Clarky J's Play Space

Try it on Tuesday - Its wild card week!

2012-01-24T11:40:00.002Z

Yay I love wild card weeks - a chance to play with a theme with wild abandon! Our theme this week is "In the Mail". I love love love how inventive my teamies are with these weeks! So here is mine a slide mailer. I once took part in a swap on docrafts for a slidemailer and was told they should be a little like a story - the front cover enticing you in for the main image.

With valentines day coming up I thought love was an easy theme to play with. I have only used up bits on this mailer - so added the corners for extra wow.

I have even added the glass back in and glued it down with glossy accents. papers are by K&Co - image by crafty individuals.

Now there is a big shake up planned at Try it on Tuesday and we need some more fun loving, crafty mad and wonderfully experimental folks to help us with it all - Yep you guessed it we are having a DT call. The challenge is always about having fun and playing about with themes in crafting and our most important criteria is that you love what you do and enjoy creating. Sound like you? Stop by Try it on Tuesday - check out my team mates projects and see what the Dt call is all about - I would love to work with you!!

Have a great Tuesday

Janet

Proud Mummy moment

2012-01-22T20:59:00.002Z

Noticed tonight the band my son plays in has new promotional pictures - How cool do they look!

James is second from the left. Their name is Downtown Social Club.

The new website is almost ready to go live but for now I will share their facebook page here

(Just a tad proud - I guess you can tell!)

Thanks for stopping by xx

Rockin my world this Friday

2012-01-20T11:30:00.002Z

Yay a few moments to blog this Friday morning so I wont hang about just get straight on with it.

Family

So grateful they are not laughing at my attempts to dance on the wii dance games - quite honestly it must be a dreadful sight but they just keep encouraging me on.

had a wonderful sewing day with mum on Tuesday making the bag from the below post. I can sew quite ok really but lack the confidence to do things alone so i was really glad to have her there for back up advice.

Our Amy has been a star doing the dance thing with me - she's quite a mover you know!

Our Megs has had mock exams this week and was a nervous bunny on Wednesday night and Thursday morning - thankfully they are over for this week so today is a much more normal one for her.

Hubby is still off work with depression and related sleep disorder. This week he has been totally without meds being weaned off one before starting another. On Monday I went to his specialist appointment with him where he was told he had to have 4 weeks without meds totally before starting on the new and more radical treatment. Yikes! He has however so far just knuckled down and tried to get on with it. He is much better when I am around and not on a overnight stint at work but sadly those cannot be avoided. On a positive note for him he has 4 weeks longer to enjoy cheese, yoghurt, marmite and all the other foods that will be banned when the new drug is in place.

Work

Had a challenging morning at work yesterday when a young fella whom I can usually jolly along with no problems just refused to do a thing for me - the school bus came at 8-30 and he had not even got in the bath let alone be ready for it so thankfully they agreed to return after they had dropped everyone off. Someone else took over and with lots of cajoling managed to get him sorted. I sat with him whilst he ate breakfast then as he was going out of the door he grabbed hold of my shoulders and gave me a lovely hug and made one of his happy noises into my ear. (he is about 10 inches taller than me!) What a tear jerker. After feeling totally useless he made my heart go all squishy. Who knows what goes through the mind of an autistic young person but I like to think he was saying - I'm still your friend!

Crafting

After the bag day I managed to finish sorting the craft room - well everything is back in there anyhow - still some rejigging to do as I have not the space I wanted on the desk but all in all I am happy to be back in my crafty space once more. I celebrated by making some Nautical atcs for a monthly swap I play along with.

Tomorrow Michelle and I are at the Craft range, Hapton, Burnley for the first time so I am really excited about that. Looking forward to meeting their customers and encouraging them to play.

Other

I am loving my new phone! fab to be able to just check my emails whilst out and about - not yet tried to reply to any of them but I am getting used to it.

Loving the double glazing - our house is sooo quiet and snugly warm.

I am thrilled to have tried on some previously too small trousers today and they fit! the new regime is obviously having some positive effect. I am no longer thinking about chocolate which is good and am automatically reaching for dates or apricots for a sugar rush. So at least I am moving in the right direction.

I think that's about it! The list is much longer than I thought it would be - do stop by The Celtic House for more positivity from my fellow Friday rockettes.

have a great weekend folks

Janet xx

Something completely different

2012-01-19T11:36:00.002Z

I saw a gorgeous bag on a blog last week and have been dying to have a go - the pattern for this particular bag is here and is free if you are using it for your sole use but is available to buy if you would like to make more to sell (I wanted to give as pressies so bought the pattern anyway). The bought pattern also includes a larger version of this sweet little bag which I am sure I will make too. On Tuesday Mum and I had a sewing day together and made one each then I made another 2 on my own it was so easy!

Its such a sweet little bag that hooks over your shoulder and tucks under your arm. This material seems perfect for a little crafter I know and is full of inspirational crafty sayings such as Imagine the possibilities or Heart to hand.

It was a welcome change from the craft room sort out and I feel ahead in the pressie department too.

Do stop by Rae's blog - she has some amazing ideas and wonderful patterns to share if you like a little sewing project now and again xx

Have a wonderful day x

Janet

Giveaways through January

2012-01-18T12:09:00.002Z

My especially gorgeous pal Georgina is having a mass clearout and is sharing with blog land folks. how neat is that?

So here is the first giveaway and to be in with a chance you need to visit here

Did you think I had disappeared???

2012-01-17T09:00:00.002Z

Almost a week since I blogged and longer since I shared with you any crafting. Clearing and putting back the craft room after the double glazing was put in took much longer than I thought!

Still a few things to find homes but at least i managed a little crafting for Try it on Tuesday - which this week is Do you believe in Fairies?

Who could resist this gorgeous tiny fairy by Mo Manning?

I have coloured her with promarkers, added crackle glaze to her wings and then surrounded her with flowers and leaves.

When sorting out the ribbons etc I noticed I have lots of red and green - which I expected because that's what I like on my Christmas cards however it did surprise me how much pink and blue ribbon and flowers I have!

The gorgeous flowers are courtesy of one of my crafty buddies Alison who is lucky enough to visit Thailand regularly so buys some gorgeous flowers to bring back. We are like vultures pouncing on her to see what goodies she has found.

Whilst tidying my stash I came across the wicker wreath, bought in winter 2010, so that seemed like a perfect base for the flowers and fairy - a touch of Timmie with the ticket and I quite like the outcome. Shame as ever I took pictures late last night so they are not the best light wise but I hope you get the picture!

As its an anything goes week - as long as your project includes a fairy its eligible for this weeks challenge - do stop by and see what my team mates have been up to too here

Broken phone and a bump............

2012-01-11T22:34:00.003Z

Yep thats right my phone will no longer let me make or receive phone calls - time for a new phone dontcha think??? So I rang my network provider (who have always provided just a sim card on my deal) to find out I can actually have this little baby for £1.50 less than I was paying before! how does that all work then???

So as the chap told me it would arrive today by courier I was a little excited. Can you sense a catch??? Well by 5pm it was a no show so I rang again only to be told they were out of stock so delivery would be Monday!

How rude - first to build up my hopes and then not to even tell me they were dashing them again!!! I was not amused.

Then tonight Hubby set off to his Wednesday band practice. He is not a well bunny so really needed the break away from home as he has been going mad. He set off then half an hour later he rings to say he is coming home as someone has bumped into the back of the car at a junction! Poor love was fairly shaken up - even more so as he has had to endure Megsy and I on our new fitness routine - on wii dance. Not a pretty sight I can tell you but at least we are trying to get moving instead of being craft potatoes!

Anyhow he is ok and car will be sorted tomorrow - only damage seems to be to the back bumper and we get a courtesy car whilst its being sorted.

Sorry no interesting pics for you - the craft room is still in disarray - Mum is going through all her stuff before mine goes back in so I am limited for crafting at the moment - however stampin club starts again on Friday and we are in for a cutesy session so no doubt I will get to play a while there xx have missed the fab ladies who come they are a great bunch of gals - Lots to catch up on I am sure.

Hope your week is going well xx

Janet x

Do you like Timmies books???

2012-01-09T13:07:00.003Z

I have one for sale at a well know auction site - the crafty clearout begins and I am being very very ruthless! Want to look - its here

In the few minutes I have had to craft for myself I have.....

2012-01-08T01:04:00.001Z

These cushions arrived as one of my Christmas pressies from an old friend. She had asked me what I would like for Christmas and I had seen these fab cushions in Past Times so I asked for one. Imagine my delight at receiving 5 of the most gorgeous cushions! These look stunning in my sitting room and will look even more amazing if it ever gets decorated!

So my new year atcs to send to crafting pals have carried on this patriotic theme using some amazing stamps by Kanban, distress inks and promarkers.

Poor lighting again - so sorry

and here it is. I have made quite a few so far and plan to do a good few more too especially for those who missed out on Christmas cards from me.

I love the stamps and am thrilled to see a number of the stamp company bringing out the patriotic themed ranges - perfect to lift our spirits in the recession.

Now does any of the stamp companies out there want to chat to me about making a button back stamp???

I would love one with British buttons on it in the style of an old fashion button card - if you have seen one do let me know.

Happy Sunday folks xx

Hello folks - here is my news!

2012-01-06T21:30:00.004Z

Michelle and I formed Lovin' Ink almost 2 years ago. Our overall aim was to get out "there" encouraging folks to experiment and play with their crafting tools and products and get the most out of them.

Our plan for the first year was to get our retreats working well. We love coming together with folks who love to craft and spending a whole weekend at play is what we love to do so we wanted to share and make new friends. The retreats have been really successful - the do it yourself ones as well as the workshop based ones. Our workshop based retreats are full of experimentation with a theme which we have loved putting together.

The March retreat is now full and provisional bookings are being made for the September retreat.

So phase one - box ticked.

Next was to run a few workshops and a regular stamping club to encourage folks to experiment and play with their stamps. Both Michelle and I have a passion for stamps of all kinds and both have our favourite and very different tastes in brands and what we like to do with them.

We even have different tastes in inks we like to stamp with mostly because our early crafting experiences have been so vastly different but it still does not stop us sharing what we love most and that's crafting in all its forms.

In 2010 we were approached by the local day services to provide a card making class for adults with learning disabilities. Despite many hurdles we managed to do this and have so enjoyed seeing those adults gain pleasure and confidence from their achievements. Our dream for this group was for it to be in the community alongside other crafters and in July 2011 this also became a reality. Now our adults travel to our stamping club and join in the projects alongside our regular stampers. Their delight and pride in their achievements is wonderful to see and our ladies who come along to this group so enjoy seeing and being part of their crafting journey.

So fortnightly stamping and the day services group have joined together and are now a regular group of 14 people crafting once a fortnight.

Another box ticked.

Michelle and I have been so proud to pull these things together and have a planned next stage for 2012 which is :-

Once a month workshops at Samuel Taylors at Embsay Mills

and also at The Craft range at Hapton, Burnley .

Both these shops have very much played a part in our love of craft and to be asked to join their team of tutors is a great honour.

All the classes will be based around a love of stamping, moving from one stage to the next for both the new and experienced crafter. The classes at each venue will be different although similar as they are based around each shops stock which is very very different in style.

Each session will build on skills, encouraging experimentation and even mistakes so participants can learn to work around those happy accidents and enjoy the whole experience as well as make gorgeous cards and a small gift. The classes will be progressive aimed at building confidence in your knowledge of products but can also be a stand alone experience.

To aid learning and provide recap when you are at home you will be given a technique book to bring along to each session - you will build your own reference tool, with this book, for use in the class and out of it - a great way to record what you like and have enjoyed and make step by step instructions for it.

Our first session at each shop will be a craft clinic

Bring along things you are unsure how to use, bought but cant remember why or just come along and ask us questions. You will see us playing all day!

The session at Samuel Taylors in Embsay is Saturday 7th January 10-4

The session at Craft Range, Hapton, Burnley is January 21st 10-4

Samples for the first workshops will be at each of these venues on the day to view.

All bookings will be taken through each individual shop and a list of workshops will be available there too as well as our Lovin Ink blog.

So you can see why I have been very excited and also why I have not been around very much - lots of plans to arrange and samples being made.

Hope you can join us for inky fun!

Janet x

Try it on Tuesday

2012-01-03T09:00:00.001Z

Sorry awful pics again! Was late last night finishing the card so the light is abysmal!

Try it on Tuesday is back to making cards week with the stipulation that we do all the work ourselves so no designer papers, no bought embelishments just your own handiwork!

My craft room is in total disarray. on Thursday and Friday we are having double glazing put in and the following Monday is Mums house which is where the craft room is. being such a tiny room crammed with so much stash it really needs to be mostly emptied so i have been slowly packing up my stuff ready for the move into James' room once he is back at Uni.

I am therefore limited as to whats at hand and have reverted back to the Tim Holtz collection of stamps to help me out!

Adirondack inks - a little versafine too and to lift the card a wax seal of Heart, Home and Hearth.

I want this to be my brothers card but cannot locate my birthday stamps at the moment - hopefully i can add to it by the 19th!!

Do stop by and check out TIOT where we have a fab sponsor as well as wonderful DT samples to inspire you xx

happy Tuesday x

Birthdays and bargains

2012-01-02T16:56:00.002Z

Today its James, my middle sons birthday. As a small child he found it difficult to wait all year for his 2 best days to happen within 8 days of each other - even though I am past wanting to do anything special I always try to make the effort for him.

This cake stand was a bargain at Tesco in the sale - I've always loved cake stands - I think they make them look so classy and proud!

So lots of brownie mixture, cut into squares and piled up together with his fav fruit of blueberries and grapes - just not sure where to put the candles!!!

Hope you have had a wonderful bank holiday. I had a facebook conversation with a very old friend last night which has already made my year so I am very easily pleased.

We are having an Indian takeaway tonight which James loves - not a great start to the calorie reducing programme but he will only be 22 once!

Happy Birthday Son x

New year New atc challenge!

2012-01-01T12:00:00.000Z

This months challenge at The stamp mans atcs is recycled - perfect for after Christmas packaging I thought! First off i have some off cuts of mountboard from a picture framers - you can tell they are from cutting out the pictures mounts as they are all exactly the same size! My next bit of recycling is the gold card - this was from the inside of a cracker box - you know the bit where the crackers all lay together? so that was squirrelled away quickly! the third bit is the ribbon. I got a lovely new cardigan for Christmas with annoyingly long ribbon bits inside which were quickly snipped off to use here!

So the first 2 atcs I have gone for an Eygptian look using gold embossing powder in 5 layers to make a perfect surface to stamp into. I used some mica powder to highlight the impression and on the 2nd atc a few black nailheads.

For the third atc I have used Tim Holtz stamps in exactly the same way - I think this one is my favourite although the same materials have been used on all 3!

Here they are all together.

Fancy making some atcs to swap? find out all the details here

The stamp Man Annual Award for your best craft project of 2011

2011-12-30T12:00:00.000Z

So here we are at the end of 2011 - where did that year go???

The Stamp Man has done an annual award for the last 2 years and along with the site revamp so has the award been revamped.- love that picture of Jill and Ian!

So stop by the Stamp Man and find out all about it here

I have chosen a recent atc from the November swap. I loved making this atc and how it turned out was just as I imagined when I began it!

It also sees me using chipped sapphire distress ink - a year ago it was unused in my stash however after Jill sent me a Christmas card last year with lots of it on I fell in love with the way it makes such a fabulous dawn or dusk colour.

So what's your favourite project of 2011? I would love to see it xx

Rockin my world Last one for 2011

2011-12-30T10:43:00.000Z

So here we are at the last Friday for 2011 - I just had to find the time to post for this one!

2011 has passed by in a flash - to be honest the years since the millennium have flown by I must be getting old!

Anyway I thought instead of concentrating on the last week - i would pick my big grateful s for the whole year! Its an epic post so you may want to pause now and get a cuppa!

First up predictably are my Family - they pick me up when I'm feeling down and give me so much love and 2011 has been full of it. xx

Little things from this week have been my son James - helping out around the house - don't you just know they have grown so much when they do that without being asked.

Hubby who finally added the doors to our freecycle wardrobe yesterday whilst I was at work - I was so ridiculously happy I can't tell you!

My daughter Meghan for listening to my chocolate craving whinges and providing me with an alternative sugar fix everytime xx

Tom - ahh my eldest who went through a phase in his teens where he was totally embarrassed by any kind of physical contact - now gives spontaneous and filled with love hugs - each one makes me feel gooey inside!

My Sis Amy who let me borrow her favourite mug for a cup of tea - as long as I didn't take it home LOL!(sisterly teasing goes on a lot with our Amy)

and finally Mum - who made the best millionaires shortbread for my hubby for Christmas - he has loved it standing for long is s difficult for Mum these days so being prepared to do that for Tim has really meant a lot!

Next has to be my friends

So in no particular order

Michelle - love love love my gift which you can find here and for everything else huge hugs xx

Barbara and Debbie- you are so thoughtful! thank you for your support and encouragement over the last year - your gifts for Christmas just showed what a special pair you are - love love love the book and have read it already!

Jae - well what can I say - your support means the world to me - I hope 2012 is YOUR year.

The Claxby Gals - Loved spending time with you again this year - I love the special friendship we have and how it develops deeper each time we meet - I hope 2012 continues to see us get closer and closer xx

My email buds - I have a few email pals - I suppose a little like penpals but special mentions for Susie and Linda - I am not the best at replying and I know its my turn now but I really love getting your chatty emails - most of all I love it that you care xxx

Liz - now how to describe the love you send my way - honestly it can't be summed up into words. Hugs wing their way to me the minute I feel low - how do you do that my witchy friend? the last weeks have not been easy for either of us but I am blessed to have had you by my side even though you are all those miles away xxx

My crafty chums - Thank you so much for all your wonderful support and encouragement over the last 12 months - Michelle and I are so grateful and have loved watching you all gain confidence and skills. Looking forward to seeing it develop further this year too xx

Onto work which for data protection must be brief and non personal - Its been a little rollercoasterish this year with comings and goings that have been momentous. I have just had 2 shifts that remind me why I love work so much which is a fitting end to the year me thinks. The young people I work with all have learning difficulties, behavioural issues and may need lots of specialist help just to live each day. Many people feel sorry for these children and indeed life is not plain sailing by any stretch of the imagination. Simple things can mean so much though - the way you speak their name, the way you read a book, the choices you support them to make - even little ones like which top to wear.

I sat reading a book yesterday to a young fella who is Autistic - a big strapping 17 year old with some seriously challenging behaviour.- he has a new silly rhymes book which was a Christmas gift which I read to him a few times yesterday. We laughed and giggled at the rhymes and he had some real belly laughs.

It was at that moment all the trials and annoying things that have happened at work melted away as no longer anything to worry about - thats why I love what I do - for those precious moments that make such a difference. I could go on and on giving you examples of this - a little moment in my day that makes it special - I hope it makes sense to you because it makes a world of difference to me.

and finally my free time

I am lucky to have free time - mainly its because I am not a domestic goddess - the housework can always wait that bit longer! But I am gradually filling the free time with crafty things.

Our (Lovin Ink) retreats and stamping classes have gone really well this year and 2012 is looking even more promising with new opportunities opening up at some of our favourite venues. I will tell you more about that next week. The excitement is building however and will mean I have less to blog as my time gets taken up with making samples and getting ready for classes. I will have a tight schedule which may mean longer absences from my blogs or spurts of posts then non for a while.

This development to my crafting has been part of a long term plan Michelle and I have had for Lovin ink. Life has meant the pace of the plan has been slower but its coming to life and feels very very exciting.

I have every person to thank who has attended our retreats and classes for the support and encouragement Lovin ink has received. We love what we do and are so glad you do too.

So my final grateful is for new opportunities!

Cor are you still with me??

Well done - Thats my long post done for 2011.

Hope you have much to look forward to in 2012 and that love and laughter fill your days as well as much creating of course!

Craft retreat madness

2011-12-28T01:19:00.000Z

Our craft retreats are so much fun but we do get a little giddy at times.

This was a moment of madness - or rather about 20 minutes of sheer belly laughing at the July retreat where we decided to have a go for the number 1 slot this Christmas.

After a lot of giggling and some serious editing here is our crafty version of the 12 days of Christmas.

Some well known designers in the song so make sure you follow it right to the end.

Credit for the lyrics go to Michelle Marshall, Georgina Ellis, Kate Hancock as well as myself.

Huge thanks to Alan Marshall for some excellent editing

Excellent vocals from the Thursday night crafters of Skipton!

Try it on Tuesday Alter it week

2011-12-27T09:00:00.000Z

Christmas wrapping comes with some fab ways to recycle packaging so its of more use. My kids know me so well they actually save stuff like this to give me - which is exactly what my son said when he opened this box of socks!

Socks are compulsory for Christmas - everyone got some except me!

So I decided to upcycle it into a box for my daughters pencils and pens that she uses for her sketching.

So some pretty papers and co-ordinating stickers from an old Stampin Up set were perfect for the job! I chose these as the box has turquoise inside which goes really well with these papers.

Even a little window to see the pens through!

and I decided to line the inside too!

Now the box is more suited to being a pencil box don't you think?

Whats more I have 2 others waiting for inspiration too :0)

Stop by Try it on Tuesday where we are sponsored by The Craft Barn too!

Get rummaging in your rubbish to see what you can transform into treasure!

Had a few exciting things happen from blog land the last 2 weeks

2011-12-21T19:04:00.003Z

How exciting to be featured on the little red wagon blog

with this creation here

and I was delighted to be randomly chosen as the winner at the craft room challenge here winning £10 to spend at the Craft Room shop which I did with no bother!

Here is my creation for that challenge too

huge thanks to both Challenges

Janet x

2011-12-19T21:42:00.002Z

Had to pick up James from Uni this weekend so as I had got a great hotel deal we headed off to the big smoke.

James suggested a trip to Covent Garden to soak up some Christmas spirit - Look at the size of those baubles!

Of course there is always good street entertainment in Covent Garden too and this musician was certainly a good one!

As you can see even though it was early evening there were still lots of folks about.

and this is the stunning tree!

Our faithful tour guides James and Christi

Who took us on a wander down the strand where this fabulous theatre is tucked away!

We had a wonderful meal then returned back to the hotel after a wander along the Thames which is spectacular in the dark!

Come on even in the sale you don't think I would be staying at the Savoy without a lottery win do you?? I have to say the travel lodge did us just fine, comfy bed, warm and clean it was a bargain at £12 a night!
Now all my chicks are back in the nest for the holidays - the washing mountain has appeared again but this Momma is a happy one :0)

Something non Christmassy for a change

2011-12-17T20:40:00.003Z

Sal at work is leaving us - I am particularly sad about this as she is a total breath of fresh air. She is always cheerful, a children's advocate , honestly I think she is sooo good at her job. So I needed to make her a card - her next job is as a Social Worker so I thought this was a fab image to use.

Sorry the light has been abysmal here today. Cardstock is Bazzil, papers by Stella Rose - Loved them as soon as I saw them and they seem to team up well with everything else.

Had to make a box to go with it as the roses won't fit in an envelope. Saw this ex class stamp at Embsay today and so as I thought it said what I wanted I stamped a few and added one to the box. So there it is and on 31st December Sal leaves us for her next challenge. I hope she continues to work with the passion I have seen over the last 8 years if so the nations vulnerable children will have one helluva champion for their rights xx

Try it on Tuesday and some pressies

2011-12-14T10:27:00.002Z

I know its Wednesday but Hubby and I snuck away overnight on Monday for a little trip up north to Dumfries to see our lovely friends Janet and Chris - so here I am late again!

Tags over on the TIOT challenge so here is mine - Clover and watermelon adirondack inks and a little faux bleach with water - overstamped with a paperartsy sprig stamp and then a blonde moments bauble embossed and added. Some gold backing paper and a huge ribbon and its done. Do stop by the challenge blog here to see my team mates work.

Here is a couple of pressies I can share with you following a pattern by Joanne Wardle here

I just missed out the pocket and added some crochet flowers - thanks Mum!

I think these are fab for token gifts - just beware I got my bottles from the £1 shop - I bought these 2 then a few weeks later bought another 2 and the second 2 are fatter and a little larger than these so I need to make some pattern adjustments - shame I had already made the covers! now I need to do some speed knitting to get them finished!

Another card from Claxby

2011-12-08T11:37:00.002Z

Had a play with some stamps I got in the sale last year whilst at Claxby - along with my distress inks and Barbara's gorgeous dies this little piece came together. Its not quite what I imagined when I began but there again not many things turn out the way you expect do they?

Its a very wild and windy day here in Skipton. the back yard is flooded and I am hoping it wont creep under the door. I wonder if the roof ridge tiles are holding or if the loft is leaking???? argghh best go check....

stay safe, dry and warm wherever you are today xx

Janet

These 3 designs......

2011-12-06T17:16:00.003Z

Are based on some by Barbara Hancock one of our lovely hosts at Claxby Retreat. I love the gorgeous ruffle binding and lace by stampin up - stamps also by stampin up and the punch too - gorgeous marianne creatable design leaves and a lush rose - thanks Ali x
Here it is with a touch of red and a button instead of the rose.
I also loved this die which Barbara had used to make a similar card - my twist is the fir cone backing papers, stamped image cut out and lace bow. I must get me some more dies - Santa can you hear me...............?

My Try it on Tuesday entry is over at my Christmas blog where this week the challenge is all about the big guy do hop on over for a peep here

More projects from Claxby retreat

2011-12-04T17:53:00.003Z

Initially Michelle and I were going to give a candle making tutorial however with lots of factors against it that didn't happen so I took along some candle tealights to do a tiny tutorial on making a tealight card. Once the basics have been done everyone set about decorating their own so here is my version.
Love love love that snowflake die from spellbinders but its a devil to release from the die - would love any tips you may have! Borrowed Joannes inverted corner punch from woodware (thanks hun)- I must get me one of these!

This is the inside - rather blurry but lush papers - not sure of the make but double sided for twice the luxury!
Here is the front of another one I made too - Gorgeous Reindeer designed by Mr Holtz!

Hope your weekend has been good - I've been at work for most of it but took the kids , from work, to see Santa today and do their Christmas shopping so its been a rather festive shift!

Keep warm folks and thanks for stopping by xx

Janet

So what Rocks my world this first Friday in December???

2011-12-02T21:39:00.003Z

Been AWOL again from the Friday rockin posts but Friday does tend to be a bad day for me time wise - I really should be a little more organised and prepare the post in advance!

So things to be thankful for

The wonderful retreat last weekend - as always spending time with those friends is very special and makes my world brighter for it.

My Family for allowing me the indulgence of Me time - I think they know just how much it means to my mental wellbeing to have that time to relax and craft - goodness knows what I was like 7 years ago before I found papercrafting!

My Mum for looking after Tim and Megs for me ensuring they did not live on eggs for the whole weekend (both love them!)

Michelle for taking me and bringing me back safe - not moaning about my snoring and letting me borrow all the bits and pieces I had forgotten to take with me!

The Craft club ladies - what a hoot we had last night at our Christmas social evening - lots of yummy food and a fabulous rendition of the 12 days of Christmas crafting style - they are such a game bunch of ladies. Michelle recorded it so hopefully it will be on you tube soon so I will share!

Also to Kate and Georgina for helping write the lyrics - you never know one day it could be a hit!

I am grateful to have got through a whole 3 weeks without chocolate! I have been diagnosed a type 2 diabetic - no surprise really for this rather rotund gal however as a self confessed chocoholic I do know that is where my problem lies and I'm the only one who can change it. I am getting awful sweet cravings which so far I am staving off with dried fruit - yes I know thats not the best food to eat either but it is better than the chocolate. I have to be realistic and take little steps if I am to be successful in keeping the sugars in control. So far so good - I seem to have shed a few pounds too.......

So all in all a lot to clap about

here is Spring and Autumn to complete my Mollies four seasons - which one is which you decide!

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a great weekend x

Janet

From Winter to summer!

2011-12-01T10:39:00.002Z

Here is my summer version of the little frames - It was fun playing with the summer Mollies again and using summery colours. The papers are by K&Co and are lovely muted colours.

Thanks to Joanne for the finishing ribbon touches - I had only taken reds and browns to Claxby so was lacking a little ribbon in the right colour.

Day off today so a few jobs, a little shopping then craft club tonight! We are having a little social time with nibbles as well as our crafting - I think I may take along Mr Buble for company - well its rude not to share him don't you think???

Try it on Tuesday and something else I did at the weekend

2011-11-30T18:42:00.002Z

Remembered that I did alter a tin after all this weekend! a cyber buddy sent me stuff in this tin which was a mini drinks tin. I decided I would alter/ decorate it and send it back full of chocs as a thank you so here it is.
and a side view where you can see the lush garden string from poundland - its getting everywhere this year!

So do stop by Try it on Tuesday where tins are being altered and displayed proudly but my teamies xx

Back to it but here is a little something I made

2011-11-29T11:22:00.003Z

What I love about the craft retreats is I get to play making things for no particular reason at all - just because I want to! Here is the start of something I have had in my head for a while.
This is part one of my 4 seasons of Molly and George! - quite obviously this is the winter scene. This little wooden frames are available at any stores who do altered stuff - the aperture is 11cm square and is perfect for creating little scenes.

Images are of course Molly Blooms

Coloured with promarkers

Papers are by SEI and are from last year

I had such fun making these and of course have also made Spring, Autumn and Summer too which I will share with you later this week.

Today I should have been showing an altered bean can for the Try it on Tuesday challenge - however I forgot to take one with me to alter and am back to work today!

Do stop by the challenge though as my team mates have ever come up with some stunning designs to inspire you!

Getting ready for the weekend

2011-11-24T11:49:00.002Z

Its the annual Christmas Claxby retreat this weekend and I am so excited to be seeing my gorgeous crafty chums again. I am lucky to have some of the best folks ever in my life and some of them will be at the weekend for full on Christmas crafting and celebrations. I have heaps of projects in mind to do - there may not be enough hours to actually do them all! I will be making more of these thats for sure.
I have done a full write up on my Christmas blog here so if you want to know more then do stop by. So I will hopefully have much more to share next week but just a warning - it will all be Christmas!!

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by x

Janet

Check this out - a free tutorial

2011-11-23T00:57:00.001Z

Here is a sample of what we get up to in our stamping classes stop by the Lovininkshop for some inspiring ideas

Lovin Ink

Try it on Tuesday - Honey I shrunk the plastic!

2011-11-22T10:39:00.001Z

Is the theme over at Try it on Tuesday - I have of course added a write up on my christmas blog so stop by here for more info xx

Candy time

2011-11-17T16:02:00.003Z

Over on my Christmas blog to celebrate 100 followers

If you fancy it please stop by here

Finishing off

2011-11-16T11:16:00.003Z

I have got around to finally finishing off a few little projects that have been in my head a while. I plan to make more of these at The Claxby weekend 25th - 28th November. I think they make gorgeous stocking filler or token gifts.
Its a tealight card. the papers are from my sale stash from last January and I have been itching to use some new papers for a while so perfect excuse. Of course the snowman is a TH sissix die and the tag behind is one of the atc embossing folders. All teamed with my favourite brushed corderoy distress ink.
And the tealights were a bargain at Lidl - 24 for £1.99 - they are vanilla fragranced and really smell gorgeous. This was such fun. I followed the instructions from Februarys crafts stamper issue - Debbie Dolphins mens gift but i am sure you can also find these around on the net x

This also fits with the Truly scrumptious last challenge for 2011 which is pearls and or vintage Christmas

Back to work today but after tomorrow I have 4 very precious days off - I can't wait!

Happy Wednesday folks x

Janet

Try it on Tuesday - wish you were here.....

2011-11-15T10:07:00.004Z

Its week 3 over at Try it on Tuesday so we can make any project for the theme of Wish you were here......

This is perfect in holiday season - the summer - so I wondered what on earth I would come up with. When tidying my desk yesterday I came across these craftwork cards lady images and matching papers - perfect I thought for a lady wishing her love was with her in Paris.
So touch of distress, a sprinkling of Mr Holtz, a pearl or two and a gorgeous rose and here it is.

Do check out the Try it on Tuesday blog where my team mates have come up with some fabulous interpretations of the theme.

This also fits the theme at simon says stamp and show which is Women only

The Craft room challenge is travel/ postcards and at fashionable stamping the theme is times gone by

Have a great day x

Janet

Struggling a bit........

2011-11-10T21:44:00.002Z

with the old MoJo. Not been feeling myself for a while now so am waiting for some test results to come back and I think its sapped me of creativity! Still when I force myself to create I seem to manage something at least and this is this weeks offering. Over on Docrafts we have a monthly friendship swap where we exchange atcs with a partner. This is mine for November. I have used a new stamp set I bought from Running with scissors which I think is by prima. The friendship quote is from ebay years ago and I love my corrugated card at the moment! I hope my partner maria likes it x

Hope your creativity is flowing so much easier than mine x

Janet

Poppy day prize candy winner

2011-11-07T10:38:00.002Z

Hi folks sorry I am late with this post - its been a helluva week work wise which has left no time for me to even add ink to a stamp in my free time! so after adding the names to a hat (ok more like a plastic bowl) last night, my hubby has drawn out.................

Susie J

well done Susie - hope you like the prize.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed - I do wish there was more to give away but I know we are lucky to have this!

Drop me an email Susie with your addy and it will be in the post asap xx

The stamp man swaps - Fireworks

2011-11-01T12:12:00.003Z

Well this was a challenge! However once I began I really enjoyed it and am pleased with the results. Firstly I punched a circle and used it as a mask whilst I brushed on chipped sapphire distress ink. Smooched a little over the moon to give a hazy look the dried if off with the heat gun. Next I stamped the trees using the Christmas tree from the Stamper anonymous stamp set Just believe and embossed them in midnight teal embossing powder. This has a really lush shine - so I did the edges too! I created the fireworks from tiny dots of sakura pens - lots of colours overlapping each other - I did the same on the moon one too - look how different it actually looks! So there we have it -I am excited about creating more now!

All products are available at the stamp man - do stop by the atc blog as my matey Angela has some stunners on show too.

For my Try it on Tuesday project stop by here

Poppy appeal update

2011-10-29T10:56:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks

Been away for the week in sunny Skegness and yes the sun did shine! Whilst away Tim found out the grand total of the proms night for the Poppy Appeal. Drum roll please................

The whole concert and card making sales made £1,100 which is rather splendid. There have been many emails to Tim about the concert, excellent feedback from those who attended and much admiration for the gorgeous cards you produced to sell. There are a few left which will now go on sale at the Skipton Royal British Legion HQ. The website is here where you can view pictures of the concert too.

The magazine prize arrived today too so if you sent me cards then please email me at clarkyj44@gmail.com to be entered in the draw to win them - the draw will take place next Saturday the 5th November.

Once again huge thanks for all your support for such a worthy cause.

Try it on Tuesday - fabric fun and alter it week

2011-10-25T02:28:00.002+01:00

Been dying to show you this baby! I saw the pattern in simply homemades 1st issue and just knew I would have to have a go. So when Angela chose Fabric fun as this weeks theme - perfect opportunity!
This used to be a pair of my sons jeans - which were split at the crotch rather irreparably but perfect to try this out. A great alter it project!
The other material is 2 fat quarters I just had around the house.
so here it is a jeans bag. Now if I were making this again I would make some modifications to the instructions but I am actually thrilled at how its worked out.

Now this post is scheduled but I have seen some of my team mates work already which is pretty awesome but check out our 8 year old guest designer - wow she is a seriously talented crafter. Stop by Try it on Tuesday and have a look!

Have a great day x

Janet

Today is the day

2011-10-22T13:06:00.005+01:00

Of the last night of the proms concert. Tim has been a little disappointed about the ticket sales however there has been a last flurry of phone calls to buy them on the night. So 100 ish folks are going to have a brilliant night here in Skipton.
Meghan and I have been to the hall to set up the cards and other poppy things you have all made - don't they look splendid?
Can you spot your work anywhere?

Meghan also had a final run through her playing to make sure the powerpoint presentation worked with the timing of the piece. This is a gorgeous piano which Meghan is lucky enough to play on at Skipton music festival too - the sound is wonderful and with her slide show going on in the background its beautiful (only slight bias!)
I am one very proud Momma I can tell you. So the bunting will be up later this afternoon - the flags flying and the enthusiasm raring to go. Its going to be a helluva night!

Have a great Saturday folks and THANK YOU ALL who helped towards this wonderful occasion.

I am so thrilled!

2011-10-21T08:44:00.001+01:00

To be given this Gingergem for this piece

It was such fun to make to get the award just tops it off!

Huge thanks to Gingersnap Creations!

Rockin my world this Friday

2011-10-21T02:50:00.001+01:00

Yay this week I feel I need to be thankful. I have had a few weeks of feeling decidedly fed up with myself. A lack of MoJo has not helped - moral at work is low with cutbacks at every turn so I have not felt very thankful which is so wrong.

So here I am celebrating the many good things in my life.

My family as always make my life so good. Nothing imparticular to report - just I love them lots and lots.

The sky was blue yesterday - that has set the tone for my day too with a real feeling good to be alive vibe running through the whole day.

I had lunch with a very dear friend at a wonderful tea shop (see below)

I listened to my best of M people cd in the car - wow had forgotten how gorgeous Heather Small actually sounds!

I visited Kanban who gave me a donated cardmaking box for a charity day i am helping with on 26th November (for those going on the Claxby weekend dont panic I am organising then leaving Mum and Kerry in charge!)

I have had 2 whole days off work which has been very good.

I got some Christmas presents sorted this week - i am quite a way towards it which always helps me feel good.

The house has been cleaned - still cluttered but its clean!

I have a holiday to look forward to next week.

I have some amazing friends xx

My follow list has gone up over the last week or two so thanks to all who visit me here.

I have stamping club today so stamping with wonderful people is a definite thankful!

and my last huge thankful goes to Virginia at the Celtic house - being thankful has become an everyday part of my life, which is very good for the soul, since I joined her Rocker and Rockettes. So huge thanks for giving me the focus of positives to work on.

go on join in the Friday - it can make a difference to you too xx

So Lunch out.....

2011-10-20T16:35:00.003+01:00

Was here. Interlude in Shipley. I so wish I had taken my camera to share this delightful tea shop with you. Set in the 1920's the shop is stuffed with ephemera from that era. Each table has different things on it - The one Jae and I sat on had Settle-Carlisle railway at my side and the Cottingly Fairies at hers. I had tea from a china pot with a delightfully hand knitted and crochet tea cosy - my sumptuous scone was served on a sweet little individual cake stand I loved it! Honestly I cannot describe how quaint and truly lovely it is there.

The picture is taken from the article in a local paper - this is the owner who today was dressed in the most wonderful flapper type dress in a coral colour wearing a mop cap and making her own marmalade for Christmas customers.

The service is perfection, the food amazing and the atmosphere positively delightful. I wonder if Tim Holtz will come over and come to afternoon tea with me - it certainly would inspire his creativity I am positive about that! So Tim if you fancy a trip to Yorkshire tea will be on me and it will be very very English :0)

Janet xx

Back at last

2011-10-20T14:29:00.002+01:00

Seems my stamping abilities have returned along with a huge dose of mojo. Had a card to make for Jae so I went all vintage. See the post above to see where the vintage idea came from! This is a gorgeous stamp by Stampsmith and so easy to make into a card. I found a vellum pocket with a great friend verse in amongst my stash which also was perfect. Papers are by my minds eye, the lush little rose I bought from Alison - thanks chuck xx
Here it is as a whole - a little distressing and brushed corderoy ink, a scattering of pearls and pins and its done. I did decorate the inside too but forgot to take pics!

This is the verse in the pocket x

Am thrilled to have some excitement to craft again - I feel bereft without my mojo. Back just in time too with stamping club tomorrow!

Hope your day is wonderful and you are keeping warm xx Janet

My final Halloween thing I think

2011-10-20T06:44:00.001+01:00

This time an altered tin for our Becky Boo Matthews little sister, my Niece. using the same reminisce papers as before.
All the edges have been distressed before layering and the fabulous Tim holtz witch die cut as the main feature.
except I think for our Becks this might be the main feature - the contents.

Halloween has been such fun and has helped me recapture my MoJo so I love it!

Off out to lunch with Jae today whose birthday it is on Saturday - I am hoping for exciting news from her so fingers crossed xx

Itchin' to show you

2011-10-19T13:12:00.004+01:00

my project for a DT project next week so please forgive me adding a sneaky peek here.

Its not been a good weekend/ start to the week at Clarky land however today the sun is shining and I have accomplished something other than Halloween! I have been dying to try out some of the projects from Simply Homemade Magazine. I have recently subscribed to it as I keep missing issues but this is actually something from issue 1. If you have seen the mag you may guess from my sneaky peek. Mums away this week so I have ventured alone to tackle the sewing machine, broken 2 needles (denim can be very thick) but I managed without too much disaster.

Right off to take our Amy to the docs - she woke up with conjunctivitis this morning and as Mums away its my job to get it sorted.

Hope your day is as bright as mine today - I feel glad to be alive!

Still playing with Halloween

2011-10-17T15:56:00.002+01:00

Thought I would use up a few bits making a Halloween sweetie bottle. The bottle once had prima flowers in it now its home to green and white jelly beans. A few bits of left over paper, some twine and a charm and hopefully it looks suitably halloween like for my nephew and trick or treating.

Hope you are having a great day x

More Halloween

2011-10-14T10:12:00.002+01:00

This is the cute Halloween picture I found in my craft room on Wednesday which led to the whole creative evening.

Gate fold card using Reminisce papers as in the previous post.Inside the card.......

Is the cute image with faux stitching detail and a sweet little pumpkin charm.
That sweet magnolia greeting
and I love that bat paper!. I added glossy accents to the cats mask which just accents the detail.

This is for my niece and nephew who love the whole Halloween thing. I am really grateful that I managed to do it!

Got my lovely pal Kerry coming for lunch today - she has a big birthday this weekend so Mum and I plan on making it a little special x

Have a great day x

Janet

Is it returning?

2011-10-13T11:02:00.004+01:00

After a truly awful day (the less said the better) I found solace in a bar of galaxy then made myself go sit in the craft room to see if anything would happen. I came across an image I had coloured last year and not used for Halloween so that set me off.
The gorgeous papers my Teamie at SMC and TIOT ,Angela, had given me and believe they may be a few years old by Reminisce . There was also a sticker sheet to go with it so I began to think I may be able to make something after all.
This tiny tray once housed some crafty bits or other and was helpfully painted a dark grey so I jazzed it up with a mixture of the papers, stickers and charms then turned it into a wall hanging.

I also made a card which I will show you another time but I was shocked to realise I was in the craft room for 2 and 3/4 hours. It felt very good to be back in there. I think Mr MoJo may be creeping back ever so slowly but I am so glad he is. I shall feel better when I am back stamping again. Only one stamp on here and that's the little verse which is by magnolia.

Over at Simon says stamp the theme is Halloween/ Goth so I think this fits the challenge well x

Over at Stampin' Royalty its a colour picture inspiration so I hope it goes with that too.

I also saw that paper pretties had Halloween as an inspiration for projects so I am entering there as well.

Peace and tranquillity

2011-10-11T10:48:00.003+01:00

Over at Try it on Tuesday the theme is peace and tranquillity. It is also TAG week.

With my MoJo still in hiding *sighs exasperatedly* I have gone for a simple layered look.

The stamp is by stampin up and is coloured with promarkers. the papers are left overs from Megs project last week and are by Stella Rose.

Do stop by and see my team mates tags - gorgeous work everyone x

Try it on Tuesday

New website

2011-10-08T12:11:00.002+01:00

The Stamp Man have launched a brand new website - still under construction you can find it here so you can save it to your favourites.

Find it Here

I know - nothing for almost a week and then 3 at once - just like the buses!

2011-10-07T21:53:00.005+01:00

This is a quicky

As its so long since I played its been eating away that I need to say thanks so if only to stop the nagging in my head here goes!

I am so thankful for my little family. DS1 &2 are back into Uni life with hardly a thought to spare in their busy lives - that is so how it should be. When they are busy with friends, with work, with life - it means they are happy and to this old Mum that is enough! I am a useful mine of info at 10am (when Ive been on nights) and DS1 needs to know will his trainers stand going in the drier - errr no love they won't. Or at 12-30am when DS 2 is doing a load of washing as he needs his shirt for a gig tomorrow - its got a stain on it mum what can I use to get it off? err at 12-30am try washing up liquid son??? Do I ever complain? No I feel glad to still be needed even if its only for washing advice LOL.

Our Megsy turned 16 yesterday - how on earth did I became old enough to be Mom to a 24 year old, a 21 year old and a 16 year old I will never know cos I still feel 18 but with a 45 year olds knowledge of life! She had a happy day and you get the picture a happy kid = a happy Mom.

I am happy to have got the bedroom cleaning out of the way

To have tackled the ironing

Be half way through my Christmas cake mountain of makes (6)

(I am less happy with the lack of MoJo it has to be said which led to all those things happening!)

I had fun today at stampin club with fun people who make my life brighter just by being themselves. Even if the days entertainment was my atrocious stamping skills!

(No Mojo = rubbish crafting!)
The lovely Pam who made my day by giving me a gorgeous plant - such a sweety thanks love - not sure what I did to deserve it but you made me feel special anyway xxx

Okay I admit its no longer classed a quickie but the end is nigh I promise!

I will end by saying I am grateful for you - yes you who is reading this mindless ramble - you who visit stay a while maybe, sometimes leave me a comment but I know you have been and that you bother to stop by is enough to make me happy.

Thank you!

So I am off to let the Queen of Rockin my world Friday know I have played along - its been so long she may have forgotten who i am

Only Joking Virginia xx

A new challenge at the Paperlane

2011-10-07T21:32:00.004+01:00

And this month its all about Glitz and sparkle.

Perfect to show you what Lovin' Ink have got coming up at our Christmas workshop in November.

Here is a very large Christmas Bauble containing the nativity story Molly Bloom style!

So here we have Shepherd George and Angel Molly - The sparkle is not showing up well in the photo but Molly's wings, halo and star are all stickled!

Here is the reverse side with Naughty George as Joseph and Molly as Mary.

A light dusting of frosted snow and sealed inside the bauble.

With bells and the postmark to finish it off.

Hard to capture the bauble hanging in situ without glare from the plastic but I had lots of compliments at Stamp Club today with a growing list of folks who want to do the class.

With only 10 places available it will soon fill up.

Michelle's sample will be ready shortly to show you that the nativity is not the only scene you may want to make - we have an outdoor snow scene and an indoor fireplace scene which maybe more up your street - all with the adorable Molly and George Stamps. You never know the big man himself may even make an appearance!

So this is my entry to The Paperlane Challenge this month hope its Glitzy and sparkly enough x

It also fits The Papertake Weekly challenge of Anything goes

And simon says stamp which is sparkle and bling

And Bah Humbug which is Glitz and glitter - the snow is full of the stuff!

Happy Friday sweet friends x

Janet

Do you love Candy?

2011-10-07T21:20:00.002+01:00

Now Jill ,AKA Mrs Stamp Man, has had amazing fun making up these old bags - having seen them IRL I can say they are brilliant value and sure to set your creative juices flowing to make amazing art.

Now as they were a limited edition set they have all gone now - except this little baby.

What's more you could be the proud Momma or Daddy of this bag of deliciousness with very little effort and a lot of drooling.

So how can that happen?

Check out Jills fabby Post here to find out.

Enjoy my friends and Good Luck!

I Forgot to tell you was picked a winner!

2011-10-06T14:34:00.000+01:00

Over on the Stampmith Challenge with this card. I am thrilled as I do adore Stampsmith stamps. I get a gift certificate to spend instore - which was so difficult as I loved too many of the stamps. The lovely Estelle has been brilliant and I look forward to making more projects with the gorgeous stamps.

I get to display these in my side bar too!

A fab new challenge began at the weekend so do stop by here and see what its all about.

I get to play more tomorrow with these beauty's at the lovin ink stampin club check out Michelle's samples here.

Well the cakes are in the oven so gorgeous smells will be wafting very soon and I think in the absence of creativity today I may even tackle the ironing!

My Baby has turned 16!

2011-10-06T12:11:00.002+01:00

Yes today is our Megs birthday - sweet 16 - how time does fly. This is her birthday card a little project one of my craft buddies showed us at our last craft club session. On the front is the magnolia horse - our Megs is horse mad - she will be very excited as she is going riding later today.
It opens like a little bag
with lots of folds it looks really complicated but is in fact quite easy.

Opened out fully. the papers came from Running with Scissors in Grimsby. I bought them at our last Claxby retreat. the smaller horse stamps are by inkadinkadoo.

Its been a funny old week - I have been totally devoid of any MoJo which has not been helped by working 2 nights at the beginning of the week. I am so out of doing nights now that doing more than one on its own just saps me of everything. I have also been struggling with a tummy bug so have felt really "off it" with that too.

Last weekend saw Tim and I do some serious cleaning and bedroom sorting which in the heat was not an easy task - its quite rare these days that we are home together to tackle these things and though it was hard work we did have quite a laugh which was just as well given the job in hand. Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday passed me by in a haze of being asleep when everyone is awake and being awake when the world is tucked up in bed and now I have a day off to play and Mr Mojo is nowhere to be seen.

So in the absence of my creativity I think I will make a few Christmas cakes to cheer myself up. the smell is always divine.

Happy Thursday folks Have fun whatever you are up to x

The Quest has been published!

2011-09-30T17:43:00.002+01:00

Many of you have been sending me your gorgeous poppy cards for the launch of the poppy appeal in Skipton at my Hubbys last night of the proms style concert. The 22nd October is getting nearer and nearer and the box I had set aside for the cards is bursting at the seams. Tim and I have been truly touched by your kindness and want each and everyone of you to know how much your cardmaking is appreciated.

So when Card making and Papercraft were looking for stories about how people help the British Legion it seemed the perfect opportunity to say a huge, massive, public Thank you to you all.

So check out page 30 of this new edition of Card making and Papercraft. Your card may be in the picture!

Alter it week on Try it on Tuesday

2011-09-27T09:58:00.003+01:00

This week at Try it on Tuesday as its the last week in the month - we always have altered as our theme sponsored by our good friends at

Who have an amazing selection of alterables to tempt you!

Now I have an affinity with pigs - I love them ,Guinea pigs, farm pigs I just think they are fab. I could think its the rounded shape or the fact they love to trough that makes me bond with them but I am not sure LOL.

Well I have 2 favourite stories from childhood that were pig related My absolute fav was The Peppermint pig by Nina Bawden - I just adored the way the pig captured their hearts at a time when pigs were just a means of food and not in any way a pet.

I struggled with the pint pot bit for this (his first meeting with the family he was popped into a pint pot he was so tiny) hence why I went onto another favourite

Charlottes web.

Now I do know why Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider had such an impact on me - it was the bond of friendship they had which even though it exhausted Charlotte having to take care of Wilbur - she did it anyway - she loved him dearly and he her.

So with my Molly Bloom obsession still in full swing I have recaptured Wilbur and Charlotte onto a cd tin. The farm scene and the pig are both by Molly Blooms (thanks Georgina) the spider is from my stash - a Halloween set I bought from Baker Ross years ago but it wonderful for this time of year!

Kraft card circle and pleated paper around the outside. Ribbons and button also from stash.

My team mates have produced some wonderful pieces this week and we have a fab Guest designer too so do stop by Try it on Tuesday and check them out.

I am also entering this into The paperlane challenge - as its my fourth entry this month I think they will be heartily sick of me however I am trying to get more entries too and hope the talented Barry Phillips has joined in with his gorgeous creation.

It also fits with The Ginger snap creations Red head challenge which is shared moments - Wilbur and Charlotte were full of those x

Don't you just love on line shopping???

2011-09-25T11:58:00.002+01:00

Love jelly beans?

Rhubarb and custard ?

Pear drop pips?

Then look no further My pal Charlie owns a sweet shop in Skipton - very retro sweeties and has just gone on line - what a fab name too 110grams of.....

Do have a nosey and maybe take a stroll down memory lane sucking a pineapple chunk :0)

Stampsmith stamps

2011-09-25T08:02:00.000+01:00

Michelle and I have been dying to bring the delights of stampsmith stamps to our crafting group for some time and next month we get to play with them. They are utterly stunning in detail and def need a brilliant ink pad such as versafine to work with. This was me playing around making a sample for the class.
Look at the detail in the ladies face - I love them - so skills for this session will include ageing, distressing, layering and going the whole vintage hog. Personally I cant wait for the 7th October so we can share with the group x

I am entering this in the fashionable stamping challenge where they want to see vintage projects - perfect me thinks x

hope your weekend is going brilliantly!

Janet

A perfect pear - the Stampman Challenge

2011-09-23T12:00:00.001+01:00

My turn to chose the theme at The Stamp man challenge this week and I have gone for pears/ pairs. The challenge is to include pears or a pair of something. I did this at the retreat last weekend using barn door and peeled paint distress inks and coffee archival ink on both the background and main image.I am really loving Kraft card blanks at the moment and love the colours popping off the card. The sentiment is by hero arts - one you have seen me use many many times a pear-fect finishing touch to the card groan groan!

Do stop by The Stampman challenge where not only do we have a new DT member but some STUNNING samples from the team.

have a great Friday x

A retreat project

2011-09-22T01:00:00.005+01:00

Michelle and I like to have a little challenge for folks at the retreat - a little like an ice breaker, the challenge is usually to alter something. This time it was a piece of hanging fencing which we got from poundland! You can see Michelles version here. As I had Molly and George stamps to hand thats what mine had to be!
I did nothing much to the actual gate except remove the metal embelishments that were fastened to it - a few stamped images, some colouring and cutting out and here it is a picnic in the garden scene. This is my 3rd entry to The paperlane challenge this month and perfect for today as I go to The Craft range to see Clare demo again tonight. Its a craft club outing which we are very excited about! Really looking forward to seeing Clares work again. Whats more there is a pie and pea supper - we crafty gals know how to live it up!

Hope you have an exciting day planned too!

Janet

Happy Birthday Matthew

2011-09-21T10:32:00.004+01:00

Hard to believe my gorgeous and extremely wonderful Nephew is 8 today! Happy birthday Sweetheart.
Here is a close up of the image - I bought this stamp and the accessories just for making this for him. He goes to tennis coaching so I thought it would be fun. papers are some freebies from a magazine and I think are my minds eye and he is coloured with promarkers.

I am back at work tonight after a wonderful week off so we will be seeing Matthew at tea time before I go on the night shift. His birthday treat is to go see the show Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat, a favourite sing a long in the car, its so sweet as my own kids loved Joseph as do I . My eldest was 8 and the youngest was 6 when we went to see it the first time at Blackpool with the wonderful Phillip Schofield as Joseph. We hung around the stage door to get his signature and he was a lovely chap. He complemented the boys on the attire as both were dressed in waistcoats and dicky bows - they were so proud. I am sure Matthew will love it just as much. His pressie is a crafty one. He has been itching to have a go decoupatching dinosaurs so I have 2 for him and the papers etc for him to have a go with.

I am entering this card into the following challenges

Creative Inspirations - lets celebrate and

Cute Card Thursday which is anything goes

Hope you have a wonderful day ahead of you today

Janet x

Try it on Tuesday - Wonderful world by Louis Armstrong

2011-09-20T09:00:00.001+01:00

My first thoughts for this anything goes challenge with a "wonderful world" theme was a nature project - that was until I had a peep at a new born baby over the weekend called George - The Grandson of one of my crafting buddies - in fact one of my oldest crafting buddies, Barbara, this newborn tot was perfect. All curled and furled still in the shape he was in whilst he got ready to see the world. His Mummy looked wonderful and we all marvelled at natures amazing ability to produce such a perfect little human being in such a tiny wee space!

I had made a card just like this one for George - this actual card is for another wonder of nature Dylan - the Grandson of one of my oldest friends who lives in Scotland.

Dylan was born 2 weeks ago and is also a reminder of the wonder of nature. Babies bring lots of love with them and these 2 little fellows have been born to very loving people with very loving families. So this is my Wonderful world project this week. Forever friends bear image - a little nestabilities, distress ink and Sizzix TH alphabet and thats it.

Do stop by the Try it on Tuesday Blog where my team mates share their projects too x

More molly Blooms

2011-09-19T11:27:00.002+01:00

I saw clare making one of these fab little decorations at the demo at the paperlane at the beginning of the month so this last weekend was the perfect time to have a go.

Would you believe its the plastic inner from a ds tape roll. I have adapted mine from Clares design using a scalloped nestie diecut for the back and a plain nestie circle from a designer paper pad. Clare also used acetate and made it into a shaker ornament.
I added snowflakes punched from an old xcut punch and added bling to them. Gave this to my lovely pal Joanne this weekend - a fellow Christmas lover I just knew she would give it a ,loving home xx I do plan to make more so just waiting to use up more ds tape!!!

This still fits The paperlane challenge anything but a card - I do hope I am allowed 2 entries! make that 3 as another comes later in the week........

Totally Amazing Crafters!

2011-09-18T23:07:00.003+01:00

Words cannot describe this amazingly wonderful group of people - This is the Gals of Lovin' Inks 4th Retreat at Beamsley, Skipton.

Working from the back left to right we have Yvonne, Val, Beryl, Joanne, Pat, Viky, Kerry, Michelle, Sandra, Anne.

Middle row working right to left Linda, Siobhan, Margaret, Emma, Kate.

and the front row from the left Sue, Liz, Georgina, Margaret.

The talent in the room was amazing - each person with their individual style and gift for sharing their crafting passion. These people really are some of life's loveliest folks and I am thrilled to have spent 48 hours with them this weekend.

I cannot thank them enough for all the giving they brought to each other.

As always I have been thrilled, laughed, cried and loved with each one of them. Some of these people are my special life long crafting buddies and some of them I met properly for the first time this weekend. It was fantastic to experience this special time.

To each one of you my heartfelt gratitude for making our retreat so wonderfully friendly, for coming with open arms to hug and hearts to share.

Hugs and Mmmwwwhhhaaass

Janet xx

Rockin my world this Friday

2011-09-16T09:57:00.003+01:00

Friday again and another wonderfully busy weekend ahead. You already know about last weekend from my previous post so I will just add a couple of gratefuls in for the week.

DS1 has departed to begin his masters at Manchester Uni - he was away for his birthday yesterday however when i spoke to him last night he was very excited about the course and embarking on a new beginning. He went a week early to take advantage of some of the mini courses on offer - when i asked him how the week went he said "absolutely fantastic". Im not one of these Moms with high expectations of their children - I just want them to have a happy life. Our Tom has had a very up and down start to adulthood so to hear this enthusiasm was so heart warming and has to be a massive grateful for this week.

Plans falling into place is another biggie. I love planning and get a buzz out of getting organized so i love it when my planning comes together - this weeks final plans have been for the craft retreat beginning today. The very fact I am here typing means my plans have gone well and I have no last minute hitches (they were all earlier in the week). Roll on 2pm when we move into Beamsley for the weekend. We have a few newbies to the retreat this time so getting to know new folks is always exciting. Everyone starts arriving from 4pm so an exciting weekend ahead.

I am grateful for the little fine weather we had yesterday which allowed the washing to blow.

For my quiches turning out ok which are for tonights tea!

For the Christmas smell of fruit cake which is wafting around the house after the first cake of the season was made yesterday.

For OH who has gone to work on the bus so I can have the car today.

And as always I am grateful to those family and friends who surround me with their love and support.

So what rocks your world this week? Join Virginia on the quest to find the small things that rock your world x

Busy busy Mmmwwwwaaaahhhh

2011-09-13T16:09:00.002+01:00

Wow what a busy weekend. Friday was the stampin club where we explored brushless watercolour using watercolour pens and water spritzers. As always we led them through the technique then let them loose to play and play they did - I hope its a technique they return to many times as they really did make some glorious cards. immediately after I was picked up by my docrafts buddy Liz for our next exciting adventure a trip further North to Geordieland. We had a little Rendezvous at Scotch corner with Liz's boss and his partner for a coffee - fab to meet them and see why Liz loves her new job so much - as well as working in a craft shop her boss is so personable and friendly and certainly knows his way around the craft world it was fab to hear what he is so enthusiastic about at the moment.

Then onto our next destination - a toby carvery where we met up with 9 other docraft buddies and our hosts for the next days events. A wonderful meal with amazing people - as usual my deafness meant I was not quite as far in the conversation as i would have usually been as the pub was quite noisy but I don't think folk noticed too much.

Onto to check in to our Travel lodge for the night Liz and I were excited to chat and find out more of what we had in common, our past, our kids, our understanding and supportive hubbies. A restless sleep for us both as we were excited about the meet on Saturday but once up we set off in good time - only to go wrong at the first turning and have one of a few detours which led us to be an hour and a half late. Thats where mmmwwwhhhhaaa comes in initially the frustration of being lost came to some choice words being said when we realised again we had gone wrong however ever positive Liz turned each expletive into a mmmwwwwhhhhaaa which made us laugh out loud.

Once we arrived we sang happy birthday to Yvonne after a stern telling off from Caz who was worried sick. I got stuck into my make and take for the day which was promarkers - yes you read correctly my docraft pals thought I could teach them about promarkers - I was very flattered but did wonder about their eyesight LOL

Here is a little close up of my sample. We used papermania card stock and papers and a Molly Blooms stamped image from the new winter collection.
I think she is such a cutie! Well most folks seemed to agree as I had very little of anything left by the time I finished. Fish and chips for lunch then all the presentations in the afternoon. A little atc swapping, chatting with docraft buddies then it was time to tidy up.

After this we went back to Caz's house to celebrate Caz and Keith's 45th wedding anniversary which is sapphire. Keith had done a wonderful buffet which we all tucked into and made a big dent in - Thanks Keith you are a gem. After a tour of the room of caz and the dolls houses we made our way back to our travel lodge room ( and yes of course we got lost again (Mmwwhhaa) to make plans to meet up with more buddies at the Harrogate show. Another long get to know you better chat whilst Liz marked off her promarker list then a much more relaxed nights sleep.

We arrived at the show at around 10-45 in time to meet Georgina and Joanne for a coffee and a cake and whilst there was greeted by Jan Williams and Margaret Hall who both join the RWS atc swap just as I do - it was lovely to see Margaret again and meet Jan for the first time both ladies are very talented crafters and I am proud to have their atcs in my collection. I met a few more amazing folks too Susan Powell, Tracey and of course the gorgeous Rita aka Rhubarb fairy. The Scottish Posse were there too so lunch with Lyndee, June and Purplemad Alison was mighty fine as we tucked into all sorts of junk which of course the gals washed down with Iron brew - made in Scotland from girders! LOL. at 3pm we left the show to head over to Art from the Hearts Birthday Bash and boy things had gone very well - Sandy was busy teaching, Dy was busy busy but always had time to stop and give hugs. Bessie Sue was demoing and Ben was busy checking out the emails from the blog hop - that will keep him busy then! a lovely wander around the paradise that is the shop and then it was time to go. The lovely Liz dived into a mini workshop and my hubby picked me up to go home.

It really was a wonderful time so thanks to each person I met this weekend I had a ball and especially my lovely companion Liz xx

The Stamp man challenge monochrome

2011-09-09T11:59:00.001+01:00

Just a quickie for this post as I am off to Geordieland for the weekend to meet up with docraft buddies, go to Harrogate show and visit Art from the hearts birthday celebrations!

This card was a simple design but I love those Hero Arts big spotty flowers. the sentiment is a favourite too! all stamped in black archival ink then some eyelets and ribbon as embelishments. Black and white is so classy don't you think?

Do stop by The Stampman challenges where my team mates have played with other monochrome combinations which have some stunning results x have a great weekend x

Janet

The Paperlane Challenge - Anything but a card

2011-09-07T10:00:00.002+01:00

If you are here for the Art from the heart blog hop then please scroll down 2 posts

I have so enjoyed playing with the challenge this month which is anything but a card. I was inspired by winning last months prize which included some shrink plastic and also attending the paperlane shop meeting up with my pal Georgina who was trying to pursuade Clare, Molly Blooms creator to do Mini Mollys!.

I had bought some bracelet blanks for my daughter to make gifts for her pals so thought I would give it a whirl. The shrink plastic I had in was translucent but it would have been better to be clear so I could use my promarkers on the back of the image - as it is I used watercolour markers which have gone a little blotchy in places.

I borrowed mums donkey again and the George with the kite.

The buttons are from Art from the heart - they are from the festive feast range which is now discontinued but I loved it :0)

I made this for someone special so I do hope she likes it !If you love Molly Blooms do stop by at The Paperlane Challenge

This also works for Crafty Creations challenge too

Try it on Tuesday A Monochrome card

2011-09-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

Over on Try it on Tuesday we are having a Monochrome fest for our card week. I chose to go Pink and white as I had a get well card to make for Babs at work. I have used this lush paper from a new 6x6 paper pad - can't remember the name of it though.

The stamp and punch are stampin up and ribbon from my stash.

We are sponsored by our friends at

So check out your stash and see what Monochrome projects you can come up with. For more inspiration stop by Try it on Tuesday where my team mates have made some stunning samples to share with you all.

Happy Crafting

Janet

Ok so technically its Monday!

2011-09-05T18:32:00.003+01:00

However I was a little tied up with the blog hop - scroll down if you are still playing along - you have until Sunday 11th at 6pm to email the answers to Ben - If you are having trouble with unscrambling the letters then just visit the page in the shop of the hop you are doing it may just help LOL! and if something just happens to slip into your basket then so be it :0)

So a quick post as I am feeling a very happy gal today. A trip to Northallerton on Saturday and I treated myself to these!
a snip at £4 for the pair :0)
and this which was slightly more but great for my scrapbooking :0)
and my prize winnings from the Paperlane challenge. More from them later in the week as Ihave been playing with this months theme of anything but a card!

My biggest grateful this week is that I can drive. I know I got my license back a month ago but I have not driven any distance till this weekend. The trip to Northallerton was my first out of town drive then today I have been to meet a friend for lunch at Shipley. It was wonderful having the car to myself and listening along to one of my fav Cds from Shania Twain. I was thinking how much the menieres disease has taken from me with the deafness and before now the vertigo. Being partially deaf means I hardly ever listen to music at home. If I do I cannot hear anything else but alone in the car with no reason not to listen I loved singing along - I do love singing and I so much took it all for granted before. Today was a biggy - I recaptured, if only for a short while, my freedom and I am sooo grateful to have tasted it again - I feel very blessed x

Hope your day was special in some way too xx

Have you seen this?

2011-09-05T00:14:00.003+01:00

A delicious bundle of awesome gorgeousness!

Where you might ask can this limited edition kit be purchased?

Click here to whizz straight there!

A massive birthday celebration!

2011-09-03T10:00:00.002+01:00

Welcome to a very exciting blog hop in Celebration of 10 years of Art from the Heart!

Lots of exciting things happening at Art from the Heart next weekend where the big birthday bash is happening. Want to know more then do click here

So in Celebration we are having 5 birthday blog hops.

You should have reached my blog from here Dyan and are on the Tim Holtz hop

here is my project

The hearts and wings sissix die, adirondack inks sunshine orange and citrus, stampers anonymous stamps, crackle paint, grungepaper and some ribbon from dys shop.

Before you move on - you will need to collect a letter from me which is S

This is part of an anagram of a Tim Holtz product

Once you get back to Dys blog please email your answer to Ben.

So after leaving me a comment you need to move on to

Linda

Have fun hopping!

Alter Anything at Try it on Tuesday

2011-08-30T09:06:00.001+01:00

As always our Altered week is sponsored by our friends at The Craft Barn who have a stunning range of alterables to tempt every altered artist.

Here is my design team piece.

My team mate Neil has been kind this week and allowed us to alter anything! Here is a mirror from a certain Swedish well know store transformed into a key holder.

A mixture of book page and old music manuscript has been stamped with the Magnolia house stamp this sort of represents our residents - 3 musicians a book lover and a crafter!

Some basic cup hooks and we each have a hook on which to hang our keys!

Here is the whole thing. First it was gessoed, then painted with blue emulsion. All the stamping has been done with archival ink - a little painting with distress inks here and there. The bottom panel was painted with brushed corderoy crackle paint by Ranger - it gives a great texture.

I actually began this at the July Claxby retreat inspired by something similar in Craft Stamper. I had none of the original materials used so improvised and I am really pleased with the results. this is for us for a change too. The colours are perfect for the dining room!

Hope you have time to stop by and see my team mates work too at

Try it on Tuesday

A weekend away - just what the Dr ordered!

2011-08-29T21:42:00.002+01:00

Now I do go away for the weekend quite often but not usually with my OH! So when the offer of a caravan came up for the weekend I could not resist. Our Friends Pat and Bill have one at a park near Filey - the destination for many of my childhood holidays so with fond memories awaiting we set off on Friday night. Half way there I was gutted that I had left my precious promarkers behind so on Saturday we set off to Whitby with some craft shopping in mind.
Hubby took these pics - Megs and I had an icecream whilst he went up the 199 steps to the Abbey for this amazing view!
After finding the craft shop I also found the Whitby crafty Individuals stamps and as I had got my distress inks was up for an inky night of fun :0)
Doesn't it look glorious - we were so lucky with the weather!
And here is the view from the South Cliff where we parked the car along with the rest of North Yorkshire so it seemed LOL. After a chilled evening watching Dr Who, X Factor and then comedy last night of the proms, whilst I beavered away making atcs for an upcoming meet, we had another wonderful nights sleep (the bed was amazing! yes honestly in a caravan!) we decided Filey was Sundays destination.
Sadly the only downside (apart from the promarkers) after a small town tour the tide was in. I did really want to see the sea though and I very much did!
Right up to the sea wall we literally sat for an hour just watching and relaxing with the sea. People and dog watching whilst we sat was wonderful.
and the brigg in the distance - got to love the wonder of Filey x
Finally there is my girl - just like me- fascinated by the calming effect the sea has , loving the sounds and smells and we have loved spending time with her too. A wonderful family weekend which has recharged our batteries for another busy week ahead. Thanks Pat and Bill xx

The Stamp Man challenge - travel

2011-08-26T18:02:00.002+01:00

Wow its been a mad and crazy day today - we had a busy stamping club session with a stampin up party too - Wow its been busy :0) Over at The Stamp Man challenge the theme is travel - I have lots of French type stamps - goodness knows why as I am not a traveller at all - have never seen the Eiffel tower or indeed the Mona Lisa still who needs to see when Mr Holtz brings them all to our doorstep anyway!

Here I used adirondack lettuce and butterscotch inks to make the background - lots of layered stamping in there all from the same Mini classics TH stamp set. I used water to bleach out her face and then a frame made using nesties which I have painted with crackle paint. A little fringing and the addition of a very old passport stamp to the bottom and some fibres to hang it its done. My she is such a happy soul LOL

Do stop by and see my team mates gorgeous creations they are sure to inspire you to play along.

Try it on Tuesday wild card week

2011-08-23T09:00:00.001+01:00

This project was done at Angelas mini retreat at the end of July and is also one of the first Tuesday Taggers tutorials we did (though we went with Pinks and orange in the end) so we thought we would revisit with all our fab new dylusions sprays! The stamps are all by crafty individuals.
The leaves are from Lovin' ink and have been sprayed with dye ink and shimmer sprays before being shaped. Its fun doing something different and with recycled card board too! i sent this to my lovely pal Janet who has had a tough year with breast cancer treatment - watching the birds nesting has been the highlight of a difficult treatment cycle so i thought this may help cheer her a little. I forgot to take a picture of it hanging - but it does hang up from the string at the top - or rather poundland garden twine!

Do stop by TIOT where my team mates have gone wild with this weeks wild card!

Art Journalling

2011-08-21T10:57:00.003+01:00

I have to confess - I am not a big art journaller (is there such a word?) I understand it - can do it and if I had "got it" 6 years ago when my mind was full of angst then it would have been a great therapy however sometimes folks want us to play art journalling along with them so this is one of my pages from such a time. I do have a journal on the go which is about recording me at the place I am now and I will share it when I have more to share but until then....

I do love inking and building up layers through stamping I guess thats as much of a therapy as I need at the moment - it makes me feel content. Dy also taught me how to draw vines which seemed to work well here too. the flower stamp is a CS freebie from yonks ago stamped onto book page and inked. Same with the butterflies.

Of course I wanted the main feature to be the picture and the words which is a bit of fun poking at my own expense :0) Hubby doesn't like it at all but it really makes me smile. This is a loose page from a journal my pal bought me which is still coming together hence the holes on the RH side. Hope you like it x

Have a great Sunday whatever you are up to.

Janet

Molly Blooms challenge - shades of sunshine

2011-08-19T09:30:00.006+01:00

The Paperlane - where I did the Molly Blooms workshop- has begun a new challenge - this is the second one - I couldn't join in before as I didn't have any stamps! No excuse now so I rummaged around to see what papers I could find. In amongst the gorgeous stash Angela gave me I found these fab papers by Michelle Coleman for Fancy Pants called summer soiree - Perfect so then my project began to grow from a card into a mini book. Here is the front cover
and a peep inside whilst the book is all concertina-d up. Look at the fab crab charm :0)
so here is what you see immediately its opened - the front and back pages. I thought that little journalling bit was perfect for a message.
Once opened out this is the first scene. The papers set the scene really but doesn't Molly look at home paddling in the sea. I also loved the saying - it summed up perfectly my week off work!
Into the middle and George is ready to fly his kite. I borrowed this one from Mum - so far George is absent in my own collection. Then on the next page summery Molly sitting by the palm tree!
Last pages - again the Molly and Donkey I borrowed from Mum and I thought she looked great sitting up there! I have added flags and buttons from the freebie set from Simply homemade earlier in the year which made all the difference. Some glossy accents and stickles and its complete.
Here is the book all in one piece - difficult to photograph but I hope you get the picture.

Do stop by the Paperlane challenge - some gorgeous projects from the team and a fab prize too!

It also fits the stampin for the weekend challenge which is Holidays

And Rainbow ladys - song choice which is Summer Holiday!

Rockin' my world Friday

2011-08-19T02:27:00.002+01:00

Hi folks Friday again and a day I can play along with sharing my list of happy thoughts this week. I am typing on a happy thought as I have a new laptop! Never had one before and I must say I am rather loving it! So thanks hubby for my pressie xx

No 1 son has grown his hair! Now this may not seem a big thing but he has been shaving his head for the last 3 years and I have not dared say I hated it. Now he has decided its a new start with his place at Manchester Uni secure for the full time Masters he wants to study he has grown it back and I love it! He is not as keen on me touching it, as I am stroking it lots,but hey he will be gone to Uni soon enough so I wont be able to then LOL.

No 2 son sets off tomorrow for a week in Edinburgh with his band. They are playing at a musical called Rent - his first proper musical job. They are all excited and our house will be bursting at the seams tonight as we put them all up over night before setting off! I love it that our kids feel happy to bring their friends here - its not the ritz and we dont have much but they are all welcome!

Our Megs is away on hols which isnt a good thing for me but a lovely thing for her. She has gone with my Mum and Bro with his family and I am sister sitting for our Amy who has Downs Syndrome. She lives next door - the houses are inter connected - and thinks she is looking after me :0) We stayed up late watching Mamamia and drinking red wine last night which she loved!

So I have had a week to craft and do a little cleaning. As the notice in the house says I am Not a Domestic Goddess so I hate having to do chores on my time off but of course some do need doing in the course of a week! The cooker especially begged attention and is now gleaming!

I went to the Molly Blooms class last Sunday - what fun that was and I have really enjoyed playing with my purchases this week some of which I will share very soon. 2 Christmas card classes this week - both quiet but its holiday season so not to worry. We had lots of fun anyway.

I have really enjoyed driving when I could too. Simple things mean so much when they have been taken away from you.

I have loved the company of everyone I have spent time with this week especially my lovely pal Georgina last Sunday at The Class. She made me a wonderful Alice in Wonderland stationary kit and a darling little hankie box too. Love it. Her daughter Jo made me a fab calendar book as well - I am lucky to know these wonderful folks who fill my life with joy and friendship. Along with my family, friends are the most important things in my life and I would do all I could for them and I know they would do for me - that has to be my biggest blessings and I love them all.

Do stop by The Celtic house where counting your blessings happens every week

Christmas card class

2011-08-17T12:42:00.002+01:00

I run twice monthly Christmas card classes at home - the first for August was last night. It was a quiet session with 2 regular players. At a previous session i showed them all the handmade Christmas cards I had received last year and this was one that stood out. The original was made by my teamie Cazro so last night Helen and Alison had a go - This is Helens - sorry for the poor lighting by it was 9pm!
I was seriously impressed and so were they - they loved the technique so huge thanks to Carole for tons of inspiration!

Today is a chill day at home with my sis - everyone else is out so its chill time! later we are going to watch mamamia (again) and have a bottle of wine :0) Its great being on holiday from work and spending time at home too!

Have a great day whatever your plans xx

Try it on tuesday with Molly Blooms

2011-08-16T00:09:00.003+01:00

Only me though everyone else in the team has come up with something different. This week is an anything goes week where literally anything goes! As its the summer hold we thought we would be easy on our players and ourselves and just do something - go with the flow if you like.

I of course, went to a Molly Blooms class on Sunday taught by the lovely Clare Rowlands,Creator of Molly and George :0) the class was a waterfall card (honestly Jose I only moaned once! LOL).

Clare tried to get us working in sepia tones - which I really liked - not sure if my colouring is so strong though. I liked the scene creating.
Spent my voucher on £60 worth of MBs and a spellbinders set :0) Took along cakes to share too. it was lovely to kick back and relax in a class without teaching - not that I don't love it just sometimes its nice to be the pupil again and let someone else guide you along.
Soz this pic is blurred wasnt drunk honest LOL
How cute is he - and the lush postcard stamp too :0) I finished my book at home so although the bare bones is the same its not an exact copy of Clares.

As always I am soooo proud of my team mates for playing along and giving us heaps of inspiration - check them out here . Hope you have fun with our anything goes theme - and if you have chance to go play with Clare and her gorgeous stamps - go on treat yourself XX

I am also entering this into the ribbon girl challenge which is to use ribbon.

Do you love atcs?

2011-08-15T13:55:00.002+01:00

This is an old one I have shown you before but what I really want to share is that a fabulous swap goes on here at Running with Scissors. Organised by the uber talented Tracey Jackson this monthly atc swap is such fun. Tracey has set all the themes for the year so you can get organised and with some talented ladies joining in you are sure to love the swaps you receive back. Do stop by and check it out if you love atcs xx

back later with my project from yesterday which needed finishing off - the glitter is still drying!

Have a fab day and dont forget to click to find out more

Birthday celebrations

2011-08-13T14:02:00.002+01:00

I had a wonderful birthday thanks to family and friends with some stunning cards and wonderful gifts and wishes - I feel very blessed.

Here is a few of my gifts

Rosette die, baileys and paperlane voucher from my friend Jacci - always far too generous and spoils me rotten!

Gorgeous gate hanging from Michelle - Christmas album and chocs from Marie - how well they know me :0)

You can also see some Braks in the picture - birthday random acts of kindness from do craft buddies - so very thoughtful x

Gorgeous K&Co papers from Elaine - beautiful

Bookmark from Judith and check out the wonderful cards!

Scarf, wooden box and a lush necklace from Bee and Dee and a wonderful shadow box from Glynis

I also got - my new hair do - Thanks Mum

The take that ticket from June - Thanks Lees

Page maps books from my boys

A gorgeous sketch from my daughter Megs

Some Money from FIL

and from myself - the Molly Blooms class tomorrow :0)

I was a lucky gal wasnt I?

Thanks too for all your messages here and on facebook I really felt very spoiled.

hope you are having a great weekend x

Janet

Babbsies family at it again

2011-08-10T16:42:00.002+01:00

Dear sweet Babs has asked me to make another card for her family who only ever seem to have little girls :0) This one is due at the end of the month so I have done a different card for her than the last teddy baby card I made. The lush pearly trim is by Lovin Ink - I love it. The fab pram charm from quixotic paperie, sentiment stampin up, card and ribbon from my stash.
Here is a close up of the dear sweet magnolia baby makes you want to go ahhhhhh.

Its been a busy 2 days at work so I am glad for a day off tomorrow - I'm going to do some baking tonight :0) love baking just have to have a reason to share so I don't stuff my face!

happy Wednesday folks x Janet

Try it on Tuesday - Trees

2011-08-09T03:12:00.001+01:00

This week is tag week at Try it on Tuesday and the challenge is to include a tree on your project. perfect excuse for me to use some new sayings stamps i bought last week by Paperartsy. I have done my favourite crushed background using tumbled glass and forest moss distress inks and the trees are stampin up lovely as a tree set.

I have used a bit of packaging to add texture around the tag which is real life makes it look much better. A bit of twine and a plastic disc with leaves stamped on as a charm and the look is complete.

Do stop by and see my team mates work over on Try it on Tuesday - fabulous tress to be seen Have a great Tuesday xx

The Commission card for Christmas

2011-08-08T18:42:00.008+01:00

Here as promised is the card I have been working on over the weekend when I have not been at work - papers are all by Echo park which I bought in the sale at Glitterpot. So this is the front.

and a close up of the gorgeous Santa - this is from the Tim Holtz Christmas range - collage style - i have punched out part of the image.
I followed the theme through to the back
the little snowflakes are done with an xcut punch - the border punch is Martha Stewart.
and opened fully waiting for its message x I really enjoyed this especially as it was for something rather special - who knows it may be kept a long time :0)

Happy Monday folks and thanks for stopping by xx

Janet

Woken from my slumber

2011-08-07T18:24:00.004+01:00

Early Yesterday morning to do a telephone interview! A card magazine may be running a story on the card collection I have been putting together for the Poppy Appeal here in Skipton. As I have to submit some photos too - it may be a card you have sent me thats in the pic :0)

Tickets are going really well for the event and OH is really pleased its all coming together so brilliantly and that folks are interested in raising money for this very worth while cause. I have to say I have been blown away by your card donations - stunning work and amazing Poppy stamps - thanks so much for all your support. I will keep you updated on how it is all going and how much is raised.

Its my birthday this week too - and I got an amazing present from the DVLA - yep just minutes before Tim was going to drive me to work yesterday - I opened the letter containing my license (the less said about the awful picture the better!) so I jumped in the car myself and drove there and back for the first time since May 2009. You don't forget what to do thats for sure - the freedom was amazing. now we just have to negotiate terms of car use.........

So yes its my birthday on Thursday and what momentous thing will I be doing??? well I have invited my pals to join me for breakfast at the local Wetherspoons so we can chomp and chat and drink coffee for hours - idling away the time just being together. Possibly my lovely chum Jae will join us too - though its quite a drive from Rochdale she may just drop in anyway :0) My special birthday treat is on Sunday though when I go to a Molly Blooms class at the paperlane in Northallerton - and guess what I can drive Michelle there instead of her doing all the driving !we will meet up with the gorgeous Georgina too which will be utterly fabulous. I can't wait.

Before all that excitement though I have the wonderfully talented Kerry coming round tomorrow to play and plan - we have a few charity days coming up for the local community creche so need to get our thinking heads on - to make the working bit easier we are having a lovely lunch of quiche and salad and a bit of crafting on the side - what a wonderful way to spend my day off :0)

I did squeeze in some crafting on Friday night - 2 RSVP cards for commissions which I forgot to take pics of and then I have played around with a very special Christmas napkin card as a commission for Santa - you see he would like my niece and nephew to go visit him in Lapland and wanted to send a special invitation to them both so that was not only a very special card but a one off too! Will share it soon :0) if you don't know what I mean - here is a link to a fab Tutorial

Hope Sunday has been great for you xx

Janet

Rockin my world Friday

2011-08-05T16:45:00.005+01:00

Hello Rockers and Rockettes - Friday has flown by again so time to share the positives from this week that set me up for the weekend :0)

Huge thanks for all the lovely comments this week - it has been lovely to share so many projects from my weekend last week and also to share the variety of things I like to play with. Stamping is a passion now and I just love "making" things so its been fun to explore a little.

The week started off well with Stamping club last Friday where we continued playing with less is more. Here is a card I made for a friend - using masking and inks its so simple I love it! Cards don't have to be complicated and thins is a wonderful technique if you have little time but still want a home made card.

On Saturday it was time to go to Angelas and craft with her and the lovely Anne. It was a wonderful weekend brought about by the internet and blogging - so huge thanks Mr Blogger for allowing me this wonderful experience of meeting with new friends and enriching my life. Angela came on the Lovin' ink craft retreat in march with her wonderful daughter Belle. Retreats really are a place to meet and make the most wonderful people.

Here is a simple card I made last weekend for a colleague at work who is getting married. yesterday I made 20 favour boxes as her wedding gift and another colleague is filling them with cupcakes!

Simple but there again the wedding is - simple and elegant hosted in a Scottish castle on the 18th August - wishing you all the best Sal and Rushie xx

Monday saw me back at work and one of my colleagues has been off sick for a while - it was lovely to give her a hug - she was greeted with flowers and love from us all - we missed her so.

Tuesday the week caught up with me and I was sooooo tired having worked the early shift of 7-3 i collapsed into bed early having achieved very little!

Wednesday I had a class at home. 6 Ladies came to learn how to use the simple brushing technique on their cards here is the first card we made.

and here is the second.

It seemed to go well so i hope they enjoyed it!

and yesterday i made favour boxes. :0) and had a lovely afternoon with a crafting buddy checking out the local shop and chinwagging over coffee.

As always I am very lucky to have family and friends around me who are so loving and thoughtful and this is my biggest "thankful" every week but is all so true.

So thats my week - Lots to be happy about hope your week was too x Stop by The Celtic House and find more folks beginning the weekend with lots to be grateful for x

Janet

Some LOs

2011-08-04T01:19:00.002+01:00

Last weekend saw me do some finishing touches to Los from last months scrapbook class - this just needed the lettering for the title and some stitching to finish it off and is sitting in the album next to this one
Which has journalling around the papers. This is my gorgeous daughter Meghan about 7 years ago. She still as beautiful and gentle x
This is a LO I did of myself - I am 9 in this picture - i just loved that fluffy turtle pouffee and my doll which talked when you pull a string at the back! The nightie was made from brush nylon - remember that gem of a fabric???? There is some hidden journalling in the LO which is just for me but some more public journalling in the little dinner money envelope!
Here is a close up - I was surprised to see how similar mine and Megs hair was - although Meghan has gorgeous colours in hers including ginger highlights which she has got from her Dad.

All the papers, inks and cardstock are by Stampin up - I love their paper packs perfect for scrapbooking and with the same colours of inks and cardstock make great LOs. I have really enjoyed scrapbooking again and have promised myself to do more.

Hope Thursday is a great day for you x Janet

Bird song

2011-08-03T01:38:00.001+01:00

I told you yesterday I played around with my crafty individuals stamps at the weekend and here is another card I made. The backgound is distress inks applied with a shaving brush - by far the easiest and most effective ink application I have found. I used Michelles leaves and birds stamps on the card main part and the lovely image of the birds tweeting away which remind me of my own family!
Here is a closer look! I used distress inks and a water brush to colour the birds. I have sent this to my friends Pat and Bill as a thank you for the lovely meal last week - i just know they will appreciate the nature theme x

Scroll down to see a link to an important plea from Midnight crafter or click on the link to find out more.

Thanks for stopping by today x

Midnight Crafter needs help!

2011-08-02T17:34:00.006+01:00

Click here to find out more about this special couple and how to help them x

Try it on Tuesday A card from the beach!

2011-08-02T09:00:00.003+01:00

Whilst away this weekend it was good to try some of the challenges with limited supplies - I had only taken crafty individuals stamps and a couple of rubber ones for another project so had little to work with.
Angela shared her faux sand technique with us - check it out on her blog here and also gave me the dinky shells - perfect to finish off the corner! I really like the card however am blown away by my team mates work so do stop by and see what they have done at Try it on Tuesday

This also fits with

St Lukes Charity cards - Beside the seaside

There she goes - Celebrate summer

creative Inspirations challenge - Summer

Craft room challenge - Summer time

Am at work so hoping this schedules ok - Happy Tuesday! Janet

The stamp man swaps - the Ocean

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

Another month for an atc swap at The Stamp Man and this months theme is The Ocean. I have to say I was a little stuck with this theme but after being in the company of the wonderful Angela I played with this. the Ocean is made out of kitchen roll - yep its true - the excess from using spray inks in blues and greens - added in the art quest way of using napkins - I am thrilled with the effect! a touch of distress ink - the addition of a compass from the Tim Holtz air travel set and a touch of doodling. My Grandma used to sing the song

Wide, wide as the Ocean

high as the heavens above

Deep deep as the deepest sea

is my saviours love

I think of that every time I hear the word Ocean so really felt it should be there. My team mates have worked wonders with this theme - check them out here

I spent a wonderful weekend with Angela , Anne and Michelle - full of artistic inspiration and perfect hospitality by Angela and her family - the ideal mix of crafting and socialising. I have lifted the p[icture from Angelas blog! Thank you for a wonderful time :0) Angela and her family move back to the states next week so the saving to visit has begun! do stop by Angelas blog here where she shares her gorgeous ideas.

Back to work for me today - hope your Monday is more exciting!

Style whats yours ?and please tell me whats mine!!!

2011-07-31T22:17:00.001+01:00

Recently a commentor said they really liked my individual style which I am sure was a compliment but it has got me thinking.

I didn't think I had a "style" - I collect ideas and use them along the way - have no particular must use product (apart from ink) and play around with cute, vintage, collage etc dabbling and not mastering any. I go with what's in my head and easiest on my thinking on each project and have never thought I had a "Style" So i open myself out to comments - do I have a style? if so what do you think it is? on sharing that please tell me what your style is too if you think you have one - if you do why does that "style" please you so much.

I hope you can stay a moment and indulge my interest. Ii promise to visit every person who comments and check out your Style!

Safe to post - they have arrived!

2011-07-30T22:07:00.001+01:00

Next weekend my docraft forum atc buddies are having a meet at luffy - hosted by the wonderous Barjan. I have sent on a few atcs as well as a brak or two - any excuse to play with the bunting stamps! I just love sequin waste for atc backgrounds it gives such a rich and deep texture to it. the papers are scraps from the hen book I made back in May - see I do try and use up bits occasionally and this is 2 days in a row I have shared that - I am feeling frugal :0) (usually this is a bad sign and I go off on a spend - whoops did that yesterday!)

Today I am at York visiting my TioT teamie Angela and her gorgeous daughter Belle. sadly just as we have found this wonderful friendship Angela and Belle and dad are moving back to the states - i am going to be so thankful for the WWW and blogland me thinks.

hopefully I will have lots of art work to share as we dive into the treasure trove that is Angela and Belles work room - thinking about it maybe not there is nothing more fun than nosying in someones else's stash is there?

Hope you are having fun I KNOW I will be!

Janet x

Late posting for The stamp Man challenge

2011-07-29T21:12:00.002+01:00

A chasing my tail sort of week this week so I am very late doing my DT piece for The Stamp Man. A fumble around in my bits came up with this card which is a birthday card for a friend. Those prima papers are so lush you hardly have to do anything to them!
Here is my stitching detail is it real or is it faux??? Both are allowed on the challenge as long as we can see it in the project. It is of course the Tim Holtz bird cage die too which has been die cut from kraft card stock and then over stamped. The card is 8x8" because I could not bear to trim the papers! the pearl dots are from my stash.
Inside I have added some details too mainly to balance the card - the sentiment is lovely and is from Hero Arts. Now this is going to a crafter so I know it will be scrutinised I hope it passes the test! I am quite pleased with the use of my free hour :0)

As always my stamp Man DT pals have done some amazing stuff - do stop by and check them out here

Have a great weekend x Janet

I love organising! and what better thing than a big party hop!

2011-07-27T00:42:00.004+01:00

Yep I do I just cannot help it! I think thats what I love about Christmas - so much to organise and so much fun to be had whilst doing it. Well it feels like Christmas has come early to me this year as I am organising THE most exciting blog hop in celebration of one of my favourite places on the whole planet - Art from the Heart! Seriously this place is a great place to visit, mooch, learn and wonder. Dyan Reaveley - is THE most talented Tutor - if you have never done a Dy class then you are seriously missing out trust me! make Art from the Heart a place to visit as soon as you can.

I want you to hop over to Dys blog and read all about it - some serious fun to be had with workshops and celebrations on the birthday weekend which is 10th and 11th September. We will be getting the party well and truly started the week before on the 3rd and 4th as we have 5 hops in celebration of 5 amazing companies that supply us with wonderful crafting products - hold onto your hats folks its going to one helluva party! prizes at the end including the chance to win one of Dys new stamp sets just by displaying this pic on your blog with a link to Dys - come on now what could be easier and so pretty on the eye :0)

Still here??? click this link to get in on the action!

Try it on Tuesday - Alter it week

2011-07-26T01:44:00.001+01:00

Over on Try it on Tuesday we are in the mood for giving as our alter it week is alter something as a present. My friend Pat was 65 last Saturday and is a keen gardener so I altered this little wooden basket to house some gardening supplies for her. Warning this is picture heavy!
I began this at Claxby earlier this month firstly adding a few light coats of gesso before using some blue emulsion to paint it applied with babywipes for a washed out look.
I then used Hero Arts flowers to stamp around the corners and coloured then with distress ink. I also went over the edges of the basket with dusty concord to soften the newly painted look. Buttons added for a little extra interest when I got home.
I also made a card using the stamps and same colours so it matched. The sentiment is also hero Arts.

and now to fill the basket - 2 pairs of gardening gloves

a cute little garden ornament

Some garden twine

and some plant markers tied with some gingham ribbon.

It took a bit of tweaking for it all to fit!

Mum to the rescue at this point as I used some net gauze left over from a bouquet Mum had been given to make the wrapping - this was the fiddliest job of all!

A matching tag tied with gingham ribbon

and the gift was ready to be given. I can say Pat loved it which meant every minute was worth it. I really enjoyed playing with it too so it felt like a gift to me!

Over on Try it on Tuesday there are some gorgeous gift ideas to inspire you. When Michelle and I began the challenge blog this one one of the ideas we hoped would be achievable as we both love gift making - Hope you are inspired to play along too!

Have a Fabulous and crafty Tuesday!