No embellishments...OMG!!!!

After finishing my DT work last night (finally!) I was sat playing with my new Leanne Mills stamps (that I accidentally purchased yesterday in the house of Sugar Nellie whilst wondering around it!) when hubby poked his head round my craft room door....

and after shaking his head at the mess and chaos that I had caused he challenged me to make something with NO embellies....eek!

It's probably the hardest challenge I've ever been given! Anyway I used watered down Distress ink pads to colour it in...hand drew the scrolls as none of my stamped ones were suitable. I actually like the washed out colour of it and have fallen head over heels in love with these little stamps.

I'm going to enter this tag into two challenges....Arty Girlz where they want a small piece of art......and Tag you're it which is to make a tag in the Secret Santa style. So this card is for my beautiful friend Gill...who started me on my crafting journey...and has been with me all the way...and is as calm and serene as the 'wish' image....oh and she loves these stamps as well!

Well a whole post and not a mention of the 'C' word!

Fantastic new sketch blog......

My fabby team mate Becky has got together with Chrissie and Lisa to bring us a new sketch blog...Sketch and Stash....(love the name!) which will go live on Monday the 5th of January.

To celebrate they are offering a gorgeous 'Willow' with umbrella stamp from Whiff of Joy...so pop over to their blog...have a nose...and put your name down to take part in the draw!

And don't forget over on Craftymuse there are freebie Christmas downloads and a Christmas challenge where you could win a Muse stamp........

and over on The Crafty Pad you can meet 'Faith'....Debbie's latest gorgeous stamp and take part in the first challenge where you could win some gorgeous ribbons!

(Oh...and I'm not really here...meant to be doing DT work...failing miserably....to busy playing with Belles new toys....that I should be wrapping!

Guest DT for ThisThursday....

I was chuffed to bits when Tracey asked me to be Guest DT on the ThisThursday challenge blog which this week is all about 'playing with paint'. This 'red nose' puzzle piece was made by painting the background with acrylic paint then I used distressing inks, alcohol inks...you know the normal stuff I do to make a mess! The gorgeous stamp is by Toodles and Binks who are the sponsors this week and spoilt us rotten with the samples! The snowflakes are wood which I painted white, glittered, distressed and placed a dew drop in the middle to make them shine!

Obviously his nose was glossed!

This second one I'm really not sure on as these are colours I've not worked with for a while. I loved the stamp (Simone) and painted the swirls with acrylic and round the edge of the tag. The flowers are hand cut with dew drops as well. Belle keeps eyeing it up......hmmmm.....!

I really enjoyed this challenge so why not pop over to TT and have a go yourself! (Big thanks to the girls for inviting me this week as well!)

Hugs,

Em.x

One for the boys....(yikes!)

The challenge to my horror over at the BG challenge blog...is to create something for the boys. I absolutely detest making cards for men....so much so that I have been known to actually BUY cards for male friends and relatives...just don't tell my hubby ;o)
Anyway I'm not overly happy with this card but wanted to take part. Papers are BG 'Phoebe' and I've used distressing inks to colour the image in.
I'd like to say a big thanks to Zuzu as well for inviting me to join her forum. I feel very honoured as I have worshipped this womans work for a long time and can quite happily spend an hour or two wandering round her blog.

Oh I have a favour to ask...if you happen to have any spare hours in the day right now could you throw them my way!?!
Hugs
Em.x

Craftymuse is now open for fun!

This is my DT for Sammi's new challenge blog...

The fantastic new Craftymuse challenge blog is NOW OPEN!! Challenges will be held fortnightly and you can use any image or one of Sammi's....you have the opportunity of using one of Sammi's lovely images free for the first one!

Craftymuse also needs another two members to join us on the design team...if you are interested then play along to this weeks challenge and you may be picked!

So come along and see what its all about...just click on the banner and it will take you there!

The colours of Autumn...4x4

Hello. The challenge over at Mixed Media Monday this week is to make something using Autumnal colours. I'd already started on this 4x4 at the weekend so hope it fits in with what they wanted.
I used distress inks, alcohol inks, acrylic paint, spritzed Perfect Pearls for the background which was also stamped with a vintage style leaf. The leaves are stamped shrink plastic and the tree was a black and white down load that I coloured.
Can't think of anything else...oh yes...the sun was actually a Belle 'splodge' that I had to then fit in with the theme...it was purple to start with!
Hope everyone's having a good week.
Big hugs,
Em.x

**EDITED**A puzzled Christmas.....

** I've just heard from Julie that this has been nominated to be shown on the Inspirational blog. So a huge thank you to whoever it was who nominated it...you have really made my day!**



Hello. I've made this puzzle decoration for the Basic Grey challenge which is 'Christmas' this week and for the One stop craft challenge which is 'wings'.

I used acrylic paint dabbers in Espresso and Cranberry, Alcohol inks in Raisin, Oregano and gold mixatives, Distress ink in aged mahogany. Papers are Basic Grey 'Infuse' and the star chips are from my Basic Grey 'Sultry' pack. Images were free downloads from Crafty computer papers and the wings were stamps from my stash. Beads from a necklace Belle has yet again destroyed...!

Hope you're having a great weekend.
Hugs
Em.x

Thursday's 'mojo' and a new DT...

Hello. This weeks challenge over at thisthursday is 'Mojo surfing...You can either Click on any random 5 of our participants blogroll links and take inspiration from something on each of those blogs or something on one of them or click on any 1 of our participants blogroll links and then follow 1 link on there and so on until you reach 5 links and then take your inspiration from there.

Well I ended up on Zuzu's blog and was over the moon as her creations are absolutely stunning! It took me forever to get there though as I had to get through 4 other blogs and they were all gorgeous as well...I love blog surfing as the inspiration out there is amazing.

Anyway there is no way I can come even close to Zuzu's masterpieces but she did inspire me to try different backgrounds and textures. On this card I have stamped, distressed, torn, punched, filed and basically grunged it all up!

I used distressed inks to make my own background...then stamped over it...then sprayed with water...then sprayed with perfect pearls in copper...oh and then did a bit more stamping! I threw chalks, inks and doodling at it and even though it has not turned out like I imagined I really had fun making it...and that's what its all about!

Now....do any of you fancy being on a new DT? Sammi is bringing out a new challenge blog 'Craftymuse' which will also highlight her own images. I am thrilled to bits as she has asked me to join the new team and there are now 4 of us...but I know Sammi is looking for another two who will be asked to join after our first challenge! So if you fancy being on the team just take part in the challenge which is going to be announced very, very soon!

Hugs,

Em.x

Throwing a curve and stamp storage.....(4 of 4...finally!)

The challenge over at ThisThursday this week is to create something using curves...'Thrown a curve. now you can use that as a title or you can use anything that curves eg arches arcs, circles ovals waves, well even let you use squiggles'...so I'm hoping this altered CD will suffice?
The image was kindly given to me by Tina and the corners were done in my bug. The ribbon is actually a really deep purple and not black as it has photographed. I've stamped, inked and distressed and added a few adhesive pearls for some texture. I think the papers are HOTP but wouldn't swear to it!

And finally...I know its been a whopping 4 posts in one day but I've been really busy unmounting all my wooden backed stamps...and boy have I been cursing to Tina's amusement! I've wanted to do this for a while as they were taking up so much room and to be honest as some were in draws I just forgot about them.

And this is the final result of three days of wanting to throw them all out the window!! All my really large stamps are still mounted and any unwanted were donated to the Belle craft box!
Its much easier to find exactly what I want now but I think my hubby is now sick to the back teeth of laminating card for me!! Big thanks to Mrs T as well for helping me to cut some of the unmounted stamps out. So if any of you have a better way of storing your unmounted stamps....PLEASE DON'T TELL ME AS I MAY CRY AFTER THIS MAMMOTH TASK!!!
So now you know why I've not been around and why I'm cramming a weeks worth of posting into one day. Sorry!
Hugs,
Em.x

BG stitching challenge...

Morning. The challenge this week over on the Basic Grey challenge blog is to create something using stitching...either real or hand drawn.
The papers and embellishments are from the 'Sultry' range. Please pop over and have a look at the other DT's work as they are so talented!
Hugs,
Em.x

BG colour combo and a natter....

This week's Basic Grey Challenge is all about colour combinations...

• Green & Red/Maroon
• Brown & Cream
• Blue & Gold/Yellow/Orange

I loved this challenge and used papers from 'Offbeat' and the design was from Craftytemplates. The other DTs are gorgeous so please pop over and have a look.

I've been approached by a company in the States to test and review a product they have designed to help us crafters. Can't say any more about it but can't wait for it to arrive...but you will all laugh when I show it as its something very close to my heart!

Also my lovely friend Pam (who is so talented and generous) has got together with some of her friends and has designed a fantastic new blog called The Vintage Veranda.
This is what they have to say....'We invite you to join our vintage community where we share our love for vintage-style creations - anything from cards to altered art. The Vintage Veranda is an online resource and community for anyone who creates in the vintage style or who wants to learn how to create their own vintage style. We welcome both the seasoned artists and those just exploring vintage.' So please pop over and have a look!

And lastly, as some of you know my blogging has become slightly chaotic lately. Well life is pretty chaotic at the moment....(not blaming Belle...honestly!). I am still here but until Belle starts at playgroup in January I'll only be blogging as and when time allows. I do appreciate everyone that takes the time to visit and I promise that when January hits this blog will start functioning properly!

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and enjoying the biscuits Belle baked for you yesterday!
Hugs,
Em.x

Scalloping and smiling!..

Hello. I hope everyones having a lovely weekend. I have the pleasure of being Guest Designer for the Basic Grey challenge blog this month and this weeks challenge is to create something using scallops.
This hanging picture frame is using the new 'Eva' papers which are now my firm favourites.
And this circular picture frame is using 'Gypsy' papers.
I hope everyone enjoys this challenge as much as I did.
Out with the girls tonight for a meal and tomorrow has been booked for blog hopping...all day...so see you then for a catch up!
Hugs,
Em.x

Got a round tuit!

The girls over at thisthursday have very kindly provided us all with a round 'tuit'....'So we want you to think about all those craft projects that you have been meaning to get a round to, choose one and do it.'

I am embarrassed to say that I started this cross stitch at the beginning of April whilst waiting in Gibraltar airport to come home to the UK. I completed the heart and then put it away for it to stay in a box until two days ago! Poor little cat! LOL! (Also need to mention that hubby is not happy with more cross stitch as its all over our house!)

Not quite sure where the days are going right now. Have spoken to several of my SBS sisters and it seems that everyone is struggling to keep up with 'blurfing' and life in general. Arhhhhhh.....just drink more wine!

Hugs,
Em.x

Shock, horror!

I've actually made something!
This is for the Basic Grey challenge which this week is all about 'distressed'. Papers are 'Infuse' and I've just distressed away!
I'm meeting all the other Mum's this afternoon for a walk round the park and then cake and coffee. Its the first time I will have been out of bed and out the house so really looking forward to it.
This evening I'm sitting down with a decent bottle of Shiraz and am going to spend the time doing something I have really missed....looking at what you have all been up to! LOL!
Big hugs,
Em.x

BG+Buttons=HEAVEN!!

My oh so talented pal Chris is one of the DT for the new Basic Grey challenge blog so I had to join in with the fun as 1) I adore BG and 2) she may shout at me! LOL!
The first challenge is to make a card using buttons...so here is my effort using acetate. My one button is vintage, papers are BG 'sultry' and there is memory wire behind the flower. I've really enjoyed making this so many thanks to Martine for coming up with such a brilliant challenge blog!
Hugs,
Emma,x

Busy bee's and PB!

Hi all. Hope everyone had a great weekend. This is my first offering to the PB Saturday challenge which this week is 'ribbons'. Really enjoyed taking part and I don't think it will be my last time. Papers are BG, flowers are Poppicraft and the image was from Debs...thanks babe.

Well my dining room has been a hive of activity today and we have been very busy bee's...Belle included! Tina and I started on our big push for making Christmas cards for the Troops and had a right giggle doing it....red glitter in August seems so wrong! Many thanks to everyone who has agreed to help and I think we will be saying that a lot leading up to October when all the cards need to be in.

I'd also like to thank all the girls over at our 'twaddle and blab' blog for the hugs and kicks today...you lot are so vicious! LOL!
Catch up with you soon,
Crafty hugs,
Em.x

Seriously cheating!

I'm seriously cheating with this LO as I'm using it for three challenges.....

1. The UKS monthly house team challenge is "Flower Power" and this is my first LO for my team the 'Glitter Gossips'.
2. Thisthursday is “Colour is my obsession” and as I hardly ever work with red I thought it would be fun to try something different.
3. The Stamping links to love challenge is hosted by my pal Monica and is 'Three's company' so I've used three photos and three large red flowers.

Papers are by Creative Imaginations and card stock is Bazzil.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and catch up with you soon.
Hugs,
Em.x

Vintage...

Morning all!
'This weeks Challenge over at Artyzgirl is 'Vintage' so you could use a vintage photograph on your creation, give your creation an aged effect, or go shabby chic use old ribbon or lace etc. As always you choose the format for your creation.'
Well after having my backside kicked last night by Mrs T who told me to stop mumbling about doing things and actually do something...this is what I came up with!
I've kept it quite simple as its for someone who I don't think likes to much fuss. The stamp is from craftyindividuals. Distressed using distressed inks and the button is original vintage!
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend....we are off for lunch at Mrs T's so will have to be on our best behaviour......
Hugs,
Emma.x

Ribbons, ribbons everywhere...well not quite!

Hi. The challenge this week over at thisthursday is 'This weeks challenge is called Bowdacious. so we want you to use ribbons and bows, so use the theme in any way that it inspires you.'

I'm always using ribbons on my cards so thought this time I would something a bit different. I know its not going to be to everyone's taste but its for my Dad so apologies for it not being pink and girlie!!

(And if you are thinking 'so where the heck are all the ribbons'...they are the striped background behind the elephants!)

I also want to say a big WELL DONE BABE to my mate Gill who has once again passed another OU exam under very stressful circumstances and I'm so proud of her! Whilst I was in the garden checking on the tomato plants that have finally got some fruit a huge fat bee kept pestering me and Gill said it must be the same one that's been annoying her......I'd forgotten after being in Gibraltar just how big and annoying they can be!!

Gill is also going to join us over at the other blog and I just want to thank everyone for making me laugh so much since its been set up!

Well I'm off to make some scones...many thanks to Tina's hubby for the recipe!
Catch up with you all soon.

Time flies....

Hello. The challenge this week over at thisthursday is 'WINGED THINGS. So you can put wings on things, use things that already have wings, whatever the title inspires you to create'.
So me being me decided to do a collection of ATCs with clocks...well time flies!
These are the first 'proper' ATC's I have ever done and really enjoyed making them. I did think that working on something so small would be intimidating but will definitely make more but if any of you have any tips, advice or suggestions for these please let me know...any help is always appreciated!