SUPER SATURDAY

Hi Everyone

I hope your weekend has got off to a good start.

We had a lovely time at the party last night and got home quite late .. .. .. but I couldn't go to bed without knowing who had been evicted from the Big Brother house as I knew the radio would spoil it before I had watched.

So a very late going to bed for us. I still woke up very early but managed to shut my brain off and go back to sleep which now means I feel well refreshed and ultra hyperactive .. .. .. oh I must be awful to live with!! LOL!!!!

Here is my share of the day

This used:

Image: Hero Arts "CG137" Thanks Flowers
Sentiment: Papermania Clear Stamps "Stamping for Him"
Backing Papers: Pink Petticoat "Vintage Rose"
Fiskars: Corner Rounder Punch (think that is what you call it)
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Glossy Accents
Eyelets, ribbon and charm from the stash box

Off again now to make use of my hyper-activity and I will be back later for a good old blog hop.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Love Jules xx

RUBY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Hi Everyone

Well the weekend is almost here .. .. yay!!!

I love the "Friday feeling" as I know I won't feel guilty if I "sleep in a little" for the next couple of mornings. I don't know why I tell myself this though .. .. .. or kid myself that I will "lie in" .. .. .. because I never do!!! I wake up and my brain goes into creation mode, I get all excited and want to get up and play with my goodies.

I do try "not to think" and this sometimes works and I manage to go back to sleep .. .. but this doesn't happen very often LOL!!!

Well you never know I might manage it tomorrow as we are out and about tonight to our friends Ruby Wedding Anniversary party. The scary thing is that I can remember going to their Silver Wedding Anniversary party 15 years ago!!! Now where did those years go?

I have made them a card to go alongside our present and here are a couple of photos .. .. a normal one

.


and an "up close and personal" one !!

This used:

Papers: Happy Anniversary paper came from Kanban - Celebration Titles
Music Paper: Hot of the Press "HOTP 7235"
Sentiment: Computer generated
Martha Stewart Punch: Daisy
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Diamond Stickles
Flowers: 3 different types from Hobby Craft tied together
Ribbon from the stash box

My next problem is going to be whether it will fit into an envelope? If not then I will wrap it in tissue paper, tie it up with ribbon and put it in the bag with their present.

I hope you like what you saw today and I will catch you again tomorrow. Thank you for calling by and have a good rest of Friday.

Love Jules xx

MY "SORRY" GIFT

Hi Everyone

I am here posting a creation I have made by way of an apology for my next door neighbours.

The little girl who lives next door to me was one last week .. .. .. and I didn't realise until her big Sister and Mum knocked on my door and handed hubby and I two pieces of the most gorgeous chocolate birthday cake!!

Guilt or what?

When Jaya was born Mum didn't come straight home - they went to stay with Jaya's Grandparents for a while. So we never actually knew when she was born. (But I do now and it is in the birthday book).

So by way of an apology I have made a little word book that I am hoping Jaya's Mum and Dad will fill with photographs of her on her birthday. I am sure there will have been lots of pictures taken .. .. she is the most smiley and happy little girl you can imagine.

With her having such an unusual name I thought that the little gift might mean a little more as they are unlikely to be able to find much that carries her name.

Anyway.. .. enough of the unburdening of guilt.. .. I am a bad neighbour and that is all there is to it!!! Here is my make:

This used:

Funky Hand CD "Colour Me Happy".
Eylets and ribbon from the stash box

I do love making these little books and they always feel special when they are finished.

Part of my day has been spent buying ribbon, buttons and embellishments today .. .. I am going to be designing some new wedding stationery samples for my portfolio and I can't wait to get playing (but sadly it isn't allowed for a few more days yet - lots of crafting needs to be finished before playtime!!).

Thanks for calling by for a look at what I have been doing - have a lovely evening.

Love Jules xx

MINUS AN IMAGE

Hi Everyone

A quick card today that is not for any challenge. I was just having a play and experimenting a little in the hope of feeling comfortable with not always feeling I have to put a stamped image on my work. It doesn't feel natural yet .. .. but I am sure it will eventually if I do more of it!!! LOL!!!

I also have a tendency to work with pastel and "cool" colours but have been trying to take myself out of my comfort zone and use darker shades. I am still struggling a little but am determined to stick with it.

The weird thing is I love the cards I make with black (and you can't get much darker than that) and those made with pastel/lighter shades .. .. but the colours that fall in between are the ones that give me the problems and make me "unsure" of what I produce.

Anyways, here is my creation for today .. .. .. what is that inspirational book called "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" ???

This used:

Papers: Papermania "Hampstead" (except for the blue flower - that was scrap card)
Sentiment: Woodware Clear Stamps "FRCL004" His Birthday
Sizzix Die: "656079" Flower Layers #5
Cuttlebug Die: Flower Set (Blue Flower)
Woodware Punch: Medium Circle
Nestabilities: Small Octagons
Martha Stewart Punch: Frond
Large Brad from the stash box
Distress Ink: Old Paper
Brilliance Ink: Moonlight White - for distressing the flower petals and the home-made card candy

So there we go. My make for the day .. .. .. and to add to my bravery I also drew the dots and dashes on my card "freehand" .. .. phew!! .. .. why does that always feel so "daring"? Clearly I don't do that enough either or it wouldn't.

Because I had to work hard and go out of my comfort zone with this one I decided to make the heart a little more difficult to find today too .. .. but as always I am sure you will find it.

Thank you for calling in. Catch you again soon.

Love Jules xx

PENNY BLACK CHALLENGE - WEEK 111

Hi Everyone

Here again with one of my favourite challenges .. .. Penny Black Saturday.

This week they are asking for "Christmas in July" .. .. .. and with so many Christmas cards needing to be made what better excuse for getting another one done.

This used:

Image: Penny Black "2747K" Xmas Crafts
Backing Paper: Papermania
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Snow
Cuttlebug Die: Snowflake
Hobbycraft Punch: Small Snowflake
ProMarkers
Josy Rose: Gems
Diamond Stickles
Buttons and cord from the stash box
Another one down .. .. .. a few hundred to go .. .. but not today!! What a good job I love Christmas LOL!!!

Sorry, need to dash today .. .. too many things on my "do list" and I need to get some crossed off.

Have a good rest of Tuesday and thank you for calling by.

Love Jules xx

LILI OF THE VALLEY CHALLENGE 58

Hi Everyone

What a strange day weather wise .. .. .. dull, then sunshine, then rain, now sunshine again .. .. make your mind up Mr Weatherman!!!

My washing has been out and in and out and in again!!!! Great exercise I suppose LOL!!!

Today's share is for the Lili of the Valley Challenge (thank you for a lovely sketch ladies).

This used:

Image: Lili of the Valley "S106" Fairies on Tiptoe
Backing Papers: Pink Petticoat (New download - Vintage Rose)
Lilac paper: From the Scrap Drawer
Martha Stewart Punch: Daisy
X-Cut Punches: Butterfly and Medium + Small Flower
ProMarkers
Glamourdust
Diamond Stickles
Brads and Sticky Pearls from the Stash Box

You needed to follow a sketch for the challenge and here is the sketch.

The new download from Pink Petticoat is gorgeous (you need to see all the papers to appreciate just how lovely it is) and better still it is on offer at the moment!!!

Have a lovely evening everyone.

Love Jules xx

FREEBIE STAMP

Hi Everyone

Happy Sunday!!

I hope you are all having a lovely day.

I have spent some of my Sunday digging up weeds in the garden. How dirty and filthy did my hands get .. .. .. they were worse than when I get my distress inks out!!!

Still lots of scrubbing with the nail brush and I felt safe in touching my lovely craft goodies again. LOL!!

Today's share features an image that was free on the front of the Docrafts Creativity Magazine (Issue 22). I picked it up whilst away last week and think it makes for quite a nice card.

This used:

Image and Sentiment: Docrafts Born to Shop Bubbles Collection
Backing Papers: Dovecraft "Back to Basics"
Woodware: Circle Punches for scrunched flowers
Martha Stewart Punch: Frond
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Brads and Cord from the stash box

My card makes me smile. We all know that money doesn't buy happiness .. .. .. but I must admit I am always pretty happy spending pennies in a craft shop!!!!

Enjoy what remains of your weekend.

Love Jules xx

PLAY DAY

Hi Everyone

I hope your Saturday has been lovely.

I have had chance to play with some of my new goodies (as well as get rid of some of the holiday washing).

Here is my share for today:

This used:

Image: Papermania "9072100" Hampstead Collection Sketch Flower
Backing Paper: Papermania "1603100" Hampstead
Sentiment: Papermania "9073002" Stamping for Him
Nestabilities: Classic Square
Go Kreate Die: Scalloped Squares
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Lace from the stash boxHome made card candy using the Papermania papers

I made the card candy by punching out circles and placing them pattern side down on the reverse side of a mouse mat. I then rubbed the back of them in a circular motion with a ball tool until they became cupped enough to fill them with silicone gel and stick then onto my card.

Lots to catch up on now I am home again. I managed some visiting but still have lots to do .. .. how busy everyone has been whilst I was away.

One exciting piece of news I need to share is that whilst I was away Anice from Funky Hand put a shout out for some more Design Team Members to join our happy gang.

NEW FUNKY HAND DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS

If you want to read more about what this involves then pop over to Anice here .. .. .. she is waiting to hear from you and see your creations. I promise you that you will not find a nicer group of ladies anywhere!

Love Jules xx

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN

Hi Everyone

Well I am back home again after a lovely few days away.

Firstly thank you to Mr Blogger for being so efficient in posting my scheduled offerings whilst I was away enjoying myself.

The weather was very kind to us and the romantic hotel was wonderful. I could have stayed there for ever!!! It was so lovely and can you believe that my silver toast rack this morning was heart shaped!!! LOL!!!

The football was OK .. .. we left the ground just before the end of the match (I don't like walking down lots of steps as part of a pushing crowd who are all in a rush to get out) and at this point Derby were winning 3 - 2. However, by the time we switched the TV on in our room for the news and weather outlook we found out that they actually drew 3 - 3 .. .. .. Bournemouth must have scored in the last couple of minutes.

Seperate to this we did a bit of crafty shopping in a couple of places and managed a few crafty bargains in the sales. I spent ages stroking my paper purchases and looking at them both in the car and in our various bedrooms. Can't wait to play with them.

Today we have travelled home and survived the journey .. .. .. but how I have no idea!! It was just so scarey on the motorway. We experienced three vehicles that just couldn't keep in their own lane:

Number 1 vehicle .. .. a woman who was hogging the outside lane and when she eventually pulled across was chatting away on her mobile phone -- driving with one hand!!!

Number 2 vehicle .. .. a male driver in a van who needed his two hands to eat his "Crunch Corner" .. .. no spare hands for putting on the wheel at all because he needed to hold his snack pot in one hand and a spoon in the other!!!!

Number 3 vehicle .. .. a male driver who was too busy reading his map to watch the road ahead and at one stage we thought he was going to go straight off the hard shoulder let alone his lane!!

What a worry. No wonder there are so many accidents.

Anyway, on a better note .. .. we have had a great time and now I can have a great catch up with all my lovely blog mates and see what you have all been up to whilst I have been away.

I did manage a bit of colouring whilst away - mostly LOTV images and one which was free on the front of a magazine (no hearts to view yet though !! LOL!!).

I will catch you all again properly soon but in the meantime I am off for a good old hop about!!

Missed you all.

Love Jules xx

FAVOURITE SCHEDULED SHARE

Hi Everyone

Well if all my scheduled posts have gone to plan today should share with you my last .. .. and favourite .. .. .. of the makes I trusted to the safe hands of my good friend Mr Blogger (I am hoping flattery is going to get me everywhere here LOL!!).

This used:

Backing Papers: Funky Hand
Image: Paper Artsy "HP1004EZ"
Nestabilities: Scalloped Circle and Circle
Glamour dust
Ribbon and charm from the stash box

I stamped the image onto the backing paper and then re-inked and stamped twice on scrap paper before stamping again on my backing paper to try and give a shadowed and mystical look to my creation - the edges were highlighted with a pink stamp pad and blending foam.

I then added just a tiny amount of glamour dust.

I know that black on cards isn't to everyone's taste but I am really pleased with this one but it doesn't look as magical here as it does in real life.

My evening today involves a romantic dinner for two. We will have changed our accommodation from a cheap and cheerful Premier Inn to a lovely romantic looking hotel for our last day/evening with a special evening meal to mark the end of our "special time away".

Tomorrow we will be travelling home again .. .. .. but not until we have tried to fit a full English breakfast in!!! LOL!!!

Catch you from the house of hearts when we get home.

Love Jules xx

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD FOR 2010

Hi Everyone

Well here I am with my first Christmas card for 2010. I wonder how many I will make this year!!

Tonight I am off to a friendly football match between Bournemouth and Derby County .. .. come on Derby.

So here is my first Christmas card

This used:

Backing Papers: Flower Soft "Vintage Christmas"
Sentiment: Lili of the Valley
Woodware Punches: Holly leaf and Circle
Diamond Stickles
Glossy Accents
Cord from the stash box
Packed into my luggage were lots of images and my trusty Promarkers so hopefully I have managed a little bit of colouring whilst I have been away and will have lots of images for mounting on cards on my return. (How sad am I?). LOL!!!

Catch you all again soon.

Love Jules xx

WENDING MY WAY

Hi Everyone

Well if all has gone to plan you should be seeing this whilst I am away in Bournemouth.

A little "escape time" for hubby and I and if the traffic has been good then we should now have arrived by now.

We aren't too worried about the weather .. .. it is just special time together (and a trip to Bournemouth football ground for a pre-season friendly .. Bournemouth v. Derby County). Come on Derby .. give us some hope for the new season!!!

Here is my creative share for today

This used:

Image: Pink Petticoat Digi
Backing Paper: DCWV "Citrus Stack"
Go Kreate Die: Scalloped Squares
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Ribbon from the stash box

Hope Mr Blogger played along.

Catch you again tomorrow .. .. .. all being well.

Love Jules xx

LATER, THAN LATER THAN LATE!!!

Hi Everyone

Well how late am I today?

Busy, busy day today .. .. .. hubby and I are heading off for a few days away in the morning and the preparations for it couldn't be more involved if we were heading off for 6 months!!! LOL!!!

So many things to plan and arrange ahead of escaping but they have all come together .. .. with the exception of a full suitcase.

Still a little bit of packing and ironing but that is all.

So a little late share .... ...

This used:

Image: Katie & Co "Sweetie" (Thanks En xx)
Backing Paper: Pink Petticoat
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Glossy Accents
Glamour Dust
Ribbon from the stash box
I have tried to schedule some shares whilst I am away so if Mr Blogger is my friend hopefully you will have some hearts to find in my absence.

I will catch up with you all on my return.

Have fun!!

Love Jules xx

SILVER SUNDAY

Hi Everyone

I hope you have all had a lovely Sunday. All very mixed here weather wise - cloudy grey skies and then bright sunshine.

After yesterday's "dark" card today I am here with a complete opposite one. A very quick make that is plain and simple and mostly white.

This used

Background stamp: Creative Stamping "1129-K" (Thank you Shirley xx)
Sentiment: Woodware Clear Stamps "FRCL107" Wedding Anniversaries
Embossing Powder: Stampendous "Silver"
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Diamond Stickles
Flowers, ribbons and other bits from the stash box

There shouldn't be any problems in finding a heart today LOL!!!

Short and sweet from me today. Have a lovely evening and I'll catch you again soon.

Love Jules xx

SOMETHING ELSE I "NEED"

Hi Everyone

How is everyone's Saturday going? OK I hope.

Hubby has gone out to watch a pre-season football friendly and I have given myself a mini break from the wedding stationery to create a little make using more of the freebies I received in the post the other day.

My stamped image is the second of the two stamps I received from Sally in her blog candy giveaway. (Thanks again Sal xx).

The flower is made using more goodies that were in the envelope from another blog buddy (thank you xx). They have been cut from the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Sizzix Die .. . I so "need" this. I wonder if I will be able to wait until the NEC in November which is suppose to be when I have my next spend??!?!?!!!

Anyway without further rambling here is my creation of the day

This used:

Image: Stampers Anonymous "COM031" Tattered Sparrow
Crackle Glaze Background Stamp: Inkadinkado "G3196"
Backing Papers: Cuddly Buddly Denim Download (left overs from yesterday's card)
Embossing Powder: Stampendous "Penny Copper" and "Clear"
Distress Inks: Dusty Concord, Broken China and Faded Jeans
Martha Stewart Punch: Lace Scallop Heart
Sizzix Die: "656640" Tattered Florals (not that I own one yet!! LOL!!).
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Ribbon, feathers and brad from the stash box

Now back to that gorgeous flower.

In my lovely package were flowers punched in a variety of papers. Some were so lovely I decided to start with some of the ones cut from newspaper in case I wasted them. Oh what fun.

I started by colouring them with the distress ink and scrunched them up a bit. I decided that in reality they wouldn't last two minutes on a card so I embossed them with clear embossing powder.

To finish them off I then drew all around the edges of each petal with an embossing pen and embossed again this time using the Penny Copper embossing powder. Once done I spritzed the back with water, scrunched them again and heated them gently from the back. Loving the finished look!!!

Have a brilliant rest of the weekend everyone and I'll catch you again soon.

Love Jules xx

HAPPY FRIDAY

Hi Everyone

I hope you have all had a good day .. .. the weekend starts here for a lot of folk .. .. and for my hubby a week's holiday so he will be coming home well happy.

A quick share before he arrives.

This used:

Image: Whiff of Joy
Backing Papers: All from Cuddly Buddly "Portfolio Papers - Denim"
Sizzix Die: "655009" Pocket
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers

I gained this image when we went to Ally Pally earlier this year .. .. .. it is one my hubby picked out. Not one I would have picked myself but I think he has turned out ok on his first inking.

Have a great weekend everyone. I hope you manage a little crafting time.

Thank you for calling by.

Love Jules xx

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?

Hi Everyone

Well yesterday was a lovely day in the house of hearts. The postman delivered some lovely goodies. There was my blog candy prize, a few stamps I had been waiting for from Lili of the Valley and an envelope with some goodies in from one of my lovely blog friends (thank you again xx) and no bills!!!

First I will share a card that I made with one of the Lili of the Valley stamps and then .. .. .. well..

This used:

Image: LOTV "Sailing Boat"
Backing Papers: DCWV "All About Boys"
Sentiment: Papermania Clear Stamps "Stamping For Him"
Martha Stewart Punch: Valentine Lace
Promarkers
Brads and cord from the stash box

Loving the LOTV stamps at the mo. So lovely to colour!

Next on to something that is even spookier than the face I found in a flower on that rubber stamp the other day ... ... ...

My sweet baby face has been stolen and used on a rubber stamp!!!

I open the envelope from my blog buddy and as soon as I saw one of the stamped images inside I recognised myself. Spooky!!!

I just had to get the photo album out and do a compare and contrast .. .. what do you think? Is it me?

LOL!!!

The photograph shows me and big bro wearing our jumpers which I am sure would have been especially knit for our holidays by Mum. She would have cut my hair too and this was quite long for me. Normally it was shorter than my brothers and as I got older she used to perm it!!! Now those photographs really are scary.

We were on holiday "somewhere" and this photo was taken on a little horse and carriage feature that was on the beach. Especially put there for taking photographs on - wouldn't last two minutes now I suppose. It would soon get broken.

Didn't I look a sweet thing. I wonder where it all went wrong? LOL!!

Have a good rest of the day.

Love Jules xx

A LITTLE PLAY WITH MY BLOG CANDY PRIZE

Hi Everyone

I hope you are all well. A mixed bag of weather here .. .. I don't really think it knows what to do!! LOL!!

Today I have had a play with a lovely stamp that I won from my lovely craft mate Sal over at Crafty Salutations.

I actually won two stamps but chose to play with this one first .. .. but I was torn because they are both gorgeous. I am just hoping that Sal will be pleased with what I have done and that she feels I am worthy of being their new owner.

Thank you Sal .. .. you are very kind.

So here is my little creation

This used:

Image (my prize): Tim Holtz Collection Stampers Anonymous "COM022" Flutter
Image for main background: Hero Arts "S5316" Silhouette Grass
Image for second layer: Elusive Images "32531" Script Background
Sentiment: Elusive Images "UDLHC0005"
Distress Inks: Tea Dye and Wild Honey
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarker Pen for shading the butterflies slightly

Have a lovely evening everyone. Sorry if I haven't been to visit you recently .. .. I am deep in "wedding stationery mode" at the moment .. .. but I am trying to call and visit as and when I get chance.

Love Jules xx

AND THERE WAS YET MORE RAIN!!!

Hi Everyone

Well a dry morning to start my day and I got the washing dry but this afternoon there was even more rain .. .. .. so another day off watering the garden .. .. though I have had to paddle to my greenhouse and do a little tending of my crops.

Great excitement in the house of hearts yesterday .. .. we had our first home grown cucumber!! Then this morning when I went down to the greenhouse my first tomato is starting to turn red so homegrown tomatoes too very soon. Woo hoo!! It doesn't take much to keep me happy does it?

Cucumbers are probably the weed of the greenhouse and we could be sick of them before long - but there is always a sense of satisfaction in growing something yourself.

Anyway, today's share is a little wordbook I made using the new Funky Hand "Colour Me Happy" CD.

I love making these little books. They always look so special when they are finished - especially if you use one as a little memory book with photographs.

Mine has a recipe inside for Vanilla Cupcakes.

This used:

Everything that is paper is from from the Funky Hand "Colour Me Happy CD"
Martha Stewart Punch: Embossed Zig Zag
Buttons from the stash box

The CD went on sale at the weekend over at Funky Hand.

If your pennies won't quite stretch to buying one at the moment why not enter the Get Funky! challenge. You might win the £20 voucher and be able to buy it with your prize (and still have some pennies left over).

So that is me for today.

I hope you are all well and thank you for popping over to see me.

Love Jules xx

p.s. Edited to add an answer to Kerry's question as to whether these books take very long to make. Well the answer is "not at all". Once you have made your choice from the many patterns and colours available it is just a case of printing and cutting everything out and then assembling. (There is "how to" on the CD). The rest is then up to you as to how you decorate and fill it!!

MY GARDEN IS VERY GRATEFUL

Hi Everyone

Well normally we would be moaning about a wet and miserable Monday wouldn't we.

But instead I think we are all quite pleased to have the lovely "fresh air" and comfortable temperatures that the rain has brought. In fact I am back into long sleeves again today!!

Certainly my garden is very grateful and hopefully this will mean a bit of "green" will return to my lawns. So tonight I am off watering duties.

Just a quick share featuring "one" of my favourite Penny Black stamps .. .. and a great backing paper I have been wanting to use for a while now. It is a freebie from Squigglefly and you can find it here.

So this is my little share

and this used

Image: Penny Black "2082E" Dressed Up!
Sentiment: Papermania Clear Stamps "Stamping for Him"
Backing Paper: Squigglefly
Scrap paper for the tie: Funky Hand (see even the smallest of pieces can come in useful)
Go Kreate Die: Concentrics Scalloped Squares
ProMarkers
Glossy Accents
Buttons from the stash box
I really like the backing paper (thank you Squigglefly) but wouldn't like those little mucky footprints all over my kitchen floor!!!

Have a good evening everyone. I wonder if there is any football on tonight? LOL!!!

Love Jules xx

THE END OF THE WORLD CUP

Hi Everyone

Well the World Cup is nearly over .. .. .. .. my lovely hubby and youngest son are settling down to watch "a little late". Whoever wins tonight it will be good news for one or other of them.

My son drew Netherlands in his work's draw and my hubby chose Spain in his long drawn out prediction table that looked like something from a maths exam.

I think my son would come off best as he would gain a little monetary prize whereas hubby would just get more points on his final total .. .. .. but these wouldn't be enough to make him anywhere near the top of the table. So I think it is "come on Netherlands".

I lost interest in the football once England were out.

So for my part I will just be escaping into the kitchen to make a late evening meal. I couldn't be doing with the oven on today so a quick meal which involves gammon, chips and egg was voted as next best to the normal Sunday roast LOL!!

Before I disappear though a quick share for the day

This used:

Image: Penny Black "2063K" Water Lily Skiing
Backing Papers: Funky Hand "Dreams Come True" CD
(the gingham is from the scrap box and I'm not too sure who is responsible for this)
Cuttlebug Flowers Die
ProMarkers
X-Cut Ribbon Punch
Brad and ribbon from the stash box

No hidden faces to find today LOL!!! I was pleased I wasn't the only one who could see the face in yesterday's stamp. Perhaps I should admit that I see faces in lots of things - including my bedroom curtains!!

OK - off to the kitchen to make my culinary delight .. .. .. catch you again tomorrow.

I hope you have all had a good weekend and thank you for taking time out to come and visit.

Love Jules xx

SWELTERING SATURDAY

Phew everyone .. .. .. are you warm enough ?!?!?

Very warm in my neck of the woods and if I open my craft room window all my papers fly about!! LOL!!!

Just settled down for a good old blog hop and a quick crafty share.

This used:

Image: Personal Impressions "P1502P"
Backing Papers: DCWV "Latte Stack"
Nestabilities: Labels Two
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Cord from the stash box
Whilst colouring this little beauty part of it made me "jump" as in it startled me .. .. as I saw a little face in the flower on the left - now when I look at the stamp that is all I see LOL!!

What do you think?

What a great post yesterday's creation turned out to be - it certainly sparked off some good memories for lots of us. I like it when that happens.

Have a good evening everyone.

Love Jules xx

MY FORMER LOVE

Hi Everyone

The weekend is nearly here again .. .. wowzers .. .. where did the week go??

I stopped this morning to ponder a question I asked myself last night .. .. .. "What did I used to do before I filled my time and craft space with all this rubber, paper and ink?".

Well I used to sew. I cannot remember the last item of clothing I made on my sewing machine (how bad is that) and yet at one time my wardrobe was only filled with things that I had made. I used to really love sewing and would make my little sister's dresses for her when I was 12 and she was 6 - it was something that I could just naturally do (and the only thing I could beat my best friend at in the exams at school).

I can remember taking a sewing pattern to school and a piece of material to make my Sis a dress and the sewing teacher telling me what a bad choice of fabric I had made because it had stripes which would need to be matched and perhaps I should use a different fabric. I would imagine it had already been an expense my Mum could have done without so decided I needed to stick with what she had already bought.

I think I surprised the teacher though as I stuck with it and managed to match everything and it looked great when it was finished .. .. she must have been impressed because I was allowed to go to her home (along with a couple of other school friends) to learn other crafty things after this. I think I owe a lot to her. The only thing she tried to teach me that I couldn't grasp was tatting. I could do the first bit but that was it.

Thinking about it a child wouldn't be allowed to go to a teacher's home now I bet .. .. but we are talking of some 40 years ago here. Oh dear!!!!

So today my make is made in memory of my old faithful sewing machine that must be about 29 years old now and doesn't get played with as much as it should. It has certainly sewn some miles and made some great creations.

This used:

My trusty sewing machine
Old brown paper
Black Cotton
Black Ink

And that is it.

Everything has been cut freehand and stitched to my card.

I did sew onto a base card and mount the base card onto a card blank .. .. .. just in case it was a total washout .. .. but I don't think it has turned out too badly considering it was made with a piece of rubbish!!

Thanks for calling by and have a great weekend. I know my creation won't be to everyone's taste - but it is different!!! Hopefully in a good way LOL!!!

Love Jules xx

LILI OF THE VALLEY CHALLENGE 57

Hi Everyone

I am entering a new challenge today (Lili of the Valley Challenge 57).

It isn't one I have joined in with before .. .. but I am so loving the LOTV stamps (and using them so much) that I decided it was time to join in their challenge.

The theme is to work to a sketch. There was also the option of using "Its a Girlie Thing" - thank goodness that part was optional .. because I was desperate to use this little chappie!!

Here is my creation

This used:

Image: LOTV "S102" Boys - Gone Fishing
Sentiment: Daisy and Dandelion "Dandelion goes Fishing"
Backing Papers: DCWV "All About Boys" Stack
Go Kreate Concentrics: "Scalloped Squares"
Nestabilities: "Classic Squares Large"
Martha Stewart Punch: "Traditional Scallop"
Glossy Accents
Diamond Stickles
Brads and charms from the stash box
and here is the sketch

Thanks for calling by and also thanks for all the hammock stories yesterday .. .. I really enjoyed them. It would seem that there is simply no way to get into a hammock in a lady-like manner.

Perhaps it is a case of having a strong man on hand to scoop us up in his arms, lift us up and gently place us inside .. .. .. well we can dream!!! LOL!!!

Have a lovely evening everyone.

Love Jules xx

A CARD FOR TWO CHALLENGES

Hi Everyone

I have done something I don't normally do and created a card that will fit in with two challenges. I didn't set out to do this but because my card fits perfectly with both I am going for it!!

The two challenges I am entering this card for are:

Penny Black at Allsorts - a new monthly Penny Black challenge that started this month where the theme is "A Burst of Summer Colour". Woo hoo!! Any chance to use a Penny Black stamp is great news to me!!!

and

Sir Stampalot Challenge - another monthly challenge where the theme is "Lazy Hazy Days of Summer".

Awesome prizes so make sure you check them both out.

Here is my creation

This used:

Images: Penny Black "3829H" Kickin' is the bear in the hammock (lucky thing)
Penny Black: "3811J" Winsome for the flowers and the pattern on the hammock
Backing Papers: DCWV Citrus Stack
Clippunch butterly punch
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Glossy Accents
Lots of bits of ribbon from my teeny tiny bits of leftover ribbon (not only do I save every bit of scrap paper but ribbon too .. .. but at least this has used up a bit of it LOL!!!).

I have never been in a hammock - but imagine it must be lovely "once you are in". But actually getting in and getting out must be very awkward and I can imagine myself not looking very lady-like at all if I was to attempt it .. .. .. a bit similar to getting on a lilo in a swimming pool!!!

To make my little ted look a bit more comfortable I stamped my image for a second time and cut the hammock out - stamped it with the flower stamp to give it a pattern and then using my ball tool and reverse side of a mouse mat, I worked on the non patterned side and shaped the hammock so it had a dip in the middle. I then filled this dip with silicone gel - and stuck it on the already coloured stamped image .. .. .. but rather than leaving it smooth I pressed the hammock in a few areas to make it look like the bear was filling some parts more than others.

I put a bit of glossy accents over the drinking glass but don't look to closely as I appear to have been a bit heavy handed .. .. that or ted is swinging and spilling his drink LOL!!

The ribbon feature is simply one length of ribbon tied around the card and then lots of smaller lengths tied over the knot of the previous ribbon.

Phew!! So that is me!

I hope you have all had a good day so far. It was supposed to be raining here so I didn't water the garden .. .. if it doesn't rain soon then I am going to have to make amends.

Have a good rest of the day and I'll see you again soon.

Love Jules xx

ANOTHER FUNKY HAND CREATION

Hi Everyone

I hope today is being nice to you.

Mine is going very well .. so far!!!

Just a quick share of a DT card I made for Anice using the new CD "Colour Me Happy". You are going to be seeing lots of this because I love it!!

This used:

Funky Hand "Colour Me Happy CD"
ProMarkers
Tape from the stash box

All of the little tools are digi images in the CD that you can enlarge and colour as you wish.

Thanks for calling by.

Love Jules xx

HAPPY MONDAY

Hi Everyone

I hope you have all had a happy Monday. It has been lovely and bright here but not too hot.

Here I am with a quick share which shows off the other stamp I chose for my Penny Black Saturday prize the other week. It also shows off some of the papers from the new Funky Hand CD "Colour Me Happy".

This used:

Image: Penny Black "2894J" Missed You!
Papers: All Funky Hand "Colour Me Happy"
Martha Stewart Punch: Embossed Zig Zag
ProMarkers
Josy Rose Nail Heads
Ribbon from the stash box

So that is my share for today.

Time now to become a domestic goddess and sort out some snap ready for the man of the house coming home - but before I can do this I need to remove some craft stash out of the kitchen. I have been utilising the kitchen worktops today .. .. I tell you no-where is sacred in the house of hearts!!

Have a good evening and I'll catch you again soon.

Love Jules xx

PENNY BLACK CHALLENGE - WEEK 108

Hi Everyone

Well my little visitor has just gone home .. .. shame !!

We have had a lovely time and managed to get through Helen's "to do" list.

Hopefully she will be posting lots of new things on her blog now as she has taken a mountain of creations home with her. If you do not know where Helen's blog is .. .. then you will find it here.

One of the things we did was a card for Penny Black Saturday where the theme was "Red, White and Blue".

Here is my creation (I hope Helen gets chance to post hers).

This used:

Image: Penny Black "1738K"
Backing Paper I'm afraid is a mystery - it came from the scrap drawers which have taken a bit of a hammering this weekend (but still look too full).
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Brads from the stash box

You may remember last week that I mentioned the new CD from Anice at Funky Hand "Colour Me Happy".. .. .. well treat of treats .. .. .. Anice is going to be showcasing it tomorrow on Create and Craft at 10.00am (can't wait).

So you know where I will be tomorrow morning .. playing spot which of my lovely DT mates made which creation !!! I hope you get chance to watch too.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and I'll catch you again tomorrow.

Thanks for calling by.

Love Jules xx

HAPPY NEW HOME

Good Evening All

Here I am with a late post .. .. again!!!

I have spent the day with my little crafty pal "Helen" today. We have been making lots of lovely creations and as always Helen has managed to make double what I have made.

But she has now gone out for the evening to see her school friend in a local performance so in her absence I am trying to catch up and make a few creations to make my shelf look not quite so sparse LOL!!!

Here is one of my makes

This used:

Image: Crafty Individuals "CI-263"
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Backing Paper: Pink Petticoat
ProMarker (in the singular)
Ribbon from the stash box
It doesn't really show up too well on the photograph but I chose to just shade one element from each of the four pictures that make up this lovely stamp.

So my little play mate will be back home sometime between 9.30pm and 10.00pm .. .. just time for a few extra makes and a chinese take-away (I promise that Helen did eat before she went out .. .. fish fingers, mashed spuds and peas .. .. with tomato sauce!!).

It feels really strange having a little person about the home again .. .. .. but very, very nice!!!

Lots of crafting goodies have slowly made their way downstairs to the dining room table .. but needs must .. .. there is no way both of us would fit into my tiny craft pod!!

I dread to think what time we will be up in the morning. Helen has a whole list of things she wants us to do tomorrow. They are neatly written on her "to do list" .. .. and I have a feeling she won't want to go home until they are all crossed off. Bless!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their day as much as I have.

Thank you for calling by.

Love Jules xx

LOOK WHAT MR POSTMAN DELIVERED

Hi Everyone

I hope you are all ok and looking forward to another weekend.

Mine is going to be extra special as I have my little crafting friend Helen coming to stay over and we will be having a special time together doing all things crafty. So nice to spend time with someone who loves playing with bits of paper, stamps and ink as much as I do.

Last time Helen came to stay she very kindly organised all of my ribbon drawer for me - I have really tried hard to keep it neat but might have to give it a quick inspection before she arrives. LOL!!!

Anyway the postman came with a little package for me today from 1-2-3 Stitch. It contained two new stamps which were paid for with the $20 I won from Penny Black Saturday the other week. I had to put a little towards my purchase but was well pleased with myself that I stopped at just two stamps. (See I can be strong willed).

This is the first one .. .. which I just couldn't wait to ink up (I will share the other one another time). This one reminds me of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" reading book.

This used:

Image: Penny Black "3964H" My Little Cupcake
Sentiment: Hobby Art Clear "CS016D" General Greetings
Dotty Backing Paper: Funky Fairy
Other Papers: My Mind's Eye
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles

I love this little stamp and have been toying with the idea of putting diamond glaze over the caterpillar's eyes .. .. not sure .. .. don't want to spoil it at the last minute!! LOL!!

I have found quite a few old backing papers on my laptop whilst having my "sort out". Some that I haven't looked at for ages. It seems quite a treat to "re-find" them. This dotty one from Funky Fairy is great. Sadly Funky Fairy is no more .. .. but I do have a collection of beautiful papers from there to work with.

Have a great weekend everyone. I'll catch you again soon.

Love Jules xx

FUNKY HAND CHALLENGE - JULY

Good morning all

Well another month has whizzed by and we are round to a fresh "new" challenge over at Get Funky!

This month the challenge has been set by my lovely team mate Tip Top (Ruth) and she would like your creation to be an occassion related to the word "new" .. .. .. as in "new home" or "new baby".

All of the DT have been playiing with the new CD from Anice called "Colour Me Happy" over the past couple of weeks and we all love it so much that I think you will find most (if not all) of the DT used it to create their inspirational work for the challenge this month.

The CD is fab .. .. but we are being naughty and tempting you with it just prior to its release. It will be available to buy very soon so it shouldn't be too long until you can have as much fun as we have been having. Why not become a follower here - then you will get to know as soon as it is released.

Here is my "new" creation which is a wedding invitation and place names for a bride and groom who are starting their "new life" together as man and wife. Oh I am soppy!!!! LOL!!!

My creation used:

Funky Hand CD "Colour Me Happy"
Nestabilities: Large Deckled Rectangles and Classic Heart
X-Cut Flower Punch
Josy Rose Nail Heads
Ribbon from the stash box

Why not enter the challenge this month? The prize is £20 to spend in the Funky Store .. .. you could even buy the new CD with your winnings!!!!

To enter you do need to use at least one digi image or backing paper from Funky Hand but if you don't actually own any just yet then there are some freebies available here.

Come on then .. .. what are you waiting for? Go Get Funky! and crafty.

Have a lovely day everyone. Hubby is out this evening and I am looking forward to a good old blog hop. Haven't been able to visit for a couple of evenings so lots and lots to catch up on .. ..lovely!!!

Take care.

Love Jules xx