Still Struggling

Thank you so much for your encouragement yesterday, It really helped get me back on track. I decided to do  a couple of challenges to have some focus. This card is for Less Is More (LIM) Who would like a one layer card with hearts, I find one layer cards very difficult but through having a good look at the amazing people who played along I thought I would have a go and I am quite pleased with the result (for once lol).

This tag is for two challenges, Less Is More and Gingersnap Creations they are doing a colour challenge of blue, purple & turquoise, I love these colours I kept with the heart & one layer theme to fit in with LIM.

And I thought, hey while your on a role and the ink is out why not do another Tag, I do love this heart stamp lots so I had to use it. I didn't quite like the white back ground so I used another new stamp form Hero Arts (this is going to get so much use) Gave it a very like grey ink colour and then it stayed in the background and I have to say I really like this one so I feel the passion and mojo returning, we're not quite there but it's on its way. A big thank you again to the lovely ladies who commented yesterday thank you. And thank you to all of you who visit day after day. Love Dawn xx

My First Christmas cards

Hi me again, how is your day going? it's still wet here in the NW of the UK So plenty of reason to be crafting. I am however finding it hard at the moment. I just keep making things hoping desperately that something will come to mind. It's not just the mojo, it's my passion for crafting it's self that seems to have left me. I am so sad about my feeling towards crafting at this moment. I hope it lifts soon. So I thought I would try some new stamps, I have bought some of Tim's new Christmas ones they are fab. I really like them but I just can't think how to use them (mind is so not working here). My theory is when lack of mojo hits, is just to make anything and keep going until you start getting some where.

As you can see, both are very similar, I think they will pass to give someone (just) but I can't help but thinking I am still way out from where I would like to be. There is something missing from both the cards, maybe a sentiment of the angel one, but what about the top one? What can I add to make them better cards? any suggestions? Maybe it's because I haven't made any cards for ages but I think I'm kidding my self by saying that.

These were my first attempts and these will not be going anywhere but the bin! (although I may cut the hearts out for journal pages). These are just total disasters, I was trying to create one layer cards, but these just don't look right to me at all. So I think this has been a brave thing for me to do, show my worst makes of the day! lol Although they won't be a complete waste of time, as I will salvage something from these two mistakes (card and hearts) So how is your crafting day going? Love Dawn xx

Card for all the single ladies ;0)

So sunny this Sunday really difficult to take photos lol. I had to join in this challenge when I saw this image. Try it on Tuesday are asking for a card with the influence of a song. I love Beyonce I know I am probably way to old but I'm to old to care ha ha. Any way back to the card. If you haven't guessed already my song influence is 'ALL THE SINGLE LADIES'

Don't they look like they know something you don't ;0) and having a lovely time. I have copied the image on to photo paper and aged it and the rest I think you know. Just a quick card with a little humour. have a lovely Sunday. Dawn xx

This is for those who don't know the song. it wouldn't allow the real Beyonce so this for comic relief will have to do lol

Vintage card, tag & a challenge

You know when you make something and your just so happy with it? This is what happened for me making this B'day card. I haven't made a card for a while and I wanted some thing special, as it's my mum's 60th (she doesn't look it though, I hope I have her young looking genes ha ha) in March and I wanted to be prepared and I am happy with the first attempt. I love this style. The perfume bottle is from the graphic fairy It's a fantastic site. Can't remember where the woman image came from (if any one knows let me know I can give them credit) Click to enlarge, the paper is a cracking price 30p from Art from the heart it's called 'sweetie' they have lots at this price. I added some stamped images of my own with TH distress ink, spun sugar to.

Here's a close up of the perfume bottle. I shrunk it so I could make a accent with it. It's coloured and then some Glossy accents to give it a glass feel don't think you can see it to well on this photo though.

I made this quick tag for a challenge with Tag Tuesday I haven't played in ages and it was nice to go back. The theme this week is 'Post Card' the options are endless for this, but I settled for this. Have a fabby week end. Love Dawn xx

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #29

Hello hello. Is it cold here in the NW of the UK? Yes it is! oh such a chilly today my hands were turning blue and I had leather gloves on, saying that the skies are blue and clear so I don't mind as much =) Although parts of America woke up to 10 feet of snow yesterday. So Shouldn't complain I guess. There is always some one worse off than your self isn't there?

I have been making a card for a swap I am doing (the swap isn't the card though) it's some thing else and I  have sent it on it's merry way. Having a wonderful day so far, Been up very early and also been to the Chorley/Preston Temple. Oh how I love the peace and tranquillity found there.

This card is also for Linda's challenge CCC# 29 found on page 50 so do look to your Tim book and have a go. I kinda like the effect of this, maybe I would use card stock next time as the emboss wasn't very deep on grunge and so I found the sanding part difficult (or was that just me?). But I really do like the effect. I have been trying to leave comments but not been able to for two days, what's all that about? Well I managed to leave one last night and again this morning so I assume blogger is working again. So I will pop by and make a few comments come Monday as I have just got home with my darling little grandson James so we shall be playing out this weekend (please no rain) and I'll hopefully be back Monday to play some more. Have a wonderful week end what ever you decide to do be safe and have fun. Love Dawn xx

Birthday Cards.

How have you been my bloggy pal's? I hope I find you well to day and that you have had some fun crafting (or you will very soon). I have joined a wonderful swap for tea cups & saucers, this is where I will send a person one of my TC&S to a fellow swaper. If you like teacups like I do there is still time, to join in the fun, there is a link on the right hand side but hurry as we all have to have them sent off by the end of January so we have new gifts in time for Valentines.

I have two birthdays this week, both are on Sunday unusually, (friends from church) This is for Barbara I stamped this beautiful image on photo glossy paper, these stamps from the stampsmith are even better on glossy paper than on card stock although very nice on either.

Here's a close up, I also put some of that glass glitter that looks so vintage. There is also some vintage lace I have had ages it just fits so perfectly with the colours I thought. I put some stamped images and ribbon on the inside.

This card is for Pat. Different image (Oxford Impressions) but stamped on linen card stock I love the added texture here there is also another smaller male image on the inside.

Here is the Close up I love the added tag (from Papermania) I think I have had this tag for at least 2yrs ;0) every thing fits when it fits don't throw anything away lol. The remember scallop comes out (how cute) I have written a little message on her for her. I hope they like their cards, I really enjoyed making them. Have a wonderful day Love Dawn xx.

For my Sweet Hubby

Morning gang ;0) If you read yesterdays post you will know that  hubby and I have our Anniversary on Thursday, and we are still very much in love Aah lol. So with the next event on the crafty calender being Valentines I thought I would use this theme to create a card for hubby and fit a few challenges in while I'm at it lol. Over at Studio L3 Linda is having fun again each Monday with Tim's Book and this week it's rusty grunge. I really do like this technique. I am also playing along with GSC I am using Petra's idea of scraps. And lastly  Artistic Stamper who want to see wings.

The lights was so poor this morning despite us having more snow in the NW of UK today. Here you can see a wee bit better the details of the rusty grunge key which I give to my hubby who used it to set my heart free to love him for all eternity *swoon* the heart is slightly raised over the grungy alcohol inked cage. The wings and heart are made form scraps as well as the obvious vintage music paper. I hope your NY is going as planned and your all well, I'll be popping round a few blogs today to see what you have all been up to. Love Dawn xx

First craft of the New Year.

A wonderful Happy New Year to you. I am getting back to normal now ;0) All the Christmas decorations and DVDs are away again until December. It's going to be a busy week this week. My friends Mother passed last week and so I have the funeral to go to on Wednesday. This is the card I have made, I really need to get some sentiments with a good variety (have you seen anything you can suggest?). Although I have a nice verse inside the card. It is sad to loose friends. But I bare testimony that this life is not the end we carry on to live for all eternity and we will all be together with our families forever! There is also a baby due any day now for my cousin so that is a wonderful day to look forward to. And unusually they kept the sex secret so there will be a beautiful bundle with us soon. And if that wasn't enough it's our wedding anniversary on Thursday, so I will have to get busy lol.

This is the first time I have used this stamp (Maribel-Stampelglede) and I hope from the close up you can see the distress glitter. As well as new paper (Anna Griffin)I thought I would enter this for a challenge or two as it's the new year and challenges are always a good way to get back in to the swing of things when you have been enjoying quality time with family  & friends and have been away from crafting for a week or two. So I am entering this into SSS&S they want to see your new stamps. And Creative Inspirations would like to see anything new you have. I have been lucky this year I have a few new stamps from Crafty Individuals too and I hope to show you some of those soon. I hope you have all had a wonderful beginning to 2011 and that your blogs and crafty selves will continue to stop by and share your wonderful artiness with me. Love Dawn xx

SCD Colour theme 'Autumn Colours orange brown & Gold'

 

It's Friday again, and a new month. I have great news your going to love this months theme. You can make ANYTHING! Yes that's right, anything. All this month we will have a colour combo each week for you to follow. You can make one of our previous challenges like an inchie, arch,  twinchie, ATC or even a card the ball is in your court so do play ;0). This is a simple card my daughter-in-law was in hospital all yesterday having an operation and I have my beautiful grandson since Wed. so it has been a little difficult to do any thing too time consuming. However, as we can make anything I hope to alter something this month using the colour combo so I think this month is going to be so much fun! Pop along  Here to have a look at the other DT members who have yet again done a super job. I had a great time looking at all your arches through the month of Sept. and I hope you will join us all again this month. So get your creative juices flowing, and I will see you soon. Love Dawn xx.

Compedium of Curiosites week 6

Hello, I am linking this to the Challenge at  Linda's  it's week 6 Linda's challenge each Monday is always from the book, Compendium of Curiosity's by Tim Holtz And this weeks CCC it's on page 66 so if you would like to follow us please have a go.

I decided to use some vintage sheet music, I added a little DI and then some PP so as to give the gilded cage look! and all this is on some lovely grunge paper. I can't help but love the smell of this ha ha. I have also used some of Tim's new DP as a back ground isn't it lush? I have been popping to his blog to see all the sneak peeks for CHA and we in UK are going to have to wait at least 12 weeks (well usually this is the case) until these goodies filter through to some UK suppliers. So many lovely new things on my list and that's just Tim's what about every one else at CHA? I need an unlimited credit card that  never have to pay back ROFL. I notice a few new followers out there, Hi ya your so welcome to stop by any time and of course comment ;0) Don't forget to pop by tomorrow  I have another post, did you know I am on  DT  at  SCD lol and it will be my 3rd week tomorrow so I do hope you stop by and join in. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Tim Holtz, Grunge Paper, Design Paper (DP) Distress Inks (DI) Ticket and clasp. Ranger Perfect Pearls (PP) Ribbon Stash. Bird stash. Card Stock Stampin Up (SU)

Shabby Chic and news of Dude

Hi ya. Oh my, we had a great thunderstorm last night! and the rain has only just stopped (well about half an hour ago) and the sun is shining brightly. Don't you just love the English weather? I love a good thunderstorm. Looky here I made a card. I don 't feel as though I have made a card in simply ages. I hope you like it. I am going to enter this in to Linda's Monday Tim Holtz challenge click my side bar for more info or click on Linda's name.

Now as you know I love a close up ;0) so here you can see the sun streaming through so  got great picks today. Thought I was going to have to use my flash but no! So, how did I make this card? I have used Tim's Die Cuts on my Cuttle bug to cut out some copper metal shapes, but for more info of how to get the yummy texture look on pg 43 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities. The rest I think is self explanatory some vintage music sheets aged up even more, a pretty wooden dove covered in fabric, some lovely DP distressed with ink, and a beautiful vintage button to finish this card off in the centre of some delish aged ribbon. Hope you like it, oh and another follower has joined our merry band welcome, you have made me smile today. 

And as I am a super proud mummy to Dude I thought I would take some photos and share them with you, he is now in the side bar too! (if you click his photo on the side bar you will be taken to a list of shelters in tameside where animals need our help, there will be a local animal shelter near you  to) 

He has been with us just over a week now and well and truly made him self at home. Now hubby was never a big cat lover. I mean he would never harm one but much preferred dogs, I am sure you know what I meen.  Dude has warmed him up so much lol he is almost dog like in some ways, he sits at your feet when your cooking in the kitchen (like Dita used too) almost as if he's waiting for scraps, but never takes any thing. And when we sit in the front room to watch some TV, he walks in and then just flops down on his side just like a dog would. Hubby, also gets to play with him. Dude loves him too. But some times, just sometimes. I get the most loving cuddles as he jumps up, sits on my lap and he rubs his face against my cheek. Hunny is a little older (6yrs) and will curl up all adorable like and snooze bless her, but is coming round to playing more and seeking attention. I wonder why? lol so just a quick up date on the big fella for you. Love Dawn xx

Fathers Day card

Hello Newbie followers it seams every time I come to post I have new followers (HOW COOL IS THAT?) I am so thrilled you think it's worth popping by time after time (especially as it's been a little sad here of late, we'll say no more on that subject, still getting used to the fact she isn't here any more) and still you are joining my journey I am totally surprised every time some one becomes a follower, like people find what I do interesting is really so cool. I am so grateful for all of you, thank you. Well it's Friday evening and the cricket's on and then the England match later (I'm not  complaining) he only ever watches FB when the world cup is on and even then usually only the England matches, nope my hubby is more a rugby/cricket fan and I can so live with that! So, here I am, guilt free at the crafty table in my kitchen (craft room) ha ha Having made my darling hubby a card from his grand son for Fathers day (already done one from his sons) I may just stick my name on this one too lol. 

There are a couple of challenges I would like to enter this card into as well. There is the lovely Hels who would like us to think of numbers this week over at the Sunday Stamper and a prize too! so pop over. And the wonderful Stampin' Sisters in Christ would like a male/fathers day card. Do pop to these wonderful challenges if you can, there is some super talent and love waiting for you at both these challenges.

And it wouldn't be a post from me with out a close up now would it? lol This is a very simple card (and Quick! if you have forgot or if yr short on time) I have used some wonderful male DP and distressed the edges. A little stamping and a few little bits added and done! I hope you like this little offering. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Card Stock, Stampin' Up! (SU) Design Paper (DP) Graphic45. Inks,  Stayzon, Distress inks Tim Holtz, Ranger. Ribbon (tape measure) ? Stamps, Paper Artsy. Ticket, Tim Holtz.

Shabby Chic

Well after making one card yesterday I got in the mood and made this. I love the shabby chic style too. What's a girl to do when she like so many different things? Well simple, buy more stash ha ha.  Any who I thought I would play with The Shabby Tea Room well couldn't have a more fitting card could I? lol they are wanting 'Heart' this week! and while I am at it, I thought I would play with Tuesday Taggers they would like 'Texture' and I feel I have managed this criteria as well They are also being sponsored by Tanda Stamps and I popped by to have a look and gosh they have some grat stamps too (fingers crossed). And why not play with Sir Stampalot for a 2nd time this month, and they want 'Punches' in the month of June (not literal fisty cuffs I hasten to add lol).

Want a better look? here's a close up! I covered some plain chip board with CS and DP and then inked them up and added some gems & pearls don't you just adore the ribbon? Oh heaven for Esty buys, but it cost more in postage than it did for the ribbon! so a real luxury but it was very worth it I hope you think so too!

Mmmm so how did I make it? well it took a while but I think it was worth it. I love the feel of this card (no idea who it's for though ha ha ) these days I tend only to make a card when I need one as I have 100s (I do not exaggerate) and I still haven't got round to doing a craft fair yet! And I would just hate to give them away at £1 each as you don't seem to get alot these days for this kind of stuff and I would rather keep them. Any way I cot some CS then added some DPs then some more CS stamped it with a lovely script stamp (delish) The I got the sewing machine out and added the vintage lace. Then i got the cuttle Bug out and made a frame and dry embossed it. phew! I told you it took a while to make lol

Well I then stuck it all together and took some photos in the most beautiful sunshine, it's so sunny I hope you can see the cards detail ok. I hope your having  safe fun in the sun, and you enjoyed my card, don't forget to pop around to the DTs they do work hard to give inspiration in these challenges don't they? and if you can leave a comment and I can hopefully get round to your blog too! Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Stamp, Stampin Up (SU) french script. Design Papers (DPs) Mellisa Frances & Crafty Individuals. Card stock SU Ribbon http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemrieMare if you would like to have a looksey. Cuttlebug EF & Die cut, Nesties. Punch, Marther Stewart.

Time waits for no man!

I haven't made a card for a while but fathers day is coming up in the UK 20th June so I thought I would get a head start for a change. And it will come in handy for a couple of challenges too! Three Muses this week theme is 'Time' and I have missed participating so much but time doesn't seem to wait for any Woman either! lol I am also going to put this in for Tag it on the theme is 'Steam Punk' I am really loving steam punk projects! I probably won't qualify as it's not a tag (sorry but I wanted to show my support) you have had some fantastic themes these last few weeks and I have just had not enough time of late, keep up the fabby work hun.

The DP is just amazing! I could use it on so many projects! So I put this on some card stock, then stamped out an image and stuck this to some ribbon applied a charm through the stamped image and aged the whole thing with distress ink!

I couldn't stop there...... so I had a go at the inside too! the boys call their Dad 'Pappa Duke' don't ask I have no idea but i thought i would put this in the middle (I feel it really personalises for him from them) and then the boys can write what they like. They have seen the card and quite made up with it so I hope hubby likes it too! I am just thinking I suppose I had better make one from me and from our grandson, so maybe I am not ahead after all DOH! ;0) I just changed the font for this post as I think it adds to the steam punkiness Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- Design paper (DP) Graphic 45 & card stock Stampin' Up! Stamps, Paper Artsy & Artistic stamper. Inks archival & distress inks from Ranger. Charm & ribbon in my yummy stash!

My first Fabric Paper!

It's Monday, I hope you have had a lovely weekend too. Look how sunny it was yesterday (Sunday) when i took these photos. I made some fabric paper (FP) and it was so much fun! This is some cotton I got from a charity shop (you would usually use muslin) however cotton is fine I used a table cloth  but you can use an old blouse tea towel ( as long as it's a thin 100% cotton). I got some vintage sheet music riped it all up the covered in waterd PVA glue then added crumpled up tisue paper un-crumpled it then more PVA and let it dry.

Oh while the PVA was wet, I added some liquid acrylic (just a few drops) then brushed it all over,  on my 2nd piece I used a couple of colours of GM and brushed it together (you can use ink or paint wash) I wish I had more room I would of done more than two sheets, and I have already used it in a project! (see below). So if you like to get a wee bit messy and would like to try something new, why not make some FP.

What do you think? It's been a while since I made a card. I am going to use this for some challenges I think you can guess the 1st one ;0) this will be my 3rd entry (as long as each entry is different eg. card, ATC, LO etc you can enter as many times as you like) 10 cards would only be one entry though. Yep  it's for Sir Stampalot you know I want that prize. A darling Tim Holts goodie bag (fingers crossed) The theme is 'Blossoms & Butterfly's. Next it's SSIC I love the ladies here and the spirit they bring to each Sunday. Their theme is 'Music/singing' and there is lots of music notes and the birdy is singing.  Next Allsorts theme is 'Birthdays' And the final challenge is Sunday Stamper and the lovely Hel's theme is 'Red' and there is plenty of yummy red on this.

I went all Tim Holtz (TH) on this card. I have used the fabric paper to punch out some of TH flowers and the birdy I have edged the flowers in red DI

I also die cut the bird cage, it's metal, I have used alcohol inks to put colour and texture on the cage,  (I love the effect) And you can see my bird better here made from the FP too!

I didn't want to put happy B'day on the front but I think this would make a lovely B'day card. the ticket is another TH die cut coloured with DI and a beautiful butterfly stamp embossed (so it is raised) to add yet more texture. This idea came to me in a flash when I thought about the birdcage and I love this card. I hope you do to. Thank you to all my visitors for your kind words and encouragement. I have been stopping by quite a lot of new blogs as well as my usual ones and I am never disappointed but always blown away by your talent so your comments mean so much to me. Love Dawn xx

Items Used:- there's a few lol. Stamps, Crafty Individuals and  Stampin' Up! Alcohol inks, Ranger. Perlescent liquid acrylic paints, Daler & Rowney.  Papers (DP) K&Co. Mini Letters & Brad, Making Memories. Distress inks (DI) & Die cuts (alterations) Tim Holtz. Material, tissue, jump rings, vintage sheet music & beads from my stash.