The more candles the bigger the wish!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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~

Seeing Spots on your birthday!

Good morning all! I hope you're having a lovely weekend?!

I spent a lovely friday evening having a BBQ with friends at their Caravan in Stamford Bridge before returning home on saturday to go round to my friend Julie's for a crafty SU afternoon, it was small and intimate with just the 3 of us (Jill too!), but I had lovely few hours just crafting away to my hearts content, so thanks Jules! I'll take some pictures of the projects I made and share them with you soon.

Onto today's card. I have a few male birthday's coming up and I always struggle with these as men don't do cute really do they?! So I dug out my the lovely Seeing Spots set which is perfect for making your own backgrounds.

The inside again (it's addictive isn't it!!).

Materials

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

Images: SU Seeing Spots (Retiring at the end of this month!)

Sentiment: Both inside and out from a See D's birthday set

Tools: SU spiral edge punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Nestabilities labels one, SU ink in Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie and Choc Chip, Sponges for distressing

Misc: Record Card, Twine, button and ribbon all from my stash

Well I am quite happy with how this turned out and I just love this Seeing Spots set. It's a shame that SU are retiring this at the end of this onth, but I've got mine and it will be staying firmly on my shelf as I find it so useful and versatile!

Right I'm off to get dressed. Not sure what today holds but I want to do some baking and I think a trip to the supermarket is order!

Thanks for stopping by and for any comments you leave, I love to hear from you!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Happiness Always!

Good morning all!

What a downpour we had last night. I could hear the rain pit pattering away on my roof as I went to sleep last night. I hope it stays fine today as I've got the day off work and don't want to be stuck indoors all day!

So today I have a weding card to show you. My SIL asked me to make her a card for a wedidng she was attending last weekend, so I reached for my stampendous stamp that I haven't used in a while and this is the result!


The inside. I love decorating the insides now, why did I never do this before??!!

Materials

Papers: SU Bridesmaid Speciality Papers ( only avalailable
until the end of september so hurry if you want them!)

CS: Black from my stash, SU Whisper White

Images: Stampendous Happy Couple

Sentiment: SU Occasional Greetings and SU Whimsical Words (sentiment inside)

Tools: SU scalloped edge punch, SU Scalloped Oval punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cropodile

Misc: Glamour dust, Adhesive pearls from my stash

Not sure you can quite make out the sparkle on her dress and veil, but I promise you it's there. Used my favourite paper peicing technique again for her dress, using the Bridesmaid papers. I LOVE these papers, perfect for wedding/anniversary cards. I can't believe they're retiring them at the end of this month! :-(

I hope all you SU fans out there have put in your last chance orders form the retiring list. I know I have!! If not you'd better hurry as once it's sold out it won't be coming back! If you want to have a look at the last chance list you can here!

Well I hoped you like today's card and thanks for stopping by. I'm going to have some breakfast and decide what to do today!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Sweet Birthday Wishes!

Good morning all!

The sun is shining and it looks like it is going to be a beautiful day! I'm really enjoying my week off of work and I can't believe what nice weather we've had over the last few days! It looks like I picked the right week!! I am going out with my mum for the day to York today, but before I head off I thought I would share with you a card I made yesterday for my neice's upcoming birthday in a few weeks (can't believe I'm so organised!). I even used the challenge sketch from this weeks A Spoonful of Sugar, it's been a while since I entered a challenge!

I dug out some new stamps that I bought a while back from Elzybells and started getting creative!


An inside view again, it's getting quite addictive this decorating the inside of the card malarky!

Materials

Papers: SU Sweet Pea Designer Paper stack (from the mini catalogue, only avalailable
until the end of september so hurry if you want it!)

CS: SU Pretty in Pink and Rose Red

Images: Elzybells 'Hey Cupcake' Clear Two step stamping set

Sentiment: Craftwork cards, Inkadinkado (sentiment inside)

Tools: SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sponges for
distressing around the edges, Nellie's circle dies, SU Blender pen, SU Oval punch

Misc: SU inks in Rose Red, Pretty in Pink and So Saffron, Elzybells Co-ordinates Ink Pads in Cookie Dough and Sticky Toffee, Adhesive pearls from my stash

I really enjoyed using this Elzybells cupcake kit, I love two step stamping and because this kit is clear it is so easy to use and there are infinite combinations you can make!

Well that's all for me today, got to get ready before my mum gets here. Thanks for stopping by and for any comments you may leave!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Now & Forever!

Evening all!

Well it's been over a week again since I posted anything. Life's still a bit hectic and I've been struggling to fit everything in, but I did manage to make a card this past week for my brother and sister in law's 1st wedding anniversary, which was yesterday. I can't believe it was a year ago that they got married, I honestly don't know where the year went!! I don't think they've got their card yet, even thought I posted it in plenty of time, as they've been at the Leeds festival enjoying all the music since thursday. So it'll be interesting to see whether they like it when they get back! I hope so, as I had fun making it!



I just had to give decorating the inside a go. Now I don't always do this (especially if I'm a bit short on time, or patience!) but I really think it finishes a card off perfectly!

Materials

Papers: SU Sweet Pea Designer Paper stack (from the mini catalogue, only avalailable
until the end of september so hurry if you want it!)

Images: SU Love You Much

Sentiment: SU Occasional Greetings and See D's (sentiment inside)

Tools: SU scalloped edge punch, SU heart to heart punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sponges for
distressing around the edges, Circle and scalloped circle nesties

Misc: SU inks in Rose Red, Taken with Teal and So Saffron, Adhesive pearls from my stash

I also used one of favourite techniques in making this card. Paper piecing!! I haven't done it for a while and this bird image is perfect for this technique. Well I hope you like it?!

I've spent the weekend in the lake district with my OH. He is there for two weeks at a rehabilitation centre. It is a fantastic place where injured firefighters (and their family) can go to recover/recouperate from injuries. It is a registered charity and they rely on fundraising and donations to keep rehabilitations centres such as these open. They do such an amazing job and provide such a great service. If anyone is interested you can find out more about it here at The Fire Fighters Charity website.

Well I hope you are all enjoying your bank holiday weekend, whatever you are up to and thanks for stopping by to say hi!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Sorry I've been AWOL....

... for over a week but I'm having a tough time of it at work lately and I've lost my mojo. Crafting is the last thing I want to do lately when I've had a hectic day at work, I just want to relax and have an early night! Lol! I have got a week off work coming up soon, so hopefully I might get back into my craft room!

So without further ado let me show you a quick card I made the other week.

Materials

CS: SU Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive & Whisper White

Papers: SU Rose Red Designer Series

Images: SU VintageVouge

Sentiment: SU Vintage Vouge

Tools: SU three step bird punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sponges for
distressing around the edges

Misc: SU ink in Rose Red, Felt Circle from the SU felt flowers set

Well I must dash, got to be out of the door for work in 20 minutes! Roll on 5pm! Lol!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be back again soon!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Thanks so much!

Good morning all!

Only two days left and then it's the weekend! Yay! I am soooo looking forward to a lie in!

Today I though I'd share with you a card I made for my mum. I know she has received it now so it's safe to show you! I was inspired to make this card from a card I had seen Carole had made, so thanks Carole for the inspiration! I just loved the idea of using pink with brown and green for the tree's, something I hadn't thought would necessarily work before I saw Carole's card.

So here it is:

Materials

CS: SU Melon Mambo, Choc Chip, Kraft (Crumb Cake) & Whisper White

Images: SU Trendy Tree's set

Sentiment: SU Trendy Tree's Set

Tools: SU Scalloped border punch, SU Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cropodile, Sponges for
distressing around the edges

Misc: SU ink in Old Olive, Choc Chip and Melon Mambo

I love this cute trendy tree's set. I got mine at christmas and just love this two step stamping technique, a stamp-a-ma-jig is a must though if you want to ensure your imagesoverlap/fit perfectly together. Those of you who know me will know how much of a perfectionist I am so the stamp-a-ma-jig is my must have tool!

This cute Trendy Tree's set is on offer this month from SU with 20% off for the month of August, so if you fancy this little set of stamps (8 in total, 2 of which are setiments), now is the perfect time to snap them up for only £10.36! If you would like to order this set I can recommend the wonderful Julie. Great friendly service!

Speaking of Julie, I went to another of her fab classes on tuesday night. I love our tuesday night group, such a great group of ladies where we can indulge in crafting, chatting, a cuppa and some cake, perfect! Thanks for a great night Jules!

That's all for me today folks, best get my skates on or else I'll be late for work!

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Together Forever!

Evening all!

I hope you've all had a good weekend? Sorry I've not been around much this week but I was busy enjoying some me time with my mum at Ragdale Hall! We had a fab time, lots of eating, relaxing and sleeping! Can't wait to go again next year! Back to reality tomorrow though as I go back to work after 5 days off!

Today I have a card to show you that I gave to a friend of mine for her wedding last weekend. I made it a while back at one of Julies tuesday night card classes and if you like the look of it she is doing a tutorial for this card and some matching products at the minute so pop over here and take a look!

Materials


CS: SU Basic Black

Papers: SU Bridesmaid & Groom Specialty Papers

Image: SU 'Mr & Mrs' stamp set

Sentiment: SU 'Mr & Mrs' stamp set

Tools: SU heart punch

Misc: Black Brads, Adhesive gemstones, Flat back Pearls

Well I hope you like it! I love these Speciality papers. They are so perfect for wedding and anniversary cards! I have used these bridesmaid papers to create my own wedding invitiations (I must get around to popping it on here to show you!).

I know I seem to be using a lot of SU products on my cards of late, no I have not signed up to be a demonstrator, although I may as well have the amount I've bought lately! I just love how all the products co-ordinate so well together!

Short and sweet post for me today. I must dash as I've got to get tea ready!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Cheers to You!

Evening all!

I hope you've all had a good weekend?! I've been busy working, but only 2 days left to work and then I've 5 days off and a pampering spa break to look forward to!

Today I have a male card to show you. Now I'm not a fan of doing men's cards, usually because most of my stash is more suitable for female cards, but it's my FIL's birthday next weekend and so I needed a card for him. This card also meets with the challenge over at Simon Says Stamp this week, where they want to see lots of dots! I can't remember the last time I entered one of my cards into a challenge!

Materials


CS: SU Choc Chip, Old Olive & Whisper White

Image: Beer mug from SU 'Cheers to You' set

Sentiment: SU Cheers to You

Tools: SU 'Seeing Spots' stamp set to create the background, Sponges
for distressing

Misc: SU ink pads in Choc Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive. Whispers pens, Craftwork cards
card candy, glossy accents

It's the first time I've used both my 'Seeing Spots' and 'Cheers To You' sets. I hate to admit it but they've been sat in a bag waiting to be used for the past 3 months! Both of these are perfect for male cards though. I especially love how you can create your own backgrounds with the Seeing Spots stamps.

I seem to have taken a step back from using cute characters on my cards of late and have adopted the more CAS approach. I still like the cute stamps but I'm enjoying experimenting a bit more, after all not every recipient likes cute!

Well thanks for stopping by. I'm off for an early night. I need to be up early tomorrow to take my OH to his physio appointment. He ruptured his achilles tendon around 11 weeks ago. Thankfully he's on the mend now, but boy has it been a tough 11 weeks! Lol!

Hugs, Vicky ~x~