Lime and black at Less Is More

The current challenge over at Less Is More is a colour theme - lime and black. Yikes - if I hadn't just had a SU order here with lime card in that could have been a real struggle:

I used:

- 5.75" x 5.75" square card, made using SU's 'Lucky Limeade' card stock

- a snippet of white card, stamped with Memento 'Tuxedo Black' and three handbags from a Personal Impressions set by Kirsty Wiseman called 'Bags of Fun'. I tickled the butterflies on the left bag, the flower centre and handle on the right bag with a 'Lime Green' Pro Marker then punched two tiny flowers from paper, also coloured with the same Pro Marker. They were layered onto the centre bag and a little black gem popped onto the centre of the flower. 

- the white card was then layered onto a snippet of black card

- sentiment is from the same set, stamped with Memento 'Tuxedo Black'

I'd also like to enter this into the current challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More, where your entry must be Clean and Simple.

Di
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Geisha girl

About four years ago I came across the free instructions for 'geisha girls' in a link from the lovely Kirsty Wiseman's blog - I started by making the costumes and a few cards and then the box of half done stuff got buried. Doing some sorting out here yesterday I came across the box again and made this:

 I used:

- DL white card stock

- The geisha girl was made as per Kirsty's instructions using some Japanese style origami paper that was also hidden away in the box (brilliant way to use up snippets too). The flower tucked in the geisha's hair, just behind her 'bun' which shows up in real life but I think not in the photo is just a silver rose peel off, stuck onto pearlescent pink paper and trimmed round

-  The grasses and sentiment were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and the

stamps are from The English Stamp Company called 'Oriental Clear Stamps' - had them for donkey's years and this is their first outing, slap wrists! Yeah right, but there's no indication of what the wording means - for all I know it could say 'Sweet and sour prawns, chicken and beansprout stir-fry, fried rice and prawn crackers for two please'.....or the equivalent in Japanese :(

Totally rubbish lighting here means the 'writing' side of the card look as if it isn't evenly stamped - how weird is that? Also,hindsight being 20/20 vision, I now think that the grasses could have been 'grounded' at the bottom right with the sentiment at the top of the left hand side - oops, too late :(Sigh.

Edit: I just whipped up another one, with the grasses and sentiment moved a bit:

Have also worked out that it's light coming in from a window to the left that's sort of fading the writing - Autumn is on the way, might have to begin using the daylight lamp for piccies :(

That translation business reminds me of a Tuesday Tale - will be back later with it.

Di
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Pixies Crafty Snippets Challenge - 31 & 32

It's been another busy week in the playground, despite the fabulous weather in parts of the UK and elsewhere, lots of you have been crafting away and then breaking out to come and play.

First, this is my snippets card:

And, amaaaaazingly, it's also for this week's challenge over at Less Is More, which is a sketch.

Whoop, whoop - it isn't very often a snippets card fits the bill for LIM - plus I haven't looked at other entries either just in case there's another one similar. Mind you, the stamp set isn't that easy to find, I stumbled across it last week in Hobbycraft and as it's a Kirsty Wiseman one just had to buy it of course.

I used:

- 6" x 6" square white card stock

- Kirsty Wiseman's 'Bags of Fun' stamp set, made by Personal Impressions

- snippets of blue, pink and mauve paper from the snippets folder

- a scrap of already cut and embossed scalloped edging card

- a couple of embossed lines done on the score board

Now that's what I like, a card that suddenly pops into my head just at the right moment.

The latest news about our playmate Mary H can be found here - hubby took her to a craft shop for an outing, how lovely to not only get out for a little trip but also to be taken to a craft shop by a fella - even if it did mean he didn't have to cook lunch! Good to see you're progressing Mary.

And, now the roll call, which I just might fall asleep over - we watched the whole of the Olympics opening ceremony and didn't get to bed until almost 2am. Then I was up at 6am making coffee and a bacon roll for Len before he trotted off down to Andover for the day to help out at some big archery event there.

First into the playground this week was Hazel, with the first of loads of cards - this one is so soft and very vintage, then in total contrast a very funky card in chartreuse, followed by this really yummy looking card in lovely sunny yellows. Hazel's next card used lots of lovely snippets - and there was also the confession that Hazel has 'boxes of offcuts because I have one for patterned paper, one for solid colours, one for cream and one for white' - then later another box containing Christmas snippets was owned up to as well. I do remember Jules posting photos of her snippets mountain a good while ago as well. After that, we had a visit with a great monochrome Christmas card, all in glorious reds, a brilliant Birthday card for a chap and then a really delightful Christmas card which is such an eye catcher - love it Hazel! I totally loved Hazel's next card too, which was 'white on white', never very easy to get right but this card is so elegant with beautiful embossing.  Then we had another fabulous Christmas card , which you can see here. It's a stepper card and the image is just gorgeous too. Loads of lovely cards again this week Hazel.

Sam was second to visit this week, bringing along this brilliant layout featuring her father-in-law in his wedding day - loads of interesting embellishments to set off a great photo and I just love the 'pre-decimalisation' additions too! Some of you UK girls will be too young to remember pounds, shillings and pence I bet :) Then Sam brought two cards, one specifically using snippets and the other one using part of a Christmas card from last year's received one. Yes, it's recycling but do scroll down to see it as well as the terrific 'official' snippets one featuring a gingerbread family! Both great cards Sam!

Linby (Lynn) was next with such a great card for last weeks Less Is More Challenge, which was on the theme of sewing. Our Lynn had been missing in action due to a prolonged viral infection, and was still feeling a bit wobbly so I parked her in the shade. The card, which you can see here, is super - great stamps with such a clever sentiment, paper piecing and a terrific embossed panel - just perfect for the LIM challenge Lynn, I think it's a winner.

Next was Jules, with this adorable snippets card. Beautiful colours Jules and the Pink Petticoat tree image is wonderful - lots of lovely Josy Rose nail heads too (it was Jules who kindly pointed me in the direction of Josy Rose some time ago now).Of course there's a heart on the card, as always, I'm constantly amazed by the number of heart stamps, buttons, ribbons etc. that Jules must have :)

Sandra H was next to come and play, bringing a totally adorable baby card. It's for a baby girl (lots of pink, grin), an easel card, ribbons, cute image and a sweet little baby's dummy along with other lovely detail. I did giggle just now at a comment that Darnell left, of course in the USA a dummy is probably something quite different in meaning, and they use the word pacifier or 'binkie'. Huh? 'Binkie'? Sigh, we do have a lot of differences in the use of words - but it's good fun finding out those differences :) Great card Sandra!

Gilly was next with a delightful New Home card, so cleverly done using paper piecing whilst still achieving a lovely clean and crisp look to the card. I love the addition of the pearls to the back of the chair Gilly, gives it a real 'buttoned back' look - great card! Still waiting to see more Wedding photos sometime please.

Then Darnell brought this super card to show - perfect for the LIM challenge last week - love the dress with the flowers at the waist Darnell. Ah, and more was to come - do make sure you read the whole post, it's funny as always and there are some really great photos to see - do look out for the 'button motorcycle'! Thanks for sharing with us :)

Laura was next into the playground, with this really stylish card for her Mum. A lovely clean looking card, with a great main image and an inspired daisy made from narrow ribbon - very clever Laura. Hope your Mum didn't take a peek at your blog and spoil the surprise after all.

Next was Karen T, with a charming Wedding card. Lots of flourishes, peel offs, flowers, leaves, lacy edges, a Wedding couple - all making a very full of detail card. And a cleverly done horseshoe too - not that it turned out to be needed - apparently the wedding is off! As I commented, how very rude of them to do such a thing  - although, better now than afterwards I guess :)

Mary Mac flew in next, bringing a selection of cards and they are all lovely. The real snippets one is the third one down, for a chap, and just perfect Mary. Great colour choice and some great embossing and punching of suede paper too. I bet your son-in-law will be so pleased with it Mary! Good to see you back home and playing again.

Next was Irene, with a brilliant card for a chap - the eight squares are a great idea and I do love the way you used all those SU nautical stamps Irene. Great mix of blues and the whole effect is really stunning - I've been scrabbling through my SU catalogue, I suspect Irene might have just used partial images in some places and it works so well!

OK, so we're into Rudolph Week as it was Rudolph Day on the 25th over at Sarn's, and you still have time to join in - up until Wednesday 1st August at 7pm GMT. And, to enter into the fun Victoria hopped into the playground with two absolutely super cute Rudolph cards - both very cleverly made by using SU punches in a totally different way - teamed with great papers and embossing too. I love both of them Victoria, so couldn't choose a favourite - and also love the little kitten all set to play Quidditch. Aaaaw.

Elizabeth was next and she brought two Christmas cards, using the same stamp but doing over stamping on the second one. I love both of them and the added touches of glitter on the trees are just perfect. If really pressed I'd probably choose the second one for the added detail - but would be delighted to have either on my mantelpiece this Christmas Elizabeth.

Then Sarn arrived, with a stunning easel card, made using SU products which always go together so well, for her monthly card class she now runs (go Sarn, just wish I lived closer). I adore the Aviary Stamp set and the colours (Rose Red and white) are fabulous together - do take a peek, you'll be inspired I'm sure. Very elegant card Sarn! 

And, last but not least, Amanda hopped in for a play and to show us a really great card for someone who just passed their driving test - the detail is just perfect Amanda, and it doesn't matter how many or how few snippets you use, every little bit might help to reduce the pile. Love all the different elements on the card and it's sure to be loved by the recipient.

Amanda made me laugh, wondering whether to make a Wedding card now for a December Wedding, I said go for it and I see so did a lot of others. Clever Victoria suggested putting on her blog where the safe place is that Amanda might store it in so we can remind her!

Phew, I did this in pretty quick time today - so just need to schedule it for this evening/midnight and I can now 'relax' by doing some ironing whilst watching TV - there might be some Olympics events I fancy idly gawping at.

Next weekend a flying visit to us is 'scheduled'. It's well over a year since we last saw Mia and Livi and a lot of things have changed in that time - not least themselves I expect. Plans are for us to go to Peppa Pig Land next Saturday - and in the days running up to their visit I'd be too busy to do a roll call, plus it's likely I could be lying down afterwards in a dark room recovering from going to see Peppa Pig on August Bank Holiday weekend. Anyone want to tag along, or are you all too sensible?

So, I propose to let the playground stay open for a two week run this time. I'll still be commenting on your own blogs, and also watching out for go-karts, pogo sticks and such of course :)

Have a great couple of weeks, keep using those snippets in between perhaps catching some Olympic events, and the playground will close on Saturday 11th August at noon UK time. If things change and the proposed visit gets cancelled then I'll revert to the usual one week but would let you know.

Mr Linky is below as usual.

Di
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The only conditions to playing nicely in the Snippet Playground are that your card (or anything else you wish to bring here to show) must be made by using up snippets (card, paper, lace and ribbon are all fine), and a link back to here in your own blog posting will mean that you'll be included in the Weekly Roll Call. Oh, and no nipping or hair pulling of course :)

Just 'poodling around'

On Tuesday, with a little bit of free time, I just 'poodled around' and came up with this card:

The backing papers were sent to me by Dee (aka Peggy when she comments) - a lovely pack of 'Parisian themed' papers - thank you again Dee!! I covered the card with one paper and then cut round circles in a diamond shape on one of the other papers. The image is called 'Petit' and is from Kirsty Wiseman's range of Bug Girls stamps - so very oh, la, la and French chic isn't she! Coloured with Pro Markers and then cut round to layer onto the card. The card candi was coloured using Pro Markers, the red, white and blue ribbon came from my stash (QVC I think). The poodle charm came from a super idea from Dee - Primark sell necklaces and bracelets with French themed charms on right now - poodles and Eiffel Towers to mention just a couple. I bought a necklace (or two) in Nottingham the other weekend and the poodle came from one of those. No bracelets to be had, I think crafters have cottoned on.......and the chain was from my stash.

So Sandra, now you know what I meant when I emailed about poodling around!

Di
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A Blog Candy Giveaway!

The so generous Kristin at Lilsweetpeaplace is giving away a whole heap of blog candy, to celebrate being published. As she says, there's so much stuff it isn't even funny!! Yay! Here's the link.



I'm celebrating a bit too -  some of you who follow Kirsty Wiseman will know she recently ran a huge raffle to raise funds for a cute little doggie in urgent need of an operation. The money was raised, and some! Plus, so many really generous donations of prizes rolled in from tons of retailers and individuals I sort of lost track!
And, lucky me - I won some stash. Kirsty picked 1st, 2nd and 18 runners up - I came in the runners up, whoop, whoop!! I won't know just what until it arrives but watch this space.

I hope it comes before we head off in search of sunshine in just over a week - don't know about you but it's p*ddling down here right now. Just the kinda day to craft - or catch up on ironing whilst watching a movie (no competition really!!). I'm mulling over what to take to play with whilst away - current favourite is a selection of stamped images and Aqua markers. I have lots of delicate images that lend themselves to water colouring rather than Pro Markers  - plus it's a lot less to stuff in my suitcase!! :))

Have a lovely day, whatever you're doing! I'm gonna do a bit of crafting plus some ironing - keeps my conscience appeased!!

Di
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Lila Bug card - not all angels have wings.............

This is another one of the Bug Girls stamps I bought from Kirsty Wiseman recently. I had a sentiment that I've wanted to use for ages in mind when I ordered Lila Bug and based this card round it:

The card is 7" x 5", so gives more room to play than an A6 card :) I topped it with pink card and then navy blue to pick out colours of the flowers in the paper piecing I used for Lila's dress and rounded the corners. The 'cloud card' was lurking in my stash (made by KanBan). I got brave and printed the sentiment onto the card before die cutting with a Labels Nestie. First try for me since I've now got a printer right alongside me so I can fiddle round and play more. It took a bit of trial and error with ordinary paper for positioning and such before I took the plunge with the cloud card but it worked out fine so I might well be printing more sentiments directly onto cards in future.

Lila was coloured using Aquamarkers before I added her dress. She was then popped onto to the cloud background and her wings were glittered with Stickles - they really sparkle too! The flowers were then punched out of the same paper as Lila's dress, added to the card and topped with some yummy pink pearls. Earlier this week I had a troll round town and somehow found myself in small craft shop (as one does!) that I hadn't been in for ages and came home clutching quite a few unusual bits and bobs including these lovely pastel pearls (made by Habico).  Just might have to force myself to go back this coming week for some more :)) It's a hard life!

Di

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What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? 95

Hi ladies! Crumbs, these Wednesdays seem to come around quickly!

My desk today shows that I'm trying to multi-task (also known as fiddling round, not able to concentrate on one thing at a time):

I've been playing with Kirsty Wiseman's new 'Bug Girls' stamps (love, love these....go here to see, and more are on the way!), but then I realised that Easter is looming so am also sticking little googly eyes onto some bunnies and ducks (I know, I need to get out more!). One of the Mima Bug cards I made a couple of days ago is still lying to the left, waiting for an insert, some Lila Bugs are waiting for me to decide on which paper to use for paper piecing them - they are just perfect for paper piecing! And there, propped up in the background to prick my conscience is a really great PB Slapstick stamp called You Are the Bestest that I was keeping it for a special occasion! It's gonna need some time to colour in but my plan is that this will be used on my step-mum's Mother's Day card. So I'd best get my skates on! Sometimes I need to have my back against the wall to get things done :)

And, just in case anyone thinks it all looks suspiciously tidy - take a gander at this little heap pushed to one side!! Oooops :(

I need to do a big sort out of that lot before it spills onto the floor - so much to do and so little time!

Edit: 10am - that untidy pile has now been sorted into smaller piles, categorised, onto our bed ready for me to put it all away into rightful homes.....a little bit has found its way to the bin, but not a lot! I now HAVE to clear and put it away else we won't be able to get into bed tonight :))

Easel cards seem to be still very much 'in' and this is an extract from a posting in December 2010, when only a handful of people knew about this blog and before I was brave enough to 'wear my big pants in public' on WOYWW :)

For ages I wanted to produce some labels to stick onto the back of easel cards showing how to display them - trust me, not everyone knows and it's such a shame when you go to all that trouble only to confuse the recipients of your efforts!

I found this website, although there are others too:

http://www.docrafts.com/project/Easel-Card-Label/p3173142

So, I made a copy of the image (thanks Becky!), re sized it, turned it 90 degrees and set up a page of labels! It was so easy I wished I'd bitten the bullet a long time ago!
I use Decadry labels - 65 per sheet - ref. OLW4730 - pack of 30 sheets from PC World.






This has saved me a lot of time as I used to handwrite the instructions onto each card I sent :) A picture is worth a thousand words they say!

If anyone has a burning desire to have a copy of the file emailed (it's just a Word file) - please let me know by leaving a comment or emailing me here: di_wray@hotmail.com
 
That's it for me - I'm off for a good old hop around to see what everyone is else up to :) Grab a cup of tea or coffee and join me here over at Julia's! (I'll be there too, in between trying to clear away those piles from our bed!)
 
Thanks to everyone who called by last week and for your lovely comments, and to those who have already joined in the Card Candy giveaway at the top of my blog.....not long now ladies. NB, one lovely Blogger has asked if I'll send abroad - of course I will, anywhere in this big, beautiful world!  

Di
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Mima Bug Card

The very talented Kirsty Wiseman has done it again! This time she's designed some gorgeous 'bug' girls - the name comes from their big, bug-like eyes. When I saw that she'd ventured into having some polymer stamps produced I was there tout suit!! You can also download digi-images and papers from Kirsty too - go here to see her stamps and  I bet you'll also have a good mooch round her blog :)

This is one of the stamps I bought, called Mima Bug, just inked up and ready to go:

I love the simplicity of these stamps, yet they have a character all of their own. I decided that they are perfect for paper piecing and this is what I produced:

Very straightforward - the card is approx. 6" square, topped with paper from Dovecraft's Back to Basics II set. The ribbon came from my stash - and I tied it as shown by Kirsty here by making a slit in the spine of the card and wrapping it round the inside of the card. I would have never thought of doing that so thank you for something else Kirsty!!

Little Mima was coloured using Aquamarkers and her dress, hat and shoes were paper pieced also using paper from the same Dovecraft set. She originally had bare feet and my OH was the one who suggested I made her some little shoes................I might find him crafting yet :) The flowers were punched using an X-Cut 3-D Punch and emboss punch with a teeny brad in the centre.

I'll be making more of these little darlings!

Di
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