If the Shoe Fits...

Every woman know that this saying is oh so true!!! Some of us more than others!!

I have made this card for the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS where this weeks FS is DawnL, her gallery is extensive and such a variety of cards to choose from...after pages and pages I decided on this one and although I used the basic layout I changed the image, DP's and added a flower and paper piercing! All of the edges have been sponged to give an aged look. The fabulous flower centre is one that a friend gave me, amongst the dozens of others - what a find...they are ALL great for flower centers...this one inparticular has the vintaged look that I love! I would love to have added more to the card, but tried to stay true to Dawn's card, without getting carried away!

The shoe is chalked (of course) and Kindy Glitz is added to the heart and the strap - cause a girl's just gotta have BLING!!! This actually looks like our neighbours 17 year old daughters shoes for ballroom dancing....Emily is such a natural and a pleasure to watch...she has shoes to 'die for' (not literally!!!) Oprah defers to her shoes by the amount of time she can wear them - she has 10 minute shoes (probably just like these ones) 30 minutes, 1 hour shoes...so what is it with women and shoes - if you know, then please leave a comment...I would love to know!

Thank you for looking, it means so much to me to know you have been - so please leave a comment....but more importantly....don't forget to come back!!! God bless you!

Flourishes Challenge Card

Oh my giddy aunt - can you imagine my surprise to get a PM from Betty inviting me to be this week's Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge (FTTC22) Hostess....I was in disbelief at first and then went through every motion possible....it took a day or two to settle down....Personally, I just love this Challenge, Flourishes is one of the first challenges I took part in outside of the standard SCS ones and I came to look forward to it each week.....then one week I looked at their newsletter and discovered I was the February Monthly Winner - yahooo, each week a gift voucher for their store is the prize.....then to add to my excitement I won the March New Releases - 3 SETS!!! I nearly screamed the house down, my poor DH.....I read it and screamed out, 'I won!' "What did you win?!' 'I dunno, but I won!' 'How'd you win?' 'I dunno, but I won!' I have come a long way since then!!! LOL!

I am both humbled and honoured to have been asked to host this week's challenge, I admire the DT's cards so much and as I started to look at previous challenges...I thought 'What have I done - what was I thinking!?!' These ladies are professional and I am such a novice. Thank God for a supportive DH...who gave me the little 'pushes' I needed along the way!!

I love this set 'Chairs for you' it was the one I chose with my first win, would it surprise any of you who know me and my style to know that I chose CHALKING for this week's challenge....I chalked the chair using....cotton buds/ QTips, adding layers the way you do when you watercolour, the final touches are made with a blender pen and chalks, this adds definition and depth. The vase of flowers is also chalked in the same manner....the flourish...was embossed in black and very carefully cut out - I would like to take the credit for this...believe me I did attempt one, but it needed bandaids, so I called upon my friend Chriss, who is a 'whizz' with a cutting knife....she did it beautifully first go - so thank you Chriss - I owe you!!! Now don't look too carefully as I did cut around the case of flowers!!!

The patterned Memory Box DP (also from Flourishes) has been run through the Cuttlebug giving more texture and the sentiment has also been embossed. For the finishing touched I sponged around the image and backed it with a rectangular Nestibilities (thank Melinda for making yours available!) and popped the flowers up on 3D foam squares....and there you have it!! If you haven't played along at all with these Challenges, you can check it out here

Be sure to check out the other Friends of Flourishes Blog team see what they created for you this week.

Silke Ledlow

Betty Wright

Cindy Haffner

Connie McCotter

Dee Jackson

Thank you to the girls at Flourishes for giving me this opportunity and believing that I am capable...I am constantly inspired by each one of the ladies and count it a privilege to host this weeks challenge. Thank you to you too for coming and visiting my blog, especially on this card, I do appreciate your support...I read every comment and value them tremendously!! I look forward to seeing everybody's cards...and you can count on me 'haunting' the Flourishes gallery this week!!! God bless you!

Irresistible!

Irresistible - there is no other word for this darling little hedgie from Penny Black. As soon as this image arrived in the mail from my friend Sharon (aka *Doris*) it won me and I have saved it for my Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge card. At first I was tempted to do the card totally in pink but I am happy I decided to go with these colours, they are still soft and feminine but just a 'touch' earthy!

This weeks Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge is the big draw....YAHOO!! We are all eagerly waiting to find out how has won it - if you don't know what I am taking about, then you had better check it out - it could be YOU!!! In week 5 I won the bonus gift, which was exciting enough in itself...I am hoping it comes this week - I don't know who is happier when I get mail, the postman or me....whenever something comes, even if I am down the street he calls out and tells me - now that is service!! LOL

The hedgie on this was chalked and then popped up on 3D dots. Alll edges are sponged and some paper pierced....the CB corners have been added on the 'corners' (!?) of the oval....I was looking for something different to use and was happy with the look of these. The final touch is the layered flowers in the top corner, I added the fabulous button that was given to me by a friend from Church, infact she gave me dozens of old buttons and they are ALL ideal for cards....I juts LOVE buttons on cards in so many way! I then added the two little pearls to complete the sketch!

So there you have it my MMSC and it is midnight here - often the way for me....but my aim is always to have it done by the end of the weeked - phew in with minutes to spare!!!

Thank you for stopping my - I love to read that you have been - thank you to all of those who leave such encouraging comments....you bless me!! God bless you!

SU Workshop

I went to a Stampin' Up Workshop today at my friend Chriss's place, it was her first Workshop and she had gone to so much trouble, even went as far as making us all a little gift each! Everytime I go to a Workshop or Scrapbooking Night I always mean to take a photo of everyone and today I remembered...so here we are from left to right...Ann (SU Demo), Melinda (aka Melinda80 on SCS) me, Front row: Chriss (hostess), Lisa...Back row: Anji and Nat (neighbour who introduced me to stamping!) There was another lady there, Jenny, but she has slipped out before the photo!!

I have noticed that there are far more empty 'munchies' bowls than cards showing on the table! LOL! We did actually get a lot done. Ann always runs such a great workshop and we usually do 2 or 3 'Make and Takes' with quite a few techniques being taught - just as well for us that Ann is so patient, I guess that comes from being an Art Teacher!!! Personally, I am so thrilled to have connected with Ann, she takes SU to a whole new level - I love that!! This first card is using the 'Kissing' technique on the butterfly, although it is hard to see in the photo...we also covered stamping off and sponging....you know me, I had to add extra sponging and paper piercing to make it my own! It is always interesting to see how everyone starts with the same things and come out with something so different!

The next thing we made is this cute little gift box with the painted image. This was done using ink pads and blender pens, then we used the blender pen with white chalk to add the highlights....I loved this technique. I use my blender pen with the chalks/pastels but haven't actually used it like this - I love the end result! To be honest when I saw this stamp set in the Catalogue it wouldn't have been one that I would have purchased, but today I would say differently...it is a great set and I can see many uses for it....onto the WISH LIST!!! LOL!

As usual, we had a lot of fun, these days always are - I always look forward to getting together with the gals! It is great that we all have this common interest....a few of the usual 'faithfuls' unable to make it today....hopefully next time!!

It is school holidays for my kids - being at a private school where they don't have student free days, it all adds up to an extra week in these holidays and at Christmas....so yay...no roster tomorrow!!

Thank you for visiting, be sure to leave a comment so I know you have been...I like to know these things!! Hope you are enjoying your weekend!! God bless you!

Gracious Manor

When I took my last order of card to one of the fabulous little boutiques that sells my cards, the 'Gracious Manor' I asked the owner, Pam, if we could take a couple of photos and put them on my Blog. I thought you might like to have a little 'peak'...I must say that it is IMPOSSIBLE to capture the beauty of this DIVINE shop on camera. My DH took these photos and as you can see from the moment you walk in the door you are aware of the ambiance that is not only obvious to the eyes but also the other senses!

It is a pleasure taking cards here for Pam to peruse....while she looks through them I am more than content to leisurely wander around the shop, stopping at every table, cabinet and cupboard. The vintage and eclectic style of my cards is so well suited to this setting! I actually found some inspiration for some cards in some of the cabinets and am going to be working on some in the near future....and yes, we did get photos!

As many of you know it can be hard to find avenues to sell you cards, I stumbled across the 'Gracious Manor' when DH and I were going into a Market to buy herbs and spices - we walked out with an arrangement for me to bring my cards in and see how they go! I am happy to report that they are selling well and having been back once, I will be back again soon....so don't limit yourself when it comes to opportunity. I find it hard to sell my own cards, I could sell yours easily...I don't know why that it, but it happens to me BIG time! My DH steps in, usually, and does the PR stuff then steps back and leaves the business side of things to me! This time I did it myself and that made it even more of a 'buzz' for me...

So if you are 'in town' then let me know and I can bring you here for the most gorgeous shopping experience...and on the quiet....we will go from there to the scrap booking and craft place just down the road...next time I will take some photos and introduce you to that delight....

Thank you for coming into 'My Little Corner of the World' I loved having you visit, sigh - if only it was in person! Please leave a comment so I know you have been...God bless you!

FTTC21 Men are from Mars

How do you like this Emerson, my SCS friend Sharon (aka *Doris*) sent me some new ones - so look out!! This is the first of them and I love her concept...don't live my it, but love it all the same....I used this weeks Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge, which happens to be a sketch challenge by Silke Ledlow...it works really well with this image.

I started by running the DP through the Cuttlebug and then used the Nestie outside from a scalloped circle, and this great lace which was given to me by by friend and SU Demo Ann, added the embossed the sentiment. I finished off by adding the silver pearls that I recieved in a RAK from Pam (aka pam124) and just happen to know they are a favourite of Silke's as well....

Well, that was quick and simple...a short post for me.....thank you for stopping by, don't forget to leave a comment so I'll know you have been...more inportantly - I hope you come back!! God bless you!

In my Prayers

Who doesn't love Fridays - for so-o-o many reasons, one of the things I look forward to on Friday's is the Twisted Sister Challenge....this week we were to make an 'Elegant' card, the rest was up to us. I used this image that my dear friend Kathy (aka Wattle) sent me last week, along with lots of stamped scriptures...which is fabulous as I don't own ONE scripture stamp....

I also wanted to make this card for a lady that Cindy shared about on her Blog...you can read Dawn's story here. I am going to send this card to Dawn and I would encourage you to read her story and do the same - be warned, it is very moving!!!

This card is very basic, but I like the finished look. I sponged around the edges of the DP and then ran some embossed card across the middle (after sponging) added some knotted sheer ribbon and then attached the layered image. The corners are enhanced with the insides of a CB Die Cut...I have kept them each time I use it and knew I would use them one day...it appeases the recycler in me!! Some added gems and wha-la.....one card for the Twsited Sister Challenge!! That's it from me, it is after midnight (again) and I need to head off to bed...hopefully we will all sleep in tomorrow morning - 7am is a sleep in at our house for most of us!! I can't imagine sleeping any later...nit that I wouldn't want to try, LOL!!

Thank you for coming by, I love it when you visit...please leave a comment so I know you have been...God bless you!

'Bella' Bronte

It is Friday night...and you know what that means....at least one child at Youth and some card or scrapping time for me!! YAHOO! Actually I have just counted up how many cards I have got sitting waiting to be finished - 12!!! Ahhh...I am hoping to get a good few of these done tonight...but first I wanted to upload this page that I did on Wednesday with a couple of my craft friends, Nat and Chriss. Nat lives next door and is actually the one who got me started...she invited me to a Stampin' Up Workshop...and the rest is history. We have hardly had the time to get together so have made a time each week, to get together with any of our friends who are available. Although I always have cards to be made, especially if at least two of the shops place orders...but I am using this time for my own things - probably scrapbooking. When I started scrapbooking I thought I would do it so the kids have some form of legacy, something of our family...and I am still doing it for that reason, but I have also realised that as much as I love creating the pages, I really want the journaling to express how I feel about them...that is the part of this whole thing that I find the hardest....finding the words that I want to capture them at the various ages and my heart for them....

I have used the SCS Scrapbooking Sketches for this layout...I am so glad I have found it and am going to try and do it each week...I am happy with the way this page turned out, while looking through photos to find the right ones for the layout I realised just how much Bronte laughed as a child, she still does....and that smile....it can light up a room. This girl of mine brings laughter and fun wherever she goes...her big loving and loyal heart just shines through in that gorgeous smile and those twinkling eyes! I am going to do hidden journalling on this page as I think it is complete how it is...and as I have said previously, I want the journalling to be personal...so one day, when our kids sit back and look through these pages, they will see me in every detail and hear me telling them in every word...how much they have meant in our lives...and that we love them, always! This is what I am hoping to capture in the scrapbooking journey I have embarked upon!

Thank you for looking and sharing in this with me - I do appreciate you visiting and would love you to leave a comment so I know you have been....God bless you!

ROYAL - TEA

Oh my giddy aunt - who did it?!?! Who was it - where is Brat's cat!?!? Honestly Dar-r-r-lings you would think that at such a distinguished location for Mothermarks Tea Party this week, there would be higher standards....who is the Party Pooper!?!!? Here we are at Buckingham Palace and already the place is being trashed. Dar-r-r-lings I understand 'when you gotta go - you gotta go' but please...go in the right place...and if you can't find that...Shirley has brought her own Outhouse this week...I know she said it was her gift, but Dar-r-r-lings, really, do you think that it will make it into the Queen's private...ahemmm...bathroom. I have tried not to make a fuss, so I wouldn't start anything, I know how exciteable you all are...but this is ridiculous...hello...I say...hello...where is 'Niles the Butler?' Pooper Scooper needed over here NOW...it is 'ruff' finding good domestic help these days!!!

As you can see I have brought the Queen a gift - yes, the corgie, we all know HRH Queen Elizabeth LOVES corgies...and I am sure she would expect such a thoughtful gift from someone of my breeding!!! Precious little thing, by the name of Princess you know, comes with her own crown, complete with BLING and pearl necklace...those of you who are more observant(and haven't been guzzling the 'STOUT') will see that Princess has pearl earrings on as well) one cannot underdress for such an ostentatious occassion...and nothing but the best bone china for me...but I think we might leave that for HRH as well - it is just a bit too close to the...aaaahemmmm...suspect item.

I am honoured to attend this fabulous event in honour of 1 Year of Tea Parties, hosted by none other than our very own Cindy....who has taken us to the very borders of imagination...almost touching on insanity - that's my kind of trip...no packing required....you can come and go as you want - no limits - GLORIOUS!! I honour and thank you today Cindy - what a special Lady you are....if I should get a private moment with her Majesty the Queen, I shall be asking her for you to be officially made 'Lady Cindy Mothermark!' You have truly become ROYALTY to us Tea Partiers. I am so glad that I have come along for the ride....I anxiously await each new Teapot and eagerly read the description, pondering on how I will attend the party...so thank you Cindy, for those wild times that have been held between my head and Craft Central, carried over to the various galleries of those attending...

That is all for me today...I am off to plead for a ROYAL PARDON...I am sure one is going to be needed before this party is over - best get in early! Thank you for visiting...I would love you to leave a comment so I know you have been...even more than that...I would love you to come again!!

Stinkin' Inkin'!!

I was uploading my photos for my previous post and found this along with 3 others on the camera....it APPARENTLY is the ink I left on the dining room chair last night - owwww - naughty!! This morning after breakfast I heard DH & my 3 darlings talking about it and jokingly they said 'You should upload this Mum....' I didn't give it another thought until now.....I would just like to say in my defence....what is the big deal....but the big deal is that when they spill something or leave marks or tomoto sauce/ketchup is SPRAYED across the table and no-one owns up to it...I always say I am going to get out my Forensic Kit (too much CSI! LOL!) and have been known to bring out the talcum powder and a brush - it used to be funny when they were younger, and now that they are that much older and know everything...apparently it is just lame!!

My DH often finds bits of paper or cuttings on the table or the floor, up the vacuum cleaner....I leave a trail to my desk - apparently...does this happen to anyone else....c'mon girls I need you to come to my rescue....rally around...I am drowning here!!!

Summer Fun

I have been slowly working my way through some of these 'Gorgeous Gals', they are so popular and I know that both shops will want to place an order...so I am trying to get ahead a little bit. I thought it was about time I tried other colours with them and went to a bag of scraps I had left over from the Bush Fire Card Day and found these...and I love them with these gals!! I have blinged them up a lot - to me they just scream out for BLING BLING and more BLING - more than I feel comfortable using...but what can you do!! LOL!!

I have also been back to the challenges for inspiration and used the theme of the Crafty Creations Challenge which is GARDENS - these girls are sitting out in the garden surrounded by those gorgeous flowers and greenery - infact I even took this photo out in the garden...and it is not summer here, but the sun is shining today and it looks so green!! The other Challenge I was inspired by is the Flutter By Wednesday Challenge....I never thought I would combine Emersons and butterflies - but when the butterfly is a blingy as this one - they are made to go together!!! Thank you to my Twisted Sister Lesley (aka Marleygo) for the beautiful butterfly - she keeps me in supply....and with the MC branches as we can't get that punch over here - sigh -God bless you Lesley!!!

I was sent some more Emerson images a couple of weeks ago by a Blogging friend and also a SCSer....Sharon (aka*Doris*) and I am looking forward to starting on those - they are hillarious and will be fun to work with....if I didn't know better I would have thought Sharon was sick of seeing these ones BUT she is just so very generous....I do appreciate all of the RAK's and cards I have received in the time I have been on SCS and now blogging - which is 6 weeks now - can you believe that!!! You are all so very kind and I love using a mixture of everyone's RAK's...sharing the LUV!!!!

Well that is it for me for now....I do have a photo to upload...is was a surprise one I found on my camera when I loaded the photos....I am sure my DH is behind it!! LOL!! I will be back with that later...and a scrapbook page I got done this morning while getting together with my friends Nat and Chriss...I couldn't believe I got a page done - just got a bit of 'fine tuning' to be done on it - I am really enjoying combing this with stamping!!

Thank you so much for visiting...and for your comments, I like to know that you have been...and will be cruising the SCS Gallery and Blogs later to see what you have been up to....see you then! God bless you!

Girl Talk!!

Yesterday was an exciting day for me...I sold some cards to one of the gorgeous boutiques that buy my cards and I reached a total of 720 cards sold in total. I am constantly amazed that people like them enough to buy them...but I am not complaining and will always endeavour to produce cards that are unique and timeless....evolving on an ongoing basis...I am sure this will come as no surprise to a lot of you, these Emerson girls, well any Emerson girls, are very popular! I sell to three different shops and each shop has it's own 'flavour' in cards....but they all love the quirkiness of the Emerson girls...infact one owner commented thay they appeal to the ladies from 40 upwards, as they can identify!! Well...I guess that is my reality check as I L-O-V-E them!!

I am attempting to get ahead with these humourous cards...if all three shops wanted some at the same time, I would have to go into 'panic mode' and that is not 'purty!' So I am once again cruising the challenges for inspiration and using them to keep me motivated when having to so duplicates!!! Mind you, I have told my ladies that my cards are unique and although I may make some similar, none are exactly the same, they are all unique in one way or another...so that makes it better for me AND gives me artistic licence - PHEW!!! So I have made these cards for the Die Cut Dreams Challenge and the Mojo Monday Challenge ...I have to laugh as my MOJO could not be any lower than it has been over the last few days, I guess that it can be put down to a lot of things happening that have taken my mind to other places....but I am determined to press on with them even though I feel like everything is looking the same lately, so please bear with me - you can find the recipes on my SCS Gallery.

Thank you for visiting, I get so excited when I see comments and new followers....I may not get to your Blog daily, but assure you,,,I will get there and you WILL know that I have been! God bless you and have a great day!!

My Beautiful Girl

Here is another project that I started last night and only had a flower center to add..but just ran out of steam...so put it aside until today....I have found that it is just not worth proceeding when you feel like that - you can ruin things BIG TIME!!! I am constantly amazed at how much I love scrapbooking...something that I thought I would never do...but as each page comes together I feel such a sense of achievement, as I do when I make cards...but this is something that will remain in our family, something that I am doing just for us...and will always leave my 'signature' in each album. I have not written up the journalling on this page and some of the other ones I have done, that is usually something I will do after photographing....these writings will be expressions of the heart and something that will remain between the pages of the albums. for those who sit and open them. I am going to write underneath the photo and torn paper on this page - that is why there is a gap there - it will be balanced once I have journalled!

I have made this page with the Crafty Creations Challenge and Die Cut Design Challenges as my inspiration - both of these are based on the garden....and this is taken in our garden....9 years ago now. I just love this photo, it is so very much 'Bronte'...she was born ready to party and with such a big heart, her loyalty and empathy are so rare at such a young age! As a baby when the World Vision advertisements would come on TV and the chilren would be on the screen crying, she would come over the the TV and try and give the crying child her dummy/pacifier! Always such a BIG heart!!

I tore the paper strips and then inked them with distressing ink. A length of crotched lace was added along the lower strip and then the chipboard embellishments which had been covered in SU DP, distressed were added and finished off with a layered flower. The lettering is from a Sizzix Alphabet - Boxed Brush, which has been lent to me from my friend Melinda80, who has always been so generous with her supplies and her time!! Thanks Melinda - I appreciate you girl!! For something that doesn't look that involved...it took forever...but that is okay with me as I am not one to rush these things - it is all about the finished page, I want each one to be unique and reflect the person it is about.....I am sure it become easier in time!

Thank you for stopping in, I would love you to leave a comment so I know you have been! Don't forget to call back!! God bless you!

More Midnight Madness

It is Sunday afternoon here and raining - cardmaking weather if you ask me!!! Mind you any weather is cardmaking weather for me! I actually made this card last night and only had the brads and the sentiment to add...but was exhausted so packed up and went to bed 2 hours earlier than normal - unheard of in our house....I was packed up, cleaned up and tucked up in bed by 10:30pm...one early night!!! So this afternoon I have added the finishing touches and on this card and also a scrapbook page that I will upload shortly - just have to find the right lighting for photographing!

This is week 6 for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and I just love their sketches, they always have something different about them and usually they make me think! They are out Tuesdays but I usually wait until the weekend so that I have thought about what I am doing and also I don't have to rush it! This week I have used an image I got the BLOG CANDY that I won from Kimmie - I love these Whiff of Joy images and have only got this one...so I wanted to make sure I used it well!!! Oh, and before I get onto the business side of this card - I have to tell you...when I clicked onto the MMSC I got such a surprise to see that I had won the weekly incentive - HOW COOL IS THAT!!! It made my day - so thank you Priscilla and the ladies....one happy stamper here!! LOL!

I coloured the image with chalks and then paper pierced around the edges and layered in onto black CS. The DP was also layered onto black CS as was each strip of ribbon. I felt that as I had used very bold DP the ribbon and ric rac would be lost if I used it straight onto the DP. At first I wasn't sure what to do for the ribbon but this ric rac seems to work well, especially on the black. I used black brads as using coloured ones would have been too 'leary'....The sentiment was embossed and lightly sponged with blue, so light you can hardly see it in the photo, but it does soften the look IRL. I then added layered photo corners and a brad to the top right corner of the image, completing the Sketch Challenge!

Now, I have to say...don't be fooled by the look of this card...it is a bit more clean lined that I normally do BUT it sure was a fiddly little thing to make...especially layering the ribbon and then weaving it! But I am happy with the end result! Now if you haven't been over and seen the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - you NEED to go!! Not only is it a great challenge but they are giving away monthly CASH PRIZES and a weekly incentive (Yahoo!!) Don't miss out...you'll be sorry!!

Thank you for stopping my and visiting - don't forget to leave a comment so I know you have been and MOST importantly - don't forget to come back!! God bless you!

Birthday Bling

Yay another card done on a Friday night - and I am loving it!!! This one is for my Twisted Sisters Challenge on SCS....what are the Twisted Sisters you ask - well, I don't know if there is an answer for that - LOL!! They are a group of friends who get together and comment on each others cards, as well as the cards of many others.....we travel on a thread called the Old Broken Bus and there is a designated driver...and many backseat ones! Each week a challenge is set within the group and we upload it up on Fridays...well, as close as we can - we are talking time differences here!

Our challenge this week was to make a card using black and yellow, grey or silver and to make up our own sentiment for it...I think it has to be humorous.....now, I have also made this for the Creative Card Crew Challenge and we had to use black and just one other colour - so it was a major fete fitting this into both challenges...but I did it...and this is how!

I embossed black card with the Textured Textiles Embossing Folder and then ran yellow shimmer ink across it, a strip of yellow argyle embossed card was torn and placed across the middle of the card. The image was chalked and layered on a deeper yellow, paper pierced on the corners. I then added half pearls along the pleat in the dress - now here comes the tricky bit - the silver...I used clear Kindy Glitiz with a touch of silver shimmer to it to add shimmer along the folds and riffles, this is not a solid glitter, so technically not another colour - so that keeps me in the Creative Cards Crew Challenge

A flourish (from Flourishes) was embossed, then cut out and topped with yellow layered flowers and black punched branches added as a finishing touch - and added onto a strip of pale yellow sheer ribbon!! The sentiment has been added on the inside - it says ' Another birthday - 'bling' it on!.

So that's it from me - I have finished in good time - the kids are home from Youth Group - the time just flies!! Thank you for visiting - don't forget to leave a comment so I know you have been - it makes my day!

Butt Ugly...

Now what inspired this card - well you should ask!! Before we go on...I should tell you that it is actually my younger sisters birthday card LOL!!! On the inside it reads...'You're how old!?!?!' I just couldn't resist it...for my sister or the challenge...read on...the story unfolds!

Now dar-r-r-r-lings, I know that in your wildest imagination you would never image me turning up to Mothermark's Tea Party with my BUTT showing - no matter what the theme - Sumo's really dar-r-r -lings....are we that desperate!?!? I think not!!! LOL!!

A lady NEVER shows her butt, not when it looks like mine anyway!! As you can see I have been working on 'toning up' for the event....but this is as 'a-la-natural' as I am going to get.....thanks to Dawn (aka flowergal36) I am able to show you this picture....thank you Dawn for being so 'private' about this....but maybe you should have reminded me to put on the SPORTS BRA - there are things here that are heading too far 'south' for my liking - they may well get there before me! LOL!!

I have been hearing come of the commotion from the party, here in Australia.....and I have to ask dar-r-r-lings...is ALL of the action outside the backdoor - I have caught the odd glimpse of 'butts' and 'cheeks' as I have made my way through the gallery.....so Cindy you may as well lock the front door - it seems no-one is using it!!! LOL!!

I have used the time spent 'toning' to refine my entry to the party and have made by own version of the sumo nappy (or lack of it!) Where is it!?!? Well dar-r-r-lings check out the pink tule bow at the top....and that is where it will be staying...there is no way it is travelling to any other 'parts' no matter what the custom - I am securely 'draped' in 'His Pants for Her' and....dar-r-r-r-lings...the way they are feeling - they should be on HIM!!!

Jasmine Tea and Saki....hmmmm...interesting choice - Cindy.....please meet me at the door with my Jasmine Tea - you know how parched I am when I arrive...the trip Dar-r-r-ling...is nothing short of exhausting...but oh so WORTH IT!!

If you would like to check out Mothermarks's Tea Party, you can find it here. It will be a HUGE event next week - Cindy is celebrating 1 year of parties....and only the good Lord would know who is going to be there....but this I know - it will be FUN!!

Thanks for visiting....hope the 'butt ugly' butt wasn't too much for you - if so, just 'turn the other cheek' (awww) !! LOL!!! Please leave a comment.....I really appreciate them and I love to know you have been!

Flourished Flight

As you may be able to tell due to the fact that I have a number of posts today, I have had a productive day....I was experimenting with these gorgeous retired Stampin' Up stamps that my SU Demo, Ann, has so kindly let me play with. I have made this card for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge, which was an Inspiration Challenge...you can see the poster that inspired me here. I was inspired ny the butterflies and the colours! It is also for the Die Cut Dreams Challenge which has just started this week...you can find them here.

I couldn't resist try the emboss resist technique with it.....
I embossed the butterfly in clear embossing powder on DP and then sponged it with three different colours, orange, tan and choclate brown...it took quite a lot of sponging with the ink and then I buffed it with a tissue, which brought the butterfly to life!! I then tore around the image and layered it on some DP mounted on brown CS. This in turn was layered on Embossed CS which had been sponged around the edges.

I added sheer ribbon which had been knotted at one end underneath the image and then added layered flowers with brads and punched branches. The gold embellishment on the middle flower is from a local fabric and craft store - it is from the jewellery department and works beautifully with the flowers - there is so much more variety buying them there!

Thank you for visiting, I would love you to leave a comment I know you have been - please don't forget to come back! God bless you!

A Gardeners Delight

For someone who didn't have much purple...here I am doing another card with purple. I have found this coloured image amongst my UFO's (unfinished objects) in my endless pursuit of a tidy desk....but that a great feeling to get another card finished! I have to say I am loving these colours together - so vibrant!!!

I actually finished this card last night but waited until this morning to get the photo...but what a shock I had when I went into the garden to find some lovely greenery - I have to add at this stage it must have been a few days since I have been here, as the frosts have turned most of the gorgeous pink flowers a not so delightful shade of brown - finally I saw this little glimmer of colour on a potted camelia....I love the way the sun is just filtering through....such a pretty day!

This card ia a triple challenge card - I am liking making them this way - it is for the Crafty Creations Challenge where we are to use purple....and as you can see - I have!! The Our Creative Corners Challenge, using a border punch...I have used two infact - one behind the embossed image and one on the corners of the image...I used a scalloped border punch for that...pretty sneaky!! LOL!! The final challenge is a new one this week, run by the lovely Susie and Vicki...It is the Die Cut Dreams Challenge where the theme is GREEN FINGERS....this card is floral and the photo taken in the garden - does that ge me extra points girls!?!? LOL!

The image is watercoloured with Whispers pens and an aqua brush, layered on mauve CS and then again on an embossed layer....I have embossed the sentiment in white as it makes it stand out more...I have to say I don't recall seeing too many flowers in this colour...but do have a gorgeous rose in our garden that we hunted for...it is called 'Shocking Blue' and the perfume is divine...I have 2 of them actually and just love the fragrance and it's elegant beauty. Nature is such a source of inspiration, infact for perfect colour combinations...look outside your door!!

Thank you for stopping by today...I appreciate your visits and each comment you leave....you make my day. Have a great day - God bless you!!

A Matter of the Heart

I have had the house to myself this morning and wanted to make my card for the His Holy Name Challenge - I love this challenge as it causes me to stop and really study the Word of God, then to create what is on my heart - this week the attribute of God is 'God who sees' and this took me on a journey that has greatly touched me and I wanted to share a bit more of it with you, than I have on SCS!

'God Who Sees!' As I read the study and took the time to 'take it onboard' I knew as I started to make this card, it was the beginning if a journey for me....there is a lot of symbolism here which has become very personal for me...I know that you will see this on the gallery and here on my blog for a time, but for me, I am putting these HHN cards into a coffee table book, for my own use and have decided to add the descriptions that I upload there to remind me of how these have impacted me....and they have...this card...is a journey of the Heart....and it started with...

Using this gorgeous filagree embossed heart...combined with this scripture...I added the ribbon and the heart embellishment to symbolise the fact that everything is tied up with the heart - God's heart and ours...we can look so 'together' externally, but God looks on our heart...our motives....the heart inside a heart symbolises that God sees our 'heart of hearts' - the real us! The ribbon around the image and holding the embellishment reminds me that everything I believe is tied up in this fact! The Book is there to symbolise the Word of God - you see this needs to be in our hearts...it will stand for all time, never fade away...it is our 'user manual' for life and brings hope and encouragement, truth and life....I want to not only know it 'by heart' BUT 'in my heart' where it holds eternal value! My DH has a passion for the Word of God that constantly challenges me...he wants it to be part of him and have it deep in his heart, so much part of his life here and eternally, as it will not perish!

I have layered this on an embossed panel of hearts, reminding me - it is all about the heart, there is no denying it - the edges have been sponged with distressing ink...how symbolic this is of that state my heart can be in when I allow other things to come and and effect me, sometimes so subtly, other times by choice, either way it contaminates....it then moves to white....clean and pure....how I long to be!! The three brads symbolise the Trinity - I was going to use copper ones, but felt that the older looking ones were more relevant - you see this message...'God Who Sees' stands for all time, has weathered every age, never losing HIS impact and truth! Today, with everything beinf so disposable and having an expiry date, it is has even more meaning for me that God does not have an expiry daye - how I love that truth!

This whole process has brought about this card...I was tempted to add more and to make it more detailed, but just could not - as the study bring me back to the fact that 'God Who Sees' sees me!!! I am so challenged and would encourage you - DON'T LOSE HEART!!! It is indeed a journey we are on and with all journeys it takes time....I love it that these studies bring us back to the very depth of our being...our heart....it is one thing to have a good heart and totally another to have a RIGHT heart....my journey has not been one that has been without it's challenges, nor and I sure, has yours....my DH and I believe that we are all headed in the same direction, so lets 'link arms' and walk together....supporting one another....making it together. For us it is not about being the winner - we are all headed to our eternity....lets walk together, bringing those who are struggling along the way, supporting each other...sharing our hearts and HIS!

Thank you for taking the time to stop and share in this card and all that has come with it. I know this has been a bit if a different posting, I cannot apologise for it, as my faith is such an important part of who I am...we have certainly visited at a deeper level today - thank you for listening! God bless you!

My Little Angel

I think I am finally finding my way with the scrapbooking, I have done these two pages of my DD2...I am doing double layouts, although the colours through the album will be eclectic the facing pages will flow together....like these two. Our class was to do chipboard....well that was a challenge in itself...but once I got going it was okay. For the first photo I used the square chipboard frame and covered it, and a couple of flowers with the DP and inked them with Baja Breeze....I also tore some matching DP's and inked them....that was as far as I got that night. I don't know what it is about classes but so far, whatever I do there, I usually come home and take apart and redo it...adding different touches to get the end result! With this page I resorted to looking through 'Scapbooking Memories' and

found a lovely layout to use by Wendy Anderson, loosely casing a page by Steph Caskey-Devlin - ti caught my eye straight away!

I embossed a filagree border around the top right hand corner in white, which doesn't show up too much in the photo but adds so much texture and depth to the page IRL. I also stamped a filagree edge and added it to the frame, sponged some punched butterflies that one of my Twisted Sisters, Lesley (aka Marleygo) had sent me in a RAK (thanks Lesley - they are part of my 'staple' stamping supplies - I need to get that punch! I paper pierced a flight trail between each butterfly....lastly I added layered flowers on the top left corner....

I want each page to reflect the person it is about, my DD2 is a 'girlie girl' and these colours, flowers, butterflies are all so very her. I am happy with the end result! The next page was also at a Scrapbooking Night - I went to the second night with a friend who couldn't make the first - I found this more challenging as I started with circles - nice thought....but hard to get my head around....as usual I came home and took it apart....I finished it off today and am happy with it too....these reflext DD2's early years so well...I wish I could say she was such an angel now!! LOL!!

I have also made these pages for the Flutter by Wednesday Challenge....we were to use a Sketch Challenge and have butterflies or fairies on our card - I have not used a SCS Sketch but definitely did use one for both of these, I am enjoying using the various challenges for my pages as well - makes it all interesting - for me anyway!!

Thank you for stopping by....I so appreciate your visit and would love you to read a comment to let me know you have been! God bless you!

For Tracey

I have made this card for the Inspiration Challenge on SCS and also for a friend I have met on SCS....Tracey is an Australian girl who started a thread to see how many Australian girls are on SCS...she sent out the cry that all Australians know...."Aussie Aussie Aussie" and waited for the responses....and they have resounded through SCS....you may have wondered what it was, but those of us here....we knew to reply 'Oi Oi Oi'. Each night all or some of us get on line and chat....it has been so much fun talking with everyone...some are close by and others on the other side of the country.....if you are Australian and haven't checked it out...then you can find it here....we love to chat.

I have made this card for Tracey as sadly her Father died last week and I wanted her to know that I am thinking of her at this time. These 'virtual friendships' are amazing...you can feel close to someone without actually meeting them....Tracey...this is for you girl - what a legend you are to us all, you have brought total strangers together online who share a love of their country and craft....ands most of us L-O-V-E coffee - it keeps us going to 'chat' into the night - I think one night Tracey finally got off line at 3am!!!

Our thoughts are with you Tracey this week especially....this card is on it's way to you now....hopefully the ink will be dry before it arrives in your mail box!!

Thank you for stopping by....you know I love to see you and please leave a comment so I know you have been!! I hope you are enjoying your weekend - it is Sunday evening here and we are winding down...getting ready for another school week......my DD2 has lost 5 teeth this week and has another 2 that are on their way out - Tooth Fairy or 'Tooth Parent' as we call it here is going to have to mortgage the house if this keeps up!! LOL!!!

Oh....if you are interested...the recipe for this card is on my SCS Gallery!!

Branching Out

It was a very rare moment for me...I didn't feel like making a card tonight (shock, horror), so thought I would catch up on emails and do a bit of scrapbooking, but just have a quick look at the Inspiration Challenge on SCS....next thing the papers are coming out and 15 minutes later - one card for the Inspiration Challenge...one very simple card, but none the less one card!

I was inspired by this packaging and already had this image which was left over after a SU Workshop I had been to, it fitted perfectly into a Nestibility that my friend Melinda (aka Melinda80) had let me run through when we got together to do some card making last time - what a shame, Melinda left her Nesties behind when she left - I was busy that night and had a bad case of 'Cuttlebug Wrist!'

I ran the blue shimmer paper through the Cuttlebug and layered it on a navy shimmery paper - added a strip of the navy DP across the card and centred and graduated some Kaiser Half Pearls....a paper pierced corner this card was finished - so easy - infact I still have time to do some scrapbooking....I went to my monthly class on Wednesday night and liked my page but wasn't 100 percent thrilled - Thursday morning I tore it apart and have to redo it - I don't know about you, but whether it be a card or page...I have to be 100 percent happy with it....it isn't about how many I can get through but I want each piece to be a 'work of art' something that I am happy with...I don't want to compromise just to complete something....that would be the day I need to give it up!!

Thank you for visiting, your visits are so important to me....don't forget to leave me a comment, so I know you have been!! Have a great weekend - it is a cool one here....yesterday was 1 degree Celcius at 11am, 2 degrees Celcius at 2pm and today was not much better - to be indoors....snug and warm....beautiful!!! I hope your weather is just perfect - God bless you!!

'Chick' This Out!

I just love a challenge and have combined two fun ones for this card....the first being the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - if you haven't seen it already you had better have a look! The other challenge is Mothermark's Tea Party and it is always a riot - literally!!! Each week we have so much fun and there is always some mucking up - but never on my part!!! LOL!! If you ask those who I craft with - they would tell you otherwise....I find it amazing that whenever I am there we always end up laughing as much as crafting - but I hear it is quiet when I am not there - yet we all get work done - go figure....I call it therapy - we always leave feeling so much better...

There is a story to this card but you will have to pop across to my gallery at SCS as I uploaded it here first and have had trouble copying it to here....sorry - I will keep trying!

Thanks for coming by - I always love to know you have been - so don't forget to leave a comment - I would hate to miss you!!! God bless you!

Shabby Love & More...

I have done Scrapbook Pages in a more shabby/romantic style, as I am just learning I am eager to try as many different styles as I can while staying true to my own likes and dislikes. The whole idea of scrapbooking didn't appeal to me at all - but look at me now...these are only the 5th and 6th pages that I have done and I was inspired by the 2Red Bananas Challenge where you were to use 3 different DP's. I took mine from the K&Company KcKenna papers - I love them and bought this pad when I first got going stamping...I am also determined to use stamping on every page....I love it with these pages. The first photo of my DH and myself was also inspired by a page in Scrapbooking Memories by Thea Maloney of QLD...it caught my eye instantly. I have adapted it to the papers I have and used different DP's and flourishes but ended up with an overall similar look - so thank you Thea for the inspiration!!!

The next page flows with the colours and papers and is of our 10th Wedding Anniversary - I have always loved these photos of the children, they informed us that it wasn't just our Wedding Anniversary, but theirs as well and they wanted to be part of it....how cute they were. My DS decided at the last moment that he wanted to wear a bowtie so we had to run to a neighbour and borrow one - how cute is he...and the girls....awww....so cute. I particularly love the photo of the three of them lying on the grass.

What a special occassion it was...renewing our Wedding Vows was so special to us, as it was saying them for the first time on our Wedding Day. When you stand there on the day and declare your vows to one another, you say it with all your heart fully intending every word, but I found that saying them 10 years later, you were saying them knowing exactly what 'for better or worse' meant - it was so emotion packed for us and meant so much more...especially when my DH read the most beautiful poem he had written for me - there was not a dry eye in the place, even the men were moved to tears - so yes, this occassion was indeed 'Scrapbook worthy!' I have yet to wite our names on the vellum beneath our photo.

The recipe for these pages can be found on my SCS gallery.....thank you for stopping in and sharing this special occasion with us....thank you for leaving a comment, so I know you have been! God bless you!

I'm on a Roll!!

Don't you just love it when things come together without much effort on your part - well, that is how I feel about the last few 'Quadruple Challenge Cards' I have been doing - i just start something and then 'wha-la', they fit into all these challenges - it really gives you a sense of satisfaction and a false sense of achievement!!!!

Then on top that that - I can't believe I have made another card the Stamping for the Weekend Challenge....I didn't think I would have enough purple but after digging into the DEEP recesses of Craft Central, I found some more purple, a soft mauve....so you never know what you have unless you look!!

The truth is that when I was looking to do a second card I got two images out and couldn't decide which one to do...so did one and then finished this one off this morning. Hence a third card...
It is also for the CCEEC where one of my Twisted Sisters Dawn (aka flowergal36) is the Stamper with the catchy name that they are honouring this month - so flowers are required on a card...we all know Dawn loves flowers AND Magnolias are another specialty of hers - this gorgeous image is thanks to my friend Melinda80 - thanks Mel!!!

The third Challenge is the 2RedBananas where we are to use three different DP's...and I have...the mauve lightly spotted DP, the patterned yellow strip and the darker purple which is both textured and patterned....the last challenge is for the Creative Card Crew where a Child's card is the go - so I have bundled all of those challenges up into this one card!!

I have chalked the image and added Kindy Glitz to the wings and layered in onto purple DP. I have used yellow DP and and the SU Eyelet Border Punch, added some paper piercing, layering it on textured purple DP and added sheer ribbon which had been threaded through a flower and knotted! Other flowers were added along with a Die Cut Flourish and finally a sentiment with added bling!!

I have to laugh when I look at this photo - I decided to venture outside into the cold so I would get better lighting - what happens - it starts to rain - then the wind comes up! So I found a sheltered spot and saw these lemons and I thought they would look good next to the card, being yellow and all....and they do...until you turn them over and they are all rotten and the worms and bugs have eaten the whole lot of the other side out - but they look good for the photo - isn't that what counts!!!

Thank you for visiting and for all of the encouraging comments you have been leaving - I love knowing you have dropped by and look forward to you coming back!! God bless you!

Just GORJUSS!

This is another card where I have combined 4 challenges - it does give you a feeling of satisfaction...and you can't complain about that!! LOL!

The first being the CCEE Challenge, once a month they choose a stamper from SCS because of their name and this month it is one of my Twisted Sisters - flowergal36 - the lovely Dawn....we had to use flowers...the next Challenge is a new one 'Stamping for the Weekend' - it is my second card for this challenge where we were to use the colours purple and yellow - I was not too sure about the first one..so decided to make another one...and I have one more that just needs finishing off....not bad for someone who didn't have much purple...LOL!!! The third challenge is Flutter by Wednesday.....and the fourth one being the OCCC Sketch Challenge....phew...exhausting just listing them!!

The image has been chalked and I have added paper piercing around the edges, then layered it onto purple CS. The background strips have been layered on a brighter purple and I have also added a flower the same colour as well as a more traditional purple. I really like the brighter additions on this card as it brought it to life, otherwise I think it would have been 'flat!' The butterfly is from a RAK from another one of my Twisted Sisters, Lesley (aka Marleygo)...I love these butterflies, they can add so much to a card!
So there you have it....I am happy to have conquered the 'purple/yellow' thing that I had happening - or not happening!!! Don't get a shock when you see another one from me tomorrow....but not for 4 challenges - maybe two! LOL!!

Thanks for looking, please leave a comment so I can see you have been! I love to hear what you think!!

Picture Perfect

Wow it is only 11pm and I am posting this card...I thought it wouldn't happen until much later! I have had a productive night with cards and have wanted to make this one for days - it is for two Challenges - Crafty Creations Challenge which requires sand and sea on their card and the Creative Inspirations Challenge which is a colour challenge using brown and blue - not hard to do....who doesn't love this colour combo - it is a favourite of mine!!!

I have used two retired SU sets here, chalking them both and layering them on CS...the Set Sail one is on embossed CS, D'vine Swirls which I have lightly inked with Whisper White, to give the effect of swirling waves. The other image I have popped up on 3D foam dots, but it is not that distinct in the photo! I have added paper piercing and twine.

Funny isn't it how photos can either make a card look great OR not do it justice - I am thinking this card looks better IRL - maybe a photo taken in daylight will show it up better - if that is the case I will update the photo tomorrow!!!

Thank you for stopping in, please make sure you leave me a comment so I know you have called - and I would love you to come back - wouldn't it be great if we could have a coffee....speaking of coffee...I just might have one....I will be good for a few more hours yet!! LOL!!

When the laughter ends...

How much humour can 1 person handle in a day!?!? I have to say I am not finding this as funny as I was when I first started making these 'quirky' cards....but that is not a reflection on the image....just me, as I am not someone who likes to make bulk cards....but when I found this new challenge - Stampin' for the Weekend - I thought I would do a card using their colours for some inspiration...I am looking for any help I can get for variety....the colours were from Dusk to Dawn - Purple and Yellow....not colours I normally use, but I do like them....I have discovered that I am seriously lacking in any shade of purple....funny that....I don't have any particular dislike for the colour....just don't have much of it!

These gorgeous gals have been getting around lately....I have chalked them using cotton buds/Q Tips and a blender pen....layered them on purple, then mauve DP and backed with a darker purple edges with the Fiskar Sunburst Punch....I have added purple strips on the yellow DP and then layered a thinner strip of yellow adding ribbon and an embellishment to the top layer and gems to the bottom layer. I have kept it fairly simple as the papers and punches are busy...I wasn't that fussed on it but both my DH and neighbour really liked it and talked me into it....so....what do you think!?!?!

These next cards are not for the Challenge but ones I have worked on today...I only have 2 more Emersons to do and then some general ones....I have myself on a reward system....now that I have these I can work on something I am 'itching' to get into - a triple challenge card.....can't wait....but I had better slow down as I am rushing and have already had one accident in Craft Central - a whole box of embossed card which I have predone has fallen off the shelf and hit the floor - spreading out everywhere - and I am talking 3 hours of embossing....gulp! Bye bye organisation....one night of sorting coming up - after cardmaking of course!!!!

Thanks for coming by and please don't forget to leave me a message so I will know you have been - hope to see you again soon!!!

Blue Beauties!

It is Queen's Birthday Long Weekend here and tonight fireworks are going off all around us - it is very dramatic....they are always so spectacular....as kids growing up in New Zealand, we used to love 'Guy Fawkes' Night, which was on November 5 ...the family would get together with neighbours and we would all bring fireworks....as a child it was so exciting....we never thought is it as loud or that the weather is too cold....even now my DD1 is at a Youth Fireworks Night and sent me a text message saying 'It is awesome!!' God bless her, she took the time to let us know - wanted to share her excitement with us -made me feel good!!

I am on a run of humerous cards as I have had another order for them, so I cruise around SCS and 'Blogville' and look for different Sketch Challenges....this one is for this week's CCEE Stampers Challenge and also for the Twisted Sister Challenge....but the girls are gonna give me a hard time as I have CHEATED - this week we were to stamp on metal! Well I didn't...long story...bad day...say no more!!! So I thought rather than do nothing I would make a card with metal on it and as usual the family were keen to help and ate the crossiants that were on the aluminium tray...we then washed it and I ran it through the Cuttlebug - I love the look of it and use it fairly regularly - so sorry Sistah's...I had to be slack on this one....but at least I played!!!

These 'Gorgeous Gals are coloured with Chalks and a blender pen, I then added Kindy Glitz to the glass of 'bubbly' and also some silver touches on the jewelley and spotted dress - I am not sure it shows up much in the photo - you know how it is with BLING!! If you know the secret to photographing it - please let me know!!!

The gorgeous buttons were given to me during the week, along with many others - these ones are my favourites....buttons can make the best embellishments - I love to hunt through the bins of them at the Thrift shops....always good for something different!

Thank you for visiting with me - please leave a comment so I know you have been - it makes my day!!!