Olibobs Blog

Christmas is finally here...........

2011-12-24T10:45:00.000Z

Well it's been a busy year to say the least and I have finally got a little bit of time off to recharge the batteries.

I've had some ups and downs over the year, made some new friends and realised others are not quite as nice as they try to appear but in the whole scheme of things, I have nothing to complain about.

I make a New Year resolution every year to update my blog more regularly and every year I fail....but....I will be doing more crafting in 2012 so with that will be more blog posts.....maybe I might just manage to keep the blogging more frequent next year.

I used to love wrapping presents and would spend hours doing it but, as time is off the essence these days, I no longer manage to spend the time I did. I made an exception for mum though and I'm looking forward to spending some time with her on Boxing Day.....here is her basket of presents that I'm taking up there, all wrapped in Vintage style.....just like mum hee hee!

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and I wish you all the best for 2012 xxxx

Tando Creative Challenges...week 2

2011-12-08T08:56:00.000Z

This month the theme is Winter Festivals.

I used the reverse side of a canvas and covered the inner areas with Modroc, the bottom part has been been packed up to give a different shape and texture.

Embossing enamel....lots of.... has been used and then I finished off with some Mini Houses and the reindeer and sleigh.

There's a prize up for grabs every month and you don't even have to use Tando chippie.....if you do though, you get double to chance to win :o)

A new online class.........

2011-11-22T20:57:00.000Z

.........starting soon, over at Tando Creative.......HERE.

You could make this supercute little Christmas decoration :o)

Christmas Wreath Class

2011-11-12T08:53:00.000Z

I'm delighted to be teaching regularly over at The Craft Barn.

I'm doing the Christmas Village Class at the end of this month and in December I will be doing this Christmas Wreath Class.

If you're local to The Craft Barn and fancy having a go you can book a place HERE.

Hearts of Plaid at Bubbly Scrumptious

2011-10-23T20:27:00.001+01:00

Over at Bubbly Scrumptious the October challenge is Hearts of Plaid. There is a fab inspirational board so I thought I would give it a go....I so rarely enter into challenges but I had a day to myself today..no work for a change ha ha!!

Anyhoo, my Home hanging is, of course, made up of mostly Tando stuff, I've used the Octagonal printer trays along with a cupcake, flowers, birds, hearts, letters and mini houses.

Thanks for dropping by.

Tando October Challenge........

2011-10-01T06:00:00.001+01:00

Over at the Tando Creative Challenge blog for October the theme is SPOOKTASTIC.

I chose to make a Halloween styled wreath with as many spooky Tando products as I could. The ring is made from corregated cardboard and I stuck on a variety of chippie bits. I glued the cobwebs across the centre and mounted the alphas across it.

Rustic Charm

2011-09-22T09:14:00.001+01:00

Here is my entry for the Tando Creative September Challenge, Rustic Charm.

I have used the plaque pack, stitches mask, flourish and leaf flourish...all Tando of course LOL. I made it a while ago so I'm not overly sure what I used....one day I will be efficient and write it all down!! No doubt there were Eco Green paints and Viva Decor products in there somewhere.

Village life.......

2011-09-13T19:28:00.000+01:00

I'm in love with Modroc LOL, I have been using some for this mini Christmas Village using the Tando mini houses and it is fabulous.

I think I take after my Dad when it comes to model making, he loved it too.....he was much better at it than me though.

Anyhoo, I will be taking a class in November to make a village similar to this one over at The Craft Barn. I think I might be making a few more first though because I had so much fun.

New Challenges over at Tando Creative.....

2011-08-22T07:27:00.001+01:00

...and here is my entry. I have so little time to craft but I really should try and join in with the Tando challenges shouldn't I LOL.

For mine I have cut a panel out to the lid of a box and decorated the inside with a wild scene. I had fun with masks and chippie here.

The outside of the box lid has been covered with torn up pieces of corrugated card and I used the sequin waste mask in between. It was then painted with a mixture of Viva Decor Inka Gold and Precious Metal paints dabbed in between.

For the inside I used the Garden with a Watering Can mask on the background using paste to create a raised image and then lightly coloured over the top again with Inka Gold.

There are a selection of leaves and flowers and then the wildlife with an Owl, Dragonfly, Butterfly and finally a spiders web.....no spider though eeeek.

Ta for popping by.

Another little plaque

2011-06-21T10:24:00.000+01:00

Another creation from me today, I'm on a bit of a roll with these little designs, they are so quick and easy to do. All Tando stuff......of course ha ha!!

I wanted a warm summer feel for this one....shame the lovely weather seems to have disappeared.

More soon xx

Music Plaque

2011-06-17T05:33:00.000+01:00

This is the first of many projects I did while I was on a retreat recently. It was in preparation for the Craft Barn Extravaganza that was held at the beginning of June.

The plaques used in these projects are very useful for making little items like these, they make excellent gifts. This one has combined stamping on the base, Viva Decor Croco on the inner plaque and Precious Metal paint on the flourishes. The word music has been simply painted with acrylic and a layer of Glossy Accents added.

I have a few in this series to show you that I will post over the coming days.

A couple of projects......

2011-04-18T19:14:00.000+01:00

I've been playing again with some Tando Chippie and Viva Decor Croco, I so love Viva Decor products, I have lots of them now and of course I have a tiny bit of Tando chippie too LOL.

The first is one of the Tando oval frames which I have covered firstly with Silver Croco. Once it had dried I used the fabby Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Drawing inks in four vintage colours and painted different parts of the croco. The background is one of the new Impression Obsession Stamps in script which I then ran through an embossing folder to add some dots.

The birds (also Tando) were simply covered with patterned paper and the edges inked with distress inks. A little dot of Viva Decor gloss gel gave the finishing touch to the eyes. Gloss gel was also used on the stand.

The second piece has very similar techniques. The chippie at the back again uses the Impression Obsession stamp and has been embossed as before.

This time I used 4 Tando wavy dominoes and a straight inchie for the Croco and Acrylic drawing ink treatment and then I finished off the piece with 2 Tando butterflies painted with Viva Decor metalic paint and the drawing ink to draw in the fine lines. Oh...and gloss gel for the butterfly bodies.

Home Sweet Home

2011-03-05T08:34:00.000Z

As Tando Creative have recently sponsored the Totally Gorjuss challenge blog Net asked if I'd like to be a guest designer for the week...what an honour :o) Do pop over there and take a look, the DT are a pretty talented bunch.

So, the challenge was Black and one other colour and, luckily for me, I didn't have to do a card...not one of my best talents is card making LOL.

I really fancied decorating one of Tando's latest releases, the Home Sweet Home Plaque. In addition to the pack I added some chippie flowers and some hearts for the roof. I had great fun with this and really enjoyed joining in with the Gorjussettes for this challenge.

2011-02-16T11:07:00.000Z

My attempt at one of the very popular Tando multi frames...it's very Tando based...no surprise there then LOL. Virtually every piece of chippie used in this is a Tando product. I have used a whole host of different paint techniques with my favourite Viva Decor products along with glitter, patterned papers, Eco Green paints, Glossy Accents and more.

Thanks for dropping by for a look.

A couple of cards.....

2011-02-10T19:16:00.000Z

.....well, true to form, I'm pants at this blogging lark. My trouble is, I make stuff and then don't photograph it which is a bit daft really but hey ho.

Anyhoo, I've made a couple of cards, using my trusty embossing folders that I absolutely love at the mo and I've hardly used any Tando, in fact it's almost "spot the Tando" LOL...now that's a shock.

First one was for Net and the second for Wendy....hope you had lovely birthdays ladies.

Art journalling .......... LOL!!

2011-01-06T11:22:00.000Z

Now I love art, I used to paint alot before I got into crafting and eventually Tando!!

I've been intrigued by art journalling for some time and admire many peeps work. As I'm full of cold and feeling pretty yucky I felt like curling up on the sofa last night and doing very little. Now I'm no TV watcher so I decided to grab a couple of sheets of A4..ish paper and some paints and have a little dabble.

The art bit I can get, the journalling bit I can't. I could of said lots of things about the journey of life and how you never know which path to take etc etc but I somehow couldn't get that down on the paper.

Anyhoo, my rather feeble attempt is below, I rather like the boots, I fancy a pair myself LOL! I thoroughly enjoyed painting a picture rather than painting a bit of chippie for a change and I think I will paint again whenever I can but I'm not sure about the journalling bit ha ha!!

Another house and mini book.....

2011-01-04T21:14:00.000Z

....this one I will be making at a workshop at Bubbly Funk next month.

I treated myself to a Big Shot.....yes, yes, I know I'm miles behind everyone else. I also got a load of embossing folders, they are fab. Actually it was Zoe's fault, she very successfully embossed some Tando chippie and that swayed me to go out and spend "too much" money LOL.

I've used a couple of embossing folders for this....on bazzil rather than straight on the chippie and lots of one of my fave brands....Viva Decor.

Steampunk pendant

2010-12-06T16:58:00.001Z

A bit of an experiment for me this one ha ha! I really fancied having a play with the new steampunk pendant released by Tando Creative and I just about threw everything at this!!

I couldn't get a look I liked...I'm still not sure now...so I've used, amongst a whole host of other things, Viva Decor Croco, Ferro, precious metal paints and Distress Accents.

Christmas Village

2010-12-05T10:13:00.000Z

I was again delighted and honoured to be asked to do a class over at UK Scrappers so I used the mini house trio from Tando to create this little village.

I have also decided that I will be doing an online class next year to make a model Christmas village, it will be quite a project, much larger than this, and the class will probably stretch over a few weeks. It will be a free class but obviously will be using Tando products.....anyhoo, I'll announce more details during the coming months.

Christmas Sleigh

2010-12-03T08:15:00.000Z

Well, here is my badly updated blog....do I or don't I make a new year resolution to update more in 2011. To be fair I do concentrate on the Tando blog alot more and I don't get to be as creative as I'd like.

2010 has been a really busy year for me, probably a bit too stressful at times too so I definately need to chill a bit for a while. I've not had any significant time off in a long time so I'm looking forward to at least a week off at Christmas.

Anyhoo, I have been making some stuff so here is the first of them, I made this Sleigh a while ago and used it at a recent Tando demo day. It looked great filled with sweets :o)

Painted in Viva Decor Inka Gold in Red and the flourishes, also Tando, were embossed in gold and then covered in UTEE.

More soon.

Bubbly Birthday Cards....

2010-08-31T19:50:00.001+01:00

Over on the Bubbly Funk forum we have a birthday club. It's lovely because you receive so many cards on your birthday that have been beautifully handmade.

Anyway, I have actually photographed all the ones I have received because I know the Bubblies like to see what everyone has done, so here they are:

Sue W

Net:

Carol (who isn't actually in the birthday club but she sent me this gorgeous card):

Karen:

Tracy:

Kaz:

Kathy:

Hazel:

Wendy:

Nicky:

Paddy:

Tracey:

Gez:

Janice, a fabulous and very funny digital card:

And Wooz, who has just started cardmaking....isn't it fab :o)

Thank you everyone for my beautiful cards xxxx

More storage designing.........

2010-08-18T07:49:00.000+01:00

It's been hectic here.....not only have I been designing and crafting the advent calendar from yesterday but I've put together the latest storage release for Tando Creative.

Anyway, this is soooo going to organise my unmounted stamps, I have already started to get them put away in the PVC pockets, I'm just waiting for some more to arrive and I'll do the rest of them.

All the deets can be found on the Tando Creative blog but here's some piccies to have a looksie at.

Octagonal Christmas Advent......

2010-08-16T16:55:00.001+01:00

Now this took a bit of planning LOL....in fact it took me 3 days, on and off, to work out the angles for this piece but I managed it in the end. I guess my engineering background helped a bit with this ha ha!!

There are 24 little drawers in 3 banks of 8 for a daily gift and the top lifts off to reveal a place for the final prezzie on the big day.

I also cut little chippie sleighs, snowflakes, stars, trees, gifts and holly sprigs to put on each drawer. I will be doing a tut for this asap to explain all the details but it's design means it's really easy to put together. More info will be on the Tando blog tomorrow.

I've had so much fun making this....I think I may be making more!!

More storage.....

2010-08-04T10:16:00.000+01:00

Well I've been designing for Tando again and here is the latest storage solution, a revolving desk caddy...

I painted this with Eco Green acrylic paints and added some Artbrush Alphas for the wording on the sides. The shelves are removable so it's easier to decorate.

I managed to get an awful lot of stuff in it.......

Framed....

2010-08-02T07:23:00.000+01:00

Over at Vanilla Sugar this months theme is to make or decorate a frame. Well of course I had to use a Tando Creative frame...the little 6" x 6" ones are fab for this kind of thing.

As well as the frame I also used Tando inchies, twinchies, dominoes, flourishes, cogs and alphas so a real Tando overload ha ha!

Anyhoo, I've also written step by step instructions for this which you can find HERE.

Gosh....I've made a card, and guess what...

2010-07-14T20:53:00.000+01:00

...I've used some Tando chippie...now that's a surprise LOL.

This is an oval chippie and I've done a bit of stamping too. I love stamping and have so many of them but no time to craft just lately. Quite a simple layout, less elaborate than I normally make cards but I'm pleased I managed to keep it simple.

Anyhoo, here it is.

Mini Canvas

2010-07-08T15:20:00.000+01:00

One of the few things I made at the retreat back in May.

It's a little canvas and I used some of the Tando town pieces of chippie. The background has had a bit of texture paste treatment with some TH stamps and then painted with acrylic. The houses and other bits have all been painted with acrylic and stamped, finishing off with a bit of ric rac.

More storage

2010-07-06T07:12:00.000+01:00

This is some more storage that I have designed and built for Tando Creative Ltd.

The first is the rotating ink pad storage unit. It holds 36 ink pads and is fitted with a lazy susan bearing on the bottom. They are fabulous bearings, I have bought a few of them and have lots more storage ideas to create with them.

This unit is constructed from MDF and the shelves are cut for 2250 micron greyboard. The shelves just slot in and there is a handy extra bit of shelf each end to put any blending pads etc that go with the inks.

The second unit is another revolving one made entirely from MDF. It has 4 compartments on each tier and there are options for a 1, 2 or 3 tier version. It's great for storing allsorts of items and I even managed to fit a few red sizzix dies on it!

The retail site is actually open now over at Tando Creative although it is a bit sparse on there at the moment......more hours in a day please LOL!

Heart Wreath

2010-07-05T04:55:00.001+01:00

One of the projects that I did for my stint as a Fiskarette design team member recently. This is a Tando Creative heart wreath and I used my favourite manufacturers paper.....Basic Grey.

Housey housey......

2010-07-04T10:29:00.000+01:00

Another one to pop on that has been seen everywhere except here LOL.

I was again flattered to be asked to do a class for the UKS cybercrop back in April. It was a Monopoly theme so I decided to adapt one of the Tando 3D houses to make a mini book. This has since gone on to be featured on a variety of sites and forums so I am indeed very flattered by that.

There is a link to full instructions on my Make Me blog HERE.

Catching up on some old creations.....

2010-07-02T14:50:00.000+01:00

As my blogging has been so eratic for.....well.....always, I've not always blogged what I've made so I'm going to gradually see what's missing and add it on here. Mainly so I can look back at it in one place but, you never know, someone else might be interested.

Anyhoo, here is a frame I made for a very dear friend of mine, Gez, for her birthday. I'm not really a cardmaker to be honest and these little frames (Tando, of course) are an ideal alternative to a card.

The frame has been coated in texture paste and stamped into and then painted with black acrylic and precious metal silver paint. The quote is computer printed and I added some decorated Tando cooking chippie pieces.

A very quick post.....

2010-06-27T09:20:00.000+01:00

.....and nothing creative, sorry. Just a piccie of what I bought while out stash shopping with Kaz yesterday. We had such a fab day and I can't wait to go stash shopping with her again :o)

As you can see, paint was high on the agenda LOL!!

Storage solutions

2010-06-21T18:01:00.000+01:00

I have been busy recently designing some storage solutions. So far I have done a ribbon storage cabinet and an ink pad storage cabinet.

I have BIG plans for some revolving units so I have ordered some lazy susan bearings in readiness. My first will be a 36 ink pad revolving desktop storage unit that I have nearly finished designing.

I intend to post many of these storage solutions over the coming weeks.

Thanks for stopping by.

Birdhouse Gift Box

2010-06-07T14:53:00.000+01:00

A little something I made for MIL for Mothers Day....ages ago now ha ha!!

Another Tando creation and I have hinged the lid on this one to create the gift box. Another one that I did for the Vanilla Sugar challenge blog a while ago.

It has been mainly painted but I've used a Stampers Anonymous stamp for the roof and embossed it with some ultra thick embossing powder.

The flowers have been punched with a Sizzix die along with the leaves.

Vanilla Sugar.......

2010-06-01T21:00:00.000+01:00

For June's challenge on Vanilla Sugar we were asked to make a window hanging with glass and/or beads.....well I didn't have any glass so I opted to use some perspex that I had and cut it to make this little welcome sign. I covered the bird with beads and added some perspex letters. This design will be available in chippie from Tando soon.

I've given myself a kick up the bum!

2010-05-23T05:16:00.000+01:00

This past year has been particularly busy with starting up Tando Creative and trying to get that going as well as running our existing business. I had some time to reflect last weekend at the Bubblies retreat and realised I was simply doing too much. I had been so wrapped up with work that I rarely had the time or energy to do what I love most and that is to create and when I did find time to do something I felt it was rushed and not enjoyed.

I'm now structuring my day to allow some time for me and time to create, I need to get going again on this blog too so here I am.....albeit at 5 in the morning haha!!

This piece I did for the Fiskarettes design team...full instructions can be found HERE. There is lots of chipboard (obviously) but also lots of texture paste and paint....my love for paint is really coming back now after such a long break from it.

I have other things to show you so I'll try my hardest to make time to upload them.

Thanks to anyone that stops by :o)

Basket Case

2010-03-17T12:50:00.000Z

My first design team project for the Fiskarettes. You can find all the details HERE.

I've used a Tando Creative basket but I guess that's no surprise.

No doubt this will crop up on the Tando blog at some point too LOL!!

Ok this isn't going to last.......

2010-01-08T14:43:00.002Z

.....yes, yes, I know, I've blogged for a 2nd time in almost the same number of days!! I really am going to try and blog everything I make and seeing as I have said I will keep certain commitments, with the calendar challenge and now with the Christmas card club, I'm hoping I will at least blog a couple of times a month LOL!

I'm not holding my breath though!

Over on Bubbly Funk we are doing a Christmas card club, similar to the one we did last year (I did a grand total of 2 cards), but this year each month will have a different theme. I'm kind of thinking that the theme idea will keep me going on it but we'll see.

Anyway, Joanne set the first month with turquoise, a swirl and some sparkle. I've done the turquoise, done the sparkle but the swirl didn't really show it's face anywhere, but said in my best Meatloaf voice, 2 out of 3 ain't bad!!

My card uses some Tando chippie (no surprise there then as I have an abundance of it)! I painted the stocking with turquoise paint, then coated with crackle glaze, then painted with white acrylic. The top of the stocking is sprayed silver and whilst it was dry I added a bit of glitter. I used Basic Grey papers and stitched round the edges.

I added the button detail on the stocking because my crackling hadn't gone too well in that spot and I needed to cover it up ha ha and then I finally added the ribbon and the stamped word Believe.

Here's hoping this is another challenge I can keep up with!

Shock of shocks I've blogged

2010-01-06T17:25:00.001Z

Well I can't quite believe it, I've actually blogged.......I've actually done some crafting, that's even more shocking! Life has been a little hectic over the last 6 months, I have been busy with a new venture, Tando Creative Limited. It has been non stop 12 hour days right up until Christmas, so much so, I nearly blew myself out if I'm honest.

I had a bit of time off over Christmas and decided that I had to make time to do what I love most and that is crafting.

I love to blog and love reading blogs and both had been seriously neglected so part of my new regime for 2010 is to, at least, do a little bit more of both of those. I doubt I will ever be an avid blogger, time constraints are always going to get in the way but I will try to when I can.

Anyhoo, Sharon on Bubbly Funk (and super duper DT member for Tando) told us about a fab challenge on the Kathryn Wheel blog....a Calendar Challenge HERE. I decided, possibly unwisely knowing how I stick to these things, to have a go as I found the whole thing very inspiring.

I am actually keeping up to date with the daily entries at the moment which is a shock in itself but it is only the 6th January.

My January pages are quite simples really. I used watercolour paper and applied a blue wash, I then stamped with a swirly stamp over the top in white. My next job was to use 3D paste, that I'd bought for an online class that I never did *roll eyes*, and after dabbing it on with my finger I stamped the word January into it. Given our current covering of snow and ice I wanted to give it a imprinted look in snow, like a footprint :)

I cut random sized squares from more watercoloured paper, inked the edges and stamped the numbers of the days on in white. My intention is to doodle over some of the numbers but not all so I can still follow the days.

Anyway, pictures are normally much more interesting so here they are:

Well hopefully it won't be another 6 months before I blog again..........but you never know!!

Cupcakes....

2009-06-27T17:35:00.003+01:00

Over on Bubbly Scrumptious Caroline has put up for grabs some amazing challenge candy HERE You really must have a go at this months challenge and you get a double chance of winning if you enter next months too.

I have made a stand up recipe holder for my niece. She wants to write her recipes on record cards so I've made up a holder for them so she can just flip to the recipe she wants. The whole thing stands up so she can follow her instructions with ease.

Hopefully more creative stuff soon.....I have some thank you cards to make!!!

Welcome to Bacary

2009-06-19T15:59:00.006+01:00

It was very exciting in my household yesterday as we had another new arrival. Let me present to you.....Bacary. A massive thank you to Kaz I have always wanted one of her monkees and this little fella is just the best.

Well he leapt up out of the box when I opened it and just look at his gorgeous face.

He was hungry when he arrived and he spotted my pineapple straight away.

Still peckish.....the melon wasn't safe either!

But I had to draw the line at Sanya training treats.

Then the big introduction to the other little fella in our lives. At first Sanya wasn't too interested.

Then he did actually sit up and take notice.

The first touch......awwwwww.

Soon they were best buddies and Bacary got to sit on Sanya's back.

Sanya even let him play with his toys.

And swing in his crate.

Before Bacary went out to play in the tree house.

Birthday card for a dear friend

2009-06-18T15:15:00.004+01:00

Not blogged in an age....I have been so busy since FIL passed away and the arrival of our puppy Sanya that I've hardly done any crafting.

All to change soonish hopefully *wink*

Anyway, I did make a card for Gez, a dear friend on the Bubbly Funk forum.

Here it is:

Hopefully more soonish.

Bits and Bobs

2009-04-30T18:55:00.006+01:00

As usual, lots of stuff going on and no time to blog. My posts seem to get shorter and shorter and fewer between LOL but hey ho. I haven't even had time to blog hop myself this week and I love seeing what everyone else has been up to.....tut tut.

Anyways, here's a selection of stuff I've been up to over the last few weeks:

A birthday card for my mum:

My Bubbly's retreat book.....not long now lovelies.

A present for my mum - a hanging notepad holder.

That's it for now....I think....more when I get the energy to do it ha ha!!

Birthday Card

2009-04-13T21:11:00.003+01:00

Been busy doing.....well.....not sure really but too busy to blog obviously!! It was Tony's birthday recently and, as always, male cards are a bit of a challenge.

I could have easily have added a great big flower on the top corner of this card but I somehow don't think it would have made it very masculine ha ha!

Use of corregated card and blues and browns compensated for the rather slushy heart that I just had to add!!

More soon hopefully x

HOME wall hanging

2009-03-30T20:03:00.004+01:00

Another instalment for the gorgeous Bubbly Funk April kit (available 1st April)....don't miss it, it's going to fly off the shelves.

I decided to make this wall hanging and I'm actually really pleased with it. It's hanging on my living room wall at the mo.

I've actually done a layout!!

2009-03-24T19:57:00.003Z

Totally inspired by Irene Tan and the super gorgeous Bubbly Funk April kit (due out on sale on 1st April so don't miss it) I just had to do a layout. This will also double up as my Bubbly Funk retreat class thingy if we get time to do it. Personally I think I will be too busy chattering to do any crafting.

More soon peeps xx

Mothers Day card no. 2

2009-03-21T09:56:00.002Z

Mothers day card no. 2 peeps. I used a vellum base for this one and of course, stitching and lace. The butterflies I got down in Looe in Cornwall (2nd one I've used...getting through them ha ha)!

Mothers Day card no. 1

2009-03-19T13:22:00.001Z

The first of my 2 Mothers Day cards that I'm making, the second is still in bits LOL!

Not sure which card I'm going to give to which mum yet!

Perpetual Calendar

2009-03-18T06:00:00.003Z

My instalment for Bubbly Scrumptious was done over 2 weeks hence why I didn't post anything up last week.

My take on a perpetual calendar with a difference.....you can find the post about HERE

Ella's book

2009-03-17T06:00:00.005Z

Well I've finished Ella's little book and box ready for my sister Sue to give to her daughter Vicki for Mothers Day next weekend. It's been dispatched off to our joint contact....our mum ha ha so I didn't have to risk posting it.

The photos have been blurred as we don't want Ella's photos pinched for any awful sites that frequent the internet but you get the idea of the book anyway.

I have to say HUGE thank you to Janice as she did an amazing job of doing the little monthly tags you can see on the pages.....thanks so much hun.

Letter from Breast Cancer Care

2009-03-16T06:00:00.001Z

We've had our final thank you letter now, to everyone involved, give yourselves a HUGE pat on the back.

Ooops, long time....no blogging!!

2009-03-15T12:34:00.005Z

There's been alot going on here lately with hospitals, social services and the like so not had much time to create let alone blog but I do have a few things now to show you that I'll spread over a few days.

Here is a birthday card I made for a very special friend over on Bubbly Funk. Hope you had a great day Karen. Using my fave papers Basic Grey with my customary torn and distressed edges and stitching.....no lace though ha ha!

Happy Bunny Birthday Card

2009-03-03T22:19:00.003Z

Another card from me, this time for Bubbly Scrumptious with the lovely March kit that has just gone on sale.

It's very tactile with the cute piece of fabric and fibres. I have flocked bunny's ears and used glossy accents on his pads and eyes as well as some buttons.

Stitching of course features on there somewhere but eeek...no lace or distressed papers...can I feel those withdrawal symptoms coming on yet LOL!

More soon peeps. x

On a card roll!

2009-02-28T17:25:00.003Z

Well peeps, another card, more distressed paper, more stitching and more lace....hmmm, but I'm kinda loving this style right now so I'll probably stick with it, especially as I've been spending a fortune on lace lately.

By the way, papers are K & Co.

I actually made this a week ago but this is the first chance I've had to blog, not made much since though ha ha!

More soonest peeps x

Basic Grey Challenge

2009-02-24T19:39:00.003Z

Well I've not done one of these before but I have seen a few blog mates getting into the Basic Grey challenges and as I have a huge passion for BG I thought I'd give one a go.

It's Challenge no. 23 - Colour Combo and I opted for the Pink and Green option although all the combinations were fab so it was a bit of a job to choose.

The papers are from the Sugared collections for the 2 base papers, although the pink flowers are not BG.

I had to do my usual inking, distressing and stitching but I did manage to leave off the lace this time ha ha!!

More tomorrow peeps if the light is good enough for the camera.

Cutey concertina book

2009-02-23T18:58:00.004Z

Well it was my day for the Bubbly Scrumptious project and I have to admit this one was a close call. We've had various things happening this week on the personal front that have been a tad stressy so crafting was put on the back burner for alot of the week.

I can happily report that the personal issues are much better than they were albeit I have to say I am certainly not impressed with Social Services but hey ho!!

I'm showcasing the brand new Bubbly Funk March kit that goes on sale on the 1st March. It's a bright, funky kit and seemed just right to make this little mini book. The body of the mini book is only 1 sheet of 12" x 12" so it's really quite cute.

Right hopefully a tad more crafting this week.

Catch you soon.

Christmas.....EEK....cards!!

2009-02-18T20:20:00.004Z

To keep up with the 25th club on Bubbly Funk here are my 2 Christmas cards for this month.

I used a lot of Basic Grey in these...my all time fave papers and of course the normal stitching and paper curling...becoming quite a thing isn't it!!

More soon hopefully.

xx

Another card....!

2009-02-16T15:05:00.004Z

On a roll with cards just now!

For this one I have used Kathy's sketch blog and her latest sketch HERE

Ok, it's not exactly as the sketch but it's the first time I've used a sketch for anything so it's about as close as I'm going to get ha ha!!

Might manage to upload some Chrimbo cards tomorrow!

xx

More cards.....!

2009-02-16T07:00:00.001Z

My next post for Bubbly Scrumptious peeps using the last of the February kit. I have to admit it was a gorgeous kit and I have very little left of it now unfortunately but I did make 5 projects with it.

I'm loving card making right now and I seem to be getting slightly quicker at it...although it still takes me an age to make anything.

Check back soon peeps. xx

I've been published....!!

2009-02-15T12:37:00.003Z

I've never submitted anything to a magazine before but I thought I would give it a go...just to see!! Lo and behold I got an email a few weeks later to say my layout had been accepted in Scrapbook Inspirations...well I was absolutely chuffed.

I think it's ok now for me to put it on my blog as, although it's in the March issue, subscribers have received their copies and I picked up a copy from Smiths last weekend so they've now gone out on general sale.

Here is my digi layout that I did using a freebie kit from The Shabby Princess.

The doggie is my neices dog, she's called Jess (doggie that is)....my neices name is Charlie....ha ha!

More tomorrow peeps xx

Hearts on Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:05:00.003Z

Happy Valentines Day to you all. I have to admit it's not something Tony and I are too worried about, we've rarely exchanged cards or given each other gifts.

I bought this little heart shaped box in Hobbycraft a while ago and it seemed perfect for my entry last week on Bubbly Scrumptious.

I made a little heart shaped mini book to fit inside, the individual hearts are threaded onto ribbon and slide up and down so you can view the pages, they also slide up together quite well so they fit in the box. I won't be giving it to Tony so I guess it will end up on my little shoppie at some point.

Have a fabulous day lovelies. xx

Pink and Green.....

2009-02-11T13:18:00.003Z

I have to admit I've grown to like the colour combo Pink and Green....even though I'm not overly keen on either colour on their own.

I had the urge to make a card the other night, not for any particular occasion or for anyone in mind....just a card.

Crate papers used here that I've had for ages and only ever stroke them so they finally got the knife treatment....ha ha!! My usual lacey trim that appears just about everywhere and of course the distressed edges to the paper...another of my faves.

Plenty of machine stitching involved too and the finishing touch using some rafia to link the buttons.

More soon peeps.

Ella's Box

2009-02-09T14:37:00.005Z

I was asked to make a memory box by my sister....hi Sue...*waves*. Sue's daughter Vicki had a little girl in January 2008 and Sue wanted to give Vicki a memory box and a mini book for photos and keepsakes of Ella's first year.

I have done quite a bit to the mini book but it's not finished yet but the box is....well all except the lining on the inside.

It's been made from scratch using mountboard so it's pretty sturdy. The brass handle came from Wilkos and it just screwed on to the mountboard in the normal way.

Edited to add (cos peeps asked), the box is 8" x 8" x 4" deep :-)

Here is the box:

As soon as the mini book is done I'll post up some piccies.

Catch you all soon x

Favourite CD Holder Book

2009-02-04T15:16:00.003Z

The next instalment from me for the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog, a CD holder. I have used CD pockets and concertinered an acetate spine before wrapping some corregated card around the outside. The pockets are held in with single bind-it-all rings.

Full instructions are on the Bubbly Scrumptious blog.

I have many projects on right now, some I can't mention on here because they are gifts for peeps who may possible wander into my blog but I am thoroughly enjoying making them.

I've been feeling pretty creative since I started on my Get Organised for 2009 campaign, even the house is looking clearer.....long may it continue....ha ha!

.

Menu Planner

2009-01-29T18:37:00.002Z

Ok, better late than never, I know!! I was meant to pop this on here on Monday but I haven't actually turned my laptop on much this week and thats where all my photos are.

I'm trying to be the "new organised Di" this year (one of my resolutions) and to some extent it is actually working. I am finding that my work and creative time seems to be more productive if you know what I mean and that's simply because I always seem to have a tidy desk.

I have also received some orders to make stuff....woo hoo, that doesn't normally happen so I've a few things on the agenda to make. I've started the first project and thoroughly enjoying it knowing that someone actually wants it.

Caroline told me about the little shop widget on the right hand side too so, at some point, I will upload some piccies of stuff I'm putting up for sale....whether I actually sell anything will be another issue ha ha!!

Right onto my creation for tonight, it is my project this week for Bubbly Scrumptious made with the gorgeous February kit.

I normally plan a weekly menu for Tony and I so we don't have that normal scenerio...."what do you fancy for dinner tonight?" ......."oh I don't mind, what do your fancy?".....you know the type of thing. Well we don't have that anymore. So going along on that theme I thought I'd make a menu planner.

More soon peeps xx

Day of the Cards!

2009-01-25T14:09:00.003Z

A Christmas card and 2 52Q Cards so I'm catching up nicely now.

Here's the Christmas card to round of my 2 for the month of January for the 25th club over on Bubbly Funk.

Emily Falconbridge 52Q is into it's 3rd week already and here are my number 2 and 3 cards.

Am I afraid of change?:

Do I believe in fairies?:

Back tomorrow folks with my Bubbly Scrumptious entry.

Di x

Birthday Desktop Calendar

2009-01-19T06:51:00.000Z

Not been around much for blogging this week, I just haven't actually had time to make much but hopefully I'll be able to get more done this week.

My entry for the Bubbly Scrumptious blog using the new Bubbly Funk February kit. I don't think it's available yet so keep your eyes peeled for it on the shoppie.

You'll find the full instructions HERE.

Travel Journal

2009-01-12T07:00:00.002Z

This has been uploaded to the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog over the last 4 weeks and this week sees the final part so I can upload all of the pages here now.

I made this for a friend who is going to China this year on a holiday of a lifetime. She's loves writing so I guessed she would appreciate a journal to record her special holiday.

More soon folks x

Birthdays.....

2009-01-11T14:03:00.003Z

Now I'm pretty sure my sis doesn't read my blog but if you do Sue then shut your eyes or you'll see your card.

I bought the butterflies down in Looe in Cornwall in a beautiful little shop that sold lots of fairies and angels and things....I wish I could remember the name. Perhaps one of my Cornish friends who drop by will know it.

Catch you soon peeps.

Christmas 2009!!

2009-01-10T14:08:00.003Z

Scarey huh?....and, no, I haven't gone completely mad but over on Bubbly Funk we are having a 25th club. By the 25th of each month we are attempting to make and upload a certain number of Christmas cards in the hope that we will all have a stress free Christmas this year.....yeah right!!

I opted to make 24, so 2 a month and here is one of them. I've made another one somewhere too but I had a clear up the other day and I can't remember where I put it....along with the acetate sheets that I'm still trying to find....ho hum!

More soon peeps. xx

New Year and the resolutions have slipped already....

2009-01-09T21:41:00.004Z

....because....one of them was to blog more and here we are on the 9th already and I haven't blogged yet in 2009...tut tut!!

Right, first off, you really must pop over to a new and very exciting blog. It's the Bubbly Funk Crafty Calendar for 2009. There is a project for every month and Janice has made the hybrid version of the calendar....it's gorgeous. Don't forget to donate to Action for ME, the Just Giving widget is in the side bar.

I've also bitten the bullet and decided to join in Emily Falconbridge's 52Q, I really hope I can keep up with this but we'll see hey!!

Here is my first card:

That's me for now but I can show you my completed travel journal....oh and a sneak peek of my first project with the Bubbly Funk February kit......soon!

2008-12-26T16:50:00.003Z

I've won an award....thanks to Gez and Janice

Rules of the award say I have to pass this on to five people with 'Fabulous' blogs, I look at so many blogs that are fabulous and are incredibly inspirational.

Ok, here's my list

1. Joanne
2. Caroline
3. Kaz
4. Karen
5. Beth

I also have to name 5 things I am addicted to, hmmm, this is quite difficult really but I guess they would be:

1. Bubbly Funk forum
2. Stitching on ALL my papercrafts ha ha!
3. Basic Grey...although I only stroke it.
4. Crafting whenever I possibly can
5. Christmas....my absolutely fave time of year.

Oh and while I'm here, here is a gift bag I made with the B.F. December kit.

Take care all xx

Merry Christmas to you all

2008-12-24T03:25:00.005Z

Ok, who nicked December then.....whoa, that went quick and no time to update my blog.

New Years resolution is to blog more.

I hope everyone has a fab Christmas and thanks to everyone who stop by and comment.

I have lots to update you with including an award from the lovely Gez, thanks hun, I will get round to doing all this, hopefully over the next few days but in the meantime here are some projects that I've been up to.

Cards made for the December kit for Bubbly Funk:

Cards made to send to peeps

That's it for now folks, I'll be back soon to upload more stuff.

Have a great day tomorrow xx

Chrimbo cards

2008-12-02T19:04:00.003Z

Been making some Christmas cards, I'm really loving using lacey fabric at the moment with lots of stitching.

I think I'll be doing more stuff like this.

Catching up!

2008-12-02T17:46:00.005Z

Wow, last week was busy, 8 VAT returns and a shed load of wages to do.....phew!!

Right, on with the sneak peek that you may not have seen yet.

Step by step instructions are on the Bubbly Scrumptious blog.

and this weeks project:

A tree shaped mini book that could alse be used as an extra special card.

Another award!!

2008-11-27T22:05:00.004Z

Many thanks to Karen for this award, I'm flattered.

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!These blogs are exceedingly charming.

These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement.

Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.

Please give more attention to these writers!"

Deliver this award to bloggers who must choose more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I'm forwarding this to the following peeps -

Gez

Kaz

An award...woo hoo...and from 2 peeps!!

2008-11-22T07:00:00.003Z

Thank you so much to Janice and Sue for this award how lovely of you both.

Here's how it works:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

I always find these things very difficult as I am inspired by so many people.

Some of these have been picked before so they have already passed the award on.

Caroline's blog - I have always been inspired by Caroline's work and I admire her ability to put together the most creative and imaginative kits to work with.

Bubbly Scrumptious blog - where I am honoured to be working alongside some of the most talented peeps I know - Kathy, Nattie, Kaz and Anna. Anna doesn't have a blog but you will see more of her gorgeous work as the weeks progress.

Sneak peek

2008-11-21T16:16:00.002Z

All these Christmas preparations, they are so much fun, I'm loving it. The December kit from Bubbly Funk is gorgeous and it is my turn to upload a project on Monday onto the Bubbly Scrumptious blog.

Here is a little sneak peek for you.......

Don't you just love Christmas!!

2008-11-19T17:29:00.003Z

Well I certainly do and I absolutely in my element making Christmassy bits and pieces.

On from my sneak peek from Sunday (sorry been busy) here is my offering to the Bubbly Scrumptious blog this week.

They stand about 8" tall and the instructions to make them are all on the BS blog HERE, Caroline has even put together a kit for them as well HERE.

Christmas is fast approaching and I have so many things I want to make so I best get a move on. Take care all.

Sneak peek!

2008-11-16T08:54:00.003Z

It's my turn to upload to the Bubbly Scrumptious blog tomorrow and it's also my slot for the weekly challenge on the forum so here is a little sneak peek to tempt you.

Another November kit project

2008-11-15T07:55:00.003Z

Caroline sent through this fab little board book with scalloped edges in the November kit. Going with the Christmas flow I covered it in the papers from the kit and added some lined paper to make an unusual notebook.

The little tag saying Christmas notes has been filled with Glossy accents to give it an icy feel.

Santa's Grotto

2008-11-13T08:30:00.001Z

Another of my creations for the Bubbly Funk November kit.

I thoroughly enjoyed doing this different take on a memory box.

The outside is quite simply decorated but the inside opens out to a magical Santa's grotto.

The pond was cut from mountboard and filled with glossy accents. Whilst it was still wet I sprinkled a little glitter and fake snow to finish.

More details are on the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog.

I made a Christmas card

2008-11-12T13:09:00.003Z

Actually I'm really chuffed with this card and I'm making a couple more in a similar style. The papers are by papermania and the lace raffia is from Hobbycraft. The red flower is actually a garland that is on sale in Tesco at the moment (you get 14 flowers on a string for £3....bargain)!!

I still have my other projects to upload from the Bubbly Funk November kit but I've not got round to it yet.

If you really can't wait why not pop along to the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog, it's now the Bubbly Funk Shop Blog as well as the Kit blog and is open to everyone to view. Kathy and I are still kit designers but we have 3 more fabulous peeps on the team, Kaz, Nat and Anna so look out for their fab creations too.

Bubbly Funk November Kit - Christmas planner

2008-11-10T18:57:00.006Z

With changes to the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog I am now able to post up my creations a little earlier than before.

The Blog is now also the Bubbly Funk shop blog so it is open for public viewing. There is some fab stuff on there so why not pop over and take a look HERE and there will be new posts every week day so check back whenever you can.

Huge congrats also to Nattie, Kaz and Anna who will be joining Kathy and I as designers for Bubbly Funk.

Right, here are the 3 projects I managed to make from the kit:

Christmas Planner:

More to follow folks.

More sneak peeks

2008-11-05T16:38:00.003Z

A couple little more teasers for you from the November Bubbly Funk kit due to be released on the 15th November.

Bubbly Funk Sneak Peek!

2008-11-01T06:19:00.002Z

Here is the first of my sneak peeks for the November kit.

I've got another but it's still on my camera.....ooops.....maybe tomorrow!

Time is moving on.

2008-10-31T04:30:00.011Z

Well, Think Pink will be drawing to a close soon. When we finish we will have done 6 months worth of planning and fundraising and it has been the most incredible journey. I have made some new fabulous friends along the way and there will be more new people to meet in the new year when we start our Craft Club.

All the girls at Bubbly Funk have been amazing, their generousity is second to none.

I now must concentrate on other things.....my badly updated blog for instance.....haven't I been dreadful!

Right, I'll update you with some projects I have completed.

Bubbly Funk August kit.....never realised I hadn't uploaded this!!

Mini quotes book:

Friends book:

Bubbly Funk October kit:

This advent countdown is 36" long so quite sizeable. I absolutely loved making this and I think I will make more for peeps next year.

Christmas Stocking mini book:

Mini felt decorations:

Soooo easy to make peeps.

Decorated Christmas tin:

Thanks for looking.....tomorrow....if I remember.....a couple of sneak peeks from the November kit.

Bubbly Funk Cybercrop

2008-09-26T06:06:00.005+01:00

What a hoot that weekend was. On the 20th and 21st September we had an amazing two day cybercrop on Bubbly Funk and the classes that the girlies did were all absolutely fantastic.

I put in a couple of classes too, all the items I'm going to put in the sale, a car organiser folder:

I purposely kept the docorating simple as I guessed it may appeal to a man more than a woman and I didn't think he'd appreciate ribbons all over it LOL!

I have to thank my brother Paul here too. The pockets inside are made from cold laminating pouches and I didn't realise they were so difficult to get hold off when I did the supply list. Caroline had put together a fantastic cybercrop kit and had tried to source them to put in the kit. Paul came to the rescue, his company Celsur Plastics make them and he very swiftly got a box despatched to Caroline so she could put them in the kit......thanks Paul.

I also did a couple of canvasses:

Been so Busy

2008-09-26T05:52:00.005+01:00

Well Think Pink is well and truly getting close now and I have to say, I have been soooo busy with it all. I really do not stop from 6am until 10pm everyday!

I have been blogging loads over on the Think Pink blog so once it has all finished I will definately be updating this blog so much more.

Here's the September kit projects for Bubbly Funk:

Garden Organiser folder, these folders are so easy to make.

Little house: well it actually stands about 8" tall but of course you can make them any size you like. All the instructions are on the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog.

Simply Us Altered Board Book:

Week 9 Challenge - Think of a Number

2008-08-27T05:48:00.003+01:00

My turn this week to set the challenge over on Think Pink.....don't forget to pop over there peeps for a peek.

The challenge is to make 2 cards number based, one male, one female.

Here are mine:

Week 8 - Sew Nice

2008-08-25T14:58:00.002+01:00

Crazydaisy Di's challenge this week and it was to involve sewing, either real or drawn on!

I utilised a pack of 10 diddy cards I had and did a simple design with a sizzix snowflake die.

Think Pink Week 7

2008-08-20T05:00:00.000+01:00

This weeks challenge set by Kathy is Tartography....to tart up a notebook.

Here are my attempts:

Think Pink week 6

2008-08-19T05:29:00.000+01:00

Week 6 was my turn and I chose multi folds, so peeps could either make a multi fold card or a maze book.

Here's my multifold card:

And one of my fave subjects for the maze book...Christmas:

Think Pink Week 5

2008-08-18T05:26:00.001+01:00

Think Pink's week 5 challenge, Caroline set this challenge to create 2 cards in pink and black. Fab challenge!

Bubbly Funk July Kit

2008-08-17T05:11:00.009+01:00

Sorry, been busy, I really must try to keep this blog up to date. I have loads of things to put on here so I'll try and spread them out with timed posts again.

Here are my creations from the Bubbly Funk July kit:

And the showcase project:

Weekly challenges

2008-07-26T08:39:00.005+01:00

I have been soooo busy with Think Pink stuff just lately, the weekly challenges and keeping the blog up to date but it is so much fun.

Don't forget to check out the blog, the link is on the right.

Week 1 challenge - to make 6 notelets:

Week 2 challenge: to make 2 anniversary/wedding cards

Week 3 challenge: to make 2 good luck cards

Week 4 challenge: to make Christmas gift tags

I have to say I am having so much fun doing these challenges....why not join in peeps.

Another DCM Card

2008-07-05T16:00:00.004+01:00

I'm on a roll, that's 2 weeks running with the DCM challenges and another winter theme....yay!

This one is inspired by Kaz too as she did some fabby glittery letters so I did the same with my snowflakes.

Another one for the Think Pink sale me thinks!

Bubbly Funk June kit

2008-07-04T04:53:00.006+01:00

Another gorgeous kit from Bubbly Funk, here's what I did.

Firstly a bird of prey mini book:

Into the woods layout:

And a maze book, this is going into the Think Pink sale. I've decided to make at least one item per month from the kits to go in the sale.

A tag and an Award

2008-07-04T04:32:00.003+01:00

Many thanks to Elaine for the tag here:

What was I doing 10 years ago:
Same as I am now, running a business with my hubby but then I was working 7 days a week and really long hours.....not so now thank goodness.

5 things on my to do list:
Remarkably small work to do list right now so no need to bore you with that. I have the super August Bubbly Funk kit to work on (it's lush peeps), loads going on with the Bubbly Funk charity cybercrop and Think Pink sale too, I must get my housework done today, also the ironing and lastly sort out the car insurance on one of the cars....oh joy!

Snacks I enjoy: BBQ'd beef flavoured peanuts adn the odd bacardi and coke

If I were a millionaire: Hmmm, I would probably buy a house down in Cornwall and I would only work part time.

Places I've lived: Colliers Wood in London, Epsom in Surrey and Horsham in West Sussex

Who I am tagging: Not sure yet, I think most of blog buds have been tagged already.

And a big thank you to Hazel for her award

The rules of this are:

1.the winner can put the logo on their website/blog

2. put in a link to the person who gave you the award.

3.send the award to at least 7 other blogs that inspire you with their layout-creations-themes

4.put a link to these sites on your blog

5. notify the people you nominate for the award.

Again, it's tricky to nominate peeps as it looks like all my blog mates have already been nominated.

I'll come back to this one.

My first DCM card

2008-06-28T14:05:00.003+01:00

Yep, I know I don't "do" cards but, for a reason I will tell you about shortly, I decided to have a go at this weeks DCM challenge.

And, oh lucky me, the theme was Christmas......me lurves Christmas!!

Anyhow, the reason behind me joining in is that we have something very exciting going on over at the Bubbly Funk forum.

We're not only going to have a fabulous 2 day Cybercrop on the 20th and 21st September but we will be making cards and gifts to sell in an amazing sale to be held near me on October 18th. All proceeds of the sale are going to go to a fantastic charity, Breast Cancer Care.

We're having weekly challenges on the forum right up until the cybercrop and so will hopefully be making lots of stuff for the sale. We'll need to as well because we are going to be getting between 80 and 100 people turning up for the sale......OMG!!

So as I had a basic design for my simple Christmas card I thought I may as well 6 and make a little box to pop them all in. Here they are:

I've just realised how different some of them look from each other but I guess that's just the beauty of hand made cards....all of them unique...LOL!