know that there is a fishy new release and freebie today at StampFairy called Barry Fishing.

    I've used one of the new digis with aqua colours and swirly papers to complement the watery theme.




    This card is available to buy on my eBay listings

    eBay



    Card Recipe:
    Please pop on over to StampFairy to see the newly released digi images.


    Here's a preview of the set being released today:



      I've been inspired by:
      Happy Crafting

      Tuesday, 10 April 2012

      Toby Box in a Bag Tutorial

      This fortnight's challenge at Top Tip Tuesday is Spotty Dotty.  I've made a box in a bag using cute Toby bear from Stampfairy, and I've also done a tutorial on how to make this bag which I'm sharing with you too.

      You can make these bags to any dimensions that you want, but I've made my finished gift-bag 6 inches (15 cm) wide and 2 inches (5 cm) deep so that it is suitable to hold my cards, which are about 5 inches (12.5 cm) square.

      Here's my finished gift-bag so you can see what we're aiming for !!


      Ok, firstly let's look at the supplies you're going to need:

      1. Thick card for the 'box' base size 19cm x 9cm (dark blue in pic)
      2. Patterned papers (I've used 2 pieces each 25cm x 15cm which means you can get both out of a 12" x 12" square scrapping page if you want)
      3. Tabs for the handles (see later if you don't have these as I cheated for mine !)
      4. Decorations - ribbon, brads, embellishments, border punch (for base strip)



      Let's get started !!

      Step 1 :
      Score your base card 2cm inside each edge as shown in the picture below.
      Cut 2cm on the scoreline on the longer edge (the short scoreline shown in red below)


      Step 2 :
      Glue the tabs that you've just cut and fold them inwards,
      so that the glue sticks to the inside of the longer edges
      This should leave you with a shallow box shape which is your desired size
      In my case this is 15cm x 5cm


      Step 3 :
      Because I am using 2 sheets of patterned paper, I allowed for some overlap.
      Therefore, starting on the shorter edge, using double sided tape, stick the patterned paper along the base of the box and wrap it around each side.
      In my case, being 25cm, it has wrapped around 3 sides
      (ie the 5cm short side + 15cm long side + 5cm other short edge)


      Step 4 :
      Wrap the second piece of patterned paper on the other side, starting at the short side again, so that it wraps around the short side, long side, and other short side.
      Both short sides are therefore overlapped and double thickness.

      Tip : You could use one long piece of patterned card, or stick your two pieces together to make one long piece before you start sticking it to the box base if you prefer.

      Below shows the finished basic box in a bag shape.
      You can just see the darker base box in the bottom of the bag.



      Step 5 :
      Put 2 tabs on each side of the top (to attach your handles to)
      In my case, I didn't have tab die cuts so I cheated (see below)
      Try to get them evenly spaced from each side, and the same distance apart front and back.

      Tip :
      Ok so I didn't have a tab cutter, but I did have a Quickutz tag die.
      I folded a piece of the matching card in half using a bone folder to get a nice crease.
      I then placed the folded edge half way into the die, and cut !!!
      You can see the result still in the die (I removed the excess card) on the picture below.
      Then I rounded the corners of the folded edge.
      Not bad, huh !!!


      OK, back to business ...

      Step 6 :
      Attach your ribbon handles, I've used brads pushed through the tabs.
      (make sure both handles are the same length !!!)

      I've also cut a long strip of matching card and punched the edge with a pretty border design. Then I've wrapped this all around the base of the card, making sure the joins are at the side where they won't be seen as much from front or back.



      Step 7 :
      Now comes the fun part ...
      I've added an image (Toby Everyday Angel from our sponsors Stampfairy), backed with matching card.
      I've used embellies in complementary colours, and of course some glitter.
      I think that last part (the glitter) is compulsory !!!

      The sentiment is actually 'confetti' from a wedding I attended
      (I knew a small handful would come in useful sometime)


      And don't forget the back of your bag.
      I added just a little bit of decoration in the form of a heart die cut, so that it is still cute from the rear!


      I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, and hope that some of you will use it to make something dotty for our challenge this fortnight.

      I look forward to seeing your creations.

      Bag Recipe:
      • Image - Toby Everyday Angel from Stampfairy
      • Sentiment - Confetti
      • Colouring - Promarkers, Copics, Sakura Stardust Gel pens
      • Nesties - Labels 3
      • Dies - Quickutz tag, Memory Box Heart
      • Punch - Martha Stewart Doily border punch
      • Cherry Blossom, 10mm & 15mm roses - Wild Orchid Crafts
      • From my stash - Brads, butterfly, ribbon, glossy accents
      Please pop on over to the Top Tip Tuesday Challenge Blog to see the other creations by the talented design team, and to enter our challenge.  I look forward to seeing your creations this week.

      We're sponsored by

      Photobucket

      I've been inspired by:
      Happy crafting.

      Monday, 9 April 2012

      Purple Dragon

      I've made a birthday card for a sweet friend who is 40 today.

      Happy birthday Leyla. This one's for you !!!

      ps - I hope you like purple!


      Card Recipe:
      I've been inspired by:
      Happy Crafting

      Friday, 6 April 2012

      Molly Balloons

      There is a new release and freebie today at StampFairy called Molly Balloons so I couldn't resist making a project using one of the cute new digis.




      This card is available to buy on my eBay listings

      eBay


      Card Recipe:

      Please pop on over to StampFairy to see the newly released digi images.


      Here's a preview of the set being released today:



        I've been inspired by:
        Happy Crafting

        Monday, 2 April 2012

        Easter Pastels

        Woohoo.  I've been allowed to play along as a guest designer for the Incy Wincy Challenge blog, where I used to be one of the DT members.  I'm sooooooooo delighted that I got a bit carried away and made 2 cards !!!!

        This week the theme is Easter and Pastel colours.  Our sponsor is Care2Stamp and they sell the most gorgeous range of stamps from the likes of Wild Rose Studio, Whimsy Stamps, Your Next Stamp, CC Designs and Popcorn the Bear.

        Like I say, I got a bit carried away and made 2 cards, both using Wild Rose Studio images.  The first one uses Milton with Lily and the second one is Fergus with Bouquet.

        I'm not so sure that the first one entirely fits the bill of the pastel colours, but as I made it, I thought I'd share it with you, and I just loved the image so much.  I hope you agree!






        Please see my cards for sale, available on my eBay listings :

        eBay




        And look what I get too !!!!  How fab, my very own badge !!  I feel officially part of the team (OK, it is just for a week, but it's still my very own "designer's" badge)



        Pop on over to the Incy Wincy Challenge blog to play along with the challenge this week. I can't wait to see all your creations.

        Card Recipe:
        I've been inspired by:
        Happy crafting.

        Sunday, 1 April 2012

        Just for You

        I'm moving departments at work on Monday and will be working with a completely new group of people.   Friday was the last day in my old job, and there were a few people who I really wanted to thank individually for their support to me during the last 15 years that I've been at the same firm.  Even though I'm only moving offices, and not actually leaving the company, it is a big change for me, and I will miss working closely with many of the friends I have made over the years.

        I made this card as a 'thank you' to my lovely secretary, Emma, who has been a fantastic support for me,  as well as being a valued friend.  I have always known that I have been spoilt having her supporting me, and I expect that I will only really understand everything she did for me now that I can no longer expect to rely on her.


        Card Recipe:
        • Image - Milton from Wild Rose Studio
        • Papers - First Edition paper pack
        • Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
        • Nesties - Labels 3, Go Kreate large scalloped circles (card base)
        • 10mm & 15mm roses - Wild Orchid Crafts
        • From my stash -  Pearls, Glossy Accents
          I've been inspired by:
          Happy Crafting

          Saturday, 31 March 2012

          Easter Bunny

          I've been busy making my Easter cards and couldn't resist this sweet springtime image from Stampfairy.  Clementine bunny is just adorable in her little sun-hat, and I really love doing shaped cards at the moment.  I think I particularly like this image because she is part of a little scene, rather than a lonely character.



          Card Recipe:
          Please pop on over to StampFairy to as there is a 50% sale on at the moment.

          I've been inspired by:
          Happy Crafting

          Friday, 30 March 2012

          Boxing Barry Bear

          Those of you who are regular visitors will know that I struggle with male cards.

          Big time.

          So when I was asked by a friend to make an 80th card for a male ex-boxer, I was stumped.

          But I enlisted the help of the amazing Gerda from StampFairy who drew a whole set of images called Barry Boxer.  Well, considering that Barry is my favourite bear, I was so amazed at the images, that I had to use two of them.  I made a fancy shape card, and kept the embellies to a minimum as it was meant to be for a guy.  

          My friend was really pleased with the card, and I hope you like it too.



          Card Recipe:
          • Image - Barry Boxer from StampFairy
          • Sentiment - Typed text and Sizzix numbers
          • Colouring - Promarkers, Copics, Sakura Stardust Gel pens
          • From my stash -  Glossy Accents, Pearls

          Please pop on over to StampFairy to see the newly released digi images.  There's a HALF PRICE sale on at the moment too, so stock up on your favourite images while the sale is still on.


          Here's a preview of the set being released today:



            I've been inspired by:
            Happy Crafting

            Wednesday, 28 March 2012

            Barry Bee Easter

            I've had a little time to create so I've made a few Easter cards just for fun, for family and friends.  I've got a little Barry Bee Stampfairy card to share tonight.



            Card Recipe:
            • Image - Barry Bee from StampFairy
            • Papers - Laura Ashley (I think!)
            • Colouring - Promarkers, Copics, Dovecraft Shimmer chalks
            • Nesties - Lacey Ovals, Grand Nesties Labels 1
            • From my stash -  Pearls, ribbon
            Please pop on over to StampFairy as there is currently a sale on so grab your favourite images while they're on half price spring sale.

            I've been inspired by:
            Happy Crafting

            Tuesday, 27 March 2012

            Easter Chickie

            This fortnight's challenge at Top Tip Tuesday is Easter or Animals (or both!!). I decided to do some stitching again, but otherwise wanted a clean and simple card today.


            Card Recipe:
            • Image - Easter Chick Flower by Bugaboo
            • Sentiment - Typed
            • Papers - Nitwits
            • Colouring - Promarkers, Copics
            • Corner Die - Memory Box
            Please pop on over to the Top Tip Tuesday Challenge Blog to see the other creations by the talented design team, and to enter our challenge.  I look forward to seeing your creations this week.  We're sponsored by the following this week :








            Photobucket


            I've been inspired by
            Happy crafting

            Friday, 23 March 2012

            Barry Take Two

            Today I've used one of the new releases at StampFairy called Barry Bunny, but I was really unhappy with my card.  I think it was the clash of the pink of the bunny suit and the orange of the rest of the card.  I was quite pleased with the colouring on the eggs, but there was something missing.  But I just wasn't sure what that 'something' was.



            Anyway, you know what it's like when there's that niggling feeling, so I continued to mess around, and decided I'd paper piece the image to colours that I was happier with, and this is the next result.


            I'm still not entirely sure that I'm happy, but I think the lack of pink is better.  If any of you find my mojo lying around looking lost, can you send it back my way please?

            Card Recipe:
            Please pop on over to StampFairy to see the newly released digi images.


            Here's a preview of the set being released today:



              I've been inspired by:
              Happy Crafting

              Monday, 19 March 2012

              Bunny wishes for Easter

              I've created a cute little circle card today using my favourite bunny Clementine from StampFairy.  I've also tried using my pencils again, trying to give some variation from the copics.  It does take me a lot longer to colour, and I'm still learning to get the blending right with the sansodor, but I'm getting better (or maybe I'm just learning which colours blend more easily!!).

              I've also tried to keep the embellies to a minimum so that this card can fit easily into an envelope for posting.  My cards are usually so textured that they don't post well, so I made this purposely flat so it fits into a normal envelope (and I can put a normal stamp onto it!)  Gotta save my pennies for the chocolate eggies !!! LOL

              Anyway, here she is ...


              Card Recipe:
              • Image - Clementine Spring from StampFairy.com
              • Sentiment - One of my own Freebies
              • Papers - Think it is Laura Ashley but quite old stash and I can't remember
              • Colouring - Pencils & Sansodor, Dovecraft Shimmer chalks
              • Nesties - Lacey circles, Labels 3, Go Kreate Large Scalloped Circles
              • Swirl - Magnolia Leaf & Swirl
              • From my stash -  Liquid pearls, glossy accents


              I've been inspired by:
              Happy crafting.

              Saturday, 17 March 2012

              My most simple card. Ever.

              I had to make a quick male card today because I'd left it to the last minute (as usual).  As my regular readers will know, I'm a cute and pink kind of gal, so trying to create something non-fussy with no flowers, ribbons, gems, pearls, and cute fluffy bear images does not come naturally.

              Anyway, I've just invested in a fab new die-versions die from Oyster Stamps and so decided that it would be perfect for a plain card suitable for a guy.  I embossed the card base front for some added interest, cut the wording from opalescent red card, and raised it on sticky foam pads.

              Simples !!!

              Even my hubby, who has previously told me that "you just don't do male cards", had to admit that this one was sufficiently masculine.  Not a flower in sight.  Hope my colleague likes it too.  Happy birthday Kev, this one's for you!!!

              Card Recipe:
              I've been inspired by:
              Happy crafting.