PENNY BLACK CHALLENGE 116

Hi Everyone

Busy day here in the House of Hearts .. .. where has the day disappeared to?

I didn't manage to make it to the Penny Black Saturday Challenge last week so I thought I had better make amends this week .. .. particularly as the theme was right up my street Summer Lovin'

Here is my summer lovin' creation

and the close up

This used:

Image: Penny Black "4030K" The Park Bench Affair
Backing Papers: Pink Petticoat "Just an Old Fashioned Girl"
Sentiment: Pink Petticoat
Martha Stewart Punch: Frond
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Glossy Accents
Cord and flowers from the stash box

Nothing else to share today except the exciting news that I will see you bright and early in the morning as I start my new DT post with Penny Black @ Allsorts tomorrow and have my first DT creation to share with you and hopefully inspire you to take part.

See you then playmates.

Love Jules xx

TIME TO START CHRISTMAS IN EARNEST!

Hi Everyone

I hope you have all had a lovely Bank Holiday break.

For me the time has come to start my Christmas cards in earnest .. .. .. my customers have started asking for them .. .. .. and they want lots!! Eeek!!! Good job I enjoy making them !!

Clearly everyone but me is getting organised early this year.

This card is one of my first batches for this year - super quick and with cupcakes being the "in thing" at the moment I can see these being quite popular. The digi images come with holly decoration for Christmas cupcakes and cherries, candles and flowers for birthdays!!

and the close up

This used:

Backing Papers: Pink Petticoat "Fairy Lights" (half price for the next few hours)
Image: Pink Petticoat Image Download " Cupcakes"
Nestabilities: Classic Scalloped Rectangles Small
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Glamour Dust
Glossy Accents
Ribbon from the stash box

Just great for these batch makes.

Now back to last night's soup. It was so yummy it has gone on the list for the Christmas soup starter this year.

I received a few comments and emails asking for the recipe so I thought I would share it here:

Courgette Soup

Ingredients
60ml olive oil
1 onion sliced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1kg courgettes roughly chopped
350ml chicken or vegetable stock (I used vegetable)
350ml water
60ml single cream
6 springs of fresh dill
50g fresh parmesan cheese, grated (I used dried parmesan and it was fine)
salt and pepper to taste
honey to taste

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over a moderate heat

2. Add the onions and sweat them until they become translucent

3. Continue trying the onions and at the garlic and cook for a further minute

4. Add the courgettes, stock, water and cream and stir together well

5. Bring to the boil and then leave to simmer gently for 20 mins

6. Add the dill and parmesan

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste

8. Transfer to a food processor to blend (I used a hand blender in the saucepan)

9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If it lacks sweetness add a little honey to draw out the sweetness of the vegetables.

The recipe cooked enough for 3 good portions yesterday and then we re-heated the leftovers and had another two good servings at lunch time today with some warm bread. Mmmm... super yummy!!!

Let me know if you have a try!! I got the recipe from http://www.videojug.com/

Have a lovely rest of the evening everyone.

Catch you again tomorrow.

Love Jules xx

BLACK AND WHITE WITH A HINT OF SILVER

Hi Everyone

A quick post whilst dinner finishes cooking.

I love Sunday. It is the one day of the week that I feel like a proper wife and mother as I cook a Sunday roast and do jobs around the house.

I feel even more righteous today as I have made a starter as well (get me!!!) .. .. .. .. we have a massive glut of courgettes from the garden so I have made courgette, onion, garlic, honey, dill and parmesan cheese soup!! Smells gorgeous so let's hope it tastes that way too.

I know what will happen. We will all eat the soup and then be too full to each our dinner!! LOL!!

Anyway, over to my creation:

and the close up

This used:

Image: Inkadinkado "90355" (Love this image - it really looks like lace).
Embossing Board: Keepsake Card Crafts "Emboss to Impress"
Martha Stewart Punch: Daisy
Black Embossing Powder
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Dressmakers tracing wheel
Ribbon from the stash box
Very different for me .. .. no image to colour!!!

I hope you likey, likey.

Thanks for calling by.

Love Jules xx

TIME TO CRAFT AT LAST

Hi Everyone

Happy Saturday to you all!!

My crafting session has started a little late today .. .. but hubby is at football so no excuse now!

At the moment his team are winning 2 - 1 (I always listen to the match on the radio). Let's hope it stays this way and he will be coming home a happy bunny.

There is a sale over at Funky Hand this Bank Holiday weekend with 20% off everything so I thought I would use some of Anice's gorgeous papers on my creation today to give you a little taster of what is on offer. If you want to see the other crafty stash that is in the sale you can see it all here.

The paper I have used is one of my favourites as it has a "smokey/blurred" feel to it - which works really well sometimes when you don't want your background to detract from your image.

So my first creation whilst hubby has been away looks like this

and the up close and personal view

Edited following comments received ... ... the backing paper was printed onto plain "bog standard" card. It is the design itself that makes it look as though it is sparkles - that is why it is one of my favourites from Funky Hand - plus you can print it in lots of different colours!!

This used

Image: Penny Black: "3947K" Day-dreams
Backing Papers: Funky Hand CD "It's Funky Too"
Sentiment: Woodware Clear Stamps "FRCL128" Circular Greetings
Martha Stewart Punch: Daisy
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Brads and Ribbon from the stash box

I am also the proud recipient of a blog award from my craft buddy Shell from The Camels Hump - thank you Shell for thinking of me. If you get chance to pay Shell a visit that would be nice as she is one of the friendliest people you will find in blogland.

How nice to think Shell thinks I am a beautiful blogger .. .. I have definitely been called worse in my lifetime. LOL!!!

Of course there are always rules attached to receiving these awards. The first is to share with you seven facts about myself .. .. and the second is to pass the award on to seven of my fellow bloggers.

My seven facts

1. I have an older brother and a younger sister .. .. so I am a "middle kid"
2. I hate egg white and only ever eat the yolk
3. I could whistle before I could talk
4. I have never driven on a motorway
5. The only place I can take a decent photograph of my creations is in the bathroom .. .. with me sitting on the loo!!
6. My favourite colour changes daily - today it is purple!
7. I never pass on blog awards (sorry Shell) but if anyone would like to take this from my blog I would be really pleased.

It has taken me so long to write this post that the match has now finished and the final score was 2 - 2.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Off now to do a bit more before the football hooligan returns LOL!!!

Catch you again soon

Love Jules xx

LAST TWO RUBY ANNIVERSARY CARDS

Good morning everyone

Lots of you were keen to see my last two Ruby Anniversary cards before I deliver them.

I need to head off out into the big world soon so it has been a "once only" photo opportunity.

The pictures haven't turned out too badly .. .. the sun is in a strange place at the moment and was trying its best to spoil my pictures!! But I will forgive Mr Sunshine because it is just so lovely to see him .. .. I missed him yesterday. LOL!!!

Just look at that lovely blue sky in the background .. .. I hope it stays for the whole day!!

So here are my two creations:

The first is for a young boy to give to his Uncle and Auntie so it needed to be a little simpler

and close up

This used:

Image: Penny Black "3338J" Long Kiss!
Backing Paper: Pink Petticoat
Sentiment: Computer Generated
ProMarkers
Glossy Accents
Diamond Stickles
Ribbon and cord from the stash box
Love this little Penny Black image. I use it so much.


Next is one for grown ups to give

and close up

This used:

Image: Anitas
Backing Papers: Papermania "Exquisite"
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Martha Stewart Punch: Traditional Scallop
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Gold embossing powder
Flowers, ribbons and cord from the stash box

So after a "lazy" share yesterday I have hopefully made amends today! LOL!!

I am looking forward to a Bank Holiday weekend. Not that I will be doing anything any different to what I normally do .. .. they just feel special don't they?

I am busy preparing for the Melbourne Festival which will take place on the 18th and 19th September.

Lots of ideas in my head of things I want to take with me so lots of hard work scheduled. How big a "must do" list have I got!!!

The Festival takes place over two days and each year the weather has been lovely .. .. this will be my fourth year. I look forward to these two days all year as they are very special and I really enjoy them.

If you are heading off for a holiday over this weekend break then I hope you manage to avoid all the Bank Holiday traffic and have a safe journey.

For those of us staying at home .. .. .. you have a good time too and I hope you have time for a little crafting.

See you tomorrow.

Love Jules xx

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL BUT VERY LAZY!!!

Hi Everyone

A share of a very quick and easy card today.

This is one I use if I am in a rush and need a card "fast". I am a bit naughty really because there is so much more you could do with this stamp but it only ever gets to come out when I am in a hurry .. .. must make amends and use it "properly" one day.

I think I will leave the stamp out to remind me not to be so lazy in future!!!

Here is the lazy creation

and the "super flat" side view (but at least you can see the sparkle better)

This used:

Image: Hero Arts "K5315" Birthday Gift
Backing Papers: DCWV "Citrus Stack"
Martha Stewart: Traditional Scallop
ProMarkers
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Glamour Dust
Ribbon from the stash box

I think I also feel this as a lazy card because the sentiment is part of the rubber stamp.

Next time you see this image I promise I will give it the treatment it deserves!!!

Well I don't know about your part of the world but here we have had rain most of the day and it feels soooo chilly!! I'm not ready for Autumn yet!!

Take care everyone and I will catch you again tomorrow.

Love Jules xx

BACK WITH THE TATTERED FLORALS LOL!!!

Hi Everyone

Well I gave you a little break .. .. but today I am back with another tattered florals flower. LOL!!!

I have had a great morning creating and was so pleased with what I had managed that I decided I deserved a treat and a little play.

I always get engrossed and carried away if I get my distress inks out and time flies too quickly so I never open the "get messy" drawer unless I am happy with my progress for the day. Perhaps I should re-name it my "treat" drawer.

So here is my make

and close up

This used:

Image: Penny Black "3636K" Flying Stars
Sentiment: Pink Petticoat
Backing Paper: Memory Stor
Sizzix Die: "656640" Tattered Florals
Martha Stewart Punches: Traditional Scallop and Frond
Versamark watermark stamp pad and clear embossing powder
Distress Inks: Old Paper, Peeled Paint, Broken China, Faded Jeans
Josy Rose Nail Heads
Brad and Cord from the stash box
The main picture was created by clear embossing the image onto white card and then using distress inks to create the background.

Quite a good play session really and I am now looking at my stamps to see what else I can use this technique with.

Right time to tidy up and get back to some more creations.

Have a lovely evening everyone.

Love Jules xx

SWEET BABY

Hi Everyone

Sorry but this is likely to be a long one as I have a creation to share with you and also some awards to respond to. One of them involves me choosing a favourite picture .. .. and this was what has taken the time!! I have so many favourites!!

Anyway, I will start with my creation:

and the close up

This used:

Image, sentiments and papers all Pink Petticoat.
Fiskars Punch: Threading Water
Martha Steward Punch: Daisy
Nesties: Classic Squares
ProMarkers
Glamour Dust
Beads and ribbon from the stash box

I worked with the "blossom" colour collection as it is such a lovely delicate colour for baby cards .. .. and I make quite a few of those!! LOL!!

Ok .. .. now on to the lovely awards that some of my lovely blog buddies have bestowed upon me.

First of all I have this one

This is from Kelly - Little K Smith's Crafty Corner and Mags from Mayhem Manor

Then I have also received another award

This is from Doreen at Doreens Dream and Di from On the Cards

Now there are a few rules associated with accepting the awards, and thankfully the same rules apply to both, but of course I always have to break those out of sheer naughtiness.

So let's see which I can "go with"

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.

That is easy. Thank you very much Kelly, Mags, Doreen and Di. How lovely of you all to think of me. Please take time to visit all of their blogs as they all make really fantastic creations and I love hopping over to see what they have been up to. What super talented blog buddies I have!!

2. Put the award on your blog

Done and dusted!!

3. List 3 things you love about yourself!

Firstly I love having the best family in the world - I love them all to pieces!!

Secondly I love that I have lots of friends - I love them all to pieces too!!

Thirdly I love that I can appreciate everyone who features in one and two above.

4. Post a picture you love.

I don't love this picture as much as I love the person in it. This is my late Dad who was, and still is my hero. He passed away in 1991 and I still love and think of him often. I miss him so much. So many things I would have liked to share with him over the years we have been apart.

He could make or mend anything and I thought that all men were like him .. .. .. what a shock to my system when I married my hubby!! He is a DIY disaster but we won't go there!!!

I don't know who took this picture - but it shows my Dad cleaning the cooker down. What a good chappie!!! He nearly always used to cook the Sunday lunch and made the most gorgeous gravy with the juices from the meat. None of the instant stuff we get now!

Us kids would have to wash up afterwards and whoever got to wash always got the hardest job and would be annoyed at the person who got to dry up.

The drying wasn't such a bad a job .. .. but in an attempt to keep the job a little more difficult whoever was washing up used to keep putting water over the pots that were draining (just in case they were starting to dry on their own) LOL!!
5. Tag 5 other people for the award.

This is where I break the rules. I am sorry but there is no way I can ever pass an award on. There are too many people out there that inspire me and that I think have wonderful blogs - so if you would like to take either of the awards from me then please do .. .. I know you will deserve them both!!

So that is me for today. I told you it was going to be a long one!! Sorry!!!

Have a lovely rest of the day and thanks for calling by.

Love Jules xx

RUBY ANNIVERSARY

Hi Everyone

Quick post tonight with the first of three Ruby Wedding Anniversary cards I have been asked to create.

The only part that is missing are the names of the happy couple .. .. I will add these later. I need to come up with three completely different ideas as they are all going to the same couple.

and the close up

This used:

Image: Penny Black "4023K" Love is the Message
Backing Papers: "7235" Hot of the Press
Martha Stewart Punch: Traditional Scallop
Leone Em Pty Punch: "CP30" Ash Branch
Woodware Circle Punches for making the flowers
Brilliance Moonlight White ink pad for distressing the paper edges
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Diamond Stickles
Ribbon and brads from the stash box
I am going to be really sorry when this paper stack is all used up. So many gorgeous papers in there. Wish I had bought two now, or three or four LOL!!!

Keryn asked me on a previous post whether my customers were happy with the card I made for the gentleman who is going to be 100. Unfortunately I still don't know .. .. .. the pick-up was cancelled and they are collecting before heading off to the celebrations. I hope they are happy as they are't giving themselves much time to buy something else!!!

Hope Monday was kind to everyone. The weather here has been awful - how strange when yesterday was like a beautiful summer day!!!

Catch you again tomorrow. Thank you for calling by.

Love Jules xx

YOU ROCK

Hi Everyone

I hope you have all had a great weekend.

We have had beautiful weather here today so we have been doing a bit of gardening.

But of course all work and no play is no good for anyone .. .. so here is my "play of the day". (Not that I can play the guitar .. .. I leave that to my super talented son).

and the close up version

This used:

Images: Guitar Boy = Sugar Nellie "Rock Idol"
Sentiment and central banner = Inkadinkado "98693" Rock Star
Backing Papers: Funky Hand "Colour Me Happy" CD
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Brad from the stash
Whilst mentioning Funky Hand in my stash list .. .. don't forget that the August challenge still has a week and a bit to run. We are looking for "pockets" on your creations. Click here if you fancy a look at what you need to do to win a £20 voucher.

So our Sunday dinner is just about ready now .. .. but once I am fed and watered and everything is cleared up I will be back for a good old (and very overdue) blog hop along with last night's X-Factor!! What a lovely evening I am going to have!!

Catch you again tomorrow.

Love Jules xx

A VERY SPECIAL CARD

Hi Everyone

Just a very quick post ahead of visitors arriving in 10 mins .. ..

This is a card I have been working on this afternoon for a customer. My brief .. .. a card for someone's Dad who is going to be 100 at the end of the month. No pictures just Happy 100th Dad.

I bet I will never get to make such a special card again.

The problem has come though with the fact that the gentleman will not be able to see the card as he has just about lost all of his sight.

So I have tried to make the card as tactile as I can. All of the letters have been raised off the card so that he will be able trace them with his fingers and I have put some embossing on there as well as putting different textures and elements at different heights.

I just hope my customers are happy .. .. .. I will know tomorrow.

Here is the creation

and close up

This used:

Backing Papers: DCWV
Cricut Cartridge: Basic George
Cuttlebug Die: Nested Star
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Swiss Dots
Great Impressions: Alphabet Stamp
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Woodware Punches
Cord from the stash box

So it looks pretty basic really now it is finished but took quite a lot of thinking about. LOL!!

Have a lovely evening everyone. I'm afraid I won't get chance to visit anyone until tomorrow .. .. but I promise I will be there then.

I also have two awards to collect .. .. I haven't forgotten these either. Thank you ladies for thinking of me. xx

Bye for now

Love Jules xx

Winner of the Tattered Florals

Hi everyone

Sorry to be late with the results of the winner of my envelope full of Tattered Floral flowers.

Hubby has been off to have his eyes tested and he dropped me at my Mum's whilst he went. Colouring and chatting takes up so much time LOL!!!.

So the lucky winner is:


True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 18
Result: 3
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

and entrant number 3 was Doreen - well done Doreen, if you email me with your name and address I will get your lovely envelope of goodies into the post for you.

My email is: jules@halfwayhouse.force9.co.uk

No pressure Doreen, but we will all be keeping our eyes on your blog to see what you do with them LOL!!! Hope you have as much fun with them as I do.

Have a lovely Saturday everyone and can I say "sorry" to everyone that didn't win :-(

Love Jules xx

NEW HOME

Hi Everyone

My creation for today is a little different to normal and it all started because I had a little bit of scrap card left over after using my square nestie on a piece of cream card.

I was just about to put it into the bin when I trimmed it up and though it looked like a "possible" frame for something .. .. .. .. and what better than a window frame.

So here is the make

and the close up

This used

Images:
Large Flowers: Hero Arts "C3256" Three Gems
All other flowers and leaves: Rubber Stamp Tapestry "SFL34066" Moonlit Vase
Sentiment: Woodware "FRCL056" On The Move
Fiskars Punch: Threading Water
Nestablities: Classic Square
Sizzix: Mover and Shapers Die "Kit #1"
Marvy Le Plume Pens
Josy Rose: Nail Head
Lace from the stash box

The Rubber Stamp Tapestry stamps are a little set that you use to make up your own little floral scene. I used all the stamps in the set with the exception of the vase.

That is me for today. I hope everyone has had a good week . .. .. .. mine has flown by!!!

Happy weekend and I will catch you tomorrow with the winner of the envelope full of Tattered Florals.

Love Jules xx

PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE 114

Hi Everyone

I hope all is well with you.

I'm here with my card for the Penny Black Saturday Challenge where they have asked us to "Get Fruity"!!!!

Only really one stamp in my collection that falls into this bracket .. ..

and close up

This used:

Image: Penny Black "1670K"
Sentiment: Penny Black "2909E" ...smiling
Backing Papers: DCWV "Nana's Nursery"
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Ribbon and Charm from the stash box

I just love these little mice .. .. .. ..

Have a good evening.

Love Jules xx

AND ANOTHER TATTERED FLOWER !!

Hi Everyone

Another card with a Tattered Floral flower!!!!! Sorry!!!!

I warned you that you would be sick of these flowers .. .. but you know what it is like when you have something new?

Here is my little share

and the close up

This used:

Image: Stampabilities "HMGR1006" Mouse Drops
Backing Paper: Funky Hand Download "Shabby Saturday"
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Sizzix Die: "656640" Tattered Florals
Nestabilites: Classic Rectangles Small and Classic Scalloped Rectangles Small
ProMarkers
Lace and Brads from the stash box

I had a little smile to myself when colouring the "poorly" mouse in and I deliberately gave him big rosy cheeks because my Mum once told me that when I was a child she always knew if I was ill because I looked healthy!

I have a very pale natural complexion (otherwise known as the "death warmed up" look in our house) and when I run a temperature I get big rosy cheeks - which makes me look healthy for a change. LOL!!

But I really do think that little mouse looks poorly!!!

So that is me for today. I promise a creation with no tattered floral flower tomorrow.

Have a good evening and thank you for calling by to see what I am up to.

Love Jules xx

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Hi Everyone

Great news .. .. .. my Tattered Florals die arrived today .. .. yay!!!!! (Thank you for your help Coops!! xx).

So of course I had to put my lovely die straight to work. Lots of cutting has been happening today and I could have quite happily just used it to cut flowers all day long .. .. .. but my "do list" for the day just wouldn't allow it.

But I can show you some of what I cut and used on the creation below. I just couldn't wait to use it on some of the more "unusual" papers I have .. .. .. you are going to be sick of seeing these flowers .. .. if you aren't already LOL!!!

No backing papers today .. .. everything done with stamps, embossing powder and distress inks.

Here is the result of my session of indulgence:

and the close up

This used:

For the base layer:

Image: Magenta "Buds and Flourishes" (Embossed with clear embossing powder)

For the middle and top layer:Image and Sentiment: PaperArtsy "HP1004EZ"

Sizzix Die: "656640" Tattered Florals
Leone Em Pty Punch: "CP30" Ash Branch
Distress Ink Pads: Old Paper and Tea Dye
Inkssentials: Crackle Accents (love the look this gives .. .. put it takes soooo long to dry and crack)
Brad and metallic wool from the stash box

I quite like looking for unusual wool to use on my cards as there is so much on just one ball .. .. this metallic wool is gorgeous .. .. .. but I don't think I would like to wear anything knitted in it. It would be a bit too "itchy" for me. LOL!!!

Next I would like to share my happiness. I am only too aware of the Tattered Florals die being in short supply (and lots of people wanting one) so if you would like to receive a little envelope full of Tattered Florals as a present from me then simply add your name to Mr Linky at the bottom of this post and one lucky person will be the owner of an envelope full of loveliness.

I will do the random org. thingy on Saturday morning so please add your name before 12.00 midnight on Friday 20th August if you are interested. If no-one is interested I will take it that everyone already had this die but me LOL!!!

Have a good evening everyone.

Love Jules xx

Edited now to remove Mr Linky as the random org. has been generated and the prize won by Doreen. Have fun Doreen!!!

MANIC MONDAY

Hi Everyone

A busy time here in the House of Hearts .. .. .. and the day has just whizzed by.

Quite a few makes under my belt today and this is the one I have chosen to share

along with a close up view of the image

This used

Image: Stampabilities "HMPR1003" Close Knit Family
Backing Papers: Pink Petticoat
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Wool, button and brad from the stash box

I got this image a few weeks ago from our local craft shop in a sale. There is however a bit of a strange part on the stamp and I think I need to get my scalpel out to it. Around the tail of the mouse on the extreme right is a little bit of extra rubber which looks like it should be there when you look at the stamp .. .. but now printed looks very strange!!! Will have to do something about that!! I didn't notice until I was three quarters of the way through the colouring.

Just a quick post today because I have had a telephone conversation from a customer who has been looking through my blog to try and find an image/card they would like me to use on a special card they have ordered.

It was suggested by the customer that I "forget the cards" and instead go in the direction of "professional speech writing" !!! Apparently I "don't half ramble on"!!! And of course the customer is always right.

Think I might stick to the cards though !!

Have a good evening.

Love Jules xx

P.S. My Tattered Florals Die hasn't arrived yet :-( .. .. .. perhaps the postlady will be my best friend tomorrow!!! :-)

LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Hi Everyone

I'm having a bit of a lazy day today.

I was up bright and early trying to make my house look "less lived in" ahead of visitors arriving and we all headed out for a carvery meal for dinner. It was super yummy (especially the chocolate brownie sundae) and it has left me feeling very full, content and lazy. One of the visitors came back with us and we have had a good old chat over a cup of tea .. .. but now they have gone I can catch up with blogland whilst hubby watches the football he has recorded.

Last night we went to a wedding reception and enjoyed a lovely evening. It was really funny to see all the place names I had made standing on the tables. I had read and checked everyone's name so often that it was quite funny to suddenly be able to put some faces to the names.

I made the following card to take with us

and the close up

I nearly sealed the envelope up without taking a photograph but remembered just in time .... .... eek!!!

This used:

Image: Lili of the Valley "S112" Wedding Couple
Sentiment: Stampendous "J180" Mr & Mrs
Backing Papers: Dovecraft "Back to Basics" and DCWV "Wedding Prints"
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
Diamond Stickles
ProMarkers
Rosebuds, ribbon and gem from the stash box

So last night ended my very first wedding order .. .. and as a thank you for my help I was given the following lovely flower arrangement. Isn't it just gorgeous!!!

So that is me for today.

I am now going to continue in lazy mode and have a good old blog hop. There is lots of visiting I want to do!!

See you soon.

Enjoy what remains of Sunday.

Love Jules xx

WOODWARE USA - CHALLENGE #1

Hi Everyone

Thank you all so much for all your good wishes and congratulations on my new DT post with Penny Black @ Allsorts.

I officially take up my post as the September challenge launches (and that won't be long now!!).

Although I made a card with my first Penny Black stamp yesterday I have also acquired quite a collection of Woodware Clear Stamps .. .. mainly because they are so reasonably priced and I can do so much with them. For the same price as one wood mounted stamp you get a whole set .. . quite often including sentiments too.

Anyway whilst having a "hop around" as you do, I found that Woodware actually launched a challenge blog this week.

It is set up a little differently to any I have seen before in that each day a new member of the DT showcases their creation .. .. .. so it is a little like a daily inspirational blog and the work they are showing is great and different to the norm.

For their first week they have inspired people by using specified colours .. .. namely

Kraft(beige), turquoise and red

They also asked if anyone made a creation using this colour combo they would like to have a little "look see" .. .. .. .. .. well I did so they can.. ..

Here is my creation

and the close up

This used:

Backing Papers: Pink Petticoat (including the Kraft paper)
Image and Sentiment: Woodware "FRCL124" Groovy Cats
Fiskars Punch: Threading Water
ProMarkers
Glossy Accents
Diamond Stickles
Ribbon and Buttons from the stash box

No way is this a colour combination I would ever have though of using .. .. but I quite like it and will probably use it again.

Thank you ladies for the inspiration.

If you fancy popping over and having a look you will find the inspirational blog here.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

I have just been to see the bride and groom get married who I did all the wedding stationery for. All very romantic!!

Back home now to make a wedding card ahead of going to the evening reception tonight.

Catch you again tomorrow.

Love Jules xx

MY GOOD NEWS !!

Hi Everyone

Back at last with my good news as promised.

As you saw from my post earlier I have been able to locate a Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die .. thanks to my lovely craft buddy Coops. You just wouldn't believe how much trouble this lovely lady has gone to on my behalf .. .. .. even though I told her numerous times that she won't find one because I have trawled the internet many times!!!

She is clearly a lady who loves a mission because she did manage it. Thank you so much Coops xx

I also promised to come back and share some more exciting news that I have been bursting to tell you.

As you all know I am a huge, huge fan of Penny Black .. .. .. as I am sure you will have gleaned from the number of Penny Black images I post on my blog. They are my very favouritist (is that a real word? Well it is now!!).

So to be asked by Brenda if I would join the Penny Black at Allsorts DT was just amazing.

What could be better than making creations using my "favouritist" stamps and then visiting fellow Penny Black addicts to see what they have done with their Penny Blacks!!!!

So in recognition of this fantastic opportunity (thanks Brenda xx) I wanted to make a special card that represents my love of all things Penny Black.

Then the problems started. LOL!!!

Do I use the frog jumping for joy with his daisy?

Do I use the two mice sewing .. .. because I am a lucky "so and so"?

Do I use the beautiful heart .. to show my love of Penny Black?

Do I use the cats that are grinning all over their faces .. .. just like me?

Oh dear what a decision!!!

But in the end I decided to use the very first Penny Black stamp I ever bought .. .. the one that is responsible for all the others I have since purchased. I love him the best!!!!

Here is what I made

and the close up (decided not to use the tattered florals today in case I was doing overkill with them LOL!!)

This used:

Image: Penny Black "1652" Cheesecake Wish
Backing Papers: DCWV "Citrus Stack"
Nestabilities: Classic Circle and Scalloped Circle
Martha Stewart Punch: Frond
Woodware Flower Punches
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles
Ribbon, cord and brads from the stash box

Now for those of you who do not know about "Penny Black at Allsorts" you need to pop over to see what you have been missing. It is a monthly challenge blog for Penny Black addicts and there are always lots of lovely prizes up for grabs.

Not only that but Brenda is also looking out for some more addicts to join the DT. All you will need to commit to is to make a creation each month using a Penny Black stamp and to visit and comment on every entry posted to the challenge.

So if you are interested get over there!!! We might end up as DT buddies!!

Oh sorry, I didn't mean to put you off!!!!

OK so that is me for today .. .. I have never done two posts in one day before!! Another first!!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

See you tomorrow.

Love Jules xx

STOP PRESS!!!

Hi Everyone

Woo hoo!!!!

Just a quick post to let you know that thanks to my lovely craft buddy "Coops" I have managed to get hold of the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die.

They had two in stock - but now have just 1 ... .. so if you are in dire need this is the place to go.

Crafty Snippets

I hope you have time to visit Coops. Her blog is as lovely as she is and sports some beautiful creations. She has been so helpful and kind in trying to locate me my die. Thank you Coops xx

I will think of you every time I use the die .. .. .. which will be very, very often. I lurv it!!!!!

Back later with some more exciting news that I am bursting to share!!!

Love Jules xx

WHAT FUNNY WEATHER !!!

Hi Everyone

Well I don't know about your neck of the woods but here we are having a real mixed bag.

Sunshine, rain, warm then cold .. .. .. Mr Weather clearly can't make his mind up what mood he is in today!! I can't stand moody folk can you ?!?!?!? LOL!!!

So a quick(ish) share today (after yesterday's epic).

This creation is for my lovely hubby to give to one of his workmates who retires tomorrow. He has worked alongside this chap at various different companies for at least 30 years!! Gosh .. .. doesn't that sound a long time. Eeek!!

Anyways, here is my creation

with the close up

This used:

Image: Penny Black "1645K" Floating Dreams
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Backing Papers: Cuddly Buddly Download "Portfolio Papers - Denim"
Martha Stewart Punch: Embossed Zig Zag
Josy Rose: Nail Heads
ProMarkers
Diamond Stickles

Not sure how long that paper boat is going to last in the water but at least Mr Mouse looks like he is enjoying himself whilst it stays afloat!! LOL!!

A quick up-date on my Tattered Florals Dies .. .. .. .. .. I called the craft shop this morning (Crafty Urchins in Cheadle - here is their blog).

When I called my lovely blog buddy was actually in the store enquiring about the die for me .. .. .. but sadly the box in the window was an empty display box!!! I can tell she was gutted. Bless!!!

Such a shame .. .. .. although it was a disappointment for me I feel my blog friend feels far worse than I do. (Please don't worry .. .. it doesn't matter). Friendships and kindness are far more important than any piece of craft equipment there is in the world.

The very friendly lady at Crafty Urchins is expecting some more stock in .. .. .. in about 6 weeks time .. .. .. and said she will save one for me. I am sure I will cope .. .. I waited very excitedly for 9 months for my beautiful boys to arrive so I am sure I can wait 6 weeks for a die!! LOL!!!

I hadn't heard about this craft shop - which must be about 45 minutes away from me - but I just know I am going to have to visit sometime.

And just to finish off ... .. ... ...

Anice from Funky Hand is going to be a TV Star again tomorrow. I think the show is being broadcast a few times over the course of the day but the first showing is 9.00am on Create and Craft .. .. I wonder if I will see any of my creations? I always love watching "just in case".

Sorry it wasn't that quick a post in the end was it!!!

Thanks for calling by.

Catch you again soon.

Love Jules xx

A BRILLIANT DAY

Hi Everyone

Prepare for a photograph overload!!!

I have had a wonderful day today.

It started with a lovely blog buddy contacting me (thank you xx) to say that her local craft shop has the Tattered Florals Sizzix die in stock .. .. you know .. .. the one I have fallen in love with that I cannot see for sale anywhere on the internet!!!

The craft shop isn't open today but my buddy has pushed a note through the door to say that I am interested in purchasing the die and I will phone the shop tomorrow - how kind was that?!?!. Isn't blogland just wonderful!! So many lovely, generous and helpful playmates .. .. .. .. nowhere quite like it is there?

Next ...

I have been working on my very first wedding stationery order .. today the bride and groom came to collect all the order of service booklets, place names and thank you cards .. . .. .. now my dining room looks very empty. It seems really weird for all the finished boxes of work not to be around any more.

I am going to the evening reception of the wedding so I will ask if it is ok for me to post a picture of their stationery for you all to see. I forgot to ask them this morning.

Next ...

I had a mission for a very special card. It is a wedding card that needs to be taken to Spain tomorrow and my brief was to include very blue sky and a white arch - as there is a white arch outside the wedding location.

The finishing of this creation was a bit of a last minute panic as I was waiting for a special set of dies to arrive which will cut boxes for me to put my cards into. Quite often when I make the larger cards my customers say that it is a shame to cram them into envelopes .. .. I agree with them too as quite often ribbons etc can go quite flat. Especially if they have been put into the cellophane bags too.

So I have invested in a set of box cutting dies so I can rectify this and at the same time make my creations a little more special.

Here is the finished creation (along with lots of photographs).

Up close and personal

Nestled in tissue paper inside its special box

Outside of the box

My customer received her order today and was over the moon.

I was really chuffed with it too .. .. mainly because it looked so special inside its little box. Yay .. .. my first box!!!

I was hoping to have decorated the outside a little more artistically but I had problems with the ordering process of the dies .. .. but everything was ok in the end .. .. I finished with a whole hour to spare LOL!!

So what did I use on my little makes:

For the card
Image: Stampendous! "V126" Happy Couple
Image stamped on flowers: Funstamps "F-R59" With Love Background
Sentiment: Computer Generated (surprise, surprise LOL!!)
Backing Paper: The blue was cropped and stretched from a blue sky photograph - the grey is from a DCWV paper stack "Wedding Prints"
White Archway: Cricut Cartridge "Paper Doll Dress Up"
Martha Stewart Punch: Valentine Lace
Leone Em Pty Punch: "CP30" Ash Branch
Sizzix Die: "656640" Tattered Florals (perhaps soon to be mine .. .. if I am worthy!! LOL!!)
Nestabilities: Large Deckled Rectangles
Ribbon: Hobbycraft (wish I had bought a full roll now)
ProMarkers
Glamour Dust
Diamond Stickles
Brads and charm from the stash box

For the box
Sizzix Die Set: "656425" Box and Lid (sorry should have said it is for use with the Big Shot Pro)
Tissue Paper: Costco
Nestabilities: Classic Heart
More of the Hobbycraft Ribbon
X-Cut Flower Punch
Josy Rose: Flat backed pearls
Sentiment: Computer generated
So quite an exciting and eventful day for me really. I have been so engrossed I forgot to eat my dinner time sandwiches until 4.30pm !!!!

Hope hubby doesn't want his evening meal too early as I'm not hungry yet!! LOL!!

Have a good evening everyone. I will try to be a bit earlier tomorrow.

Love Jules xx