Snowman decoration

I took some time out from a larger cross stitch I am doing to make my first cross stitched Christmas decoration for this year. It actually took a lot more work than I thought but I love how it turned out. It is one of a set of 4 Happy Snowmen patterns I bought from Durene Jones on Etsy. I made a few changes as the button was cross stitch, the eyes backstitch and the mouth and baubles french knots. I decided to use buttons and seed beads instead. 

I must have had the seed beads since I first started crafting. I think they came in one of those plastic containers I bought when starting out as it had all kinds of embellishments in it. I think it is the first time I have used the seed beads so I am glad I kept them.   

I stitched it on perforated paper which is nice and stiff, then added a ribbon loop and used strong glue to attach white felt to the back. Tomorrow I will be sharing a Christmas card with you.

Dainty dancing

I made this for my friend Lynsey's daughter Grace whose Birthday was yesterday.  The image is LOTV dainty dancing coloured with Copics. I used a Lawn Fawn pierced rectangle die and some pretty double sided papers from The Works. The pad is 12x12 and was only £3. I am so impressed with this pad as the papers are a good thickness and I do love double sided papers. I used a new die from Whimsy called connected rectangles. I cute the die into two as I wanted to use it either side of the image.  The sentiment is LOTV.

Juggling chicks

I have never made so many Easter cards as I have this year as I don't normally send many, if at all. However I thought it would be a nice thing to do this year to brighten a few friends' day.  I used one of the coloured simply prints from LOTV diecut with a MFT stitched oval die. The papers are Lemoncraft fresh Summer again and the ribbon is from Crafty Ribbons from a few years ago. The sentiment is LOTV and the flowers are from Wild Orchid. I used some brads for the centres for a change and added a few dots made with Nuvo crystal drops. 

Happy Easter x

Hedgie silhouette

I have a few of the Little Claire silhouette stamps and haven't used one for ages. I love this one and teamed it with some Lilybee Autumn spice papers as I thought the colours suited the image though it would look equally good and completely different with Summery papers.  I used a Crafts Too toadstool die and an old Memory Box swirly tree die. The hessian butterfly is a bare basics from Docrafts.

We had a lovely morning gardening yesterday. It is lovely to see so many plants either in flower or springing to life and the garden all tidy again. One of the things I am enjoying with the current situation is how peaceful it is, with just the gentle sound of birdsong much of the time.

Mum

This was my Mum's Easter card I sent her. It would of course have been much nicer to be able to visit her. The coloured simply print and the sentiment are from LOTV, papers are MFT hearts and stripes.  The ribbon I bought in America several years ago. I used a Hobbycraft flower punch edging the flowers with brown ink and adding some tiny pearls.  I used a Lawn Fawn pierced rectangle and banner dies.

Full steam ahead

Well isn't this weather amazing. We drove out to a local farm shop yesterday as we needed some fresh items. It was nice and quiet there and they let very few people in the shop at any time, sanitising your hands before you go in which was very good. The only trouble with being in the car with so little traffic on such a gorgeous day as that it would have been lovely to able to just keep going and drive to the coast for a long walk on the beach. We shall enjoy hat all the more when it is possible again. Instead of course we came home.

I really felt like making a scrapbook page and here it is. I must get more pages done and get cracking on some Christmas cards too. The page goes alongside another which I did ages ago entitled Railroad which also features a photo and tickets of the steam train at Mount Dora, a quaint old town in Florida. So the two pages read Steam Railroad.  The main papers are Kaisercraft, I added some banners from scrap paper, some lasercut wheels, washi tape and clouds and arrows from an Echo Park sheet.

Must do some housework this morning and then go for a walk after lunch. Then will see what I fancy doing for the rest of the afternoon.

Easter egg bunny

Another of the cute new images from Lili of the Valley. This one is Easter Egg Bunny which I have coloured with Copics using chalk for the sky. The papers are Lemoncraft, sentiment is LOTV, ribbon from Dovecraft and I used the Hunkydory Moonstone floral dis again. This paper pack is called fresh Summer but I think it is perfect for Spring cards. 

Well I don't know about you but the days go by quickly.  We go for a walk some days, some days we practice our line dancing. With normal chores plus gardening, crafting, reading, jigsaw puzzles and TV we are never bored although it will be lovely when we can all get out more but for the time being we are staying home and saying safe.  We shared a cuppa with my Mum via FaceTime on Sunday but it will be lovely when we can visit her again.

I have some more cards made which I can't share with you yet and I am hoping to get in the craft room later but first need to do the ironing. 

Something to make you smile

I thought I would share these two recent photos from Facebook which did make me smile in these troubled times. Hope you are all doing ok. I will be back with a card tomorrow. X

Another gift bag

I have bought very little new craft this year and am trying to use some of the stuff I do have like these little gift bags. I used the new Dovecraft paper posies collection which I received as part of the Trimcraft DT. The tag was diecut with an old Spellbinders die.  The paper, puffy sticker and diecut decoupage are all from the paper posies range.   I added some burlap trimmed with lace and flowers from Wild Orchid.

Hubby has been making good use of the week, painting some trellis and the shed which he should finish today. It was a new shed last year so we left it he natural colour but now her has painted it with garden shades in a lovely sage.   We are well stocked in he cupboards and freezer now so don't need any shopping for quite a while apart from milk, bread, fruit and veg which we can get from a farm shop. I have heard so many stories of people not following social distancing in supermarkets we are avoiding them.

Stay home, stay cheerful and stay safe x

Petal

I bought a few new digis from Lili of the Valley in one of their recent sales. I have some to colour and I bought this coloured simply print too.  I used some old Gorjuss Girl paper, a Joy leaf die, some pink lacey mesh stuff I found in my stash, flowers from Wild Orchid and a burlap butterfly from Docrafts.

We actually managed to get a click and collect order for Morrisons which we are getting this afternoon. I got the slot last Monday which was fortunate as that night was when they introduced the new measures. I have never done an online order as we prefer going to the shops ourselves.  So as it is the only slot I can get I have ordered lots of non perishable goods which will save us going to a supermarket for quite a while. We should mainly just need fresh stuff from now on assuming I get everything I ordered of course.

Hello

Another Easter card using one of the sweet coloured simply prints from Lili of the Valley. I love using the Go Kreate frilly squares 10 die for shaped cards. The yellow paper is Lemoncraft and the blue is MFT.   I added some cheesecoth, A LOTV sentiment and some flowers from he Hobby House.

Easter egg hop

Well here we are at the last day of March and we have made it though the first week of this lockdown. On Saturday I couldn't settle and so in the afternoon I sorted out more of my embroidery threads, winding them onto bobbins in one of my new organisers. Sunday I was feeling much better and we had a lovely day. We had a late lunch delivered from the local pub, bottle of wine and then watched a film. It is good to support local businesses that are trying to keep themselves going.  I think a lot of people are having up and down days. 

Yesterday I was feeling positive and decided that has to be the way forward. I did a little cleaning, then the ironing, had homemade soup for lunch and then we went for a walk. When we got home I went in the craftroom to make this Easter card.  We have an order at our local butcher and farm shop to collect this morning so we will be stocked with plenty of meat in the freezer and some fresh veg, milk and bread. I will be back in the craftroom this morning to get some more things made.

Today is the last day of the LOTV half price sale. I used one of the new coloured simply prints and a sentiment along with MFT sweet sunshine papers. I used Lawn Fawn stitched rectangle and puffy clouds border die, Memory Box clouds and a MFT stitched sun die. The ribbon I bought in America.

Stay home, stay cheerful and stay safe x.

Bunny hugs

How is everyone doing in these troubled times?  We are doing our best to remain positive and following all the rules. It seems so ironic that the weather has been sunny all week but the furthest we can go is for a walk where we live or out for essential shopping. We needed some supplies yesterday so went to a small out of town M&S as we knew that would be quieter than the supermarkets. It was very quiet and we managed to get everything we needed.  That has been our only trip in the car this week. 

With all this time at home we are so glad we have plenty of hobbies. I have felt much more motivated as the week has gone on and more like cardmaking. Yesterday morning I felt like doing some housework so the house is lovely and clean and then I had time in the craftroom. We did some line dancing practice to music on Wednesday afternoon. Goodness knows what anyone thought if they walked past! Mind you I have been surprised how few people are walking which is good when we go out for a walk, as we don't have many people to avoid.

So onto my card which featured Bunny hugs, something we are all missing I know, though not from a bunny! It is one of the new coloured simply prints from LOTV. The papers are Lemoncraft fresh Summer. I used a Doohickey heart fence, MFT stitched scalloped border and Sue Wilson sweetheart flower dies.

Stay home and stay safe everyone x

New adhesive glitter card

I received a parcel of adhesive glitter card yesterday from Trimcraft which came in very handy as I thought with plenty of time for crafting I should get some Christmas cards made.  I used a coloured Hobby House topper of a Sugar Nellie image just adding some sparkle to her wings with a clear sparkle pen. The papers are First Edition Perfect Christmas.

Now onto the adhesive glitter card, which really impresses me.  I am a big fan of glitter card but often find it can be a challenge to stick particularly when trying to stick onto glitter card for layering. A lot of glitter card works well with dies but not punches so I was keen to see if this was any different. The answer is yes it punched easily and the backing lifts so easily too. It is also non shed. I used a Woodware holly punch, Memory Box stitched holly leaves and berries and Marianne poinsettia dies.

It comes in packs of 12 A5 sheets at £3.99 a pack. I used red and green from the brights pack but there are four different packs. I also have a metallic pack so will be trying that one out soon.

A bear and a bouquet

I haven't made a card for four days now which is unusual for me but these are unusual times. I have been cross stitching and just finished this one. It is a 5" hoop and the design is from The Little Stitchery Etsy shop, part of Lili of the Valley. All designs, as well as digis are half price through March including the new launch.

I love these designs as stamps so I was really pleased to see them come out as cross stitch designs.  I have so many threads that I just find the nearest match to the suggested colours when I start a new project, only buying new ones if I really don't have the right colour. The flowers though could be any colour and are an ideal way of using up leftover pieces of thread. 

Launch Day

Yes it is launch day at LOTV and I used one of the new images and sentiments for my Mother's Day card which I can now share with you.   I used Copics for colouring and MFT papers and scalloped banner die. The pretty ribbon and pearl trim are from my stash, flowers from Hobbycraft. 

Not sure what we have planned for today.  Thankfully we have plenty to occupy ourselves.  It is so odd looking at the calendar with everything crossed out. 

Mum Time

Happy Mother's day to all Mums. It will be a strange one this year with many families unable to visit as usual and the cancellation of many family meals. 

So this is one of the last batch of LOTV images which were released. This is called Mum time and is one of the coloured simply prints.  I used First Edition Mulberry Kisses papers.  The sentiment is LOTV. 

LOTV sneak peek for Easter

LOTV are launching some new Easter images and a range of sentiments on Monday. I love banners so when I saw the banner sentiments I knew I wanted to make a card using one as the main feature. I coloured it with Copics. The papers are First Edition Wanderlust. I used a Martha Stewart and Hobbycraft flower die, Lawn Fawn stitched circle and MFT  pierced banner dies.   I love this type of layered card and should make them more often.

I hope you are all staying safe and well. The biggest issue is trying to minimise contact whilst being able to buy supplies. I can't believe how people are panic buying.  The only shortages are being caused by selfish idiots. Thankfully we have everything we need for now so don't need to shop for a while when it will mainly be fresh fruit, vegetables and milk.

Time for you

Decorating my carftroom has been put on hold as the carpetfitter is 70 and not too keen on coming round.  We have been deliberating whether to have it done as it means the decorator coming as well and we are trying to minimise contact with others. So at least we don't have to strip it out for a while.

I have used another of the LOTV coloured simply prints for my card today. This one is called Time for you and is my favourite of them. I have the digi sitting on my desk waiting to be used but I now have some more new images which are launching Monday.  I used MFT free spirit papers, a MFT stitched scalloped border die, Lawn Fawn pierced rectangle die, butterfly from Poundland and some flower dies.

Rosebud

Well these are strange and worrying times to be sure. We were looking forward to a lovely year of shows, concerts and short breaks but theatres are closed, Potters Resort has closed, Line dancing is cancelled, I have cancelled my cardmaking class and we are now avoiding social contact as much as possible. Good job we have plenty of indoor hobbies. The important thing is we all come through this.

I spent some time in the craftroom yesterday, ignoring the ironing pile. I have some of the new LOTV coloured simply print images to use and this cutie is Rosebud. I used Lawn fawn stitched circle dies, MFT heart papers, MFT stitched border die and one of a set of MFT edge dies which just embosses.  You can see the little crosses on the burgundy paper.  Sentiment is LOTV and the flowers are from Wild Orchid.

Please keep yourselves safe and healthy.

Flower of friendship

Well I don't seem to have had a lot of time for cardmaking this week. I am getting on very well with my latest cross stitch picture though. I made a lovely card earlier in the week but I can't share that one with you yet. Yesterday I was putting inserts into cards and getting my stock ready for today's craft fair. Then we had to pop out and take a few bags of stuff to the charity shop as we were having a declutter and sorting out of cupboards in the spare room on Friday. Then we went to buy a carpet for my craftroom which is being decorated Wednesday week.

So I did manage to make another card ready for my class on Wednesday. This one uses the same sketch as before which I have altered slightly as I want to show them how you can adapt a sketch and make completely different looking cards. If you didn't see my male card from a few days ago look back and see what I mean.

I have gone for a very feminine look using an Inkylicious stamp and Crafter's Companion vintage lace papers. I used a Joy leaf die cut in half and Hunkydory Moonlight fabulous flowers dies.

Growing Up

I have my first cardmaking workshop of the year next Wednesday and have produced a sketch for the class to use. It is a favourite sketch of mine and I want to show how you can take a sketch and change it to make a variety of cards both for men and women.

I used some old papers and ribbon and a Woodware stamp. The stitched circle die is Lawn Fawn and I made some little banners with a Fiskars punch.  I inked the paper edges for a bit of definition.  A nice easy card to start of the class and one mainly aimed at men but no exclusively.

I thought I had this stamp

I was convinced I had this as a rubber stamp but when I made my spreadsheet of all my LOTV images I found I didn't so I bought him in the sale along with a few other older images. I coloured him with Copics, using chalk for the sky and used some LOTV papers. Promises, in my favourite colour combo.  The flowers were made with Hunkydory Moonstone fabulous flower dies and I made the enamel dots using Nuvo drops.  The stitched clouds were made with a MFT die and I added a little colour with Copics.

Vintage lady

We went to Potters resort for Graham's Birthday yesterday. A couple of good friends came along too. I am scheduling this post on Saturday so can't say what activities we did but probably included a quiz and table tennis, a lovely meal with wine in the evening and then the entertainment, Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan. There will also have been music and no doubt we will have been on the floor dancing.  We stayed overnight in the hotel and will be doing some more activities this morning then stopping at Tesco before heading home this afternoon.

So onto my card teaming a lovely vintage lady from some Maja paper along with Bo Bunny papers, lace, cheesecloth, flowers from Hobbycraft, ribbon bow and butterflies from Poundland.

Happy Birthday Hubby and a new home card

Yes today is Graham's Birthday so I won't be around to visit you today as we are off out to celebrate. 

I bought this Woodware stamp the other day and I was going to make a vintage style card but decided on a modern bright one this time. It is a rather large stamp so didn't need to much embellishing. I used MFT papers and pierced banner dies and added an enamel heart.

Cake and balloons

I made this card for a friend's Birthday and can now share it with you. These Gorjuss Girl toppers are so pretty and i love making cards with them. I went for a shabby chic look, adding some lace, flowers and pearls from stash and a Dovecraft paper posies sentiment. I used a Doohickey tag die with sanded Core'dinations and an old stitch stamp from Tim Holtz which I haven't used for a long time.

Cat with flowers

As promised this is my latest cross stitch picture. A nice little 4" hoop. The pattern is a freebie from Durene Jones. She posts one of Facebook every Friday. I changed the colours as in he pattern the cat was blue and the circle was yellow. It also had a square border but as I wanted mine in a hoop I left that out. I also added a couple of extra butterflies outside the circle, to balance it.

My next project is a much larger fairy from The Little Stitchery which is part of Lili of the Valley and I also want to sew one of their new smaller bear designs so plenty to keep me busy.

We are both going into the city this morning for haircuts so may have time later for some crafting. I will be back tomorrow with a card.

Trimcraft DT card

I have had this decoupaged flower siting on my desk for a while so when I got the chance yesterday morning to pop into the craftroom I made a card using paper, sentiment and wooden rose from the same Trimcraft paper posies range. I added a doily and some pearls. Hubby is out tonight so I am planning a colouring and cardmaking evening. I have been busy cross stitching and will be sharing a new picture with you tomorrow.

Winter weather in Florida

Well I planned a crafting morning yesterday then had a text from a friend to say could she pop in for a cuppa. We haven't seen her since before Christmas as she has been away working or on holiday so my crafting morning turned into just enough time to make this scrapbook page. I did do some cross stitching whilst we were chatting though. Then in the afternoon we went for massages and I had a facial then returned home to finish a jigsaw before cooking dinner.

We always went to Florida in the Winter as neither of us like hot weather. The normal daytime temperature is usually low 20's there which suits us fine. The first pic was taken one morning outside our hotel. First thing in the morning is often a little cool. The second pic was taken in he car when we had a rainy morning so we went to one of the malls. I don't know why we were laughing but it made. for a fun photo.

The hardest part of scrapbooking is choosing the papers and embellishments but this one came together quickly. Everything came from an Echo Park Winter pack I bought over there.  I will try to get a card made this morning before line dance class and food shopping.

Caravans

These are something I have wanted to experiment making for several months after seeing some on Pinterest.  They keep popping up on my Pinterest so I thought it was time I had a go.

This is the first one I made and I decided it was a bit too rounded. I wanted to give them a rather homespun look but the way the material frays on the bunting annoys me. Looking at several on Pinterest which sell on Etsy they have lots of frayed edges. So I played around with some dies a bit more and this is the second one I made.

I am happier with the shape and the bunting on this one which is a mixture of dies then some cutting with scissors.  I made a note of which dies I used so I know how to make them in future.  Something new for my craft stall.

It is supposed to be a sunny day today so we are going out for breakfast and then I want to pop into Hobbycraft.