Cuddly Cards

Finally.....Less is More!

2012-02-01T17:19:00.005Z

Evening all!

I have not taken part in a Less is More challenge for far too long! Shame on me! Sorry Chrisse & Mandi! But after I saw this weeks sketch challenge I knew I wanted to take part as I love this Lay out! It's my Brother in Law's birthday today as well, so it was a perfect opportunity to make a card for him and here it is....

The arty farty shot that shows you the dimension of some of the footballs....

and of course the infamous inside shot (sorry its a little blurred, but you get the idea!)...

Materials

CS: SU Night of Navy and Whisper White

Paper: Daffodil delight from the brights stack

Stamps: SU Cheer and Wishes (Retired), Football stamp from stash (although a similar one is available from SU)

Tools: SU Scalloped border and Circle punches, Versafine Onyx Black ink pad and Night of Navy ink pad

Misc: Dimensionals

Some of you may recognise that I have made similar cards to this before with the same football image and same colour ways. There is a simple explanation for this. All the men in my family love football and apart from my dad they all support Leeds United. Blue, Yellow and white are the LUFC colours!

Well thanks for stopping by. I am hoping to get more in the swing of things again with my crafting, so hopefully I will be entering some more LIM challenges again soon!!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Stars and stripes for my brother's birthday!

2012-01-27T19:36:00.007Z

Evening all!

Sorry I've been AWOL for a while. Life just seems to have got in the way of crafting since before christmas really. I've done a few bits and pieces though and so tonight I thought I would show you the birthday card I made for my brother. Last week 7 of us went to New York for 5 nights to celebrate my sister in Laws 30th birthday. We had the most amazing time, 5 nights was definately not long enough! The day after we got back it was my brothers birthday, so I though I would make him a USA inspired birthday card to remind him of our trip and this was the result.

the inside...

and a co-ordinating gift tag for his present...

Materials

CS: SU Night of Navy, Real Red and Whisper White

Papers: SU Retired DSP

Stamps: SU Solid Stripes, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess set), For my Family, retired Sale-a-bration set (star stamp)

Tools: Two tags Bigz Dies, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Real red ink pad

Misc: Sponge daubers, Stampin Markers

I was pretty pleased with my efforts and I'm happy to say my brother loved it too!
Whilst I haven't been updating my blog much, I have still been stopping by your blogs and looking at all the wonderful things you've been up to. Please bear with me and I hope to be back in the swing of things pretty soon with some more regular posts

Bye for now my friends and thanks for stopping by !

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Sale-a-bration 2012 is here!!

2012-01-25T19:52:00.005Z

Hello all!

Although I'm sure a lot of you are aware by now, yesterday was the launch of Stampin Up's 2012 Sale-a-bration event! It's that time of year again when Stampin Up give you the chance to earn free products, and who doesn't like freebies right?

So what do you have to do to earn some free and exclusive products I hear you ask?? For every £45 (before p&p) you spend in the Stampin up 2011-2012 catalogue or the Spring Mini you get to choose a product from the sale-a-bration brochure (Click on the picture on my right sidebar to see the products available).

Now usually the free products on offer are all stamp sets, but this year we have some amazing papers to choose. These are definately my favourite product in the sale-a-bration brochure this year and here is a little sneak peak off them...

The Everyday Enchantment papers.... aren't they just fabulous!!

So if you would like to get your hands on some of these fab freeebies just get in touch and I would be happy to place an order for you and get these lovley goodies winging their way to you!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

I'm still here!!

2012-01-05T07:43:00.004Z

Good morning all!

Just a quick post to say hello and let you know that I am still around! It's been a busy time of year and I really haven't had much time for crafting or blogging! I had a wonderful christmas and new year and am blessed to have spent it with my wonderful family and friends!

I hope to be back crafting soon ( once my mojo returns). I just wanted to let you know that Stampin Up launched its new Spring Mini catalogue yesterday, and there is some fabulous new products in there. Click on the picture on the right hand side if you would like to browse and have a little peak.

I just want to wish all those who visit my blog a very happy new year, I hope 2012 is a good year for you all!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Christmas is love with al the trimmings!l

2011-12-18T07:26:00.007Z

Morning all.

I just love that sentiment! So today I have a card to show you that I made with it!

and of course the inside with a simple sentiment...

Whilst I had my stash out I made another almost identical card, just changing the sentiment and backgound stamp. Et Voila...

I also got out my new die and made a tag to co-ordinate with the card...

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Old Olive and Very Vanilla

Papers: SU Real Reds Patterns DSP

Stamps: SU Pennant Parade, Petite Pairs, Contempo Christmas, Confetti and Welcome Christmas

Tools: Top Note and Two tags Bigz Dies, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Petite Pennants builder punches, Cherry Cobbler, Choc Chip, Old Olive, Crumb Cake ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Stampin Markers, Adhesive Gemstones and Pearls, Victoria Crochet Trim, Die cut tree given to me by a friend

Well, after 8 days off I am back at work today so a short and sweet post I'm afraid. I hope you are all on the way to being ready for christmas. Having this week off of work has definately helped me prepare. I've done all my present shopping, just need to wrap it all now!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM Let it snow.

2011-12-13T02:48:00.003Z

Hi all!

It's been a while again.... what can I say, It's a busy time of year and I'm trying to fit everything into the few hours in the day I seem to have!

I have managed to steal a little time to take part in this weeks challenge over at LIM though, where this weeks theme is 'Let it Snow' using a one layer card. I needed some quick cards so this challenge was perfect.

Materials

CS: Textured white (Non SU)

Stamps: SU Serene snowflakes, Contempo christmas

Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Night of Navy and Baja Breeze ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Adhesive Gemstones

I just love this Serene snowflakes set, so elegant and easy to make stunning cards with. These cards are 10cm x 10cm and I whipped up 10 of these in less than 30mins. Perfect for this time of year when every minute is precious. I made these for the girls who go to the tuesday night card class that I go to, I hope they like them!

Sorry, no decorated inside for you today. Because of the size of the card I wanted them to be CAS and have the inside focus on the personal message.

Well tonight is our fortnightly tuesday night card class and as it is our last meet up before christmas we are having a little fuddle. We are all taking in some nibbles and Julie will have some christmas tunes playing to get us all in the festive spirit.

Thanks for stopping by. I'm of to see what all the other Limettes have been up to this week.

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Holidays are coming!!!

2011-12-03T07:31:00.003Z

Good morning all!!

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I last posted, life just seems to have got in the way of blogging! It's that time of year when there is just so much to do and just not enough hours in the day! I've still managed to get a bit of crafting done though. I have a christmas class next week so have been busy preparing for that!

Well, today I thought I would share with you another of my quick and simple christmas cards I have made for my general pile. I still need to get a wriggle on with my special cards though!!

Simply decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Very Vanilla

Stamps: SU Delightful Decorations, Something for christmas and Petite Pairs

Tools: Top Note Bigz Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Lace ribbon Border punch, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crumb Cake ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Adhesive Gemstones

Love the simplicity of this card and the fact that it only took 15 minutes to make! This a la carte 'something for christmas' stamp is fab too! My must have stamp this year for my christmas cards!

Well I must dash, I'm working this weekend! I hope to be back again soon though with more christmas cards to show you!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM - silhouettes

2011-11-21T09:24:00.003Z

Good morning all!

I had a fabulous week in Cumbria last week with my husband, mum and dad! A bit of walking and a few days out with my mum for a bit of shopping, perfect!!

Back to reality this week (although I am still on holiday for another week!). Only 4 weeks left until christmas, and there's still so much to do! Does anyone else feel like there's not enough hours in a day??!!

Well, I did find time once I returned home to make a card for this weeks LIM challenge. Chrissie and Mandi want to see Silhouettes.

So with it being christmas in the not so distant future I have made another christmas card!

Now, I forgot to take a picture of the inside... but here is the inside of a similar card, only on my dasher card the base is cherry cobbler, but everything else is the same.

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Dasher, Pennant Parade, Petite Pairs and Contempo Christmas

Tools: Top note Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Choc Chip ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Adhesive Gems

Well I have already had a quick look over at the LIM blog and had a look at some of the entries this week and there are some fab interpretations of the challenge!

Thanks for stopping by. I must dash, chores to be done! I need to get on with today's to do list (lots of christmas related jobs to do!).

Hugs, Victoria

~x~

Lovely as a tree for christmas!

2011-11-11T18:14:00.003Z

Evening all!!

Tonight I have a card to show you that I made recently for my christmas box. The main focal tree image is from the same set as the image I used on the autumnal card in my last post, it just shows how versatile the set can be!

A very simple inside with a sentiment that compliments the one on the front....

Again, whilst I had my stash out I made another card, this time just changing the ribbon and positioning of the sentiment. I'll let you into a secret, this is a real trick of mine, to make a few of a similar style card, it's a huge timesaver when it comes to this time of year when you need to make multiple makes.

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Stamps: SU Contempo Christmas, Petite Pairs and Lovely as a Tree

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig,

Misc: SU Ink in Chocolate Chip, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Cherry Cobbler Scallop spotty Ribbon and Victoria Crochet Trim

I'm not sure if you can see properly on the pictures but there is some glitter added to the tree branches to represent snow. It looks much sparklier and pretty IRL!

So which is your favourite? The first is more traditional and the second has more of a vintage feel with the crochet trim. I think I like the first best (only just though).

Well I may not be around in blog land much over the next week as I now have 14 days off work and am going to the Lake District tomorrow with hubby and my parents to stay in a beautiful cottage on a farm. We aren't sure how long we're going for yet, it could end up being all week, unless my parents get sick of us before then!

Have a great weekend, thanks for stopping by and see you again soon

Hugs Victoria ~x~

LIM challenge - A change from Christmas!

2011-11-08T16:33:00.010Z

Afternoon all!!

I honestly don't know where time goes to. It's been over a week since I last posted on my blog, although I have had time to have a look what you've all been up to and to make a few cards.

Today I am sharing with you my entry for this weeks LIM challenge, where there is a colour challenge. Chrissie and Mandi want to see Red and Orange this week, in honour of Bonfire night! Now I am in full Christmas mode at the minute, with only 47 days until the big day and a christmas class I have coming up in a few weeks. However, I didn't think I could make Red and Orange work for christmas. So whilst I was out and about yesterday I was inspired by a beautiful tree with really vibrant red leaves on it, and so the idea for the following card was born!

An arty farty angle.....

the simple inside...

Whilst I had my supplies out I made an identical one with just a change of sentiment for a work colleague who had surgery yesterday.

(Apologies for the poor light in the pictures it's been dark and miserable here today!)

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler and Confetti White

Stamps: SU Lovely as a Tree, Petite Pairs, Trendy Tree's and Happiest Birthday Wishes

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Daubers for distressing, Blender pen

Misc: SU Markers in Bravo Burgundy, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie and Early espresso

I love how by inking up the stamp with your markers you get this multi-tonal effect of the leaves. I then used a blender pen to drag the colours together so there was no white space between the leaves. A definate CAS card from me this week, with lots of white space.

Got to dash. I need to go start tea and then I've got my tuesday night craft club to go to.

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to seeing what you've all created.

Hugs, Victoria

~x~

LIM week 39 - Stars

2011-10-31T07:12:00.005Z

Good morning all!

It's the beginning of another week, that little step ever closer to christmas. I don't know about you, but I still have so much to do for christmas, shopping, wrapping, making and sending cards. Not that I want to panic anyone, but there are only 54 days left!! With that being said I have another christmas card to show you today, one that meets with this weeks challenge over at LIM. Chrissie and Mandi want to see 'stars' this week. There is definately 'a star' on this card, although it might not be the most predominant image! I am also going with the theory that the image used to make the purple backgroud could be interpreted as a modern looking star!!

What do you think?? I've used some very contemporary christmas colours this time!

A dimensional shot....

and of course the inside..... very simple and also a little blurry!!! Sorry about the pic!

Materials

CS: SU Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder and Whisper White

Stamps: SU Delightful Decorations, Contempo Christmas

Tools: Top Note Bigz Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party marker pens

Misc: Whisper White Organza ribbon, Adhesive Pearls

I am really pleased with how this card turned out! I am normally a more traditional christmas colour girl for my cards (red & green) but I stepped out of my comfort zone with this one and I am so glad I did. I think these new in colours look amazing together!

I hope you can join in the LIM challenge this week and I look forward to visiting you to see what you've created!

Have a great week everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Victoria

~x~

Less is More - Polka Dots

2011-10-23T07:20:00.004+01:00

Good morning all!

It's been a few weeks since I last joined in with the LIM challenge, partly due to lack of crafty time and partly due to struggling with the challenges. Anyhow, this week Chrissie and Mandi have given us an easy recipe . . . .it's Polka Dots! I just love spots and polka dots so I had to join in this week!

So I am still in christmas card mode, so it had to be another christmas card using my favourite christmas stamps.

Plenty of white (or cream in this case) space on this one!!

...and the ever so simple inside. I just partially inked up the same image I used on the front...

I love this card and couldn't stop there, so whilst I had my supplied out I made another very similar one, just changed the colours and sentiment...

and again the partially inked image from the front....

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, CrumB Cake and Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Welcome Christmas, Dot Dot Dot, Contempo Christmas

Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cherry Cobbler marker, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, and Choc Chip ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Adhesive Pearls

So which is your favourite then?? I think I prefer the first card as I like the LO and sentiment, however, I also like the colours of the second, more traditional!! My husband tells me I always sit on the fence! Lol!

I have fallen in Love with the Welcome Christmas set this year! It's the most wonderful stamp set with 5 different images and sentiments, the wreath image probably being my favourite. (Click on the catalogue link at the side to see it, it's on page 26) If you would like to enquire any more about this set or any other Stampin Up products then get in touch and I would be happy to help!

Right I'd best get ready for work, hopefully it'll be a better day than yesterday. I'm going to the In Law's after work for my Sunday Lunch, which I am looking forward to as I haven't seen much of them lately, plus it means I don't have to think about cooking tea when I get in. Every cloud!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Pennant Parade Christmas Tree!

2011-10-17T06:42:00.004+01:00

Good morning all!

Sorry I ahven't posed or a while. I was pretty busy last wek wit work and then on saturday I had my first ever card class so I was busy prepping for that too. I think I have a few pictures I took on the day (but I need to check my camera first) and I will share them with you soon!!

Today I have a christmas card to show you that I have made with one of the new SU sets called Pennant Parade. I absolutley LOVE this set, it is soooooo useful and versatile. Pennant Parade is not just for christmas, it's for life!! Ha!

A 3D angle of the card.....

A close up of the bling baubles on the tree...

and the lovely decrated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Very Vanilla

Papers: SU Holly Bouquet Speciality, Old Olive Patterns DSP

Stamps: SU Pennant Parade, Petite Pairs

Tools: Top Note Bigz Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Trim Border and Petite Pennants builder punches, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crumb Cake ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Stampin Markers, Adhesive Gemstones

I created the background pattern by stamping a small patterned stamp from Pennant Parade on the CS using the co-ordinating ink pad. I love this candy cane effect paper too. The red stipes are so glitzy and sparkly and is from the fab new Holly Bouquet Speciality paper pack!!

Well thanks for stopping by today. I hope you've enjoyed seeing my latest christmas creation! Got to dash now and get ready for work!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Black, White and Pink Birthday!,

2011-10-07T06:21:00.005+01:00

Morning all!!

I don't know what's wrong with me this morning but I have been up since 3am, I just couldn't sleep! It gave me a chance to start prepping for my upcoming christmas class on the 15th though. It's my first ever class and I have 7 ladies attending, and as I'm away this weekend I though I would get a head start on the cutting and packaging of the CS.

I'm heading off down South tonight after work to Portsmouth for the weekend with my husband and parents. I am going to a surprise birthday party for a very good friend of mine. We have known each other ever since we were born as our parents were best friends at school.

So today I have the birthday card to show you that I have made for her.

Of course, I had to decorate the inside too...

Materials

CS: SU Basic Black, Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Stamps: SU Occasional Greetings (Retired), Bliss (retired)

Tools: SU Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Scallop Trim border punch, Nestabilities Labels dies.

Misc: Melon Mambo and Stazon ink

Now I know I used retired stamp sets for today's card, but in my defence I made this card before I knew Occasional Greetings was leaving us, and I just LOVE this sentiment, one of my favourite stamps of all time and so appropiate for my friend. She's not an overly girly person so I think this card has the right mix for her and I love pink, black and white together!!

Well I'd best get off and get ready for work. I'll be back again next week with some more cards to show you that I have made with some of the new SU products from the fab new catalogue!!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM - Colour challenge!

2011-10-05T07:24:00.004+01:00

Good morning all!

Today I have a card to share with you that I've made for this week's LIM challenge. Chrissie and Mandi want to see a card made using 'the colour of your eyes'! Now my eyes are a what I would decribe as a bit of a 'mucky' colour. They are hazel 'ish' but they are more brown than green, so I went with the colour brown for my card!

I created a winter snow scene using my new favourite christmas stamps..

and of course a simple decorated interior...

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Stamps: SU Welcome Christmas, Lovely as a Tree

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig,

Misc: SU Ink in Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Craft White, shimmer paint in frost white

I am just so in love with the Welcome Christmas stamp set. It's not a new set, but it's new to me as I have only just discovered it and I cannot stop using it!! There are 5 stamps in the set and it comes in either clear or wood mount option. The 'seasons greetings' sentiment is also from this set. I used a cherry cobbler marker to ink only the 'seasons greetings' part of the framed sentiment that comes in this set. I'm sure you'll be seeing plenty more of this set in the coming months!

Well thanks for stopping by today, I've got to get off to work now (Unfortunately! I'd rather be at home crafting!).

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

The wait is over!!

2011-10-01T20:07:00.004+01:00

It's finally here. The new Stampin Up Idea book and catalogue is now available. You can click on the picture on the right of my blog to view the new catty, or if you would like your very own copy to drool over then just get in touch and I can send you one for £5, inclusive of postage. You will not be dissapointed with this years new catalogue, there are some gorgeous new products, stamp sets, new colours, punches, dies and most excitingly for me FABRIC!!! My wish list is sooooo long I just don't know what I NEED most first!!

It's also World Card Making Day today, so I just wanted to wish you all happy wishes!

Thanks for stopping by today. I will be back very shortly with some new designs to show you!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Last Chance List!!

2011-09-30T23:59:00.001+01:00

Sticky post. Please scroll down for newer posts!!

It's that time of year when Stampin Up announce their retiring list of products.
A time to bid a fond farewell to hundreds of stamps and accessories and make room for exciting new products when the new catalogue is released on October 1st!! Items on the Retired List are only available while supplies last. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! To look at the last chance list click here. If you would like to order any of these items just email me. I am offering orders of over £50 delivered direct to your door with free delivery. If you would also like a copy of the new 2011-2012 catalogue, let me know and I will get a copy out to you for £4.95 + P&P (RRP £5.99).

New Sneak Peak!!

2011-09-27T07:32:00.005+01:00

Good morning all!!

With the release of the new SU catalogue on saturday I though I would share a sneak peak with you. For today's card I have used a stamp from a new set called delicate doilies and also some of the new 'In colours' for this year.

Simply decorated inside...

As I have said before I do like this Lay Out. So simple and easy to replicate with different designs. I needed a few cards for some of the girls at work who have had birthday's in the past week, sooooo, I made another one, just using slightly different colours adn ad ifferent embossing folder.

An arty farty close up..

and again the simply decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Naturals Ivoryand Wisteria Wonder

Stamps: SU Delicate Doilies, Occasional Greetings (Retiring),

Tools: SU Perfect Polka Dots and Square Lattice embossing folders, Circle Punch

Misc: SU Ink pads in Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Wiseria Wonder, Rose Red and Regal Rose and
Adhesive Rhinestones

Well thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoyed taking a sneak peek at some of the new SU products. Don't forget if you would like a new Stampin Up 2011-2012 catalogue get in touch and I can send you one for only £5, inclusive of postage.

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM CAS christmas!!

2011-09-22T20:06:00.006+01:00

Evening all!!

Today I have another few cards to show you that I have made for this weeks LIM challenge. They are trying to get up to 1000 entries this week so every card helps!! As I write this post they currenlty have 568 entries, so come on lets see what we can do to help push that number up!!

I've gone all festive and have started thinking about christmas. I want to be organised this year and get all my card making done before december so I can send out my cards nice and early and then spend most of december enjoying the festivities. So today I have two christmas cards to show you.

Firstly I have gone with the traditional festive colours of red and green using a fab stamp set which is a new favourite of mine.

I have decorated the inside too using the wreath image to create a holly trail border along the bottom, and the fab sentiment is from the retiring Occasional greetings set.

So I really enjoyed the simplicity of this card so I went ahead and made another. This time substituting the green CS for Ivory and the glitzy bejewelled wreath for a more soft feeling pearl adorned wreath.

(Yes, those eagle eyed of you will see one have my pearls has wandered off of the wreath. I only noticed this after photographing it but is now back at home nestled in the wreath).

I decorated the inside again, another trail of ivory along the bottom and a slightly different sentiment (Love this one, definately my favourite christmas greeting from the SU catalogue).

Now, I was perusing around blogland the other day and found a tutorial for a milk carton on Kerry's blog made from a sheet of A4 CS. All u need to do is score, fold et voila!! Well, I just couldn't wait to make one, so I thought what better time than know, so I made one to match the christmas cards.

I stamped the box all over with the wreath stamp and then decorated the front with a matching wreath and sentiment. All held together with a cute little bulldog clip. Or alternatively you could punch two holes through the top and tie it together with ribbon (I might try that one next time!!)

A close up of the decorated front. I have coloured in the holly berries with a marker. This cute little box is the perfect size for some chocolates in a little cello bag. I think I'm going to do one of these for all the girls at work this year (best get cracking as there are 25 of us!!).

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Welcome Christmas, Contempo Christmas, Occasional Greetings (Retiring),
Dot Dot Dot

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig,

Misc: SU Ink pads in Crumb Cake, Chery Cobbler and Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler marker,
Adhesive Rhinestones and Pearls, Clips assortment

Well I hope it hasn't been death by photo's and you have enjoyed looking at my christmas projects for today. Chrissie and mandi, here are another 2 cards for your challenge this week. If I get the chance tomorrow I will see if I can squeeze in a a couple more!!

Don't forget if there is anything on the Stampin Up last chance list you have got your eye on you only have another 8 days until it is gone forever. So if there is anything you just can't live without then get in touch and I would be happy to place an order for you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Victoria

~x~

LIM - Week 33 Anything goes!

2011-09-19T07:24:00.006+01:00

Morning all!!

Well another week begins. I honestly don't know where time goes to. The weeks just seem to be flying by!!

Today I have a card to show you I have made for this weeks LIM challenge. Now Chrissie and Mandi are trying to reach 1000 submissions this week the theme is anything goes, and you can enter a card as many times as you want, in fact the more the merrier this week! So let's see if we can get to the target of 1000 submissions!!

I am going to try to enter several times this week to do my bit for he cause!!

So firstly I have made an anniversary card for my brother and sister in law

An arty farty close up shot to show you the stunning intricate detail of the heart stamp and the texture of the embossed CS...

and of course the matching inside....

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Stamps: SU Cheer & Wishes (Retiring), I heart hearts

Tools: SU Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

Misc: SU Ink in Crumb Cake, River Rock and Baja Breeze

I just love this card. Clean, simple and elegant and this LO is so useful. I have used this LO template before (see here and here) and I am sure I will be using it again many many times in the future.today

Well thanks for stopping by and don't forget to stop back later in the week to see my other LIM cards. Come on, lets help Chrissie and Mandi get to 1000 submissions!!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

New House card!

2011-09-14T20:53:00.002+01:00

Hello one and all!

Today I have a card to show you that I made for my sister in law as she recently moved house and it also just so happens to use a product that is retiring at the end of the month, so if you want it now is the time to get it before it is gone forever!

Materials

CS: SU Naturals Ivory and Crumb Cake

Stamps: SU Neighbourhood wheel (retiring), Sincere Salutations, Four Frames, Dot Dot Dot, Elzbells sentiment from my stash

Tools: Decorative Label punch, Basic Grey and Crumb Cake ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Ribbon from stash

I love this neighbourhood wheel and will be sad to see it go at the end of this month! If you would like to order it or any other products then just email me.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Hugs,

Victoria ~x~

LIM Challenge week 32 - Seeing Double!!

2011-09-11T14:04:00.008+01:00

Happy Sunday everyone!!

What a sad day today is. 10 years since the terrible events of 9 11 happened. I can remember it as if it was only yesterday. My heart breaks when I think of all those who were killed, especially those 343 firefighters who died so that others may live. My thoughts are with all the families of those who never returned home that day!

So today I have a card to show you for this weeks LIM challenge. Chrissie and Mandi want to see a one layer card this week with the theme 'seeing double' where they'd like to see TWO of something.

Now I saw this card last week, created by the ever inspiring Vicky, so I had to CASE it as I just fell in LOVE with it! I adapted it ever so slightly so it met with this weeks LIM challenge.

I was so happy with the result that I quickly made another, just with a different sentiment (and the tree's closer together)....

and of course the very simply decorated insert, just to finish it off.....

Thanks so much for the inspiration Vicky!!!

Materials

CS: SU Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Trendy Trees, Thnak You Kindly

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Choc Chip, Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgandy, Old Olive
and Tangerine Tango Markers, Blender pen

Well thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'm off to do a spot of baking before my husband gets up (he's on nights), so he can enjoy one of my infamous fat rascals with a cup of tea!!

Dont forget, if you want to purchase anything off of the last chance list you only have 19 days left and quite a few of the items are already sold out, so hurry before you're too late!!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Edited Post

Thought I would just share with you a picture of the delicious fat rascals I made this afternoon for my hubbie. Of course I had to have one to with a cup of tea so thats why there's only 4 left in this picture. I will probably regret it on wednesday when I get weighed, but boy was it yummy and worth every calorie!!

Christmas already???!!!

2011-09-03T18:31:00.011+01:00

Happy Saturday everyone!!

I have had the laziest day!! I didn't get up until 9am and was still tired. So after me and hubbie had been and done the food shopping and had lunch I went back to bed for a few hours!! Definately not something I normally do, but my hubbie is on nights and he was going for a rest before work tonight so I thought, why not!! I probably won't sleep tonight now!! Serves me right!!

Today I thought I would share with you some christmas cards I made this week. I know it's only September but I want to be organised this year, get all the cards sent out early, and have time in december to actually enjoy the festive season without feeling too stressed out!!

Now I'll warn you this post is a little picture heavy as I made a few different cards using the same materials, so they are all slightly different but with a similar layout for ease and speed of making!!

So here we go....

a simply decorated inside (which was pretty much the same for all the cards coming up)

A change of paper and sentiment......

Just one bauble, another sentiment and an embossed background (not sure you can see it properly on this pic)....

More paper.....

Love this sentiment.....

Portrait style......

Love this red base CS with the green spotty paper....

Some more paper.....

and finally the inside of the portrait style cards.....

Phew..... hope that wasn't too much for you!! 8 cards down... just a lot more to go!! Ha!

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Naturals Ivory

Papers: SU Jolly Holiday

Stamps: SU Occasional Greetings, Contempo Christmas

Tools: Top Note Bigz Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crum Cake ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers, Stampin Markers, Adhesive Pearls

Now I have used a few retiring SU products for these cards. The fabby papers and a few of the sentiments. The Jolly Holiday papers are £8.75 for a pack of 12 double sided 12" x 12" papers and the occasional greetings stamp set (one of my absolute favourites and I am sooooo sad it is being retired) has an amazing 40% off the retail price so is now only £18.75 for a set of 12 sentiment stamps. But you'll have to be quick, these items are only whilst stocks last and only available until the end of this month, before they will be gone forever!!

So if you would like either of these items to help make your christmas card making easier this year, or any other SU items then just drop me an email and I would love to place an order for you.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend whatever you're up to, I'm off to see my family tomorrow! Thank for stopping by.

Hugs, Victoria

LIM week 30!

2011-08-31T09:44:00.005+01:00

Morning all!!

It's my day off today so I am having a lazy day, catching up on blogging, crafting and general bits and bobs.

Over at the LIM challenge this week the theme is TAKE 3 CHALLENGES. Chrissie and Mandi want us to choose 3 from any of the previous 29 challenges and combine them our your design.
So after much deliberation I decided on :

Week 10 - Sentiment Only
Week 13 - Congrats or Thank you
Week 19 - In the Frame

I made a congratulations card for my cousin who has just got her GCSE results. She got 13 in total all C and above and she is over the moon, so I just wanted to say well done!!

Arty farty close up of the fab sentiment and yummy designer paper...

and of course the decorated inside using some off cuts...

Materials

CS: SU Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Papers: SU Sweet Stitches Designer Series

Stamps: SU Curly Cute

Tools: Top Note Bigz Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers

Love these bright and cheery colours, very summery, unlike our british weather at the moment.

Well thanks for stopping by today. I'm off for a look to see what everyone else has been up to for this weeks LIM challenge!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

I am in love!!

2011-08-25T21:38:00.005+01:00

Evening all!!

I am in love with this this gorgeous canvas purse that just came with my latest Stampin Up order. It has such intricate blue stitching detail.

and the cutest little zip.....

But the best bit is what's inside. Not just the fab and funky stripey interior lining, but also the yummy freebies that comes in it!!

Here they are all together.....

If you would like to get your hands on this fab freebie gift you still have another 5 days!! All you need to do is place an order of £75 and it's your's for free. Contact me for more details or if you would like to place an order and one of these could be winging it's way to you in the next week!!

Hugs

Victoria ~x~

LIM - Things that Move!!

2011-08-20T19:06:00.006+01:00

Happy saturday everyone!!

I've has a lovely day out in Leeds, shopping and lunching with my aunty and cousin today!! How else can this day get better?? Why its the day the new LIM challenge is launched of course. Saturday's have never been the same since I started participating in this challenge!! I love to wake up and log on to see what the new challenge is!!

This week Chrissie and Mandi want to see projects with a theme and the theme is.... things that move!! Now, I though outside of the box a bit with this theme and came up with a football. Now I know technically they only move once they have been kicked, so fingers crossed, I hope it counts!!

I made a football themed card for my hubbie and used the colours of the team he supports.... 'Leeds United'.

An arty farty close up shot of the sentiment....

...and the inside shot. I made another wallet style card so I had a little slot to put some money in. My husband is so difficult to buy for, so I learnt years ago, it's just easier to give him money.. and to be honest I think he prefers it!! Love this cute sentiment as well, it matches the theme perfectly!!

I loved making this card so much that I decided to do a few more, very similar one's for my father in law's and brothers birthday's. They both support Leeds United too, so perfect!!

No wallet style inside this time..... just plain and simple decorating!

Materials

CS: SU Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White, Textured card from my stash

Stamps: SU Cheer and Wishes, Football stamps from Elzybells (Retired)

Tools: SU Scalloped border, Circle and Decorative Label punches, SU Square Lattice Embossing folder, Versamark and Versafine Onyx Black ink pads

Misc: Sentiment from Craftwork Cards

Sorry for the photo heavy post, hope you've managed to stay with me and like my cards for this weeks LIM challenge!! I can't wait to see what you all create for this weeks theme!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Less is more - one layer & ink!

2011-08-18T07:37:00.002+01:00

Good morning all!

It's taken me a few days to get round to posting it but here is my entry for this weeks LIM challenge. This week Chrissie and Mandi want to se a one layer card using ink! It was suggested that we use the ink in a way we haven't tried before.... or by using our favourite technique.
Now, I love creating shapes using the sponging technique and a shaped stencil, so this is what I went for...

Materials

CS: SU Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Just Believe, Vintage Vogue

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cho Chip, Crumb Cake, So Saffron and Pumpkin Pie ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers

I love the simplicity of this card and it was unbelieveably quick to make, less than 10 minutes, so perfect for those quick cards you need last minute, just a change of sentiment and it's suitable for any occasion!!

For those of you who have noticed I haven't decorated the inside of this card I apologise. Time is precious this week and I thought better to get a card done for the beloved LIM challenge with no decorated inside than no card at all!! I will be decorating the inside though before I give this card away I promise!

Well thanks for stopping by today! Must dash, got to get off to work!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Well

Birthday Wishes for Mum!

2011-08-12T07:19:00.003+01:00

Good morning all!

It's finally friday after what has seemed like the longest week!! I am so looking forward to a lie in in the morning and an evening out with friends tomorrow night!!

It was my mums birthday a few weeks ago and my dad asked me (very last minute I may add) to make a card from him for my mum! So this is what I came up with.

A close up shot of that beautiful frame...

... and of course the decorated inside

Materials

CS: SU Basic Black and Confetti White

Papers: Real Red Designer Series (Bright stack)

Stamps: SU Sincere Salutations, Four Frames, Flower stamps from Elzybells

Tools: SU Decorative Label punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Real red, Old Olive and staz on ink pads

Misc: Sponge daubers

I loved making this card. I had these Elzybells flower stamps that I bought when they closed down and have never used them, so I dug them out and decided to use the poppies. Love the bright colours!! I am also loving the four frames set. You get four stamps of decorative frames in the set, but this is my favourite!!

If you would like to order any of the items I have used for todays card or any other Stampin Up products you may want, just drop me an e-mail. Don't forget, if you place an order of £75 before the end of August you receive the free gift of a cosmetic purse (exclusive to SU), pack of 24 silver clips and a reel of grosgrain ribbon. I just love a freebie, don't you?!

Well I hope you all have a fab weekend, whatever you're up to and thankyou for stoppping by!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

You're Invited - Week 27 LIM!

2011-08-07T17:41:00.005+01:00

Happy Sunday one and all!!

Sorry I haven't been around since last week. I have tried to stop by your blogs and see what you've all been up to. I have been very busy at work and I am experimenting with my hobbies!! Still crafty types of projects, but I've decide to branch out from solely papercrafts and I am delving into the world of knitting and furniture renovation. I have already knitted several scarves and am currently in the middle of knitting a cushion cover. I am also busy renovating a couple of chests of drawers with seagrass baskets that I found at a garage sale at my local hospice, I though they would look nice in my ensuite, they just need a bit of TLC and a lick (or two) of paint!!

I haven't participated over at LIM very regularly these past few months (slap my hands), due to my hectic schedule. However, I always look what the new challenge is every week and try and participate where I can as I love the LIM style! So this week Mandi and Chrissie want to see cards using the colours of your nations flag.

So I went with the colours of the Union Jack.

A close up of the focal sentiment....

and the inside....

Materials

CS: SU Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy and Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Sincere Salutations, Four Frames, Musical Notes (Wheel)

Tools: SU Decorative Label Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin around Handle

Misc: SU Ink in Cherry Cobbler and Night of Navy, Versamark

I needed a wallet style card to put some tickets in for a friend of mine. I have bought us some tickets for a concert and wanted to present them in something a little more special that the envelope they came in. I love making these type of cards. They are so easy to do and are perfect for adding a little money, tickets or vouchers in the pocket on the inside. I thought the musical notes wheel was the perfect touch for this occasion and it was the first time I have used the 'You're Invited' stamp from the sincere salutations set. I LOVE this set, it was my first purchase from Stampin Up and I still use it as much today as I did when I bought it 3 years ago!!

Well I hope you like my entry for LIM this week. I promise to do my level best to try and stop by and say hello this week!!

Hugs, Victoria

~x~

LIM week 25 - Ribbon!

2011-07-29T06:41:00.006+01:00

Morning all!

It's friday, so that means it's nearly the weekend, yay! Today is my day off and I can tell you it is much needed as I haven't had a day off in 7 days and I have been super busy at work this week! I have a long weekend of relaxing ahead of me though as I am going here today for a 2 night spa break with my best friend. It's a little treat I bought for her birthday as we are both busy people and it will do us good to spend some quality time together and be pampered!

So today I have a card to show you I made for this weeks LIM challenge. A little late in the week I know, but better late than never! This week Chrissie and Mandi have given us a recipe challenge, to use either a button or ribbon (or pleurals thereof). Now I have plenty of both ribbons and buttons in my stash, so what to choose??!! I eventually settled on ribbon so I could use some of my new seam binding ribbon stash, love this stuff!!

Here is my card...

and of course the simply decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Stamps: SU Sincere Salutations,
Four Frames, Vintage Vogue

Tools: SU Decorative Label punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Misc: SU Melon Mambo adn Basic Black ink, Seam Binding Ribbon from stash

I just adore seam binding ribbon at the minute. I love how you can wrinkle it up as I have in this card to give extra dimension and texture to your cards.

Well I hope you all enjoy your weekend whatever you're up to! I'll be be back on Sunday, hopefully feeling all refreshed and relaxed!

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Happy Birthday Mum!

2011-07-26T07:28:00.002+01:00

Good morning!

Today, it's my mum's birthday and she follows my blog so I want to wish her very a happy birthday!!

It's only apt that share with you the birthday card I made for her, and it's safe to do so as she will have opened it by now!

The decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Confetti White, Baja Breeze

Papers: Pear Pizzaz Designer Series, In Colour (Hostess Gift)

Stamps: SU Broadsheet Alphabet, Curly Cute

Tools: SU scallop trim border punch, Scallop Trim corner, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Circle Punch,

Misc: Adhesive Pearls

I just love this Broadsheet Alphabet set and haven't used it since I made my place settings for my wedding reception. So, I dug it out to create 'Mum'. As you can see I'm still using the In Colours (that's three cards in a row!), this time it's pear pizzaz, love this green colour! I hope my mum likes her card and has a wonderful day.

Well I must dash, got to go to work. I'm going to my friend Jules tonight for tuesday night craft class and I'm looking forward to it after the last few days at work that I've had! It'll be god to see all the girls.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

More in colours!

2011-07-21T09:12:00.003+01:00

Good morning all!

I have a day off today as I am working this weekend. My husband has to work so that means I get some time to myself today to get crafty!!

The last post I showed you was using the 'In Colours' from SU and I enjoyed making the card so much I made another, you guessd it, using 'In Colours' again!

I decided to dig out my beloved butterflies for this card and I also wanted to use my large 'friendly' stamp for the first time!

This is what I came up with ...

A closer shot of the beautiful embossed butterflies...

... and the decorated inside, apologies for the blured photograph

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Poppy Parade and Whisper White

Stamps: SU Friendly background, Simply Said, So Happy For You (Sale-a-bration)

Tools: SU Decorative Label punch and scallop trim border punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Beautiful wings embosslit Die,

Misc: SU Markers, Adhesive gemstones

I really am enjoying using these In Colours, but equally I am looking forward to the release of the new In Colours in October!

I had a lovely afternoon at the create and Craft show with my mum last sunday, and amazingly I was very restrained and came back with some of my money! I feel a crafty session with my new stash coming on this afternoon!!

Well thanks for visiting today and for any comments you leave, I love reading them and knowing you've stopped by!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

In Colours!

2011-07-16T07:19:00.004+01:00

Good Morning all!

What miserable weather we've woken up to this morning, kind of makes me glad I'm working today! Mrs Mojo has reappeared (for a brief period) so I have a card to share with you today. Now I haven't really used this years 'In Colours' from SU very much, so I challenged myself to make a card using these and some of my new stash from my last craft splurge!

Here's the final result...

A more detailed shot of the 3D flower and the embossing....

and of course the decorated inside....

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade and Whisper White

Papers: Designer Series Paper In Colour (Level 1 hostess gift)

Stamps: SU Ocasional Greetings, Whimsical Words (retired), So Happy For You (Sale-a-bration)

Tools: SU Square lattice, Perfect Polka Dots and Vintage Wallpaper embossing folders, Fun Flowers Die, Sponges for distressing

Misc: SU Markers, Adhesive Pearls

I really enjoyed making this card and I love the bright colours and all the texture created by the embossing folders!

Well I suppose I had better get off the computer and go and get ready for work. I am only working today though as I am going to the Stitch and Creative Craft show tomorrow with my mum at Doncaster Racecourse. Not that I really should be spending anything! I have a huge mountain of stash that I should use first. I don't know about you, but I think there is something exciting about getting new stash to coo over!!

Have a great weekend, whatever you're all up to and thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

I'm home!

2011-07-12T07:24:00.008+01:00

Morning all!

I got back from my Honeymoon in Mauritius last friday afternoon. It has taken me a good few days to recover from the travelling and I have not yet regained my craft mojo. But I though I would say hello and share with you a few pictures of the resort I stayed at!

This was the view from our apartment...

The view from reception over the infinity pools...

The main swiming pool...

View down the beach from my sun lounger...

and the other direction....

and last but not least an arty farty photo of my hubby I took whilst laid out on my sunlounger...

It was my first day back at work yesterday and I am wishing I was back in Mauritius. Roll on the weekend!!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope to be back soon with something crafty to show you, thats assuming I can find my mojo!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Happy Fathers Day Dad!!

2011-06-19T07:39:00.005+01:00

Morning all and Happy Fathers Day to everyone here in the UK!

I am working this weekend so unfortunately cannot spend the day with my dad as he lives 30 miles away. I did however, manage to get over on thursday night to see him and drop off his present and card. So what better day to share this card with you.

Again, I used some of my new stash on this card. I am so impatient, I dn't know about you but I just need to use as much new stash as I can, as soon as I can after it arrives!!

I left the inside void of a sentiment inside and just decorated it simply as I wanted more space to add a personalised message myself.

I also made a quick and simple matching gift tag for my dads gift....

With a little sentiment on the other side and just enough room to write who it's from...

Materials

CS: SU Choc Chip, Cherry Cobbler, NIght of Navy and Naturals Ivory

Papers: Retired designer paper sponged with cherry cobbler ink

Stamps: SU Occasional Greetings, Solid Stripes, Afterthoughts, French Foliage

Tools: SU Square lattice embossing folder, SU Scallop Border Punch, Sponges for distressing

Misc: SU Markers, Choc Chip Grosgrain ribon (retired)

It wasn't until after I'd finished the card that I realised it had a very American feel to it, what with the colours and the striped background. I used a stamp from French Foliage to create the subtly ink splodged background. I just love this ink splot design stamp fom the french foliage set. If I'm honest, I only bought the set for this stamp and the french script stamp and at only £13.95 for the clear set of 6 stamps it is such a bargain I just couldn't resist.

Well I hope you all have a great day with your families. I only have 3 more sleeps until I go on my belated honeymoon (we got married in March) on wednesday. I am sooooooo excited I can't wait. So if you don't see me around blogland for a few weeks, please forgive me as I'll be on a beach in the Indian Ocean, sipping cocktails with my gorgeous husband!!

Bye for now.

Hugs, Vitcoria ~x~

Fathers Day!

2011-06-15T18:58:00.004+01:00

Hello All!

This weekend it's Fathers Day here in the UK so today I have a fathers day card to show you. We had a male themed card class the other week at Julie's so I made a card for my Father in Law. Now like some of you I really struggle with male cards, they are definately not my forte. So here's what I created.

...and of course the inside, simple and to the point!

Materials

CS: SU Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Papers: Pattern Designer series papers - Regals

Stamps: SU Cheers to You, Something to Celebrate, Basic Phrases

Tools: SU Square lattice embossing folder, SU Tag Punches, Decorative Label Punch

Misc: SU Markers

The challenge over at Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge is a 'Male Card' so I'm entering this there!

Thanks for stopping by today. Short but sweet post. I'm not feeling too good so think I'm going to have an early night.

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM 19 - One Layer in the frame!

2011-06-12T20:39:00.008+01:00

It's sunday, so that means one thing, the new challenge over at LIM came out yesterday! I don't know what I did before this challenge came out! I, like most of you other Limette's am addicted!!

I was working all day yesterday but for most of my shift my mind was wondering to the challenge and thoughts of my design. I had sneaked a peak at the challenge theme before I went to work. Maybe next time I should wait until I get home though as I didn't get a whole lot of work done!!

So this week it's one layer week again with the added challenge of 'in the frame', where chrissie and Mandi would like to see a frame of some sort or something in a frame.

So I let my thoughts run away with me thinking of various ideas and designs. My new Stampin Up stash arrived on thursday, so I knew I definately wanted to use some of that. I decided I wanted to make some little notelet sized thankyou cards (after all, you always need thank you cards right?). After a little playing around, this is what I came up with!

I loved this simple design so much, I repeated it with a different sentiment, from my new 'Thank You Kindly' set.

I loved the spotty 'frame' I'd created as the background but wanted to use my new 'Four Frames' stamp set, which obviously is perfect for this weeks challenge. Et Voila....

... this is what I came up with. I had to use a lot of masking and post it's to create this. I decided I liked it but thought it needed a bit more defininition around the edge's of the background. So I made another and came up with this...
By this point I had got a bit carried away and wanted to use another of my new sentiments from 'Thank You Kindly'. So I made this one....

Again lot's of masking and post its!! I decided on yet another version of this but again with softer edges and with the help of some more post it's low and behold I created a frame in a frame!

Materials

CS: SU Naturals Ivory

Stamps: SU Dot Dot Dot, Just Believe, Thank You Kindly,
Four Frames, Oval All (thank you sentiment)

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Decorative Label punch, sponges for distressing

Misc: SU Stampin Write Markers

Now, I wouldn't have been able to make any of these notelets without two key items. My trusty stamp-a-ma-jig and Stampin Markers. By using both of these items you can create so many different looks from the same stamps. I want to say huge thank you to Vicky, a fellow SU demo, as she has been a real inspiration for me for getting more than one look from your stamps and thinking outside of the box.

Well thanks for sticking with me through today's mammoth post and I look forward to seeing what all you other Limette's have come up for this week challenge!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Monochrome Take 2!

2011-06-08T08:06:00.003+01:00

Morning all!

I am loving the LIM challenge this week, so much so I decided to make another card, this time one with more white space as there was very limited white space on my last cards.

One of my work colleagues lost her mother recently so I made her a card to let her know I was thinking about her. Not the easiest of cards to make, but I used my new 'Thanks for Caring' set from the SU mini catalogue which I think is just beautiful.

A change of location for my photography for today's card. I used the dark tile backdrop in my kitchen to show off the card better!

and the decorated inside.... this stamp set has a lovely sentiment perfect for use on the inside of the card.

Materials

CS: SU Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Stamps: SU Thanks for caring

Tools: Butterfly wings embosslit, Circle Nestabilities, Sponges for distressing,
SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder

Misc: Adhesive Pearls, Blender pen, SU Baja Breeze ink

I used lots of lovely products from the Stampin Up mini catalogue for this card. I am just loving the embossing folders and these adorable Butterflies from the emboslits die.

If you would like to enquire about any of the products I ahve used then just drop me an e-mail.

Thanks for stopping by today, must dash and get myself off to work now!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Monochrome!

2011-06-06T14:43:00.006+01:00

Hello all!

Today I have a much needed Day off, so I have been and done a little shopping and then got crafty and made my card for this weeks LIM challenge where the theme is 'Monochrome'.

Now when I think of monochrome I usually think of black and white. So I had a bit of a think about the design and colours and came up with this... Monochrome in green

...and of course the inside!

Well I liked the result so much and it was created so quickly and easily I decided to make another, this time in Oranges/Rust colours...

and again the matching decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Wild Wasabi, Really Rust (Retired) Whisper White

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Cheer and Wishes, Thanks for Caring

Tools: SU Stampamajig, Sponge Daubers

Misc: Stampin Markers in always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, Pear Pizzaz, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, More Mustard and Peach Parfait.

I think I'm going to make a few more of these cards with different sentiments and in different colourways. They would make the perfect gift if you did them as little notelets in a set. Now there's an idea!!

Well that's all for today. I'm off now to have a hop round blogland and see what you've all been up to.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Cute Card Thursday!

2011-06-03T20:31:00.004+01:00

Evening all!

Phew it's been a scorcher today (well by UK standards anyway)! I was glad to get home, take off my uniform and hop in the shower I can tell you!

Well today I have a card to show you that I'm going to enter over at Cute Card Thursday, where the theme this week is Embellish it! I have used some adhesive pearls on my main image, so this is my embellishment!!

and of course the decorated inside.... I know how some of you like to see what I've done to my interior as much as what's on the outside!!

Materials

CS: SU Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Paper: Designer paper from the bright paper stack (Melon Mambo)

Stamps: SU Itty Bitty Buds (Retired), Elzybells sentiment

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Trim Border Punch, sponges for distressing

Misc: SU Old Olive, Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry Ink, Adhesive Pearls

Love these colours together, not too girly but still feminine.

I've been having a hippity hop around blogland and there's some fab creations out there that have really inspired me, so a big thanks to you all! I am off to my friend Jules Big Shot class tomorrow and I can't wait to meet up with my crafty buddies. Seems ages since we've got together (in reality its only probably a few weeks!).

After a hard week at work I have a lovely 3 days off work now & I can't wait til monday when I have the whole day to myself to craft up a storm!

Have a great weekend everyone & enjoy the sunshine!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Just for You - Pick a square!

2011-05-30T12:04:00.005+01:00

Happy Bank Holiday to you all!

What rubbish weather. Woke up to drizzle this morning. So much for wanting to put my washing out! Typical Bank Holiday weather really, don't know why I'm surprised!

This week over at the LIM challenge, Chrissy and Mandi want us to pick a square.

So, I have to say I chose the easy option and went for the centre square. A real quick CAS card, literally took me 10 minutes to make.

an arty farty angle to show you the dimension of the flower...

and of course to finish it off I decorated the inside...

Materials

CS: SU Very Vanilla, Rose Red

Paper: Springtime Vintage Designer paper from the SU mini catalogue

Stamps: SU Vintage Vogue, Oval All

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, XL Fancy Flower and Scallop Trim Border Punches

Misc: SU Crumb Cake and Rose red Ink, Adhesive Pearls

I suppose you could say I also chose the bottom right square to decorate the inside! :-)

I hope you're all enjoying your extended BH weekend. I'm just pottering about today, in fact I'm still in my dressing gown (Gasp!!).

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Elegant Thank You's!

2011-05-27T20:58:00.005+01:00

Evening all!

Thank Goodness it's the weekend after the week I've had. It's an extended bank holiday weekend here for those of us in the UK, so I have now got 3 days off! Plenty of timeto get crafty and take a wander around blogland!

Before I show you today's card, I just want to say a huge thank you for all the comments I received on my last post. A whopping 59 comments. I have NEVER in my whole 3 years of blogging ever has that many comments on one of my posts and I am just absolutely thrilled at all your comments, so thanks again!

Today I thought I would share some thank you cards I made to give to my friends and guests who came to my wedding in March! I got the Elegant Thank You stamp as part of my starter kit, as I knew I wanted to use this beautifull stamp to create a simple design for my Thank You cards. I made about 40 in total, 10 each in 4 different colour ways. The cards were approximately 10cm square, a perfect size to showcase this stamp!

Firstly here it is in Pear Pizzaz...

.... and then Baja Breeze....

..followed by Rich Razzleberry....

..and to finish Not Quite Navy...

Here they all are together....

Materials

CS: SU Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzaz, Rich Razzleberry, NOt Quite Navy & Crumb Cake

Stamps: SU Elegant Thank You from the a la Carte range

Tools: SU Square lattice embossing folder

Misc: SU Crumb Cake and Rich Razzleberry Ink

So which colour is your favourite?? I'll be intrigued to find out! Mine is the Rich Razzleberry, simply because these are also the colours I used for my wedding invitations, so they match! I also like how striking the Thank You stamp looks against the Vanilla background when stamped in Razzleberry too!

Such a simple design, but I was really pleased with the results! I just LOVE this square lattice embossing folder, can't get enough of it!

Well thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a lovely BH weekend!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Less is More Butterflies!!

2011-05-21T08:36:00.006+01:00

Good morning all!

The sun is shining and it's the weekend, what more could you ask for! Well, a new LIM challenge for one, and this week Chrissie and mandi have come up with butterflies! This is so perfect for me as I am having a bit of a butterfly obsession at the minute, which my husband has definately noticed as they feature on most of my cards at the minute! So I couldn't wait. I just had to dive straight into my stash and get creating right away (before breakfast or any of the household chores!!).

So without further ado, here is my entry/entries for this weeks butterfly challenge.

a change of sentiment and I have another...

the inside is decorated simply and identically for both..
Here they are both together side by side....

I had to make two of these as I loved the first one so much I had to replicate it, with just a simple change of sentiment. I love these summery colours together, makes me feel as though I'm in a meadow, laid in the grass looking up at the butterflies flitting around! Ah bliss!

Materials

CS: SU Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Cheer and Wishes, Sincere Salutations

Tools: SU Stampamajig, Sponge Daubers, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die

Misc: Stampin Markers

Well I hope you like my card for this weeks LIM challenge. I can see me recreating this design, maybe with a change in colour and sentiment again, as they were so quick and simple to design.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend whatever you're up to!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Nursey Suite - not just for babies!

2011-05-17T10:43:00.006+01:00

Morning all!

Today I am having a reaxing day as it is my day off. I've just finished my book, now I'm doing a bit of blogging with a cuppa and then I'm going to spend a few lazy hours crafting! Perfect day!!

So today I have a card to show you that I made for my best friend recently for her birthday. I used the Nursery Suite Speciality papers which I just love, along with my favourite ever sentiment stamp! I just love these papers and their versatility, and I wanted to show how they can be used for occasions other than babies.

and of course the decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink

Papers: Nursery Suite Speciality

Stamps: Afterthoughts, Occasional Greetings

Tools: SU Stampamajig, Sponge Daubers, Scallop Trim Border punch, Perfect
Polka Dots embossing folder

Misc: Stampin Markers, Ribbon from stash, Adhesive pearls

I also recently made a male birthday card using the same Nursery Suite papers, which you can see here if you missed it!

Well thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to have a look around blogland to see what you've all been up to before I head off into my craft room!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Good Luck Strength & Hope Take 2!!!

2011-05-13T19:19:00.003+01:00

Evening all!

As with you all, I'm not sure what's happening with blogger but my last post has dissapeared never to return again. So, pain though it may, be I've decided to upload it again. Thanks to those of you who had already stopped by and taken the time to comment.

Today's card was made for a friend using the wonderful Strength and Hope set. Not only is it a beautiful and amazing value set (Just £12.95 for the clear set), but it has been created with such a worthwhile cause in mind. For every set sold, Stampin Up has said they will donate £1 to Breast Cancer Research, and if you purchase this set from me, I will also donate £1 to Cancer Research UK.

Of course the decorated inside....

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Hope and Strength, Sincere Salutations

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border punch, Square Lattice
Embossing Folder & Sponge Daubers

Misc: SU adhesive pearls

The beauty of this set is that the images can used as focal images or to create backgrounds. You can see another card I have made using this set here.

There are a few challenges out there whose themes this week are met by today's card.

Cute Card Thursday - Distressing
Creative Inspirations - Decorate the inside of your card

Well thanks for stopping by. I'm off to enjoy a nice cuppa whilst watching eastenders! Hvae a great weekend everyone!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Good Luck with Strength and Hope.

2011-05-12T07:47:00.000+01:00

Morning all!

It's thursday already. Where is the week going to???

Today I have another card to show you using the wonderful Strength and Hope set. Not only is it a beautiful vintage inspired set it's creation was inspired by such a worthy cause. For every stamp set sold, Stampin Up will donate £1 to Breast Cancer Research. If you purchase your set from me I will also donate £1 to Cancer Resesarch UK and at only £12.95 for the clear set, I think it is amazing Value. There are 4 striking stamps in the set that can be used not only as a focal point for your card, but also to create backgrounds with, as you can see in my card today.

The simply decorated inside... (which also meets the challenge this week over at Creative Inspirations, which is to decorate the inside of your cards, something I am addicted to doing!)

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Hope and Strength, Sincere Salutations

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border punch, Square Lattice
Embossing Folder & Sponge Daubers

Misc: SU adhesive pearls, baja breeze, choc chip, crumb cake ink

I hope you have enjoyed seeing how this amazing stamp set can be used. Here is another of my cards using this set if you haven't already seen it. If you would like to own this beautiful set and also do your bit to help Breast Cancer Research then please get in touch and I would be happy to order it for you.

I would also like to enter this over at Cute Card Thursday, where the theme this week is distressing! Oh how I love to distress the edges of my CS with ink!!

Thanks for stopping by today and for any comments you leave, it's great to know who's been dropping by my lil ol blog!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Spots and stripes Birthday.

2011-05-07T10:15:00.003+01:00

Good morning all! It's the weekend and boy am I looking forward to a few days off! I've aready been busy this morning getting some dreaded household chores out of the way, washing, cleaning etc before I head off out this afternoon to my friend Jules Owl Class at 2! I haven't been to one of her saturday classes since before christmas, so I'm really looking forward to it!

Onto today's card. I made this a while back for a male friends birthday. The colours turned out a little girlier than I had anticipated, but at the end of the day at least there was no pink involoved! Lol!

Quelle suprise... I've decorated the inside!

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Choc Chip

Papers: Nursery Suite Speciality

Stamps: Afterthoughts, On a Pedestal, Seeing Spots (Retired)

Tools: SU Stampamajig, Sponge Daubers

Misc: Stampin Markers, Crumb Cake ink pad

Not too bad me thinks, considering I break out in a sweat at the thought of making a man's card!

Have you checked out this weeks LIM challenge. The theme this week is 'All White'. Might have to get my thinking cap on for this one! Oh well I like a bit of a challenge!

Well thanks for stopping by! I hope you all have a lovely weekend and manage to fit a spot of crafting in somewhere!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM Lucky Dip!

2011-05-04T07:53:00.004+01:00

Good morning all!

I had a lovely bank holidy weekend spent in the Lakes with my family, the weather was absolutely glorious and I got to feed some baby lambs!

Today I have a card to share with you that I made for the Less Is More challenge. This weeks theme is Lucky Dip, either Thank You or Congratulations.

One of the girls at work has just announced she is having a baby, so I made this card for her.

and of course I had to decorate the inside ....

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White & Crumb Cake

Stamps: Fox & Friends, Cheer and Wishes

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border, Square lattice and Perfect Polka Dots embossing folders

Misc: SU Adhesive Pearls and retired SU ribbon

I went for the crumb cake theme as she doesn't know what the sex of the baby is and this is a perfect neutral colour. I just adore this fox and friends set. So versatile, it can be used for so many occasions! See the birthday card I have previosly made with this set here.

Well thanks for stopping by, I'd best start to get ready for work. Hope you all enjoy the rest of your week, Mr sunshine is on his way!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

LIM off center challenge!

2011-04-27T19:39:00.004+01:00

Evening all.
Today is a good day. I now have 5 days off of work after working 7 straight days over the easter weekend! Hoping to get some crafting done tomorrow on my day off before we head of to the lake district for the weekend!

Today I have my card to share with you that I have made for this weeks 'Less is More' challenge, which is off center. I actually made this at Julies card class last night, although I took a different slant on the card Julie had made and made this one my own! With Romance in the air with the Royal wedding this weekend it seems only right that this weeks card is romantically themed. So I chose an anniversary card.

and of course the inside...

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Something to Celebrate, Occasional Quotes

Tools: SU Large Heart, Extra large Oval and Decorative Label Punches, Square Lattice, Vintage Wallpaper and Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folders, Sponge Daubers

Misc: SU adhesive pearls & Very Vanilla ribbon

I love this card. Love the colours (my own wedding colours) and the embossing folders I've used to create all the texture. There is no designer papers and minimal stamping (only sentiments) on this card, but yet it is so interesting.

As I have mentioned that these were the colours I used for my own wedding I though I would share a picture of my wedding place settings with you. I only have a picture of mine and my husbands, but I did exactly the same for the other 16 guests at the wedding, obviously with their names on it though!

The waiters at the restaurant kept calling me and my husband Mr Groom and Mrs Bride! Bless! It made us laugh anyway!

Well I hope you enjoyed todays card.

Thanks for stopping by and I will be back next week after my trip to the lake district with my family!

Have a great may day bank holiday weekend and I hope you all enjoy the royal wedding!

Hugs, Victoria ~x~

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T07:24:00.005+01:00

Happy Easter to you all!

I hope you are all enjoying this long bank holiday weekend, such beautiful weather, which is soooo unusual for Bank Holiday's in the UK! Unfortunately I have been working since last wednesday (stuck indoors for most of it), but I am going to the Lake District next weekend for the Royal Wedding and May Day Bank Holiday so I am realy looking forward to that!

Today I have an easter card to share with you that I gave to my husband.

An arty farty angle to show how I've cut the front of the card away and slightly decorated the inside...

and the decorated inside...

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White & Wild Wasabi

Paper: Designer Series Pumpkin Pie (Brights), Retired SU

Stamps: Elzbells (Retired)

Tools: SU Scallop Border & Square lattice embossing folder

Misc: SU Markers

I love the colours of this card, lovely and fresh, perfect for spring. My hubby really liked his card. I know it's not very masculine, but he likes colourful cards and he has a thing for cute, cartoony type images. These Elzybells are some of his favourite desgins, it's just such a shame they are no more!! I also managed to incorporate my favourite technique on this card, paper peicing. I think it just finishes the egg off perfectly!

I don't know about you guy's, but I am in love with new embossing folders from the SU mini catalogue, especially this square lattice folder. They create some lovely textured effects and mke the perfect background to your proects.

I'm entering this card into the challenge over at Papertake Weekly (Spots & Stripes), as I've not done a challenge for a while!

Well I'd best dash, I've got to get ready for work!!

Enjoy the last day of your bank holiday, whatever you're doing!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Butterfly birthday!

2011-04-20T08:14:00.005+01:00

Good morning all!

What a beautiful day, the sun is shining and to top it off I have the day off work!

Today I though I'd share with you a card I recently made for my neice's 16th birthday. I hope she liked it! She went to NewYork with her parents to celebrate! Lucky thing!!

I went for a pink, black and white theme with butterflies! I just adore butterflies at the minute!

A simply decorated inside....

Because the butterflies were lifting from the card I decided to make a box, using my score pal, so they wouldn't get squashed.

An arty farty angle to show the dimension of the butterfly.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Basic Black, Melon Mambo

Paper: Designer Series Melon Mambo (Brights)

Stamps: Butterfly Prints, Curly Cute, Afterthoughts (Level 1 hostess set)

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border & Butterfly punches, Square lattice embossing folder, Nestabilities

Misc: SU Adhesive Rhinestones, Rose Red stitch trim ribbon (Retired)

I really enjoyed making this set, it's not often I make a box to put the card in, but it makes it look so much more special!

Well thanks for stopping by today. I'm off into the garden to enjoy bit of sunshine before I get crafty later.

Hope you all get to enjoy a bit of sunshine today.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Three of a kind!

2011-04-16T09:17:00.006+01:00

Good morning all.

What a lovely start to the weekend we're having here in West Yorkshire. The sun is shining brightly and it is suprisingly warm. Let's hope it stays this way until monday as I am off work this weekend!

Today I have three cards to show you, all made with the same LO and stamp set, I've just changed the colour way and sentiment on each card.

Since my wedding I have had lots of thank you cards to send out, so I needed a quick design that I could easily replicate. This card took less than 10minutes to create, so perfect for those quick, multiple makes.

I love black, white and pink (Melon Mambo) together...

A change of colour and sentiment, et voila....

For this last card I went for a more muted colour scheme of Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze and Wild Wasabi and substituted the square lattice embossing folder for the Perfect Polka Dots...

All of the insides were simply decorated, just changing the colour scheme to match the colours on the front of the card...

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi

Stamps: Just Believe

Tools: SU Square Lattice and Perfect Polka Dots embossing folders, Circle punch

Well I really enjoyed making these, so quick and simple to do and one that can be adapted for any celebration and in any colourway!

Thanks for stopping by. I'm off to enjoy some of the sunshine. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

One layout, two different cards!

2011-04-13T16:14:00.005+01:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm having a quick sit down and cuppa before my BF comes round for tea. It was her birthday yesterday and whilst I sent her card in the post, I still have her present to give her. I haven't seen her for almost 3 weeks since we returned from my wedding, so it will be nice to catch up and look at the photo's.

Today I have two cards to show you. I used the same stamp set and same LO for both cards but as you will see, they are quite different themes. One is modern and funky, the other more vintage.

The first option...

...and the inside (decorated to match of course)

The second more vintage inspired option...

...and again with the matching interior.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait, Very Vanilla

Paper: Designer Series Melon Mambo (Brights)

Stamps: Butterfly Prints, Bliss(retired), Music Notes (Wheel)

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border & Butterfly punches

Misc: SU Adhesive Pearls and Rhinestones

Whilst I love both of these cards, my favourite has to be the brigh one! Which one is your favourite??!

There's a technique I have been wanting to try for ages now, so I though I'd give it a go on these cards. Bleach stamping! I stamped the scroll/swil stamp with bleach onto the peach parfait card and after it had dried you get the above result! Et Voila, customised backgound paper! I'll definately be doing this technique again!

Well I've got to dash and start getting the tea ready.

Thanks for stopping by and for any comments you leave!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Hope and Strength!

2011-04-09T09:30:00.002+01:00

Good morning all!

Its the weekend at last and the sun is shining. What a beautiful day!! I am just packing up to go and see my family for the weekend. I didn't get to see my mum last weekend for mothers day as I was working, so we're heading over to see them today and staying over night.

Today I have a beautiful card to show you that I made using a set from the new Stampin Up mini catalogue. It's called Hope and Strength, a set that Stampin' Up have produced in aid of breast cancer research. Stampin Up is donating £1 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every set sold. (Please click on the link on my side bar for more details). So many of our lives have been touched by this horrible disease, mine probably more than most. Not only has this disease affected friends and family of mine, but as a District Nurse I have looked after many patients with this disease and seen the devastating effect it can have on them and their families lives . That's why I have decided to also donate £1 to Cancer Research UK for every set that I sell.

The simply decorated inside (this has become an addiction)...

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake, Pink Piroutte, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Hope and Strength

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border punch, SU Large Heart Punch, Square Lattice
Embossing Folder & Sponge Daubers

Misc: SU adhesive pearls

I love the backgound you can make with this beautiful scroll/swirl stamp form the set and I also used it to stamp a pattern on the corner on the inside. This square lattice embossing folder, along with this Hope and Strength set, are some of my favourite items in the new mini catalogue so I couldn't wait to combine them on a card together!!

Well I must get off & start to think about getting my bag packed, it's not going to pack itself, and my husband definately won't be packing it!! Lol!

Thanks for stopping by. Please don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you've been, I love to read them. Have a great weekend everyone, and I'll be back in a few days with another project to share with you.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Less is more 'A Touch of Red'

2011-04-05T20:31:00.005+01:00

Evening all!

I've had a much needed day off work today and how did I spend it? Shopping and crafting of course, the cleaning can wait. Although if I'm being honest I did manage to do a load of washing, in between cards!! Lol!

Those who know my style of card know that I love the CAS look. So the new challenge blog 'Less is more' is perfect for me! I decided to join in on this weeks challenge which is 'A touch of red' and here is my card..

and I simply decorated the inside, also 'adding a touch of red'.

Now this card was so easy to do (in under 5 minutes) so I decided to replicate it, just with a different sentiment.

Two cards in under 15 minutes, that must be a record for me!!

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Basic Black

Paper: Scraps from my stash

Sentiment: SU Afterthoughts (Level 1 hostess set)

Stamps: Butterfly from SU 'Bliss' set (retired)

Tools: SU Scallop Border & Butterfly punches

Misc: SU adhesive pearls

I really enjoyed making these. I am on a roll at the moment, my mojo's in full flow. I am trying to use my new stash that I haven't got around to using yet and scraps of card & paper before I buy anything else. I don't see that lasting long though as I am in love with the new Springtime Vintage papers in the new SU mini catalogue, and I can see them being in my basket on my next order!

Well I'm off to have a lovely soak in the tub with a cuppa before I head off to bed for a good nights sleep ready for work in the morning!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-04-03T20:26:00.009+01:00

Evening all.

Now I know it's a little late in the day but I have been working all weekend and this is the first chance I've had to post! I want to wish everyone a happy mother's day! I hope you all got some lovely cards and gifts from your children. For those,who like me are childless, I hope you are enjoying your weekend regardless!

Today I want to share with you the card I gave my mum today. Now she's received it I know it's safe to post it on here! Now this post is a bit picture heavy so bear with me please! Lol!

I made this twisted easel card at one of my recent tuesday night classes at Julies..

the main panel...

and a bit of an arty farty angle...

And here is a matching box that we made to put the card in....

I love the dimension of the daffodils....

Then we made a matching gift tag which I attached to my mum's present (Some red wine & chocolate which she's probably enjoying as I write this!).

I made my Mother in Law's card a month or so ago but I needed a tag for her present too, and as we only made one at Julies I decided to make another. I used the tag above as inspiration and this is what I came up with...

The daisy is a clip that I used to attach the tag to the present.

Materials

CS: SU Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive,Whisper White

Paper: SU Brights Pattern Designer Series

Sentiment: Broadsheet Alphabet, Occasional Greetings, Just Believe

Stamps: SU 'Just Believe', A la carte 'Flower Accent'

Tools: SU Scallop Border Punch & corner punch, Oval punch, Large Designer Label punch

Misc: SU assorted ribbon

Well, I spoke to my mum earlier from work and I think it's safe to say she liked her card and gift, I hope you do too!

That's a long enough post from me today I think! I'm off for a nice soak in the bath, then it's early to bed as I've to be up at 6am for work!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

It's Finally Here!!!

2011-04-01T06:27:00.005+01:00

Morning al!!

The SU mini Catalogue 2011 is finally here. It's the 1st of April today which mean it's launch day, the day we have all been long awaiting. I've been dying to share the catalogue with you since I saw it over a month ago! It is crammed with lots of new goodies including the Owl Punch (which is my personal favourite) and the Big Shot, with lots of Sissix dies that are exclusive to Stampin Up. Please click on the Mini Catalogue picture in my right hand side bar to instantly view the new Catalogue!

I have a quick card to share with you that was made with one of the new items in the Catalogue, my favourite, the Owl Punch.

This card was made by the fabulous Jules (My friend and SU grandma!!) for my recent wedding! She knows how much I love Owl's so this is the card she gave me, and I absolutely love it! Check out the cute bride owl with the ruched ribbon dress!

Well I hope you all enjoy the new mini and love all the new products as much as I do! If you would like to ask me anything about the products in the new mini you can contact me by e-mail.

Right I must dash, got to go to work!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-03-29T18:21:00.004+01:00

Hello all!

Today was my first day back at work following my wedding. I've had 3 weeks off so it was a bit of a shock to the system to get up at 7am, oh well, back to reality!!

Today I have the card I made for my dad's birthday to show you. It was his birthday last friday, the day after we returned from our holiday so I had to be super organised and make this last month! I was inspired recently by a card I had seen to use punched shapes as a stencil, so I decided to use some various sized circles to create my own stenciled background!

What do you think to the end result??

....and a simply decorated inside following the theme from the front.

Materials

CS: SU Choc Chip, Old Olive Whisper White

Sentiment: SU Just perfect Alphabet set, SU Cute Curly

Tools: SU circle punches (Various sizes), SU Sponge Daubers, SU Button in Marina Mist, Twine from stash, Post it notes

I'm really pleased with how this turned out with the masked edges to create a frame and the circle shapes. I always struggle with male cards, so this was an unusually pleasant experience for me!! Lol!

I just want to say thanks for all your lovely comments on my recent wedding and the photo's I shared with you last week. For those of you who have asked here is a few more for you!

As you can see I've been playing around a little with the colour of the last photo, I'm amazed with technology today that enables you to do this!! We were stamping our thumb prints onto our marriage certificate in this picture, which whilst not done in the UK, is tradition in Mexico!

Well, I'd best dash, I'm off to my tuesday night craft night at Julie's and need to get ready!
Oh, and for those who don't already know the new SU mini catalogue is being released in 3 days, and I can't wait for you to see it. I've been having fun since I got home last week making some samples with the new products and believe me, they're fab!! Watch this space for the mini link!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Just For You!

2011-03-25T09:53:00.004Z

Morning all!

Long time no see!

Well I am back from my wedding/honeymoon. I have had the most fabulous 2 weeks in Mexico with 16 of my closest friends and family, an unforgettable experience for all of us! Just a shame I had to come home, but at least I have returned to some unseasonably mild weather!

Today I have a card to share to with you that I made a few weeks ago for a friends birthday. I think its amazing what a change in colours can do to an image . I used the just believe image some time ago to create this card at one of my friend Julies card classes. For today's card I used brighter colours to create more of a summery feel!

Materials

CS: SU Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Paper: SU Pattern Designer series in Pumpkin Pie

Sentiment: SU Afterthoughts set (Level 1 Hostess set

Stamps: SU 'Just Believe', Butterfly image from 'So Happy' sale-a-bration set

Tools: SU spritzer tool, SU stampin markers

I love using my SU markers to apply colour directly to my stamps, it enables you to get some stunning effects. As you can also see, I am still enjoying my spritzer tool to help me to create backgrounds, such a useful addition to your craft collection.

Well thanks for stopping by today. I will leave you with a couple of my wedding pics of me and my handsome new husband.

Hugs, Vicky (AKA Mrs Tate)

~x~

Swaps!

2011-03-06T09:58:00.002Z

Morning all!

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend whatever you're doing, be it relaxing, crafting, shopping etc!

Well I went to a SU training day yesterday held here in Leeds. It's my first training day as I have only been a demo for just over a month now and I had such a wonderful day. Got lot's of hints and useful crafty tips, and I got to meet lots of lovely fellow crafters. Now at such events everyone creates some projects to swap with all the other ladies, a great way to be inspired. Well, I underestimated my swaps a bit and only made 40, but there was 70 ladies, oh well I know better for next time! So here is the swap that I made, a topper that can easily be added to any card base.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo

Sentiment: SU Vintage Vogue

Stamps: SU I heart hearts

Tools: SU Scallop Trim border punch, SU Colour spritzer tool, SU stamp-a-ma-jig

Misc: SU markers, Foam dimensionals

I love the pink and purple together. I though this card could be used not only for a love themed occasion such as Valentines day or an anniversary but to give to a friend as well!
I got the spritzer tool for christmas and have really enjoyed playing and experimenting with it. You can create lovely backgrounds with it if you use a few diferent colours and depending how close to the paper you are, it gives different splatter effects!

Well I have an afternoon filled with crafting ahead of me , I will be busy finishing my table favours and place name settings. Only 9 days left until I get married and only 3 days until we leave for beautiful Mexcio. I will take pictures of my wedding favours/table decorations that I have made to show you on my return. Lot's to do in the next few days so might not be around much.

Thanks for stopping by today and if I don't see you again before tuesday i'll be back in 3 weeks with lots of pictures to show you all!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Apologies....

2011-03-04T06:32:00.003Z

....for not being around much this past week. I have been really busy with long days at work and I have been busy with projects I can't show you just yet. I've been finishing my wedding favours and place name cards for the reception tables which I am keeping secret as my mum reads my blog! Only 11 days to go and things are all starting to fall into place. I am also going to my very first stampin up training day tomorrow which is being held here in Leeds, so I've had to make lots of swaps, which I'll be able to show you after tomorrow. I'm really excited for the training as it's an opportunity to get together with fellow SU demo's in the area and pick up lots of hints and tips! We will also be discussing the new Stampin Up mini catalogue which I am lucky enough to have had a sneak peak of. It is available for general viewing from April 1st and I can assure you, you won't be disspointed!

Well thanks for dropping by today, it's my last day at work and then I have 3 whole weeks off! Bliss!! Please do stop by again in the next few days as I should have some of my new projects to share with you!

Have a great weekend.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Sweet Summer Cards!

2011-02-23T17:38:00.010Z

Hello all!

Today I have some cards to show you that I made using the sweet summer set from the sale-a-bration catalogue. This set comes free when you spend £45 or more on Stampin Up products (but only until the 28th feb).

I made these cards at the tuesday night club that I attend with some of my other crafty friends. I just love these colours, so summery.

I love these gatefold cards that open up to show your hidden mesage, so easy to do but gives that extra wow factor! This white organza ribbon is stunning as well and finishes this card off perfectly.

I could go on and on making these cards. These were so quick and easy to do and can be easily adapted for any occasion with just a change of sentiment.

Materials

CS: SU In Colours, Whisper White

Paper: SU Pattern Designer series

Sentiment: SU Sale-a-bration set 'So happy for You'

Stamps: SU 'Sweet Summer'

Tools: SU oval punch, SU stamp-a-ma-jig

Misc: SU In colour markers and White Organza Ribbon

If you like the look of these cards and would like to create them yourself then I have put together below a suggested list of items that you will need to create these cards (plus lots more besides!).

1 Pack of A4 In Colour card - £6.25

1 pack of In Colour Patterns Designer Paper Patterns
stack (40 sheets of 12x12) - £15.50
1 reel of white oragnza ribbon - £5.25
1 pack of Whisper White card (40 sheets) - £7.50
1 pack of 5 In Colour Marker pens - £11.75

This comes to a grand total of £46.75 (excluding p&p) and then you can choose the Sweet Summer Stamp set free, but you'll have to hurry, there's only 5 days of sale-a-bration left for you take advantage of this fab offer!

The only other things you will need, aside from whats on the list above, are some sentiment stamps, a black or grey ink pad and some adhesive of your choice. These are items that are staples in any crafters cupboard!!

Well I hope you've enjoyed looking at the cards I've shown you today. I have definately enjoyed making them and can't wait to experiment further with this set. Thanks for stopping by and please feel free to email me if you would like to place an order and take advantage of this limited offer from Stampin Up!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Be my Valentine!

2011-02-19T19:31:00.005Z

Evening all!

I hope you are all enjoying the weekend so far! We woke up to snow here in Leeds this morning and it idn't stop until about 1pm! Unfortunately for me I still had to go to work!

Today I though I'd share with you a card we made at Julies Tuesday night card class last week. I gave it to my H2B for Valentines day and he loved it! He said a lot of work had gone into it! Bless him!

Here is the simply decorated inside...

....and a matching love cheque book.

The cheques are blank in this photo , but I have since filled them in with promises. There were some rather rude suggestions flying around at that tuesday group I can tell you!!!

Materials

CS: SU Real Red, Choc Chip, So Saffron, Whisper White

Paper: SU Playdate

Sentiment: SU Just Perfect Alphabet

Stamps: Su Trendy Tree's, I heart hearts, All in the family

Tools: SU scallop oval punch, SU Small and Large Heart punches, SU stamp-a-ma-jig

Misc: SU markers and inks

Well my H2B loved it, I hope you all like it too! An evening of TV for me now I think, need to relax after my hard day at work!

Don't forget you only have 9 days of sale-a-bration left, so if there are any SU goodies you would like and you fancy earning yourself a free stamp set or two get in touch with your order and I would be happy to place it for you! (See my side bar for details!)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Happy Birthday Millie!

2011-02-15T07:37:00.003Z

Morning all!

Hope you all had a fab weekend and wonderful Valentines day yesterday! I got a lovely card and some chocs off my H2B, although I won't be eating them until after the wedding!!

Thanks for all your lovely comments about my hen weekend! I had a fab time, even if I was a little worse for wear on sunday!

Today I though I would share with you the card I made for my neice's brthday last week! Now I know Millie sometimes reads my blog, so if you are reading this Mille I hope you liked your card and had a great birthday!

I took the oportunity to break open one of my new stamps sets for Millie's card. I just adore this Fox and friends set, I have seen some fabulous cards out there made using this set, so I coldn't resist!

and I quickly decorated the inside again, not to dissapoint you Jules!!

Materials

CS: SU Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Old Olive

Sentiment: SU Occasional Greetings

Stamps: SU Fox and Friends set, SU Polka dot background stamp (Retired)

Tools: SU Bird Bunch, SU stampin markers, SU stamp-a-ma-jig

Misc: Sponge daubers for inking the edges

Now I know I've said this before, but I just love the stamp-a-ma-jig! It was one of my first purchases from SU and it makes making cards so easy and ensures that your images/sentiments are straight first time!! It would have been near on impossible to position these monkeys without my stamp-a-ma-jig!

Don't forget there is only 2 weeks left to take advantage of sale-a-bration and earn yourself some free stamp sets! For every £45 you spend you get a free set to choose from the sale-a-bration leaflet (which can be found on my side bar!). If you'd like to place an order I would be more than happy to help you just email me!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Sale-abration gift box!

2011-02-11T14:27:00.004Z

Afternoon all!

It's friday and the working week is almost over! I hope you've all got something nice planned for the weekend! It's my hen night tonight and tomorrow I am going for my wedding dress fitting! Only 32 days to go until the big day!!

Well today I have a gift box to show you that I made for my aunts birthday this week. It has a little present for her inside wrapped in tissue paper! I also made a matching card, but stupidly deleted the puicture of of my camera before I'd uploaded it onto the computer!

I used one of the current sets 'Sweet Summer' available in the SU Sale-abration leaflet . I just love this set, so fresh and summery and perfect for a multitude of occasions!

I love how you can use the stamps to create a background pattern on the CS for the base and lid of the box.

Materials

CS: SU Rose Red and Rich Razzleberry

Stamps: SU Sweet Summer Sale-abration set

Sentiment: SU Just Believe

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, SU Blender pen, Old Olive, Rose Red and Rich Razzleberry ink

Well I hope my aunt liked it as much as I enjoyed making it for her.

Don't forget that this 'Sweet Summer' set is only available until february 28th and is free with purchases totalling £45 or more. If you would like to get this wonderful 'free' stamp set then I'd be happy to place an order for you!

Have a geat weekend everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Wishing you Luck!

2011-02-05T18:43:00.003Z

Evening all!

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend? I'm working this weekend but so far it's going ok and I've still found some time to craft!

So at the end of my last post I said that I had some exciting news to share with you all. Well if some of you thought that a little baby might be on the way, I'm sorry to dissapoint (those who know me well know me better than that!). The news is that I am now officially a Stampin Up Demonstrator, which I personally think is much more exciting!! Lol! After using their products for years, I have finally taken the plunge and decided to join as a demonstrator, I don't know why I didn't do this years ago as I am a huge advocate of their products! I have already received my starter kit and wow it was like christmas when it arrived, I didn't know what to play with first! So watch this space for some new projects made with my new stash!

I haven't been able to photograph my most recent projects yet due to poor lighting so today's card is one that I made earlier as they say on Blue Peter!! I made this card for a girl at work who is leaving for a promotion. By now you probably know I am the CAS queen, and I just love pink, green and Kraft (crumb cake) together, such a pretty colour combination!

Materials

CS: SU Crumb Cake

Paper: SU Retired designer series

Sentiment: SU Sincere Salutations and Elzybells

Tools: SU scallop trim border punch, SU stampin marker in choc chip, SU stamp-a-ma-jig

Misc: SU retired felt flowers

Now I know have used some retired products, and I would apologise but I am still trying to use some of the endless mountains of stash that I have. I have however used the fabulous scallop trim border punch that I got for christmas which I just love and one of the sincere salutations sentiments. Now this was the first I ever set I bought from SU, I adore the font design and with 8 sentiments in the set for only £21.95 it pretty much covers all occasions for a great price. I must admit that I have added the 'wishing you' from another stamp from my stash, but this just shows how versatile SU products are! I positioned the sentiment using my stamp-a-ma-jig, which was also another of my first purchases from SU, I just don't know what I did before I got this. I am such a perfectionist when it comes to my cards and this helps to line all your sentiments and images up perfectly!

Well thanks for stopping by tonight. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and if you would like to ask me about any of the Stampin Up items I have used then please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Celebraa'ate!

2011-01-27T07:32:00.002Z

Good morning all!

Well another week is almost over and I don't know about you but I am pretty glad! I've had a difficult week at work and to top it off I've got a terrible sore throat, the kind that feels like its been attacked by the cheese grater!! :-(

Thanks for all your comments about last weekend. I had a wonderful time at the 'Box Tree' in Ilkley. The food was absolutely exquisite and the service impeccable. A touch on the expensive side, but well worth it for that special occasion!

So that leads me nicely onto the card I made for my brother's brithday last weekend!

Just a very simple inside, as my brother's not an overly fussy person!

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy and Daffodil Delight

Image: Retired Elzybells

Sentiment: Elzybells

Tools: SU scalloped border punch, Cropodile. SU stampin markers

Love the colour combination I've used on this card, although it was entriely by accident, I was just trying to use up scraps of CS that I had. I just love this new 'Daffodil Delight' colour that SU released this year, I can see it getting used a lot over the next few months, what with easter, spring and summer on the way! Love it!!

Well, that's all for today, got to go and get ready for work! :-(

Although I do have something to look forward to. I have 3 days off after today and I am going to the Titanic Spa at Huddersfield for a couple of nights with my mum. It's part of my hen night celebrations! I am sooooo ready for some pampering!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good weekend, and I will have some exciting news to share with you all on my return! Wathc this space! Lol!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Something a bit different!

2011-01-22T08:31:00.005Z

Morning all!

It's the weekend (thank goodness) and I am really looking forward to tonight. I am going to a michelin starred restaurant with my family for my brothers 30th birthday. It called the 'Box Tree' in Ilkley. I've been on the website and it looks very posh, considering I'm used to Nando's! Ha!

It was also my sister in law's birthday this week and so today I am going to show you the gift wrapping and gift tag that I made for her. I so enjoyed doing this, something that little bit different from creating cards, but yet still being creative! So what do you think of my efforts?!

The other side of the gift tag...

I love the endless possibilities you have with a roll of plain brown paper wrapping.

Materials

CS: SU Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Kraft CS from my stash

Paper: Brown wrapping paper (from ikea or the post office)

Image: SU Set 'True Friend', SU Hostess set 'Itty Bitty Buds' Bth retired

Sentiment: SU retired sale a bration set

Tools: Circle nesties, Cropodile. Ink and SU markers in Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive

Misc: Twine from stash

I know that I have used a lot of retired SU products to create this wrapping, but I am trying to stick to my new years resolution of using up my old stash. Whilst there is a slim to none chance of be able to use it all up as there are mountains of it, I thought I could give it a good go!!

Well I'd best dash, got cleaning and shopping to do before my night out tonight.
Thanks for stoping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

The more candles the bigger the wish!

2011-01-14T08:59:00.002Z

Morning all!

Happy New Year!

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. It's been a hectic few weeks what with Christmas, New Year and work, and to add to that I get married in 60 days, so I'm busy trying to sort out last minute preparations!

I've not really been in my craft room much since before christmas but I have managed to make a card for my friends birthday next week which I though I'd share with you.

and a simply decorated inside......

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink

Paper: SU Designer series in Old Olive and Rose Red (Retired)

Image: Retired SU Sale a bration set, coloured with Stampin Markers & Blender pen

Sentiment: SU retired sale a bration set , SU Sincere Salutations (inside)

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border punch, SU Scallop circle and circle punches. Ink in Rose Red.

Misc: Sponges for inking/distressing the edges. Pearls from stash

It took me a while to do this card. Think my mojo went wandering over christmas. I always find it a bit difficult to get back into my crafting after I've had a bit of a break.

I have so much stash one of my new years resolutions is to use up some of the old instead of forever buying new. So I though I'd start the year as I mean to go on and have used some of my old stash (papers and stamps) on this card nad combined it with a couple of new items I got over christmas (scallop trim punch & scallop circle punch). Wonder how long this resolution will last!!!

Well thanks for stopping by. Must dash and get ready for work!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Five days and counting!

2010-12-19T21:15:00.003Z

Evening all!

Well it's been another long weekend at work yet inbetween this I have still managed to find time to made 3 dozen mince pies and a batch of my delicious Rocky Road bars in preparation for my fuddle at work tomorrow. So before I head off to bed to get some much needed rest I thought I would share another of the christmas cards I made whilst I was off work the week before last! Again I made 4 of this same design (sorry for the washed out colour of the pic, don't know why its done this, I promise you it looks much better IRL).

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Choc Chip

Paper: Cosmo Cricket

Image: Elzybells (Sadly retired), coloured with koh-i-noors & sansodor

Sentiment: Paula Pascual christmas sentiments, SU Contempo Christmas (inside)

Tools: SU Scallop Trim Border punch, SU Ink in Choc Chip and Cherry Cobbler

Misc: Sponges for inking/distressing the edges

and the simply decorated inside....

Well I have written and posted / delivered all of my cards. So just the wrapping left. Admittedly I have wrapped a dozen or so presents but I still have around another 4 dozen to wrap! What takes me longer is that I am a sucker for nice packaging and love to add matching tags, bows and even ribbon! I have bought some lovely red wired and green satin ribbon fom a local store and have been adorning my gifts with it! They look gorgeous on my presents under the tree! I doubt the recipients will appreciate it as much as I do though! Lol!

Well thanks for stopping by! I know that time is precious this week as so many of us still have so much to do in preparation for the big day!

For those of you who have taken the time to stop by, I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry christmas and I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Peace on Earth!

2010-12-15T07:17:00.002Z

Morning all.

Only 10 days left now untill the big day. How are you all getting on? I'm still managing to stay pretty calm. Got all my cards written and sent. Still got a few gifts to buy (only vouchers though) and most of them to wrap, but I actually like wrapping presents and have bought lots of lovely ribbon to wrap around them! From Sunday I will be busy baking mince pies and Rocky Road as I've had plenty of orders for them from frends and family! I'm also working this weekend so I really am up against it!

Well, onto todays card. I've used another of those cute Elzybells images I have stashed away and again used a CAS sketch.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Baja Breeze

Paper: Cosmo Cricket

Image: Elzybells (Sadly retired), coloured with koh-i-noors & sansodor

Sentiment: Paula Pascual christmas sentiments

Tools: Elzybells snowflake stamps, SU Ink in Baja Breeze and Old Olive

Misc: Sponges for inking/distressing the edges, SU Stamp-a-m-jig

I love this card, the shepard is just so adorable and it was so easy to create. I love the less is more approach. I found a cosmo cricket christmas pad that I bought last year and had hardly used, so I dusted it off to use on some of this years cards.

Sorry for the quick post but I must dash and get ready for work! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're all calm and collected ready for christmas! :-)

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

2010-12-09T08:12:00.006Z

Morning all!

I'm really enjoying my week off of work. I've got some christmas shopping done, now I just have to start wraping it! It seems such a mammoth task that I just keep putting it off! Yesterday I had a marathon crafting session and managed to finish off my christmas cards. I got 12 made, I did 4 designs and made 3 of each! I had a little production line going! Now I just have to write them all! Think I've around 50 in total to do! With only 16 days left until the big day I'd best get on with it!

Onto today's card, one which I made yesterday.

Another using the same LO but slightly different arrangement of the materials, well I had some scraps to use up!!

Here is the simply decorated inside, I did all my cards with this inside, I just adore the sentiment, so simple and I love the font!

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobler

Paper: SU Jolly Holidays

Image: Elzybells (Sadly retired), coloured with koh-i-noors & sansodor

Sentiment: Paula Pascual christmas sentiments, SU Contempo Christmas (inside)

Tools: Cuttlebug Snowflake embossing folder, SU Ink in Choc Chip and Cherry Cobbler

Misc: Sponges for inking/distressing the edges, Glitter

My other half inspired me with these cards. He said that all my recent christmas cards were a bit 'old fashioned' and could I make some like last year (I don't think he's a fan of the baubles!). Now by that I knew he meant some cute, character cards. So I used the opportunity to use some of the new christmas stamps I purchased when Elzybells was closing. So sad that Elizabeth had to close her doors but I think I bought enough of her stock to keep me going for a few years!!

I kept all of my designs quite clean and simple as this is the style I love best and I also used my new stash that I have bought recently. I just adore the new Cherry Cobbler colour that SU has brough out this year and the yummy new Jolly Holiday papers! I love these colours together for christmas!

Well I hope you're all getting organised and nearly ready for christmas! All this preparation for one day, it's crazy, but so worth it!

Thanks for stopping by .

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Dashing through the snow!

2010-12-03T06:28:00.005Z

Good morning all!

What chilly weather we're having! Lots of snow & freezing temperatures does not bode well for a District Nurse. Work has proved extremely difficult this week, but I am so proud of my girls and their dedication to the job. The most vunerable and sick patients have all been seen, even though it has meant us walking miles through the snow and freezing conditions! I love my job especially in the summer, but weather like this really tests your resolve!

Anyhow, onto my card. I though I would share with you today another card I have made with the adorable dasher. I am loving Kraft with red this year for christmas cards, its got a bit of a vintage feel about it I think.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Choc Chip and Red CS from my stash

Image: SU Dasher

Sentiment: Paula Pascual christmas sentiments

Tools: Rollagraph Snowflakes wheel, SU Oval punch, SU Ink in Choc Chip and Ruby Red

Misc: Sponges for inking/distressing the edges

I've seen a few dasher cards recently where people have added some adhesive rhinestones to his antlers, so as an afterthought I'm going to add some to his!

Well I'd best dash (no pun intended) and get ready for work. Last day and then have 9 days off to catch up on some christmas shopping, wrapping and card making! I can't believe there's only 22 days to go until the big day. Hope you're all getting prepared!

Thanks for stopping by, I really love to read your comments and know you've stopped by.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Merry Christmas!

2010-11-27T08:10:00.003Z

Morning all.

Well I am really feeling christmassy this morning as I have opened up the curtains to find it has snowed over night, several inches. I love the look of snow, all clean and crisp, I just don't like having to go out in it, or driving in it! I don't know how those of you in Canada, USA, Europe cope with huge snowfalls!

So whilst I am feeling all christmassy I though I'd show you another of the christmas cards I have made.

Materials

CS: SU Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler

Image: SU Contempo Christmas

Sentiment: SU Occasional Greetings

Tools: Choc Chic, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze ink (SU), SU scalloped border punch, piercing tool, Choc Chip marker, SU Ornament punch

Misc: Sponges for distressing, Adhesive pearls from stash

I also made a couple of quick notelet cards, using some left over scraps. You always need a few cards for those last minute people who you've forgot about and then they send you a card (I'm sure you know what I mean!)

I love this colour combination, I think it cpompliments each other so well. I've never used blue with red for christmas cards before, it's usually the more traditional red and green, but I really like it, and I hope you do too!

Well thanks for stopping by today. I need to scoot now as I need to get my bag packed. I'm off to my mum's today, we're going to the local church christmas fair and then we're staying overnight and having an indian takeway. I've also made some mince pies so I'll take them for us to have with a cuppa!

Have a great weekend everyone whatever you're up to!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Have a Merry Little Christmas!

2010-11-20T09:27:00.003Z

Morning all!

Another week at work over with. I honestly don't know where the time is going. Can you believe its only 35 days until christmas, now that's a scary thought! I'm no where near prepared. Lots more christmas shopping to do, not to mention the wrapping of all the presents, making and writing of many many cards, baking of mince pies and decorating the house! Phew. But it'll all be worth it. I just LOVE christmas!

So what else could I show you today apart from another of my christmas card designs. Whilst I had out all my supplies I made 3 of these cards, I love doing this, it really builds up your card collection a lot more quickly which I've got to say is a plus when it comes to christmas cards!!

So without further ado here's today's offering....

and the simply decorated inside....

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake and Red CS from my stash

Images: Elzybells (Retired)

Sentiment: Paula Pascual Christmas Sentiments set

Tools: Old Olive, Choc Chip and Real red ink (SU), SU Polka Dot Background stamp (Retired)

Misc: Sponges for distressing, Red Gingham Ribbon from stash

I adore this cute little image. I couldn't resist buying him in the Elzybells closing down sale. Now I know of at least another 3 people who also adore him as they have already seen this card and that's my mum and her friend Elaine who were there when I made it, both of them said they would love to recieve this card for christmas. My hubbie to be also loves him, in fact it was he who said I should buy the stamp in the first place!

Well I'd best stop prattling on and get a move on. I need to go and do the weekly food shop quickly as my mum is coming over this afternoon and we're off to do a spot of christmas shopping!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend, whatever you're all up to, and thanks for stopping by to say hi!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Tree trimmings and an update!

2010-11-12T10:09:00.004Z

Good morning all.

I've managed to grab some time to myself this morning so though I would take a few minutes out of my hectic day to show you another card I made recently and give you an update on hubbie to be!

Firstly I have a card to show you that I made using the Tree Trimmings set from Stampin Up. Now I don't own this set but my mum does. She was having difficulty being inspired what to do with it so she asked me to make a card with it to give her some ideas. So I went with another CAS design and I have to say I love this result. A quick card perfect for multiple christmas makes.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Choc Chip and Red CS from my stash

Images: Tree Trimmings set (SU)

Sentiment: Paula Pascual Christmas Sentiments set

Tools: Old Olive, Choc Chip and Real red ink (SU)

Misc: Sponges for distressing, Glitter glue for bauble edges

Now as you may be aware I've developed a bit of an obsession with decorating the insides of my cards lately and this card was no exception. However, I'm not entirely happy with it. The bauble string ended up being a bit thick, but hay ho!

I just wanted to say a big thankyou to you all for all your kind words of encouragement and well wishes about my husband to be. I am pleased to say he is on the road to recovery after having his sugery 2 days ago. He's still in hospital but I am hoping to be picking him up this afternoon. He still has a long road ahead of him with 4 weeks in a plaster cast before another 12 in a special boot. We are getting married in 17 weeks time so I am hoping that he comes out of the boot just in time!

Thanks for stopping by to say hi and I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Preoccupied at present!

2010-11-06T08:28:00.002Z

Just wanted to pop on here and say sorry I haven't been around much over the last week. I've been really busy at work and then to top off a bad week my husband to be has re ruptured his achilles tendon. He is back in a plaster cast and on crutches as he is non weight bearing on his affected leg. I have to take him back to the hospital on monday for a scan and I think this time he will need surgery. So as you can appreciate I've got my hands full at the moment as I'm having to help him with everything so it doesn't leave me with much time for crafting or blogging. I hope to find some time to be back soon (after all I need to keep myself sane!!)

Enjoy your weekend.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

More christmas Cards!

2010-10-27T20:31:00.003+01:00

Evening all!

Today I have another few christmas cards to show you that I made recently with my new Paula Pascual stamps! I am loving using blues for my christmas cards, I think it gives that lovely frosty feeling.

I made a couple of cards using pretty much the same CAS LO but with slightly different images.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White. Blue CS from my stash

Images: Paula Pascual Large Christmas and Joyful Bubbles set

Sentiment: Paula Pascual Christmas Sentiments set

Tools: Versafine ink in Deep Lagoon and Majestic Blue, 2" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch

Misc: Sponges for distressing, Adhesive pearls from my stash

I love how you can mix and match Paula's christmas designs and they all work so well together. They give you endless design possibilities.

I've been having a look in my craft room this past week and have found so much stash that I forgot I'd got! I need a serious clear out. Do you think the same rules apply as with clothes. If you haven't used it in the past year get rid of it?!

I have a question for you all! What is the one thing in your craft room that you couldn't do without when you first started crafting, but now you never use it any more??

Mine has to be Peel Off's. I'd love to hear what yours is!!

Well that's all from me today. I need a early night as I'm up at 6am in the morning for a 7am start at work!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Let it snow eskimo!

2010-10-23T09:28:00.004+01:00

Good morning all! The weekend is here and I hope you've all got plans to make the most of it. I've been off work all week and have had a very productive crafty week getting lots of christmas cards done!

Here's one of my favourite images, this adorable eskimo. He is sooooo easy to colour and is perfect for my beloved CAS cards. I made 3 of this design and just changed the sentiment around a bit.

...and the inside. I am addicted to finishing off the insides now. Just something simple but I think it finishes it off perfectly.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White and Baja Breeze ( love this new colour!)

Images: Juggling Eskimo and snowflakes all from Elzybells

Sentiments: Paula Pascual christmas sentiments

Tools: Sponges for distressing, colourbox blue ink

Misc:Pearls from my stash

I made these 3 cards in around half an hour. I just coloured all my images in first and then set up a little production line, cutting out all the CS, stamping etc all at the same time. I don't mind doing a few cards this way but I don't think I could do it for vast quantities ie 100 cards. I like that I can make a few of the same design to speed things up, but I have so many lovely stamps I want to use them all!!

Well I've enjoyed my time off work, I've spent a lovely few days at my mum and dad's and really enjoyed my mum's craft class on thursday night. Tonight is going to be a special night. It will be the first meeting of my parents and my future in laws. It has taken nearly 6 years but they are finally going to meet. There is 13 of us going out for a meal, close family who are coming to the wedding next year. My dad had said that he didn't want to meet my in laws for the first time at the airport! Lol!

Well thanks for stopping by, best get off and get some washing / shopping etc done before we head off to Doncaster this afternoon!

Enjoy your weekend!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Dasher!!

2010-10-19T21:02:00.004+01:00

Evening all!

I'm having a lovely week off work so far. Although I'm missing my lovely man who is away for the week, it has given me the opportunity to get into my craft room and craft up a storm. I am way behind on my christmas cards this year so though I'd best make a start. So I spent most of yesterday making quick christmas cards for my work friends. I wanted a design that was simple and quick, as it's a multiple make design, but that still looks stylish! I also wanted to use a stamp that I bought months ago with christmas in mind, but until yesterday had not even mounted! So here's what I came up with....

.... and another with the same LO but slight variations on the colour way.

I made a mixture of both of these cards, 25 in total, they are a small card 10cmx10cm. Think I prefer the first card though, I like the snowflake background, gives it a bit of extra texture. I'd love to know which your favourite is. I love this dasher stamp, so simple but so sweet!

A quick piccie of the inside, simple sentiment but finishes it off nicely I think!

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Crumb Cake and Red CS from my stash

Image: SU Dasher

Sentiment: SU Tiny Tags and Paula Pascual christmas sentiments (inside)

Tools: Rollagraph Snowflakes wheel, SU Oval punch, SU Ink in Choc Chip and Ruby Red

Misc: Sponges for inking/distressing the edges

I'm a bit dissapointed at how the pics have turned out, they looka bit drab. They definately don't do the cards justice, they're much nicer IRL! I've been busy making a few more christmas cards today, only 8 today though as they were a bit more time consuming and involved more colouring. I'll share these with you later in the week.

Well I'm off to my mum & dad's tomorrow for a few days. They live 30 miles away in Doncaster and it's always nice to go back home! I'm having a girly day out with my mum tommorow and then having tea out with a friend who I haven't seen for a while. On thursday I'm going to my mums crafty evening that she goes to every thursday evening with some of her friends. I've already packed my little tote bag withsome crafty goodies in it to play with. The only problem I had was deciding what to pack to take with me, seeing as I can't take my whole craft room! I'm never good at packing light as those who know me can testify, and this is no exception. I'm sure I can rustle something up with the goodies I'm taking though! I'll be sure to share them with you next week.

It's been craft day today on QVC, but I haven't bought a single thing. I enjoyed watching the ranger show, as I do love a bit of distressing. I was going to invest in Tim's blending applicator and foam, but it sold out before I could get to it! Oh well, I'll have to keep on using my make up sponges! Obviously not the one's I apply my makeup with. I have special one's I use just for distressing!! Lol!

Well I've waffled on enough tonight. Sorry it's been such a long post. I'm off for a cuppa now and catch up with eastenders before bed!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Arrrrrrr - It's a pirates life for me!

2010-10-17T17:43:00.003+01:00

Evening all. I hope you've all had a good weekend! I've had a lovely relaxing weekend and now have the rest of the week off work to look forward to!

I thought that today I would share with you a quick card I recently made at my friend Julies 'Pirate night'. We had such a fab night and it was inspired by the new 'beware Pirates' set from Stampin Up!

Materials

CS: SU Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake (Kraft) and Early Espresso

Paper: SU Newsprint

Image: SU Beware Pirates

Sentiment: SU Beware Pirates

Tools: SU Cutter kit to distress the edges

Misc: SU Twill Tape

I loved making this card, I just love to ink up the edges of my cards! Lol!

Thought I would also share with you a quick picture of me and the girls at my table that night in Julies conservatiore! We all dressed up for the occasion with eye patches, hats etc. One of the girls even brought a 6ft captain Jack Sparrow to keep us entertained!

Thanks to Julie for the pic, I forgot to take my camera! Short and sweet post tonight. I'm off to get my tea and a bath before I relax for a night of Strictly and X-Factor!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

More Season's Greetings.

2010-10-13T19:47:00.005+01:00

Evening all!

Thought I'd share another few of the christmas cards I've made using my new Paula Pascula stamps, this time using the Large Christmas set. They are the same but different if that makes sense!!

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White. Blue CS from my stash

Images: Paula Pascual Large Christmas set

Sentiment: Paula Pascual Christmas Sentiments set

Tools: SU Scallop border punch, Versafine ink in Deep Lagoon and Majestic Blue, 2" Circle Punch, Scalloped circle nestie, Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder

Misc: Adhesive pearls from my stash

I'm loving these Paula Pascual christmas stamps and they are such a bargain at £4.99! I can see the bulk of my christmas cards this year being made with these this year!

I had a fab time at Julies last night. We had pirate night to celebrate the new 'Beware Pirate's' stamp set by SU. We wore eyepatches and even had a 6ft Johnny Depp with us joining in the celebrations. I didn't have my camera with my but Luckily Julie did and she has some pictures on her blog if you want to take a peak!

Well I'm of to watch a bit of TV and have a cuppa before it's bedtime. Only 2 more days at work then I've 9 days off! Roll on friday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

First Christmas Cards!

2010-10-09T09:37:00.004+01:00

Good morning all!

Where's the nice weather we're supposed to be having this weekend? It's damp and miserable looking here in West Yorkshire this morning! I hope there's a bit more sunshine wherever you are?!

Today I have a few christmas cards to show you that I've recently made with my newest craft purchases, some Paula Pascual stamps. I saw these designs over on Sarita's blog and as soon as I saw them I just had to have them! These images are ideal for those quick multiple make christmas cards and perfect for me as I love the CAS look!

Apologies for the quality of the pictures, it's hard to get good shots with this miserable weather!

For these first few cards I decided to stick with traditional colours of green and red.

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White and Old Olive. Burgundy CS from my stash

Images: Paula Pascual Joyful Bubbles set

Sentiment: Paula Pascual Christmas Sentiments set

Tools: SU Polka Dot background stamp (retired), SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, SU Ink in Old Olive, Versafine ink in Crimson Red, 1" Circle Punch, Sponges for inking the
edges

Misc: Glamour dust for the baubles (altough I don't think it shows too well
on the pictures)

I made all of these cards in 10cm x 10cm size, cute little christmas cards perfect for my colleagues at work. I have made some more christmas cards using these stamps but using a blue color palette. I'll show you these later in the week!

Well I'm off to Julies SU Catalouge Launch this afternoon. Really looking forward to it as I'll get to spend a few hours catching up with my crafty friends and also get see my mum who I haven't seen for a few weeks!

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Thinking of you!

2010-09-30T08:10:00.005+01:00

Good morning all! Well it's been over a week since my last post. I've been so busy I've barely had time for any crafting. Work is still really hectic, but I had a lovely weeekend away with my family in the Lakes last weekend! It was lovely for us all to be together and the weather was perfect, so thanks to you all if you kept your fingers crossed for me, it worked!!

Today I have a card to show you all that I made a few weeks back at another one of Jules crafty nights! We made three cards using the same colours and this was my favourite...

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Basic Black and Pretty in Pink

Images: SU Live your Dream set (retired)

Sentiment: SU Sincere Salutations

Tools: SU eyelet border punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, SU Boho Blossoms punch, SU Ink in Pretty in Pink and Old Olive

Misc: SU soft subtles buttons, Sponges for inking the edges of the flowers

I love this sentiment set. It was my first ever purchase from SU and I love it, it's such a classic design you can use it for almost any occasion.

I am so excited today. For a start it's my day off (and believe me I need it) and secondly I get my new car today and here it is.....

Isn't she a cutie (It's too pretty to be a boy so I've decided she's a she!! I have had a mini before but sold it 3 years ago and got a corsa! There's just no comparison though and I have really missed being behind the wheel of a mini, so I can't wait to get into my new one!

Well I'd best get my skates on and go get ready so I can get my car!!! Thanks for stopping by and for any comments you may leave. I really appreciate each and every one of them!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Something other than a card!!

2010-09-22T08:12:00.005+01:00

Good morning all! I hope I find you all well.

Today I have something a little different to show you. I have recently made some corner bookmarks for my colleagues at work and some of my friends. I found this tutorial sometime last year and have made quite a few of these now! They are so simple to make and just that little bit different from your standard bookmark! The perfect little gift for those who love to read! In fact they were so popular I have had requests for some more!

This one I made for a special friend of mine with my new inkadinkado stamps!

Materials

CS: SU Kraft, Whisper White and Rose Red

Paper: SU Rose Red Designer Series (Retiring at the end of this month)

Images: SU Vintage Vogue set

Sentiment: Inkadinkado Friendly Advice

Tools: SU Polka Dot Background Large Stamp, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, SU ink in Rose Red and Old Olive, Sponges for distressing

Well I hope you like my corner bookmarks! I'd best dash now and get ready for work. It's been a real hectic week. Only 2 more days to work and then I've three days off and I'm heading to the lake district for the weekend with my family! Can't wait! Keep your fingers crossed for me for fine weather!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad!

2010-09-17T08:09:00.002+01:00

Good morning all!

Well the weekend is almost here and the sun is shining this morning, just a shame I've got to go to work!

Today I have the card I made for my mum and dad's anniversary to show you, which I made at the lovely Jules 'Love' class. It was their 32nd anniversary last week so I am safe to show you this now as I definately know they have receieved it! I am also entering it into this weeks cute card thursday challenge, which is to include birds or butterlies on your card.

An arty farty side angle to show you the easel design!

Materials

CS: SU Whisper White, Taken with Teal (retiring at the end of this month!) and Soft Suede

Paper: SU sweet pea designer stack (Also retiring)

Images: SU Love you much set

Sentiment: SU Cheer and Wishes set and Tiny Tags

Tools: SU scalloped edge punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, SU Tag punch, SU Small heart punch, SU ink in Taken with Teal and Soft Suede, Paper piercing tool

Misc: SU Soft Suede spotty ribon (Also retiring) and twine

This card also involved my favourite paper piecing technique, I just love doing this!

Justa quick post for me today, I'd best get my skates on and get to work.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all enjoy your weekend, whatever you're up to!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~