Linda's Cards and Pages

A new arrival (& smaller version of the sketch)

2012-02-13T12:50:00.000Z

I was asked to make a card for a colleague who's just had a new baby.

I so enjoyed making the patchwork page for James that I decided to make a smaller version for this.

The paper are the same range as my layout for James but are cut into 2" squares to fit an 8x8 CWC card.

Again I used bunting for the name and added random stitches and dressed buttons.

Congratulations Russell and Karen on your new arrival - he's just gorgeous!

Another P please Bob! (for Patchwork that is)

2012-02-05T08:00:00.003Z

Couldn't resist the title - hopefully some of you will remember Blockbusters TV show?

I really enjoyed this challenge, this syle of page really works for all occassions.

My niece had her son last October and I promised to make a scrapbook for her as I did for her daughter, and all the great nieces/nephews so far!

I had been shopping Lynn recently and found this a pad of 12x12 papers called Up & Away by Mindy Terasawa. They were just what I had been looking for to start this project, so here is my first page.

I cut some of the papers into the 3" squares as before and once I had inked the edges, stuck them onto a 12x12 cream sheet.

The papers included a sheet of assorted tags and an alphabet too.

I cut around the letters, inked the edges and added to the tags with 3d foam, then added the bunting with more 3d pads. I used bakers twine through the holes in the tags, looping it along the way.

Some of the papers are thermographically glittered as you can see below, just gorgeous!

I cut a round tag and added below the photograpgh which is 13x14cm and mounted onto the reverse of one of the papers.

A selection of buttons from my button box were threaded with the same twine and added.

And of couse, the random cross stitches onto the page.

For full details of the challenge and fabulous prize on offer hop over to Scrapology blog - some great work by our amazing DT this month too!

Thanks for looking.

xxx

Paris 2011 - Scrapology February Challenge - P is for Patchwork

2012-02-01T14:00:00.002Z

This month on Scrapology, we are scraplifting a page of S-J's which she taught at Cardinal Colours crop last September called Paper Patchwork.

This is my version....

I used a 6x6 paper pad from Merly Impressions called Bonjour by Kaisercraft.

You get 2 sheets of each design plus pages of elements and tags at the back, the picture doesn't really show the beauty of these pages, some are embossed and foiled.

With a sheet of natural cardstock as a base, I cut 16 x 3" squares of paper from the pad and arranged them on the page. As we had just been to Paris for a long weekend, the theme fit perfectly so I used images/words of the Eiffel Tower/Paris on the squares. The photograph was mounted onto a pink background and then random "X" stitches added with DMC thread.

I used a tag and cut out some butterflies to mount onto it.

This bottom square had a taller tower so I cut around it so it flowed onto the square above.

I cut out the bird and put him in the frame with 3d foam.

Back to my favourite torn roses for embellishment along with some leaves, stickled to make them icy to tie in with the photograph.

This is the pad I used.

Here is our sketch and S-J's original layout.

Why not pop over to the Scrapology blog to see the fantastic designs by the DT and brilliant prize on offer from Jill at Cardinal Colours - Thanks Jill!.

TFL

xxx

Cardinal Colours Spring Weekend Crop 2012

2012-01-22T13:54:00.001Z

The Cardinal Colours Spring Weekend Crop 2012 - 31st March to 1st April 2012 is set to be a great event.
If you haven't booked yet check the shop web site and blog for more information.

Classes are being taught by myself, Lynn, Anita, S-J & Angie.

Mine is as follows:
Hidden Treasures.
A single page layout with a hidden element, created with Bo Bunny Enchanted papers.
This monochrome page, with a hint of colour, combines different elements of design.
Kit contains 3 sheets of Bazzill, 2 patterned papers, ribbon (colour choice available) and a
whole pack of jewels.
Join me to have a “ripping” time with a patchwork of techniques - suitable for any photos including a wedding theme.

Here is a speak peek of Lynn's scrapbook layout class using beautiful paper from Kaiser Craft’s, Sweet Nothings Collection. During the class you will embellish pre-made crochet flowers and a butterfly to create a pretty floral layout which will suit any feminine themed photograph including weddings. You will need your usual scrapbooking tools and a large photo.

Anita is teaching a canvas class using beautiful papers from the My Minds Eye - Lost and Found 2 'Rosy' Range. Create a stunning large 15” x 15” canvas in this class with Anita which can be on any theme you wish. The class kit includes a pack of American Crafts Glitter Thickers (alphabet), enabling you to create any title you wish to match your photographs.

Details to follow after booking the classes - you can email HERE if you are interested in booking

Anita, Lynn and I have had a special offer running for early bird booking which runs out tonight at midnight. The class will be £10 if booked before then, and £12.50 thereafter. Anita's canvas class offer is £14 and £16 after midnight on 22nd.

50th Birthday Cupcakes

2012-01-20T13:06:00.000Z

I was pleased to be asked to make some cupcakes for one of my colleagues.

Her husband is 50 and having a party tomorrow.

We discussed the design and she asked for an edible 50 to be on each cake, this is the result.

Vanilla sponge with vanilla buttercream sprinkled with edible glitter.

I created the plaque by cutting scalloped circles in fondant I had coloured pale blue.

The numbers are from a new set of cutters I bought as the ones I had were a little to big.

It's hard to get the fondant out of the shapes too as they are less than 1" high.

It's the first time I had made plaques so was fairly happy with the result. Had I more time I think I would have piped dots in the scallops with royal icing too for definition.

An alternative batch was made too with Pure Soya spread as her daughter is lactose intolerant.

These were identified with the addition of a small pink icing flower (ready-made).

I had been talking to Lynn about these and she had used Pure before, she said that it didn't rise as well as using margarine, so I added some baking powder and filled the cases higher.

A separate batch of buttercream was made with it too but as the spread is more "loose" I had to add a lot of icing sugar to thicken for piping consistancy.

Be Mine, Valentine - Scrapology January Card Challenge

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000Z

Ali from Craft Ribbons kindly joined us this month as sponsor, her challenge was to create a Valentine card - say it with ribbons.

Here is mine:

I wanted to keep it fairly simple so gathered some lengths of red ribbons and wove them into a square.

I cut all the edges with different cuts and then stuck it onto an 8x8" linen effect CWC card.

I punched 3 hearts, 2 white, 1 gold, inked the white ones with red then layered them adding a piece of gingham ribbon to the gold one.

I added some paper roses, a pearl spray and a small bow.

TFL

xxx

Spider yarn knitted for C&C

2012-01-05T08:00:00.002Z

I am delighted to have amongst my friends the lovely Hayley West who regularly presents on
Create and Craft TV.

She asked if I could knit a sample for an upcoming show which I was more than happy to do.

The yarn is like a web with one open and one seamed hem (hence the name) you loop the stitches from the raw edge onto the needle to begin then use the same edge to continue.

I used size 8 needles and cast on 10 stitches.

This is the finished result.

And a close up which shows the beauty & texture of the yarn.

I love the way it is shot through with silver too.
It knits up very fast, I made this in an afternoon.

Check out the C&C website for other colours too.
Follow this link

Thanks Hayley, really enjoyed this one.

The Tower of Terror - Scrapology January 2012 Challenge - Double Layout

2012-01-02T11:45:00.000Z

I have had this set of Basic Grey papers, Eerie, for a long time now and never found the right photograpghs to scrap with them. Until now! We spent a few days at Disneyland Paris in November 2011 and our favourite ride is the Tower of Terror. The story goes that in 1939 an electrical storm hits the hotel and plunges guests and staff to their death. Everything remained in place as the rest of the guests and staff fled. We join a service elevator and are dropped over 13 storeys, leaving our seats as we plummet down and back up again.
What a ride!!!

Anyhow, back to the layout. I used the off-white web paper, cut it in half and stuck it to the top of 2 pieces of bazzill. The orange paper has rows of bats so I cut around their wings and stuck them halfway down. The base was created with the purple web page. Instead of using two large photographs on this layout, I found the script used to introduce the ride and printed it onto another of the patterned papers which looked aged.
The key was taken from the photo frame which came with the official photographs, mad I know but when you see Robert's face, just had to be done!

This side concludes the narrative welcoming you back safely along with the official photographs and one that Robert took from the top of the ride overlooking the parks.

The semi circle was cut with a creative memories circle and blade, the letters are from the paper pack. The numbers were added to the inner ring on a different piece of the paper pack to represent the service elevator dial along with an arrow cut freehand. I added some "screw-head" brads either side.

This was our sketch for this month, the original layout by Stacey Hansen who's work can be found here.

You have until the 5th February to enter the challenge so why not hop on over to the Scrapology site and take a peek at the other DT pages for inspiration.

Thanks for looking :)

I've been a very lucky girl...

2011-12-31T08:00:00.002Z

I was delighted on Christmas morning to see this under the tree...

which, when opened revealed...

this absolute beauty!

I love it :)

And the lining is soooo lush too...

I was also treated to another charm for my Pandora bracelet from Lianne

Which is now on my bracelet with the others, some from my birthday in November.

I seem to have a colour section theme going on here lol!

And some other lovely things too...

Spoilt me? - most definitely!

Now the dust has settled....

2011-12-30T08:00:00.001Z

I can share some of the lovely cards given to me this Christmas by my crafty friends:

Lynn made this one with a beautiful Angel stamp.

Anita created this lovely aerial view of a snowman - how unique is that?

She also made me a cake stand which I will share later - watch this space...

Liz created this gift card which has a pull out drawer with tea lights in.

Sue made the most beautiful pot of paper flowers..

Sorry I should have unwrapped them :( Will blog them again later!

These are the ones she made for my birthday..

Wendy made this cute card with a Warren the Rabbit image from CWC.

Jill gave me this lovely card with a cute bear image.

Chris hand-beaded this bauble for the tree.

This lovely one arrived in the post from Karen.

Sandra sent this lovely embossed card.

Alison sent this cute card too.

Thanks to everyone for these lovely treasures.

Christmas Dinner and Dad's Birthday

2011-12-29T21:26:00.001Z

I love to set the table for Christmas Dinner, this year we were only 4.

This is just as we were sitting down to our starter..

Lovely dressed Lobster and Prawn Cocktail :)

It's Dads birthday on Christmas day and this year I made him a fruit cake (Delia's mix from Waitrose) which I covered with marzipan (ready made) and home made royal icing.

I've not done this type of icing for many years so please make allowances :)

This cake stand belonged to my grandmother (or great grandmother?)

I'll take another photo later so you can see how lovely it is.

I added some ready made blue flowers to the top of the cake too but didn't get a chance to take another picture before it was served.

Robert took a video on his phone which I hope to upload too.

Happy Birthday Dad (belatedly I know)

TFL

xxx

Blog-over

2011-12-19T08:00:00.002Z

It's a quiet time of year at work as not many people travel for business during this period, so, I decided my blog was a little tired and needed a new look.

I chose a page I had created of Lianne's 21st, cropped it and added a text box to cover the photo.

(I didn't she'd like to feature on my header lol!)

I was really pleased with the original layout which I had based on a page by Liberty Chance, and thought the colours worked well.

I tried many of the backgrounds from the Cutest Blog and also Shabby blogs and decided on this one.

What do you think?

How did you create yours?

Would love to hear about how you created yours.

Thanks for sharing....

Deck the Halls

2011-12-17T08:00:00.003Z

Well, the door anyway :)

For her Christmas present this year, I took Lynn to the florist near my work for a workshop to create a Christmas wreath.

We joined a class of 12 and were given a blue spruce ring, pre-made by the florist as they can be
quite tough on the hands.
We were invited to peruse many embellishments in the shop to gather elements with a set budget (included in the cost of the evening).

I chose glass beaded stems, glittered leaves and pinecones for mine, Lynn chose more traditional elements for hers. We had a lovely evening and enjoyed a glass of wine and mince pies (well Lynn did 'cos I dont like them!)

and were taught how to wire and construct our pieces.

Here is mine:

And here is Lynn's which is just beautiful.

The shop is called Floral Explosion in Longfield but they also have a stall at Bluewater.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas!

TFL
xxx

Scrapology December Card Challenge - Leaves....

2011-12-15T12:00:00.005Z

This month's card challenge was to create a card using leaves, leaf shapes and colours.

I used papers from BG Oliver set to create mine.

The leaves were cut with a Tim Holtz pine cone die set as are the cones, the flower shapes from the Tattered Florals die.

I cut several sets and just layered to create the card, plus some smaller leaf shapes punched with a Martha Stewart punch. Random jewells were placed to accent.

I've not got the hang of making the cones properly yet but think they would have been better in bazzill as the inside does show and would be better neutral. Will have to have a play at a later stage :)

Thanks to Chrissy at Merly Impressions for setting this challenge and supplying a wonderful prize.

Hop on over to the Scrapology Blog for more details and the rest of the Design Teams cards.

Challenge runs until 15th January 2012 so plenty of time to enter.

Dressing the Tree(s) II

2011-12-12T08:00:00.001Z

And on to the lounge....

I have taken a different approach to this tree and 'draped' it with floral garlands and sprigs.

Pride of place went to this lovely Angel, made by Lynn to match my colour scheme of purple and lime. Thanks, Lynn, she looks perfect.

I love these white spikey stems and the new lilac sunflowers.

There are jewelled, feathered birds too.

The lilac garland is new this year.

These are the new jewel stems I got from the Christmas shop in Bluewater, some in an olive/lime green.

Some in purple.

So, what colour is your tree this year and do you prefer traditional or modern?

Would love to hear your choices :)

Thanks for sharing.....

Linda

Dressing the Tree(s)

2011-12-11T16:21:00.000Z

Yesterday, we bought a real Christmas tree to put in the hallway.

It's the first time we have put one here but it seemed like a good idea.

We got the box of old decorations from the loft and had a sort through, Lianne decided on a blue and lilac theme.

Once the lights and baubles were in place we were quite happy with the result.

I took this one today with a little daylight from the front door, I love the glow.

Finding the old decorations was fun and I found this polar bear balancing on ice cubes, so cute :)

This tree is very different from the one I've had in the lounge for the last few years which is very modern. I'll add that one tomorrow with some new pieces added this year.

TFL

xxx

Its a family affair.

2011-12-07T08:00:00.003Z

Our mega talented friend Anita created this frame class recently, see here for details, and we were lucky enough to be able to make one at last saturdays crop at Cardinal Colours.

I didn't have a recent photograph of Robert, Lianne and I together so I used two taken on the Eurostar on our trip to Disneyland recently and "merged" them. I was quite happy with the result as you can't see the join! :)

The papers are from My Minds Eye, Lost and Found collection, the roses are cut from spirals of paper and glued in place. The word "Family" is accented with a swirl stamp and some stazon ink.

Jewells were added to the frame and the rose centres, although you can't really see them here.

Thank-You so much Anita for sharing another fabulous idea.

Gifts for the Girls..................

2011-12-05T08:00:00.003Z

We always exchange gifts at our Chistmas crop at Jill's - Cardinal Colours - so this year I made gift boxes like the ones shown us by Zoe Pearson.

The bases are Bazzill with patterned paper by BG - Nordic Holiday, topped with a reindeer stamp from Stampin' Up.

Each box had a L'Occitaine shower gel or lotion or soap and a stamp from Sweet Pea Stamps plus

a bracelet I made with glass beads.

This one was for Lynn as she loves greens.

This one is Anita's

I made Jill a matching necklace too.

This one was for Sue.

And the remainder....

Stampin' Up Day Out - Part III

2011-12-04T21:46:00.000Z

These are the items we made in the last class of the day.
Designed by Zoe using the Polar Party stamp set and new colours of cardstock/paper.

First we made this gift box using an A4 sheet of card - very versatile and to come in very handy soon!

Then this lovely little card.

I used Copics to colour my images.
This polar bear is sooo cute...

And then a tag which I turned into a card too.

Thanks again Zoe and Natalie for a fab day out - looking forward to the next one!

F is for Filter Papers - Scrapology December Challenge

2011-12-02T08:00:00.003Z

New items are always arriving on the crafting scene, amongst the new ones are Filter papers.

They can be purchased already printed but we opted to use the type found in coffee machines and decorated them ourselves.

Our scraplift is from Pamela Young who works with Fancy Pants, her blog can be found here.

I used American Craft Christmas papers to create my page along with 2 sheets of Navy cardstock.

I decided to use the Mistletoe style paper as the base for my page.

I cut a large circle with my creative memories Cutter and red blade from the blue cardstock.

The filter paper I had was too small to fit this circle so, I folded it into a cone shape, cut a scallop in the top, then cut it in half and re-positioned it so it fitted the inner circle.

It looked too white so I used Adirondack paint daubers very lightly around the edge to define.

Once I had decided on the position on the page, I cut two edges square.

Using the same large circle cutter, I cut two circles using the red blade followed by the blue one to create a ring of the red paper, then reversed it so the patterned silver side was uppermost.

I cut some of the pale green paper to the same size and covered half the circle. Once the edges were all inked I put these over the filter paper and cut the same angles on two edges and fixed all layers to the page.

My main photograph is approx. 5x5” mounted with a thin border onto the navy cardstock, the smaller photos are approx. 3x2” trimmed and mounted too.

I placed them onto the page then cut and layered the poinsettias from one of the papers between. Glossy accents and gold stickles have been used in the centres, I tucked another flower under the edge of the filter papers.

I drew some pencil lines onto the pale aqua area and wrote my journaling – only a few lines. The pencil lines are easily erased once the ink has dried fully.

A strip of white ribbon creates a border along the bottom of the page to which I added a thinner red ribbon, a 1” strip of the silver patterned paper was added beneath the white as it was too sheer.

I felt it needed a little “extra” so I stitched along the edge of the blue circle which I felt finished it off.

Apologies for the paper daisies over the photographs, this is to protect the childs ID.

This is the original layout and our sketch.

Why not hop over to the Scrapology blog to see the other design team pages :)

On this day.....

2011-11-30T16:11:00.000Z

11 years ago, Robert and I exchanged our vows on the beach below.

Not only did I gain a husband but retained my best friend.

Would you like a Joanna Sheen Original Card?

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000Z

Joanna kindly sent us the original card she made for our November card challenge, signed.

Would you like the opportunity to win this fabulous card?

We are having a raffle, £2.00 per ticket with all proceeds going to the Ellenor Lions Hospice Charity,

for more information see here.

Contact Scrapology here for information.

Such a lovely prize and a very worth cause so, please, dig deep and have a go.

The raffle will close on the 16th December once the challenge has finished and the winner will be announced on the Scrapology Blog

Linda
x

Stampin' Up - Part 2

2011-11-18T08:00:00.004Z

The second class at our Stampin' Up day out was designed by Natalie as above.
A lovely shimmery gold card stock was used for these designs along with red cardstock and lush red ribbon. On the first card, the background was stamped with serene snowflakes, the message is from Contempo Christmas set.

The people are from the Welcome Christmas set and we made a reflection using the stamp-a-majig, trees from Lovely as a Tree.

Coated with heat and stick powder then glittered we learnt a new technique too.

This is a twisted easel card using stamps from Welcome Christmas set.

And another new shape...

Thanks Natalie :)

House Mouse - November card challenge

2011-11-16T08:00:00.003Z

This is the card I made for the November Scrapology Card Challenge, using one of my House Mouse stamps from Joanna Sheen who is our sponsor this month.
The papers are from the Basic Grey Oliver collection, the image is coloured with Copics to match.
The paper is double sided and is matted onto a bazzill card.
I was at our monthy crop and didn't have greeting stamps with me so I use this one that belongs to Liz.
I thought it was quite appropriate as the mouse with the green ballon is about to shatter the dreams of the other one! :)

I used the remainder of the papers to create these torn roses and leaves to finish the card.

Here are a couple I made previously too.

Stampin' Up - A day out

2011-11-08T12:48:00.003Z

Lynn and I recently went to a Stampin' Up class with Zoe Pierson and Natalie O'Shea where we had several workshops - a fab day ladies - Thanks!
The first class of the day was with Zoe, making the cards as above.
The papers are from Holly Berry Bouquet and the images stamped from Pines and Poinsettia's.
We stamped and decoupaged the florals below.

The design was lovely to separate into layers.

This is the second card which has a rosette flower in the centre.
The pines are coloured with the SU pens which are lush - NO! Linda - you cannot buy more pens!!!

But, they do create a lovely effect???

This is the last card - for some reason the photograph wont stay the right way up on here?

Again the central panel was coloured with the pens - sitting on my hands now!
I'll share some more soon.

F is for Fabric Flowers - Scrapology November Challenge - Baby Lianne

2011-11-02T08:00:00.005Z

Novembers scraplift for Scrapology comes from Hannah Young whose blog can be found here.

These papers are from Fancy Pants Beach Babe collection:

Jumping Fish, Cards, Lemonade & Tropical.

I gutted the pink paper and added white bazzill then used the remaining pink to create a base for the photograph. I used two different Martha Stewart punches to create borders top and bottom.

Two 1" strips were added to the left hand side with torn edges at the base then a wider strip punched with another Martha Stewart deep edge punch.

I used one of the journalling blocks, cut out the circle and filled the space with another photograph and placed the cut-out below with my text. A further strip of punched lace was added below the main photograph.

I love these ribbon roses which are based on a tutorial on the Crafty Ribbons blog. The large rose used approximately 2.5m of seam binding ribbon with a 5cm circumference.

The leaves were cut on the Cricut by Lynn - Thanks :)

This is the smaller ribbon rose.

This is the original layout and sketch we worked from.

The challenge will run until the 5th December.

As usual there will be a fabulous prize for the winner.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:25:00.000Z

Another first for me this year, I carved my very first pumpkin!

I googled it and found one on the Martha Stewart site which is so apt for me - just call me Martha etc :)

so had to use it.

This is the link to the pattern

This is how she looks in daylight

Hope you have a Happy Halloween and don't get tricked too much.

xxx

Grenada Seafaris – A Thoroughly recommended trip!

2011-10-29T08:00:00.002+01:00

Howard from Grenada Seafaris came along to our welcome meeting at the hotel to tell us about this excursion.
It sounded and looked like a fun trip so we booked for the Sunday morning.

We joined the boat on a beach just a short drive from the hotel, you side astride the seats like riding a horse but ride the waves instead J

A short thrill ride up the coast we stopped at a protected marine reserve and Albert told us about the conservation project and the history (geology) of the island, we saw black volcanic sand beaches at Mango Bay and heard and saw the results of the destruction caused by “Ivan the Terrible” the last hurricaine to hit the island.

A little further on we were invited to snorkel with Albert at Molinere bay where an artist called Jason deCaires Taylor created an underwater sculpture park.

I "borrowed" this photograph from their website as I haven't yet developed my underwater camera film.

It’s quite eerie to see statues of people on the sea bed though. An array of fish were around and I was lucky enough to see a moray eel and a barracuda.

On the way back to the boat I swam though a swarm of jelly fish the size of golf balls which was very worrying, I felt a sting on my elbow. Howard said that it was due to the current changing and bringing them in from the ocean. The sting must have come from tendrils of a different type of jellyfish as the golf ball ones are harmless evidently.

However, it only stung for a few minutes then disappeared.

We bounced back along the coast to Port Louis which was the original French settlement. The waters in this large lagoon were perfectly still and provide perfect conditions for mooring yachts and larger vessels. This area hosts the influx of visitors for the annual sailing festival held in January of each year.

We found this building very amusing, you can see it would have been beautiful in the past but is rather run down now. Ironically it is the Ministry of Housing for the island!

Then back to the jetty for transfer back to the hotel.

A fun, exciting eco trip combining the thrill of riding the waves and being educated not lectured J

For more information see their website http://www.grenadaseafaris.com/ I would totally recommend this to anyone visiting Grenada.

A tour of Grenada & Kissing the Monkey!

2011-10-28T22:53:00.000+01:00

We took a half day tour of the island and saw the following sights...

This the view of Grande Anse Beach, the longest stretch of white sand on the island and home to a lot of hotels.

Port Louis bay & Fort George, St George's Bay

"San Francisco Hill" the route towards the local market in St George

Halifax Bay where Harry Belafonte filmed Island in the Sun.

Concord Falls, one of the many waterfalls on the island.

The water was freezing :)

Mount St Catherine.

The Grand Etang Lake, a volcanic crater.

A Mona Monkey

A Kiss!

Robert caught this just right, the monkey was taking a banana placed on my shoulder by our lovely guide Danny. It looks like he/she? has come in for a smooch :)

Back at the hotel, more wildlife..

The cheeky birds who steal your lunch and drink your water.

A lizard @ 6 inches

An Iguana on the beach @ 2 feet long!

Just strolled across the beach.

An adventure by sea to follow.

Mudfields - Fun in the Sun.

2011-10-26T08:00:00.005+01:00

Another class taught at the Cardinal Colours 2011 retreat was the following by the lovely Anita.

It uses papers & stickers from the Echo Park Summer Days range, see the original here and was a fast, one hour, class to finish the retreat on the Sunday afternoon.

I bought a kit home and made the following showing Lianne in the mud at the Creamfields Festival earlier this year.

When she came home her wellies sat in the porch for days absolutely smothered in mud!

I wish I had taken a photograph.

I crossed out the cream and added Mud.

Another great page Anita, Thanks!

If you'd like to make this page, contact Jill at Cardinal Colours as she may have some kits left.

xxx

Stampin' Up Class at Scrapology's Crop

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

Mrs Wonka (aka Zoe) came along to the crop with Natalie, to teach a class with Stampin' Up products.

See Zoe's blog for details on SU products here.

These are my cards -

We started by making a decorative folder to store them in...

stamped with snowflakes...

This is how is looks open with the cards...

And here are close-ups of the cards.

The kit was excellent value for money with loads of products left over.

I hope to make a few more soon.

TFL

xxx

Desk Ted in Grenada - the finale

2011-10-24T08:00:00.002+01:00

Who's key Ted?

relaxing at the waterfall...

tinkling the ivories...

jammin' with the locals...

chatting up Claire and Alicia....takes me back to the key, Ted???

or could it be the cat???

Ted, so glad you had a fab holiday!

Thanks for sharing...

And....an apology to Harriet as I have been spelling her name wrong - sorry! :)

Scrapology had a crop!

2011-10-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

A bit delayed due to my holiday but.............

Lynn and I planned, shopped, scrapped, baked, packed, arranged furniture and generally prepared for our very first crop. We held it at The EllenorLions Centre in Dartford on Saturday. We had lots of locals and other people traveled from as far as Southampton and Eastbourne.

Buckets of sweets and scrapbooking embellishments marking each scrappers place.

23 scrapbookers getting started at the beginning of the event.

Although they all bought their own projects, we assisted and advised using many of the techniques featured on the Scrapology blog over the last year.

I made vanilla cupcakes for everyone.

Robert was a star in the kitchen cooking lunch and washing up too!

What a fab husband to have - and no, I'm not sharing :)

Zoe Pierson and Natalie O'Shea came along too They taught a card making class using Stampin' Up products, which was great fun and good value for money.

We have lots of products left to make a few more cards.

This is what we all made, a folder of four Christmas cards.

I'll blog mine soon.

We had a great day and the feedback we have received confirms that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves too.

So I guess we should get planning again!

Desk Ted in Grenada III & Nail Art

2011-10-22T08:00:00.007+01:00

Well Desk Ted, as the saying goes....if the cap fits....

Grenadian coffee ice-cream - yummmm

served by the lovely Adonis.

Then off for a dip in the pool,

or a float on the flip-flop-lilo..

careful now Ted....

and a relax on the sunbed with Robert, boys together :)

Meeting the local talent, Janice...

who does the most amazing nail art....my fingers..

and my (ugly) toes -yuck :(

Mine and Harrietts toes...

Desk Ted in Grenada II

2011-10-21T08:00:00.001+01:00

He had such a lovely time.

Below enjoying a breakfast of pancakes with maple syrup, fried plantain, papaya and banana.

Relaxing with Robert on the beach...

Oooooh, cool shades Ted...

Enjoying the lovely view

Then to the poolside for the afternoon.

View from the pool, perched on a rocky outcrop...

Trace of a rainstorm in the distance there...

More adventures tomorrow...

TFL

xxx

Desk Ted goes to Grenada....

2011-10-20T18:32:00.000+01:00

Lucky Desk Ted has been travelling again, this time he had a week in Grenada, W.I.

Here he is checking out the queen sized bed which had been decorated with lovely blossoms.

Mmmmmm, rice and peas for dinner.

Sharing the lovely Harriett's Angel's Delight..

And trying Alicia's drink too - steady on there Ted!

A few too many rum and cokes?

Absolutely as he then helped Harriett sing Torn (Natalie Imbruglia) at the Karaoke night.

Fantastic job by Harriett followed by Elliot who was very good too.

More to follow....

Scrapology October Card Challenge - Eyelets

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Yesterday saw the launch of the latest card challenge on Scrapology set by Sue Roberts aka Doogle007.
Hop over to Scrapology for Sue's profile and more DT cards.
Our challenge is to get the eyelets out, so lots of hammering took place at our last crop! I do have a cropodile but not a big bite to reach the centre of the page.
I used an 8x8" craftwork card blank in black and the leftovers from the paper patchwork class from the retreat to create mine. The butterflies are from a Martha Stewart punch and more scraps.

I threaded the eyelets with some suede cord from Cardinal Colours the eyelets are from there too.
Jill also stocks the Tim Holts sizzix bird cage used which I have suspended from eyelets.

The cage was decorated with Diamond Black stickles and the bird stamped with my old script stamp and enhanced with Cinnamon stickles.

About A Boy - S-J at Cardinal Colours Retreat

2011-10-14T08:00:00.011+01:00

Another class page from the retreat, taught by S-J, called About a Boy.

This one was a lovely double layout - my favourites!

The papers are Echo Park metropolitan: Navy Dot, Leaf Dot and Ruby Dot. Alphas and Elements sheets and K&Co Metal Studs. They were dry-brushed with acrylic paints.

I have added the daisies again to protect the child's ID.

I added a line of bunting to mine made from the stickers and some bakers twine.

Below is S-J's original, as you can see I adapted it :)
Another great spread to come from Cardinal Colours retreat 2011, contact Jill it you would like the papers etc to create this layout.

Chocolate for Zoe

2011-10-08T10:00:00.001+01:00

It was Zoe's birthday before the retreat and I forgot to take her card along - bad girl!

So I'll be giving it to her today instead.

We all know that she loves chocolate so I created an everlasting bar just for her.

I even used my Stampin' Up stamps and punch to create the greeting.

The letters are from sassafrass.

So sorry it's late Zoe but hope you had a fabulous birthday!

TFL

xxx

White Space - S-J at Cardinal Colours Retreat

2011-10-06T11:36:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to get a kit for this class taught by S-J at Cardinal Colours recent retreat and as I had assisted, knew how to make it :)
The background was glazed white bazzill which was spritzed with chalk mists.
The papers are from a Glitz 8x8 paper pad called Afternoon muse.
I have added the white daisies to protect the ID of the child.

We cut various flowers from one of the sheets of paper to create dimension.
A page from an old book was added behind the photograph (once we had checked for inappropriate words!)
which was distressed. Various strips were edged and distressed underneath one side.
A tag was made from the same papers and stapled into place with butchers twine. Buttons added from my stash finished the page

Another lovely class S-J - Thank-you.

Below is the original.

TFL

xxx

Sepia cards at Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011

2011-10-03T08:00:00.002+01:00

Another class Lynn and I taught at the retreat was colouring images in sepia with ProMarkers.
Click this link for the tutorial written by Lynn.

Here are the cards I made based on this technique:

The cards are a selection from Craftwork Cards, paper are Basic Grey and the stamps used were my Faye Whittaker seaside ones.

All items available from Cardinal Colours, contact Jill for details as they may not be on her website as yet.

B is for Borders - Scrapology October Challenge - Here Georgie, Georgie!

2011-10-02T08:00:00.002+01:00

Our Scrapology challenge this month is a scraplift of Georgia K Keays, you can find her blog here.

I used Bazzill Olso cardstock as the basis of my page with Bo Bunny Barefoot and Bliss papers:

Barefoot Cutouts, Bubbles, Beach Bag, Stripe and Surf.

Each panel is cut and mounted onto the blue bazzill before adding to the page to create the borders.

I added part of a doilly under one panel (mounted on 3d foam pads) with some prima flowers.

The title was cut with the Cricut Life's a Beach and faux stitched with a white gel pen.

Some of the Hibiscus flowers and leaves were added to the side with 3d foam.

The journalling block came from the Cutouts sheet and the remainder of the doilly and flowers were placed under the edge. The other tag was also from the cutouts sheet, only using part of it.

In Barbados we had a boat trip to see the turtles, we expected a few little ones the size of dinner plates.

The guide began tapping the side of the boat and calling "Here Georgie, Georgie" which made us smile, then the turtles arrived which were more than 1 meter across!

The guide affectionately had named them Fred and George.

This is the sketch we worked from...

And Georgia's original page.

Check out the Scrapology site for the other DT entries.

Challenge closes on the 5th November with another fab prize on offer for the winner.

Good Luck Cheryl....

2011-09-30T08:00:00.003+01:00

Cheryl has retired this week so I was asked to make a card.

They had seen a card I made with the lady below but she had a brown bob hairdo so I cut the hair from another Paper Nation Image and stuck it over to try to create Cheryl's spikey blond cut. I highlighted this with ProMarkers.

The card is an 8x8" CWC card and the papers are from my Basic Grey Capella range.

The letters are also from the collection pack covered with glossy accents to accentuate them.

A ruffled seam binding edge was added to the left.

I used some Marianne dies and and cut flourishes and leaves which I added under some paper roses.

This is a close up of the lady, wearing the uniform shirt under her suit too!.

I added some pearls to her ears and buttons.

She is mounted onto another die-cut image from Marianne designs which cuts and embosses.

I used some Distress ink on a sponge to create the colour.

Good Luck Cheryl...

TFL

xxx

Birthday Cupcakes for Tracey and Sam...

2011-09-27T08:00:00.002+01:00

Both Tracey and Sam, my new colleague at work, celebrated their birthdays last week, so I made them the following:

Vanilla Cupcakes with a raspberry swirl icing.

I heard (forgive me but I forget where) that if you add a line of colour inside the piping bag, that it creates a stripe so I gave it a go.

I added some wafer daisies.

I think the swirl works quite well, what do you think?

And also, carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

I found the recipe online.

The carrots on top are made from fondant icing.

They were delicious - even if I say so myself!

Why not have a go and let me know what you think?

Linda

Paper Patchwork - As taught by S-J at the Retreat.

2011-09-26T08:00:00.001+01:00

There wasn't a lot of spare time for Lynn and I at the retreat as we were either assisting or teaching classes and M&T's. I really enjoyed S-J's classes last year and asked Jill if I could have kits to do at home later on.

As it turned out we managed to sit in and do the following layout :)

I had to add the photograph afterward as I hadn't taken any with me. This was taken at the hotel of a huge mirrored head like a disco ball.

The kit consisted of a 12x12" piece of kraft paper, a selection of 8x8" patterned papers, Glitz Design - Laced with Grace.

The technique is very simple but very effective.

We cut the patterned papers into 3" squares, inked the edges then stuck them onto the kraft paper to form a grid. Embroidery thread was used to add random "X" stitches. We punched a couple of hearts and then tore some circles to create flowers adding large jewells to the centres. Butterflies were punched and added along with a title from Prima Thickers.
I enjoyed the class so much... I made a double page...

This is S-J's original layout.

Check with Cardinal Colours for stock of these papers and embellishments.

TFL

xxx

And Desk Ted came too!

2011-09-25T09:04:00.001+01:00

Desk Ted came along to Eastbourne to assist at the Cardinal Colours retreat too.

On the Thursday evening we went to the Tin Mine for dinner and below you can see him with Jill and a J2O.

No Desk Ted, it doesn't need salt!

Helping Lynn drink her wine!

Choosing his dinner...

Ice-cream for pudding....

And Eton Mess...

And Lemon Frangipane Tart!!!!

And more wine - from the bottle Ted???

Assisting with Anita's Canvas Class.

And our Sepia card class...

Helping Liz (and wearing her glasses!)

The photo looks dark but the lighting was perfect?

Assisting Ann and Linda in our Lauderdale class.

And Scrappy Sarah....

And Tina...

At lunch on the last day, Ted you look like you're having a good time - but surely not more food?

Paint Fusion Poppies at Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

Jill wanted some ideas for make and takes at the retreat and I had seen the paint fusion stamps and paints and really fancied having a go.

I bought the things back from a crop and watched the DVD - which, incidentally, says the the poppies are "more advanced class" - typical me!

These are the results of my first attempts.

I was quite pleased with the results but felt the stark white background was too harsh.

I thought of trying the crackle backgrounds etc on the DVD but didn't really have the time to further that idea. I then saw on Create and Craft some mountboard shapes by Sheena Douglas which look really nice - hearts and tags so I ordered them. This set me thinking and I came up with the plan for the retreat - make bookmark sized rectangles on mountboard.

Lynn got an A1 sheet at Hobbycraft for me which Robert then cut to size.

I spent Sunday morning stamping them as below.

As the mountboard is creamy colour it gives a better background.

I painted in the poppies and leaves and allowed to dry.

The edges were inked with a brown chalk pad then I made a couple of masks with post-it notes for the flower heads.

Once dry, I added the masks then stamped over the background with "early espresso" ink pad from Stampin' Up and an old text stamp I had. I blotted the stamp first to give a lighter image.

I then added a couple of swirls with "rich razzleberry" by SU also blotted first.

This is one of the heart shapes I made in the same way.

Stamps, Paints, Brushes and DVD all available from Cardinal Colours along with other exciting products.

I now have some Christmas stamps so will be making more soon (I hope!).

Thanks to Jill for organising yet another fabulous retreat - if you went along, I hope you enjoyed it too.

Stop by and say Hi!

TFL

xxx

Canvas Masterclass by Anita.

2011-09-21T08:00:00.015+01:00

Anita taught a fantastic canvas class at the Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011.

See here for the original.

This is my version which I created using a photograph of my parents looking very young!

Lynn and I made ours prior to the retreat so we could assist (or hinder??) Anita on the day.

Thanks Anita for creating such a beautiful treasure, Dad loved it.

TFL

xxx

Botanicals at Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011

2011-09-20T08:00:00.076+01:00

These are the cards designed for a class at Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011.

The papers are the Botanicals range from Craftwork cards along with co-ordinating elements and cardstock.

Botanicals at Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011

Kit Contents.
1 x Scalloped DL card
1 x Elegant Square Card
1 x Scalloped Square
1 x Square card
1 x Top notch card
1 x Botanical Paper pack
1 sheet of Colour-me images
1 sheet in-circle messages
A5 sheet lime card stock
1m of ribbon

Additional items used:
Promarkers in China Blue, Cornflower, Lime and Pear.
SU Scallop punch and circle punch
Orange woodware circle punch
Retro daisy punch
Small daisy punch
Cropodile
Chalk Inks
Candi

Card One Using the scalloped DL card –

Using the blue text paper with floral border, cut a piece 9x18.5 cm so the border is at the bottom.

Trim your choice of colour me flower to approx 4.5x8.5 cm leaving a 2-3mm border around the text. Colour the image using the Promarkers. Punch scallop circle from lime card stock, punch circle from blue text from other half of original sheet (use the top edge) choose greeting and assemble. Take a lime scalloped rectangle and tie the ribbon around creating a knot on the left, trim ends. Add 3d foam to this and also the coloured image and add to top middle of card. Add the greeting also on 3d foam. Decorate the edges of the scalloped card with candi (with 3d foam pads)

Card Two - Using the square scallop card

Score the card 5 scallops in (vertically) to form the easel. Take the white floral paper and cut a piece 13.5cm wide, then cut again to 14cm. Colour random flowers with the promarker. Add the piece 13.5x14cm to the scored section and fold. Add the remaining piece to the inside bottom of the card. Cut a square 10x10cm from the lime card and from the remaining blue text paper a square 9x9xm as below.

Follow the same steps as card one to mount a message and add to the inside of the card on 3d foam to hold the easel open. Mount the blue text on the lime square and fix to the front of the card with double sided tape – only use on the lower half of the square. Trim a colour-me flower to approx 4x7.5cm and colour. Take a tag and punch a hole in the top. Using the cover sheet, cut a piece 6x6.5cm from the border strip and fix centrally onto tag.

Add the colour-me floral to the tag with 3d foam and the tag to the square on the card, also with 3d foam at an angle. Tie a small piece of ribbon through the hole and trim edged.

Card Three - Using the elegant square card –

From the green border sheet, cut a piece 7.5x12cm wide. Using the remainder of the white floral, cut two strips 12x2.25 cm. Stick to the card to form a 12cm square. Take a blue scalloped rectangle tie the ribbon around it with a knot to the right. Cut a floral colour-me to approx 4.5x8.5cm, colour with Promarkers, also high-light a few words in the text. Add 3d foam to both and fix to the left hand side of card. Using a ruler as a guide add candi to the right hand edge of the square with 3d foam, see below:

Card Four - Using top notch card.

Cut the sheet of white text floral border to create a panel 10.5 wide by 11.5 high and stick centrally.

Colour the floral border with the Promarkers. Using the leaf trim from the colour-me sheet, cut a strip 10.5x1.5cm and fix, white side up, with 3d foam above the floral panel. Using the leaf side, trim tightly to the leaves and cut into small strips, stick above the white strip. Using the green text/floral paper punch 3 retro daisies, shape the petals and fix to the tops of the leaf strips.

Cut 3 small circles from remnants of colour-me sheet and place in the centre of the flowers with 3d foam. Add Candi along the white raised strip and along the bottom of the card.

Card Five - Using the square card.

Use the scoring tool to score the card halfway and fold as below.

Cut a piece from the white text 14x7cm and stick on the flap. Cut the green text/floral border to 14x10cm wide and stick inside. Make a slit in the front fold just over 1.5 cm and thread the ribbon through, fix behind with double sided tape and then tie another piece of ribbon in knot on the front section. Colour a floral panel approx 4.5x8.5cm mount onto lime rectangle with 3d foam, repeat with rectangle onto front of card. Using remaining white text, punch one circle with the yellow woodware, one retro daisy, and five small pointed edge flowers. Punch a lime scallop and assemble as before. Add to right hand side and arrange the flowers around. Use a small circle (orange punch) in the centre of the daisy and Candi for the other flower centres.

Here is another card I made with the same materials:

I think the kits have sold out but Jill has many of the items used, please contact her at Cardinal Colours to enquire.

Totally Tropical - Scrapology at Cardinal Colours Retreat 2011

2011-09-19T10:36:00.001+01:00

This is one of the classes that Lynn and I taught at Jill's (Cardinal Colours) Seaside Retreat at the weekend.
Back home now and totally exhausted having had a fantastic time!!!

We created was this layout from scratch with papers from the Lauderdale range from Basic Grey, they had not even been released when we saw them but knew the colours/patterns would be ideal for what we had in mind. First time we have ever designed a layout using thumbnail images of papers!!!

This is my version which uses photographs from an family holiday in Barbados in 2005.

This one is the original we made together which features photographs of Lynn's girls in the Isles of Scilly.

Below is Lynn's second version which she made for the step by step instructions.

Below are the class instructions:

Lauderdale Layout Class

Cardinal Colours Retreat September 2011

Kit Content:

4 double sided sheets of 12”x 12” Basic Grey - Lauderdale papers - (SPF, Coastline, Cut Offs and Clearwater)

6 Basic Grey - Lauderdale buttons

1 - 12”x12” sheet Basic Grey – Lauderdale element stickers

1 - 12”x12” sheet Basic Grey – Lauderdale alpha stickers

1 pack of 4 Basic Grey – Lauderdale canvas tags

Selection of DMC stranded cotton threads.

We have included our sketch – that’s what we do at Scrapology! You may like to use it for another layout too. Please link or email any layouts you make using this sketch, it would be great to share them on the blog.

In addition you will need 2 - 6”x4” (or smaller) photos (one landscape and one portrait)

Basic tools including: Inks, corner rounder, Paper trimmer, Adhesives for paper, 3D foam pads, Pen for journaling & Needle for buttons.

Instructions

We are known as the ‘Inking Queens’, we inked the edge of everything before sticking down (but this is entirely optional)! We usually add thread to the buttons and tie a simple knot which is also optional.

1. To make your base, take the ‘sfp’ paper remove name strip, gut paper so you have a 12” x 12” frame 1” in from edge all round. This will be used blue, large dots side up.

2. Cut ‘cutoffs’ paper to measure 11” x 11” and round the corners, this will be used tiny dotty side up.

3. Round the corners of the dotty paper (optional).

4. Stick ‘cutoffs’ dotty paper centrally over blue dots side of ‘spf’ frame, so you have a blue border of about 1/2” all round the dots. (Dot to Dot!)

5. Cut a piece of ‘clearwater’ paper 12”x5” making sure waves are horizontal.

6. Trim this to 11” wide (1”x5”). Affix to page 2” up from bottom.

7. Position photos on page and stick in place glue centres only to allow for tucking elements under later.

8. Take remaining ‘spf’, cut out a selection of clouds, boat, hearts and any other elements you wish to use.

9. Cut large green blossom, (leaving a narrow pink border) from left side of floral side of ‘coastline’ paper. Attach with 3D foam pads to top right corner of layout, overlap the edges a little then trim.

10. Cut a selection of flowers and leaves from the rest of floral side of ‘coastline’ paper, Leave a small pink border around each petal. Don’t worry if you can’t get whole images of the flowers you like, with a little clever positioning and lots of overlapping they will look great, and work well.

11. Use a strip of the denim side of ‘cutoffs’ paper, trim to ¾” x 6” and cut an inverted ‘V’ in one end.

12. Add all three pointer stickers to this strip, staggering, overlapping and layering with 3D foam pads.

13. Add Button to blunt end of the strip and stick the complete embellishment horizontally over the green blossom on top right of layout.

14. Here comes the fun bit! Arrange all the elements, including tags and buttons. When happy with the arrangement, stick in place with a selection of glues and 3D foam pads. Tuck some under and others overlapping the photograph. (Keep the acetate backing form the tags – we need this later.)

13. Add some journaling to the tags.

14. Create your title to the top left of the layout using the alpha sheet.

Top tip – How often have you found you have run out of room for the last letter when placing a title, or it’s not straight whe

n you look at it later, but it’s firmly attached and won’t move without tearing the papers? Try making use of the cellophane wrappers or use the acetate from inside the packs to help with positioning.

Simply attach just the very bottom of the letters to the acetate. (If you want a curved shaped title, just cut the acetate to shape first.) Arrange how you want them.

Hold letters over the layout without touching the papers, to see if they fit.

Pull away the acetate when happy with the placement.

Now your layout is complete.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and although the kits for this class are sold out, Jill has many of the individual elements and papers in the store, they may not be on her website just yet but you could email to see what she has available jill@cardinalcolours.co.uk or check out Cardinal Colours web page.

BLOG CANDY

For your chance to win one of the original kits for this layout, hop on over to the Scrapology site and leave a comment.

Closing date midnight 26th September 2011

Good Luck!

If you were there, why not say Hi :)

Pink Roses & Bunting - Scrapology September Card Challenge

2011-09-16T08:00:00.003+01:00

Yesterday saw the launch of the latest Scrapology card challenge.

This month it was set by Craftwork Cards who are a particular favourite of mine.

The challenge was to use bunting.

I used some Sweet Meadow papers which Lynn kindly shared with me.

I cut some of extra roses & leaves from another sheet, shaped them and added with 3d foam.

I used icicle stickles to accent the flower swirls and lime for the leaves.

The bunting was stamped from another sheet using the Technique Tuesday stamps we used for our Scrapology Bunting Challenge in April this year.

I have strung them with bakers twine and added some rub-on letters from my stash.

So, why not hop on over to the Scrapology Blog, take a peek at the rest of the DT's work and make a card (or two) to enter the challenge.

Another fab prize on offer this month - check it out.

Thanks for looking.

xxx

A cup-cake order x 2

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

My friend Lesley had seen my rose cupcakes (for Nicola's last day at work) on Facebook and asked if I'd make some for her daughter's birthdays, which I did - 24 glittered white roses.

I've been taking some to work each week for the girls and was asked (by the boss no less!) to make some for a party she was having on Saturday.

I made 12 mini Victoria sponge cupcakes with strawberry jam and vanilla buttercream.

As they were for the last night of the proms I put them in red/white & blue/white cases.

(Hope she liked them!)

Surprised by this order, I put it on Facebook again.

Lesley contacted me and asked for a further 16 - any design/flavour so, here's the result.

Chocolate peanut butter...

Chocolate Orange....

Peppermint Cream...

and Vanilla of course...

I'm really enjoying making them and who knows, I could get more orders too?