buttonsforbrains

Love me...love my dog

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000Z

Hey everyone, meet Mac, the cutest little Westie around! He's new in at the DigiStamp Boutique. A little touch of grey promarker and a whisp of pink chalk and he's coloured. Some strips of paper at a jaunty angle and job done.

Hope it's a bit warmer where you are, it's freeeezing here. A wind from Siberia I believe!

Housework won't kill you...

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000Z

It's Tuesday and you must know by now what that means.
Yep, there's new bears on the loose!

Spring cleaning bears!

For my card I used....

Teddy Bea 184
Me to You papers 'Spring Chic'

For more inspiration pop on over to the TeddyBo Challenge blog.
My teamies have done an amazing job this week.
And there's still time to enter the 'anything goes' challenge.
The closing date isn't until this Sunday!

Birthday Wishes

2012-01-28T08:00:00.001Z

Good morning Penny Black fans!
I'm glad you all shared your crafty bargains with us last week, check out the Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog to see if you are our lucky winner.
This week the challenge is....

Floral Frenzy

Nice and easy. And once again we have a fabulous prize from our regular sponsor
Fantastic Ribbons - 4 rolls of ribbon of the winners choice.

So for all the details on how to enter and for some gorgeous floral inspiration visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

sew special

2012-01-26T19:07:00.002Z

We were at the cinema this afternoon. Saw The Artist. You know, the silent, black and white, cute dog film. Hubby loved it but I'm afraid it wasn't really my cup of tea. It was snowing quite heavily when we left the cinema and between that and rush hour traffic it took ages to get home. It should really have been a stay in day but heyho that's the plan for tomorrow!

Anyhoo, I have a card to share. I've had these Pink Petticoat images for ages and thought it was about time to use one. I coloured with copics and the paper is 'Homemade Collection by Kaisercraft.

I am entering two 'anything goes' challenges...

Simon Says Stamp and Creative Inspirations.

Peace and Love on TeddyBo Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:30:00.001Z

It's Tuesday and that means there's new bears on the loose! Groovy bears, lovey dovey bears and baby bears! For my 'peace' card I used TeddyBo 173 and for my 'love' card TeddyBea 181. I coloured the bears with Prisma pencils and the papers are My Minds Eye - lime twist - happy go lucky.

So the TeddyBo birthday celebrations are over and it's time to pick my winner. There were 43 comments left here and the number picked out of the hat was 25 and that's.....Mel

Woohoo, drop TeddyBo an email (support @teddybo.com) to claim your prize.
Please also remember to check out the main blog for a list of all the lucky winners.

And don't forget the current TeddyBo challenge 'anything goes' is still open until Sunday 5th February.

Have a mice day

2012-01-23T16:30:00.001Z

Good afternoon and a big wave hello to my new followers. Great to have you here!

When I first started making cards I watercoloured every image. Now I have pencils and pens to play with I had sort of forgotten my watercolours. So for this creation I decided to get out the paintbrush and get watercolouring. It really is the most relaxing way to colour!

The image is, of course, a Penny Black called 'mice day' and I teamed it up with papers from the Kaisercraft 'homemade collection'. I added little buttons to the centre of the wooden flowers and machine stitched all the edges.

I am entering three challenges....

Papertake....buttons, bows, bling or blooms
ABC...happy birthday
Allsorts...needles and pins

See you tomorrow for TeddyBo Tuesday. And I'll also be announcing the winner of that free Teddy image!

2012-01-23T08:00:00.001Z

Looking for my TeddyBo blog hop post?
Well click here!

Looking for the start of the hop?
Well click here!

This will stay at the top until the end of the hop!
Please scroll down a bit for my latest creations.

Papercraft Essentials...out now!

2012-01-22T12:30:00.001Z

Have you seen this month's Papercraft Essentials magazine? If so, then you must have seen my sweet Sugar Nellie card on the front cover! It's always a thrill when I see my magazine work in print but a double thrill when one is chosen for the cover!

There are seven cards and instructions on how to create them in the 'pull out and keep' section. All using the sweetest stamps around from Sugar Nellie.

Right then, I'm off out to meet my friend for a latte and perhaps a delicious something to go with it! Don't forget that you still have time to enter the TeddyBo hop and giveaway. It closes at noon tomorrow (UK time) and all the lucky winners will be announced on Tuesday.

True Love

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000Z

Good Morning Penny Black Saturday fans!
It's Saturday and that, of course, means it's time for another challenge...

Crafty Bargains

I used a super cute Penny Black hedgie that I was lucky enough to get half price in my local crafty shop. Have you been lucky in your search for crafty bargains? Remember you must use a Penny Black stamp or stickaroo, but your bargain could be the papers or embellishments!

Our sponsor this week, Crimson Cloud have provided this gorgeous stamp to give to our lucky winner....

So, for more info' on the challenge, how to enter, who was last weeks winner and for some fabby inspiration from my teamies visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

Wake Your Dreams

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000Z

I'm back as promised with my latest card. This time I have gone for a steampunky type of look. I have used Alice, a digi image from Wonderland Stamps. I coloured with a mix of copics and promarkers.

The papers are BoBunny and all the clocks have been cut from a sheet of the BoBunny paper. There is a Tim Holtz die cut clock in there somewhere too! The sentiment is an Andy Skinner clear stamp and I embossed with copper powder. Two little key brads are the perfect fininshing touch.

See you bright and early tomorrow for Penny Black Saturday.

very less is more!

2012-01-19T19:18:00.002Z

The challenge over on Less is More this week is a one layer card with the theme of 'birds'. I have used my Hero Arts 'fancy bird' and coloured with Prisma pencils. Swithered over sharing this card as I think it is just too much 'less'! Anyhoo, here it is.

I'll be back tomorrow to share a totally different look...something a bit steampunky!

Gotcha!

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000Z

It's Tuesday, and that means there are new bears on the loose. Very romantic new bears! Perfect for valentines, weddings or anniversaries. I have used TeddyBea098 available here, and I figured her arrow had reached her 'bo'! I coloured with prisma pencils and dug out everything I had that could make a heart! Too many hearts? I s'pose on a romantic card you can never have too many hearts!

And, the TeddyBo 'anything goes' challenge is still open. You can find all the details about that here.

happy day....

2012-01-14T22:22:00.002Z

....but sadly not for me. Today was the last day of my brother, my sis-in-law and my two little nieces visit. They leave first thing tomorrow to travel back to New Zealand, three weeks have just whizzed by. My nieces are eleven and seven years old. When they left the UK the youngest was just a baby, my how they have grown and changed. We keep in touch with Skype and what not, but it's just not the same as a hug.

Anyhoo, here is this weeks Penny Black card. The challenge this week is 'anything goes'. A nice easy one. All the info' about the challenge can be found over on the Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog.

I have a lot of catching up to do to see all your wonderful creations. I plan to do that tomorrow night, I know it will cheer me up.

on your birthday

2012-01-13T14:50:00.002Z

Brrr, it's turned really very cold here, but I'm not complaining. I'd rather have blue skies than the recent wind and rain!

So, today I have a stepper card to share, quite like how it turned out. The image is TeddyBea077 and I coloured with prisma pencils. The papers are Echo Park.

I am entering this weeks Simon Says Stamp challenge...spots or stripes or both.

See you bright and early tomorrow for Penny Black Saturday.

some bunny loves you...

2012-01-11T21:00:00.000Z

Woohoo! Three new sets of images have been released in the DigiStamp Boutique, all on special offer! I have used the cute bunny from the Valentine set but there's also birdies, mice and a quirky animal set 'The Snuggles'.

I am entering my card into three challenges...

Cupcake....something new (my bunny image)

Digi Tuesday....punch it out

Papertake....die cute special

It's TeddyBo's Birthday!

2012-01-10T09:00:00.005Z

It’s TeddyBo's first birthday and to celebrate we are having a birthday blog hop.

There are loads of prizes to be won, candy up for grabs and chances to win a TeddyBo digi stamp from each of my teamies blogs along the way.

For my card I used one of the new TeddyBea images, coloured with prisma pencils, some Hero Arts stamped bunting and a Penny Black stamped sentiment.

OK then, let's get hopping......

1. Start at the TeddyBo Challenge Blog and then follow each of the design teams blogs in order.
2. Collect a letter from each of the blogs, keep these in a safe place, you will need these letters at the end of the blog hop as they will make a mystery phrase!
3. Re-arrange the letters you have collected and leave a comment on the TeddyBo challenge blog telling us what the phrase is.
3. I, and all my teamies, also have an image up for grabs so make sure you’re a follower and leave a comment on each of our blogs to be in with a chance of winning.

The blog hop will end on Monday 23rd January (noon GMT) when all the lucky winners will be announced!

If you arrived here from Renee's blog then you are heading in the right direction.

My letter is … Y
From here you need to hop on over to Nela's blog for another chance to win a TeddyBo graphic and collect the next letter. If you get lost don't worry. There is a full list of the hop on the TeddyBo blog.

And if all that wasn't enough there's a new TeddyBo challenge...

Anything Goes

Couldn't be easier!

Oh, and don't forget that as it's Tuesday, there's new bears on the loose!

Simply Cards Article

2012-01-09T18:48:00.003Z

For this month's issue of Simply Cards and Papercraft I was asked to join in with the Design Team 'Focus On' article. We were all given some gorgeous products from the Kaisercraft Miss Nelly collection and asked to produce two cards.

You can see a sneaky peek of one of my cards above but to see it in it's full glory and to have a nosey at what everyone else came up with you will need to buy the mag'!

special friends mean so much

2012-01-07T08:00:00.001Z

Good morning Penny Black fans.
It's time for the first Penny Black Saturday Challenge of 2012.

And we have something a little different to challenge you!
On the first Saturday of every month we will hold a

Case It Challenge

A member of the design team will choose one of their own cards for everyone to 'case'. You can be very close to the original card or fairly different, or pick out elements of the card and use them in a different way. As long as you take inspiration from it it's fine with us!

So here is the card we want you to 'case'.

Made and chosen by our lovely teamie Beth.

For my card I decided to stick with Beth's red, white and blue colour scheme. I also picked out the dots, stripes and stars elements.

We have two cool prizes.
This gorgeous ribbon bundle from The Ribbon Girl.

And from Penny Black, this fabby stamp 'Fireworks'.

For loads more inspiration and for all the info' on how to enter visit the
Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

hi and thinking of you

2012-01-06T14:07:00.006Z

Thankfully the weather has calmed down a bit. Hopefully long enough for the man who can to fix our roof tiles. So, I have two totally different cards to share today. The first, a TeddyBo card. I used Teddy02 coloured with prisma pencils. The papers are by Paper Salon.

The second is an image from D'Arcy's Diaries, a new digi shop which opens on 12th January. Once again I coloured with pencils I used Bubblegum Hills paper by Kaisercraft, Tim Holtz gears die, Tim Holtz scroll die and black pearls.

The current TeddyBo challenge, birthstones, ends on Sunday 8th January. So you still have time to enter and win some cute bears. Then, it's party time! TeddyBo is celebrating his first birthday on Tuesday 10th January and to celebrate we are holding a birthday blog hop. Loads of prizes and surprises along the way!

I am entering two challenges...

Delightful...have a heart

Cute Card Thursday...what's new (my D'Arcy image)

See you bright and early tomorrow for the first Penny Black Saturday Challenge of 2012.

new home

2012-01-04T16:09:00.003Z

I hope everyone is safe after yesterday's storm. A few of our roof tiles are now embedded in the lawn and a few trees nearby are down. A trampoline also went whizzing by at one point. Roll on spring!

A few of the challenges I regularly enter have a new beginnings theme so I thought I would do a new home card. I used a Hero Arts stamp coloured with copics/promarkers and the papers are Echo Park. I added a little stamped sentiment, twine, some stitching and used a Martha Stewart flower punch for the small flowers.

I am entering....

Allsorts....new beginnings

Papertake....anything goes (optional new theme)

Simon Says....new something

Big wave hello to my new followers, it's grand to have you here!

TeddyBo Tuesday

2012-01-03T11:13:00.000Z

It's Tuesday and that means there's new bears available over in the TeddyBo shop. I have used TeddyBo 164 and coloured with prisma pencils. The papers are 'travel light' which came free with a magazine recently. Remember there's still a few days left to enter the birthstone challenge to win some images.

DigiStamp Boutique - 30% Sale!

2012-01-02T16:35:00.004Z

Until the 7th January there is a whopping 30% off all images in the boutique. To put you in the mood I have made a quick and easy card using the boutique's cutest bear - Louie. I coloured with prisma pencils and the papers are Basic Grey 'cupcake'.

I am entering my card into this weeks sketch saturday challenge.

Happy Birthday

2011-12-30T14:08:00.003Z

Preparations for my nine guests, coming for a traditional Hogmanay steak pie dinner, are moving along nicely. So I have managed to squeeze in some crafty time.

I coloured Louie from the DigiStamp Boutique with Prisma pencils and the papers are 'yours truly' by Echo Park.

I am entering the sketch challenge over on Papertake.

This will most likely be my last blog post for 2011. So cheers everyone and all the best in 2012.

wishes

2011-12-27T18:39:00.002Z

I hope all your wishes came true and you had a lovely Christmas. I did, I got some crafty stuff, some smelly stuff and some stuff for wearing!

I had a little play time today, used my new Hero Arts stamp 'newspaper tulips'. Probably no play or blogging time tomorrow. I'm off to the airport to meet my brother and his family who are arriving from New Zealand. Haven't hugged my two little nieces for seven years, can't wait!

I'm entering my card into two challenges....

Creative Inspirations....anything goes

Simon Says....bingo (gems, no DP and flowers)

Meet D'Arcy....

2011-12-22T19:08:00.001Z

....a new range of digital stamps from the artist who brings us TeddyBo.
The launch of D'Arcy's Diaries is on 12th January 2012 and to celebrate there is a £15 voucher up for grabs to be spent in any of the following - Teddy Bo & Co, FairyD Store, Wonderland Stamps or D'Arcy's Diaries.
Simply spread the word about the launch and link back to D'Arcy's Diaries.

For my cards I coloured D'Arcy with copics and promarkers. The papers are by Echo Park and the sentiments are PC generated.

You make me bop!

2011-12-21T17:15:00.001Z

This week the challenge on Less is More is music. I immediately thought of my two little Penny Black hedgies. Coloured with copics and teamed with a couple of die cut musical notes, quick and easy.

So today was my last day at work until 9th January. Just over 2 weeks of freedom to play with my buttons and bows. Although take a day out for you know what, a day out for hubby's birthday on Friday, a day out for the sales and then on the 28th my brother and his family arrive for three weeks from New Zealand. Did I say I would have time to play? Mmmm, maybe not!

Teddy Bo Tuesday

2011-12-20T17:31:00.003Z

It's Teddy Bo Tuesday that means there are new cute bears to add to your collection. Bears with teeth braces and bears with banners! This will probably be my last Christmas card creation for this year so I thought I would have a bit of fun - eat your heart out SuBo!

I used TeddyBo 160 coloured with prisma pencils, Forever Friends 'Santa's on his Way' papers, ribbon, wooden snowflake, twine and one of my favourite, stroke only buttons, from my 'best buttons' box!

Remember you have until Sunday 8th January 2012 to enter the 'birthstone' challenge. You might win some of these cuties!

Penny Black Saturday

2011-12-17T18:26:00.000Z

Good evening Penny Black fans. I was up and out really early this morning and totally forgot to schedule this post. Anyway, that's all my last minute bits and bobs got for Christmas. Any trips to town can now be a leisurely stroll to soak up the atmosphere!

So, our last challenge of 2011, and it's....

Make A Tag

We have a really cool prize from the Design Team.....

Wow, how fab?

For all the gen on how to enter, find out who was last weeks lucky winner and some gorgeous inspiration visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge. Our next challenge will be on 7th January 2012 so you have loads of time to join in the fun!

take time to cherish

2011-12-16T16:14:00.002Z

Oh dear, doesn't time just whizz by! Who stole Wednesday and Thursday? Anyway I'm here now and I have a card to share.

I used TeddyBoBea Tabs 002 coloured with Prisma pencils, a Hero Arts sentiment stamp, my Kaisercraft 'bubble wrap' stamp, some ribbon, button, twine and a little butterfly punch. The ribbon is the same lilac colour as TeddyBo but looks blue. Why do camera's do funny things sometimes?

I am entering two challenges...

Delightful....anything goes

Allsorts...two colours

See you bright and early tomorrow for Penny Black Saturday.

Snowflakes are Winter's Kisses

2011-12-13T19:53:00.001Z

It's TeddyBo Tuesday!
That means there is lots happening in the world of TeddyBo.
A new challenge and....

...cute new bears!

OK then, here's the challenge. Your creation must be the colour of your birthstone.

I have a December birthday and so my birthstone is Blue Zircon. I have used TeddyBo 161 and coloured with prisma pencils. The challenge is open until 9th January, so plenty of time to enter.

There's loads of Teddy cuteness lovingly crafted by the rest of the team and details of how to enter over on the TeddyBo Challenge blog.

I am entering four challenges....

Cute Card Thursday....anything goes
Delightful....blue Christmas
Digital Tuesday....winter wonderland
Papertake....I'm dreaming of a (blue) Christmas

Let it Snow!

2011-12-12T17:37:00.002Z

Well I don't feel too delicate at all after my birthday celebrations yesterday. Spent the afternoon in Glasgow soaking up the festive atmosphere, back home to an M&S £10 meal, a wee glass of red and a good old blast on the singstar!

It's one layer week over on Less is More with the theme 'Let it Snow'. I have used one of the first stamps I ever bought, haven't a clue where it came from-sorry, but it still amuses me!

I am also entering this weeks Cupcake Challenge...something sparkly.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-10T08:00:00.002Z

Good morning Penny Black fans.
Only two weeks until the big day, are you organised? Can you spare a little time to join in our challenge this week? We hope so!

And the challenge is....

...a sketch by our team mate Domi.

We have another great prize. $20 to spend in the online shop 1-2-3 Stitch. They stock loads of crafty stuff including our favourite Penny Black stamps.

Ok, you know the drill. For great inspiration, to find out who was last weeks winner and for all the details on how to enter visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

I'm still here...

2011-12-09T19:19:00.003Z

....and thankfully in one piece following yesterday's storms. I just wanted to pop on and wave a big hello to my new followers, I hope you enjoy my little creations as much as I enjoy making them!

So I've had a very busy couple of days, I guess everyone is the same at this time of year. I finished a magazine commission that had a tight deadline and today I did the tree and put out all the other festive bits and bobs I have, not too much, just enough!

I will leave you with a sneaky peek of tomorrow's Penny Black card, see you in the morning!

with love

2011-12-07T19:16:00.002Z

Valentines Day will be here before we know it, and I don't know about you but I'm organised! I used little Louie from the DigiStamp Boutique for my romantic creation. I coloured with Prisma pencils and used Doodlebug papers. Ribbon and lace from SewSweet, some chipboard hearts and a craftwork cards sentiment all coloured with copic pens.

Remember that if you make something using a Boutique image you can enter the customer competition here. And for some cool inspiration visit the Boutique blog here.

Happy New Year

2011-12-06T16:00:00.000Z

It's Tuesday and that means there are cute new bears over in the TeddyBo shop. I have used the 'Happy New Year' TeddyBoBea 091 coloured with prisma pencils. The numbers are 'thickers' coloured with copics and the paper was a freebie from a magazine. I have finished off with tartan ribbon, a Scottish touch to celebrate Hogmanay!

I am entering my card into this week's Papertake Challenge..anything goes.

I'm hoping that later on tonight I will have some time to have a nosey around blogland, my commenting is not all it could be just now. But I guess it's just that time of year!

It's here....

2011-12-05T16:52:00.000Z

...and all of a sudden it's looking very Christmassy. I actually don't mind the snow, if I didn't have to drive in it! Boyd, who has now been with us four weeks and has totally settled in, loves it. Jumping about like a puppy even tho' he is well past that stage. He goes out all wrapped up with his fur lined coat, snood and fair isle scarf - he is cutting quite a dash!

Five sets of new images have been released over in the DigiStamp Boutique. Rudolphs, snow people, Christmas mice and Lucy. And a very useful Louie Love Collection. All on special offer for December.

I hope to have a card to share very soon, but I am busy busy with my next magazine commission. Talking of which have you seen pages 34-37 of this month's Papercraft Essentials? I have an article using Little Yellow Bicycle products for kids. The LYB products were gorgeous and fun to use, it was lovely to have a change from all things Christmas!

I'll be back tomorrow to show you the latest from Teddy Bo & Co. I think there's going to be some new bears!

warm wishes

2011-12-03T08:00:00.003Z

Good morning Penny Black fans.
I hope the last four weeks of Christmas challenges helped you on your way. I think I am pretty well organised this year, a first for me!

This week's challenge is...

Total Whiteout
(although you can follow some of the DT's lead and colour your little critters, if you choose).

We have two cool prizes..

...a lace bundle from the Ribbon Girl.

....and this PB stamp from Penny Black Inc.

We know it's a busy time of the year but hope you can find time to have a little break from your Christmas preparations and join in the fun.

All the details of how to enter, last weeks winner and some gorgeous inspiration from the team can be found here at the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

See you there!

hi

2011-12-02T14:24:00.000Z

Another miserable day, wind, rain and a dash of hailstones. Could someone please turn the tap off up there! Anyway, I thought I would do something bright and cheerful, despite the weather. I used TeddyBea 171 and papers by BoBunny. I am entering the challenge over on Simon Says Stamp 'anything goes'.

See you bright and early tomorrow for Penny Black Saturday.

wonderful time of the year

2011-12-01T15:03:00.004Z

This is the first I have sat down all day and I'm pooped! Our new bed arrived this morning. And you know how it is with these things, it sparked a chain reaction. Moved the old bed, I really will need to have a word with the cleaner, oh my goodness, did she not spring clean? That made me think perhaps the same amount of stoor (dust, for non Scots!) would be behind all the furniture. Yep, sure enough. So much so the hoover needed emptied. Cards and blogging are to blame, yep cards and blogging!

So a quick and easy card from me today. I have used Tia from the DigiStamp Boutique and coloured with copics/promarkers. Added a little sentiment and some gems.

I am entering this weeks Digital Tuesday Challenge....Go Green.

baby boy....too cute

2011-11-29T18:50:00.001Z

Well, as promised, here I am back to show you this weeks batch of new bears from TeddyBo. I have used Teddy Bo 157...too cute indeed!

I coloured with prisma pencils and the papers are by Little Yellow Bicycle. I am entering my card into this weeks Allsorts Challenge...bunting.
And, the new Teddy Bo challenge starts today, it's 'White Christmas'. You can find out how to enter and get some fabby inspiration from team 'A' here.

from our house to yours

2011-11-29T09:00:00.001Z

This is my final week as a guest of the girlies on the Papertake Challenge. I've had a great time, but alas, all good things must come to an end! So the challenge is...a sketch. Now to see the sketch you will need to visit the papertake challenge blog as I foolishly didn't save it to my PC I simply jotted it on a bit of paper!

I have used a WhipperSnapper stamp and coloured with copics/promarkers. The papers are by Echo Park.

I'll be back later today...there's new bears in the TeddyBo shop to share!

best wishes

2011-11-27T12:02:00.003Z

Magazine commissions and design team work has meant I have not had time to join in with the Less is More challenge for a couple of weeks. But when I saw this weeks challenge was bling I just had to make the time to join in!

I used a Papermania stamp coloured with copics and covered in bling!

The weather has improved a little, still windy but at least it's dry. I'm off out for my usual Sunday jaunt to meet my friend for lattes and maybe my first mince pie of the year. Catch up with you all later.

Penny Black Saturday

2011-11-26T09:27:00.001Z

Good morning Penny Black fans. I hope you are enjoying our Christmas challenges as much as we are. It's certainly helped me on my way!

This week it's.... Red + Embossing

I used a PB slapstick stamp 'sweet snowman' and coloured with copics/promarkers. The embossing folder is from the cherished teddies range.

Our sponsor this week is Fantastic Ribbons the winner gets to choose 4 rolls of ribbon.

So last weeks winners have been announced, the DT have created loads of inspiration and now it's over to you. For all the info' on how to enter pop over to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge. See you there!

find joy everyday

2011-11-25T15:17:00.002Z

The weather could not be more miserable here if it tried! A very cold wind and driving rain, oh and throw in some hail for good measure. Hope it's better where you are. Anyway, Teddy Bea looks like she is enjoying the rain!

I used Teddy Bea 169 coloured with copics/promarkers and the papers are Echo Park. A daisy embossing folder, ribbon and some machine stitching to finish.

See you bright and early tomorrow for Penny Black Saturday.

cute robins

2011-11-23T17:03:00.003Z

The wind and rain has been non stop today. I ran across the car park at work to get in and then ran across it again to leave! Now I'm home I'm going nowhere. Hubby is on hound walking duties, well, he is the one who treated himself to a complete set of waterproofs. My faux fur doesn't like the rain, dahlings!

A couple of bright simple cards tonight using the new robins that are now available at the DigiStamp Boutique. I coloured with prisma pencils and the papers are Echo Park.

I am entering the Digital Tuesday Challenge...sparkle and shine.

Christmas Surprise

2011-11-22T11:00:00.000Z

It's Tuesday and a new batch of TeddyBo's have been released, super cute, as always! I have used TeddyBo155 and coloured him with prisma pencils, NitWit papers, Martha Stewart punch, silver ribbon and brads.

We are midway through our current challenge 'Christmas - red or green should not be seen'. So to be in with a chance of winning some Teddy's you need to get your entry in by Sunday 27th November.

Guest Designer at Papertake

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000Z

It's my fourth week with the girlies over on the Papertake challenge. Next week will be my last, aww! I'll miss you guys! Anyway, this week the challenge is....

Christmas Crackers - make your Christmas favourites.

I have used my favourite embossing folder, papers and decoupage snowman from the NitWit range and ricrac, 'love' ribbon and buttons from my favourite haberdashery shop 'SewSweet'.

I'll be back later to share my TeddyBo Tuesday card- super cute new images.
Or, if you can't wait, check them out here!

may all your wishes come true

2011-11-21T20:53:00.002Z

I have nearly recovered from the little gathering we had last night for my Mum's birthday. Well, you try keeping up with a 79 year old who's up for a party!

Tonight's card is for the sketch challenge over on The Sugar Bowl. I have used the Sugar Nellie stamp 'Hazel' and coloured with copics/promarkers. The papers are Echo Park.

Christmas Mimi

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000Z

Good morning Penny Black fans!
Another Saturday and another week nearer Christmas. Have you done your shopping yet? I've made a start and will be out and about today, maybe even get it finished!
So, it's week three of our Christmas challenges, and this week it's....

Green + Trees

We have two cool prizes this week.
This cute PB mouse stamp from Penny Black Inc.

And this handy sentiment stamp from our Penny Black friend Carole.

OK then, you know the drill. Pop over to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge for loads more inspiration, details on how to enter and to find out who last weeks lucky winners were.
See you there!

Fizzy Moon Giveaway

2011-11-18T18:00:00.001Z

The names have been put in a hat and a winner has been picked.
Drum roll....it's you....
May - from May's Stampin Time
Please email me and I will get your goodies off to you.

I have seven Christmas cuties in this months Papercraft Essentials magazine using gorgeous Fizzy Moon products. To celebrate I thought I would have a little giveaway.

Papers, decoupage sheets, brads and chipboard shapes - all Fizzy Moon.
You will also receive a copy of the magazine. It's jam packed with inspiration, news of all the latest trends, crafty tips and tricks and cool free stamps.

So the usual sort of thing applies. Leave a comment here and spread the word on your blog, facebook, twitter or just shout it from the rooftops!

The winner will be picked randomly at 6pm(UK time) on Friday 18th November.

Merry & Bright

2011-11-18T14:30:00.000Z

I foolishly thought that only working part time would give me more time to play, but no! Mum decided that she needed a new bedroom carpet. So it was picked out last weekend. Yesterday morning the room was cleared and the old carpet lifted. This morning, after the carpet fitter left, it was all put back. I'm pooped!

So a nice easy card from me today. I used one of the new TeddyBo bears and some NitWit papers. It's Fairytale Friday over at TeddyBo Towers and you can read all the latest adventures here.

Check back later this evening to find out if you are the winner of my Fizzy Moon giveaway.

Two Tags

2011-11-16T19:12:00.002Z

Brrr, just back in from the now very regular dog walk and it's freeeezing! Thawing out as I write this! Anyhoo, two tags to share tonight. Thought I would have a wee change from cards.

The images are both from the DigiStamp Boutique and have been coloured with copics/promarkers. I am entering the challenge over on Digital Tuesday..Christmas Time.

Guesting at Papertake Challenge

2011-11-15T14:00:00.001Z

It's my third week as a guest of the lovely girlies on the Papertake Challenge, I'm having a great time, thanks for asking me! This week the challenge is... when is a card not a card! So I have made a card that doubles up as a gift card holder.

I used PinkPetticoat papers, free with a mag. Cupcake stamps, also free with a mag (some Scottishness coming thru' there). The prettiest ribbon in the whole of cardland is from Sew Sweet.

This is my second post today, please scroll down for some TeddyBo cuteness!

Woohoo, it's Tuesday.....

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000Z

....and these days that means only one thing. New TeddyBo images have been released. Perfect for Christmas, two with candy canes and two in baubles. And, if you like to build your own little scenes, a chair and a wall.

I re-sized the images a bit smaller so that I could get two on my card. I coloured with Prisma pencils and the paper is by Doodlebug. A punched border and a little bit of silver twine finishes it off.

And, as if all that is not enough, there is a brand new TeddyBo challenge....

Christmas - but red and green must not be seen!

For all the info' on how to enter and for some great inspiration from the TeddyBo team hop on over here. See you there!

Sew Sweet Offer

2011-11-14T19:41:00.003Z

There will be two cards from me tomorrow so I'm just popping on to let you all know about the totally adorable 'Sew Your Own Reindeer Kit' from Sew Sweet.
There are nine to collect and, until 30th November, you will receive a kit free if you spend over £15.

And....

Boyd is settling in well, and just loves wearing my hat!

Christmas Wishes

2011-11-12T08:00:00.007Z

Good morning Penny Black fans!
It's time for week two of our special Christmas challenges.

Gold + Presents

We have a fabby prize this week from our regular sponsor...

A $20 voucher to spend in their online store

where you'll find a treasure trove of our favourite Penny Blacks

along with lots of other goodies for all your crafting needs.

This week I decided to stamp my Penny Black 'you're a gift' onto kraft card and colour with prisma pencils. For loads more gold creations pop over to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog. See you there!

Steampunk

2011-11-11T18:18:00.001Z

Well, at least my attempt at Steampunk! The figure and butterflies are digi images and can be found at Wonderland Stamps. The gears are a Tim Holtz Sizzix die, the swirls are Sizzix too. The paper is by BoBunny, but I added lots of stamping with Andy Skinner stamps. There's some Tim Holtz tape in there too! And, finally, some edges have been inked wth Scattered Straw distress ink.

See you in the morning for Penny Black Saturday.

DigStamp Boutique...new releases

2011-11-10T17:12:00.002Z

Three new sets of digi images are now available over in The DigiStamp Boutique. Super cute fairy Hattie, a fun Santa collection and introducing Stan, perfect for those difficult men!

I have used Stan playing golf and the papers are 'For Him' by Papermania, which I doubt you can still get, I've had them forever!

Please remember that if you make a card using any of the Boutique's images you can enter the customer competition here. I am entering the anything goes challenge over on Digital Tuesday.

Woohoo....

2011-11-09T15:08:00.004Z

....there are new TeddyBo bears available and I couldn't resist a little play with this cutie.
Look at him all dressed up as a snowman. He is TeddyBo 151 and is available here.
My card was really quick and easy, a couple of snippets of paper, snowy embossing folder and some pre-made snowflakes.

The TeddyBo challenge 'pastels' ends on Sunday, a chance to win some of these gorgeous bears. Find out all about it here.

Have you left a comment here for a chance to win my giveaway?
If not, why not? It'll only take two secs!

merry christmas

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000Z

It's my second week as a guest designer at the Papertake Weekly Challenge.
And this week the challenge is...

First Christmas (card of the Papertake year)!

So that's another one done for the Christmas box. I used a Penny Black hedgie and robin which were watercoloured and then cut out. The heart is die cut, Marianne Creatables, and the papers are from my scrap box. I did a little bit of wobbly stitching, really the only sort I can do!

Silvery Sweet Snowman

2011-11-05T08:00:00.007Z

Good Morning Penny Black fans!

I know we say this all the time, but don't these weeks
just whizz by?

Anyhoo, time for this weeks challenge. And it's....

Silver + Snowflakes/Snow

In fact, to get you ahead for Christmas we thought it might be an idea to have a themed month. So throughout November, and not to give too much away, our challenges will all be based on Christmas colours, plus a little added extra.
Wonder what next week's colour will be?

We have three great prizes. I think our prizes are consistently the best in blogland, but then I might be biased!

From Penny Black Inc, this beautiful stamp 'guiding light'.....

and this fun stamp 'an eggnog'....

And from The Ribbon Girl, this fabulous silver and aqua kit....

So, you have to be in it to win it! Visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge to find out how. Stuck for ideas? There's super silver inspiration there too. Oh, and last week's winner will have been announced. See you there!

Christmas Pals

2011-11-04T08:25:00.000Z

It's fairytale Friday over on the TeddyBo challenge blog. That means you can read all about the latest goings on in TeddyBo Towers and oogle over some fabby inspiration from my teamies.

For my card I have used TeddyBoBea 047 and coloured with Prisma pencils. Some die cut holly, card candy, twine and loads of doodling!

And hey, why not leave a comment here to be in with a chance to win my giveaway.

I am entering my card into the Digital Tuesday Challenge...cute and cuddly.

Time to meet....

2011-11-03T21:06:00.002Z

...Boyd. Who has claimed the best seat in the house already! I bought this stamp a while back, how cool that his markings match the stamp pretty much perfectly. I'm afraid the same can't be said for the young lady, I wish!

The papers are 'lime twist' by MME and the stamp is 'The Vintage Chic Collection Sarah Kay' by Stampavie.

Short and sweet tonight, I have a hound to walk! Don't forget to leave a comment on my giveaway here. See you tomorrow for a fun TeddyBo card.

I'm back.....

2011-11-01T16:52:00.002Z

...from a few relaxing days down in Northumberland, near Hadrian's Wall. Strolling through little market towns, scones and lattes and a wee cheeky red with my dinner, bliss! Although it does mean the crafty 'work' has backed up a bit.

I'm glad to see my scheduled post for my guest spot over on the Papertake Weekly Challenge published OK (see post below). Thanks for the invite ladies.

And, as it's Tuesday, nowadays that means only one thing, it's Teddy Bo Tuesday! New bears and a brand new challenge...pastels. Find out all about the challenge here.

For my card I used Teddy Bea 163 and coloured with copics and prisma pencils. Some embossing, twine and a little sentiment keep it nice and simple. And that's good 'cos I'm entering my creation into this week's Less is More....stars.

Our new member of the family arrives tomorrow and I'm soo excited. Will share some pics of the handsome Boyd (rescued greyhound) as soon as he settles in.

OK then, that's all my news. Off now to catch up on some DT commenting duties, maybe make a start on my next magazine commission and have a nosey at what you have all been up to. Oh, and don't forget to enter my gorgeous Fizzy Moon giveaway here.

Guest Designer for Papertake Weekly....

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000Z

....for the whole of November....and I'm so chuffed! Couldn't believe it when an email from Dawny P popped into my inbox and, of course, I had to say yes!

So this week the challenge is....

Anything Goes (optional extra of bling and sparkle).

The challenge is sponsored by Lili of the Valley so it was only right and proper that I use an LOTV image. The papers are 'happy go lucky' by My Minds Eye and the felt to make the flowers and leaves can be found here in the Sew Sweet shop. I have added sparkle to her wings and tutu and finished with a Craftwork Cards sentiment.

To join in the fun hop over to The Papertake Weekly Challenge, see you there!

A Penny Black Merry Christmas

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Penny Black fans!
Another Saturday and another challenge.

This week it's...

Sketch Time!

I used the two little robins stamp form the transparent set 'Christmas Friends'. The papers are 'Season's Greetings' by Echo Park.

We have a cool prize this week, four rolls of ribbon from our regular sponsor
Fantastic Ribbons.

Last week's winner, fabulous inspiration and how to enter are all over on the
Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog.
See you there!

spread your wings....

2011-10-28T19:07:00.004+01:00

Had a great day out at the crafty show yesterday. Bought some bits and bobs, didn't go too mad! Met up with Kath, my Penny Black Saturday boss and Gayle my new boss over on TeddyBo. Also spent some time with the Sugar Nellie girls, great to put some faces to names!

Anyways, today I was in Ikea. We wanted to get a rug 'cos we don't want poor Boyd (our retired greyhound who is joining us on Wednesday, yay) doing a 'Bambi' on our wooden floor! Now everybody knows you can't go to Ikea and not buy tea lights, at least one kitchen utensil and a door mat!

Well, I spotted these little wooden frames and couldn't resist. Painted with picket fence distress paint, some die cut butterflies, a bit of stitching and a little sentiment from Pink Petticoat.

See you bright and early for Penny Black Saturday.

Hattie and Buddy...with love

2011-10-26T14:14:00.003+01:00

Looking forward to my day out tomorrow. It's the big craft show at the Glasgow Exhibition Centre and I'm hoping to say hi to some blogging buddies and putting some faces to names!

Anyway, on to today's card. I have used the gorgeous Hattie and Buddy digi from the DigiStamp Boutique. I coloured wth copics/promarkers. The papers are Holly Jolly Christmas by Echo Park. Twine and buttons are from Sew Sweet.

I am entering two challenges ....

Digital Tuesday....buttons and twine

Simon Says Stamp....anything goes

Guess what....my news...

2011-10-25T16:23:00.000+01:00

I am on the design team for Teddy Bo & Co!
These little bears have stolen my heart and I am so happy to be part of this team.
And here is my first card as a team member. I have used Teddy BoBea 081 and coloured with copics and prisma pencils.
You have until midnight (UK time) on Sunday 30th October to enter the
current challenge 'clean and simple'.

And look....new bears...awww!

Look what's in the Sew Sweet Shop....

2011-10-24T20:44:00.003+01:00

...Christmas Stocking Advent Calendar Kit, really, really cute. Don't you think?
It's available ready made up or in kit form.
Fill the little stockings with sweets or little bits and bobs.
Great for the kids or a crafty friend.

Check out all the other felt goodies in the Sew Sweet shop, gingerbread men, Christmas trees and yummy cupcakes!

sending happy thoughts

2011-10-23T18:17:00.002+01:00

Decided to get a bit inky today, fairly pleased with the result! It's for this weeks Less is More challenge 'polka dots'.

I used three stamps, all Hero Arts, little fancy bird, cling dots and happy day. I heat embossed the dots with white powder and then used three distress inks, victorian velvet, crushed olive and scattered straw. The bird was coloured with the same inks.

Oh, and I have some news, can't share yet, but I'm so excited!

boo!

2011-10-22T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good morning Penny Black fans!

It's time for another challenge over on Penny Black Saturday.
And this week it is....

Too Cute to Spook

I used a transparent stamp from the Spooky! set and coloured with promarkers. The papers are 'darling dear' by My Mind's Eye and the border has been cut with a Martha Stewart punch. The cool orange ricrac is from Sew Sweet. I wiggled the googly eyes for ages to try and get them to look in different directions and gave up!

We have a super cute spooky prize this week.....

This PB stamp 'frightful flight'.

OK then, you know what to do. Pop over to the Penny Black Saturday challenge for more info' on how to enter, for fabby inspiration from my teamies and to find out if you are last weeks lucky winner.

See you there!

miss you

2011-10-21T17:44:00.002+01:00

Yay, it's Friday! And, that was my last ever Thursday and Friday at work. Yep, after 37 years of the 9 to 5 I'm cutting it right back to three shorter days and I can't wait!

This week the challenge over on Teddy Bo is clean and simple so I have done just that. I stamped the sentiment on the sign post after I had done all the colouring, a nervous few seconds, but I managed not to smudge.

See you bright and early tomorrow for Penny Black Saturday.

Halloween Hattie

2011-10-19T18:46:00.002+01:00

Brrrr, I think we skipped autumn here and jumped straight to winter! From where I sit at work I can see Ben Lomond (way in the distance) and today I noticed the white stuff. Yes, there is snow on them there hills!

So tonight's card features Hattie all dressed up for her Halloween. Hattie is a digi image and is available from the DigiStamp Boutique. I coloured with copics/promarkers. The paper is by BoBunny and the cool webbed ribbon is from Sew Sweet.

As you would expect this fits a few challenges....

Papertake...spooooky hues

Digital Tuesday...happy halloween

ABC....B for boo

find joy everyday

2011-10-16T13:00:00.002+01:00

It's a lovely dry, bright Autumn day here, nice change from the wind and rain! I'm off out for my regular Sunday afternoon jaunt to Glasgow to meet a friend for coffee and muffins. Yum!

Before I go here is my creation for the Saturated Canary Challenge....stitching. The image can be found here and I coloured with copics and promarkers. The papers are 'everyday flair' by My Minds Eye.

The seam binding and buttons are from Sew Sweet.

I'm in the Spotlight

2011-10-16T12:30:00.000+01:00

Woohoo! I'm in the spotlight over on the Teddy Bo & Co blog.
I'm so chuffed, I love these little bears. If you get a mo' why not pop over there and have a nosey. You will find top tips, mojo monday, challenges, fab inspiration from their design team and, of course, how to get your crafty hands on these cute bears.

On The Move

2011-10-15T08:00:00.003+01:00

Good morning Penny Black fans!

Thank you all so much for joining in last weeks 'age' challenge. Check out the
Penny Black Saturday blog, you might be our lucky winner!

This week the challenge is....

On the Move

That could be moving house, moving to a new job, in fact anything that moves!
Use your imagination!
I have used a PB wood mounted stamp 'art of love' and coloured with pencils. The flowers are a Martha Stewart punch.
We have a super cute prize this week. This PB stamp...

Kindly donated by Carole, best friend of the Penny Black Challenge.
OK then, you know the drill. For fabulous inspiration and for all the gen on how to enter visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

Finnish Star

2011-10-14T19:52:00.004+01:00

I saw a tutorial for this on Debbi's blog and had to have a go. I wish I could get a better picture, may try again during daylight tomorrow and get a pic' of it on the wall. My light box clearly isn't big enough! (have changed the pic' to a better one)

Anyway, you just need one sheet of 12x12 (double sided) decorative paper, some glue and Debbi's tutorial. I added a sticker snowflake to the centre, but that's optional.

pretty pots

2011-10-11T17:25:00.002+01:00

I've had this digi image lurking in my 'puter for a while now and decided it was finally time to get it coloured and make a card. It's called pretty pots and it's a Lilyboo Designs stamp that can be found here at Cuddly Buddly.

I coloured with copics and promarkers and the papers are 'good day sunshine' by My Minds Eye. Did a bit of machine stitching to finish it off.

I am entering two challenges....

Cuddly Buddly...check it out

Digital Tuesday...fall colours

Friends

2011-10-10T19:53:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post tonight to share this weeks Less is More challenge card 'one layer-heart'. I decided to look out my very under-used stamp tapestry stamps. Not really got much else to say about this one!

OK then, hubby is engrossed in the Gadget Show. Do you think I could get another card done before it ends? Hope so!

a teddybo happy birthday

2011-10-09T11:03:00.002+01:00

So what's my favourite colour? That's a tricky one 'cos it can change as quickly as the weather here in the West of Scotland! I had in my mind that it was pink but then when I was looking through my papers this teal caught my eye and in a flash it became my favourite colour!

I have used a Teddy Bo digi image coloured with prisma pencils. The papers are 'lime twist-out of the blue' by My Minds Eye.

I am entering three challenges....

Teddy Bo....my favourite colour

Allsorts....bear with us

Delightful....make it dimensional

may all your wishes come true

2011-10-08T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good Morning Penny Black fans!

It's Saturday so that means a brand new challenge. And this week it's...

Age is just a number!

Personalise your cards or creations with a number, simple!
Of course, you must use a Penny Black stamp or stickeroo, so don't be naughty!
I used a PB wood mounted stamp 'sealed with a kiss' coloured with copics. The papers are 'bubblegum hills' by Kaisercraft.

This week the prize is $20 to spend online at 1-2-3 Stitch.

So for all the info on how to enter, to find out who last weeks lucky winners are and for some fabby inspiration. Visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

DigiStamp Boutique....new releases

2011-10-05T17:59:00.004+01:00

It's new image time at the DigiStamp Boutique. The cute Christmas Collection, which I have used here, and the Louie Collection. They are easy and fun to colour, I used copics and promarkers. Add some papers, mine were free with a magazine, and some glamour dust and job done.

Both collections are on special offer for the whole of October. And don't forget that if you make a card using any image from the Boutique you can enter the customer competition. A chance to win 5 images of your choice and the offer of the month images, how cool is that?

Oh, and while I'm here, have you seen this months Papercraft Essentials magazine?
I have an article in the pull out and keep section using Polly Penguin, Henry and Zoe. All available in the Boutique.

You'll have to buy the mag to see all seven cards!

I am entering 4 challenges...

Papertake...anything goes

ABC....anything goes

Simon Says Stamp....sparkle and bling

Cute Card Thursday....animal crackers

Dream

2011-10-03T18:43:00.002+01:00

Still playing around and trying to get to grips with Steampunk. Think I could have done more to the top half now that I see it photographed! Anyway how cool is this digi image 'Sprocket the Steampunk Aviator' from Saturated Canary? I coloured using Prismapencils and the paper is from the Timepiece Collection by BoBunny.

I am entering two challenges...

Saturated Canary...a great sketch

Simon Says...anything goes

Happy Baaday!

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Good morning Penny Black fans.
There were loads of gorgeous entries for last weeks monochrome challenge. Pop over to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge. You might be the lucky winner of those fantastic ribbons.

For this week the challenge is....

Down on the Farm

I have kept my card fairly simple this week. The stamp is 'bah-quet' by Penny Black which I stamped, coloured and cut out three times. Popped my little flock of sheep up on 3D foam squares and added stamped lettering.

We have two cool prizes this week.
This great stamp from Penny Black Inc. 'winter glitter'.

And, this lavender mini ribbon kit from The Ribbon Girl.

So, for all the info on how to enter and for some fabby inspiration from my team mates visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
See you there!

Flying

2011-09-28T20:45:00.002+01:00

Another card using my distress inks - crushed olive, faded jeans and scattered straw. The stamps are Andy Skinner 'Flight of Fancy' and the gears have been die cut and inked.

I wish I could pay heed to the sentiment. The fear I have doesn't stop me flying it just makes me need a very large vodka!

I am entering the sketch challenge on Less is More and the clean and simple challenge on Truly Scrumptious.

Sketchy Snow Person

2011-09-27T21:06:00.003+01:00

Meet Sketchy Snow Person, new from the DigiStamp Boutique. Tonight I decided to get inky. I used Faded Jeans and Tumbled Glass distress inks to colour my background after heat embossing some snowflakes. Sketchy was coloured with Promarkers and cut out. The white ricrac is from SewSweet, a die cut snowflake and a Craftwork Cards sentiment finish it off.

The great thing about digi images is you can print them off in any size you need. My tag was made in pretty much the same way as the card except I used a smaller Sketchy Snow Person!

I am entering the challenge over on Digital Tuesday.....blue and white.

Birthday Wishes from TeddyBea

2011-09-26T16:10:00.002+01:00

It's a holiday Monday in my part of the world today and we are just back from spending a lovely one night break down in the Scottish border region. A cool wee town called Peebles, only one and a half hour drive, practically on the doorstep! Fab hotel, good food, lovely bottle of red and the weather was very kind to us.

So here is todays creation. TeddyBea number 75 coloured with prisma pencils. The paper is from Pink Petticoat and the sentiment is from Craftwork Cards.

I am entering two challenges....

Teddy Bo....things with wings

Cupcake....if you go down to the woods today

And, if you do some colouring with prisma pencils as homework you can earn yourself a free graphic from TeddyBo. Find out what I am on about here!

Boo!

2011-09-25T08:55:00.002+01:00

This little fella is trying to be scary, but he's not scary at all. He's far too cute! He is from the DigiStamp Boutique and the bats and Boo! are available too. I coloured him with promarkers and the spotty paper is by BoBunny.

Don't forget that if you make a card using any of the Boutique's images you can enter the September customer competition. All the details are here.

I am entering two challenges...

Cupcake...'the darkside' black and purple

Simon Says Stamp...use dies and/or punches

Snowy says Merry Christmas

2011-09-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Good morning Penny Black fans!

It was lovely to see all those friendship cards last week, pop over to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog, the lucky winner has been announced.
So onto this weeks challenge...

Monochrome

I have used Snowy and coloured with Promarkers and a glittery pen that doesn't show up in my pic'. The red border was trimmed using a Martha Stewart snowflake border punch. Some red bakers twine, a tag and a few snowflakes finish it off.
I love Snowy, he has such an infectious grin!

We have another cool prize from one of our regular sponsors...

Four rolls of ribbon of the winner's choice.

OK then, you know the routine. All the inspiration you will need and all the info' about how to enter is here on the Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog.
See you there!

ppppppenguins!

2011-09-22T22:17:00.002+01:00

I'm late with my card tonight but wanted to quickly pop it on as it's my third and final Less is More card. This time I have used a Penny Black stamp from the transparent set Mimi's Christmas and coloured with Promarkers. Very quick and very simple!

Alluim Buttonallis

2011-09-19T20:07:00.003+01:00

This is a first for me, a second entry into a challenge! Well, it would be rude not to help the girls over on Less is More to 1000 entries for their anything goes challenge.

On my card tonight is the very rare button plant 'alluim buttonallis'. It flowers only once every 10 years so the buttons it produces are very special and very, very rare. But I can let you into a little secret. These special buttons can be found here in the SewSweet online shop. The only stockist of these special buttons in the whole wide world!

with love

2011-09-18T19:59:00.001+01:00

I'm a bit later posting this tonight, had to stop and watch the X Factor. Didn't want to miss a bit of gorgeous Gary! When the guy sang 'Back for Good', the look on Gary's face, priceless!

Anyway, my card tonight is for Less is More 'anything goes'. I may enter more than one card this week to help them on their way to 1000 entries!

I stamped Hero Arts 'silhouette flower' with distress inks crushed olive, victorian velvet and scattered straw. Inked the little tag with crushed olive, added the sentiment and popped on a little button.

The seam binding from Sew Sweet started off life cream but was easily changed to match my card by inking it with the crushed olive.

special friends mean so much

2011-09-17T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good morning Penny Black fans.
Another Saturday is with us already and time for another challenge. But before that I have to tell you how yummy your 'delicious' creations were last week. Pop over to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge, you might be our lucky winner.

So, onto this weeks challenge....

Friendship

And, here is this weeks fabulous prize....
Four chick friends all dolled up for a night on the town!
This PB wood mounted stamp has been kindly donated by
Carole, bestest friend of PBSC.

For my card I used the bear and tortoise image from the PB 'eat cake' transparent set and coloured with water colour pencils. The sentiment is from the PB 'teddy & co' transparent set. The papers are 'chapter one' by Kaisercraft. The little row of flowers is a Martha Stewart border punch.

All the info' on how to enter and for some gorgeous inspiration from my teamies visit the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

I am entering two challenges....

Creative Inspirations...anything goes
Cute Card Thursday...anything goes

What have I been up to?

2011-09-15T19:33:00.003+01:00

So here we are at Thursday and nothing made or blogged since Monday and not many visits to you guys either! But I have really good excuses.

Tuesday evening we picked up our new car. A lovely black VW Polo, love that new car smell! Wednesday we had our house inspection for adopting a dog, a retired greyhound. We passed, so in a few weeks time I should be able to share some pics of our new housemate, can't wait. And so to tonight. I had a full points card for my (fairly) local craft shop. £25 to spend and it was burning a hole in my purse. They are open late on a Thursday and here is what I got.....

Penny, Tim and Martha! Hopefully I will have something to share made with my new goodies soon.

Gnome Sweet Gnome

2011-09-12T20:33:00.003+01:00

Don't you just love a good pun!

I have inked up my Woodware gnome stamps for the very first time tonight. The reason? Well, this weeks Less is More challenge is 'seeing double' and this little pair immediately sprung to mind. I coloured with Prismacolour pencils 'cos when it's a one layer card my copics/promarkers show on the other side. I also wanted the colours to be bolder than water colours. So the prismas won tonight!

DigiStamp Boutique...new releases

2011-09-11T12:25:00.006+01:00

I have had the most relaxing Sunday morning colouring these images which are part of a new set, released today, over at the DigiStamp Boutique. I have kept the cards clean and simple to show off the images.

Of course, I didn't realise there was rain in the air when I went outside to take my pics. But fear not any little droplets you can see here dried in nicely!

I coloured using my Prismacolour pencils and blending solution and the sentiments are computer generated.

The nativity set is on special offer this month and can be found here.

There is also a new cute Halloween set here, which is also on special offer!

And, don't forget, if you make a card using any of the Boutiques images you can enter the customer competion. All the details about that are here.

Delicious Happy Birthday

2011-09-10T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good Morning Penny Black fans!
It's Saturday and you know what that means.
It's time for another challenge over on The Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

Delicious

Make your creation as yummy as possible!

We have a $20 voucher to give away from our regular sponsor...

Last weeks winners have already been announced over on the Penny Black Challenge blog so hop on over there, it might be you!
While there you will find all the details on how to enter and some delicious inspiration from my team mates.

Celebrate!

2011-09-08T20:21:00.002+01:00

I have developed a real soft spot for TeddyBo and look forward to entering the fortnightly challenge. Can you guess from my card what the challenge might be? Yep, it's 'Say it with Flowers'. I think I have got 'flowers' well and truly covered here!

I coloured my teddy with prisma pencils and the papers are Jillibean Soup.

WoooOoooooOoooo

2011-09-06T17:03:00.002+01:00

Yep, spooky times ahead!

I have used a Penny Black kitty all dressed up for halloween, coloured with copics and cut out. The papers are 'whoo-ligans' (brilliant name) by BoBunny. The webbed ribbon trim is perfect for a spooky card and is available here in seven great colours.

My card is for two challenges...

Delightful...halloween

Papertake...anything goes