Sketch Saturday Challenge 61 .....

This is the sketch at Sketch Saturday, it is a very good sketch to work with, The Craft Barn are sponsoring this weeks challenge with a cuttlebug cut and emboss set.

I have used the sweet Magnolia Valentine Tilda stamp, coloured with Promarkers, nestabilities, cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, retro flower punch, snowflake punch brads, lace, stardust stickles glitter glue, DCWV cardstock, PM Home for Christmas papers, brown ink pad.

I have put the punched snowfakes as centres in the flowers and put stickles on them, they really sparkle although the photo doesn't pick the sparkle up, I used the stickles on the scalloped edge too. The greeting is from the Magnolia Winter 2008 Collection.

I think I have pulled something either when lifting my little boy around or putting his trike in the car?? I have made things worse when I took him up to bed, so maybe a soak in the bath will help, no cards tonight!!

Angela xx

A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge 62 .....

Caryn has made a great sketch to follow this week at A Spponful of Sugar and there is the most amazing High Hopes Santa and Christmas charms on offer for one lucky crafter, sponsored by Bunny-Zoe's Crafts. There's lots of gorgeous stash in this online shop, and I've always had really fast delivery too!!

I have stamped Miss Anya and again coloured her with promarkers, papers are BG Urban Prairie, DCWV cardstock, cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, nestabilities, retro flower punch, tiny flower punch, small star gems, greeting is from Craftwork Cards.

The colours look brighter than this picture shows, but I think the dark wet day has dulled them too!! Hopefully will be back later with another card, going to get my house in order so I can have a couple of days without constantly doing housework if thats possible!!

Angela xx

Papertake Weekly Challenge 20 .....

There is a fab sketch this week at Papertake Weekly by the very talented Dawny P, it was a joy to use. Simon Say's Stamp is the sponsor this week with a $25 prize, fantastic!!


I have used the grogeous C.C Design Gretel stamp, she is so lovely to colour with promarkers. I have used stardust stickles glitter glue for her wings to give them a little sparkle, cuttlebug victorian embossing folder,the new PM Home for christmas papers (I love the vintage feel of these papers, I know I am going to use most of these), DCWV neutral mat stack, sizzix snowflakes #15, spacer, brad and ribbon from stash.


It's all quiet tonight, let's hope it stays that way!! I have been craft shopping again today, managed to get one of those gorgeous Martha Stewart border punches!! I dont know how I would manage without my on-line shopping!!


Angela xx

Passion for Promarkers Week 10 .....

This week at Passion for Promarkers the colours are "pastel pink and cool aqua" with this really great sketch.

I have used The Greeting Farm Hope and Grace Snuggle stamp coloured with pastel pink, cool aqua, vanilla, ivory, blush, pastel yellow, saffron and gold promarkers. The papers are the beautiful new BG Lemonade. I have used my nestabilities, fiskars border punch, greeting is from Craftwork Cards and ribbon.

I didnt like the colour of the ribbon once I had finished putting the card together, so I used my pastel pink promarker to colour it and now in tones in perfectly!! The weekend tutorials are always so useful and full of great hints and tips for getting the best from your promarkers.

I'm going to get the children to bed early tonight!! Its rather chilly tonight as we have had some very heavy rain this afternoon, fortunately the weather stayed fine for part of the day and we managed to have a nice trip to our local RSPB nature reserve. Will be back later with another card, I seem to be doing quite well this week, I have even managed to make a card this afternoon!!

Angela xx

CHOSEN FOR THE TOP 5 THIS WEEK AT PASSION FOR PROMARKERS

Allsorts Challenge Week 11 .....

There is a feb sketch this week by Dawny P at the Allsorts Challenge Blog, week 11 is Kirstens challenge "chocolate and marshmallow" are the inspirational colours for your design. The lucky winner this week will win a selection of charms and spacers!!

I have used my large magnolia cupcake stamp, coloured with promarkers, glossy accents and ultra fine glitter for the icing, cuttlebug swirls embossing folder, birthday rub on (may have to make a new tab as I think this patterned one is a little busy), card and papers are from Craftwork Cards everyday chocolate goody bag, which were perfect for this challenge!!

Its been another grey day and the rain is well and truly set in tonight, if only the sun would shine!! The postman did bring "more" promarkers today so I'm going to have a play, it sounds quiet upstairs I think its safe to go up without being disturbed!!

Angela xx

Winter Wonderland Week 9 .....

The challenge this week at Winter Wonderland is to make a Christmas Tree Decoration, I love making decorations, my tree has all kinds of things from cross stitch, hardanger, beaded baubles and things that children make!! (They have to match my traditional colours too!!)

I have kept this nice and simple with the sliver and white giving a nice crisp look to this project. I made one of these a couple of weeks ago for a design team project, it was so easy to make that I thought I would make another for this challenge and I can keep it this time!!



I have used my nestabilities to cut the scalloped shapes from silver mirror card, cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder, penny black clear stamp, promarkers, stardust stickles glitter glue, charm, ribbon. I made 2 of each piece and put them back to back with foam pads so if the decoration can be seen both sides it looks pretty!!

Must make a start on the housework, will be back later, have a good day!!

Angela xx

A New Blog for Miss Anya' and Friends .....

I have just found this new blog dedicated to the Greeting Farm Miss Anya's and Friends they are currently looking for design team mambers and have a fab sketch if anyone is interested.

I adore these girls they are soo cute, another good excuse to add to my collection!!

Thanks for stopping by>

Angela xx

1 Card 2 Challenges .....

I have made this card using the fabulous sketch by Tab at Just Magnolia Challenge 15, (Fab prize again this week, your choice of any C.C design stamp set!!)

Magnolia-licious Christmas in July Challenge.

(Fab prize too the lucky winner will get 3 holiday stamps of their choice from Magnolia-licious & a lil' Christmas goodie bundle!!)

I have stamped Tilda with Candy Cane and coloured her with watercolour pencils, stardust stickles on her wings and copic spica clear glitter pen on her candy cane. The background papers are the new PM Home for Christmas, DCWV neutrals mat stack, cuttlebug swiss dots and script embossing folders, brown ink pad, flat back pearls, velvert ribbon, lace, rub on greeting.

I am quite enjoying making a few Christmas cards at the moment, I only have a few special birthday cards left to make for this year, so hopefully I will be organised!!

I had to take my little boy for his mmr booster today, I was so worried he would create when he got there, no need as I carried him in he pulled up his shirt sleeve!! Not a squeak!!

Hope you had a good day, thanks for stopping by.

Angela xx

The Sugar Bowl Challenge 15 .....

This week there is a great sketch at The Sugar Bowl by Gayle. The please include potion is ribbons and bows, I have wrapped ribbon around the embossed pannel and tied a bow to the charm.



I have stamped this cute Maggie from Funky Kits and coloured her with promarkers, glossy accents on her boots, stickles glitter glue, DCWV cardstock, silver mirror card, cuttlebug snowflakes embossing folder, nestabilities, gems, snowflake charm.



There is the most fantastic prize on offer this week, a set of 4 "Manga" kids stamps, I would so love a set of these, unfortunately I missed the release of these gorgeous stamps, so will have to wait for more stock to arrive!!



I'm off to do some more crafting, the ironing can wait!!



Angela xx

New Challenge Blog .....

Just a quick message to let you know about a new challenge blog that is starting up in mid August. The challenges will run once a month. The hosts (Rebecca Bodini (Bizzy Bec) and Cheryl Joshua) are launching the new blog with some blog candy!!

They are also looking for 2 more DT members so pop over there and check out the fabulous sketch they have for you to do!!

Back later with some more posts,

Angela xx

My First Triple Challenge .....

This is the first time I have combined challenges to make a card. I have swirls for A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge 61, I chose black, white, lilac and grey from the Papertake Weekly Challenge and I have used the Sketch and Stash sketch 15!! I have managed to enter 3 challenges for the first time, all of them were really inspiring and I will definately be entering them again.



I have stamped my new C.C Design Gretal stamp from Quixotic Cards, cuttlebug swirls embossing folder, neglected scraps of lilac card and glitter card, coloured with promarkers,, sakura stardust pen for sparkly wings, silver card candy from craftwork cards.

I think that about covers everything here, I manged to make two cards last night so I will be back later to post that one too!!

Hope you are having a nice weekend.

Thanks for stopping by,

Angela xx

Circle of Friends Award .....

This is my very first award, sent to me by Kat, I have put it at the top of my side bar. I am delighted to have recieved this award as I have seen it on other blogs I visit and now I have one of my own!! Thank You!!


Now I have to pass this on to Five more people. I would like to send it to;

Barbara always inspirational cards!!

Elaine always comments and has a fab shop!!

Lyn for being such a kind and caring individual!!

Bev a beautiful blog full of gorgeous inspiration!!

Debby gorgeous cards, fab tutorials!!

It is so difficult to choose just five people to share this award with when there are so many of you sharing your beautiful work and leaving me kind comments, soon this award will be passed on to many more people.



I will now leave comments for my five chosen to recieve this circle of friends award.

No time for crafting tonight!!



Thanks for stopping by,



Angela xx

Just Magnolia Too Monthly Challenge .....

This months challenge at Just Magnolia Too is to make a brown paper bag book as set by the extremely talented Rach. There is a fab prize on offer too, $50 for Simon Says Stamp this weeks sponser.

This is something I have not done before but I was inspired to give it a try after seeing such wonderful inspiration from the Just Magnolia design team.

I decided to make this for a friend whom like me is celebrating a special birthday in September, then everything just fell into place, it has taken me three very late nights to complete, so nothing new there!!

I have used the large cupcake for the front of the card, layered and coloured with promarkers, glossy accents, nestabilities, cuttlebug embossing folder, sentiment is hero arts, ribbon, charm.

I decided to use what would be the base of the bag as a feature and stamped the magnolia champagne bottles, coloured with promarkers, glossy accents. I have stamped and layered Tilda to have a practise at Debby's tutorial, (although my photo doesnt show this clearly) coloured with promarkers, glossy accents, stardust stickles glue. Celebrate is from a sheet of BG Sultry stickers, I have used stardust stickles and glossy accents again!! Flowers are made with the retro flower punch, I have smudged a white gel pen into the edges, buttons for the centres.

This page pulls out from the end of the bag, I used nestabilities to cut out Tilda, coloured with promarkers, the calender is Imaginicse, coloured with promarkers and copic spica glitterpens, retro flowers, the flowered paper is flocked and added a lovely texture to this page.

I have left this page blank except for this sentiment which I have used to make the pull out tab. The sentiment is Stamptivity from Debbi Moore.

The last page is cut with nestabilities, cuttlebug paisley embossing folder and retro flowers. I have left this blank so I can write a birthday message.

Throughout I have used BG Sultry papers, buttons, brads and stickers, ribbons and charm are from my stash, flocked paper is S.E.I Gerties Garden, PM cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by,

Angela xx

Blog Makeover .....

I have just got round to giving my blog an up-date, I had left the basic template thinking I would go back sometime and change it but had no idea where to start from scratch, I am just getting the hang of the regular stuff!! So I decided to have a go at using a ready made design.
I got the header and layout from Debs craft such beautiful work and very talented, thank you Deb!!

Angela xx

Passion for Promarkers week 9 .....

This week at Passion for Promarkers the colours are Lime and Rose Pink. My investment in these pens is starting to show as I have the colours again this week!! Planning on shopping for a few more, think I "need" the rest of the grey's from last weeks tutorial!!

I have used Greeting Farm Shine Miss Anya coloured with lime & rose pink, skin tones and henna, cinnamon & saffron for the hair. I have used glossy accents for the sunglasses, Papers are BG Euphoria, retro flower punch, craftwork cards candy, ribbon from stash.

I will send this card to a friends daughter who is called Anya, I think she will be pleased to have something that shares her name, she will be 7 in a couple of weeks!! (organised!!)

I would like to say how surprised and delighted I was to win last weeks challenge, there are so many beautiful cards out there. Thank you to every one that visited my blog and left comments.

Angela xx

Lucky Me .....

Just a quick post, I have won this weeks Passion for Promarkers challenge!! I still don't believe it's me!!! I almost gave up as I struggled to get the hang of using the promarkers but with the excellent tutorials on Passion for Promarkers blog I have made progress and started to achieve the shading that I had been trying for!! I have won a voucher to spend with Emerald Crafts last weeks sponser, more crafting goodies!!!

I have just picked up the latest issue of Simply Cards & Papercraft and have a couple of cards in there too!!

Will be back later with a card,

Angela xx

Just Magnolia Challenge 14 .....

This week the challenge at Just Magnolia is Buttons. Having had such a busy week last week I was fortunate to find that I had a suitable card I had made a few weeks ago!!!

I have used Sweetheart Tilda sitting on the Large Cupcake, (this is one of my favourite stamps), coloured with watercolour pencils and mica powders, although my camera doesnt seem to be picking up the shimmer. I think the papers and buttons are BG Sultry, Sizzix decorative strip lace edging, stardust stickle glue, brown ink pad to distress the edges of the paper.

No sign of any sunshine yet, so I am going continue crafting now I have had another session clearing out my craft room!! Need to make a start on the Just Magnolia Monthly Challenge, I think it will make a lovely gift for a friend celebrating a special birthday in September.

Angela xx

Passion for Promarkers Week 8 .....

This is my first entry for Passion for Promarkers week 8 challenge. At last I have got the colours used in this weeks challenge Ruby and Gold, with the added twist of jewels and gems. I have the colours listed for some of the future planned challenges, so I can play along with these too!!

I have used Greeting Farm Anya from the Rain, Snow and Shine collection (again) coloured with Ruby and Gold and skin tone promarkers, highlights are white gel pen. I have used white flocking powder, ultra fine glitter, glossy accents, gems, paper is Dovecreaft Tis the Season, DCWV cardstock, snowflake and rick rak are from stash .

I had a lovely weekend away last week and managed to go shopping!! This week I have been making up my first design team projects, it was a relief to hand them in yesterday, I managed 18 this week!! I have neglected the ironing and cleaning ect to manage to make so much now I'm on catch up, hopefully I will be visiting all your wonderful blogs to look at what you have been doing!!

Hope you have had a good weekend, too!!

Angela xx

I WON WEEK 8 PASSION FOR PROMARKERS WITH THIS CARD!!

The Next Level Challenge 6 .....

This week The Next Level challenge is a Theme of "Buttons and Bows".



I have coloured my Greeting Farm Miss Anya with promarkers, I am really enjoing these at the moment!! I used glossy accents on the hair band and coat buttons. The card is PM I decided to keep it plain for a bit of a change. I have used my nestabilities again, (need more!!!), with glittered card for the larger circle, I used flocking poweder for the snow, snowflake charm, metal tag, sizzix sizzlits snowflake #15. I have used lots of "ribbons and buttons" from my stash, using a bow maker to make the double bow at the top.


Just finished bathing my little boy, he has just been sick at the top of the stairs (biege carpet!!), more washing!! He alway's manages to be ill when we are going away - having a few days away this weekend as he was poorly at Easter and we couldn't go then either??!



Hopefully I will sneak in a bit MORE craft shopping!! Have a lovely weekend!!



Angela x

Thank You .....

I would just like to say a big "Thank You" to everybody that has visited my blog during the last month and left such lovely comments. Already I have reached 1000 visits!! I am so delighted as this is my first blog and I am still learnig how to do things as I go along. I have enjoyed joining in with the challenges and commenting on some of the beautiful cards.

Will be back soon to post my card for The Next Level Challenge.

Angela x

Magnolia-licious Sketch Challenge .....

There is a lovely sketch by Jacque at Magnolia-licious High lites to follow this week and some gorgeous design team cards for inspiration too.




I have used Cherry Tilda and coloured her with promarkers, using glossy accents to add detail to her shoes, BG Euphoria papers, Core'dinations white wash card stock, retro flower punch, ribbon, stickles stardust glitter glue and craftwork cards candy.

Thanks for stopping by,

Angela x

Problem's with Blogger .....

It seem's there are so many problems with blogger at the moment, I have tried moving the followers gadget to the bottom of the page, but I am still experiencing problems, not just when accessing my own blog but also when visiting the many wonderful blogs out there. I have been un-able to look at many blogs due to internet explorer not been allowed to open the page and allow pop -ups for comments ect. Today however I think I may have a temporary solution, I have marked to alway's allow pop - ups from the sites I want to view. So far this seems to be working, I have managed to leave a few comments and follow a couple of new blogs and more blogs seem to be opening to read this way too.



Hope this may be helpful to others experiencing simillar problems, I will go back through the blogs I like to leave comments over the next few days.



Thanks for stopping by,



Angela x

The Sugar Bowl Challenge 14 .....

The new challenge at The Sugar Bowl is a lovely sketch designed by Judy, the ‘please include’ option this week is SPARKLE. One lucky winner drawn at random can win a full set of the new Mary Hall ‘teenage designs’ rubber stamps!



I just love all things sparkle and seem to put it on all careds, so my "please include" is clear crystals, stickles stardust glitter glue (as alway's!!), sakura clear glitter pen and the diagonal strip is a glittered piece.


I have used Sugar Nellie Arthur stamp, coloured with promarkers,glossy accent for balloons, sparkle as above, DCWV Sweet papers & card stock, retro flower punch, rub on sentiment.


This is a lovely sketch to work with, and of course an oppourtunity to add sparkle is just too good to miss!!


Hope you had a lovely weekend and found time to enjoy the sunshine!!


Thanks for stopping by,


Angrla x

Just Magnolia Challenge 12 .....

This week the challenge at Just Magnolia is "so charming", so I have added two heart charms to the bottom of my pouch.


I have coloured Tilda with promarkers, at last I seem to be getting the result I want with them, it's taken quite a while to get them blended together smoothly, so glad I didn't give up on them!!! I have put glossy accents on her boots, stardust stickle glue for her wings.


I have used BG Perhaps, princess pea for the pouch, BG Euphoria, DCWV nuetrals mat stack, ribbon, jump rings, heart charms (from a broken bracelet that Lucy had), dark brown ink pad, nestabilities.

This is my first project for Christmas, I need to make plans as I have nothing prepared yet this year & I usually sell some cards at the school Christmas Farye, along with orders from family & friends and the cards I need to make for myself to send!!!! Must get organised!!

Hope you are enjoying the lovely weather,

Thanks for stopping by,

Angela x

Just Magnolia Tutorial Challenges .....

The new challenge at Just Magnolia Monthly Challenge is distressing you can see Kim's tutorial here. All you have to do is make a card using any Magnolia stamp and distress it.



I thought the papers would work well with this distressed image, (although the distressing looks lighter than it actually is), I like the effect of the distressed look and after making this card I have realised it is so long scince I last made a card like this!!


I have used Tilda with wine & basket stamp coloured with watercolour pencils, glossy accents, K & Co Classic McKenna papers, ribbon, roses, charm, button from stash.




I am trying to make use of some of the craft stuff I havent used in a while so it's good to re-discover it!!



Thanks for looking,



Angela x

Whiff of Joy Anniversary Blog Hop - Guest Designer Call

This is the sketch challenge for Whiff of Joy stamps first anniversary blog hop celebration, 15 guest designers will be chosen to take part in this celebration and launch of the new Whiff of Joy stamps on July 25 th. A fantastic oppourtunity and the sketch is great to work with, not as complicated as it may look, this is my card.

I have used Melinda with Muffin Basket and coloured her with watercolour pencils, promarkers, stickles stardust glitter glue, I used a selection of ink pads and chalks to softent the edge of the circle Melinda is stamped on. I also used BG Lemonade papers, nestabilities, flower & tag punches, gems, charms, ribbon and rub on from stash. I just love the colours of the new BG Lemonade papers as usual the colours are so vibrant.

Thanks for looking,

Angela x

The Next Level Challenge 5 .....

This week The Next Level challenge is a sketch, with the option to include stitching on your design. Here is my card, decided on greens this week as I often use similar colours on my cards, so its nice to try a new colour. Making cards for challenges is helping me to use many papers that have been left in favour of new products that keep falling through the letter box!!!





I have used BG Phoebe papers, Cored'inations white wash card, Imaginise cup cake stamp coloured with watercolour pencils, glossy accents and ultra fine glitter, ribbon flowers and rub on from stash.


I have decided to sit and enter my challenges as it's too hot to do much else today 31C at lunch time today when I was in the car, think it will be time for ice-cream soon!!


Stay chilled, thanks for stopping by,



Angela x