Littlebear Crafts

Flutter By Wednesday

2012-01-24T14:04:00.002Z

There is an open theme at Flutter By Wednesday this week.

Here's my entry:-

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Polka Doodles challenge Vintage/Retro

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's time for another challenge from Polka Doodles Team B. Our theme this week has been chosen by Fliss and is "Vintage/Retro".

I've chosen a Retro theme for my card. The papers are from the Polka Doodles "Candy Doodles" CD, the flowers are black and white stampies from the "Sugar Birdies" CD and the image is a rubber stamp called "Meeshelle" from the Fairy Flutterfly collection, which I have coloured with alcohol markers. I also coloured the flowers with alcohol markers and added some glossy accents to the centres.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Simon Says "Spots and/or Stripes"

2012-01-12T10:17:00.001Z

Good morning,

Here's my entry for the Simons Says Challenge this week. Their theme is "Spots and/or Stripes". I guess you can tell which element I chose!

The papers are My Mind's Eye Lime Twist "Out of the Blue" and the image is by Penny Black called "Birthday Balloons" 3968K. The sentiment is by Lily of the Valley from a set called "Calendars" ST133.

I've coloured the image with a mix of alcohol markers and pencils.

Thank you for visiting.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Blog hijack!

2012-01-02T13:15:00.002Z

Good morning,

I apologise in advance that this is a non-crafting post. Please feel free to stop reading at this point.

Some of you may have read my New Year's Resolutions in an earlier post. One of my resolutions was to start running. I decided I needed to get fit when I began to get out of puff just walking to the top of the staircase.

My lovely hubby has bought me some running gear and I have a willing running parter (see photo).

All I need to do now is stick at it and put the work in. I've chosen a really easy (well it looks easy on paper!) training plan which should build me up to running 5k (3 miles) in ten week's time. The picture shows me and my best girlie Sophie after finishing Day 2 of our training.

I'm putting this on my blog because if I make it public I am more likely to keep on going and not give up so I hope you don't mind if I keep updating my progress every now and then.

To make extra sure I stick to the programme I have set my self a goal and signed up to run 3 miles for Sports Relief. The race takes place on 25th March, so I've got plenty of time to get prepared. If you would like to sponsor me you can find my giving page here. Or you can enter yourself with a choice of 1, 3 or 6 miles.

If you fancy getting your running shoes on, here's the schedule for week 1:-

Mon:- Run 1 minute, Walk 3 minutes (repeat 4 times for 16 mins in total)
Tues:- Rest
Wed:-Run 1 minute, Walk 3 minutes (repeat 4 times for 16 mins in total)
Thur:- Rest
Fri:- Run 1 minute, Walk 3 minutes (repeat 4 times for 16 mins in total)
Sat:- Rest
Sun: Brisk walk for half hour

Edited: Here's a link to the training plan I'm using http://www.zest.co.uk/running/train-for-a-5k-run/14-2.html

Wish me luck!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Sir Stampalot January Challenge "Monochromatic"

2012-01-01T08:01:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's the first Sunday of the month and time for a new challenge from Sir Stampalot. Our theme this month is

"MONOCHROMATIC"

I've made a matching tag and card.

Both panels started out white and I inked them with three different blue Distress Inks - "Stormy Sky", "Chipped Sapphire" and "Broken Glass". Next I sprayed them with "Dazzling Diamonds" glimmer mist so in real life they have a lovely shimmer. Once they were dry I stamped the Hero Arts images on top using "Chipped Sapphire" distress ink. Both stamps are from the Hero Arts "Delicate Blossoms" clear stamp set CL449.

Have you made any New Year's resolutions? I don't usually make them, but this year I have.

1. Buy less crafting goodies and use what I already have (although I did put a small order in at Sir Stampalot - I couldn't ignore their sale!).

2. Start running!!!!!!! My lovely hubby has already bought me some running gear as an early birthday present so I will have to get out there and use it or I will feel too guilty.

3. Learn how to take better photographs of my cards when it's winter.

I wonder if I will stick to any of these resolutions? I hope you stick to yours if you have made any.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black and More - Love and Hearts

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's time for our January challenge at Penny Black and More @ Allsorts and our theme this month is:_

"Love and Hearts"

Here's the ingredients I used for this card:-

Main Image:- Penny Black "Imagine" 3694K

"love" sentiment:- Penny Black clear stamp set "Hugs" 30-020

Heart Spellbinder Nestabilities dies

"Lady Bug" memento ink

Pearlecent card

Embroidery thread

Coloured pencils

I hope Hubby doesn't come looking at my blog as I'm hoping to give him this card for Valentine's day.

Happy New Year!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Ready-Teddy-Go January Challenge "In the Pink"

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning and a Very Happy New Year to you!

I hope you have all enjoyed the festive season and that many of you have new crafting goodies to play with!

I had a lovely break and a rest from crafting but now I'm raring to go again!

I will be posting three DT challenge pieces today and not one of them is Christmas themed. I have a sneaky feeling that I am going to miss making Christmas cards.

My first card is for the new Ready-Teddy-Go challenge. Our theme for January is

"In the Pink"

I've made a "New Baby" card. I don't make cards to sell but occasionally someone will ask me for a card and more often than not it is for a new baby, so I thought I had better stock up.

I've used a Forever Friends stamp and the sentiments are from a Stampin' Up! set called "Congrats".
The paper, flowers and card candy are all from Craftwork Cards from one of their Goody Bags. I've coloured the image with alcohol markers and inked "Spun Sugar" distress inks around the white card to tone down the brightness.

Thank you to everyone who joined our challenge last month, and look forward to visiting this month's entries.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

New challenge for 16's and under

2011-12-31T09:57:00.000Z

Good morning,

I've more exciting news from Polkadoodles. Nikky has started up a new challenge especially for the younger crafters aged 16 and under.

Click on the image to go to the challenge.

Happy New Year!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Pen and Paper Circle from Polka Doodles

2011-12-29T18:43:00.002Z

To find out more about the brand new Polkadoodles stamping club - the Pen & Paper Circle - click HERE.

Treasure!

2011-12-20T16:29:00.001Z

Well, they say that one man's rubbish is another man's treasure and this is certainly true with regard to these beauties.

My lovely husband rescued them from work as they were about to be thrown away. He's going to give them a good clean up and a coat of spray paint so they should look as good as new. It's hard to tell how big they are from the photo but the volume of each drawer is slightly larger than a ream of A4 paper. I can't wait to store my crafty goodies in them.

I will make sure I show you a photo once they have been scrubbed up.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Lilyboo "Safari" samples

2011-12-20T14:47:00.003Z

Good afternoon,

Here are two cards I made using four of the new release Lilyboo "Safari" stamps (available from Cuddly Buddly).

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Polka Doodles Week 49 "Quick Christmas Card"

2011-12-09T10:43:00.001Z

Good morning,

Quick Christmas Cards. You've suddenly realised that there is only two weeks to the big day and you still need to make a load of Xmas cards, so this week we want to see simple cards, not too many layers or embellishments, easy enough to make lots in a couple of hours.

That's the challenge Collette has set at Polka Doodles this week.

This challenge was ideal for me as I needed lots of quick cards for school. I selected a pre-coloured topper from the Magical Winter 1 CD and added a customised greeting for each child, I printed these four to a page and added glitter to all the snow once they were printed (these are only some of them and, all told, I think I spent less than one hour making them all).

The winner of this challenge will win a £10 gift voucher for the Polka Doodles shop. I hope you can join us!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

p.s. Granddad's funeral took place yesterday. He was buried in his village churchyard in the same plot as my Grandmother was buried almost 15 years ago. The lovely thing about it was that the day of his funeral was the same date as my Grandmother's birthday.

Penny Black and More at Allsorts "Happy Birthday" challenge

2011-12-04T08:00:00.000Z

Good morning!

It's the first Sunday of the month and time for another challenge at Penny Black and More. Thank you to everyone who joined us during November, we were overwhelmed by all the fabulous entries.

This month our theme is "Happy Birthday". I've been so buy making Christmas cards that I found making this card a nice change.

The Penny Black image I have used is called "Crossing Bridges!" 3206J and the sentiment is also by Penny Black from the clear set called "Critter Party" 30-013.

I hope you can join us this month.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

p.s. Thank you for all the kind comments regarding my Grandfather. I truly appreciate them all.

Sir Stampalot Challenge "Let's Play Bingo!"

2011-12-04T07:59:00.000Z

Good morning,

We're having a game of Bingo at the Sir Stampalot challenge this month.

I wasn't satisfied with playing once, I had to have two games:-

Brads, Flowers, Ribbon

Pearls, Flowers, Punch

As always, we have a brilliant prize from Sir Stampalot:-

2 glimmer mists

2 sets of glitter pee wees

Glimmer glass by tattered angels

Kaisercraft tags

Iridescent ribbons

Stickers

Kaisercraft wooden designs

Kaisercraft brads

Hero Arts self-adhesive gems

Metal tacks

Embossing powder

Junkitz Flat Pinz

Junkitz metal frames

Eyelets

Lasting Impressions Buttons

Little baggies

Heart Crystal

Making Memories big box of buttons and matching flowers

Keepsake Kit of co-ordinating papers, felt pieces, ribbons and other goodies

I hope you can play too!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare x

Ready-Teddy-Go December Challenge

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's the first of December and time for a new challenge at Ready-Teddy-Go.

Our theme this month is:-

"Anything Goes"

I decided to make another Christmas card. I'm still worried that I haven't got enough. I really ought to sit down and make a list so I know EXACTLY how many cards I need!

The image I have used is an old one from Stampin' Up! I love these cute Polar Bears and they are very quick and easy to colour (I've used Letraset markers for the colouring). The scalloped mat has been cut from white card and the edges are coloured with the same purple Promarker that I used on one of the scarves. I've blinged up the card with Glamour Dust and gems. The sentiment is by Hero Arts.

Very many thanks to everyone who joined our Easel challenge last month, please check the challenge blog to see if you are a winner.

I hope you can join us this month.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Goodbye Granddad

2011-11-28T14:00:00.001Z

My lovely Grandfather, Frank Tayler, passed away in his sleep at home this morning. He was 94 years old.

If you watched the three part series "The Long March to Freedom" which was shown on the "Yesterday" channel earlier this month, you would have seen him talking about his experiences during World War II.

I am very sad that my Grandfather has gone but I know that he was ready and it was what he wanted.

Milton Christmas Cards

2011-11-28T10:41:00.001Z

Good morning,

I recently bought a card making magazine (Papercraft Essentials 73) and with it came a free paper pack from Wild Rose Studios called "Milton & Co Christmas Paper Pack".

Here are some cards I made using the pack:-

I've teamed the papers and images up with Penny Black sentiments stamps, base cards from Craftwork Cards and Marianne Poinsettia dies and snowflake dies. As, with most of my Christmas cards, I've added lots of Glamour Dust too.

Have a great week!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Polka Doodles Challenge - Week 47 "Italian Christmas"

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's time for another challenge at Polka Doodles. This week's theme of "Italian Christmas" has been set by Miria and she would like to see a Christmas project made using the colours RED, WHITE AND GREEN, the colours of the Italian Flag.

I have used the gorgeous pre-coloured Elfie image from the Polka Doodles Magical Winter CD and glittered and glossed her with Glamour Dust and Glossy Accents. All other embellishments are from the Polka Doodles Christmas Boutique pack which was issued by Practical Publishing. Unfortunately copies sold out very quickly but I was able to get one recently from ebay.

I hope you can join us this week.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Candy at the Craft Barn

2011-11-23T19:32:00.001Z

The Craft Barn have candy to celebrate over 600 followers of their blog.

This is what the Craft Barn says about the candy:-

"over £200 of crafting goodies !!

What kind of goodies? well, I'm not going to list everything (we need to keep it a bit of a surprise...), but there are products such as Tim Holtz, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Impression Obsession, Cosmic Shimmer, Dreamweaver DVD, some wooden goodies to alter, gilding flakes, tissue tape, embossing folders, dies, inks, paints, embellishments etc. etc. etc..... "

Wow, what an amazing selection of goodies, they are bound to get someone's creative juices flowing.

You have until 25th November to enter for your chance to win.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black Stamps for Sale

2011-11-22T11:26:00.001Z

Good morning,

If you love Penny Black stamps you might want to take a look at Tab's blog, Tabby Craft Designs. She is selling loads and loads of brand new Penny Black stamps at very reasonable prices. They are all left over stock from when she ran Tabby Crafts last year.

Here's the link:-

http://tabbycraftdesigns.blogspot.com/p/for-sale.html

Hugs, Clare xx

Polka Doodles Challenge - Week 46

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's time for another Polka Doodles Challenge. This week's theme has been chosen by Ruth and she would like to see:-

Something Christmassy and HAS to be a shaped card - NO squares or rectangles!

I've made an easel card and cut out images from the Polka Doodles Magical Winter CD to give it a different shape. The sentiment is also from the Magical Winter CD and the paper is from the Pretty Sweet mini CD.

I've coloured the images with Letraset markers and added lots of glamour dust. The sentiment was pre-coloured on the CD.

I hope you can join us this week.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black & More "The Christmas DT Challenge"

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000Z

Good morning and welcome to the second DT challenge at Penny Black and More. Our lovely leader Brenda sent each of the Design Team two almost identical kits (just the papers differed, although they were from the same packs) to make up into cards.

We showed your our first cards on 16th October (you can see mine here). Today we are showing you the cards we made with the Christmas Kits. You can see the kit we were sent on the main challenge blog.

I have used a Penny Black image called "Gathering" 3882K. I stamped it directly onto coloured paper so that it matches in with the colour theme of the card.

We have added a special prize to the challenge blog:-

A winner will be selected from all new followers joining up between 17th and the next challenge on 4th December.

Don't forget, you have until 30th November to enter our current challenge where the theme is "All Creatures Great and Small". You no longer have to use a Penny Black image (although there is an extra prize draw for those of you who do), just make sure you use a rubber stamp. We have a brilliant selection of prizes this month which you can see here.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

My Memories Suite Winner

2011-11-13T12:17:00.001Z

Hello,

Sorry I am a bit late, but I have a winner for the My Memories Suite Digital Software giveaway.

Out of the hat was number 3 which means that the winner is .........................

ZEL

Please email me with your details so I can arrange for you to download your prize.

Thank you to everyone who took part, I wish you all could have won.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

p.s. If the prize is not claimed by Saturday 19th November I will draw another winner.

Blog Candy

2011-11-12T12:00:00.000Z

This post is a sticky, please scroll down for new posts.

(Click picture to go to my Blog Candy post)

Clare xx

Blog Candy reminder

2011-11-11T18:58:00.001Z

Just a quick reminder that I have blog candy. I will be drawing a winner tomorrow. If you fancy the chance to win your own copy of My Memories Suite digital software then click HERE to enter.

Polka Doodles Challenge - Week 45

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000Z

Good morning to you,

It's time for another Polka Doodles challenge. Our host this week is Daniele and she has chosen the theme:-

"Swirls and Pearls and Pretty Pastels"

I couldn't resist cute "Amelia" from the Polka Doodles Pretty Sweet mini CD and I've teamed her up with papers and a sentiment from the same collection. She's coloured with Letraset marker pens.

I'm not really a pearly, swirly person but I really enjoyed this challenge.

I hope you can join us.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Polka Doodles Colour Studio Workshop

2011-11-09T08:35:00.003Z

Nikky from Polka Doodles has arranged some Colour Studio workshop days, to find out more, click on the details below.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black and More at Allsorts November challenge

2011-11-06T08:01:00.000Z

Good morning,

Welcome to the November Penny Black and More at Allsorts challenge. Not only do we have a new name, we also have a new start date for the challenge which will be the first Sunday of each month.

The "AND MORE" which has been added to the challenge name means that you can now use other images as well as, or instead of, Penny Black images, although there will be an extra, special prize for entries which use Penny Black images. The DT will continue to use Penny Black images on their inspiration projects.

Ooh, I nearly forgot, don't forget to watch out for our "Who's in the Spotlight" feature each month - it could be you!

Now, onto our theme for November which is:-

"All Creatures Great and Small".

I have used a cute hedgehog from the Penny Black clear set called "Tiny Wishes" 30-036 and the sentiment is from the Penny Black clear set called "Enjoy" 30-024.

We have an awesome array of prizes this month:-

I hope you like the changes we have made to the challenge and that you are inspired to join us this month.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Sir Stampalot November challenge - Blue and Green

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000Z

Good morning,

It's time for a new Sir Stampalot challenge. We are now starting our monthly challenge on the first Sunday of each month, instead of the first day.

Our theme for November is "Blue and Green".

I have used a cute Teddy Bo fishing bear and coloured him with Prismacolor pencils. I've added glossy accents to the fish to make it look all slimy!!

The little fish embellishment is made from Fimo and is covered with irridescent heat embossing powder, this looks lovely and sparkly in real life, but on the photo it doesn't look too good at all!

This month we have a fabulous secret prize from our generous sponsors Sir Stampalot.

I do hope you can join us.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Polka Doodles Challenge - Week 44

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000Z

Good morning!

It's time for the Polka Doodles weekly challenge. This week's theme, which has been set by FLISS, is:-

"A shaped card/project for any occasion

(not square, rectangle, etc, etc!)"

I used pre-coloured images from the brand new Pretty Tuff CD which is available as a pre-order from Polka Doodles. If you are going to the NEC this weekend it will be available from the Polka Doodles stand.

I did a bit of computer manipulation with the images to get the sizes I wanted before printing the elements out. The only extra I have added is Sakura Stardust pen to the white bits of the football strip and around the edge of the sentiment.

I think I will be making quite a few more cards like this for the boys in my family. I will have to make sure I get the strip colours right!!

I hope you are inspired to join us this week.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

p.s. If you would like the chance to win a copy of My Memories Suite digital software which is ideal to use with your digital images and papers, please see my blog candy HERE.

Ready-Teddy-Go November Challenge

2011-11-01T01:00:00.000Z

Good morning to you.

It's the first of November which means it's time for another monthly challenge at Ready-Teddy-Go. Thank you to everyone who took part in last month's challenge and congratulations to the winner.

Our theme this month is:-

"Take it Easel"

We want to see your teddy bear easel cards this month.

Here's mine:-

I have used "Butterfly Bear" by Penny Black (3696H). The beautiful papers are from the Echo Park "Country Drive" 6" x 6" pad. The large butterfly is from a Cuttlebug diecut and emboss set and the smaller butterfly is from a Martha Stewart punch.

I do hope you can join us this month. I love to see all the gorgeous teddy bear creations.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Playing a bit more with My Memories Suite

2011-10-31T09:07:00.005Z

Good morning,

I'm like a child with a new toy and can't stop playing with the My Memories Suite software. This morning, I made up a quick page using some photographs from my son's football presentation day last year.

This time I used papers that were already stored on my computer, rather than ones that came with the software.

The fabby star paper and the football are from the new Polka Doodles "Pretty Tuff" CD which is available for pre-order HERE. I love this collection, it's great for all those boy projects!

I'm not a scrapbooker, but I want to record memories as my son is growing up. I've got a presentation folder and I'm going to add the above layout to it and hope to make many more. It's a shame for the photos of him to sit on a hard drive and hardly be seen.

I have a copy of the My Memories Suite software

to give away to one of my readers.

Click HERE to find out how to enter (it's easy!).

Before I go, a quick reminder that the Sir Stampalot Challenge and the Penny Black and More @ Allsorts challenge will both be starting on 6th November this month, instead of the 1st.

Now I had better stop playing and get on with making some sample cards from the Polka Doodles Pretty Tuff collection (although that's still playing isn't it!!!).

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

My Memories Suite GIVEAWAY

2011-10-30T20:28:00.000Z

Good evening,

My Memories has asked me to review their My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software and host a giveway which means you could win your own download of the software. This software isn't just for scrapbooking, you can create layouts, photo books, cards, videos, you name it!

I will work a bit more on this layout, but I wanted to show what could be achieved in the first ten minutes of opening up the software. You can use ready-made layouts or start from scratch as I did.

Already I love how easy this software is to use (and, believe me, I would not say that if I didn't mean it). I can use the digital kits from My Memories who have a huge selection of designer digi kits, and I can also use digital images and papers that I already own.

All you need to do to be in with the chance of winning a downloadable copy of the My Memories Suite software is to visit the My Memories website and then leave me a comment on this post telling me which digi kit or layout you like the most.

I will draw a winner on Saturday 12th November.

As a special offer for my blog readers, My Memories has given me a unique Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbooking software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!

My unique code is:

STMMMS58076

Just copy and paste this code into the promotional code field during the checkout process.

I will keep you updated on my progress with the software.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Polkadoodles Challenge 43

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

Good morning,

It's time for the Polka Doodles week 43 challenge. This week's challenge has been set by Claire and she has chosen the theme of:-

A magical world - an element of magic.... fairies/wizard/dragon/unicorn

I chose this beautiful backing paper from the Polka Doodles Pretty Sweet Mini Collection. I wouldn't normally choose a colour like this, especially for fairies, but it called out to me and I love it! I coloured the Lili of theValley fairy with Letraset Alcohol Markers using yellows, browns and greens. I've added some sparkle with Gold Glamour Dust and added some machine stitching around the edge. The sweet sentiment is also from the Pretty Sweet Mini Collection.

I do hope you can join us!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

My exciting news!

2011-10-24T08:19:00.001+01:00

Good morning,

I mentioned some exciting news I had to tell you and now I can reveal all.

Nikky at Polka doodles has chosen 12 new people to join her Design Team and I am delighted to be one of them!

Yipee!!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black at Allsorts "THE DT CHALLENGE"

2011-10-23T08:28:00.000+01:00

Good morning,

Brenda, our lovely leader at Penny Black at Allsorts, set the DT a challenge this month.

Brenda sent us all a matching kit to create our project (some of us got different papers but they were from the same pack).

Here's what I made:-

I used the Penny Black stamp "Mixed Media" 4037K.

This is the first time I have used seam binding and I loved it! I inked mine up with Tim Holtz Distress Ink and slip-stitched along one side and then pulled the stitching to make the first frilled layer of my flower. I also inked the white flower to make the centre.

The butterfly is cut from the backing paper and coated with glossy accents. I backed the gap the butterfly left in the paper with a leftover piece of the main stamped image.

Thank you Brenda for setting the DT this challenge, it was great fun!

I hope you are all having a great weekend.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Fudge - "A Card for You"

2011-10-21T15:04:00.002+01:00

Good afternoon,

There are some new Czes Pachela images available at Cuddly Buddly. I couldn't resist this cute little bear called Fudge.

The image I have used is called "Fudge - A Card for Me".

I shall keep this short and sweet as I need to be at school in ten minutes.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Info about changes to the Sir Stampalot Challenge start/end dates

2011-10-20T09:21:00.001+01:00

Good morning,

This is a quick post to let you know about a few changes to the Sir Stampalot Challenge.

As from November the starting date of challenges will be the first Sunday of the month which means that most months, our challenge will run until the end of the month................unless the first Sunday falls on the first of the month............... a list of exact dates will be put on the challenge sidebar.

Apart from that everything remains the same, fun themes, great prizes from Sir Stampalot, our monthly Top 3 and of course inspiration from the Design Team.

This month's challenge will run until midnight GMT on 31st October and the next challenge will start on Sunday 6th November.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

p.s. I have some very excited news I am bursting to tell you, but I've got to wait :(

Penny Black at Allsorts - news of some exciting changes

2011-10-16T10:28:00.002+01:00

Hello everybody, I have some exciting news to share with you.

There are going to be a few changes to the Penny Black at Allsorts challenge, but Penny Black and the Design Team think they are going to make it even better than before and allow lots more of you to join in.

We are opening up the challenge entry criteria and starting with our November challenge you will be able to use any stamp on your work, although strictly no digi images.

There will still be lots of prizes on offer and all eligible entries will go into the draw, plus there will be an additional prize each month for entries using a Penny Black stamp or stickeroo.

And if that's not enough, we are having a “Who’s in the Spotlight” feature every month. The DT will be keeping an eye open as they go on their rounds and about the 20th of each month we will feature two entries which stand out to us. Those entries will be able to display our special logo and will be invited to write a short bio about their crafting journey which will be published on our blog.

There will be a slight change to our name to take account of these changes and in future we will be know as ‘Penny Black and more at Allsorts’.

Over the next couple of weeks the information on the challenge sidebar will be updated to list dates of the next few challenges so you can easily check what is happening when, but I can tell you that the next challenge will start on 6th November and the current one will run until midnight GMT on 31st October.

Now you may wonder why we are making these changes and think we have fallen out of love with our precious Penny Black stamps, but nothing could be further from the truth and the DT will all continue to use them on their DT work.

But we do realise that not everybody is lucky enough to own Penny Black stamps and has been prevented from joining in previously.So we hope the changes will make it easier for more of you to join in the fun and also have the opportunity to win the stamps on offer from Penny Black and our other sponsors so you can start your very own Penny Black collection.

I will be back in a few days with another post showing you a special project I have made. All the DT were set a special challenge to see what we would come up with.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Sir Stampalot October challenge "Food Glorious Food"

2011-10-01T08:01:00.000+01:00

Good morning,

It's time for a new challenge at Sir Stampalot. Our theme for the month of October is "Food Glorious Food".

The image is Nellie's Choice "Dawn with Cake #3". I've coloured the image with Alcohol markers and added dollops of Glossy Accents to the flowers and various parts of the cake. For the sentiment, I coloured pearlescent white card candy with alcohol markers and stamped the letters on top.

Sir Stampalot are offering this yummy food themed prize to one lucky winner:-

Wow! I wish I could enter!

I hope you can join us this month and, as usual, I can't wait to see all the fabulous entries.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black at Allsorts October Challenge "Photo Inspiration"

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Good morning, It's first October and time for another challenge at Penny Black at Allsorts.

This month we have a photo inspiration challenge for you.

Just looking at this photo makes me feel good!

Here's my interpretation of the theme.

I have used Tim Holtz Distress Inks to colour the background and also for the stamping.

The tree is Penny Black "Fantasy" 3880K, the blue leaves on the background are Penny Black "Foliage" 30-024. The sentiment and the green leaves at the bottom are both from the Penny Black clear set "Enjoy".

I hope you are inspired to join us and I look forward to seeing your creation if you do.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Ready-Teddy-Go October Challenge "Punch it Out"

2011-10-01T01:00:00.000+01:00

A very early (scheduled) good morning to you.

Thank you for all the fabulous entries into our Ready-Teddy-Go challenge last month. I hope you are inspired to join us again this month for our

"Punch it Out" challenge.

I've used a Martha Stewart Border Punch and an X-cut flower punch on my card. The image is "Grown with Love" from Cuddly Buddly. I've coloured the image and flowers with colouring pencils. I think the majority of pencils I used were Prismacolor. I use these on their own without any blending spirits.

I used a rubber stamp for the image but you can get the digi image FREE OF CHARGE from Cuddly Buddly HERE.

I'm looking foward to meeting all the teddies who are entered into this month's challenge!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Karen Middleton's "Cat in Basket"

2011-09-28T11:03:00.002+01:00

Good morning,

Here's a sample card I have made for Cuddly Buddly using one of Karen Middleton's new release digi stamps "Cat in Basket".

I've coloured the image with alcohol markers and coloured pencils.

The papers and sentiment are both from Cuddly Buddly.

The weather is fabulous here today and has really lifted my spirits.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Totally Gorjuss - "Birds of a Feather"

2011-09-26T14:21:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

The challenge theme at Totally Gorjuss this week is "Birds of a Feather".

I've used an image by Karen Middleton called "Winter Feed" and coloured it with alcohol markers and coloured pencils. I have edged around the image with Glamour Dust - this has to be one of my all-time favourite crafting products.

I've used a Sakura "Stardust Clear" pen for the faux stitching.

I hope you have had a good weekend. Thank you for dropping by my blog.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Snow Kiss

2011-09-22T11:33:00.005+01:00

Good morning,

Here's a card I made using my goodies from Handy Hippo (details in last post).

I stamped Penny Black Circles and Lines (40-084) onto turquoise card using "Whipped Cream" ink from Elzybells (sadly no longer in existence) and heat embossed with clear embossing powder, then I inked over with "Faded Jeans" and "Pine Needles" distress inks, and blended the inks using a baby wipe. Next I coloured between some of the lines with "Powder Blue" and "Soft Green" Promarkers.

I stamped the sentiment from Hero Arts "Sending Holiday Cheer" (CL464) with versamark and heat embossed with Stampendous fine white embossing powder.

The image is "Snow Kiss" by Penny Black (4099K). I coloured the image with Promarkers and cut out Mimi and the Polar bear, then I stamped the image again in black and glued on the coloured pieces. The borders and "snow" are made from Twinklets Diamond Dust adhered with tacky glue. I love the effect of the Twinklets but the bits of glass get everywhere!

The snowflake is made using a Marianne Createables snowflake (LR0124) for the base with a smaller, Martha Stewart punched snowflake, for the middle.

It makes me feel a bit cold looking at this card! Hubby said last night that snow was forecast within the next three weeks. I do hope the forecast is wrong.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Thank you Handy Hippo and Jules

2011-09-19T11:50:00.002+01:00

Good morning,

I would like to say a huge thank you to Handy Hippo and to Jules at "Always with a Heart". Jules has recently started working for Handy Hippo promoting their craft goodies (you can see here amazing work HERE). Jules will be blogging a special project every Monday, along with crafting hints and tips. I was very lucky to win a £10 voucher from Handy Hippo to celebrate the launch of Jules's special projects.

Here's what I bought:-

It's not too much of a surprise that I went for Penny Black goodies. I couldn't wait to get "Snow Kiss" (4099K) as I spent most of last winter admiring this image in blogland. I also chose the cling background "Circles and Lines" (40-084) - I am sure I can find lots to do with this stamp.

Once again THANK YOU Jules and Kerry and the team at Handy Hippo.

I can't wait to get creating.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Simon Says to use a SONG or FILM title as inspiration

2011-09-14T15:12:00.004+01:00

Good afternoon,

I've made a card for the Simon Says challenge where you have to use a song or film title for inspiration.

The inspiration for the my card is the song "Hazy Shade of Winter" by Simon and Garfunkel.

The sentiment, which is hard to see in the photograph reads "May a peaceful spirit fill your heart and bless your life this season and all year long".

The only downside to this card challenge is that I can't get the song out of my head and I keep singing and whistling it as I go about my day!

Thank you for visiting.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Practicing

2011-09-14T10:35:00.001+01:00

Good morning,

I always shy away from the dark markers when I colour, so I decided it was about time I made myself use them.

I need a lot more practice!

The image I have used is by Whiff of Joy called "Henry Mouse with Christmas Bauble". A big thank you to Vicky for this fab image. I've used a Sakura clear glitter pen to add sparkle to the pattern on the bauble (sorry it doesn't show!).

The background stamp is by Hero Arts called "Large Canvas Stripes" (S5433). I stamped it onto white card using Versamark ink and heat embossed with fine white embossing powder (I could easily have used clear embossing powder as the cardstock was white). Then I sponged over "Peeled Paint" distress ink and ran a red marker pen around the edges.

The sentiment is also by Hero Arts from a clear stamp set called "Magic of Christmas" (CL462).

Thank you for visiting!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Lily Pad Cards "Resist" challenge

2011-09-12T17:32:00.003+01:00

Good evening,

Here is another Christmas card and this is my favourite one so far. I have made this for the Lily Pad Cards "Simon Says Presents a Resist Challenge".

I stamped Hero Arts Cling Snowflake Circle (CG100) in versamark onto white cardstock and heat embossed using Stampendous Fine White ebmossing powder. Next I inked over with Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Chipped Sapphire".

The snowman is by Penny Black from the "Jolly Friends" transparent stamp set (30-058). I've coloured him with alcohol markers and added Glossy Accents to his nose and the berries and Glamour Dust to his bobble. The snow at the bottom is made using Diamond dust Twinklets.

I made a frame using classic circle and lace circle nestabilities and sandwiched the image between the frame and a base card made using two lace circle nestabilities.

I can't wait to make this card again! It's not often that I want to make the same card twice.

I hope you have had a good start to your week.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Some Christmas cards

2011-09-08T17:13:00.004+01:00

Good evening,

I've been busy making Christmas cards recently. Here are a few of them.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Some boy cards

2011-09-08T08:48:00.002+01:00

Good morning,

Here are some cards I have made for male relatives who have birthdays this month.

I've just realised that I have used Penny Black stamps for all of them.

Enjoy your day.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Proud Mummy

2011-09-06T19:44:00.001+01:00

Please forgive me for my non-crafting post.

I wanted to share a picture of my young man on his first day of school.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black "Gossamer"

2011-09-04T13:45:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

I've made a card using a stamp that I had on my wish list for a very long time. It's by Penny Black and is called "Gossamer" (3865K).

I've kept the card very simple and coloured the image with pencils.

Thank you for visiting.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Sir Stampalot "Freebie Friday"

2011-09-01T12:50:00.008+01:00

Sir Stampalot are promoting a new weekly feature, starting tomorrow. It’ll be called ‘Freebie Friday’ and details will be sent via their email newsletter, so if you want to join in, you’ll need to sign up for the newsletter before end of day today (follow link below):-

http://www.onlineitools.com/nl/nl-subscribe.php?bus_id=3091&list_id=1

Alternatively, you can go to the Sir Stampalot web site and sign up at the "Stay in Touch" "Sign up to Smudges" link on the left hand side of the home page.

Ready-Teddy-Go September Challenge

2011-09-01T09:01:00.000+01:00

Good morning to you.

Thank you for the wonderful support we had for the first Ready-Teddy-Go challenge in August. I hope you can join us again this month.

Our theme is to use "AUTUMN COLOURS" and of course a bear, of any kind.

Unfortunately I can't tell you what the stamp I have used is called, the image was a gift from a very kind blogging buddy. The papers are Kaiser Kraft "Peachy Keen" and the sentiment is from Cuddly Buddly.

This month we are sponsored by

who are kindly offering this amazing prize

I enjoyed visiting all the teddy creations last month and I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with this month.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black at Allsorts September Challenge - "Get Ahead for Christmas"

2011-09-01T08:01:00.004+01:00

It's time for the September Penny Black at Allsorts Challenge.

Our theme this month is:-

"GET AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS"

I've used two Penny Black Stamps. The wreath is a wood mounted stamp called "Adornment" (3996J) and the robin is from a clear set called "Jolly Friends" (30-058).

Here's a glittery close up! Christmas Red stickles on the wreath and Glamour Dust on the robin.

I hope you are inspired to join us with your Penny Black Christmas creations.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Sir Stampalot September Challenge "It's a Frame Up"

2011-09-01T08:00:00.003+01:00

Good morning!

It's the first of September and time for another challenge at Sir Stampalot. The theme for this month's challenge is "It's a Frame Up" and we would like to see a frame as part of your project.

I have used Spellbinders Nestabilities "Labels 10" to make the base card. I call these my LEMON nesties and love this shape for a card.

I used yellow card for the base and stamped over this with Hero Arts F5042 "Leaf Flourish" stamp using Memento "Angel Pink" Ink. The designer paper is by Brenda Pinnick from an old QVC kit and the sentiment sticker is from the same kit. The frame is from a Basic Grey "Two Scoop" Chip Stickers Kit and I've embellished it with some flat back pearls and paper flowers.

I'm quite pleased with myself as I used up some of my older stash to make this card.

Sir Stampalot have donated this fantastic prize for the winner of this month's challenge.

I do hope you can join us this month and look forward to visiting all the entries.

Best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black - Tender Showers

2011-08-30T19:21:00.000+01:00

Good evening,

Here's a card I have made for the My Time to Craft Challenge where the theme is "In Full Bloom".

I've used a Penny Black image called "Tender Showers" (2875K) which I've coloured with Copic Ciaos. I've added a little Fimo bee to cover up a grey splodge on the paper - I think it looks cute! The sentiment is from Cuddly Buddly and the papers are Echo Park "Country Drive". I am being really good and making myself use these papers rather than hiding them away in a cupboard for "best" which is what I tend to do with a lot of my stash and then never end up using it!

I decided to challenge myself when colouring this image - the challenge I set myself was to pick Copic colours that I don't usually use. I seem to have favourites from all the colour groups and neglect 75% of my collection. It was fun to use different colours and I'm really pleased I did.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes Clare xx

Candy Winner

2011-08-28T12:13:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

Time to announce the winner of my candy.

I did a Random Org. thingy but I couldn't figure out how to copy and paste the picture showing the results.

The number that came up was ....................

which is

Pamela

Congratulations Pamela. Please email me with your details and I will get the goodies sent off to you.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my candy and sorry to those who didn't win.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Followers Candy

2011-08-28T10:15:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

I have put together some blog candy to say thank you to my followers.

The current edition of "Mollie Makes" (issue 4)

Forever Friends rubber stamp

10 x A4 sheets of Papermania Signature "A Christmas Carol" linen papers

12 x 6"x6" Dovecraft Back to Basics "Christmas" paper

1M Christmas green ribbon

1M Christmas purple ribbon

Red and Gold holly leaves

To enter:-

Please leave a comment on this post

(sorry but I don't know how to add a Mister Linky to my blog),

Please add the picture to your blog with a linkback to this post

This candy is for my followers, I am always happy to see new followers, but please follow for my blog content and not just for the candy.

I will draw a winner on Sunday 28th August.

Hugs, Clare xx

My first House Mouse

2011-08-19T16:24:00.002+01:00

Hello,

I have resisted for so long but the adorableness of House Mouse stamps has finally worn me down and I've bought my first set of stamps. After much deliberation I chose the set called "Reindeer" (JSHM033).

I coloured these little cuties with Copics and pencils. The papers are Dovecraft Back to Basics "Christmas". If you would like a chance to win some of these papers, please see my candy HERE.

Enjoy your day!

Hugs, Clare xx

A Passion for Papertrey "For the Boys!"

2011-08-19T15:55:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon,

Here's a card I have made for the A Passion for Papertrey challenge. The theme is "For the Boys!".

I've used a stamp from the "Everyday Buttons bits" set and the buttons are also from Papertrey Ink.

The fabby paper is by Echo Park, it's from a 6" x 6" pad called "Country Drive".

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Blog Candy reminder

2011-08-16T11:08:00.000+01:00

Good morning,

Aren't these gorgeous! No calorie biscuits - yummy! These are just one of the projects in the current edition of Mollie Makes magazine. If you haven't seen this new magazine, it's full of crafty goodness, including knitting, crocheting and sewing.

I'm giving a copy away with my current blog candy which you can find HERE.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Cards for Men "Anything Goes"

2011-08-15T14:14:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

The Cards for Men challenge this week is "Anything Goes".

I've embossed onto Core-dinations Whitewash cardstock using a Crafts Too embossing folder "Swirly Frames". The image is made using the Harbour Scene-It stamp set from Hobby Arts, stamped onto watercolour paper and coloured with Letraset Aquamarkers. I've covered the gul with glossy accents to add extra texture.

I would also like to enter this into the August challenge at By the Cute and Girly where the theme is "The Sea". (Thanks Lisa!).

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

I have candy HERE

Karen Middleton's Enchanted Wishes

2011-08-11T09:31:00.004+01:00

Good morning,

I've been having fun making samples using the new Karen Middleton "Enchanted Wishes" digi stamps that have been released at Cuddly Buddly today.

"Little Souls"

I would like to enter this card "Little Souls" (above) into the challenge at

Flutter By Wednesday.

Their theme this week is "open".

"Love Fairy"

"Butterfly Wishes"

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

p.s. I have candy here.

Brother's Birthday Card

2011-08-10T14:06:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

Here's my entry for the Cards for Men Challenge #16 "Clean and Simple"

I bought the Penny Black "12 Days of Christmas" (30-016) clear stamp set just for this image to use on men's cards. It's perfect for my brother who's not into sports but loves his music.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Simon Says Stamp Challenge "Christmas in August"

2011-08-08T15:36:00.002+01:00

Good afternoon,

The theme at Simon Says Stamp challenge is "Christmas in August". I'm really in the mood for making Christmas cards at the moment, so I've made not one, but two cards to enter into the challenge. Can you spot the difference?

I've used tree stamps from a Hero Arts clear stamp set called "Merry Christmas Trees" cl459 and a sentiment from a Penny Black clear stamp set called "Christmas Critters" 30-006. The background stamp on the first card is from Hero Arts and is called "Large Canvas Stripes" S5433 (oh, there are so many Hero Arts background stamps on my wish list, they're so versatile).

The paper piecing uses papers from a Dovecraft paper pack called "Let it Snow". I'm not convinced that the colours are very Christmassy, but I don't mind.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

First 'Spot Prize' Winners at Ready-Teddy-Go

2011-08-08T12:09:00.002+01:00

Good afternoon!

From time to time Julie-Ann will randomly select one commenter and one follower at the Ready-Teddy-Go challenge blog to receive a prize.

Today the lucky winners, chosen at random, are:-

Wendy

from the commenters

and Sarah

from the followers.

Congratulations ladies, you've won one of the new Christmas Fizzy Moon stamps. For more information please see this post on the Ready-Teddy-Go challenge blog.

Hugs, Clare xx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge "Anything Goes"

2011-08-06T13:57:00.002+01:00

Good afternoon,

The theme at the Penny Black Saturday Challenge is "Anything Goes".

I've made a Christmas card to enter into the challenge, using a stamp from the Penny Black clear set called "Jolly Friends" (30-058). I swapped the tree on the stamp for a Marianne die cute tree. The Papers are from a Dovecraft pad called "Let it Snow".

Have a lovely weekend!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare x

2011-08-03T17:33:00.000+01:00

I am over the moon to have received this blinkie

from the ABC Christmas Challenge team for this card

Thank you to the Design Team for choosing my card as one of your 'O' for Old Top 3.

Sir Stampalot Challenge - August DT

2011-08-01T08:01:00.008+01:00

Good morning.

Welcome to another Sir Stampalot challenge.

This month it's time to let your creative juices run riot with our theme of:-

"Whatever you Fancy"

I've used a Penny Black Slapstick stamp called "Fly Away" (40-020), coloured with Copic Ciaos, the sentiment is included in the same set - I love this font!

Isn't the dog sweet leaning against the boy, this is just what my dog does to me, although when she does I struggle to stay standing up - she's a rather large German Shepperd!

Other ingredients:-

Papers - My Mind's Eye "Asparagus"

Punch - Martha Stewart border

Dies - Sizzix Photo Corners 2

Spellbinders - Large Rectangles and Large Scallop Rectangles

Buttons - Papertrey Ink

Plain and Pearlescent from stash

I hope you are inspired to join us this month.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black at Allsorts - August DT

2011-08-01T08:00:00.014+01:00

Good morning!

It's 1st of August which means it's time for another challenge at Penny Black at Allsorts.

Our theme this month is:-

Free and Easy (Anything goes)

I've chosen from my favourite range of Penny Black stamps, the florals. This image is called "Tigress" (3817K). I've coloured it with Copic Ciaos and added some Black Diamond stickles glitter glue. To take the white glare away from the card I sponged around the edges with Spun Sugar distress ink.

The Penny Black sentiment is called "Special Time" (4174H) and I've stamped it onto vellum with Versafine Onyx Black ink and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder.

I hope you are able to join us this month!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Ready-Teddy-Go! August DT card

2011-08-01T07:30:00.006+01:00

Good morning!

Today is the very first challenge at Ready-Teddy-Go. It's a challenge for all teddy bear lovers. You can use either a rubber stamp or a digi image, we don't mind.

The first challenge is:-

"Button and Bows"

My teddy bear is part of a Penny Black stamp called "Team Teddy" (3981K). He's coloured with Copic Ciaos.

This is the fabulous prize which will be chosen at random during the first week of September.

I look forward to meeting all the different teddies who are entered into the challenge.

I would like to enter this card into the challenge at Truly Scrumptious where their theme is "Buttons and Bows".

Hugs, Clare xx

Another Beloved Bunny

2011-07-31T08:03:00.008+01:00

Good morning,

Here's another card I have made using one of Kim Sponaugle's Beloved Bunnies. This one is called "Bunny's Bouquet".

This bunny is from Cuddly Buddly. I've used a digi, but he's also available as a rubber stamp. I've coloured him with Copic Ciaos. I can't wait to try the new Letraset Flexmarkers that are on sale next week. They are basically Promarkers with a brush nib at one end. The papers and sentiments are also from Cuddly Buddly and I've used a mixture of Spellbinders and Marianne dies.

I would like to enter this card into the Creative Inspirations challenge where the theme is "Summertime".

I hope you are enjoying the weekend. We had glorious weather yesterday, I wonder what it will be like today?

Hugs, Clare x

Ready-Teddy-Go! New Challenge reminder

2011-07-31T08:00:00.002+01:00

Hello,

I am so excited about the new Ready-Teddy-Go challenge which is launching tomorrow - 1st August.

If you are interested in finding out more or becoming a follower, you can find the challenge by clicking on the logo below.

Hugs, Clare xx

Beloved Bunny for Die Cut Dreams challenge

2011-07-29T09:20:00.005+01:00

Good morning,

Here's my entry for the Die Cut Dreams challenge #94 "Animal Antics".

The image, called "Brushstokes" is from the Beloved Bunny collection at Cuddly Buddly.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

New Artist coming to Cuddly Buddly

2011-07-28T09:13:00.007+01:00

Good morning,

Today I have a sample card to show as a taster of the new images from Karen Middleton that will be available at Cuddly Buddly from Thursday 11th August.

I would like to enter this card into the current Totally Gorjuss challenge where they want to see punching/die cutting on your card.

I've used the following dies and punch:-

Martha Stewart Around the Page "Cherish"
Spellbinders, Labels 2 and Blossom
Cuttlebug Butterfly (die cut and embossing set)
EK Success 1 1/4" circle punch
Woodware leaf punch

Enjoy your day! I am going to visit my parents who moved into their new home yesterday.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Nursery Graduation

2011-07-25T09:10:00.001+01:00

Good morning.

I know this isn't craft related, but I wanted to share a picture of me and my son taken at his nursery gradution party yesterday.

Things have changed since my day, we didn't have things like this! The children all looked so cute in their outfits. Unfortunately we forgot to take our camera but at least we were able to use our phone camera.

Enjoy your day. Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Ready-Teddy-Go! New Challenge starts 1st August

2011-07-21T20:45:00.006+01:00

Good evening,

I am so excited! There is a brand new challenge called Ready-Teddy-Go starting on 1st of August which is dedicated entirely to Teddy Bears - rubber or digi - and I am delighted to be on the design team.

I can't wait to get started!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

ABC Christmas Challenge - "O" is for Older Stamp

2011-07-20T15:51:00.004+01:00

Good afternoon,

ABC Christmas Challenge are asking you to use stamps/digis that are over one year old on your project for their current challenge.

I don't know quite how old this tree stamp is, but it's definitely well over a year old!

I had a piece of hammered white card left over from making a box, and, as I'm trying to have less waste from cardmaking, I decided to play about with some distress inks. I used a torn piece of copy paper to cover part of the card and then sponged and dusted three colours of distress ink onto the card (after first masking a circle for the moon). The colours I used were Chipped Sapphire, Faded Jeans and Tumbled Glass.

Next I stamped on the tree image which is by Rubber Stampede and called "Winter Woods" A2430F, and the sentiment which is "Christmas Flourish" by Penny Black (3900H). Finally, I matted onto some Stampin' Up! grey card and adhered it to an A6 card.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Penny Black Saturday "Bunting"

2011-07-20T08:59:00.002+01:00

Good morning,

The challenge at Penny Black Saturday this week is "Bunting". Goodness me, what problems I had making bunting, I kept cutting out the wrong shaped triangle, but I got there in the end!

I used an image and sentiment from the Penny Black clear set "Tiny Wishes" 30-026. I've used Copic Ciaos to colour.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes.

Clare x

Christmas Card for the Simon Says Challenge

2011-07-19T16:52:00.003+01:00

Good afternoon,

I've just heard that the Simon Says Challenge are hoping to get 1000 entries to their challenge this week. If they do they are offering a second $50 prize to spend in their shop.

The challenge theme is "Anything Goes" and I am entering this simple Christmas card.

I'm making batches of Christmas cards using images from the Penny Black "Mimi's Christmas" set (30-061) to use for my son to send to his schoolfriends (the girls, I'll make differents ones for the boys).

I've coloured Mimi with pencils and added Perfect Pearls in Pearl, Glamour Dust and Glossy Accents to give the sparkle and shine that children love.

Good luck Simon Says Challenge, I hope you reach 1000!

Hugs and best wishes.

Clare xx

Penny Black at Allsorts - "Flower Power"

2011-07-13T13:17:00.006+01:00

Just a quick reminder about our monthly challenge at Penny Black at Allsorts, where our theme is "Flower Power". You still have over two week's to enter and because this month is our first birthday we have a total of SEVEN prizes on offer, including our special birthday quiz prizes.

I've used Penny Black Day Dreams (3947K) for my card. I've coloured it with Aquamarkers and added some stickles glue for a bit of sparkle!

The background has also been made using Aquamarkers.

I scribbled with them onto a waterproof sheet and sprayed them with Pearl Glimmer Mist. Then I put my glossy cardstock onto the ink and gently swooshed it to pick up all the ink. I also used a bit of scrunched up paper towel to pick up ink and fill in any gaps.

I rather like the effect of this background technique with the Aquamarkers.

Have a lovely day whatever you are doing!

Hugs and best wishes.

Clare xx

Cupcake Craft Challenges - Your Favourite Cupcake Challenge

2011-07-12T13:43:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

Cupcake Craft Challenges are celebrating their 150th challenge. The theme for this challenge is "Your Favourite Cupcake Challenge" where you get to choose from all the challenges they have ever had. What a great theme!

I've chosen Challenge 48 "Distressing" for my card, although it would probably fit other challenges too, including Challenge 1 "Flowers" and Challenge 148 "In the Garden".

For the panel of my card I started off with some pale green cardstock and stamped polka dots onto it using Versamark Frost. I then sponged over with "Crushed Olive" and "Chipped Sapphire" distress inks and stamped Hero Arts "Wildflower Garden" (CG170) in "Chipped Sapphire". The sentiment is from Crafty Individual and is also stamped with "Chipped Sapphire" distress ink.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Clare xx

Vintage Birthday Card

2011-07-11T16:12:00.003+01:00

Good afternoon to you!

I don’t normally do vintage. The idea usually sends me running, but when I was asked to make a card using a specific photograph, I felt I needed to try!

I think the photograph used on this card was taken in the late 70’s or early 80’s and because of this I would like to enter the card into the current ABC Challenge where the theme is “Y for Yesterday”.

Thank you for visiting my blog!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Praying Angel

2011-07-08T10:30:00.001+01:00

Good morning,

Here's another sample card I have made for Cuddly Buddly using one of Kim MacFarlane's new Christmas digi images.

I coloured her with pencils and heat embossed in various places.

Apparently it's "play time" according to my son which I think is my cue to put the laptop down!!

Have a lovely day.

Hugs and best wishes. Clare xx

Christmas Santa card

2011-07-07T11:11:00.001+01:00

Good morning,

My card today uses a new image from Cuddly Buddly called "Going Down" which is from a new set of 12 Christmas images drawn by Kim MacFarlane.

I've coloured up the image with pencils and added some Glamour Dust for a bit of sparkle!

I would like to enter this card into the challenge at Moving Along with the Times. They have the theme of "Christmas in July".

Thank you for visiting.

Hugs and best wishes. Clare xx

Joie de Vivre!

2011-07-03T16:24:00.003+01:00

Good afternoon!

Here's a card I have made for my niece who will be celebrating her third birthday this month.

I've used a Penny Black stamped called Joie de Vivre! (4052K). I can't help but smile when I look at this teddy and for that reason I am entering this card into the current Penny Black Saturday Challenge where the theme is "Desert Island Stamps". I think if I could only take one stamp to a Desert Island then this would probably be the one because whenever I felt down just looking at him would cheer me up!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. My boys (the big one and the little one) are at a birthday party at the local soft play so we girls (me and the dog) are at home enjoying some piece and quiet.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes. Clare xx

Mimi's Christmas

2011-07-01T21:15:00.002+01:00

Good evening,

This card is my entry for the July challenge at By the Cute and Girly, where the theme is "THINGS WITH WINGS".

I've used an image from a Penny Black clear stamp set called Mimi's Christmas 30-061 and coloured her with Prismacolor Pencils. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!

Thank you for visiting and have a lovely weekend!

Hugs, Clare xx

Penny Black at Allsorts July Challenge - "Flower Power"

2011-07-01T08:01:00.009+01:00

Woo hoo! Today is a very exciting day for me. It's my first challenge at Penny Black at Allsorts as one of the Design Team. I am truly honoured to have been chosen to be part of the team.

The theme for this month's challenge is:-

"Flower Power"

I think my first love from Penny Black has to be the floral stamps, but who can resist the cute animals too? So for my first card I have combined both.

The background has been created by stamping Penny Black "Sundial" 4159K onto white card with "Dandelion" Memento Ink. The main image is Penny Black "Flower Bear" 3695J which I have coloured with copic ciaos and coloured pencils. His bow tie has been coated with Glossy Accents and I've added stickles glitter glue to the centre of the flowers.

This card was so much fun to make. I hope you are able to join in with our challenge this month.

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Sir Stampalot July Challenge "Anything Goes"

2011-07-01T08:00:00.024+01:00

Good morning.

It's the first of July and time for another Sir Stampalot challenge. This month our theme is:-

"Anything Goes"

My card uses a Molly Blooms stamp (MB-0321). All of the DT have used new Molly Blooms stamps and if you enter the challenge you could win a brilliant Molly Blooms prize, donated by our generous sponsors, Sir Stampalot.

I hope you are inspired to take part in our challenge and look forward to visiting all of the entries.

Goodies used on my card:-

Stamps: Molly Blooms "Seaside Molly" (MB-01321), Magnolia Sentiment, Shell from Hero Arts clear set "Antique Engravings" (CL888),
Papers: Stampin' Up "Tea Party" (retired set)
Colouring medium: Copic Ciaos for image and Distress Inks for background
Ink: Memento and Brilliance
Other: Martha Stewart Doily Lace Punch, Seed Beeds

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Day dreams

2011-06-27T16:35:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon,

I've been really struggling to take good quality photographs recently. I set my camera back to default settings and started over again, no good. I then decided that maybe the camera lens needed cleaning - oops! I think I should have left well alone, especially as I haven't the first idea how to clean a camera lens and perhaps wiping it with a t-shirt isn't the recommended method!!

For today's card I sprayed some glossy cardstock with pearl glimmer mist and then swiped Big n Juicy "Soothing Sunset" ink over the card using a wide sponge dauber. Next I stamped on Hero Arts La Lettre (K5344) and on top of this I stamped Penny Black Day Dreams (3947K). I coloured the petals using a water brush and ink from the Big n Juicy pad. To finish I matched up with cardstock from my scrap draw and added a sentiment from Stampin' Up!

Thank you for visiting!

Hugs and best wishes.

Clare xx

Fergus MacFluff

2011-06-25T11:04:00.002+01:00

Good morning to you,

Please meet Fergus MacFluff, isn't he adorable? He's from the pen of Czes Pachela who draws the most gorgeous characters, including Toby Tumble the rabbit.

I would like to enter this card into the current Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge where you are asked to use either dry or heat embossing on your card. I have used a "Happy Birthday" embossing folder from Cuttlebug for the sentiment on this card.

Enjoy your weekend and thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Hugs, Clare x

Meet "Island Girl"

2011-06-23T17:10:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon,

Kim from Cuddly Buddly has been busy drawing up an adorable new character called "Island Girl". You can find her here.

My card uses the image "Shall we Dance?" and I've coloured it with a mix of Copic Ciaos and Staedtler Ergosoft pencils and Sansodor.

I had a lovely afternoon at a Teddy Bear's Picnic today. My son starts "big" school in September and the picnic was arranged by the school to help show the new ones around and get them used to the surroundings. My son enjoyed himself so much and is now full of enthusiasm about starting in September.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs, Clare x

Ahhhhrrquamarkers!

2011-06-19T16:18:00.001+01:00

The title of this post sums up how I have been feeling about Aquamarkers, but not wanting to be beaten by a pack of pens I decided to do battle with them once and for all. And do you know what? Unlike all the other times I have tried to use them, with very poor results, today they behaved perfectly! I'm so glad I didn't consign them to the dust cupboard.

I've used a beautiful Sweet Pea stamp "Kimono Butterfly Mermaid" (thank you Brenda!), she's stamped in Stazon onto 140lbs cotman watercolour paper. The papers are from a free pad with a recent issue of Papercraft Essentials and the sentiment is from Crafty Individuals.

I would like to enter this card into the current challenge at One Stitch at a Time where the theme is "Things with Wings".

Thank you for visiting!

Hugs, Clare xx

Snow Family Christmas

2011-06-18T19:45:00.004+01:00

Hello,

My Christmas card stash is growing, slowly, but surely. Here's a card I made to add to it today.

The main image is a Penny Black stamp called "Snow Family" (2526K) and the sentiment is from a Stamping Up! set called "Best Yet".

Colouring - For the red I used an Aquamarker, I'm trying to get the hang of these, but I need to try much harder. For the green I used a Staedtler Ergosoft pencil. I really do enjoy using these pencils, I much prefer them to my Prismacolor pencils and, finally, for the snowmen I used a blue promarker. Oh, not to forget a white Polychromos pencil on the hats. How's that for a mix!

Tomorrow I am going to visit my brand new baby niece. I'm really looking forward to meeting her.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs Clare xx

Cheerful!

2011-06-18T08:42:00.000+01:00

Good morning,

I love flower stamps and couldn't resist ordering a couple more from Penny Black! This small card uses a fairly new stamp by Penny Black called "Cheerful" 4160K.

I've paper pieced the flower (using a freebie paper pad from a recent magazine - sorry I can't remember which one) and I coloured the leaves/stalks with an Aquamarker (celery). The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's "Mega Mixed Messages" set. I added some fuchsia stickles glitter glue to the centre off the flower.

I hope you enjoy your weekend everyone!

Hugs and best wishes, Clare xx

Bits of Ivory Garden Glimpses 2 digi set

2011-06-17T13:41:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon,

Cuddly Buddly have launched two new digi stamp sets by artist Barbara Anne Williams. I have made the following samples using one of the sets called Garden Glimpses 2.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Hugs and best wishes.

Clare xx

Card for Dad

2011-06-12T09:25:00.002+01:00

Good morning,

Here is the first of the four fathers' day cards I need to make.

I've used a Penny Black image from the clear set called "Garden Friends" (PB30-021) and coloured it with Prismacolor Pencils.

The dies are Spellbinders Nestabilities labels 4 (large and small sets).

I would like to enter this card into the current challenge at Penny Black Saturday where the theme is "One for the Guys".

Thank you for visiting my blog. Enjoy your day.

Hugs, Clare xx

Lilyboo "Deep in the Woods"

2011-06-11T10:58:00.000+01:00

Good morning,

It is glorious weather here in Warwickshire today. I hope the weather is good for you too. I think I may have to spend some more time outside, even if it does mean neglecting my craft room yet again!

Here's another sample card I have made for Cuddly Buddly using a new Lilyboo digi image called "Deep in the Woods".

I coloured the image with Copic Ciaos and used nestabilities labels 4 small and large sets for matting and layering. I am so happy that Spellbinders brought out the new size of this label.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a fun day!

Hugs and best wishes. Clare xx