Debs scrappy bits & pieces

WOYWW

2012-02-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

The weeks are flying by, that is the first month over with, not sorry though, January is my least favourite month of the year!

Wednesday again, means it is time for WOYWW!

This week I am enjoying colouring. I am working on my shadows and creating some depth on my images, inspired by this lady, just look at this amazing colouring!

You might be wondering why I do all the faces first. I use Copics for the flesh tones, no good reason other than my preference, then I do everything else with my Prismacolor pencils.

(photographed Tuesday cos Wednesday morning is too dark and yucky!)

If you would like to more about WOYWW or would like to play along visit Julia for all the details!

Thanks for dropping by!

Celebrate!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our theme on Cute Card Thursday this week is

You're a gem!

We are sponsored this week by Kimberley from My Craft Spot who is giving away a fabulous stamp set to one lucky winner.

I used this super sweet stamp by Elisabeth Bell for Whiff of Joy. She is still one of my favourites.

I must let you in on some good news. Elisabeth Bell is going to have a line of rubber stamps available from Whimsy Stamps from March. I am so excited I can't tell you! I have loved every one of Elisabeth's designs, they are so ridiculously cute!

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Also entering

Simon Says Stamp Challenge ~ anything goes

Creative Inspirations ~ anything goes

Pile it on ~ add lace

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Supplies list

Stamp ~ Whiff of Joy' Melinda doing dishes'

colouring medium ~ copics and prismacolor pencils

Papers ~ My Minds Eye 'Lost and found Portobello Road'

Embellishments ~ antique lace, Elite charm, Recollections adhesive pearls, The girls paperie seam binding, eyelet, twine and ribbon.

Tools ~ big kick and SU top note die, sewing machine.

Thank you so much for dropping by today, I hope you will join in with us over at CCT, please stop by the rest of the DT blogs to see their fabulous cards.

WOYWW

2012-01-25T06:46:00.001-07:00

Wednesday again means it is time for Whats on your workdesk Wednesday!

This week I am making my CCT card so if you want to see it finished you can to pop back tomorrow, here is a sneak peek though.....

Admittedly, I did take the picture yesterday as at this time in the morning it is horribly dark and I guessed you might like to see the sunshine streaming in. Those are blinds by the way, not prison bars!

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Here is the finished layout I was deciding on last week, I finally picked out some Bo Bunny papers that matched my son's shirt! I had such a job matching papers to my Christmas photos this year, next year I am going to make everyone wear black and white on Christmas Day!

I used a fabulous sketch from the Scrapbook Steals Midweek Mojo, this one is Garnet 1, they are now up to Garnet 7 so I am a little behind!

So, last week I was preparing for the snow and boy, did it come!

This shovel became buried just on Saturday night, the kids had played with it on Saturday afternoon and left it there, when we got back from our basketball game we found over a foot of snow on our drive! Hubby had to snow blow just to put the car away! He would have driven through the foot and a bit but the winds had formed a snow dune right in front of his garage which was more like 4 foot high!

Brenda commented last week that we should have a snow blower, well we do but it is a monster that runs away with me so I still prefer to shovel. Anyway, we have steps up the front and to the back yard so we have to shovel those bits.

(These pics taken first thing Sunday morning, before the shoveling!)

Thankfully our snow tends to be very light and powdery so it is very easy to shovel. The greatest snow on earth you know!

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Hope you will join us in our weekly nose around, if you would like to play along pop on over to Julia Dunnit's blog for the deets!

Whimsy Stamps January Rubber Stamps and die release showcase

2012-01-24T10:06:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of our January Rubber Stamp and Die Release Showcase!

My card today uses the very cute 'Cozy Winter Raccoon' by artist Meljen now in rubber at Whimsy stamps. He is coloured with Prismacolor pencils.
It is very appropriate given the huge dump of snow we have had over the last week!

The papers are My Minds Eye Merry Little Christmas.
I used the fabulous sketch from the Simon Says Stamp Challenge
also entering
paperplay challenges where the theme is ribbon
and
one stop craft challenge for their weather theme

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On Wednesday (18 January) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 25 January the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop.Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow.

All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 25 January.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ann Vento
Deb Routledge {Special Guest}
Debbie Eastman
Simonne Clay
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for more new release creations!

Day 3 Whimsy Stamps January Rubber Stamps Showcase.

2012-01-21T12:05:00.003-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of our January Rubber Die Release Showcase!

I used super cute Heidi by artist Sylvia Zet now available in rubber at Whimsy Stamps!

She is coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.

The postcard and stamp are also Whimsy rubber stamps from former releases.

The papers are My Minds Eye Merry Little Christmas.

The trees are Cricut cut using the Winter Woodland cartridge.

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To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow.

All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 25 January.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ann Vento
Beate Johns {Special Guest}
Deb Routledge {Special Guest}me!
Dena Concienne {Special Guest}
Erin Bailey
Iris Wiechmann
Jacque Beddingfield {Special Guest}
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for more new
release creations!

Whimsy Stamps January Release Showcase Day 1

2012-01-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of our January Rubber Die Release Showcase!

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This is also my Cute Card Thursday card.

The theme this week is

Music and Dance!
it just so happens that Whimsy Stamps are also sponsoring our challenge over on Cute Card Thursday this week too!

I chose this very sweet Kenny K image, 'download diva' available in rubber from Whimsy Stamps and also showcasing one of the brand new sentiment stamps from Whimsy Stamps designed by Raindrop Echo Designs from the Thank You Tabs, the tabs also have a matching die to make life easy!

Also entering for the Totally Gorjuss challenge ~ be a star

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Back to the Whimsy Stamps Showcase.......

All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 25 January.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below..
Alberto Gava {Guest Designer}
Ann Vento
Beate Johns {Special Guest}
Deb Routledge {Special Guest}
Debbie Eastman
Dena Concienne {Special Guest}
Erin Bailey
Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for more new release creations!

WOYWW

2012-01-18T10:10:00.002-07:00

Hope you all had a great week! After weeks of unseasonable, settled weather we are finally expecting the first big storm of the season. I am prepared, got my snow shovels at the ready! Stocked up my pantry and fridge so I don't need to go out until Friday ~ not because I won't be able to get out but because I will be so busy shovelling snow, keeping our steps and driveway clear takes up hours of my day!

Whoa! I have just spotted the first flakes, coming in earlier than anticipated!!!

There is an eery atmosphere right before a storm, I think I like it!

Anyway, enough of the weather forecast, as this is a WOYWW post here is my desk today....

No WIP as I finished all my DT cards for the next week so I got my Christmas papers out and my huge packs of photos from this Christmas, think a layout is on the cards for today!

Pop along to Julia's blog to discover more work spaces this fine Wednesday, I look forward to this day to see what everyone else is up to!

have a fabulous day, thanks so much for dropping by!

Whimsy Stamps January Rubber Stamps Release Day!

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps January rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps is releasing 16 fantastic new rubber stamps and 2 wonderful new Shapeology dies. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. From today until 25 January the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12:00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12:00PM on 25 January.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Debbie Eastman Ellie Stover Erin Bailey Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}Niki Estes Stephanne Maraver Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new goodies released today:

3 Crissy Armstrong rubber stampsEverything's Just Ducky ~ Heart Hugs ~ Spring Zebra
4 Kenny K rubber stampsBodacious Bev ~ Cool Kid ~ Mad Skillz ~ Val Ventura

3 Meljen's Designs rubber stampsSnow Bunny ~ Yeti Cocoa ~ Cozy Winter Raccoon
3 Wee Stamps rubber stampsBird Swing ~ Heidi ~ Wee Bunny

3 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp setsSympathy Notables 3 (coordinating die available below)~ Thank You Tabs (coordinating die available below) ~ Celebrations Mini Tickets (coordinates with already released Mini Ticket die)

2 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology diesNotables 3 (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Tabs (coordinating stamp set available above)

Don't forget to visit today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered into the draw to win a new release stamp, then pop back to the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for the next list of showcase posts!Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy our new release!

Less is More ~ predominantly purple

2012-01-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

I for one am so glad it is Friday and doing a happy dance as it is a long weekend too! Kids have Monday off school for Martin Luther King Day!

A very simple CAS card from me today, the Less is More Challenge is 'predominantly purple'

here is my very speedy card for it, got to be quick, it closes in 14 minutes, yikes!

The sweet image is a Sugar Nellie called Jasmine. She is coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.

Also entering the Flutter by Wednesday challenge which is to use bright colours on your fairy, angel or butterfly. (this is pretty bright for me)!

I used my new Spellbinders die for the shape of the card. It gives a nice finish to an otherwise very plain card.

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Better run, almost school pick up time.

Have a fantastic weekend, thanks so much for dropping by!

Cute Card Thursday ~ You're having a laugh!

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

January can be such a bleak month so we decided to lift our spirits with our theme this week on

Cute Card Thursday

'You're having a laugh!'

To add some humour to your card!

Make sure you check out the cards the rest of the DT made, you are guaranteed a chuckle!

We are sponsored this week by Whiff of Joy the prize is a Whiff of Joy stamp!

I used this cute stamp from Whimsy Stamps designed by Kenny K she is called Madison Attitude. She is coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils. The fun sentiment is a digi also from Whimsy Stamps designed by Raindrop Echo Designs.

The gorgeous papers are My Minds Eye 'Paris & Co'

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Challenges I am entering
Crazy 4 Challenges ~ Something new (My Minds Eye paper pad)
Daring Cardmakers ~ colour combo
Paperplay challenges ~ in stitches
also there is a new challenge over at Whimsy Challenges this would be perfect for 'Happy Birthday'
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Thanks so much for dropping by, hope you can join in with us this week!

have a fantastic day!

WOYWW

2012-01-11T07:27:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a fabulous festive period.

I am a little late with that but this is my first day back in a month! How quickly does time fly?

I have spent this week so far catching up but I couldn't miss

Whats on your Workdesk Wednesday again!

Here it is laden with goodies that Santa was kind enough to bring!

and here it is yesterday in action with my bits for my card for tomorrow (showing yesterdays desk as I cleaned it all up and all it has on this morning is a bill!) I will rectify that shortly however!

thought this was an interesting shot you may like to see, on our way home the sunset was behind us and I was desperate to get a photo, in desperation I took it through the wing mirror, unusual but I kinda like it!

pop on over to Julia's blog to see other WOYWW desks and maybe even join in yourself!

thanks for dropping by, have a fabulous day

Whimsy Stamps showcase day 6

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of our December Rubber Die Release Showcase! On Wednesday (14 December) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. The Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw. To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 21 December.

Here is my card created using

The Wee Stamp 'Sam's special delivery'

he is actually a perfect stamp for spring but I couldn't resist adding him to this Christmas card!

To take a peek at more of today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Alberto

Bev Rochester

Debbie Eastman
Heidy

Iris
Pop's Morfitt
Erin Bailey

Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Zoe

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thank you so much for dropping by.

That is it from me for a little while, taking a little break over the festive period!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year xxx

Whimsy Rubber Release Showcase Day 3

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of our December Rubber Die Release Showcase! On Wednesday (14 December) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. The Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw. To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 21 December. To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Debbie Eastman, Erin Bailey, Jacque Beddingfield {Special Guest} Tammy Louise Cunliffe Bev Rochester {Special Guest}, Sylvia Blum

Here is the card I made using The Wee Stamp 'Spring Bringer'. The branch and the snowflakes were made on the Cricut using the Winter Woodland cartridge.

Thank you so much for dropping by today, hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Whimsy Stamps Rubber December release showcase and CCT!

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of our December Rubber Die Release Showcase! On Wednesday (14 December) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. The Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw. To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 21 December. To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Erin Bailey and Dena Concienne (special guest)

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the theme for Cute Card Thursday this week is

Stripes!

We are sponsored by Tickled Pink Stamps!

for my card today I used one of the new Wee Stamps, this one is called 'Rose and Felix'

I also used the Friendship notables 2 sentiment stamp!

I am also entering the Totally Gorjuss challenge 'let it snow'

Paper Sundaes 'anything Christmas'

and Paperplay challenge 'Christmas'

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Thank you for dropping in, have a fabulous day!

Whimsy Stamps December Release Day!

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps December rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps is releasing 20 gorgeous new rubber stamps, 3 fabulous new Shapeology dies and 6 new Shape EZ templates and cut files today. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. From today until 21 December the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps, dies and Shape EZs with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12:00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12:00PM on 21 December.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Deb Routledge {Special Guest}Ellie Stover Erin Bailey Jacque Beddingfield {Special Guest}Tammy Louise Cunliffe Bev Rochester {Special Guest}
and here is my card using Crissy Armstrong's Lend me your ear along with the Raindrop Echo Designs Friendship Notables 2 'you are awesome' stamp and the coordinating Notables 2 die

the fabulous papers I used are My Minds Eye Lost and Found 2 Blush as are the You make the world sentiment and the brad. Think the musical notes paper is from the MME Signature Christmas!
this is perfect for the Totally Papercrafts challenge which is 'Anything but Christmas!'
and Our Creative Corner is 'all ruffled up!'
also the secret crafters saturday challenge is 'all creatures great and small'

Here is a full list of the wonderful new goodies released today:

5 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Giraffes in Love ~ Lend me your Ear ~ Valentine Fairy ~ Love Birds
~ Jumbo in Love
4 Kenny K rubber stampsAtlantea ~ Groove Dude ~ Miss Fortune ~ Miss Thang

3 Melen's Designs rubber stampsLovey Pup ~ Lovin' Turtle ~ Loving Ewe
4 Wee Stamps rubber stampsFluffy on the Lily ~ Rose and Felix ~ Sam's Special Delivery ~ Spring Bringer

4 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp setsEveryday Circle Postmarks ~ Friendship Notables 2 (coordinating die available below) ~ Love Mini Tickets (coordinating die available below) ~ Stylized

Notables 1 (coordinates with already released Notables 1 die) 3 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology diesMini Ticket (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Notables 2 (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Country Heart

6 Shape EZ downloadable templatesFlip Tree ~ Magnolia Flower ~ Mini Rosettes ~ Pedestal Tag 1 ~ Sparkle Holiday Pin ~ Take Out Box

WOYWW

2011-12-14T09:41:00.003-07:00

I don't recognize my work space this morning, gleaming it is!

That is because I have deep cleaned everywhere ready for our Christmas visitors arriving today!

Keeping this very short this morning as I still have some last minutes tweaks to do!

Pop on over to Julia's blog for links if you want to see some more work spaces today or would like to join in!

even my cutting station is clear!

before I dash, must show you some pics I took on Saturday morning of our lunar eclipse!

Thank you so much for dropping by, have a fabulous day!

Cute Card Thursday ~ Anything goes!

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

Cute Card Thursday this week is anything goes!

I thought it was the perfect opportunity to use this cute Milk Carton die I got from Stampin' Up and turn it into a Christmas bird house tree ornament! Huge thanks to Kathy Thorn for another great idea!

We are sponsored this week by Simon Says Stamp!

This cutie is an Elzybels stamp from a long time ago, I think I am right in saying they closed down so not sure if they are still available to buy! She was the perfect size for this tiny project!

The papers I used are My Minds Eye 'Signature Christmas'

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A very busy time of year, I hope you find time to join us this week! Pop over to see the rest of the Design Team's fabulous creations!

Thanks so much for dropping in, have a fabulous, creative day!

WOYWW

2011-12-07T13:23:00.001-07:00

Whats on your work desk Wednesday?

It is that time again, I am very late this week though because I have been at my Stampin' Up Class this morning. You can see the fabulous tree we made below!

First though, I should show the mess that is my desk. I am not getting anything put away as my December daily needs to be constantly worked on.

Here you can see my opening page, I know, didn't get very far did I? Hopefully I will be on track by next week!

and here is the amazing tree we made in class! I love it. Thank you Kathy for another fantastic class! The box below it opens up to put a gift inside!

I will fill it with some nice chocolates and the little guys can give it to the school bus driver when school ends next week!

Then I need to make another one to keep!

If you want to play along or just want to see some more desks pop on over to Julia's blog for links!

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas Day 2!

2011-12-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

Here is my tag for Day 2 of Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas! You can see Tim's version here!

Again, I didn't have the correct dies or paper so I used what I had which is all part of the fun.

The paper I used is from one of Tim's paper pads, the edge die is Tim's Alterations On the edge die and the metal charm is one of Tim's muse tokens.

The reindeer is cut on the Cricut with the Winter Woodland cartridge the paper I used for it is MY Minds Eye Signature Christmas.

the Merry Christmas stamp is from an Inkadinkado set called Christmas Silhouettes.

Paperplay challenges is asking for Tags and Wrapping this week.

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Claudia has posted an update on her fundraiser, see here!

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Thank you so much for dropping by, have a great weekend!

12 tags of Christmas ~ day 1

2011-12-02T09:56:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas yet you really must head on over to his blog and catch up. He has held the event for the past 5 years and it has become a much loved tradition among his followers!

He shows a tag step by step each day for 12 days. You can join in and make one and link it on his post!

Here is my attempt.

I kept as closely to Tim's design as I could with the supplies I had, the idea is to get inspiration from his tag and go with it and have fun using whatever you have!

You can see Tim's Day 1 tag here!

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I think most of you will have seen this very sad post Claudia put on her blog, if not please pop over to hear the story and help in any way you can, I feel so dreadfully sad for that family!

Claudia is starting up a fundraiser to help them out and I know other companies are being contacted to help too, fingers crossed we can help them at least have a good Christmas!

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Thanks for dropping in, have a fabulous weekend!

Cute Card Thursday and my December Daily!

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I just realised earlier this week that the Cute Card Thursday Challenge is just so perfectly themed for my December Daily!

the theme is It's just a number to use a number/age on your project!

I have seen lots of people preparing their December Daily already this year and can't wait to see them now that December is here and pages are being filled!

If you would like to make one visit Ali Edwards who has lots of ideas and inspiration on how to make and fill your daily! Especially check out this post of hers!

To make my daily, I used some chipboard that had been used as packaging in some 12 x 12 papers. I cut it to 6 x 8 inches.

I used my Simple Stories '25 days of Christmas' papers to decorate the covers. Then I punched holes with the cropodile and added large eyelets. I am using book rings to hold it all together which is convenient as it keeps it neat while I am working on it but also means I can move around the inner pages.

The cute image on the front cover is a Lily of the Valley Stamp coloured with distress inks.

I am also entering the Little Red Wagon challenge with this book they asked to use eyelets!

The Simon Says Stamp challenge this week is anything goes!

Also, the Pollycraft challenge is 'christmas fun'!

I added this fabulous journalling page on the inner cover so that I write about what December means to me and why I love it!

Because the December daily is essentially a countdown to Christmas, how perfect was this paper to slot in the front.

I have lots of inner pages prepared in here, as backing papers ready to hold all the photographs and other mementos I want to add to it! Better get my camera charged up, it is going to be busy this month!

My biggest hurdle will be printing off the photographs. I don't print at home so think I may have to go and print them weekly, I certainly don't want to go to the store every day but I don't want to have to wait for them too long either!

It is important to keep up with this project as I know I won't feel like finishing it after Christmas, tried that once before and it didn't work!

The back cover, I love that the Simple Stories pack had so many appropriate quotes and sentiments for this project!

Thank you so much for dropping by, I hope you can join us at CCT this week and if you are making a December Daily please let me know so I can come and take a peek!

WOYWW

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Not only has another Wednesday come around super fast but tomorrow is December! What happened to November? Kids are super happy that it is the 1st tomorrow! They can't wait to start on their advent calendars, well the younger 2 are anyway!

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Time to divulge what is laying on your desks today courtesy of our leader Julia. If you would like to play along you can grab all the details and links here!

So onto my desk, I am working on my December Daily.

Ali Edward's December Daily is appearing on lots of blogs this year. I tried to make one a couple of years ago but only managed up to page 3! This year I am determined to make it work!

What went wrong last time was I didn't have my album made up ready so although I took lots of photos it was well after Christmas before I had the chance to do anything with them. Trouble is, after Christmas is, well after Christmas, it was all too late! For some reason I don't enjoy making Christmas things after Christmas, by then I am all Christmased out!

I am making my album up as far as I can with lots of pages inside but with book rings so that the pages can be moved around and other things added.

The papers are Simple Stories 25 days of Christmas, very appropriate, very vintage, love them!

Thanks for dropping by, have a fab Wednesday!

Cute Card Thursday ~ Sketch

2011-11-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to all my U.S. friends!

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We have a fantastic sketch this week at

Cute Card Thursday

We are sponsored this week by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!

The sweet image is ' Gingerbread Love' from Belles and Whistles. I coloured this image with copics and prismacolor pencils about a year ago, not quite finishing it and was so happy to find it when I needed to rustle up a card for this week's challenge in.

The 'time to celebrate' sentiment comes from a Whimsy Stamps set in the Crissy Armstrong collection called 'Proud to be'

The circular frame is popped up.

These gorgeous papers are My Mind's Eye 'Signature Christmas' I was so lucky to get them for a 'steal' at Scrapbook Steals Network last week! They are so worth stalking for a bargain buy!

Hope you can play along with us this week at CCT, pop over to check out the rest of the DT's fabulous creations for more inspiration!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

woyww

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday again, and a special Wednesday at that! Kids are off school for the rest of the week for the Thanksgiving break, yey! Eldest DD is home from college tonight and we will all be having a lovely big Thanksgiving turkey dinner tomorrow followed by some family games, a bit like Christmas day without all the wrapping paper!

Time for WOYWW!

I have 2 projects on the go. Finishing the inside of my card for tomorrow and a double page layout of a Christmas quite a few years ago, 2004 in fact!

My new favourite Christmas music! Yes, I am already playing it!

This was Monday, snow is so pretty, even during a storm!

If you want to show us your workdesk or just go and see a few others pop on over to Julia's blog where you will find the links!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Whimsy Stamps November Rubber Release Showcase Day 6!

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of our November Rubber Die Release Showcase! On Wednesday (16 November) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 23 November the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop.Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 23 November.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Beate Johns {Special Guest}Debbie Eastman Deb Routledge {Special Guest} Ellie Stover Erin Bailey Simonne Clay Stephanne Maraver Sylvia Blum Jacque {special guest}
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I used the adorable Wee Stamp 'Suzi with bunny' today! So love these cuties!
She is coloured with Copics and prismacolor pencils.
The sentiment stamp is also from Whimsy from an earlier release, the collection is called 'Everyday mini postage stamps'.

Day 4 Whimsy Stamps November Rubber Release Showcase!

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of our November Rubber Die Release Showcase! On Wednesday (16 November) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 23 November the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop.Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 23 November.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Alberto Gava {Special Guest} Debbie Eastman Deb Routledge {Special Guest}Dena Concienne {Special Guest}Ellie Stover Erin Bailey Stephanne Maraver
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On my card I used Crissy's darling 'Snow Fun' image, how cute are those penguins? The image is coloured with prismacolor pencils.
While I was commenting on some Cute Card Thursday entrants last week I came across this fabulous idea - a chocolate bar card! It was on Debbie's blog Coastal Creations. She had a great idea for making the image into a band, must try that next time! The tutorial is on the Scorpal Website.
The Frosty Fun sentiment is from the Sleigh Ride sentiment set.

I have misplaced my rosette die so made the accordion flower by hand, there is a great tutorial on the Scrapbook Steals blog here!
The gorgeous glittered papers are My Minds Eye!

Day 2 Whimsy November Rubber Die Release Showcase

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of our November Rubber Die Release Showcase! On Wednesday (16 November) Whimsy Stamps released this month's rubber designs and new shapeology dies. From then until 23 November the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop.Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM EST on 23 November.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Beate Johns {Special Guest}Debbie Eastman Deb Routledge {Special Guest} Erin Bailey Minna
Stephanne Maraver Zoe McGrath {Special Guest}
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For my project, I used one of the sweet Wee Stamps now available at Whimsy!
This cutie is ' a letter to me' it is coloured with Copics and prismacolor pencils.
The Cute Card Thursday Challenge this week is to use
Green and Grey
we are sponsored by Alota Stamps!

I created a small bag out of a lunch sack. The paper I wanted to use was a Basic Grey 6x6 pad so it dictated the size of the bag! I had to cut it down a bit.

I made the flap on the cricut using the Winter Wonderland cartridge, the snowflake was from the same cartridge. The snowflake was then covered in stickles.

The gorgeous antique brad is from Stampin Up.

the joyeux noel stamp is from a previous Whimsy collection called Holiday ticket sentiments

The circular stamp used on the back is another previous Whimsy collection called Winter Letter Seals

Whimsy Stamps November Rubber Stamp and Die Release!

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps November rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps has released 20 fabulous new rubber stamps and 4 wonderful new Shapeology die sets today. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. From today until 23 November the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12.00PM on 23 November.To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Beate Johns {Special Guest}Debbie Eastman Deb Routledge {Special Guest}Ellie Stover Erin Bailey Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest} Stephanne Maraver Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new rubber stamps and dies released today:

4 Kenny K rubberstamps Brianna Blaster ~ Sexy Elf ~ Superhero ~ Toy Soldier

3Meljen's Designsrubber stampsBundled Little Snowboy ~ Cozy Little Chickadees~ Winter owl

5 Wee Stamps rubber stampsA Letter For Me ~ Christmas Bunny ~ Let It Snow ~ Suzi With Bunny ~ Wee Florist 3 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp setsCozy Hands sentiments (co-ordinating die set available) ~ Sleigh Ride ~ Winter Notables (co-ordinating dies available) 4 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology diesLayered Snowflakes ~ Mittens (co-ordinating stamp set available) ~ Notables 1 (co-ordinating stamp set available) ~ Elegant Notables 1 (co-ordinating stamp set available)

5 Crissy Armstrong rubber stampsCool Pony ~ Penguin Skier ~ Sealed With A Kiss ~ Served With Love ~ Snow Fun

I made a Christmas card with a difference, it is also a paper bag album for the recipient to add their own photos after Christmas.
I will make one of these for each of our Christmas guests and towards the end of their stay will provide them with photographs of their visit with us to finish it off ready to take home with them!

I used 'Sleigh Ride' from Raindrop Echo Designs. The image was coloured with Copics and chalk.

The papers I used are Basic Grey 'Little Black Dress'

The die cuts were made using the Cricut, they and the sentiments are all attached using temporary adhesive so they can be moved to place the photographs.

The circular sentiment on the back is from an earlier Whimsy release, it is one of the
Winter Letter Seals.

Don't forget to visit today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered into the draw to win a new release stamp, then pop by the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for the next list of showcase posts!Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy our new release!

WOYWW

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Time to show whats on my workdesk

something decidedly floral going on here! The card will be on show later in the week but for now is a secret, ssshhhh!

So, after the moose, last week, received a few comments I just had to show the sequel!

Friday morning, I was seeing the kids onto the school bus and chatting with a neighbour when this young male darted across the road and down the side of our house. Now, as our back yard is enclosed with a fence he was stuck! He had been scared by our neighbour's dogs which is how he ended up there!

I went around the back to see him from the safety of the fence when he decided to have a lie down! Right next to our house!

Poor thing, must have had a hard night! I do feel sorry for these creatures, the winter is so hard on them, everything covered in snow for months on end!

I know, I have a tendency to veer off from my workdesk, just like in real life, but if you would like to see more desks and perhaps share yours drop by Julia's blog!

Hope you will drop by later today, have a little something to share!!!!

Scrapbook Steals Opal 5a

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here it is, finished at last! I had hoped to finish this at the weekend but at least it is finished before this weekend! Only just!

This is another layout based on the sketch from last week for the Scrapbook Steals Midweek Mojo Opal 5a. We were provided with 2 amazing sketches and I just had to do them both!

Now I am behind on Opal 6!!!

The papers are the beautiful My Minds Eye Lost and Found 2. I couldn't believe how perfect this paper was for this sketch, made creating the banner so easy! I can't wait for these papers to be featured on

Scrapbook Steals!

If you don't know the store you should really check them out, they have papers, tools and embellishments all at bargain prices!

gorgeous embellishments like these make creating a layout a breeze!

Hope you have something special planned for this weekend, I am hoping for a quiet one, I will be working on some creations to share next week at the Whimsy Stamps Rubber Release when I will be doing a little guest spot!

Whatever you have planned, have a great one!

Thanks for dropping by!

Cute Card Thursday ~ reds for remembrance

2011-11-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

We have a devil of a theme for you this week at Cute Card Thursday

'Reds for remembrance'

Obviously the theme title is regarding Remembrance Day, otherwise known as Armistice Day or Veteran's Day. Tomorrow being very poignant, it being 11.11.11!

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick

We are sponsored this week by Simon Says Stamp.

I also want to enter this into the Simon Says Stamp challenge which is an inspired by challenge - poppies!

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I didn't have a Poppy image so decided to go with this little devil. He is one of Meljens digital designs, coloured with Copics and prismacolor pencils.

The spell sentiment stamp is designed by Raindrop Echo Designs available at Whimsy Stamps.

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Please pop over to see the amazing creations by the rest of the design team!

Hope you will join us this week, thanks for dropping by.

WOYWW

2011-11-09T15:04:00.002-07:00

Super late with my What's on your Workdesk Wednesday post. I was out at my SU class this morning making some very cute Thanksgiving treats. Will have to show them later! As always Kathy came up with some amazing goodies for us to make!

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Still sitting on my workdesk today is a layout I have been working on for the past week! Not because it is difficult but I have been so busy with other things, only managing a few minutes here and there to work on it! I am hoping to finish it today but the day is almost gone! Kids will be home soon!

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So, we have had snow again.....

spotted these footprints and took a photo to see if I could identify them later. It seems they may be from a raccoon, they are the critters with 5 toes as are skunks which we do get around here during summer but they are smaller. The size also corresponds with the raccoon.

The moose are around in the street again too.....

Mama moose and her 2 babies, just look at these two right outside our neighbour's window! I took this on Sunday and they were back again yesterday as the kids were getting off the school bus!

If you would like to play along with WOYWW pop on over to Julia's blog to add your link and have a nose at all the other desks there!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Opal 5 - So cute!

2011-11-03T15:38:00.001-06:00

Here is my layout for the Scrapbook Steals Midweek Mojo Opal 5.

This is my first one, hoping to do the second sketch over the weekend!

I used my delicious new My Minds Eye 'Lost and Found 2' papers, a very generous prize from MME!

Beautiful papers and so many fabulous embellishments, I was spoilt for choice.

Of course now I am hooked, I am going to have to go shopping for the other sets!

The little butterflies are from the clear stamp set

The little black chipboard pieces came out of the CUTE chipboard pieces, when a product is this good we have to use every little piece, right?

Thank you so much for dropping by! Have a fantastic weekend!

Cute Card Thursday ~ Fireworks

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our theme for Cute Card Thursday this week is

Fireworks!

Those of you who are not from the UK may not know that it is Bonfire Night on Saturday 5th November. If you want to know a little more about it take a look here! The history behind the celebrations is fascinating!

We are sponsored this week by the Stamp Shoppe

Interpret as you will or use firework colours, we will also allow fire and candles to make it a little easier!

I always seem to see shades of purple in fireworks so I opted to use my Bo Bunny Winter Joy, seemed a shame not to when it was still on my desk from a layout!

I opted to alter a small notebook to create a journal to send to my daughter in her care package.

The image is Belles 'n Whistles coloured with copics and prismacolor pencils.

I decided against stick out embellishments as they always seem to fall off a heavily used item like a notebook. Simple and practical!

I added some stickles glitter to the star so I can enter the

Totally Papercrafts challenge which asks you to 'glitter it'!

Winter Wonderland want CAS cards with little embellishments, well this is pretty CAS for me!

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Hope you will play along with us this week! For more inspiring ideas check out the amazing DT makes!

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For those in the UK (and ex pats who will be celebrating abroad, like us) have a fun Bonfire Night and keep safe!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

WOYWW

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

So, another what's on your workdesk Wednesday, the first one of November. October was fun but it was over in the blink of an eye. I need someone to slow this year down, I still have far too much to do in 2011!

On my workdesk today (actually the pic was taken yesterday afternoon so I can schedule this early) I am working on this cute little devil, you won't see the finished card until next week though! He is a Meljen's designs digi, available at Whimsy Stamps!

After a lovely warm Halloween (lucky) we had a very chilly Tuesday and snow, love this shot with the white tree!

My prize from My Minds Eye arrived! Just look at all this deliciousness! Just love it and can't wait to dive in, this is what I plan to be working on this morning,or should I say swooning over!

How scrumptious are these brads? Coming to a layout near you very, very soon!

thank you for dropping by my desk today, if you want to see more desky goings on pop over to Julia's blog where you too can join in and share your workspace!

Scrapbook Steals Opal 4

2011-10-30T16:00:00.000-06:00

Here is my entry to ScrapbookSteals blog challenge Opal 4

this week was a double page layout which took a little more time although having the fabulous sketch made it a lot quicker!It is always the embellishments that take the most time for me!

If you haven't found Scrapbook Steals yet you should really take a look, you will find twice daily bargains in all your favourite products!

I stalk them every day at 9am!

The papers I used here are Bo Bunny ' Winter Joy' a pack I got from Scrapbook Steals for a song!

There is a new sketch every Wednesday over on the Scrapbook Steals blog. Can you imagine my surprise last week when I went to check out the new sketch and discovered I won a prize from the week before!

Thank you so much Kristy, my prize arrived this weekend and I love it, already planning some new makes with it!

Thank you so much for dropping in, hope you are keeping warm and have lots of fun tomorrow night trick or treating!

Cute Card Thursday ~ My sketch

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is sketch week over at Cute Card Thursday this week and I have provided the sketch! It is a very basic one but you can add to it if you so desire!

As usual on sketch weeks we are sponsored by the fabulous

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!

Love this image, it is a Lily of the Valley stamp. I just had to colour the little dog the same colours of our dog, can't say I have ever seen her singing along to the guitar mind you!

The happy birthday stamp is from Whimsy Stamps and the so special to me is from a little clear stamp package by Studio G.

The papers are Basic Grey 'Oliver'

The little cutie is coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.

So hope you can play along this week. Pop over to CCT to check out the rest of the Design Teams superb creations and grab some inspiration!

thanks for dropping by, have a fab day!

WOYWW

2011-10-26T11:34:00.001-06:00

Wow, Wednesday came around so quickly this week! Can't believe it is almost Halloween!

It has turned very cold here overnight, below freezing and it is trying to snow just now! thankfully nothing much is expected to come of it! I really don't want to trudge around in snow for Halloween!

The Halloween party is looming so I have been busy preparing the party bags and have even set up the table! I will hold off putting the food on though, although I do want it to look disgusting I don't really want real mo(u)ld on there!

Can't wait to have a nosey at the other desks, if you aren't familiar with WOYWW pop on over to Julia's blog to find out what it is all about!

Opal 3

2011-10-22T08:04:00.000-06:00

My Opal club entry.

I only just became aware of the challenges over on the Scrapbook Steals blog while away at the retreat. There is a sketch every Wednesday to be completed by Monday.

I picked up these papers at Scrapbook Steals last week, they are part of the Cosmo Cricket Odds & Ends collage kit. They are so vintagey, right up my street!

I used my Tim Holtz mini paper rosettes die and just love how they worked with these papers, they are so pretty!

The hearts are a Stampin Up punch. The seam binding and eyelet are also Stampin Up.

The quotes were on a sheet in the collage kit too.

Thanks for dropping in, have a great weekend!

not my CCT card!

2011-10-20T08:45:00.001-06:00

This is not my Cute Card Thursday creation, unfortunately I didn't find time to make my

Sorry card for this week's theme, so Sorry!!!

We are sponsored by Meljen's Designs this week, she is offering 4 of her fabulous digi images!

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Instead I will show you another make from the retreat I attended at the weekend!

This was the Fancy Pants class!

We were given instructions to cover the front side of every page only so I went ahead in our free crop time to cover both sides. Seemed a shame not to!

the papers are so cute! they are Saint Nick!

I stopped myself adding any more letters as I want to add photos underneath them, hope they will come off!

I started looking for photos to complete this believe it or not, then realized I wouldn't be able to seeing as Christmas 2011 hadn't happened yet!

I look forward to finishing it in January!

thanks for dropping in, have a great day!

WOYWW

2011-10-19T16:50:00.002-06:00

I have just about missed WOYWW but as it is still Wednesday here across the pond, thought I would still post!

As I have nothing going on at my desk today I thought I would show you the fun things we made at our SU class last week, the bat is my favourite!

and also the desk at the retreat I went to at the weekend.

If you want some more desk nosing pop on over to Julia's blog and why not join in?

thanks for dropping by!

Scrapbook retreat!

2011-10-16T20:36:00.000-06:00

What an amazing weekend that was!

I haven't quite come back to reality! I attended my second ever scrapbooking retreat only 4 months after attending my first - I feel so lucky!

This one was organized by the very lovely Lisa and Kristy at Scrapbook Steals.

If you haven't seen the store yet, you really must check it out and sign up for daily emails, they have daily deals that are quite literally a steal!

We left on Friday morning and met up with the rest of the scrappers at the hotel to then be taken to the fabulous Scrapbook Steal Network store and warehouse in Salt Lake City.

We got to shop (lots of delicious and hugely discounted goodies) and then tour the warehouse and meet the lovely people who own and work there!

After lunch we had 3 back to back classes, Fancy Pants with Dan, Authentique with Melodee and Teresa Collins. Incredibly, we actually had Teresa Collins teach the class, she is one amazing lady. I swear she could have told us to stick price tags on a paper bag and we would have still loved the class! Anyway, she didn't, she gave us a beautiful Christmas layout to create and then offered us another freebie to work on later! I chose a Christmas album that I can't wait to start on!

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The above layout came from a My Mind's Eye pack called Blackbird. KC from My Minds Eye came along to the retreat and challenged us to finish a layout by Monday so here it is!

I will have lots more to share from the retreat soon, some are not quite complete yet!!!

Hope you all had just as fabulous weekend, thanks for dropping in!

Cute Card Thursday - Tree-mendous

2011-10-13T06:15:00.008-06:00

The theme for Cute Card Thursday this week is

Tree-mendous!

We are sponsored this week by Simon Says Stamp

My tree was a slot together ready made piece from Michaels.

I quickly and simply made some rosettes and added cute Halloween details such as the

Whimsy Stamps Holiday Circle Postmarks

The little characters are Recollections from Michaels.

it looks perfect on my spooky mantel!

hope you will join us this week, do pop on over to see the fabulous creations the rest of the DT came up with!

other challenges I am entering

One stop craft ~ anything goes

Simon says stamp ~ halloween or goth

Stamp, scrap and doodle ~ things that are round

ABC challenge ~ anything goes

thank you so much for dropping in, have a great day!

WOYWW

2011-10-12T12:24:00.000-06:00

I am late posting my work desk today. Actually took this photo yesterday knowing I would be out today but didn't get around to scheduling anyway!

I had a half done layout sitting around for a week! Had to push it aside to work on something else for Halloween. You can see the end result of these pieces if you come back tomorrow!

I was at my SU class this morning and we made some very cute Halloween treats, love them, will share them soon!

If you want to share your workspace with us pop over to Julia's blog for this week's

What's on your workdesk Wednesday!

thanks for dropping by, have a great day!

Cute Card Thursday - Time for Cake

2011-10-06T03:00:00.006-06:00

A very sweet theme on Cute Card Thursday this week

Time for cake!

This week we are sponsored by The Stamp Shoppe

Very simple one from me as I have been fighting a virus all week, a decorated cake box.

I used a Teddy Bea image along with the Friendship recipe stamp from Lily of the Valley.

I am entering

Allsorts challenge ~ flowers

I have signed up for the distance workshop over at the Creative Cake Academy but haven't got very far as yet. I was hoping to have my first cakes in the box but it didn't happen.

So looking forward to the Christmas themed workshop!

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Hope you can play along with us at CCT this week, please pop over and see the creations from the rest of the DT, some fabulous inspiration there!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

WOYWW and LIM

2011-10-05T10:04:00.002-06:00

What's on your workdesk Wednesday?

For once I feel Wednesday came slowly this week, but I think it is because I have been under the weather and not had the energy to do much. My desk is actually clear at the moment, although I do intend to scrap today so thought I would show my latest bits that I bought. Hope to get started on these packs later!

These are the new Simple Stories packs, absolutely love everything SS brings out!

Back in August I was lucky enough to win a Simple Stories pack '100 days of summer' and this is what I created with some of it last week (excuse the wonky shot, not used to photographing double paged layouts)

It certainly feels like the end of summer now! The cold hasn't hit us yet but it is literally around the corner, lots of storminess coming for us in the next couple of days along with the dreaded white stuff - yes, the joy of living in the mountains is it comes early! still, rather that than rain!

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this little goody pack was a freebie along with my buys from Emma's Paperie, they wrap everything up in tissue too, so lovely!

oh and I just happened upon this bargain Bo Bunny kit that I couldn't miss out on!

Time to scrap some Christmas pics I think!

here is a card I struggled with this week

I love the Less is More challenge but it is so out of my comfort zone, not altogether happy with this, it looks so bare! The good thing about these cards is they mail so easily, no bits and pieces to poke through the envelopes and they are cheap to mail too, a perfect size. Maybe I will challenge myself to keep making them and send them to the troops through Operation Write Home. You send blank cards for the military stationed abroad to use to send to their family and friends.

Anyway, the LIM challenge this week was to use mainly the colour of your eyes, mine are blue hence, this little blue boy!

Thanks for dropping by, if you would like to participate in WOYWW please pop over to visit Julia for more details and to add your link (lots more desks to snoop at too)!

Have a spooktacular weekend!

2011-09-30T14:17:00.000-06:00

My Stampin' Up 'perfect pennants' die arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to get on with my next banner! Of course it had to be Halloween!

challenges I am entering

Sweet Stampin' challenge ~ anything goes

Simon says stamp ~ anything goes (2nd entry) - they are trying to get 1,000 entries!

Paper Sundaes ~ anything goes

Crazy 4 Challenges ~ want to see your Halloween cards and projects

Moving along with the Times ~ Spooky Halloween theme

phew, it has been a while since I entered so many challenges at once!

The papers I used are My Minds Eye 'Boo to you', I love these papers, the collection came with these really cute characters. I have made lots of things with them, not much left of them now though!

I used my Martha Stewart punch for the edges around the pennants.

The letters weren't the colour I wanted so I covered them in crackle glaze (3 layers), they aren't perfect but then it's Halloween, nothing is meant to be perfect right?

I used part of a stamp to get the sentiment on the little tag, it came from Michael's last year.

Love, love, love banners, I predict many more will appearing soon, want to make some for the children's rooms next and then of course there will be a Christmas one!

As you can probably tell from these outdoors shots, the weather has been fabulous here too! All about to change though, storms predicted for next week followed by cold weather, yuk! So not ready for it!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Make the most of the sunshine while it lasts!

Cute Card Thursday - Animal Crackers

2011-09-29T06:15:00.003-06:00

Wooo! A bright one for me! I don't usually go this bright, don't know what came over me this week!

Must be all the sunshine! We are having an amazing September it has to be said!

Over at Cute Card Thursday this week our theme is

Animal Crackers and we are sponsored by Meljen's Designs.

I am entering the Simon Says Stamp challenge 'anything goes'

I won this stamp from Bunny Zoe's Crafts courtesy of A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge blog which I am very sad to see has closed! I won the stamp quite some time ago and only now have had the chance to use it! I am determined to bring out all those stamps that have not yet seen ink! Too many!

This was such a perfect image as we have friends who will shortly be moving over here.

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Thanks so much for your visit I do hope you will visit CCT, see what the rest of the DT have created and consider joining in this week!

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Supplies list

Stamp ~ Wags n Whiskers 'kids n pawz 'traveling buddies' coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils

Paper ~ Basic Grey 'wander'

Tickets ~ variety that I have in my collection

Buttons ~ Basic Grey

other paper bag with scrappers floss wrapped around.

WOYWW

2011-09-28T06:15:00.000-06:00

A creative WOYWW for me today!

Inspired by a scrapbook challenge site I decided I needed to paint my paper and this fabby chipboard, this is just the first coat, will add a second and then perhaps some crackle glaze (love that stuff)!

A time consuming process waiting for layers to dry!

I don't know how long this layout will take me as I haven't yet decided if it is to be a CAS layout or my usual fussy style, I am hoping for the former in which case it may be ready sooner rather than later!

Suppose I best check the challenge 'sell by' date!

Also on my desk today some Halloween goodies from Michaels that I need to have a tinker with for a Halloween party I have been persuaded to hold for my kiddiwinks!

looking forward to seeing whats on your workdesk this fine Wednesday, if you would like to share pop over to Julia's blog for details!

Fall banner!

2011-09-24T09:26:00.000-06:00

just had to share this with you.

I went to my Stampin' Up class earlier in the week and this was one of the things we made, I love it!

Of course I had to buy the die so I can make a Halloween, Christmas, Spring one etc....

Kathy has fantastic ideas and I always learn something at every class!

Halloween treats next month, can't wait!

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

Cute Card Thursday - Sketch by Mindy!

2011-09-22T06:15:00.000-06:00

We have a fantastic sketch by Mindy over at Cute Card Thursday!

We are sponsored this week by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.

I got the urge to do 'pretty' this week. It seems like forever ago that I made a pretty card!

Of course the image dictates pretty too! Isn't she adorable?

She was just so perfect for a thinking of you card, she looks so pensive standing there by the river with just a twinge of sadness!

She is one of Krista's sweet designs available from Sugar Nellie. She is called 'I give you my heart' from the Simply Sassie range.

My card is certainly girly enough to enter the One Stop Craft Challenge!

I probably added enough flowers for the floral Sweet Stampin Challenge too!

Supplies list

DP ~ K&Co Bailey

Basic Grey 'Marjolaine'

Stamps ~ Sugar Nellie 'I give you my heart' and Tim Holtz 'seamless experience', Hampton art alphabet stamp set.

Colouring medium ~ Copics and Prismacolor pencils

flowers ~ prima and Michaels

other ~ nestabilities, doily, machine stitching

Thanks for dropping by, have a fabulous Thursday!

WOYWW

2011-09-21T06:15:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the middle of the week so far! Can you believe how fast we are galloping through September?

It has been a beautiful week here, very sunny although the autumn chill is in the air early in the morning.

So far the pumpkins are doing well but I am dreading the first frost, I am sure it is just around the corner!

Wednesday means it is time for Whats on Your Workdesk Wednesday!

The green papers and the blue flowers are remnants from a card I made for tomorrow.

Halloween is featuring big style in our house just now. Hence, Martha!

It was my daughter who got the mags out yesterday for ideas for her Halloween party. ~She stamped out her invites last night, on my side of my desk I might add, ink everywhere! Luckily, the card I was in the middle of managed to escape the rogue inkspots!

If you want to play along with WOYWW pop on over to Julia's blog for details, hope to see you there!

Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes!

2011-09-15T06:15:00.002-06:00

I am not in card making mood right now so the theme over at Cute Card Thursday was so perfect for me this week!

Anything goes!

We are sponsored this week by Tickled Pink Stamps

I was using my recipe book stand the other night while cooking when this idea for a Halloween spell book came to mind!

It caught my attention that the stand was quite gothic looking and would work well!

This is going to stand at the back of our Halloween table!

The pages are simply copy paper that I doused in watercolour paint and curled and distressed the edges.

I created the text in Word and then printed on the already painted papers.

I painted 6 sheets in total so each page has another 2 beneath it to give it the look of an old book. In reality that is all it is, 6 pages but I have sat it on top of my Ken Hom chinese recipe book which was suitably black!

Once the printed word was on I stamped around using various Halloween images.

A spook-tacular bookmark aged with crackle glaze.

Isn't she the most adorable little witch? I decided not to colour her in the end as I like the black and white print look.

Thanks so much for dropping by, hope you all manage to join us this week at CCT!

WOYWW

2011-09-14T10:13:00.000-06:00

It has been so long since I played along with WOYWW!

I tidied up my desk at the weekend although all it had on were papers from our recent trips and other papers that had been dumped there to deal with later!

Finally, I was able to use my table for its original intended use!

To create!

I am not going to explain too much what I am doing, if you want to see the finished result you will have to return tomorrow! I will only say that the materials are copy paper and very wet watercolour paint!

The magazine might give you a hint of the way I am thinking!

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Hope you can play along too this week, if you don't know what it is pop on over to Julia's blog to find out how to join in!

Thanks for dropping by!

Cute Card Thursday - AT the office!

2011-09-08T03:00:00.001-06:00

Wow, can't believe it is September already, the summer went by so fast!

I have been AWOL for so long! Not created anything at all! I am feeling a little rusty in my attempt to get back into it! It may take a while for my mojo to catch up!

We took our first trip back to the UK last month visiting the North of England and Scotland with a short stayover in Paris which was very exciting! Plenty of photos to get scrapping!

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first I must share with you my first creation in some time! This is for Cute Card Thursday, the theme this week being at the office! (use office supplies)

for mine I used staples, paperclip, twine and notepad

We are sponsored this week by Simon Says Stamp.

I decided to create a bookmark to send to my daughter who has just gone off to college. Actually that is the other reason I was still AWOL, getting her sorted and then we took her up to New York to get her settled in. It is taking a little while getting used to her not being home!

Yesterday I went out for some retail therapy and just had to get myself these.......

Pumpkin spiced latte and pumpkin muffin from Starbucks, yum, my favourite part of September!

and talking of pumpkins, look how they have grown over the summer! I hope they ripen in time!

My other success has been my jalopenos! Perfect!

Thanks so much for dropping by, hope to be back much sooner next time!

Have a great weekend!

Bo Bunny Sketch Challenge

2011-07-22T08:23:00.000-06:00

You can find my Whimsy Stamps Blog Hop here!

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I came across a fantastic sketch over on the Bo Bunny Blog designed by Irene Tan for their layout sketch challenge.

I love that Bo Bunny has these fabulous papers already die cut, it made following the sketch so simple!

The background papers are Olivia and I also cut the butterflies out of some leftover Gabrielle.

These photos are some of my favourites from when my guys were younger. When we lived in Scotland (the first time) my wellies were always by the door, it is a very wet place! These two little imps were always putting them on and this day decided to do little dances while wearing them.

Supplies:

Papers ~ Bo Bunny 'Olivia' and Gabrielle

dies ~ marianne creatables

title ~ Thickers

Embellishments ~ Prima flowers, Basic Grey buttons, lace,

tags from kit by Colorbok

Hope you have a fabulous weekend, thanks for dropping by!

Whimsy Stamps July Rubber Release Blog Hop!

2011-07-20T10:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and welcome to the Whimsy Stamps July rubber release BLOG HOP!

The Whimsy July rubber release happened last week on July 13th, but today we are hosting our blog hop to showcase the 9 fabulous new rubber stamps and 2 new Shapeology metal dies now available at Whimsy Stamps! These new goodies are available to buy from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favorites. We also have our wonderful special guests joining us for this hop - Deb Routledge, Elaine Hughes, Niki Estes and Zoe McGrath.

The Whimsy Stamps DT have been showcasing these fabulous stamps for the past 6 days, so if you missed them be sure to hop on over to the Whimsy Inspirations Blog for some more inspiration!

Here is a full list of the wonderful July release rubber stamps and dies:

5 stamps from Kenny K
Boogie Down ~ Holla Back Girl ~ Hot Weave ~ Spy Chick ~ Victory Kid

4 stamps/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
A Touch of Elegance ~ Adventure Mini Postage Stamps ~ Vintage Bottle Labels ~ Vintage Transportation

2 dies/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
Dress Form Die (coordinates with ‘A Touch of Elegance’ stamp set) ~ Elegant Flourishes

If you would like to hop along with us today, please CLICK HERE to return to the beginning of the hop at Lori’s blog. The hop starts today (Wednesday July 20th at noon EST) and ends on Wednesday July 27th at noon EST.

For this hop we have 6 different prize draws! We have one grand prize draw where one lucky hopper will win a selection of new release stamps for hopping along with us. We also have 5 mini candy stops throughout the hop where you can enter to win a new release stamp!

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On my card I used the dress form stamp from the ' A Touch of Elegance' stamp set, I also used the dress form die to cut it out.

I also used an older background stamp from Whimsy it is called 'classified ads', the papers are recollections ~ garage sale 'bingo' and 'hidden treasure'.

The receipts are 7 gypsies and the small letter stickers are left over from my Simple Stories 'destinations' kit. the lace is vintage.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. The next stop on the hop is the super talented Crystal's blog. Be sure to pop over and see what she has for you today. And then remember to leave comments and enter for your chance to win the prizes on offer along the hop too!

Finally, here is a complete blog hop list in hopping order:

Lori Pachkowsky
Niki Estes (Guest DT)
Marley van der Heijden
Patricia Garcia
Denise Lynn
Minna Paajanen
you are here--->Deb Routledge <----you are here
Crystal Irwin
Simonne Clay
Elaine Hughes (Guest DT)
Erin Bailey
Stephanne Maraver
Donna Smith
Chris Olsen
Zoe McGrath (Guest DT)
Ann Vento
Debbie Eastman
Annika Ryan
Iris Wiechmann

Thank you so much for hopping with us today and we hope you enjoy all of the DT creations!

Paris Album

2011-07-18T14:16:00.000-06:00

It is the Whimsy Stamps July Rubber Release Day 5, we are showing you some of our creations using the new stamps that are available instore now!

I knew as soon as I spotted these amazing vintage style transportation stamps (vintage transportation) that I wanted to make a mini album for our upcoming trip to Paris.

I also used the Adventure Mini Postage Stamps and on the front page here also used the Into the Farm Background stamp and the Good life tickets which were from the June release.

The album is by Basic Grey, the papers are mostly Colorbok for backing with the rest being part of the Simple Stories 'destinations' kit that I used for my last travel album. I am completely hooked on the Simple Stories papers now and can't wait for the new release they are showing at CHA!

Can't wait to get the photographs to go in here!

The journey quote stamp is by Rubber Stampede, I picked it up in a yard sale a few weeks back!

and a quick card I whipped up using the Touch of Elegance stamps again.

Whimsy are having a blog hop on Wednesday to celebrate the launch of all these stamps, remember though, they are already for sale in the Whimsy Online Store and also through retailers!

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On a sad note, I have decided the time is right to step down from the Whimsy Stamps DT, for the past 2 1/2 years I have thoroughly enjoyed creating with their amazing stamps, it wasn't an easy decision but because I want to concentrate on scrapbooking more than cardmaking for the next little while I felt I wouldn't be doing justice to the stamps or to the team. I know there will be some of the stamps that will be perfect for my layouts so I will still be keeping a close eye on all those future releases and I can assure you I will still be telling you all how fabulous they are.

My last Whimsy Blog Hop will be this Wednesday for the July release when I have one last project to show.

Hope to see you then, thanks for dropping by!

Birthday girl!

2011-07-16T14:30:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday! Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

After being inspired to do more scrapping by attending the Creating Keepsakes Scrap and Play last month here is another page for my eldest daughter's album.

I used a sketch over at Creative Scrappers as a starting point, it is sketch number 164.

The delish papers are

Bo Bunny 'Gabrielle', I could hardly believe I was tearing these but I was brave and am so glad I did, love the effect.

Beneath the photos I used a brown paper bag which I crumpled and inked. The lace is Prima which I am pretty sure I bought from Bunny Zoe's crafts. You might want to drop in at Bunny Zoe's Crafty blog for some fabulous blog candy!

Here is another sneak peek at one of the new rubber stamps released at Whimsy this week, remember these are already in the store to purchase!

I covered my old recipe book to give it a new lease of life. The Vintage bottle labels background stamp was so perfect for this project!

Thank you so much for dropping by!

You're just my style!

2011-07-15T08:20:00.001-06:00

It is day 2 of the sneak peeks for the Whimsy July Rubber Stamp Release!

The stamps I used on this card are from the Touch of Elegance sentiment set. I just love the dress form, I am going to use this stamp lots!

Don't forget these fabulous new stamps are already in store and available to purchase!

I have used an old paper pattern behind my image (hubby bought the pattern pack thinking I might make the outfits but I had other ideas when I saw it!) I used Tim Holtz papers, some voile and some pins I have had forever!
thanks to Denise for the reminder about challenges
I am entering this into the
DYSU challenge ~ sewing
and
MAWTT ~ favourite things
my favourites are dress forms, old patterns, stitching and distressing!

just have to shout about this fabulous candy from Tab, how delish?

it is open until 29 July!

Cute Card Thursday - Circles

2011-07-14T03:00:00.002-06:00

This week the theme for Cute Card Thursday is

Circles

we are sponsored by

Simon Says Stamp

Whimsy Stamps ~ Whimsy Stamps Purr-fect gift

Celebration pennants plus the Whimsy Shapeology die Banner Pennants die

and the Party Mini Letter seals also from Whimsy

Colouring medium ~ Prismacolor pencils

Inks ~ Memento and Distress Inks in Tea Dye and Vintage Photo

Papers ~ K & Co

Other challenges I am entering

Paper Sundaes ~ Paper Piecing

Kaboodle Doodles ~ use those scissors

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Don't forget the latest rubber stamps have just been released by Whimsy Stamps, they are amazing!

Here are some very quick and simple CAS cards I made using the

new Vintage Transportation stamps

The cards were from a DCWV box of cards so were ready patterned ready for me to stamp and emboss these gorgeous masculine designs, all incorporating an image and sentiment in one!

These stamps are so versatile, I love them, I will showing another creation using them next week at the Whimsy Blog Hop on Wednesday 20th at noon (EST)

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Have a fabulous Thursday, I'll be back with another creation from the new release very soon!

Thanks for dropping by!

Whimsy Stamps July Rubber Release!

2011-07-13T06:15:00.002-06:00

Today is an exciting day at Whimsy Stamps because it's ...

rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

This month we are doing things a little differently - we are releasing the stamps and dies a whole week before our new release blog hop! So that means... the July New Release rubber stamps and dies are available to buy RIGHT NOW from the Whimsy Stamps store! Yippee!!

We are going to be holding a fabulous new release BLOG HOP on July 20th, when we will have our usual plethora of prizes, special guests, and lots of amazing creations from our DT.

From today until July 19th, the DT are going to be showcasing this month's new release stamps and dies in the lead up to our BLOG HOP on July 20th, so be sure to stop by our blogs to see what we've created.

Today I have an album to show you that I created using the fantastic 'Touch of Elegance' stamps from Raindrop Echo Designs for Whimsy. I loved all these stamps so much I couldn't stop playing with them over the past week and so have a few bits and pieces to show you over the next week.

On the front of the album I used the dress form from the Touch of Elegance set, the dress form die and one of the Adventure mini postage stamps. The papers are K&Co and the quote was also in the K&Co pack.

Inside I also used sentiments from the Touch of Elegance set and one of the Good Life Tickets

The sentiments from these pages are from the Vintage Transportation set and also the Touch of Elegance set.

Here is a list of all the new stamps, sentiment sets and dies we have released today:

5 new Kenny K rubber stamps
Boogie Down ~ Holla Back Girl ~ Hot Weave ~ Spy Chick ~ Victory Kid

4 new Raindrop Echo Designs sentiment rubber stamp sets
A Touch of Elegance ~ Adventure Mini Postage Stamps ~ Vintage Bottle Labels ~ Vintage Transportation

2 new Raindrop Echo Designs dies
Dress Form Die (coordinates with A Touch of Elegance stamp set) ~ Elegant Flourishes

Remember, they are all available to buy from the Whimsy Stamps store RIGHT NOW!

Happy shopping! :)

Show me Sunday!

2011-07-10T11:52:00.001-06:00

At last, I am back! I have missed all you lovely peeps! Hope your weekend is going well. This weekend was forecast to be stormy but thankfully we seem to have got off lightly. A big thunderstorm during the night which is when I like it, leaves the air nice and fresh in the morning! Hubby and me are just back from a lovely early morning walk and coffee at Starbucks, a perfect Sunday morning!

Fingers crossed the weather holds for the open air concert this afternoon!

*edited ~ it didn't, rotten big thunder storm cancelled the concert!

I stumbled across Stamping Caz's Show me Sunday today and as I haven't posted here in a while thought it would be a good day to play along!

This week Caz wants to see where you craft.

My poor desk has been very neglected this past month while we had visitors. I have been crafting like crazy over the past few days since our Mums returned to the Uk but can't show anything just yet. We are having a week of sneak peeks with the July rubber release from Whimsy Stamps beginning on Wednesday so ......I'll be back then and you can purchase the fantastic new rubber from Wednesday!

The mini album I am working on just now is for my daughter to take away with her to college with photos of her and the family. It is a real labour of love, I am so enjoying creating it but the realization of my first fledgling to leave the nest is creeping up fast! Blub Blub!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Cute Card Thursday - Sketch by Lisa!

2011-06-23T03:00:00.001-06:00

Cute Card Thursday this week we have a fantastic sketch by Lisa.

We are sponsored by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.

I used this sweet new Whimsy rubber stamp designed by Meljen as one of her digital images and was included in the Whimsy Stamps June rubber release last week.

The sentiment is a digi also from Whimsy Stamps.

I already had the box base so just had to create a lid and cover it. Thought it would be nice to be able to add some little pick-you-ups inside so I added some Emergen-C and some immune system boosting teas.

Challenges I am entering

The Corrosive Challenge ~ ribbons and bows

Spoonful of sugar ~ ribbons and bows

Hope you get a chance to play along this week! Pop on over to check out the rest of the Design Team's fabulous creations!

Thank you so much for dropping by, I am not around as much as usual, you know how summer is, but am trying to do some visiting from time to time!

WOYWW

2011-06-22T06:15:00.001-06:00

I am glad it is Wednesday, WOYWW tells me it must be, I have been a day ahead all week!

Just look at all this new stash on my desk! We were given so many goodies at the

Creative Keepsakes Scrap and Play

at the weekend! I haven't managed to get it all put away yet!

You can also just see the last layout I need to finish, I didn't have any suitable photographs for this one with me so I had to wait til I got home to find some.

These are a mix of prizes, goodie bag (given each day on entry) and I did have to buy a Simple Stories kit after using one to make our travel albums, you can see it in this post!

During the event we made 3 double page layouts, the travel album and the 4 cards below. The cards aren't my usual style and I finished them in half the time whereas I was struggling to keep up with the layouts but I do love the stamps we were given to make them!

We also had a small make and take from Provocraft which was super cute!

It was the most amazing event, I loved every minute of it, it has certainly given me an appetite to do more scrapping, and hopefully the confidence to get my pages done a lot quicker than usual!
Hope you will share your workspace this week, check out Julia Dunnit's blog for details!

CK Scrap and Play

2011-06-20T14:21:00.001-06:00

I attended my very first Scrapbooking event at the weekend with my friend Kerys. It was the Creating Keepsakes Scrap and Play event. I can highly recommend it if you are near Idaho or Pennsylvania which is where the next 2 events are being held! For details see here!

Below are the pages of an 8x8 album just waiting for the photos. We made this using Simple Stories 'Destinations' products and the album was a blank Maya Road. We were given free crop time in between classes and I managed to add the photos to most of my layouts.

The finished album, so love this!

The front page, I managed to complete a tag and add some lettering and photos to most of this project during the open crop time.

Of course, we had to visit the candy bar a few times!

and drooled over the prizes! they gave us so many lovely goodies, it is well worth the trip and the registration fee for those alone, but apart from that the classes were amazing! I loved everything I made!

The event started on Friday evening, we finished at midnight and then started again on Saturday morning at 9am and finished at midnight if you had the stamina.

This is the tea room at the hotel, it was so cute, just had to take a pic!

Sigh.....can't wait till they come to our place again!

Whimsy Stamps June Rubber Release Blog Hop!

2011-06-15T10:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and welcome to the Whimsy Stamps June new rubber release BLOG HOP!

We have 15 fabulous new Whimsy Stamps plus 2 new wonderful dies to show you today! These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. We also have our wonderful special guests joining us for this hop - Beate Johns, Deb Routledge, Deb Mitchell and Elaine Hughes.

The Whimsy Stamps DT have been sneak peeking these fabulous stamps for the past 5 days, so if you missed them be sure to hop on over to the Whimsy Inspirations Blog for some more inspiration!

Here is a full list of the wonderful new rubber stamps and dies being released today:

3 stamps from Crissy Armstrong
Bart’s BBQ ~ Fairy Day Dreams ~ Journey Into The Sea

4 stamps from Meljen's Designs
Garden Bird House ~ Garden Fence ~ Mailed With Love ~ Sick Little Bear

4 stamps from Kenny K
Alice Chains ~ Bling Baby ~ Showgirl ~ Surfer Dude

4 stamps/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
The Good Life Tickets ~ Into The Farm BG ~ Summer Letter Seals ~ Thank You Tiles

2 dies/sets from Raindrop Echo Designs
Cloud Die Set ~ Hot Air Balloon Die

If you would like to participate in the hop and you didn't arrive here from Chris' blog, please CLICK HERE to return to the beginning of the hop at Chris’s blog.

The hop starts today (Wednesday June 15th at noon EST) and ends on Wednesday June 22nd at noon EST.

For this hop we have 6 different prize draws! We have not one but TWO grand prize draws, so two lucky hoppers will win a large selection of new release stamps. Grand Prize 1 will be for those who help us advertise the hop, and Grand Prize 2 will be for those who hop along with us. We also have 4 mini candy stops throughout the hop where you can enter to win a new release stamp! I'm not going to tell you where they are, so if you haven't found them you'll just have go back to the beginning and start hopping! *wink*

For my blog hop creation I used…Crissy's 'Journey into the sea', she is coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils. The papers are Websters pages and the die is a Marianne creatables die.

I am entering my card into the following challenges

Paper Sundaes ~ girly girl

Totally gorjuss ~ flower power

Stamp something ~ something punched

So now it's time for you to continue the hop by hopping on over to Stephanne's blog.

Today sees the launch of the brand new Whimsy Magazine, it is just amazing, free too! You will find lots of inspiration in there! Here is the link http://issuu.com/whimsystamps/docs/issue1 enjoy!

Thank you so much for hopping with us today and I hope you enjoy the new release!

WOYWW

2011-06-15T08:07:00.000-06:00

Time for Whats on your workdesk Wednesday, this is going to be a good marker for me as all the days are merging now that the kids are on school holidays!

The above delightful creature was one we stumbled across at the weekend on a walk, think it is a garter snake so non venomous, still, gave me a gliff!

So, with the beautiful hot weather we are having this is my desk at the moment! Sitting outside, trying to read my book but unsuccessfully at the moment, am hoping to colour out here sometime too but at the moment worried the heat will melt the pencils,

actually my real desk is covered with the things I need to pack for a scrapbooking event, sooo excited!

drinking icy pink lemonade

keeping an eye on the kids in the pool and lovely conversations with our Mums who are visiting us from the UK! Bliss!

My eldest's graduation last Friday, such a special day....

we are so proud of her!

I hope you will share what is on your workdesk today, whatever you are doing this week!

Pop over to Julia Dunnit's blog for details!

Whimsy June Rubber Release Sneak Peek!

2011-06-11T06:15:00.001-06:00

Today I have a sneaky peek of the June release of rubber stamps at Whimsy Stamps!

This cutie is illustrated by Crissy Armstrong, you can see more of Crissy's designs also being released on Wednesday by dropping in on the Whimsy DT. You can see the list of DT member participating in Sneak Peeks each day over at the Whimsy Inspiration Blog.

Challenges I am entering

Kaboodle challenge ~ mystical creatures

Crazy Challenge ~ Father's Day

Cupcake Challenge ~ Things with tails.

Supplies list

Stamps ~ Whimsy Stamps ~ Barts Bar BQ, coloured with Prismacolor pencils, Whimsy Stamps 'Time Flies'

Paper ~ Websters Pages

Inks ~ Distress Inks ' tea dye, antique linen and walnut stain

Tools ~ martha stewart large Star punch, small punch from Marvy

Thank you for dropping by, hope you are all having a fabulous weekend! Don't forget to drop back on Wednesday for the release blog hop, lots of fabulous prizes will be given away!

Cute Card Thursday - Pins and Pearls

2011-06-09T03:00:00.001-06:00

A very feminine theme over on Cute Card Thursday this week ~

pins and pearls!

We are sponsored by

Simon Says Stamp

I decided to try out this painting technique as shown by Minna in this post. I couldn't find the textile additive that she uses so I made my own with cotton wool, love the textured effect. I can also enter the One Stop Craft Challenge, the theme there is texture!

Also entering

The secret crafter Saturday challenge ~ photo inspiration

Hope you will get a chance to play this week, do pop over to check out the rest of the DT's creations, they are just beautiful!

Thank you so much for dropping by, I will be back with a sneak peek of the June rubber release on Saturday, the release and blog hop is next Wednesday 15th June, you won't want to miss these amazing stamps!

Supplies

Stamp ~ Sugar Nellie 'Romantic Dreamer' by Krista Smith (Simply Sassy Range) coloured with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.

Paint supplies ~ DecoArt Textile medium, cotton wool, white acrylic paint.

Inks ~ Distress inks ~ antique linen and tea dye.

Paper ~ Basic Grey 'Marjolaine'

Embellishments ~ Tim Holtz ideaology word sticks, Prima flowers, Karen Foster scrappers floss, heart, pin, pearls and vintage ribbon of unknown origin.

WOYWW

2011-06-08T06:15:00.001-06:00

Woohoo! Part of my major reorganizing/spring clean I tidied up my desk. I love it! I actually did this over the weekend and then promptly messed it up again!

Only a little messy though! Played with some paints!

Having to schedule this as our Mums should have arrived late last night so will be too busy to actually post today!

Played around with some glue, cotton wool and acrylic paint, loving the texture. Might be playing with this stuff all summer! Awww, see my lovely xmas Starbucks mug, it was my fave and I dropped it, smashed into many pieces but I still couldn't part with it so glued it up and it now holds my paintbrushes! I almost took a swig of my paintbrushes while playing cos my coffee cup was just to the right of it! Whoops, still, better than a swig of painty water!

Hope you are all having a fabulous WOYWW. Sorry not had much to show this past week but at least I have a clean house to show for it! Will be back tomorrow with a CCT card and then again Saturday with a Whimsy Stamps sneak peek from the next rubber release...very exciting!

Hope you will show what is on your workdesk this week, if you want to play along or want to find out more pop on over to Julia's blog!

WOYWW

2011-06-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

It is a special day over at WOYWW no 104 is here which means it has been going for 2 years! I wasn't there at the beginning as I was starting to pack everything up and spent oodles of hours doing research for our move over the pond! Yikes, that was almost 2 years ago too!

Not much crafting going on here this week either....I am spending most of my time getting the house organized and super cleaned before our Summer visitors arrive!

Summer has finally arrived (after some last minute snow at the weekend) so I thought it time to do some gardening. I thought I would show that instead of my desk where nothing has changed in the last week!

We spotted this large container at the weekend and Hubby had the idea to make it a large planting area, obviously he didn't want to have to make me another wooden one! Still, he lugged it about for me and filled it up with potting mixture and I could merrily add my little plants yesterday in the sunshine! Bliss!

I planted a jalopeno, red pepper, cucumber, watermelon and pumpkin and a little bit of basil. This year will be a test as growing anything here will be a challenge with our hot, arid summers!

The strawberry plants are a bit of a cheat, they already have some strawberries on!

and the hubster thought hanging tomatoes would be a good idea, tell you what though, these things are tough to fill up, I didn't have anywhere low enough to fill it so had to get my older boy to come and hold it while I planted! It holds a few weeny tomato plants, some basil and some parsley!

Next I have to find some potato plants and more herbs oh and definitely some lettuce seed as they grow quite quickly I find them fairly easy to grow!

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I had better get back to the spring cleaning, probably won't be around much over the next few weeks what with kids finishing school for summer next week and visitors etc but will be dipping in now and then and I do have some things already made for the Whimsy June rubber release in a couple of weeks.

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If you want to join in with WOYWW head over to Julia Dunnit's blog for details. You don't have to play every week and there is no membership, just jump in when you like!

Cute Card Thursday - Sketch by Me!

2011-05-26T13:49:00.000-06:00

It is my sketch this week on Cute Card Thursday, hope you like it!

We are sponsored this week by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps

This week I decided it was time I made my eldest daughter's graduation card. I found this sweet Mo Manning image a few weeks ago and decided it was just right for her. Her graduation cap and gown will be white, hence the colouring here! The image is coloured with Prismacolor pencils.

The swirls are by Recollections.

The sentiment stamp is from Whimsy Stamps and is part of the

Birthday Postage Stamps collection designed by Ann Vento aka Raindrop Echo Designs,

it is so perfect for all kinds of occasions, definitely the one I have used the most!

The little hearts are Martha Stewart and I gave them a paint treatment and then topped it with crackle glaze, it doesn't show up well on here though. The gorgeous papers are Basic Grey 'Capella'.

As my daughter is not big on cards ( I know, can you believe it?) I decided to make her an easel card with a drawer to add a little trinket to. I couldn't find an actual tutorial for this but just made a large drawer roughly following the tutorials for the small drawers and then created the top and bottom layers to fit.

Challenges to enter

Crafty purple frog challenge ~ things of beauty

do you stack up challenge ~ animals

paper sundaes ~ pop it up

the paper shelter ~ anything goes

The rest of the design team have done a fabulous job with the sketch, hope you will drop by and see their fantastic creations!

Thanks for dropping by!

Whimsy Stamps May Rubber Release Blog Hop Mini Candy Winner!

2011-05-26T10:42:00.000-06:00

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max:

Result:

37Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner of my Whimsy Stamps blog Hop mini candy draw is no. 37 The Great Leveller congratulations Alison you win the two Whimsy Stamps designed by Kenny K!

Please send your details to Denise at Whimsy Stamps - whimsystamps@gmail.

WOYWW

2011-05-25T09:47:00.001-06:00

Hope those of you in Iceland, Scotland and the North aren't being too badly affected by the volcanic ash, can't believe that has happened again! We have the Grannies coming over for our eldest's graduation in 2 weeks just hope the travel chaos of last year doesn't happen again!

We are having a lull between storms today, it is going to be a beautiful hot day today, in the 70's woohoo! but then downhill towards the holiday weekend after that! Isn't it always like that?

so onto my desk today, actually the pics are from yesterday as I had intended scheduling but didn't quite get around to it! We have had a crazy few days here in Chez Routledge!

A sweet little Mo Manning image for my daughter's graduation card. The box is part of her card.

The stickers are so fab, I picked them up at a church rummage sale along with the little stamp, 25 cents each!

The tin box holds the pencils etc that my kids use, they aren't allowed my Prismas!

And there is my little pot of pencil shavings always on my desk, someone asked if that was one session of shavings but no, I tend to let to build up for some time before eventually deciding I need to empty it! I kinda like pencil shavings!

Below I was dabbling with some paint effects, altering some hearts that I thought might look good with a crackle effect! I have since used the smaller hearts but the doiley heart kind of disintegrated!

so, whats on your workdesk today? If you want to join in head over to

Julia Dunnits blog to get the lowdown, see more desks and maybe join in!

Have a fabulous Wednesday and thanks for dropping by!