Blue Jelly Too

NEW BLOG

2011-06-29T09:36:00.000+01:00

Hiya
Just a small note to say I will no longer be updating this blog. I've been running my other blog for over a year now and have decided that that's the one for me!

So if you'd like to hop over and have a look and maybe follow that would be fab. It's got lots of ideas and tutorials, fab offers and now and then some yummy candy too!

You can find it HERE

Hugs
Victoria
x

Win a Sizzix Big Shot Today!

2011-05-15T06:16:00.000+01:00

Come and visit my stand at the Max Paper Craft Show at the Harvey Hadden Stadium, Nottingham for your chance to win a Sizzix Big Shot Machine.

Show open from 10am

Victoria

Massive Paper and Sugar Craft Sale

2011-05-03T08:13:00.002+01:00

Come and grab a bargain on

Sunday 8th May

10.30am - 1.30pm

FREE entry

Old People's Welfare Centre, Arnold. NG5 6JZ

(Opp the Greyhound Pub)

Plenty of bargains for card making, scrapbooking, jewellery making and sugar craft.

Try your hand at a Make & Take in my Stampin' Up! area. Catalogues for sale, orders, class and party bookings taken too.

FREE prize draw for Stampin' Up! goodies on the day

Come and have a chat about joining Team Jelly and becoming a demonstrator yourself!

Victoria

FREE Stampin Up and paper craft event

2011-02-05T11:15:00.002Z

Paper & Sugar Craft Event

It’s bargain time and if you can get to my Paper & Sugar Craft Event you’re bound to bag a bargain and have lots of fun at the same time.

Lots for sale including card making, scrapbooking & jewellery making supplies – new and second hand. There will also be handmade cards available to buy. And now sugar craft items too!

FREE – prize draw with paper craft prize

Discover the creative you with Stampin’ Up! products

Pull up a chair and try out some fabulous Stampin’ Up! craft products for free in my ‘make and take’ corner.

Stuck for inspiration?

Lots of card, gift sets and projects to inspire you

Fancy a career in crafting?

Talk to me about how to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator yourself, working the hours you choose and doing what you love.

Sun 6^th February, 11AM – 3PM

FREE entry at: Arnold Old People’s Welfare Centre, Nottingham Rd, Arnold.

Local Paper Craft Classes

As featured in Quick Cards Magazine issue 83

My paper craft classes are a great place to meet fellow crafters and enjoy some quality fun time. All levels of crafters very welcome. All my class projects use Stampin’ Up! stamps and products.

You will receive full photo instructions to enable you to re-create the projects at home using other stamp sets and supplies. Adhesive is not included so please bring your own or order some at time of booking.

Class places do need to be booked in advance – please contact me for details

Victoria – bluejellystampin@sky.com · http//bluejellystampin.blogspot.com · 07748 707845

I'm in Quick Cards Made Easy!

2011-01-04T13:51:00.000Z

Woo-hoo, I've just nipped out to the shops to buy issue 83 of Quick Cards Magazine. As well as a double page spread on Stampin' Up! there's a feature on my classes on page 63:

I'm so so excited about it, there's a photo of my last all day class at Somercotes in there too so some of my ladies have made it into print! Being as the article is all about my classes, I thought I'd tell you a bit more about the classes I have planned over the next few months.

You can see a full list of my classes, along with themes and prices HERE. My next classes are on Sunday 16th January at 10.30am and 1.30pm and as I've had lots of comments on my clean and simple style, I decided to do a class full of clean and simple thank you cards.

I always need lots of thank you cards in the new year so figured it was a good time to run the class! Here are just some of the cards we'll be making:

The class costs £15 including all the kit you need, refreshments and a chip buttie. Or you can also choose to pay £21 which includes all the kit plus your own Thank You Kindly stamp set to use and take home.

Did you know I now run Scrap Booking classes too? My next class is on Tuesday 18th January at 7.30pm. The theme is 'winter' and we'll be making two 12x12 layouts. The cost is £10 including all your kit or £22 including all your kit and a 12x12 scrapbook too!

All classes are held at my home in Arnold and you will need to bring along your own adhesive. All tools are provided but you're more than welcome to bring your own basic tool kit if you don't want to share!

I also have just a few spaces remaining in my next all day stamp class:

Saturday 29th January, Somercotes Parish Hall, Somercotes. Just £30 for a full day of creativity, includes:

All the kit to make loads of fabulous projects
Full photo instructions and demonstrations too
A FREE raffle ticket
Refreshments and snacks

You'll want to bring some cash with you though as the raffle prizes are well worth winning! There will be Stampin' Up! idea book and catalogues for sale as well as tons of projects on display to inspire you. Please bring along your own basic tool kit and a packed lunch.

All class places need to be booked and paid for in advance, I'd love to see you there. Please contact me on 07748 707845 or email me at bluejellystampin@sky.com to book your place.

Hugs

Printing on Clothes

2010-12-20T16:20:00.000Z

You know when you have a great idea going round in your head and then spend forever trying to decide how to make it work? Well my little nephew was born nearly two weeks ago now and he had a very traumatic start to life. He's now home safe and sound with his Mummy and Daddy and as pround Auntie, I wanted to make him a few very special Christmas presents. Here are two of them, I think I'm safe as I'm sure my brother doesn't read my blog!

I've used the Emile Elephant image which is a newbie over at the DigiStamp Boutique. To get him on to the baby vests, I firstly opened the image up in Paint and carefully coloured him in then copied him to Powerpoint and added my nephew's name. Then copied the lot in to Word and flipped it so the font and image were both mirrored before printing on to T-shirt transfer paper and ironing on to the vests. I tell you, it's easier to colour with pens and inks than this way!! It took me ages to zoom in and slowly colour around the edges one pixel at a time. Here's a close up of one of the vests:

I'm really pleased with how they turned out as I have never tried this before. Now I need to make a matching card, gift bag or box and tag so check back soon to see how they turn out. I'll also be having a go at stamping on some baby clothes soon too - I'm in the experimenting mood!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Christmas Doodles

2010-12-17T14:25:00.000Z

OK - so after my plans to make my own Christmas cards whilst on holiday and the weekend we returned went totally to pot, I am now madly trying to catch up. I think it's more likely I will be sending New Year cards now instead of Christmas ones! Anyway, not one to give up just yet - here are a few made using the super Christmas Doodles images from the DigiStamp Boutique - currently 20% off!!!

I printed the images directly on to Crumb Cake card and left them as simple as possible with just a few areas shaded for a change instead of the whole image. I quite like the way they've turned out.

These were so quick and easy to make so if you've left your cards to the last minute too - hop over and get yourself these images which are part of a larger set.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Emile and Emily

2010-12-15T13:49:00.000Z

Wow these little fuffants are so so cute! Meet Emile and Emily with Balloon from the DigiStamp Boutique.

Aren't they sweet? I found some old kraft style cards in my cupboard, they've got a bit of a ridge to them so wasn't sure who they'd turn out. I've coloured them with Copics, Galaxy Markers and a Stampin' Up! white gel pen. The punches, papers and sentiment stamp are also Stampin' Up!

Here's Emile with Balloon:

And a close up of him:

Here's Emily with Balloon:

And a close up of Emily too:

There is another version of each image too which I hope to do something fun with later this week.
Oh and before I forget, there's 20% off all Christmas images this week over at the DigiStamp Boutique so if you're a bit last minute - go grab some images!

If you've not read my other blog yet this week, I've been absent due to a family break to Centre Parcs which started off fabulously and then turned very ugly when we all got ill. I won't go in to detail but we're trying to get some tests done to determine what it was - a bug or food poisoning. I am left 11.5lbs lighter which is a slight bonus!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Paper craft sale and Stampin' Up! Event postponed

2010-12-04T12:24:00.000Z

I'm sorry to have to post postpone the Paper Craft Sale and Stampin' Up! Event this Sunday at the Old People's Welfare Centre.

I will let you know the new date as soon as one has been organised. Massive apologies, this isn't just down to the poor weather.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Party Beau

2010-12-03T11:58:00.000Z

OK I lied, I know I said I was over my printing digi's on Crumb Cake but I'm not. It all started with the cute little spotty cat and I couldn't resist having another go with Party Beau. You can get her as part of this months special offer over at the DigiStamp Boutique! I've used some window sheet with Crumb Cake to make my card base.

I coloured her with Copics and paper pieced her outfit, bag and shoes to brighten it up a little.

Then some paper piercing and faux stitching with a white gel pen, followed by some Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon, a rhinestone brad and a filigree brad too. The sentiment is Stampin' Up! Basic Phrases, punched out with the jewellery tag punch and the border created with the scallop trim border punch.

It's soooo cold here today, it was minus 10 this morning so I'm staying inside. I have loads of prep to do for my paper craft sale and Stampin' Up! event on Sunday so it's all for the best really!

Hugs
Victoria
x

More Winter Beau

2010-12-02T10:33:00.001Z

Oooh I must be nuts. I just ventured in to our conservatoire to take a photo of this card (that's where my light box lives) and it's arctic in there! Let me explain, those of you who have a mental picture of my conservatory being a deluxe, double glazed, white clean, bright lovely place to sit and craft or let the kids play - wipe that image from your minds now. Replace it with, wood, scrap that, rotting wood, single pane glass and a lot of mahogony varnish. Oh and no heating! Not idea of a dream conservatory but the dream is out of our price range at the moment so we have to make do with what is there!!

So enough moaning minnie, here's my card!

I promise to outgrow my phase of printing on Crumb Cake and using Copics and try something new soon! I've teamed Winter Beau up with some lush Stampin' Up! papers and stamps and made this quite simple card.

You can get Beau at the DigiStamp Boutique as part of December's offer of the month.

Back tomorrow
Hugs
Victoria
x

Bit of Beau

2010-12-01T14:55:00.000Z

Ooh December the 1st and my second post of the day too! Some new images have been released today at the DigiStamp Boutique and I couldn't wait to create! So, meet Winter Beau:

Excuse the quality of the photo but ligh is fading fast and I wanted to snap her today! I've printed her onto Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake card and shaded her with Copics and a white gel pen. All papers and punches are also Stampin' Up!

There are three gorgeous Beau images available so please pop over and take a look and enter our monthly competition too.

Hugs
Victoria
x

no card but lots of soft white fluffy stuff

2010-12-01T10:02:00.000Z

No card or WOYWW for me today but an early walk at 7.15 this morning to go and get some supplies with Zac:

And the back garden too:

Hope to do some crafting later, Hubby is home as to many roads closed and once he's done some working from home, followed by some hardcore snowman building - the afternoon is mine to disappear and create. Woo-hoo!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Spotty Dog

2010-11-30T11:23:00.000Z

Brr could it be any colder here? We've had more snow and it's still snowing so a snuggly day indoors is the order of the day for us. I'd share a photo but I'm not venturing out to take one! Yesterday I showed you my latest creation using Spotty Cat from The DigiStamp Boutique and today I'm sharing Spotty Dog:

I created the card in a similar way to Spotty Cat by printing him directly on to Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake card and layering on Marina Mist. I shaded him with a mix of Copics, white gel pen, Galaxy markers and pencil crayons. I think I've got a bit better on the Copic shading on coloured card now. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up! Something Sweet and I've added a strip of patterned paper and a large eyelet, tried to avoid using ribbon! Here's a close up:

I'm really enjoying colouring and printing on something other than white card and have some Christmas cards planned for tomorrow.

Hugs
Victoria
x

I thought I saw a puddy cat

2010-11-29T15:58:00.000Z

Oooh it's getting harder to take photos now the days are getting shorter, I need to get ahead of myself so I can take a load of photos in good natural light. Not much chance of that tomorrow with the snow forecast we have here!

Anyway, onto the card and all that. Love this new image of Spotty Cat which you can get your paws on over at The DigiStamp Boutique right now.

I printed Spotty Cat directly on to Crumb Cake card and then shaded her with Copics for the natural furry look and then a pink Galaxy marker for the spots and flower and highlights done with a white gel pen. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up! level two hostess set Longfellows and the pink card and ribbon are Pretty in Pink. Finished off with a pawfectly pretty border using a Stampin' Up! punch. I'm going to do something similar tomorrow with the Spotty Dog I think!

I lurve how DigiStamp Boutique images go so well with my Stampin' Up! supplies, makes life so easy for me!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Craft Fair Saturday

2010-11-26T20:30:00.002Z

Just a quickie to say if you're out and about in Nottingham tomorrow, please pop by and see me at the Arnold Methodist Church Christmas Craft Fair. It's next to the market and is open from 9.30 -2.30.

Be lovely to see you

Hugs
Victoria
x

A little bit of Hoot and Hootie

2010-11-23T08:35:00.000Z

Oooh have you seen these new little cuties from the Digi Stamp Boutique? Introducing Hoot and Hootie - if you love them too, grab them whilst they are on offer!

I seem to always colour my digi images in so thought I'd try something a bit different. This idea actually came to me whilst I was lying in bed at about 2am and I had to get up to write it down in case I forgot the next day! I would have too! I printed the images on to Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake card and layered on Real Red. Then I simply coloured in small areas of the images instead of the whole thing. I've used Stampin' Up! white gel pen and red and green Galaxy Markers - they're ideal for working on coloured or dark card.

This is my favourite of the collection - both Hoot ad Hootie together:

Here's Hoot looking all hopefull with a sprig of mistletoe!

And again Santa'd up!

I like this effect so no doubt will be trying some other images out this way too.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Cupcake Fairy

2010-11-22T11:18:00.000Z

At Cupcake Challenge this week our theme is to use fairies or a panto theme. I got stuck with the panto theme so went with the cutie fairies instead. I've used Tallulah from the Digi Stamp Boutique, isn't she so sweet? I've shown you a close up of the image on my card so you can see her in detail and also the sweet border sticker too. It's from the Love Stories Scrappin Kit by Stampin' Up! and I thought the wording was perfect for this challenge. It was a challenge to use as I printed and coloured Tallulah and then stuck the border sticker down. Had to cut round by hand - eeeeeeek!

Here's the full card, all elements are from teh same Scrappin Kit:

Hope you like her. Pop back tomorrow to see a set of fabbo Christmas cards using one of the newest sets of images from the Digi Stamp Boutique.

I'm off for a latte now, we traded in our clubcard vouchers yesterday and got a Tassimo machine, a new vacuum and still have vouchers left. We were supposed to get a new landline handset as ours has about had it, but the man at Tesco gave me the wrong vouchers and then refused to swap them. I won't type here what I said to him as I wasn't very polite!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Nottingham Max Papercraft Show THIS Sunday!

2010-10-15T20:38:00.001+01:00

If you want to come and see some of the fab Stampin' Up! products and have a go at a FREE make and take - come and see me THIS Sunday 17th October at the Harvey Hadden Stadium in Nottingham.

If you've been thinking about signing up as a demonstrator yourself, please come and have a no pressure chat or ask for one of my info packs.

Plenty of samples to see, catalogues for sale, goody bags for everyone and a fabulous raffle.

Hope to see you there
Hugs
Victoria
x

Get Well soon card

2010-10-11T18:32:00.000+01:00

It's challenge time at Die Cut Dreams again after me taking a short break. Our theme this week is to make a get well soon card. The challenge blog will be updated as soon as possible, we're having t internet problems at the moment so please hang with us whilst we get it sorted.

Anyhoo, here is my card:

I always think a bit of chocolate can work wonder so this fab new Zoe Loves Chocolate image from the Digi Stamp Boutique works for me - isn't she a cutie pie? I've shaded her with Copics (I'm selling my ProMarkers on a certain auction site at the mo) and then used the Satmpin' Up! white gel pen to add dots to her top and hair bow. Then a glitter gem in the middle as I felt the need to be very girlie when I made this one!

I printed the sentiment on the PC and all the card and scalloped trim are from the Love Story Scrap Kit by Stampin' Up! I daubed around the edge of the image in Pink Pirouette ink (yum) and also masked over a small heart which I then removed and added another gem, I think you can just see it.

Zoe is on special offer this month so get your mitts on her whilst she's brand spanking new! And please join in with our challenge at Die Cut Dreams too.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Paper Craft Sale

2010-09-09T19:10:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know if you're in or around Nottingham on Sunday I'm having a HUGE sale of all my unwanted new and second hand stash! If you want to grab a bargain you can find me at:

Arnold Old People's Welfare Centre
Nottingham Road (corner of Charles Street)
Arnold
Nottingham

Sunday 12th September
Doors open 11AM and close 1.30PM - entrance is FREE

Hope to see you there

Hugs
Victoria
x

Stampin Up Last chance list

2010-09-01T05:44:00.000+01:00

Aaargh! It's September already and that means that Stampin' Up! are having a clear out in anticipation of the new Idea Book and Catalogue in October.

The list shows all products that are retiring and is only valid whilst stocks last or September 30th. Order now to avoid disappointment! Oh my word.......some products have 50% OFF!

Please CLICK HERE to follow the link to view the list which is SEVEN pages long!!! Last year items did sell out so you might want to order quickly.

On another note, being a Demonstrator I have just seen a preview of the new catalogue and it's FABULOUS!!! Now I can't share with you what is in it, that's a surprise for later, but I can confirm that prices have increased a bit, so if there is something in the catalogue that is staying (i.e.) not on this list) but you like, it will be cheaper for you to buy it this month too!

You can email me, phone me or post your order, I will check availability of all items at time of ordering and update you straight away. With this in mind, it would be helpful if you could pick alternative items.

Hugs

Double Design Team Post

2010-08-30T16:45:00.000+01:00

Ooh eck how have I managed this? I normally plan my DT projects for Monday so that I get one on each blog, not this week! So I'm sorry but it's two for one today to save me doing two posts. I would but it's my wedding anniversary today and after a hard slog at a car boot sale this morning I have wine and a takeaway to look forward too with Hubby. We've made it to seven years without an itch!! Actually we've been together for 15 years now and married for seven of them. Anyway, getting on with it.....Let's start with Cupcake Craft Challenge being as I set the theme this week. It's to use a digi image or sentiment on your project. I made these thank you cards:

The patterned papers and floral image are both digis from Pink Petticoat. I couldn't make just one, never can with thank you cards!

I'm entering the challenge at Pollycraft with these as the theme is 'add a little nature'.

OK - now pretend you're reading a new post now............

This week at Die Cut Dreams our challenge is Soft Shades of Vintage! Now me and vintage don't always go so well together, but I'm getting more used to it (I think!) and came up with this:

I used the sweet image from CC Designs and shaded her with Copics and cut her out. The paper and ribbon are both K&Co I think. A few matching pearls to finish, feel they're necessary with vintage for some reason!

With this one I'm joining in with:

Dutch Dare - Vintage Summer
Creatalicious - Vintage
Allsorts - Park inspiration (swings!)
Lots to Do - Fairies or angels

Right, tea to make for the boys then baths and bed (eventually) and me and Hubby have a gift of some champagne, I think a takeaway and a film or something!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Thank you boy

2010-08-26T07:44:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had a fab time with my Dad and Step Mum. If you're reading thank you!!! I gave them a handful of thank you cards to take home with them to give out to family for birthday presents for Blake and other gifts the boys have been lucky enough to receive. This is one I made for Zac's cousin Alex because Alex always gives Zac some clothes or DVDs and he even gave him his Thomas the Tank Engine scooter!! So here's a thank you card for Alex:

I've used the Thank You boy image from the Digi Stamp Boutique and coloured him with ProMarkers and Copics. The papers are from my stash and I think are Doodlebug and the brads were lurking in a drawer somewhere too!

I love this image, there's a Thank You girl one available too. I'm joining in with:

Papertake - 3-2-1 (3 brads, 2 die cuts, 1 image)
Totally Gorjuss - Star
Rosie Dees - Male card (it's also their last challenge so please join in)

Well, I'd better go and make my boys some breakfast now before they start shouting at me!

Hugs
Victoria
x

WOYWW and magic paint

2010-08-25T08:13:00.000+01:00

Wednesday again and time to share my mess and stash with Julia over at Stamping Ground - now known as the Queen of snoop! So here's my desk, still not cleared up from my last crafty session where I made some Christmas cards:

Hmm what else is going on - oooh my lovely friend Tracy treated me to a Cuttlebug folder on Saturday - there it is next to my tape gun, can't wait to use that! Thanks Tracy, such a fab surprise! Also an empty washing tablet box. Not sure what to do with it but something stopped me from chucking it in the recycling!

No pics of theboys again but I have to show you this photo I took yesterday...

Zac looked out of the window and said 'Mummy, Mummy - magic paint in the sky'. I think that's just so cute. Right hop over to Julia's blog and join in the snoop! I've a busy day ahead, my parents are driving down from Manchester and we're off out for lunch, just me and Blake as Zac is off to Hubby's parents for the day as usual on a Wednesday. My folks won't get here until lunch time so me and Blake are going to spend some quality time sorting through my soon to be retiring card Stampin' Up! card and ink pads ready for my sale on 4th September. If you're in Nottingham give me a shout and I'll send you an invite!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Tilda in lemon

2010-08-23T11:35:00.000+01:00

Now I'm not a fan of yellow but after making this card, I have changed my mind!! At Die Cut Dreams this week our theme is 'Tilda in Lemon'. We have a guest designer spot up for grabs and a surprise too! Here's my card:

I've shaded Tilda with Copics and ProMarkers and popped her on a couple of Die Cuts from Mrs Sugar. I cut them in half to form a seat for Tild to sit on. The patterned paper is from the Sweet Pea stack by Stampin' Up! as is the sentiment and all punches used. The ribbon and brad are from my stash.

I think I'm coming round to liking this little lady again!! Please pop over and join in with our challenge, we can't wait to see what you create. I'm going to join in with a few challenges myself:

Stamp with Fun - card for a girl
Charizma Cards - Die cuts
Just Magnolia - Use a sentiment

Hugs
Victoria
x

Adrieeeeeeeeeeene!

2010-08-22T17:27:00.000+01:00

Sorry, I always hear Sylvester Stalone screaming that in my head whenever I see the name Rocky! Showing my age now lol. Anyhoo, Rocky is one of the fab new images this month over at the Digi Stamp Boutique. Isn't he fun? I made this collection of Christmas cards with him:

I've shaded Rocky and family using Copics, but to get the red really bright I always add a little Lipstick red ProMarker - works for me!! Here's Rocky and family:

Here's Rocky Robin himself:

And here's Rocky with Christmas pud:

I'm not a fan of Christmas pud, I always have something else on the Big Day but this one looks scrummy. The patterned card strips and red card are from Stampin' Up! Christmas Jingle kit and the brads and ribbon are Stampin' Up! too. I think these images look fab combined with these goodies and I think I'll be seeing a few more Christmas cards with this little fella on! I'm joining in with a few challenges:

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Christmas in August
Stampavie - Christmas in Summer
Stamp Something - Digi something
Winter Wonderland - Walking in a winter wonderland

Hugs
Victoria
x

Very much missing

2010-08-17T19:54:00.000+01:00

Oh my word I haven't been able to log into blogger for ove a week, well I got in on Saturday morning for about 8 minutes and then got booted out again! Finally all seems OK again so I have some serious catching up to do. So over a week late but posting these two cards anyway. The first is my last weeks design team card for Cupcake where our challenge was to use lace:

I used a cute CC Designs stamp and one of my favourite colour combos of pink and green. My green lace is by Doodlebug.

My next card was for our use fabric challenge at Die Cut Dreams.

All supplies on the card are Stampin' Up! except the fabric cupcake which I cut out using a nestie die.

I shall do my best to catch up with you all this week and get back on track. I've missed blogging but have been so busy too, my sister in law got married at the weekend so we were away and had the most fabulous time. More on that another time.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Come and do Christmas with me!

2010-08-07T07:10:00.000+01:00

How do you fancy making a start on your Christmas cards and projects and enjoying some fun time with other crafters too? My Christmas all day classes might be just the thing for you! I'm running an all day class on three different dates at different venues and they are going to be so much fun! Here's a taster of one of the projects we'll be making:

So when and where?

Sunday 12th September - Linby and Papplewick Village Hall, Linby. Nottingham

Saturday 25th September - Waggon and Horses, Arnold. Nottingham

Saturday 9th October - Somercotes Parish Hall

All classes are 10.30 - 4.30 and cost £30. This includes all the products needed to make fabulous Christmas cards and gifts including the bag shown above. You will also get a FREE raffle ticket which you'll want to keep hold of as there will be a raffle at each event with incredible Stampin' Up! prizes to be won on the day.

You will need to bring your own basic tool kit including a ruler, pencil, paper folder, adhesives, scissors and a hole punch. A basic kit can be ordered at time of booking so please ask if you'd like one.

Places are limited and do need to be booked in advance. A deposit of £10 secures your place; payment in full is needed as follows:

Linby Village Hall - Friday 27th August
Waggon and Horses - Friday 10th September
Somercotes Parish Hall - Friday 24th September

Hot and cold drinks will be provided however lunch is not included so please bring a packed lunch with you.

Please book early to avoid disappointment - the Somercotes class is already over half full.

Hope you can make it - it's going to be such good fun
Hugs

Summer Treat

2010-08-06T16:06:00.000+01:00

Mmmmm mmmm don't you just love ice-creams piled high like this:

This is the scrummy new 'Summer Treat' from the Digi Stamp Boutique. I've coloured mine with Copics and used one piece of patterned paper by DCWV for my background. The sentiment is by Stampin' Up! and I punched out three strawberries to make my embellishments. My sentiment got squashed as Blake climbed up and grabbed it after I'd cut it out - monkey!!

I'm joining in with a couple of challenges:

Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes
Stamp Something - photo inspiration (I chose strawberries, cream and chocolate!)

Have a fab weekend
Hugs
Victoria
x

Summer Quencher

2010-08-05T17:34:00.001+01:00

Oooh I lurve cocktails and couldn't wait to use this fab new image 'Summer Quencher' from the Digi Stamp Boutique.

Sorry about the shadow over the card - didn't realise until I'd uploaded it! I've coloured the cocktail with Copics and used oodles of glitter for the liquid. The patterned papers are all from the DCWV citrus stack and I think the bright colours are fab with this image. The sentiment and punches are both Stampin' Up! The cocktail image is part of this months offer of the month - so hurry up and get yours.Cocktails always remind me of Summer weddings and I'm off to one next week - chin chin!!

I'm joining in with these challenges:

Pink Elephant - Something yummy
My Time To Craft - Drink it up
ABC - August
One Stop Craft - Patterns

Hugs
Victoria
x

Cute and girly

2010-08-03T16:04:00.000+01:00

This fortnight at Creative Card Crew our challenge is 'Cute and Girly'. We have a huge design team now with loads of projects to inspire you. Here's mine:

The DT were all given digi images to use and I thought this one looked lovely against a plain white background. I've shaded her in green and lilac and added loads of glitter. Then punched the edge of the card and added a patterned strip inside to show through. I matched it up on the other side with a coordinating piece of paper and a lime green ribbon.

I'm joining in with:

Pollycraft - Fit for a princess
Papertake - White and bright

I'm on a mad dash to bring the washing in as it looks like it's about to start raining!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Get out your gingham

2010-08-02T21:27:00.000+01:00

This week at Die Cut Dreams we have a fabulous challenge to use gingham on your projects. We also have some new Design Team members with loads of creative ideas to inspire you so please take a look at their work. Here's mine:

I've used a CC Design stamp and shaded her with ProMarkers and done some paper piecing on her dress and the butterfly too. The papers are DCWV and are from a stack I haven't used in ages.

I apologise for the short post, but I forgot to blog this today and now I can barely keep my eyes open!! I'd better be quick and join in with:

Passion for ProMarkers - Green
Creative Friday - Things with wings
Pile it on - Butterflies, bugs and bees

Hugs
Victoria
x

Paper Craft Sale Today

2010-07-31T06:06:00.000+01:00

Hiya
just a very quick post from me to say if you're in or near Nottingham today I am having a paper craft sale at:

John Godber Centre

Ogle Street

Hucknall

Nottingham

NG15 7FQ

Loads of bargains up for grabs and a tombola too. Entrance is FREE and doors open at 10:30AM and close at 3PM.

If you can make it - please say hello!
hugs
Victoria
x

What's on my floor Wednesday?

2010-07-28T08:56:00.000+01:00

Well it's Wednesday and time to join in with Julia over at Stamping Ground and embarrass myself with the state of my desk. Except this week I'm not! I'm showing you part of my uber clear out instead! I have so much stuff that I don't use and finally got myself in gear to have a big clear out and am having a sale this Saturday! I have more than 20 boxes of stuff and so here is just a very, very tiny look at some of it. All out ready to be labelled up today whilst Zac is out at his Gangans house!

I spy lots of 12x12 paper packs, flowers, inks, clear mount stamps.....

Fabric paints, glitters.....

Punches, embossing boards, more stamps....

Blake.....

Oh no wait - he's not for sale, he's for keeps! Just love this pic I took yesterday. Right, I should get on, I have boxes and boxes of stuff to start labelling up ready for Saturday. I must be strong willed and not take anything back out to keep lol!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Tilda in blue

2010-07-26T21:30:00.000+01:00

Well it's challenge time over at Die Cut Dreams again and this week we want to see you using your Magnolia Tilda stamps and the colour blue. You can use skin tones and hair and a smidge of colour but your project must be mainly blue. Here's mine:

I've used Copics for her hair and face and ProMarkers for everything else! One day I will have all shades in one or the other! The patterned papers ar Bella Bleu by Stampin' Up! as is the ribbon and cardstock. The silver charm was a lovely surprise from Susie - I won DT of the month at Die Cut Dreams! Our Susie likes to keep us on our toes lol! I've used nesties labels to pop Tilda in and have her sitting out at the base.

I've used the Stampin' Up! distressing tool to age the edges of my papers and daubed some Brocade Blue ink on too.

I'm going to join in with:

Papertake - Cute
Passion for ProMarkers - Distressing
Everybody Art - Blue and white
Simon Says - Martine's sketch
PaperPlay - Blue, cream and one (craft)
Just Magnolia - Vintage

I actually really enjoyed shading this little lady in!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Exciting News and a New Magazine

2010-07-25T16:45:00.000+01:00

Oooh I've been bursting at the seams to put something on here about this and now I can!

I'm obviously very excited about something and that something is........... I was lucky enough to do a few bits and pieces for a brand new crafting magazine that's coming out! The new magazine is called Stamping Trends and is published by Pizzazz Media. Here are a few sneaky peeks at some of my projects:

Next something a bit pink:

A bit foodie related:

And finally some Summery colours:

Intrigued?

Well the new magazine will go out in parts as FREE supplements with the August, September and October issues of Cards magazine. The August issue will be on sale at the end of this week so get yourself to your local WHSmiths, Hobbycraft or local craft shop and reserve your copy now! Of course if you'd like your copy autographing ...............................................you only have to ask lol!!!!

This new magazine is dedicated to stamping so if you love stamping you're gonna love it!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside......

2010-07-17T21:59:00.000+01:00

It's challenge time at Bee Crafty and this fortnight our theme is 'At the beach'. You of course need to include a digi image too. Here's mine:

I've used Whimsical Girl Summer Ducky and coloured her in with ProMarkers for a change and cut her out before popping her on 3-D foam on my beach scene. My beach scene has all been created from the Stampin' Up! Sunny Day scrap kit, I used the cloud stickers for the sky and created waves using the scallop edge border punch. The pink and orange sand are border stickers. I love the bright colours and didn't want to do too much to detract from the image. I'm joining in with:

Kaboodle - Hawaiin beach party
Everybody Art - Holidays
Creative Craft - Summer Lovin'
Stamp Something - Digital something
If the Show Fits - Vacation
Frosted Designs - Border punches
Secret Crafter - Summer holidays
Our Creative Corner - Beach layout
Allsorts - Summer days

Well it's not been very Summer here today, it's rained - a lot! Fingers crossed it's paddling pool weather again soon!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Colour Create and Stampin Up Virtual Club

2010-07-15T20:27:00.001+01:00

Wow it's already the next challenge over at Colour Create and this time the combo has been chosen by Janiel and she has gone for warm pinks, chocolate and white with an optional extra of girlie. Here's our inspiration photo for you:

Here's my card:

I've used stamps from My Sweet Pea and I Heart Hearts along with Melon Mambo spotty ribbon and paper from Pink Flamingo designer paper pack. I've teamed it up with Melon Mambo, Cameo Coral and Chocolate Chip cardstock and inks.

I've also created a card using one of the digis given to the design team:

Now, if any of you in the UK are wondering about buying Stampin' Up! products, I have a second virtual club waiting to start, I have only a few spaces left now so if you're interested please email me at bluejellystampin@sky.com. My current club have all just received a free ink pad and I offer other bits and pieces throughout the clubs 10 months. If you'd like to know more about how my club works and the perks of being a member, please look HERE.

hugs
Victoria

WOYWW

2010-07-14T18:16:00.000+01:00

Wow Wednesday again and I've been so busy today. Zac went off to his Gan-Gan's house for the day leaving me to do a spot of cleaning and sorting whilst Blake watched. Then I had a couple of friends pop round in the morning and then my crafting buddy Lynn came round this afternoon for a chat and a craft. We've been wanting to get together for ages and this is the first time since we became friends last November!! As it's Wednesday it's time to join in with Julia over at Stamping Ground and show you my desk:

What's out here then? Lots of Christmassy things as I'm making some swaps for a demo meeting on Sunday. Not sure if you can see but I've used the bird punch to make some robins. Also lurking in the background is my swaps bag, currently holding some cards and other bits and bobs.

It's only fair also to show you Lynn busy at work at my dining table:

We had a bit of stamping and colouring in time - can you tell? You can just about see my photo light box in the lean too conversavotory to the right of Lynn too. I had such a fab afternoon, so nice to spend some time with Lynn, she's such good fun and easy company too. I feel all relaxed and chilled out - thanks Lynn.

Finally, here's my little man, he turned one last Thursday and here is demonstrating that he's found he can use his legs to stand up now. Not long until he's walking!

Sorry I didn't join in last week, it was my first sons anniversary and joining in didn't feel right. Hope to catch up with you all soon!

Hugs
Victoria
x

A door hanger

2010-07-11T19:59:00.000+01:00

I've had this kit of door hangers and matching card overlays from Susies shop for so long and never got round to using them. So today, it was time! I wanted to make a cute girlie one so picked a pink overlay which fits perfectly on to the chip board base.

The image is Fairy Tallulah from the Digi Stamp Boutique. You'll have to excuse my shading, it's finally dawned on me today that I need to go and get my eyes tested as any close up viewing really strains my eyes and gives me blurred vision and headaches. For ages now I thought it was just because I'm tired from doing too much! Eye appointment it is this week. You'll know when I'm sorted as my shading will improve (I hope).

I've used lots of glitter on her crown, wings, shoes and wand and used black and pink pearls. The glittery pink bow and glossy black charm were just enough for me, didn't want to do too much as I may add a name at some point above the image. I'm joining in with:

My Time to Craft - Angelic
Crafts and Me - Black, pink and white
Flutterby Wednesday - Fairy
Alphabet Challenge - Kids
Stamp Something - 1 image, 1 paper, 1 ribbon
Fun with Shapes - Door hanger

After having five family days together I'm not looking forward to hubby going back to work tomorrow, it's been good to have some much needed family time. I think we need a lot more of it!
hugs
Victoria
x

Use your die cuts

2010-07-06T19:45:00.001+01:00

It's challenge time at Creative Card Crew and this fortnight we want to see die cuts in your creations. I've gone a bit Christmas:

I've used this cute fella Francis and he's new at the Digi Stamp Boutique. I've used the rounded corner square cookie cutter dies by Quickutz and then rounded the corners off on the two larger squares. The patterned paper is by Pink Petticoat and I've punched a border strip and added some gems. I'm joining in with:

The Pink Elephant - Three layers, two die cuts, ribbon
Fab n Funky - Sew n sew
Fussy and Fancy - Christmas in July
Create 4 Fun - Sketch
Winter Wonderland - Punch it out
Corrosive Challenge - Christmas

Sorry this is a bit of a quickie post from me. Oh before I forget, we have a DT call on too over at Creative Card Crew so hop over and take a look what you need to do if you'd like to join our team!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Cupcake Challenge Time

2010-07-05T16:03:00.000+01:00

This week at Cupcake Craft Challenge our theme is 'World Cup Wonders'. You don't have to do football, just a sporty image of theme. I went with a very summery sport and picked surfing!

I've used one of last Summers CC's digi images as never actually coloured this one in before. I needed to make a bright and cheerful card to cheer me up and this certainly did the trick. I've shaded her skin with Copics and everything else with ProMarkers and a white gel pen on her cheeks. All the papers and pink card are by Stampin' Up! from the Sunny Day Scrap Kit, along with the little heart sticker too.

I'm joining in with:

Digital Tuesday - Summertime
I love ProMarkers - Stripes
Quixotic Challenge - Sketch
Dare U 2 Digi - The great outdoors
Stampin B's - Summer vacation
Anyone for Anya - Open theme
Crafty Calendar - Summer
Pile it on - my favourite things (it ain't surfing but I do love Stampin' Up! scrap kits)

It's not been an easy day so far, (if you didn't read yesterdays post, today should be my first son's fourth birthday), I took the boys to the park and for an ice cream and this afternoon I'd planned a snuggle on the sofa but Zac was having none of it so we've been playing with water, blue paint and cornflour in a big bowl. Quite theraputic actually!

Hugs
Victoria
x

For you little guy

2010-07-04T18:32:00.002+01:00

I'm popping the same post on both my blogs tonight as I have DT projects scheduled for tomorrow.

This week is going to be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me. Tomorrow is my first sons fourth birthday, or would be if he were still here. Flynn died when he was just two days old following complications at birth. I carried him for 42 weeks and he was perfect, saying goodbye was the hardest thing in the world. Wednesday will be his angelversary and then on Thursday we have Blake's first birthday to celebrate. So a week of tears, sadness and absolute joy too. Forgive me if I don't get around to your blog this week.

We always celebrate Flynn's birthday as it keeps him with us, here's the card I've made from me and my hubby:

I love the sentiment on the little star 'Twinkle, twinkle little star....do you know how loved you are?' and the sentiment on the side 'wishing you love and laughter forever after'. Both perfect for my little guy. The next card is from Flynn's two little brothers Zac and Blake. Now this doesn't use Stampin' Up! supplies but is a digi image drawn by a very special friend, just for me. Flynn is represented by the butterfly.

We are not the first parents to have to say goodbye to our baby and sadly we won't be the last. We have been incredibly lucky to go on to have Zac and Blake, but Flynn will forever in our hearts.

Hugs

3-D it

2010-07-03T16:42:00.000+01:00

It's challenge time at Bee Crafty and this fortnight, as well as using something digim we want you to 3-D it too! You can 3-D your image or use lots of layers or add embellishments to add dimension - we don't mind! I've made a 3-D item and a 3-D card too:

I've used Bunny and Flowers - such a sweet image and gone pink and red - although the red looks a bit pink on my pics! The treat pouch is really easy to make and you can find a tutorial HERE. I created an easel card to go with the treat pouch:

I've used loads of 3-D foam between the layers to give my card lots of dimension:

Check out the other Design Team creations - they're a bit yummy! I'm joining in with a couple of challenges:

The Play Date Cafe - Colour combo
Polka Doodles - Decorative item

Right I'd better go and get the online food shopping order done and see if Hubby is OK. He's pulled his neck and is in a lot of pain and I've left him downstairs with the kids!!!!

hugs
Victoria
x

Meet Tallulah

2010-07-02T21:02:00.000+01:00

Aw she's a cutie and she's new and on offer over at the Digi Stamp Boutique!

I've shaded her with Copics and added glitter to her balloon, cake icing and shoes. I've embossed the background and punched chocolate circles, layering them with gems and pearls. Finally stamped a sentiment on matching card, punched it out using a Stampin' Up! punch and added another pink gem. You can see the sparkle a bit better here:

Going to join in with:

Stamp with Fun - Birthday
Crafty Creations - Ice cream and cakes
Stampavie - Sparkle
Alphabet Challenge - Jewels
Fun with Shapes - Pink, brown and green
One Stop Crafts - Pink and brown
Sweet Sunday Sketch - Sketch (I love this sketch)

I'll be back tomorrow with more pink!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Not much going on here

2010-06-30T20:07:00.000+01:00

Well what can I say - I've not been blogging or crafting so much but I promise I'll get myself sorted soon, lots going on at the moment. But I couldn't not join in with Julia as it's Wednesday and she wants to see what's on my desk! So hop over to Stamping Ground and join in.

I've been out most of today hence the late post, I did a fabulous Stampin' Up! workshop for a bunch of lovely ladies - hello if you're reading! and so my desk is a little bare:

My fellow teamies at DCD might look closely and spot something or someone to make them giggle on here! Pretty much all that's out is the patterned paper I'd used to make some pretty biros for the guests at the workshop today:

Oh and the messy brayer? A project that didn't work out and has been introduced to the B1N file in the corner lol! Still on the bright side I finally have ink in my printer and get get digi stamping!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Life's a beach

2010-06-28T21:59:00.000+01:00

How hot? Very apt that our challenge this week at Die Cut Dreams is 'life's a beach'. So let's see your seaside themed projects! The Design Team have come up with some fabulous projects this week to inspire you, here's mine:

I've used one of the new CC designs stamps, I just love the cute rubber ring she's sat in. I've shaded her with Copics and cut her out to sit her on my seaside scene. I tore up a piece of patterned paper and then stamped a bucket with a towel and sunglasses off another CCs stamp and cut it out. The shell came off a scrapbook page I'd made that I wasn't keen on so at least it's been put to good use now! I've had the metal framed sentiments for ages and I'd planned to use them on scrap book layouts, but I just don't get the time to scrap these days. I'm joining in with:

Cute Card Thursday - Reuse, recycle, renew
Paperplay - It's sunny here
Stampin Bs - Summer fun
Pile it on - Fold it, bake it, do something with it (I tore it!)
Rosie-D's - Summer Birthdays

Hope you're enjoying the good weather, I spent the afternoon cowering under a kiddie gazebo with Blake in his stroller and Zac in the paddling pool!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Ooh it's all going on here

2010-06-23T13:40:00.000+01:00

Well it's Wednesday which generally means chaos and mayhem and today is no different! Started the day by Zac being picked up by hus Grandparents and me taking Blake for three jabs. No he didn't like it and yes he is a bit grisly this afternoon! Anyway, we came home and started prepping a little something. At least I did, Blake played with foam blocks. So as usual on a Wednesday it's time to join in the fun with Julia over at Stamping Ground and show What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.....

I've got a workshop next Wednesday morning for 15 - 20 ladies and this is a little look at the gift I'm making to demo for the lovely hostess. I'll show you the finished project after the workshop! Next Mr UPS came a knocking on my door to deliver this lot....

I'm doing a Greenhouse Garden class on Saturday and several of the ladies have ordered their own set to use and take home and funnily enough, these are the yummy colours we'll be using too. Mixed in here are some other stamps I got for FREE for achieving the second part of my Stampin' Start. Another fab thing about being a demo - work hard and you get rewarded with free stamps, I love it!

Now normally I'd share a pic of Blake with you and I am, but it's a bit of a cheat as these were taken on Sunday. I wanted to save them for today though. So here is Zac with my Hubby and Blake and Gangan in the background:

Then a not so good one of the boys but a rare one of me with them both. One day maybe we'll get one with all of us looking in the same direction!

Right, I've relocated me and Blake to the living room so I'm in postion to watch what could be Englands last match this World Cup, I have my fingers crossed Hubby can get out of work early but he thinks it won't happen. So I'll be doing my class prep at the table whilst shouting at the tellybox!

Have fun
Victoria
x

An easel frog

2010-06-22T16:56:00.000+01:00

Our challenge this fortnight at Creative Card Crew is to make an easel card. We all used digi images on ours, but you can use anything you like. Here's mine:

I've used this cute image Beach Baby Jayne which was a freebie on the Whimsy site, just love her. Went for one of my favourite colour combos of pink and green and coloured her with Copics. I've had this patterned paper for ages and not sure if I've used it before or not. The ribbon was in one of my ribbon drawers and the button is by Doodlebug.

The sentiment is by Stampin' Up! as are the oval punches used. I'm going to join in with:

Everybody Art - Pink and green
ABC - Weather

Please hop over and check out the fabulous creations the other Design Team members have made to inspire you. Also we say goodbye to Paula this week who has decided to step down from both running and being on the Design Team and welcome Janna as the new Chief of the Crew!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Colour combo for a teenage boy

2010-06-21T20:16:00.000+01:00

This week at Die Cut Dreams our challenge is blue and green for a teenage boy. We were all given a digi image to work with but you can use any image you like.

I've shaded him using ProMarkers and a white gel pen and then used Doodlebug stickers for his hat, top and the cake and background too. About time I started to use this kit! Have a look at the rest of the DT creations - you'll see Susie and Vikki's Christmas Club team have joined in too. I'm joining in with Passion for ProMarkers as I followed their sketch and they have a male card theme too.
Hugs
Victoria
x

Whoopie Dad

2010-06-20T09:13:00.000+01:00

It's Fathers Day here in the UK and this is the card I made for my Father in Law from Hubby:

I've used Football Jim from the Digi Stamp Boutique and he's brand new for June. For the main image I shaded him with Copics and cut out with nesties ovals. I didn't have any football paper or stamps so I coloured another Jim in on the PC and popped him on at different angles to make my own paper. Simples! The sentiment is from Stampin' Up! as is the real red card.

We're off to the park soon with the boys, but I have to share with you what I've baked this morning. Hubby requested these whoopie pies after hearing about them on the radio:

The cream filling is made with melted marshmallows and butter - so sickly sweet!

If you want the recipe you can get it off the Sainsbury's website - enjoy!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Pink and Girlie

2010-06-19T15:20:00.000+01:00

Is the theme this fortnight over at Bee Crafty. Remember to use a digi image too! Here's my creation using Whimsical Girl and Ice cream:

I've done some paper piecing with the Doodlebug papers, took me a while to get the flower on her top in the right place, but I got there in the end. I daubed around the image using a SU ink and stamped a matching butterfly from Flight of the Butterfly stamp set. Image and frame are cut out using oval nesties and flowers have been punched using boho blossoms punch from Stampin' Up!

I'm going to join in with:

The Pink Elephant - Sketch
Papertake - Ice cream flavours. I went with neapolitan
Paperplay - Something old. This is one of the first images I got from Bee Crafty
Dare U 2 Digi - Blooms and butterflies
Fun with Shapes - Flowery
Crazy 4 Challenges - Paper flowers
Just Us Girls - Light Pink, chocolate and vanilla

Can't stop, I'm off to bake some whoopie pies for Hubby as a Fathers Day gift tomorrow from the bubbas. Will post a photo so you can drool over them!

Hugs
Victoria
x

It's Wednesday

2010-06-16T07:47:00.000+01:00

And that means it's WOYWD with Julia over at Stamping Ground and time to show my desk which embarassingly for me is in a bit of a mess. But I do have an excuse this week. You'll be pleased to know Blake has now fully recovered but his big brother Zac has come down with the same illness so I'm a little busy right now! Luckily my Mum and Step Dad are here for a few days on a holiday from Spain visiting me and my brothers, so I have some help. Anyway, they sent me upstairs yesterday for a spot of crafting therapy and I haven't had chance to tidy up yet:

You can see the project I was working on yesterday which will be on my Stampin' Up! blog tomorrow if you want to see the outcome. You should also be able to see a very pretty handmade box which was a gift from the lovely Val (another demo) and is filled with ribbons and felt flowers and right next to that is another gift from another demo - Deborah, she sent me a packet of flowers and pearls and all things fab from the pretties kit. Aren't I lucky? I've popped a little plastic container behind my cutter too to pop my recent creations in whilst they await bagging up or writing and posting! I really need to have a good tidy up and sort out but that's not my priority right now. Can you see how trashed my orange ink pad is? I dropped it yesterday and the lid fell off and I spent 20 minutes trying to put it back on the wrong way round - you should have seen my hands, good job it wasn't red ink, it would have looked like a nasty accident. Must clean that ink pad up today.

Just so that you can stop worrying about my smallest boy - here he is this morning showing you how well he is:

Still in his pyjamas but hey - it's only early and we haven't had breakfast yet. Hopefully Zac will be looking this happy again soon too.
Hugs
Victoria
x

One for the Boys

2010-06-15T07:37:00.000+01:00

It's challenge time at Cupcake Craft again and this week our theme is 'One for the boys'. I've made a Fathers Day card and matching gift card wallet. I think I might put photos in it instead of a gift card though!

The faux leather look has been achieved by embossing some tan card in a cuttlebug folder, daubing over it with So Saffron, Close to Cocoa and Soft Suede inks and then rubbing a Versmark ink pad overthe top and heat embossing with clear powder. I've seen lots of other examples and had to have a go!

The sentiment is from Occassional GreetingsI've added some faux stitching by pricking the card and using a white gel pen to look like cotton. I've used a tag punch a a jumbo eyelet to create a wallet style closure for both the card and the gift card holder. All products are Stampin' Up! except the embossing folder. Here's the inside of the gift card holder:

Now the card has had a bit of an accident since I took the photo - I dropped it in the washing up bowl whilst it was full of soapy water! Somehow it has survived and the ink only bled a teeny little bit! I'm going to join in with these challenges:

ILWS - Stitching real or faux
Sweet Stampin - Doodling
Totally Gorjuss - For the boys
If the shoe fits - Navy, dark green and tan
Stamp Something - Happy somethings
Alphabet Challenge - Green
Crafty Catz - Embossing
CRAFT - Fathers day
Crafts and Me - Friends and family
Double Dutch - Dad's treat
Creative Craft - For the man in your life
Caardvarks - Embossing

Oops - didn't get to publish this yesterday as Zac has come down with whatever Blake had. We've been to the Drs - I said we should set up a camp bed in their waiting room and is on the same medication Blake had too. Here we go again....at least they didn't both get it at the same time and Blake is good and well now.
Hugs
Victoria
x

Pants on Fire

2010-06-13T21:47:00.001+01:00

OK - time for a bit of a giggle. My boss over at Die Cut Dreams Challenge Susie (the ex model!), has given me an award, not the sort of award you'd normally get on a craft blog might I add. But one that has given me a well needed giggle!

As the recipient of this award, I need to tell you just one truth about myself and six fibs! So let's see if you can guess the right answer about me. I will award a small candy prize to the winner (obviously more multiple correct entries and names will go in a hat, or a plastic box in my case). Will draw next week sometime so check back to see if it's you. OK here are seven facts about me - which ONE is the truth amongst the six fibs (you'll be able to tell my taste in music back in the eighties lol!)?

I have kissed Nick Cave - from Nick Cave and the Bad Seed
I have kissed Slash - from Guns n Roses
I have kissed Justin Sullivan - from New Model Army
I have kissed Robert Smith - from The Cure
I have kissed Ian Astbury - from The Cult
I have kissed Sting - from The Police
I have kissed Julian Cope - Used to be in The Teardrop Explodes

Honestly one is very true! Can you guess? Can you?

Oops forgot to say I'm to pass this on to 7 other people who may turn out to be creative writers too so:

.....tag you're it!!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Oops it's a 'he'

2010-06-13T20:39:00.000+01:00

I really should check if the images I'm using are male or female before I start (so sorry Sally-Anne). So with that in mind, here is Eddie ...ahem! Or should I re-name him / her Edwina for the purpose of this card lol!

Eddie is another of the new images available in the offer of the month at the DigiStamp Boutique. Eddie has been shaded with ProMarkers and Copics as I didn't have all the colours I needed in PMs. All other products are Stampin' Up! I'm joining in with these challenges:

Passion for ProMarkers - Pink birthday
Crafty Creations - Childs play
Sketch Saturday - Sketch
Polka Doodles - Nursery Rhymes (round and round the garden like a teddy bear)

Hope you've had a lovely weekend
Hugs
Victoria
x

Birdie Sing Song

2010-06-12T20:26:00.000+01:00

Apologies for my absence, Blake has been my focus this week. We took him to the Doctors for the fourth time yesterday evening. The little man has managed to hold fluids down for 24 hours now so I really, really hope this time he's on the mend.

Right, I've been having a play with another of the new images from the DigiStamp Boutique, this time with Birdie Sing -song, one of the images in the offer of the month:

Not sure about this one to be honest, I think the image needs stronger colours so I might have another go and create something a bit brighter! I've shaded the image with copics and sponged the background with SU inks. All other products are Stampin' Up! I'm going to join in with:

Lots to do - Birds / wings
Just Us Girls - Digi
Colour Create - Pale pink, pale blue and something soft (ribbon) - not really entering as I'm on the DT!!!!
Truly Scrumptious - Sketch and gingham or checks

Have a fab weekend
Hugs
Victoria
x

Nutty Wednesday

2010-06-09T20:10:00.001+01:00

Phew - Blake seems to be on the mend, he's had watered down milk today without being sick after a night on Dioralyte. So being as he's actually sleeping soundly, I'm doing some evening crafting! It's Wednesday so that means it's WOYWW over with Julia at Stamping Ground and here's my desk as it right now!

Hmm so what do we have? A glass of wine which I've just moved to show you the gorgeous coaster my friend Sue sent me for my Birthday (belated but very gorgeous), some images to be coloured, some velcro dots that need putting away and some stamps that need cleaning - shhh - don't tell anyone I didn't clean them immediately!

Next up is a card. I'm a little late in announcing this but I'm chuffed to bits to say that after being a GDT over at Digistamp Boutique, Sally-Anne has asked me to join her team full time! This is my first creation using Woody who is one of the images available in this months offer set.

I've probably made Woody feel a bit camp using all the pretty flowers and pink but I've never got round to using this paper and I thought it would be cute with the image! I've shaded Woody with Copics (during wine so forgive my slips!) and sponged the background with SU inks and a dauber.

I printed the sentiment on the PC and punched some flowers using a SU punch with the matching papers. I'm going to join in with:

OK, I'd better tidy up and get everything back in it's place in case I get to sneak back up here tomorrow too!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Angels

2010-06-07T20:26:00.001+01:00

This week at Die Cut Dreams our challenge is 'Angels'. We've all been given an image to work with and here is mine:

I went cute and girlie with this image and used lots of pearls and glitter and pretty things I had in my stash! I think the large scalloped oval is off a journalling pad and I die cut the smaller one once I'd stamped the sentiment.

The sentiment is by Stampin' Up! as is the Melon Mambo spotty ribbon and the very posh pins are made by my friend Vikki.

I'm joining in with these challenges:

Pollycraft - Ribbon and bling
Corrosive - Die cuts
Cuttlebug - Colour challenge #86
Daring Cardmakers - Pearls

Thanks for all your get well wishes for Blake, he's not much better but has had lots of sleep today - making up for the absolute lack of it last night! Poor mite, so no blog hopping for me tonight, I'm done in and off for a sleep whilst I can get some.

Hugs
Victoria
x

blooming Marvelous

2010-06-05T21:46:00.000+01:00

What a day, I was up most of the night again with Blake and ended up back at out of hours with him this morning. He's OK apparantly - all throat related but can't do anything other than calpol to treat it, even though it's making him cough so much he chucks up all his feeds. So a very late and very tired post from me. It's challenge time again over at Bee Crafty and we have a fab challenge of 'Blooming Marvelous'. We want to see flowers and a digi image on your projects. Here's mine:

I've used the 'flowers in vase' image which made a nice change for me as I don't usually pick floral images. I gambled this week and just asked Merrigan to send me an image to use and really enjoyed working with this one. I went for a simple theme and layout and kept to black and white and red. I added red to the patterned paper using a Copic. Sparkle has been added with red and black gems and my little added extra is:

a flower tied into some Real Red ribbon and a couple of very posh pins from our lovely Vikki. We say goodbye to Kim this week on the Bee Crafty team, Kim's been a member of the team since it started and creates fab stuff. Miss you Kim.

I'm joining in with:

Charisma Cardz - Flowers
Paperplay - Flowers and sparkle
Crafty Catz - Red and black
Alphabet - Flowers
Stamp Something - Digi image
Create 4 Fun - Red, white and one
Crafty Creations - Black, white and a splash of red

Hope you can join in.
Hugs
Victoria
x

Ceesore

2010-06-01T21:50:00.000+01:00

My two year old hasn't quite got a grasp of what words go with what at the moment and calls a swing a 'ceesore'. Being as my card today features a swing I thought I'd share that with you!

I've used a CCs stamp and this time used Copics to shade her with oodles of Dazzling Diamonds on her wings and the butterflies for sparkle. I've used a mix of patterned papers that haven't been used before and some lovely chiffon ribbon I won from a challenge a long time ago!

I'm joining in with these challenges:

Papertake - Fun, fun, fun
Everybody Art - Summer
Colour Create - Light aqua, pale green and butterflies
CRAFT - Blue and green
Paperplay - Up in the air
Anyone for Anya - Sketch

Also I've finally pulled my fnger out and have my first set of stamp class instructions available on my other blog. This is the first class:

If you'd like to have a go at making everything in this photo, full instructions are available on my Stampin' Up! blog in the right hand side bar. You will need to provide your own materials though!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Cupcake Monday

2010-05-31T20:08:00.000+01:00

Wow Monday already! It's Bank Holiday here and James actually had a day off so we took the boys to Sherwood Forest, had a fab time but came home all itchy as so many gnats and greenfly everywhere. Yuk! Anyway, this week at Cupcake Craft Challenge our theme is 'Summer Delights' and we want to see what Summer means to you. Here's my project:

I've used this CC digi image and for a change used ProMarkers to shade her in, I don't think I manage as well as when I use Copics so I need to practice more! I've used DCWV papers and embossed the pinker ones and used the same paper to make the bunting in the corner.

I've cut the image out and popped her on 3-D foam for a bit more dimension to the card too. I'm joining in with these challenges:

The Pink Elephant - Use bright fun colours
Digital Tuesday - Cute people
Passion for ProMarkers - Anything goes
Lucy's Cards - Digital
ATS Wednesday - Sketch
Quixotic - Emboss it
Cuttlebug - Pennants
Just Us Girls - Dry embossing

As I'm starting to feel better normal blogging service has resumed and I'll be back tomorrow!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Creative Craft Challenge

2010-05-30T20:01:00.000+01:00

I'm so late with this but I'm determined to get back to blogging now I'm starting to feel a little better. The challenge this week at Creative Craft is to use ribbons and bows. Here's my GDT project:

I decorated a coffee bag with the image we were given and shaded it with Copics and then cut out using nesties. The ribbon and brad are from my stash, not sure who makes the ribbon as I'd taken it off the reel!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Cupcake Craft Design Team creation.
Hugs
Victoria
x

Wow look at all these goodies!

2010-05-19T12:20:00.001+01:00

It's Wednesday again and after missing out last week I'm back joining in the fun with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground with 'What's on your workdesk Wednesday'!

Not so much the whole desk today as two shots of it as Mr UPS has just been and delivered my Stampin' Up! new products share that I organised:

In the first pic you can see all the inks pads and the patterned window sheets and a little glimpse of the spotty grosgrain ribbons (to the right) and some soft suede card stock. The next pic shows more of the card and ribbons. The patterned paper and Melon Mambo card should arrive tomorrow thanks to some of the lovely ladies helping me out over at ILWS!

Are you wondering what the other stuff is? Well I joine din with someone else's share and got my hands on some glassine bags and kraft coffee bags. Haven't got a clue what I'm going to make with them yet so I welcome any ideas lol! If you want to join in my share with these gorgeous new products, I have just two spaces left, details can be found HERE.

My little boys are both home today as Ganny and Gangan are on holiday, so here they are in a rare shot together, Blake on the left and Zac on the right:

They've both got runny noses and coughs again so both their t-shirts were wet through about 5 minutes after I took this photo! Right, I'd better go and get them some lunch and when they (hopefully) nap this afternoon I can hop around and see what's on your desk!

Hugs
Victoria
x

All about lace

2010-05-17T15:49:00.000+01:00

At Die Cut Dreams this week our challenge is 'lace it up'. We want to see lace used in your creations. Here's mine:

Can't believe I didn't have any lace but luckily Vikki came to my rescue and sent me a fab selection to choose from - thanks loads Vikki. Defo a case of Die Cut Dreams to he rescue as I got these fabulous Die Cuts from Susie's shop, aren't they brill? Nice big size too. I went for a bit of a grungy feel with this one as it matches my moood of having one of those weeks! Only due to my laptop issues, everything else is tickety boo!

Please take a look at the other Design Team creations as they're all so different and yummy! I'm joining in with:

Stampavie - Pink
Creative Inspirations - Use punches or die cuts

Can't wait to see what you create
Hugs
Victoria
x

Meet Marvin

2010-05-16T18:41:00.000+01:00

I've been meaning to get this little fella coloured in for days now but haven't had chance. Finally here he is!

My friends little lad will be three in August, I know I'm early but I like to plan ahead sometimes! I've used Marvin from the Digi Stamp Boutique, cute isn't he?

I've made the bunting by cutting the triangles out and using rub-ons and then threading with SU linen thread. The patterned papers and sentiment stamp are by Stampin' Up! too. I'm joining in a load of challenges with this one (well a girl's not blogged in a while - I've got some catching up to do!).

Digi Stamp Boutique - Monthly competition
Sophisticat - Blue, Brown and Cream
My Time to Craft - Too cute
Cute Card Thursday - Someone special
Colour Create - Khaki, cream, brown, aqua and circles
Stampin for the Weekend - Card for a male
Daring Cardmakers - Bunting
Totally Gorjuss - Round and round
Our Creative Corner - Masculine birthday
Create4Fun - Sketch
Allsorts - Birthday
Sweet Stampin - Get personal

And I just have to share these photos, we drove to the country park where I have a stall at a craft fair next weekend and they had the most amazing outdoor play area. Here's a couple of pic's of Zac playing in the tunnels:

How blue is that? And here he is about to go in to a tunnel:

I have to confess to playing too, it was great fun!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Soooooooooooo late

2010-05-15T16:25:00.000+01:00

OK I should have posted this on Tuesday but I'm having serious issues with m laptop - it's lost the will to work at anything greater than a snails pace and so trying to upload photos or use the internet is painfully slow. It's off to the tech guys for repair a week on Monday (not sure how I'm going to cope without it!). Anyway, I was lucky enough to be asked to be a GDT for Creative Craft Challenges for a few challenges and this week the theme is to use 'blue and brown'. We were also given an image to work with:

I've shaded Squaddie with Copics and used Stampin' Up! Card and ribbons. The paw print ribbon and brad are from my stash.

So sorry to blog and run but this has taken me nearly 30 minutes to upload and my typing appears about a minute after I've typed aaaargh!!!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Buttons

2010-05-10T15:41:00.000+01:00

This week at Cupcake Craft Challenge our theme is 'buttons'. Simple as that - we just want to see buttons on your new projects. We were all given some digi images to use, here's mine:

I went with bright colours for this one to go with the strip of patterned paper I found lurking in my scraps box! I hand wrote the sentiment but now I wish I hadn't - doesn't look quite right.

I suppose I can cover the sentiment up and replace it with something else later on lol! Have a look at the other Design Team creations - they're sooo fab! I'm going to join in with:

Papertake - Sketch
Cute Card Thursday - Boyz to Men
Stampin' For the Weekend - Male card
Crazy 4 Challenges - What are little boys made of?

I'm going to add some Stampin' Up! offers to the top of this blog soon - keep your eyes out for them!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Cupcakes anyone?

2010-05-09T15:11:00.000+01:00

Sorry I've not made an edible ones, just a card with some on:

I made this for my buddy Susie Sugar as it was her Birthday on Friday - I know I'm safe to pop it on here now! I've made my own patterned paper using Stampin' Up! True friend stamps set and used this cute Kimmie stamp in chocolate and browns. Ok so I added a smidge of red in there too!

Susie's a huge fan of pink and brown and cupcake stamps so I thought this would be just right for her. I'm joining in with:

ATS - Pink and brown
Simon Says - Birthday celebrations
Stamp Something - Birthday somethings

Just realised I don't actually have a birthday sentiment on here - it was handwritten on the inside!
Hugs
Victoria
x

Something New

2010-05-08T14:13:00.000+01:00

This fortnight at Bee Crafty our theme is 'Something New'. So much choice - new home, new baby, new job......the choice is yours. I made a new baby gift bag and gift tag - apologies for my wonky photography - kind of reflects how I'm feeling at the moment!

Just tilt your head to one side and it'll look just fine lol! I decorated a plain gift bag with paper from my must use up stash! Very luckily I had the chocolate flowery ribbon in my stash too so I teamed it up with some wide pink satin ribbon. The image I've used is Baby Bunny Suit and I've shaded her with ProMarkers and sponged around the edges to soften it a bit. Here's the bag:

You can just about see I've used a baby sentiment on the tiny tags hanging from the pink brad!

And a smaller version on the card. I wish had mroe of this ribbon, I've had it for so long and have never found anything that went quite right with it, but I like it with this paper so much. I'm joining in with:

Quixotic - Oh baby
Stampin Royalty - Anything but a card
Fab n Funky - Fancy edge
Crafty Catz - Card and tag
Dare you to digi - Anything goes
Fun with shapes - Pastel inks
Creative Inspirations - Congratulations

Off now to pick up my boys from their Grandparents who've had them today to give me a bit of a rest.
Hugs
Victoria
x

£240 worth of stash for £125

2010-05-07T16:24:00.000+01:00

Stampin' Up! starter kit promotion

Have you ever wondered about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator yourself but weren't quite sure? I signed up last year and I love it and you can join my team now and grab yourself a right bargain in the process as Stampin' Up! have an amazing offer on:

Sign up between now and 7th May 2010 and get your customisable Starter Kit for just £125. That's 10% off the usual price of £139 and you get £240 worth of stash!!

That's a saving of £115 - why wouldn't you want that?

On top of that, I'll throw in a stamp set of your choice (any value) from the current Idea Book and Catalogue or Mini Catalogue. That's an offer just from me - not Stampin' Up! I'll also give you colour swatches, and a couple of sample cards to start your collection.

Join my team and you can start your own buiness working the hours you want, or simply extend your hobby or get yourself discounted stash. Either way, you'll be able to take advantage of special offers and promotions, attend exclusive Stampin' Up! training events and the European convention is in London this year so loads to look forward too.

I'd love to hear from you if you're interested, you can contact me HERE and have a look at my Stampin'Up! blog HERE.

Hugs
Victoria
x

All about weddings

2010-05-07T16:16:00.000+01:00

I know I've been neglecting my blog and hopping around to comment recently so I thought I'd explain! The kids had a virus and when they're ill together I can forget trying to do anything! Then they kindly passed their germs on to me and hubby and on top of that I've been busy with wedding orders and the papercraft show I did last week. So I thought I'd share my latest commission:

It's one of my favourite designs and I always enjoy making it whatever colours my couples choose.

I love seeing lots of things the same!

And here they are nearly ready to go:

I'm going to try and have a good catch up over the weekend, but hubby is working so not much me time planned!

Hugs

Victoria

All about cake

2010-05-06T16:22:00.000+01:00

Oooh Louise will be so proud of me! Louise travels some distance every month to come to my card making classes and I love her for it, she's great fun, has a fab card making blog and also a foodie blog. Now I'm not much of a baker, I can cook but savoury is more my thing but Louise brought some of her homemade carrot cake to our last class and I was blown away by how gorgeous it was so.....whilst not doing much crafting this week due to the onset of 'man flu' or in our case 'toddler boy flu', I made some comfort food instead.

The cake when it left the oven:

I wasn't sure if I should brave it and slice it through the middle but I did with the help of my massive pink spatula!

I've had a piece and it's yummy but not as yummy as yours Louise!! You obviously have the magic touch.

Check out Louise's foodie blog Comida y Vida - she has some scrummy recipes on there and it's a flippin good read too.

Hugs
Victoria
x

WOYWW

2010-05-05T15:05:00.000+01:00

Wednesday again and time to join in the fun with Julia over at Stamping Ground with What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday!!! Hmm, Julia thinks her desk is a mess, you ain't seen nothing Mrs:

Hmm a right mix of things! Some acrylic champagne glasses I got as ex display for £1, some stamps and some card. Oh and is that wire and oasis? Not telling you what it's all for - that's for another day!! Aren't I mean?

No photo of Blake today either, the little man isn't very well, nothing serious only a cold but still in his jammies and snuggled up next to me. Will pop round and visit all the otger WOYWWers later tonight.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Pretty in pink

2010-05-04T08:36:00.001+01:00

I should have posted this yesterday really but I didn't find the time! It was a hectic weekend doing the papercraft show and then we went to visit my Dad yesterday who is doing fab. Was so good to see him. Right then, this week at Die Cut Dreams our theme set by the Birthday girl Susie is.....'Tilda in pink'. Here's mine:

It's been a while since I made an easel card and I do like them. I have Tilda stamped twice here (they were a RAK from Susie), coloured in the same and cut out and punched out! My DT colleagues made some quips about me punching and be-heading Tilda when they saw this!!

I've coloured her in, added spots to her dress with a marker and added oodles of glitter to her wings. Everything except the image and copics are from Stampin' Up! The two spotty papers (very small spots!) are from the Sweet Pea stack and I stamped the card behind Tilda using one of the jumbo wheels. I've finished the card off with some gorgeous stitched ribbon and a punched sentiment and ahem - Tilda! I'm joining in with:

Creative Inspiriations - Easel cards
Dutch Dare - Easel card and repeat something
Paperplay - Pretty Pastels
Crafty Catz - Spots
Just Magnolia - Sketch
Daring Card Makers - Easel does it
Totally Gorjuss - In stitches
Secret Crafter - Friendship
Lots to Do - Faces

Remember to look at the other creations by the Design Team at Die Cut Dreams - they're just fab.

Hugs
Victoria
x

More chocolate and pink

2010-04-29T09:21:00.000+01:00

I think I'm entering my chocolate and pink phase lol! I have another one in the making for my other blog too. I got this cute digi image a couple of weeks ago so this is her first outing with me:

I've used some very similar techniques to my previous card, the image is coloured with Copics and dots added with a Stampin' Up marker in chocolate chip, I've also added glitter to her wings, shoes and the little butterfly too. The edges have all been distressed and daubed in close to cocoa.

I've made my own patterned papers again, this time using the standard wheel Cupcakes to match the image and chocolate chip ink again on regal rose and pretty in pink card. Finally I popped a few pink pearls on to finish the sketch and a sentiment from the Something Sweet set. I'm joining in with these challenges:

Quixotic - How distressing!
Crafts and me - Sparkle
Creafty Creations - Make your own paper
Fab n Funky - No designer paper
Stampavie - Distressing
Cute Card Thursday - Make your own (I went with patterned paper)
Fussy and Fancy - Birthday with a sweet treat
Sketch Saturday - Sketch
Cupcake Inspiration - Photo inspiration
Pile it on - Make it sweet

Right, must go, Zac isn't very well so we're off to the Drs later this morning, he's got a temperature that won't come down and chicken pox is rife at the moment round here.

Hugs

Victoria
x

WOYWW?

2010-04-28T17:42:00.000+01:00

I can believe it's Wednesday again but I can't believe how fast the day has gone and how late I am getting this posted! I'll start with an apology in that I know there's no way I'm going to get around to looking at all your desks tonight so don't worry about leaving me a comment! So if you've never joined in with WOYWW before, hope over to Julia's blog Stamping Ground to see what it's all about!

OK I confess to having a small tidy up before I took these pics. Thing is it still looks untidy!! Here goes:

Some folders and bits to the right for altering at some point! Some envelopes full of goodies but that's a secret! Last week Julia asked me what my favourite Stampin' Up! tool is other than grid paper - it's the Stampin Scrub and pad as shown above, so much so that I have two (one's for classes). I used to spend ages cleaning my stamps and used loads of kitchen roll or baby wipes, instead I wipe and dry on my pad and it's as easy as that! A swing to the left:

And Julia also asked what was on the other end of my 'sexy clear plug' - Julia's words not mine lol! Well, it's not very exciting....

I half inched the lamp out of our living room a while back so evening crafting is a little easier on my eyes! Doesn't really match my room does it? Oh and I have to share a very special photo with you now, Blake took his first step today - holding my hand but a step none the less. Check out the determination on my little fella's face:

If you look closely in the background you'll be able to make out my 'oh so mature' Little Miss Naughty fleecy dressing gown lol!!

Hugs
Victoria
x

April Showers bring May flowers

2010-04-27T10:09:00.000+01:00

That's our theme this fortnight at Creative Card Crew set by the lovely Linda. Here's my creation:

I made my own patterned paper by rolling over plain pink and regal rose card with a jumboWhimsy wheel in chocolate chip. I've distressed the edges and daubed over more chocate chip too. The metal tag has been in my stash for so long and I finally opened the bag to make this - so maybe I'll use mroe of them now! The little love charm is attached with some linen thread.

Once I'd coloured the cute image, I added some chocolate spots using a coordinating Marker and then cut her out and popped her on some dimensionals. Have a look what the rest of the Design Team have created, there's some fab stuff there to inspire you and please join in, we love to visit and see what you've created.

I'm joining in with:

Everybody art - Song title 'Singing in the rain'
Quixotic - Make a splash
CRAFT - Pink and brown
Stamp Something - Charmed something
Secret Crafter - Distressing
One Stop Crafts - Metallic
Anyone for Anya - Sketch
Chorrosive - Charms

Well it's another beautiful Spring morning so I forsee playing in the garden with the boys for the remainder of my morning!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Don't be square

2010-04-26T16:58:00.000+01:00

It's challenge time at Cupcake and this week the theme set by Donna is 'Don't be square' so not square cards or projects this week please! The DT were all given a digi image from our sponsor to work with and I decided on a door hanger for Blake. My friend Sue made a train door hanger for Zac and I've wanted to make something to go with it for ages now. So here's mine:

I printed the image as big as I could on really sturdy white card (I have a roller free printer so card goes straight through) and then spent what felt like hours cutting around the outside and then inside the tracks with a craft knife - not the sort of lazy girl crafting I normally opt for!! It's all coloured with copics and I've added some jumbo eyelets and ribbon to hang it on the door with. I've had these blue chipboard letters for ages now and never really had any plans for them. Luckily they were the perfect size for this project. The hanger is just shy of 8 inches across to give you an idea of size.

I'm joining in with:

Sophisticats - Card for a child
The Pink Elephant - Aqua
Paperplay - no patterned paper

Right, I'm off to carry on planning what I need to get ready for my stand at the Nottingham Max Papercraft show this Sunday!!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Hole lotta fun

2010-04-25T17:36:00.000+01:00

At Bee Crafty this fortnight our challenge to you is 'hole lotta fun'. That means we want to see holes somewhere in your design, as well as a digi image. I've made a card using a fab idea from the very talented Elaine. She has created a fab tutorial using treat cups with water in them with no spillage!! Here's my project:

I've used 'fish' digi image, which is so easy to colour in and doesn't he have an innocent look about him? Looks like he's been up to no good!

I've punched a hole to pop my treat cup in, and then went mad with a crop-a-dile punching holes in my frame and the surrounding papers too. I'm joining in with a few challenges:

The Pink Elephant - Sketch
Stamp with fun - Animals
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Happy Birthday
Crafty Calendar - Humour

Hugs
Victoria
x

Simply Baby

2010-04-23T16:06:00.000+01:00

I don't have much crafty time today as I'm doing last minute prep for my Flight of the Butterfly Stampin' Up! classes tomorrow - always something to do taht I forgot about! So, in the time I did have I made this cutie:

This is a fab digi image of the little outfits on a washing line called 'Simply Baby Collection' from the Digi Stamp Boutique. So easy to work with and you don't need to do much to make a fab card! I printed the image twice, once on plain card and once on bashful blue designer paper, then I cut out the blue outfits and bunny and popped them over the plain image on 3-D foam. I added a little circle and stamped star in the centre on the onesie and did a little shading and a smidge of faux stitching - doesn't really show up though!

I popped a bow on in matching card and layered up. Simples! There's a cute bubba girl outfit in the collection and a pram and bubba too.

Hugs
Victoria
x

WOYDW

2010-04-21T17:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday already? Oh my word. Well I should show you my desk then:

A bit of a clutter today as I'm trying to prep for classes on Saturday, make thank you cards, make DT cards and prepare for the Nottingham papercraft show too! If you want to see what I've made today, hope over to my other blog Blue Jelly Stampin. And just to prove I have kept things tidy (?) a swing to the left:

And a quick snap of Blake at lunchtime today, munching away on pitta bread and humous. Yummy

Join in the fun and nose at everyone elses workspace over with Julia at Stamping Ground.

Hugs
Victoria
x

I'm singing in the rain

2010-04-20T10:11:00.001+01:00

Well not today I'm not as te sun is back out again!! Here's the card I made for today:

I've used two of my first CCs stamps and shaded her with ProMarkers, everything else is by Stampin' Up! except the background which I've emboseed with a quickutz folder.

The patterned paper is from Sunny Day scrap kit amd I've cut the image out and layered her up on pale plum and lovely lilac card stock. I'm joining in these challenges:

The Color Dare - Lovely Lilac, Tempting Turquoise, Pale Plum
Kaboodle - Embossing
Crafty Creations - 1 patterned paper, 1 image, 1 embellishment
Simon Says - Let's go to the movies and dry embossing (Singing in the rain)
Truly Scrumptious - Sketch and april showers
Fab n Funky - Use a neglected stamp - hmm how about never used!!
Cute Card Thursday - Touchy feely
Secret Crafter - A day out

If you're interested, I'm selling an electronic cutting machine with cards and a few die sets too, please email me if you'd like to know more!

Both my boys are now croaky and streaming so I imagine it's only a matter of time before I get it! I've been eating loads of fruit to try and fend it off but I'm not holding out much hope lol!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Sweet as sugar

2010-04-18T17:10:00.001+01:00

Ooh naughty blogger here hasn't posted in a few days - sorry! I spent all morning battling with weeds in the garden so this afternoon managed to smuggle in a spot of crafting and made this:

It's a new stamp to me and I decided it was time she got some ink! I've used two die cuts and copics, but everything else is by Stampin' Up! I love how their stuff seems to go with everything else I have. The sentiment stamp is from a brand new set in the limited availability mini called Something Sweet.

The buttons are clear and I've just punched out patterned papers (sweet pea and chocolate chip) in the same size and attached with linen thread. So fab to make buttons to go with anything you like. Card I've used is chocolate chip, pixie pink and barely banana.

I coloured around the edge of the circle using a dauber and pretty in pink ink. So being me it's time to enter some challenges:

LOTV - Sketch
The Pink Elephant - 1 image, 2 dies, 3 of your favourite embellishment
Pollycraft - Pink and brown plus yellow or green
Crafts and me - Brown, pink and yellow
Alphabet Challenge - Yellow
Anyone for Anya - Sweet as sugar
Create 4 Fun - Circles

Well I'd better go as hubby has been cooking and dinner smells yummy and I'm hungry!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Maxwell and balloon

2010-04-15T14:17:00.000+01:00

I made this card yesterday afternoon ready to share today, this is using Maxwell again from the Digi Stamp Boutique - this time with a balloon:

Some challenges inspired this card, firstly the sketch which is from I love promarkers, I sketches which result in me making uncluttered cards and this worked for me. Next an unusual challenge from Passion for ProMarkers to make your own background. I actually headed to the Letraset website for this and found a really good tutorial that suited my style! So the striped paper behind Maxwell is the one I decorated myself by drawing stripes with both the thin and fat ends and adding some dots too.

Digital Tuesday challenge asked for paper piecing and a digi image so I've paper pieced Maxwells tummy and his balloon in lovely Stampin' Up! papers. I used the same paper for the background.

My colours came from the Color Throwdown challenge blog, not my usual colours at all but I like the result! I printed the sentiment and the ribbon is from my stash.

Thank you sooo much for all the well wishes for my Dad yesterday. I spoke to my Step Mum last night and his operation went well and he's in the high dependancy unit for 24 hours for now. Hopefully she will get to see and speak to him today, soI'll wait for my phonecall later on.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Whats on your desk Wednesday?

2010-04-14T15:30:00.000+01:00

It's Wednesday again and that means it's time to wonder what's on my desk!! Well, a bit of a mess to be honest:

I've been busy with the baby blue colours today, if you're wondering what I made, hop over to my other blog Blue Jelly Stampin where you can see the fruits of my labour! So what's actually on my desk? Well, other than lots of blue papers, there's the new Stampin' Up! mini catalogue as I was looking for ideas, various punches, my written plan of what goes on my blog when (yes I'm that sad!), my drink and lots of bits and bobs!

And of course as usual I show you what's on my floor too, so here's Blake trying his best to crawl:

And before he went off to Granny and Gangans for the day, here's Zac doing the washing up for me lol!

Can you tell he poured a load of the water over himself?

My Dad is having major surgery today so I'm keeping busy crafting whilst I wait for some news. He'll be home in about a week I hope and then we can go to Manchester to visit him. Blake's being a good little fella and having a nice long nap for me too, when he wakes up we've got some serious 'learning to crawl' time coming our way!

Hop over to Julia's blog to join in the fun and see what's on everyone's desks today! And keep your fingers crossed for my lovely Dad.

Hugs
Victoria
x

Childhood memories

2010-04-12T13:42:00.000+01:00

Over at Cupcake Craft Challenge this week our theme is 'Childhood Memories'. For my 11th Birthday my parents gave me a little kitten called Zoey. She was a gorgeous Siamese - Persian cross breed in a blue / grey colour so this card reminds me of her.

I've used 'Susie and Jake' digi image from the Digi Stamp Boutique. All other supplies are from Stampin' Up! with the exception of the colouring medium. I made the flowers using the 5 petal flower punch, Boho blossoms punch and quarter inch circle punch with a few spangly brads too! I've popped some pink taffeta ribbon around the grey card strip too. The patterned papers are from the hostess level 1 stack.

I'm joining in with these challenges:

Inspirational - Sketch
Simon Says - Card for a child
Colour Throwdown - Pink, grey and soft olive
Susie's Sassy Challenge - Me and my pet (join in it's their last challenge)
Crazy 4 Challenges - 1 ribbon, 2 brads, 3 punches

And if you'd like to be in with a chance to get your mitts on this lot:

Then hop over to my other blog Blue Jelly Stampin to find out how you could scoop the lot!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Meet Maxwell

2010-04-11T20:14:00.001+01:00

Thought I'd introduce you to this cute fella - Maxwell:

This is Maxwell and Flower from the Digi Stamp Boutique. I love grey cats, something very mysterious about them.

Everything except Maxwell is Stampin' Up! The three papers and the plain card are Bashful Blue, as is the stitched ribbon. I've used clear buttons and punched circles of patterned paper to pop behind them - nothing like being fully coordinated! I printed the image three times and cut out one main one and then just thr flowers off the other two. The sentiment is printed too. I'm joining in with a few challenges:

Sophisticat - Raining cats and dogs
Stamp with Fun - 3 papers, 3 flowers, 2 buttons
The Sweetest Thing - Sketch
Digital Tuesday - Blue and white + one (I used grey)
Secret Crafter - Get well soon

If you like the Stampin' Up! products you see here, hop on over to my other blog Blue Jelly Stampin where I have a fabulous offer available on orders placed by Midnight tomorrow!

Hugs
Victoria
x

All about the love

2010-04-10T20:52:00.000+01:00

This fortnight at Bee Crafty our challenge theme is 'Engagement, Wedding or Anniversary'. We have an optional extra to make a coordinating set. I've used the 'Wedding Cute Bride and Groom' image to make this card and favour box set:

I've used all Stampin' Up card as I love Pixie Pink with greys and black, always looks so striking. The sentiment and tags are from the new mini catalogue. I'm joining in with these challenges:

Kaboodle - Use a digi girl
Papertake - Sketch
PaperPlay - Shiny happy people
Stamp Something - Stitch something
Polka Doodles - Wedding celebration
Totally gorjuss - Texture
Lots to Do - Embossing
Rosie-D's - Blessings

I added a little faux stitching around the images for a bit of extra detail along with the dotty embossed backgrounds on the card. Then I used loads of glitter on the brides hair and bouquet but the light wasn't good for the photo.

Please take a look at the other Design Team creations and remember to use a digi image on your entry.

Hugs
Victoria
x

WOYDW?

2010-04-07T16:30:00.000+01:00

Wow is it Wednesday again already? Time to join in the fun with Julia over at Stamping Ground with What's on your desk Wednesday! I really am going to have to blog and run as my Mum is landing at the airport very soon and I have to go! So here's my desk today:

If you're wondering what I was making, you'll have to check out my Stampin' Up! blog tomorrow!! I think I should also show you who's on my work room floor, well in the doorway lol!

Blake taking a rare daytime nap - bliss! I have to say he's improving a little in the sleep department but not much!

I'll try to be a better blogger tomorrow.
Hugs
Victoria
x

Birthday Mouse and competition!

2010-04-06T19:32:00.001+01:00

I'm back with another Matilda image, this time it's Birthday Matilda, available on offer this month at the Digi Stamp Boutique.

I've used kraft card as my base and layered up with a few spotty papers. I actually added some faux stitching too - just because! I pierced holes first and then drew the stitches in using a marker. Matilda is shaded with ProMarkers, I tried to renove some colour to make her dress spotty but wasn't so successful:

I'm joining in with these challenges:

Totally Gorjuss - Sketch
Passion for ProMarkers - The young ones
My Time to Craft - On the spot
Crazy 4 challenges - Kraft base

Also if you fancy winning some fabbo digi images by Sally-Ann, hope over to the Digi Stamp Boutique blog and join in our monthly competition - all you need to do to enter is make a project using any image from the Digi Stamp Boutique.

Hugs
Victoria
x

DCD Shoes

2010-04-05T11:35:00.000+01:00

This week at Die Cut Dreams it's all about shoes and boots. There's even a free digi image for you to use. Here are my creations:

I'm going to join in with the ABC challenge as their theme is red. Please visit the other DT blogs to see what fab inspiration they have waiting for you.

Hugs
Victoria
x

More Marty

2010-04-04T15:51:00.000+01:00

You seem to be loving the new Marty and Matilda images from the Digi Stamp Boutique so here's another one for you. This is Marty with present:

I like the way he seems to look a bit like he's done something naughty on this one! All the card and papers are by Stampin' Up! as is the sentiment stamp, ribbon and clip. The ribbon was white so I ran it along the inkpad to get the shade I wanted.

Remember Marty and Matilda are on offer this month. I'm joining in with:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch
Sweet Stampin - Mans world

I think I'm going to leave you with some photos of our trip to the park this morning. It was soooooooooo cold! Here's Zac - the king of the castle:

And here's the reason we haven't had more than two hours sleep at a time at night for the last 3 weeks:

Blake doesn't nap much at all, even during the day so this was a pleasant surprise! Now if we could just get him to do that from 7pm to 6am I'd be laughing!
Hugs
Victoria
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Meet Matilda

2010-04-02T21:19:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I introduced you to Marty, today it's time to meet Matilda!

This is Ballet Matilda and you can get her on offer at the Digi Stamp Boutique during April.

I've done a bit of paper piecing which is really easy with digi images if you haven't tried it yet. I didn't have much of this flowery paper left so I printed the image on white card and stuck a few scraps over the image where I wanted them using low tack tape and ran it back through the printer again. Then peel the paper off and cut around the areas I want and stick back down after colouring the little cutie in first.

I've followed the sketch from this weeks challenge at Sketch and Stash - my new stash being the gorgeous Matilda image. Digital Tuesday want scraps to be used up - I think you know from previous posts that I keep ALL my scraps lol! Finally Stampin' B's want to see humorous card, hopefully I've managed this with my printed sentiment!

I went out for a lovely lunch with my friend Mary today and then as I had time to kill afterwards and birthday pennies to spend I found myself buying some scrummy Channel Allure perfume and then my legs wandered over to Bobbi Brown and I decided to brave it and sit down and get a free makeover! I did of course buy a lipstick before I left, but I felt much prettier than before I'd sat down so it was well worth it. I wouldn't have done it if the shop had been busy though!

Have fun
Victoria
x

Meet Marty

2010-04-01T20:24:00.000+01:00

He's brand new today at the Digi Stamp Boutique and you can get him here. This is Marty Mouse with flowers:

I've shaded him in purple and turquoise following this week's challenge at C.R.A.F.T. I've had the ribbon for ages in my stash and decided this card was loud enough to take it!! Stampavie are looking to see friendship cards and Charisma Cardz have an animal magic challenge going on.

I followed the sketch over at The Sweetest Thing as I figured Marty was a sweet little fella! You can get Marty on his own or as part of a special offer of the month. Back with more soon!

Hugs
Victoria
x

All tidy and Easter

2010-03-31T17:58:00.001+01:00

If you're wondering why my post title is all tidy - you really need to check out my previous post to see the incredible mess my craft room was in. But first as card:

I've used Chirpy from the Digi Stamp Boutique and made what I think is going to be my last Easter card! I'm popping him in to these challenges:

Kaboodle - Shaped card
Crafty Angels - Easter
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Shaped card
Everybody Art - Spring
Creative Craft - Eggtastic
Fab n Funky - Spring is in the air

And as promised the 'after' photos lol! Some of you commented to say it would take me a week to tidy up, all I can say is - you're not wrong, there's lots still to do, but for now this will have to do:

I can see the floor - admittedly it needs a good clean now but I can't be expected to do everything in one day!

Nothing on the floor again and my SU stamps all organised and tidy.

Space to create without moving things to one side!

Another pic just to show I haven't shoved everything to one side! So if you want a nosey at everyone else's desks or you want to join in, visit Julia over at Stamping - Ground. Right that's me well and truly done, I've just about got time for a nice soak in the tub before hubby and the kids get home and the birthday celebrations begin. If you've been kind enough to send me a card, I'm not being rude, I just haven't opened them yet!

Hugs
Victoria
x

oooh the shame!

2010-03-31T10:00:00.000+01:00

Ok it's Wednesday and that means two things for me this week:

One it's my Birthday
It's 'What's on your desk Wednesday'!

So as a treat I have sent both my bubbas off to their Grandparents for the day so that I can sort out this mess. If you are a neat freak I'd suggest you pouring yourself a stiff drink before you look at these!

I promise there is a work bench under there! And a swing to the left:

And a swing to the right:

Now you see why I need a who;e day to get it sorted! I'll be back later with a card and photos of a much tidier and organised room of craft! I promise!!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Going Vintage

2010-03-30T10:04:00.000+01:00

Cor what was up with blogger last night? I was all set to go commenting and I couldn't see any pictures at all. Still, it's all better this morning! It's challenge time again at Creative Card Crew and this time we want to see your 'Vintage' creations. Please check out the other DT creations for some Vintage inspiration. We've all been given a digi image from our sponsor to use:

I'll be the first to stick my hand up and say that vintage isn't easy for me! But a challenge wouldn't be a challenge if they were all easy eh? So I used this little boy on the beach image and printed him on cream card and coloured him in using Stampin' Up! ink pads and an aqua brush. I distressed the edges of all the card with a distressing tool and used a dauber dipped in Mellow Moss ink to 'tatty' up the look a little. I thought the papers were quite vinatge and they set my colour theme.

The sentiment is from a now retired Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration set 'Whimsical Words' and the starfish was a lucky find. Ages ago I'd bought a few scrapbooking bits from Tesco and this was stuck on one of the page borders!

I'm joining in a few challenges with this one:

The Pink Elephant - Pastels
Truly Scrumptious - Sketch
Creative Friday - Photo inspiration (I chose the colours)

Now a few days ago I mentioned how Blake wasn't loving trying savoury foods and mentioned he pulls a face when he tries. So for a giggle, here is my bubba eating toast and loving it (well sort of!):

Compare that when trying a few spoonfulls of lentil casserole:

Hmm, it's going to be an interesting advernture into the world of savouries. And yes that is casserole in his hair!

Hugs
Victoria
x

Chocolate and Easter or Spring

2010-03-29T15:05:00.000+01:00

This week at Cupcake Craft Challenge our theme is 'Easter or Spring with lots of chocolate!'. There are some fab digi images up for grabs for the lucky winner. Here's my creation:

I've used a digi image from Bee Crafty and if you love it you can get it for FREE here! I've shaded bunny with ProMarkers and cut him out and mounted him on to layers of patterned papers - these are all new from Stampin' Up!

I've added my chocolate not only in colour but also in this cute little clear treat cup - you just punch out a circle and stick the self adhesive cup to the inside of the card with a slider or piece of card over the back to stop any goodies from falling out! I've filled it with sugar coated chocolate eggs and took colour inspiration from these for the rest of my card. If you want to order any of the Stampin' Up! goodies - please visit my other blog here.

I'm joining my card in with these challenges:

Digital Tuesday - Spring
Passion for ProMarkers - Spring and an animal
Everybody Art - Easter
C.R.A.F.T. - Easter
Paperplay - Easter
Dare U to digi stamp - Easter
Daring Cardmakers - Egg shapes or chocolate or both
Fussy and Fancy - Easter
Sketch Saturday - Sketch
Pile it on - Animal - riffic
Handful of stamps - Sweetness
Chorrosive - Easter

Please join in with our challenge and see what the rest of the DT have made to inspire you.
Hugs
Victoria
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