Crafts 4 Eternity Blog Candy

To celebrate the launch of the Crafts 4 Eternity website there is some wonderful blog candy up for grabs. Click here to go to their blog.

Beautiful Blog Award

Alison has presented an award of her own - "Beautiful Blog" Award and she has passed it on to 5 people who have inspired her and helped her to make your blog what it is.

She passed the Award onto me for the "charity work in spite of illness". This award has really cheered me up as this has been a hard week at work and at home as I am in so much pain. Making my cards for charity helps me so much during the bad times as I just try to do a little bit and often as it will help me and also help others.

Well, who do I pass it onto as there are so many people that have influenced my bloggin life. I haven't been blogging long but so enjoy looking at other blogs. I'm not always up to making cards so for the "me" time I decided that I would spend time each day looking at other blogs/making comments so I don't feel like I am missing out because of this illness.

Obviously as a special thank you for cheering me up and seeing such wonderful creations on her blog and when her samples are shown on TV I would have pick Alison at http://alis-space.blogspot.com/

Wendy at http://craftblog.craftybutterfly.co.uk/ and Suzanne at http://suzannelily.wordpress.com/ as I saw their blogs for quite some time, looking at awe at their creations and then eventually plucked up the challenge to set up my own blog.

Chrissie at http://chrissiescreations.blogspot.com/ and Beryl at http://bikshome.blogspot.com/ as they always trys to post comments on my blog which is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for this lovely award.

The Cuttlebug Spot Challenge - #14 Valentine Colour Challenge

Over at The Cuttlebug Spot they have a Valentine's Challenge where you are not allowed to use red or pink. I have used a number of different colours but not red or pink. The Cuttlebug text I put through the embossing folder and then put Versamark on it and then some Cosmic Shimmer Embossing Powder to give it another look. Not sure whether I like it or not though. One of the background papers is from the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD.

OCC Technique Challenge - 17/1/09

I was looking for some different ways to make Valentine's Day cards for a stall and saw this Challenge so I thought I'd have a go at Resist Embossing. Please go to the OCC blog for full details of the Challenge. I enjoyed the resist embossing and will use it again in the future. I decided to make this a card for a man who obviously likes fishing.

Card for Friend at Work

It is a friend's birthday tomorrow. I'd planned the card but for 24 February - not 24 January!!!!! Thankfully my new system came into play whereby I make two cards out of a backing sheet so I only had to print off the decoupage, another lot of ribbons and off I went. Fortunately I had a smidgen of black peel-off ribbon left - just enough to go up the side of the card!!!! The card was made using the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD which I love.

Friday Sketchers #35 Mumur of France

Here is my first attempt at a Friday Sketchers Challenge. I have used a Umount scroll stamp and also the leaf and flower that came in the set. The image is from a Joanna Sheen CD - but as I printed it out quite a while ago I can't remember which one!!!!

Valentine's Day Cards

Over Christmas I planned out some Valentine's day cards ready for my stall next week. Some images had to be changed as I was putting them together as I couldn't resist printing out some new characters from a a new Charmed Crafts and Card Digital Download which I got yesterday of the lovely Dottie and George. I have used backing papers from my stash, used Cuttlebug folders, used my Multi-shaper punch (as someone I know from a Forum loves using border punches so I thought I must get this punch out and start using again!!), used my My Craft Studio CDs and of course my new digital downloads. Today I have just spent some time on-and-off sticking them together.

Sketch and Stash Challenge #2 - Monday 19-1-09

The Sketch and Stash Challenge has been set for this week. Over Christmas I prepared some cards to make up for my stall ready for Valentine's Day using various images,embellishments etc. Strangely enough I'd used some planned to use on this card some new heart shaped brads and also some gorgeous velour ribbon so this fitted the bill for the challenge. The image is from Joanna Sheen's Fashion Boutique and the background papers are from my stash and I have also used a Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Jak's Blog Candy

Jak aka Crafter's Kitchen is offering some blog candy as she's had over 200,000 hits on her blog. What a wonderful achievement Jak - I might be there in about 10 years' time!!!! Jak is offering some of the Flippin' Men sheets, some cards, envelopes, acetate, silicone and foam pads so the winner of the blog candy can get going straight away. What a generous person you are Jak. Please click here for instructions on how to enter for the blog candy.

Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog #34 - 17 January 2009

I have had another go at a Sketch Challenge Blog, this time with Sketch Saturday. I have used gems, butterfly glitter card and some Papermania flowers from my stash. I have used my Docrafts Honour Multi-shaper to make the purple border and the image is a Charmed Cards and Craft Digital Download and is of the lovely Dottie.

Linnie's Blog Candy

Linnie has some lovely blog candy up for grabs by the end of January. Please take a look here to find out what is on offer/what you need to do.

First Commissioned Card for 2009

Back in December when I made a card for the Secretary next to me on the birthday list I also made a matching bookmark courtesy of the wonderful Joanna Sheen CDs. Another Secretary asked me for a card for her sister for February either cats or poppies.

I couldn't find an image of poppies so I used the Joanna Sheen Jayne Netley Mayhew CD for various cat images and also the wonderful backing papers. I used Word to type the verse up inside and make the mount for the front of the card. I seem to have got addicted to stamping lately and use a new stamp from Xelacrafts of Olly the Cat and watercoloured him in with Lyra Watercolours. The card is finished off with some Papermania fabric flowers and some organza ribbon. The bookmark is finished off with a tassel from Joanna Sheen's website - not too happy about giving one away but it needs to be done!!!

I shall take the card into work tomorrow and see what my colleague thinks of it.

Card made for my stall

I vowed in 2009 that I would try not to have sooooooooo many pieces of papers left over from making cards or doing challenges etc so I thought it an idea if I'm making an A5 card and using a piece of a4 backing paper I'd print off an extra decoupage sheet etc and make a card up for my stall. It seems to be working at the moment - not sure how long it will continue. With some CDs though I just print out onto the page what I want ie My Craft Studio but sometimes it's just easier to print off what you need straight from a CD so I will give this idea of mine a go.

For this card I have used the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD and used a background image and also one of the gorgeous ribbons with the dogs on to match. I have added a sentiment printed off from the computer and some fibres and hey presto a card for the stall next week.

Rainbow Lady's Challenge Blog - Challenge 43 - Fashion

Cynthia aka Rainbow Lady's Challenge Blog has set the challenge this week of Fashion. I had an idea for last week but just didn't get the time health and home life permitting to get it finished so I was determined to make mine soon this week so I can submit it on time!!! The card is made using the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD. I printed out one of the decoupage sheets but just used the main image along with some backing paper, matting and layering, some buttons from my stash and some fibres.

Glad to see you back and blogging Cynthia and setting us challenges. I will try my utmost to take part as often as I can.

Katharina's Blog Candy

Katharina is offering some blog candy up for grabs. She is offering a complete set of Whiff of Joy/Elisabeth Bell Stamp Kit for one lucky winner who will be picked by random.org on Jan. 25. All you have to do to enter the draw is to visit her blog for details here.

Sympathy Cards for my Stall

I had run out of sympathy cards for my stall but find them hard to make but Joanna Sheen's Heavenly Cards CD certainly helps with that difficult task. I have some of the images an inserts and used a U-mount stamp on both corners.

Sympathy Card

A friend has sadly lost her mother so I have made a card to send to her. I have used Joanna Sheen's Heavenly Cards CD for the images and the wonderful inserts that can be found on the CD ie some have text of words that you just cannot say at a difficult time. I have used a U-mount stamp for the backing.

Julie's Blog Candy

Julie was going to post some blog candy as she was nearing 40,000 hits but then her free counters have disappeared - just like mine - but she has decided to do it anyway. Thanks Julie. I like the looks of those stamps. If you are interested in seeing Julie's blog candy just click here.

Kath's Blog Giveaway

Kath has some lovely blog giveaway - the V Funky CD from Funky Hand. Sadly I didn't get to see the show on Create and Craft on my computer the other day but have seen shows before and the samples are fab. If you want to see Kath's blog candy click here.

Sketch Saturday Challenge - 10-1-09

I came across the Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog via other blogs whilst having a trawl of sites over Christmas/New Year period. There are times when I'm not up to making cards so to cheer me up I have a look at blogs to look at other people's creations and also to gain ideas for my own cards.

I thought I would have a go at the Challenge this week. I have used a Charmed Cards and Craft Download of the Girls about Town and just coloured her in. I used some papers that I have downloaded from Scrapbook Flair and another piece of backing paper I had.

Dottie's World Challenge - 11-1-09

For Dottie's World Challenge this week the title is PURE AND SIMPLE - no patterned papers, just clean, fresh and simple. I don't want any fuss on our creations this week. You can include any Charmed download on your card.

This sounded an easy challenge but it proved more difficult when thinking about it. I'd got the Girls About Town Download and liked the girls having a coffee outside the cafe and decided to go for that image. I just did basic matting and layering and made the image of the cafe a bit lighter so the two ladies stood out more.

More Blog Candy

On the Heart's Delight Cards Blog there is some offer of some WONDERFUL blog candy. Please go over there and take a look and follow the instructions to be in the chance of winning. Good luck everyone.

Blog Candy

Sally has kindly offered up some blog candy. The reason for this is her 39th wedding anniversary on 10/1/09 (many congratulations for that wonderful achievement and hope you had a lovely day) and that she's had 1500 hits on her blog (have only just put counters on mine so I've got a long way to go before I reach this). Please go and have a look if you are interested.

Card made for Various Challenges

This weeks' OCC Challenge was to use two shades of blue along with a neutral colour.

I'd downloaded some papers from Scrapbook Flair and strangely enough they were a proper blue and a turquoise blue. I wasn't expecting to use them on the same card but I've had a go. The neutral colour I used was a cream for the matt I stamped onto and I used the same blue as one as the papers for the stamped images. The card in total took me 12 minutes to make - a definite record for me - the hardest thing was cutting out the flowers with my dodgy hands and eyes.

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This card can also be used for the Papertake Weekly Challenge - 5-1-09 - where you simply have to use spots/dots or circles on your project.

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For the Cute Card Thursday Challenge you had to use something that you got for Christmas on your cards. I have used on this card an Aegean Blue VersaMagic Dew Drop ink pad that I got for Christmas from me, to me!!!

Messy Rabbit New Home Card

My brother-in-law and his family are due to move house in the next few days so I thought an extra special card was in order. I decided Messy Rabbit would do the job but instead of one I decided to do Mummy and Daddy Messy Rabbit and then five little girl Messy Rabbits (as they have five girls). One of their girls has glasses so of course one of the Messy Rabbit girls has glasses on!!!

I have used one of the sheets from the blue background Messy Rabbit paper pad on the front of the card but I have also used one inside for our words to be written on. It looked a bit lost inside so a scarecrow and another Messy rabbit - maybe Auntie Kym - is sat on the tree stump.

On the front of the card I have used the pub as their house and just omitted the pub sign and then stamped some trees, the scarecrows and the fences and watercoloured them all with Lyra Watercolours. I am getting more practice with them and have managed some shading on the images.

Don't mention the fences - I found them a nightmare to cut out with my dodgy hands and eyes but perseverance paid off in the end and they add that something special to the card and I think totally worthwhile. The card was finished off with some sentiments and some ribbons and is ready and waiting to be given to my brother-in-law and family this week. I hope they like it!!! I dread to think how many hours has gone into this card.

Blog Candy

Joani is offering some BLOG CANDY as she's hit the 35,000. What an achievement to get that far - I've certainly got a long way to go before I reach that!!! Go and visit Joani's blog and see the blog candy/what you need to do to be in with a chance of receiving this. Thanks for this generous offer. Kym

Dottie's World Challenge - 4-1-09

I came across Dottie's World blog and then their website over Christmas. Due to my health I'm not always up to making cards but have to rest so instead of just watching TV I thought I'd spend an odd half hour here and there looking at blogs and came across Dottie's World via a link from a friends website and then Charmed Card and Crafts.

I love Dottie, she is so cute but also liked the Girls about Town so decided this week to have both. naughty but very nice. I then saw Dottie's Wold Challenge for this week which was to make a "Start the New Year with a Laugh" kind of card. If you take part in this challenge Louise is kindly offering Scruff in the Tub FOR FREE. He's sooooooo cute. All you have to do is use a Charmed download to make the card and off you go.

For me Dottie sitting in the hammock spoke to me (personally I've always wanted a hammock but I know my bad balance I'd fall out and hurt myself!!!). I then did the words "If it's a choice between sunbathing and housework - which would you choose?" on the computer. I have layered Dottie on some holographic card, some stripey paper, some checked paper, made a border use an X-cut embossing die and added a pink flower and brad. I have seen people use different brightly coloured papers together in totally different styles ie checks and stripes, dots and stripes but I'm not sure it works but I've given it a go. She's been sitting finished on the dining room table for a few days now until I could take a photo - so much so I nearly missed the deadline!!!

Card for a Friend at Work

It is someone's birthday at work on Monday. I only found out yesterday but thankfully I'd got some things all cut out for a card which I think will suit her. She was bought some stuff to make her own cards as presents for Christmas so I think I might be in for some competition!!! The photo isn't very good I'm afraid. I'm Ok with the camera some days, some days not - operator error!!!

This card was made using the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD as I have fallen in love with that CD. I have also used some of the card and embellishments from the Michelle Marsden recent CD she had on Create and Craft.

Joanna Sheen Card Swap - January 2009

The topic for the Joanna Sheen Card Swap for January 2009 was "A Traveller's Tale". I had a think but then something came to mind as I'd bought some Wild West Lovins stamps over Christmas and thought I'd use an image from Joanna Sheen's American Frontier to do some decoupage to go with the stamps and also to use for a backing paper and insert.

The recipient has been in touch and has said "Thank you and it is gorgeous. I love the way you've combined the image with those stamps - they are sooooo cute. "

I was a little nervous about this card swap topic as it covered a very very wide topic but am glad that I chose the Wild West theme as it gave me a change to use the American Frontier CD, my new stamps and to do some watercolouring that I have got hooked on at the moment.

Blog Candy

Michello has some lovely Valentine's Day blog candy up for offer. I so lovely Valentine's day - an excuse to be all mushy - and this blog candy is absolutely lovely so if you'd like to be in with a chance of winning please pop over to her blog.

OCC Challenge - 3-1-09

Here's my second go at a challenge. Not sure how long I can keep this up but I am determined to do some crafting for "me" this year and doing challenges is just that.

The green background paper is printed from the Artylicious Damask Delights CD, just plain cream card stock and the bottom frill is from some shiny red daisy paper I've had for some time. The image is from my new Lovins stamp set and coloured in with Lyra Watercolours. The little heart has been cut out of the same red paper used for the frill.

I hope this entry is OK and I have done things right. Please let me know if I haven't. I will try to enter more.

Kym

Sketch and Stash Challenge - 5-1-09

I vowed that in 2009 that I would continue to make all my cards for charity BUT I would also try to take part in some challenges as it is a good way to try new things out. Here's my first go at a challenge, other than a Forum challenge, so please be gentle with me.

The new item I have used on here is one of my new Lovins stamps of a little boy and little girl having a peck on the cheek. I have watercoloured the images with Lyra Watercolours which I think are FAB. The dahlia is made from a template from Split Coast Stampers. I used a Purple Hydrangea Versa Magic Dew Drop to colour alternate levels. It was quite hard for my hands and eyes to cut out but good therapy me thinks. To finish off the card is a piece of lilac butterfly glitter card, some purple card, some silver mirror board and a lilac brad.

I hope this entry is OK and I hope to do more in the future.

Kym

I'm over the moon!!!!

As you can see from my profile on the right hand side my life is ruled by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ME. Life is hard but my time in hospital in January to March 2005 made me decide that the cardmaking that I only properly started in December 2005 I would do to solely raise funds for different charities. Come the beginning of December 2008 I had hoped to have raised £550 but what with the normal rush for Christmas I forgot until today to sort out cheques to go off to charities/total up my amounts.

I was amazed to see that I'd not only reached my projected £550 in three years but had gone past it and my total at the moment is £704.69. I am over the moon that despite my own health problems I have been able to help people less fortunate than me. I have donated to many different local and national charities including the BBC Children In Need Appeal, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Prostate Society, Cancer Research, Caddington Hedgehogs, Albery Dog Rescue, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children and the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion, to name a few.

I could not have done this with out the support of my family/friends and also many people on various Forums. As crafters we tend to buy many things but sometimes don't get round to using them. This is when people contact me and ask me if I'd like it for my charity work. Needless to say I never say "no" and have put everything I've had to good use. I would just like to thank everybody that has supported me thus far and I know will continue to do so. It means a lot to know that you are all helping me to help others.

Thanks

Kym

Blog Candy

Emma is offering some blog candy as she's had her 3000 hit on her blog in 9 months. I came across Emma's blog over Christmas when I was a little bored and followed links on other people's blogs and have added her to my favourites so I can see her creations regularly.

Blog Candy

Simon is graciously offering a wonderful selection of blog candy up for grabs. All you have to do is visit his blog and then link to his shop and say which of the Simon Says Stamp Exclusive clear stamps you like best - be warned though - they are all very nice. I have only recently just got into stamping and have vowed 2009 will be my "Year of Stamping". Thank you Simon for such a kind offer.

Blog Candy

It is Jude's birthday on 12/1/09 and she has gracially given up some goodies as blog candy. All you have to do is link to her blog on your blog and let her know of your New Year's resolutions. I wish you a happy birthday Jude and I have put your blog in my favourites so I can see your creations.

Sketch and Stash Challenge Blog and Blog Candy

I make my cards solely to sell to raise funds for different charities but I have vowed that in 2009 I will take part in some challenges and do something for me as well. I have been pointed in the direction of the Sketch and Challenge Blog and hope to take part in some of their challenges very very soon.

In the meantime there is an offer of some blog candy - I have also vowed that 2009 is going to be my "Year of Stamping" - 2008 was going to be this but it didn't work out that way - so an offer of a gorgeous stamp is certainly a wonderful bonus.

Card for a Special Niece

It is my niece's birthday shortly so I had the task of deciding what CD to use to make a card. As she is quite young I decided to go for one of the lovely Westie pictures on Joanna Sheen's Pamela West CD. He is so cute and my niece loves animals and anything cuddly so I think he'll fit the bill.

Thank You card

My Reflexologist bought me a present for Christmas so I wanted to make a special card to say thank you. Normally as it's a thank you for another Keel dog to my collection I take a photo of the dog and make a card out of that but this time I decided to use the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD as that has some pictures of elegant ladies with dogs. I decided to use the image of the little black terrier - think it's a terrier but I'm not 100% certain. I used a backing paper, 3D decoupage, ribbon and insert and just added a With Thanks tag, two lots of ribbon (both nicely finished off with a tip that I picked up from Leann Chivers when she did some shows recently for Michelle Marsden and Redhotbed), some fabric flowers and a brad. I am pleased with it in the end as I need it for tomorrow. Thankfully I had everything bar the insert printed off and cut out so it's only taken me about 20 minutes to put together.

Happy New Year!!!

I'm sorry I didn't get to post this yesterday but it was very hectic here. We had family around for lunch so there was 6 of us in all and then for tea we had some more family around so there was 11 (there should have been 13 but my niece was poorly and her Mum had to stay at home with her). We had a lovely time and spent a good few hours playing on the Wii.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to thank all visitors to my blog. I appreciate all the comments that are made. I know it can be tiresome sometimes doing it but the comments certainly give me confidence to continue what I am doing. 2008 was going to be my "Year of Stamping" but I didn't really get into it until October/November time but now I think about making a card and then think what stamping I can do on it - I think I may have the stamping bug - what do you think?

In 2009 I have vowed that I will continue to do more stamping and will try out new things even if I have to get messy - as I don't do messy - apart from Messy Rabbits that is!!!! All my cards I make are sold solely to raise funds for different charities. I will continue to do this in 2009 but I will try not to get upset when they don't sell well as my husband is always telling me that even if I only raise a few pounds that is more than the charity would have got without me doing my cards. I would also like to take part in challenges but I might need some help along the way as I don't know how to take part.

Well, here's wishing you all a happy, healthy and certainly a very crafty 2009.

Best wishes

Kym

Sympathy card

I needed to make a sympathy card so I turned to Joanna Sheen's Heavenly Cards CD and found a nice image of some lilies. I decoupaged the image, did a bit of stamping, added a peel-off, added a beautiful insert that matched the image and the words were so good and finally some fibres and it is all ready to send off.

Two Art Deco Cards

This has been the first time since Christmas Day that I could have a little play. I'd previous cut out the pyromage, backing papers, ribbons etc so it was just a case of deciding how to put it together. The cards were made using the Di Kaye Card Creations Art Deco CD which I love using.

The Butterfly Award

I was given this lovely award recently by Irene but didn't have the time or the knowledge to work how to add it to my blog/pass it on. I've hopefully mastered it now. I am passing this award back to Irene who sent it to me plus:

1. Irene

2. Debbie

3. Chrissie

4. Jak

5. Wendy - Crafty Butterfly

6. Sheena

7. Carol

8. Suzanne

9. Cynthia

10. Enjay

I hope to get more experience of blogging and cardmaking in 2009 and look forward to seeing all your creations.

Preparations for Christmas Day

This is the first time in 8 years that I've been off on Christmas Eve so a lot of getting ready is down to me and one of my sons as my husband and other son are at work. I'm shattered now as I have to do a bit, then rest, do a bit again. I have attached some pictures of our table ready decorated for tomorrow along with the tree (we normally have a real tree but couldn't afford one this year so I was given this tree for attending bingo the other week but we think it's done us proud), a pile of presents wrapped up and ready to be opened and one of the Christmas cake I have decorated this morning. My husband made the cake but used a different tin and therefore I found it hard to stretch the icing out but have done the best I can do. I have put the cake band round that I cross-stitched about five years ago. It takes pride of place on the cake every year as it took soooooooooooo long to make!!!

Blog Candy

Karen (Crafty Goings On) has been so generous and listed some blog candy to be won by 1 January 2009. Please go take a look at her blog as I often do for inspiration. I would love to win this blog candy to help me with my charity work. Kym

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Well, Christmas Eve has now arrived. This time tomorrow we'll be eating our Christmas dinner made by my wonderful husband.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and crafty New Year. I would also like to thank people for visiting my blog and for leaving such wonderful comments. It has given me such a boost and I wanted you all to know this. I hope to speak to you more in 2009 in the blogging world and I hope to find the time/health to take part in some challenges.

ENJOY the festive period. Best wishes

Kym

Christmas card for my husband

My last Christmas card I am making this year is for my beloved husband. He is so good as he has to do so much more in the household than a lot of men due to my ill health. I chose this picture from Michelle Marsden's Triple Treasure Christmas CDs as it was us two sitting next to one another looking at the sky. Ahhhhhhhh. The background is from the Artylicious Season's Greetings CD along with the insert.

Card for my Mum for Christmas

I have made my Mum a very different Christmas card this year. I'm not sure she will like it. It's the first time I've done a medallion card but have used a Papermania stamp for this that I've had since a January sale in 2008. I used the Artylicious Damask Delights CD to do the backing paper and decided to not stick it on in one piece but did strips making sure I matched up the patterns after the gap. Not sure whether it works or not. To finish it off I added a tassel and stamped the greeting from the Cute Companions Glad Tidings Stamp set.

Last few Christmas Cards

Well two more Joanna Sheen Messy Rabbit cards I've made before he retires until Christmas cards for 2009. I shall have to buy some more otherwise I'll get severe withdrawal symptoms!!! The cards have been made with the Cute Companions Christmas CD and also Baggy Jumper Messy Rabbit and some of the coordinating stamps.

Card for Sister-in-Law's Birthday

It is my sister-in-law's birthday a few days after Christmas so I have made this card for her using the Card Creations Di Kaye Art Deco CD. There were too many nice images to choose from but because of time constraints I just had to make a topper card - next time I'll try the pyromage or the 3D decoupage.