The Messy Crafter

Z for Zoo Animals

2012-01-27T10:27:00.000Z

We have again reached the end of another round of the alphabet on the Alphabet Challenge Blog and this fortnight the challenge is Z for Zoo Animals. I used a Penny Black Stickeroo for my DT card and some DCWV bp onto a purple card, in my attempts to use up old stash! I coloured the flowers and card candi with Promarkers to match. Bad light again when I took the photo - roll on Spring!

SNAP 2012

2012-01-24T14:01:00.000Z

There is a challenge on the forum UK Scrappers for this year, called SNAP 2012 and a word prompt is given every week together with some technical advice. I have decided to sort of take part and take it a little further by printing out my photos and making a book. The first 3 prompts were the words Cold, Temptation and Red. I may end up adding a few more bits to this page as I tend to fill in gaps!

CYDA Challenge #37 - Distressing

2012-01-21T12:15:00.000Z

This time it was my turn to choose the theme on Craft Your Days Away, and I chose Distressing. We have a new sponsor this time, Bugaboo Stamps and you can win 7 free digs if you take part this fortnight.

For my DT work I altered and distressed a beer mat, something I have done a lot of lately! I really need to make them into a book as the pile is getting very high! I distressed the edges with a Tim Holtz distressing tool and inked the edges of the mat plus the punched butterflies with Distress Ink, also the paper lace.

RRC Challenge #20 - Valentines or Red and Black + DT Call

2012-01-18T10:26:00.000Z

There is a current DT call on Ruby's Rainbow Challenge so pop over if you would like to apply. The new challenge for the next 2 weeks is Valentines or Red and Black for those who might not like or need Valentines cards! For my DT work I have altered a beer mat and used a Tim Holtz sticker from one of his books and cut swirls with one of his dies.

MTTC Challenge #171 - Your Favourite Embellishment

2012-01-17T13:29:00.002Z

The new theme on My Time To Craft for the next fortnight is to use our Favourite Embellishment. I found this a difficult thing to do for my DT work as I don't just have one favourite! I used a Penny Black Stickeroo for my card, and decided to punch some flowers which I love to put on but there wasn't room for many! So then I decided to add some swirls, which I also love - and then decided that they all needed some adhesive gems to finish them off, which again I love! So for this challenge I am saying the gems are my favourite!
I am also entering this for
Charisma Cardz Challenge - Happy Birthday

Sparkles Monthly Challenge #28 - New Crafty Goodies

2012-01-15T10:59:00.000Z

We have a new look for the new year over at Sparkles Monthly Challenges (previously Sparkles Forum Challenges) so pop on over and take a look at our new challenge for this month which is New Crafty Goodies. This month we are sponsored by Crafty Emma's store with a fab prize of a £10 voucher.

For my DT work I made a little card using some lovely K & Co bps and a cute little owl stamp by Kars - both pressies I received for Christmas. The recipient doesn't like pink and girly, so hopefully she liked this card!

Y for You Can Choose

2012-01-13T09:57:00.000Z

Time for a new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog, and this time it is an open theme - You Can Choose. For my DT work I made a little card using some scraps of paper from my desk and a lovely new Kars stamp I had for Christmas, coloured in with Copics and a piece of Martha Stewart punched edging.

CYDA Challenge # 36 - New Beginnings

2012-01-07T14:36:00.000Z

To start off the New Year, the theme on Craft Your Days Away is New Beginnings, and this time we have a new sponsor, The Stampfairy Shop, so pop on over and take part for a chance of winning.

For my DT work, I have made the January page of a calendar I am in the process of making inspired by one in the first issue of Scrap 365 magazine. I'll blog the rest at the beginning of each month - I haven't made them all yet!!

RRC Challenge #19 - Something for a Baby or Child

2012-01-04T11:30:00.000Z

The new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges to start the New Year is Something for a Baby or Child, and for my DT work I altered another beer mat with some vintage baby images and items from my stash.

MTTC Challenge #170 - XOXO Hugs and Kisses and DT Call

2012-01-03T11:46:00.000Z

Time for a new challenge on My Time To Craft, and we start the year with a DT call too, so if you are interested go over to the blog and have a look. Our new theme is XOXO Hugs and Kisses, and for my DT work I have altered a beer mat again with K & Co bps, a Crafty Individuals image and bits and bobs from my stash.

SFCC Challenge #12 - Christmas Stockings

2012-01-01T13:50:00.000Z

Happy New Year!!

Time for a new monthly theme on Sparkles Christmas Challenge and for January it is Christmas Stockings. For my DT work I made some quickie Christmas cards using my cute little Penny Black snowman stamp, coloured with Copics and with various bps.

There are 2 prizes up for grabs this month, a £10 Joanna Sheen voucher and 4 digs from Pink Gems Designs, so pop over and take part!

X for Xtra Special Occasion and DT Call

2011-12-30T10:14:00.000Z

Time for a new challenge on the Alphabet Challenge Blog, and there is also a DT call currently running for some new team members. The theme this fortnight is Xtra Special Occasion and I have made a Silver Wedding Anniversary card for my DT work.

Twas The Night Before Christmas ...

2011-12-21T13:10:00.001Z

I love 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' so when I saw this stamp I had to buy it and make a Christmas canvas with it! The background is painted with acrylics, and I already had a chipboard Santa and sleigh in my stash. I painted the rooftops and trees and added glitter glue everywhere and I am very pleased with it!

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

MTTC Challenge #169 - Winter Pals

2011-12-20T11:01:00.000Z

Our last challenge for 2011 on My Time To Craft and the theme is Winter Pals. For my DT card I used a Penny Black stamp I hadn't used before, I think I bought it a couple of years ago and forgot about it!

Sparkles First Birthday!

2011-12-18T20:47:00.000Z

A whole year has passed since Sparkles Forum Challenges started and we are celebrating our first birthday with a great challenge for you - Anything BUT A Christmas Card! For this special challenge we have 3 prizes on offer so come on over and take part for a chance to win.

Crafty Emma's Store

Crafty Chaos Designs

Di's Digi Downloads

For my DT work, I have made a card that I was asked to make for a friend's Dad - it made a change from Christmas cards!

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas - Day 6

2011-12-15T14:18:00.000Z

I've managed to get another made so I'm halfway there! This is nothing like Tim's one - I don't have the embossing folder he used, so I decided to take inspiration from the bright colours he used instead! I did use sticky back foil which was nice to work with, and my Christmas tree embossing folder. Some of my paint dabbers have dried up but I watered them down a bit and this is the result!

Tim's Tag

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas - Day 5

2011-12-13T14:19:00.001Z

I really liked making this tag. I used my Crafty Individuals Christmas greeting stamp and a Sizzix mistletoe die to make the wreath. And I am really liking the lovely red of the Winter Distress Ink set too! It's a proper red red!!

Tim's Tag

Matchbox Advent Calendar and Instructions

2011-12-13T12:43:00.000Z

I've made another matchbox Advent Calendar, and have been asked in the past for instructions on how to make them - so here is a brief explanation with stage by stage photos which I hope will be of help!

I will leave this post at the top for a bit so please scroll down past this for other posts.

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First take 24 matchboxes. Empty out the matches and separate the drawers from the boxes.

Next choose the colour you want to use, and paint the drawers. I used acrylic paints. You only need to paint one end as the other end won't be seen, but do go round the corners and edges etc. as bits are visible when it is assembled.

Now paint the sides of the main part of the matchboxes as the edges of these will be seen when it is finished.

You will need 24 brads for drawer handles. Carefully make a hole in the centre of the front end of the drawers - it is very easy to push too hard and bend the box.

For the top and base, you will need 2 pieces of 4" x 4" thick card, or chipboard or similar. Cover these with your chosen papers, making the edges neat underneath. I also cover the underneath of the base to hide the folded edges.

Now you can start assembling. Stick 3 boxes together 8 times, so you end up with 8 stacks of 3. I use an ATG gun to stick mine, you can use double sided tape too. It needs to be quite strong to hold everything together, so I don't recommend using something like a glue stick.

Cover one side of each stack with your chosen papers. I leave a small margin round the edge so the paint shows making a border.

Now this is where it can get tricky! Stick together 4 stacks, making sure the decorated sides are on the outside and the drawer openings are the painted ends. If you haven't got this bit quite right you can paint the edges now.

Attach this first assembled piece to the base, and put the drawers in. You should end up with alternating pieces of patterned paper. Alternatively you can just use one pattern of paper if you think you might get confused!

Now do the same again, and stick the second completed stack to the first one, making sure all drawers and sides are in the right positions. Finally add the lid to the top. This is where again you can touch up bits with paint where the colour of your matchbox might be showing through.

Now all you have to do is decorate your calendar with your chosen embellishments, and add numbers to the drawers.

Here are 2 more I have made in previous years. I hope these instructions are clear enough to help!

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas - Day 4

2011-12-12T14:40:00.003Z

Woohoo I am a third of the way through Tim's Tags! The 12th one was today and I am way behind, but I will just toodle along slowly in my own time and get there eventually! Dare I say that I'm not too keen on a few of them this year!! I hope I don't get struck down for saying that!! So I will have to think carefully about how I am going to interpret one or two of the ones to come!
Anyways, here is Day 4 - which I enjoyed doing. Crackle glaze is fun to use and the Distress Stain went over it very well, first time I have tried that technique. I didn't use white dabber on my swirly stamp like Tim did, as I haven't got it all off from the last time I did that last year and the stamp hasn't been the same since! So I used blue ink instead! I did stamp a music stamp on the numbers to try and match Tim's but when I put the Glossy Accents on the ink ran but never mind!

Tim's Tag

CYDA Challenge #35 - Snowmen

2011-12-10T11:39:00.001Z

The new theme on Craft Your Days Away is Snowmen. We are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp so come on over to the blog and take part for a chance of winning a $10 spend in their online store.

For my DT work I stamped some more candles with my cute little Penny Black snowman stamp, I just love him! These make great pressies and are quite quick to make.

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas - Day 3

2011-12-09T14:18:00.001Z

Here is my version of Day 3's tag. I enjoyed this one much more than Day 2! I'm glad I had already bought the die for cutting all the holly leaves etc. as so far I have used it twice out of 3 tags so I feel I am getting my money's worth!

Tim's Tag

W for White Christmas and DT Call

2011-12-09T10:19:00.002Z

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog for the next 3 weeks to take us over Christmas is W for White Christmas. For my DT work I used a lovely Stamps Away stamp I had forgotten about and added some Dazzling Diamonds to give it some sparkle. I think I'll make a few more of these cards as they are quick and easy and time is running short!

I am also entering this for :-
Winter Wonderland - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

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Shaz is currently running a DT call over at Sparkles Christmas Challenges, a great all year round Christmas challenge blog, so if you fancy trying for a spot on the Design Team pop over and enter your name.

Candles

2011-12-08T13:33:00.000Z

I love stamping on candles and have been making some for my daughter's Christmas stalls that she is doing this year. The challenge on The Stampman at the moment is Create an Ornament so I am entering these little House Mouse candles for it.

If anyone knows where I can get some more hours in the day please let me know! I am failing miserably with keeping up with everything I am trying to do!!

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas - Day 2

2011-12-07T14:45:00.002Z

Well this tag was a nightmare to do! I had a grungeboard deer but would it stick to the sticky canvas!! No it wouldn't, and I couldn't cut round the fiddly antlers that it had so I chopped them off in the end in annoyance! So, this is my version of what Tim made, I don't like it very much but hopefully the next one will be better! Oh yes, I stuck the music paper on the wrong way up too and had to sort that out!

Tim's tag

RRC Challenge #18 - Monochrome

2011-12-07T12:51:00.000Z

The new challenge on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is Monochrome. For my DT work I have made a Christmas card using one of my cute snowmen stamps by Funstamps. I coloured him in shades of blue with Promarkers and Copics, but had to cheat and give him a little orange nose!

MTTC Challenge #168 - Vintage Christmas

2011-12-06T10:29:00.001Z

As we are now a fortnightly challenge blog, it is time for the next theme on My Time To Craft. This time it is Vintage Christmas, and for my DT work I made a fat page using Dovecraft bp and a Tim Holtz image.

I am also entering this for:-
Fat Pages With Attitude - Christmas
Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog - Christmas Wishes

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas

2011-12-05T16:11:00.001Z

Tim's Tag

Well Tim is on Day 5 and I have just completed Day 1 of his 12 Tags of Christmas so I am way behind before I've hardly started! This is my version - I won't be buying anything specially to use on these tags this year like I have other years, so trying to make do with what I already have - although on a visit to the garden centre this morning I spotted these little cones which are ideal as I don't have the Pine Cone die that Tim used!

SFC Challenge #26 - One You Love At Christmas

2011-12-04T18:31:00.000Z

The new challenge on Sparkles Forum Challenges is One You Love At Christmas. For my DT work I found this image of these cute penguins so made a simple little card with it. There is a sponsor prize of some lovely papers from Crafty Emma's Store, so pop over to the blog and have a go!

Sparkles Christmas Challenge #11 - Nativity

2011-12-01T10:18:00.000Z

Here we are with the last challenge of the year from Sparkles Christmas Challenges, and this month it is Nativity. I used the only nativity stamp I own for my little card, and kept it simple just colouring in with Promarkers and Copics and adding a greeting. This month we have 2 sponsors, Crafty Emma's Store and Robyn's Fetish, so pop over to the challenge blog and have a go!

CYDA Challenge #34 - Buttons or Bows

2011-11-26T14:06:00.000Z

Time for a new theme on Craft Your Days Away and the challenge for the next two weeks is Buttons or Bows. I chose to use buttons on my DT work, which is again an altered beer mat, using K & Co bp and embellishment, and a Crafty Individual image.

The challenge is sponsored by Crafty Emma's Store and you could win a fab prize if you take part.

V for Very Vibrant

2011-11-25T10:11:00.001Z

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog is V for Very Vibrant. My card actually looks a lot more vibrant than this photo, I am finding it hard to find decent light to take photos lately! I used some Dovecraft bp and a Unity flower stamp coloured with Promarkers.

RRC Challenge #17 - Music

2011-11-23T13:19:00.000Z

The new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenge for the next two weeks is Music. For my DT work I have made another beermat, using some music notes bp and some peel offs and an embellishment from my stash that I am pleased to use up!

MTTC Challenge #17 - Under The Weather

2011-11-22T12:40:00.000Z

A new challenge on My Time To Craft, and as from this week this blog is now going fortnightly. The theme is Under The Weather, and as I am a bit under the weather at the moment I made a quick little card using a Penny Black Stickeroo which are so useful when time is short.

SFC Challenge #25 - Vintage Christmas

2011-11-20T12:41:00.000Z

Time for a new theme on Sparkles Forum Challenge, and this time it is Vintage Christmas. You could win a fab prize of a $10 spend at Stitchy Bear if you take part so pop on over and enter.

For my DT work I altered a beermat using Basic Grey bp and an image from an old Christmas card that I had saved for just such a theme!

MTTC Challenge #166 - Take Two

2011-11-15T11:09:00.000Z

The new theme on My Time To Craft is Take Two - to use 2 of something. For my DT work I altered another beermat, and used 2 bps, an image of 2 people, 2 words and 2 sets of 2 metallic railheads.

CYDA Challenge #33 - Embellishment Bingo

2011-11-12T15:12:00.000Z

Time for a new challenge on Craft Your Days Away and Joanne has chosen something different for us! We have a bingo card of embellishments and we have to choose a line of 3 items to use on our work. The challenge is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp and the lucky winner will receive a $10 voucher for their online store.

For my DT work I altered a beermat and chose Lace, Gems and Charm for my line of embellishments.

U for Under The Sea

2011-11-11T10:40:00.000Z

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog for the next 2 weeks is U for Under The Sea. I have altered another beermat for my DT work - I just love these, they are such a nice size to work on! I rummaged through my holiday bits and bobs and found some papers and embellishments ideal for this challenge!

RRC Challenge #16 - Something With Wings

2011-11-09T12:27:00.000Z

Another 2 weeks have flown by and now it is time for a new challenge on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges. The theme this time is Something With Wings and I made a gothic arch for my DT work using lots of winged things!

MTTC Challenge #165 - Sun, Moon and Stars

2011-11-08T11:08:00.000Z

The new theme on My Time To Craft this week is Sun, Moon and Stars - and we had to use one or a combination of those things. For my DT work I made a LO of my granddaughter wearing her fleecy star top. The alphas are American Crafts, and the swirly thing and stars are cut on my Cricut. The starry bp is from a pack of Papermania I have had for ages.

SFC Challenge #24 - Autumn

2011-11-06T11:34:00.000Z

The new theme for the next fortnight on Sparkles Forum Challenges is Autumn. This time we are sponsored by Di's Digi Downloads and the lucky winner will receive 5 digis so come on over and take part!

For my DT work I altered another beermat using a photo I took a couple of years ago of a beautiful tree in our local country park, Forty Hall, and used Bo Bunny bp and the word Autumn off the front cover of a book of Tim Holtz images!

SFCC Challenge #10 - Angels

2011-11-01T11:44:00.002Z

Another month has gone by so it is time for a new theme on the monthly challenge blog, Sparkles Forum Christmas Challenges and this time it is Angels. We are sponsored for this challenge by Lili of the Valley and you could win a £10 voucher if you have a go.

For my DT work I have altered another beermat (my collection is growing rapidly!) and used some papers by Dovecraft (I think, I am useless at remembering what I've used!) for the background and image, adding some sparkle and a Tim Holtz Doodad to embellish.

I am also entering this for
Totally Papercrafts - Glitter It

MTTC Challenge #164 - Rainy Days

2011-11-01T11:17:00.000Z

Time for a new theme on My Time To Craft, these weeks go by so quick, but from 22nd November we will be changing to a fortnightly challenge. This week the challenge is Rainy Days. For my DT work I used a Sugar Nellie image and some downloaded bps (no longer available) to make my card. I coloured the Card Candi with Copics. The corners are cut with a Cuttlebug die, and the leaves with a Leone Emm punch.

CYDA Challenge #32 - Autumn

2011-10-29T15:28:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Craft Your Days Away is Autumn. The challenge is sponsored by Shelley's store One Stop Card Crafts with a fab prize of a £10 voucher.

For my DT work I made a LO using some photos I took a couple of years ago of some beautiful autumn trees in local country parks. The bp is Basic Grey and the leaves are cut with my lovely Tim Holtz die using DCWV papers.

T for Tea Time

2011-10-28T10:32:00.000+01:00

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog for the next two weeks is T for Tea Time (food or drink). For my Dt work I made a LO of my granddaughter playing with her tea set which she loves, and makes us all pretend cups of tea when she visits!

RRC Challenge #18 - Metal

2011-10-26T15:59:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenge for the next two weeks is Metal - to use something metal on our work. For my DT work I altered yet another beermat for my collection, using bp, a Crafty Individual image, a metal word thingy and embellishments.

MTTC Challenge #163 - Quite White

2011-10-25T12:17:00.002+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft this week is Quite White - to have lots of white space. I actually find this quite difficult as I like to fill in all the gaps, especially when I am scrapbooking! However for my DT work I made a simple Christmas card using an image I've had for a few years now and haven't used for a while, so I got it out and made this simple card with lots of white space!

I am also entering this for
Crafty Ann's Challenge - Clean and Simple
Crafty Sentiments - No DP

SFC Challenge #23 - Remembrance Sunday

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

Well the last two weeks have whizzed by and now it is time for a new theme on Sparkles Forum Challenge blog. This time it is Remembrance Sunday, which isn't very far away. The challenge is sponsored by Stitchy Bear and you could win a $10 spend in their online store if you take part.

For my DT work I altered a beermat, and kept it quite simple using a poppy image from some lovely NRN papers I have had for years, and the sentiment is from a See D's set, also had for years!

MTTC Challenge #162 - Punches and Dies

2011-10-18T11:02:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft is Punches and Dies - to use either or both. For my DT work I altered another beermat - I think I've forgotten how to make cards! I used some bp with a printed image and edged it with Stickles. I punched some butterflies and a pretty border using Martha Stewart punches and added a Tim Holtz doodad and gems to finish.

CYDA Challenge #31 - Halloween Colours

2011-10-16T09:36:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Craft Your Days Away for the next 2 weeks is Halloween Colours, and this challenge is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp - you could win a $10 spend in their store, so pop over and take a look!

For my DT work I made a LO using all the colours. I used a Sizzix die for the pumpkin which I have had for years and finally got round to using!

S for Soon Be Halloween

2011-10-14T10:24:00.001+01:00

Another 2 weeks have gone by so it is time for a new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog, and this time it is Soon Be Halloween. For my DT work I made a LO of Sarah practising her Halloween cakes!

RRC Ch #14 - Cute and Cuddly

2011-10-12T13:29:00.000+01:00

The new challenge for the next two weeks on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is Cute and Cuddly. For my DT work I have made a LO using DCWV bp and alphabets of Bella cuddled up with Sarah as I thought they looked very Cute and Cuddly together!

MTTC Challenge #161 - Orange and Black

2011-10-11T12:01:00.001+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft this week is Orange and Black - just in time for Halloween! For my DT work I altered a beermat to go with my collection! As with the previous one I used Bo Bunny bp and a Tim Holtz image plus embellishments and stamps etc.

SFC Challenge #22 - Halloween

2011-10-09T11:04:00.000+01:00

Time for a new theme on Sparkles Forum Challenges, and this fortnight the theme is Halloween. The challenge is sponsored by Crafty Emma's Store with a fab prize of a book of Halloween papers.

For my DT work I have made another altered beermat - getting quite a collection of these now! - and used a Tim Holtz image on Bo Bunny bp and added embellishments and stamping.

MTTC Challenge #160 - Nursery Necessities

2011-10-04T10:54:00.000+01:00

Goodness these weeks are coming round quick! Time again for a new theme on My Time To Craft and this week it is Nursery Necessities. For my DT work I made a small LO of my granddaughter in her highchair using DCWV card for the background and scraps from my stash.

CYDA Challenge #30 - Tag It

2011-10-01T13:49:00.001+01:00

The new challenge on Craft Your Days Away is Tag It, and I have made a tag using Distress Inks and Unity stamps, plus some glitter and a brad embellishment. The butterflies are cut with a Sizzix die. There is some sparkle on it but it doesn't show up too well on the photo!

SCC Challenge #9 - Christmas Songs

2011-10-01T12:05:00.000+01:00

Time for a new monthly theme on Sparkles Christmas Challenge, and this month it is Christmas Songs. We are sponsored this month by Di's Digi Downloads and Lili Of The Valley so 2 fab prizes to be won!

For my DT work I altered another beermat for my collection, using some music bp from my stash and Tim Holtz images plus other embellishments.

RRC Ch #13 - For The Boys

2011-09-30T12:50:00.000+01:00

I'm a bit late posting this challenge due to me not being used to new software on the computer but finally think I've got the hang of it! The new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenge is For The Boys and I have altered another beermat using various papers and images from my stash.

R for Recipe

2011-09-30T12:44:00.000+01:00

The challenge on the Alphabet Challenge Blog for the next fortnight is a Recipe - one image, 2 bps and 3 flowers. I made a LO for my DT work using DCWV cardstock and K & Co and My Minds Eye bps. Swirls are cut on my Big Shot but I can't remember the make of the die!

MTTC Challenge 159 - Musical Medley

2011-09-27T10:20:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft for this week is Musical Medley. I have made another of my altered beermats using some unknown musical bp and a Crafty Individuals image together with various embellishments from my stash.

SFC Challenge #21 - Something That Sparkles

2011-09-25T12:26:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Sparkles Forum Challenge Blog is Something That Sparkles. This fortnight Stitchy Bear are sponsoring the challenge, so pop over to have a go for a chance of winning a $10 spend in their online store.

For my DT work I altered yet another beermat! I used some Basic Grey bp and an images from Tim Holtz together with lots of Stickles and Dazzling Diamonds and some adhesive gems to finish.

MTTC Challenge #158 - L is for .......

2011-09-20T12:06:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft is L for ..... For my DT work I made a 6" x 6" LO of my granddaughter Louise, and also used the word Love so my L's were well covered!

CYDA Challenge #29 - Pink, brown and blue

2011-09-17T13:10:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Craft Your Days Away is a colour combo - Pink, Brown and Blue. This challenge is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp and the lucky winner will get a $10 spend in their store.

For my DT work I made a LO of my granddaughter, and I used paper and embellishments from a DCWV kit I have had for ages and hardly touched! Luckily there were some bits in there of the right colours for this challenge!

Q for Quick and Simple

2011-09-16T11:00:00.000+01:00

Two weeks has flown by and it is time for the next challenge on the Alphabet Challenge Blog. This time the theme is Q for Quick and Simple. Sometimes we need or want to make a card quite quickly, without too much fussing and embellishing etc. I cut an image from an old card that had been given to me, matted it, stamped an image and added some gems. I used a tall slim blank lilac card I have had for ages. It took only a few minutes but looked ok!

RRC Challenge #12 - For The Girls

2011-09-14T14:18:00.002+01:00

Time for a new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges, and this fortnight the theme is For The Girls. I decided to do another altered beermat for this for my DT work, and this one is using some lovely bp I found in my stash, a Crafty Individuals image and stickly lace coloured with Distress Ink. I added some sparkle and a few embellishments to finish.

I am also entering this for ~

Just For Fun - Vintage

MTTC Challenge #157 - Kaleidoscope of Colour

2011-09-13T13:22:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft is Kaleidoscope of Colour. For my DT work I made a card using a Penny Black Stickeroos and bright coloured bps! I really wasn't sure what to do for this theme and then had better ideas after I had made this but time ran out!

SFC Challenge #20 - White And One Other Colour

2011-09-12T10:25:00.001+01:00

The new challenge for the next fortnight on Sparkles Forum Challenges is White and One Other Colour, and we are sponsored by Di's Digis with a fab prize of 5 images of winner's choice. So pop over and take part!

For my DT work, I unfortunately needed a sympathy card, so made one using a flower embossing folder. I stamped an image of a lily and coloured with Copics, and added some white ribbon and a sentiment.

I am also entering this for :~
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Ribbons

MTTC Challenge #156 - Just Between Friends

2011-09-06T13:02:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft this week is Just Between Friends. I altered another beermat (I do have a huge pile of them so thought I would use some!) for my DT work and used HOTP and K & Co papers and a Crafty Individual image, adding paper lace inked with Distress Ink and Tim Holtzz doodads to embellish.

CYDA Challenge #28 - Make Your Own Flowers

2011-09-03T13:17:00.001+01:00

The new challenge for the next 2 weeks on Craft Your Days Away is Make Your Own Flowers, and this fortnight we are sponsored by Shelley at One Stop Card Crafts with the chance of winning a £10 voucher to spend.

For my DT work I made a LO and the flowers are cut with my Tim Holtz die on my Big Shot.

Alphabet Challenge - P for Pretty Pastels

2011-09-02T10:15:00.000+01:00

Our new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog is P for Pretty Pastels. I needed a wedding card so for my DT work I used my only wedding image, Popcorn bear! I used Joanna Sheen pastel lace bps, Martha Stewart and Leone Em punches and embellishments.

SFCC Challenge #8 - Santa

2011-09-01T10:51:00.002+01:00

The new theme for the month on Sparkles Forum Christmas Challenges is Santa - so now is the time to start thinking about Christmas, it is creeping up fast! This month we are sponsored by Whimsy Stamps and you could win a fab prize of a $15 spend with them if you take part. For my DT work I altered a beer mat, using Distress Inks, Tim Holtz stamps and images and Stickles.

RRC Challenge #11 - A Recipe

2011-08-31T12:21:00.001+01:00

Time for a new challenge theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges, and this fortnight we have a recipe ~ 3 dps, 2 buttons or brads and a flowers. For my DT work I made a LO using various dps, 2 chipboard buttons and a flower. Not only did Papermania put 2 different shades of pinks in their pack of alphabet stickers, but they didn't give me enough S's so I had to make one out of a 6!!

MTTC Challenge #155 - In Full Bloom

2011-08-30T17:09:00.001+01:00

Oops I completely forgot it was Tuesday, I thought it was Monday! So I am late posting this today! The new theme on My Time To Craft is In Full Bloom. For my DT work I made a LO using some lovely DCWV bp and a photo of one of the sunflowers I grew from the wild bird food we feed our birds! The words at the top of the LO aren't wonky, it's the angle I have photographed it at!

SFC Challenges #19 - Punch It

2011-08-28T12:01:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Sparkles Forum Challenges for the next two weeks is Punch It and for my DT work I made a LO using 2 Martha Stewart punches, the flower border and the beautiful butterflies. The prize this month is a $10 voucher for Stitchy Bear, so pop over and take part!

MTTC Challenge #154 - Here Come The Girls

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000+01:00

The new challenge on My Time To Craft for this week is Here Come The Girls. I used a PB stickeroo for my DT work, and DCWV Pocket Full of Posies bp, Card Candy sentiment and some punched Martha Stewart butterflies.

CYDA Challenge #27 - Cupcakes

2011-08-20T12:07:00.003+01:00

The new challenge on Craft Your Days Away for the next fortnight is Cupcakes, and it is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp, so you could win a $10 spend in their online store if you pop over and take part!

For my DT work I made a LO of my daughter who makes and sells cupcakes.

I am also entering this for :~
Hooked on Crafts - Something Sweet
Simon Says Stamp - Food and Drink

O for Only 3 Embellishments

2011-08-19T11:25:00.001+01:00

Time for the next challenge on Alphabet Challenge Blog, which is now fortnightly. Today the theme is O for Only 3 Embellishments, and for my DT work I made a card using a lovely pansy stamp coloured with Promarkers and some Joanna Sheen lacey bp. My 3 embellishments were ribbon, butterfly and dragonfly.

RRC Challenge #10 - Stitching

2011-08-17T12:06:00.000+01:00

The new challenge for the next 2 weeks on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is Stitching. For my DT work I made a LO featuring my daughter who makes bits and bobs to sell.

MTTC Challenge #153 - G is for ........

2011-08-16T12:06:00.002+01:00

Where do the weeks go? Time for a new challenge on My Time To Craft and this week it is G is for ...... so I went for G is for Green! This card is pretty much the same as the card below, I have 3 great nephews to make cards for, and I do fairly simple straight forward ones as I never hear an acknowledgement or thank you - so this year they are all getting the same just in different colourways! As before the Funstamps image is coloured with Promarkers, and the bp is DCWV.

I am also entering this for ~
Cards for Men - Anything Goes
Here Come The Boys - Critters

SFC Challenge #18 - One For The Boys

2011-08-14T12:02:00.000+01:00

The new challenge for this fortnight on Sparkles Forum Challenges is One For The Boys, and there is a fab prize of 5 digi images from Di's Digi Downloads.

For my DT work I made a quick simple card for one of my great nephews, using a teddy stamp I have had for ages, and some DCWV bps I have also had for ages!

MTTC Challenge #152 - Fairy Tales

2011-08-09T13:23:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft is Fairy Tales. For my DT work I stamped a cute little fairy stamp and sentiment, coloured with Copics and glitter glue. I punched an edge with a MS punch and some leaves with a Leone Em punch.

CYDA Challenge #26 - Birthdays

2011-08-06T13:01:00.000+01:00

Craft Your Days Away challenge blog is one year old, so to celebrate the theme this fortnight is Birthdays. There is a fab 1st prize to be won of a £10 spend in Crafty Emma's store, plus some other crafting goodies, so pop over and take part for a chance to win.

For my DT card I used a Penny Black stamp and water coloured in with Marvy Le Plumes. I stamped tapestry stamp flowers on the background and embellished with flowers and liquid pearls.

N for Navy Blue Plus One Other Colour

2011-08-05T10:52:00.000+01:00

Time for a new challenge on the Alphabet Challenge Blog - which from this week has now gone fortnightly - is Navy Blue Plus One Other Colour. For my DT work I made a Christmas card using a Kanban image that was lying on my desk, a navy blue card and some red bp. I punched some red snowflakes with my MS punch, and when sticking them on managed to smear a bit of silicone gel on the edge of the card, so I then had to go round the whole card with gold Krylon to try and disguise it!

RRC Challenge #9 - Gems + DT Call

2011-08-03T11:10:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges for the next fortnight is Gems, plus the DT call is being extended for another 2 weeks so pop over if you would like to take part.
For my DT work I made a card for a friend who has moved recently, using DCWV Pocket Full of Posies paper and a cute stamp coloured in with Copics, and gems added to embellish and butterflies stamped with a Martha Stewart punch.

MTTC Challenge #151 - Espressoley For You!

2011-08-02T12:56:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft is Espressoley for You - to make something either in coffee colours, or use a drink theme. I used one of my cute Elzybells stamps for my DT work and some Kanban bps and punched some butterflies with a Martha Stewart punch.

SFCC Challenge #7 - Robins

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

Time for a new challenge on Sparkles Forum Christmas Challenges, and for the month of August the theme is Robins. There are 2 lovely prizes to be won so pop over and take part, it's time to make a start on those Christmas cards if you haven't already! :~

5 Digis from Di's Digis

and a £10 spend, exc. p & p, from Crafty Emma's Store.

For my DT work I used a Linda Luckin stamp coloured with inks and Marvy Le Plumes.

SFC Challenge #17 - One for the Girls

2011-07-31T13:45:00.000+01:00

The new theme on Sparkles Forum Challenges is One for the Girls, and there is a fab prize from Stitchy Bear, so pop over and take part!

For my DT work I used my Penny Black stamp (can't remember her name because she is upstairs and I am downstairs!) , coloured with various pens and sparkle!

M for Metal

2011-07-29T11:03:00.000+01:00

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog is M for Metal. I made a thrinchie (3" square) for my DT work, using Distress Inks, Crafty Individual stamp, Primas and a metal sentiment and brads.

MTTC Challenge #150 - Delightful Dogs

2011-07-26T11:46:00.003+01:00

Goodness, we are up to challenge #150 on My Time To Craft, this is around 3 years we have been running now, where do the years go! I remember the day we started it!! This week the challenge theme is Delightful Dogs which is right up my street as we do have 3 delightful dogs! I decided to do a LO of Bella after one of her baths as she is so funny rolling around everywhere trying to dry herself! I used DCWV cardstock and Pocket Full of Posies bp and some flowers and die cut alphas from my stash.

I am also entering this for~
Die Cut Dreams - Animal Antics
Paper Cutz - Anything Goes
Rainbow Lady's Challenge - Pets

CYDA Challenge #25 - Summertime

2011-07-23T12:32:00.007+01:00

Time for the next fortnightly challenge on Craft Your Days Away, and this time the theme is Summertime. There is a fab prize of a $10 spend in Simon Says Stamp for the lucky randomly picked winner, so pop over and take part!

For my DT work I stamped my cute penguins and made a beach scene from some downloaded bp and some by Papermania. The embellishments are by DCWV.

I am also entering this for ~
Clear It Out Tuesday - Anything Goes
DDH - Summer
Allsorts - Free and Easy
Bloggers Challenge - Summertime
Daring Cardmakers - Wish You Were Here
Fairy Fun Fridays - On Holidays
Fussy and Fancy - Summer

L is for Lemon and Lime + DT Call

2011-07-22T11:03:00.001+01:00

This week we are up to L on the Alphabet Challenge Blog, and the theme is L for Lemon and Lime. For my DT work I made a card using a DCWV card as a base, some K & Co bp and some gingham bp. I stamped my Maggie by Sugar Nellie image and coloured her in with Copics and also stamped some flowers and a greeting by Studio G.

We also have a DT call running for 2 weeks on the blog.

I am also entering this for ~
Crafts and Me Challenges - Add a Flower

RRC Challenge #8 - Vintage + DT Call

2011-07-20T10:59:00.000+01:00

Time for a new fortnightly challenge on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges, plus there is a current DT call for 4 new members to join us. The new theme is Vintage, and for my DT work I used an image from the inside of an old card, some K & Co bp I've had for years, some sticky lace inked with Distress Ink, and some embellishments.

MTTC Challenge #149 - Citrus Colours

2011-07-19T10:30:00.000+01:00

The new theme on My Time To Craft this week is Citrus Colours. For my DT work, I used some downloaded bp (no longer available) and some DCWV bp, and stamped my cute Elzybells image and coloured her in with Copics. I coloured some white flowers and Card Candy with Copics also, and punched some butterflies with a Martha Stewart punch. The greeting is by Daisy and Dandelion.

SFC Challenge #16 - Elegance & Lace

2011-07-17T13:23:00.000+01:00

The new theme for the fortnightly challenge on Sparkles Forum Challenges is Elegance and Lace. This challenge is sponsored by Crafty Emma's Store and there is a fab prize of a lovely stamp set for the lucky winner to be drawn at random, so pop over to the blog and enter!

For my DT work I made a tag. I was in the mood to use up old stash, so used a HOTP card printed with a lace design to cut my tag from, and some HOTP images that I've had for years! I added some Tim Holtz doodads and some sticky lace coloured with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.

K for Kitty Cats

2011-07-15T13:44:00.000+01:00

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog this week is K for Kitty Cats. I made quite a simple card for my DT work as it might be going to a little boy and I didn't want it too flowery! I used a Funstamps cat stamp, coloured with Copics and some DCWV papers from a huge stack I bought years ago and is neverending but very useful! I coloured some Card Candy to match with a Copic.

MTTC Challenge #148 - Bird Watcher

2011-07-12T11:53:00.002+01:00

The new challenge on My Time To Craft is Bird Watcher. For my DT work I decided to do a LO as I don't get enough scrapping done! These are Thomas and Annie, our Diamond Doves, and they like sitting in a hanging basket! I used DCWV cardstock and some WRMK bp, and Petaloos and BG Element Stickers to embellish.

I am also entering this for -
By The Cute and Girly - Things with Wings
The Poodles Parlour - Birds Eye View

CYDA Challenge #24 - Fancy Folds

2011-07-09T13:49:00.002+01:00

Time for a new fortnightly challenge on Craft Your Days Away, and this time the theme is Fancy Folds. There is a fab prize of 4 digis from Meljen's Designs so pop over and take part.

For my DT work I chose to make an easel card, not the fanciest of folds really but I like them! I used a cute Elzybells image coloured with Promarkers and Copics, and some lovely DCWV Pocket Full of Posies bps. I punched the border strips and butterflies with Martha Stewart punches and coloured some white flowers to co-ordinate with a Promarker. I'm never sure how to photograph these cards and only usually take one pic, but it is an easel card!

I am entering this card for ~
Creative Card Challenges ~ Pretty Blossoms

J for Just One Word

2011-07-08T11:12:00.000+01:00

The new theme on the Alphabet Challenge Blog for this week is J for Just One Word. For my one word I used a Heidi Swapp stamp on my card, together with some bp that I have forgotten the name of (might be Dovecraft!), and some fabric flowers. Quite a quick and easy card but nice and bright!

RRC Challenge #7 - Happy Birthday

2011-07-06T12:47:00.000+01:00

Time for a new theme on Ruby's Rainbow Challenges, and for this fortnight it is Happy Birthday. For my DT card I used a Cuddly Buddly image and greeting, and bps from my stash (I am sure a lot will recognise the green one, I have tons of these!).

MTTC Challenge #147 - A La Carte

2011-07-05T09:51:00.003+01:00

The new challenge on My Time To Craft is A La Carte. For my DT work I have used one of my House Mouse stamps, I think it is only the second time I have used this one! I water coloured the image with Marvy Le Plumes and used some freebie bp. Flower and leaves are punched with Leone Em and Martha Stewart punches, and I used Card Candy to embellish. The sentiment is by Daisy and Dandelion.

I am also entering this card for
Stampalot Challenge ~ Anything Goes
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge ~ Gardening
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge ~ Here Comes Summer

SFC Challenge #15 - Recipe

2011-07-03T11:50:00.000+01:00

Time for a new challenge on Sparkles Forum Challenges and this time we have a Recipe ~ One image, a flower and 2 ribbons. The challenge this fortnight is sponsored by Stitchy Bear and you could win a $10 voucher, so pop over to the blog to take part.

For my DT work I stamped an Elzybells image and coloured her with Copics. I distressed the edges of a scrap piece of bp, added 2 pieces of organza ribbon and a Card Candy sentiment, and a Prima flower with Card Candy centre to complete.