Andie's Space

Sketch N' Stash

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000Z

Happy Monday, especially so as it's time for another Sketch N Stash challenge! This week you've got free choice from our extensive sketch catalogue. You've got loads of fab layouts to choose from!

This is the card I made for a colleague at work who retired last week. I am soooo envious of him, LOL! But I'll just keep plugging away with the lottery. This is a Chocolate Baroque image. I also found my inspiration to paper piece & glitter the birds on their web site, but I can't find the card there again. The papers are Basic Grey - Curio.

I used sketch number 72 for this one. Something simple seemed appropriate as it's such a busy image.

I think this card fits at Papertake Weekly where the challenge is happy highlights. If anything the birds are bit over prominent!

So I hope you'll pop on over to the Sketch N' Stash blog to see more inspiration from my awesome D-Teamies. Our lucky winner this week will win a selection of fab digis generously donated by our sponsor, Cuddly Buddly.

So here's to the start of another working week. Roll on the weekend, LOL!!

Thanks so much for looking. Have a great week. I'll be back tomorrow.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Creative Card Crew - Fantasy

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000Z

Hurrah for Tuesday & it's time for another fab challenge at Creative Card Crew where our theme this week is

FANTASY

Our fabulous sponsor this week is Michelle Perkett & she has generously given the DT some fab images to play around with. This is 'Forest Fairy' who also comes with a lovely sentiment that I couldn't comfortably fit on my card. She's coloured with Prismas & my papers are Prima Fairy Flora

I've never coloured a Michelle Perkett image before & I have to say I love this one. She's a change from a lot of the cutsy images I usually go for. But this image is beautiful. Check out all the other gorgeous images available at Michelle's etsy store here. Play along with us this week & you could win some fab digis.

I used the lovely sketch at Stamp With Fun for my layout for this card.

At Cute Card Thursday, the theme is 'You're a Gem' & at Stamptacular Sunday they want you to use diamonds or pearls. Mine are more like amethysts, so I hope that's OK!

So now I hope you'll pop on over to the Creative Card Crew blog to see the awesome inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies.

Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge -

2012-01-28T01:23:00.001Z

It seems like forever since my last post, a whole week!! But it's time for another Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge again, so I have something new to show you. This week our theme is chosen by the fabulous Franz, who wants to see you using,

RIBBONS

I coloured this cute little Nellie Snellen sweetie with my Prismas & used Memory Box dies for the heart border & the corners. The butterfly I picked up at the Manchester Stitch & Creative Crafts show last year. I entirely forgot I had it.

I used the fab sketch at Crafting Life's Pieces this month for my layout.

At Creative Card Crew & Simon Says Stamp this week, 'Anything Goes'

So I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge to see the awesome inspiration of my wonderful D-Teamies. This week we're sponsored by Heather's Hobby Haven who are offering our lucky winner a $15 voucher to spend in their store. There is loads of fab stash there to get your mits on!

So has anyone got anything fun planned for this weekend? Jack is off to a party this evening at the Trafford Centre & I plan to have a good shop while I wait for him. That hour of me time may well turn out to be the highlight of my weekend, LOL!!

Well that's all from me for now. What ever you are up to, have a great weekend. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge - Food or Drink

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000Z

Gotta give a big cheer for the weekend - Whoop Whoop!! Double celebrations because it's time for another fab challenge at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. This week lovely Francesca has chosen our theme & it is

FOOD &/OR DRINK

Everyone is understandably mad for Saturated Canary images right now. I haven't splurged just yet, but is only a matter of time. Until that time comes I don't want to neglext my gorgeous Simply Sassy images from Sugar Nellie. This is one of my faves, Luv a Latte. She's coloured with Prismas & the papers are First Edition Spring Feast. The light has reflected off the glitter in the papers in the photo. It looks way better IRL. The sentiment is LOTV.

I've stuck to the fab sketch at the Sugar Bowl for this card.

I've also gone with the colour scheme at Colour Create this fortnight.

Now this week at Secret Crafter's if you play along with us, you could win a fabulous prize donated by or lovely sponsors at The Stamping Boutique

Pop on over to the Secret Crafter's blog to see the awesome inspiration of my wonderful fellow D-Teamies.

So that's it for me for now. I hope everyone has something exciting to look forward to this weekend. I'm not up to much, but Ben is buying some Lego with his Xmas money. So I'm looking forward to how quiet it's going to keep him as he beavers away at making it!!

Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Creative Card Crew - Seeing Red

2012-01-17T08:16:00.000Z

Good Morning! It's time for another fab challenge at Creative Card Crew & with Valentines Day around the corner, for this challenge we are

SEEING RED

I have had this Marie Antoinette image from Kraftin Kimmie for the longest time & this challenge seemed like the perfect time to ink her up. I love colouring material, so I had loads of fun with this one! Having said that I would like to give her another go as I'm not entirely satisfied. She coloured with Prismas & the papers are a mix of MME scraps. The sentiment is Catslife Press.

I based the layout on the fab sketch at the Kraftin Kimmie challenge this week, so I would also like to enter this there.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Creative Card Crew blog to see the awesome inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies. You'll also see we have a fab sponsor this time around in Pizzazz Aplenty. They stock a wonderful selection of embellishments to have fun with in your crafting.

I've got to dash or I'll be late for work. But just wanted to thank you all for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Sketch & Stash #79

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000Z

Happy Monday everyone. Time for another fab sketch challenge at Sketch & Stash. This week my uber-fab D-Teamie, Julie, has created another wonderful sketch for you to follow.

I love this cute little Gorjuss girl. She's coloured with my new love, Prismas & the papers are MME - So Sophie, Graceful, which I also love. Lots of love going on there!

I don't often make cards without a full backing paper & frame. But in this case, it just looked right. I would also have centred the image in front of the circle as per the sketch, but I couldn't find a big enough circle that didn't swamp the card. I should have chosen a smaller image perhaps. I don't like taking liberties like this with a sketch, but it was either this or ending up with a card I just would not have been happy with.

I am also entering this Simon Says Stamp, where the challenge is 'Spots &/or Stripes'.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Sketch N Stash blog to see the fabulous creations of my wonderful D-Teamies. We are sponsored this week by My Mum's Craft Shop. Our lucky winner will get a £10 voucher to spend there.

Finally I have to ask. Did anyone watch the last episode of Sherlock? Is there going to be another series? There just has to be. I so annoyed, we are only half way through January & one of my favourite programmes has already finished. Anyway, Mad Dogs, with 3 more of my favourite actors, starts on Thursday so I guess I'll get over it fairly quickly.

Hope everyone is happy & well. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge

2012-01-14T09:56:00.000Z

Apologies for being a little late with this. I've had a pretty rotten 24 hours with some kind of stomach bug & overslept this morning. But I made it finally to tell you about this week's challenge at Sercret Crafters. Brilliant Bridget has chosen our theme & she wants to see cards where

ANYTHING GOES WITH BLUE

I think someone might be trying to tell me something as I was considering buying this stamp the other day, but it was out of stock. I then discovered I had already got it, but she had been neglected because she is not very Xmassy. Do you think that means I might have too much stash? ... No, me neither!! She coloured with Prismas, which I am loving!! & the papers I think are K & Co. Flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts & I don't seem to vbe able to colour a fairy withut adding Glamour Dust to her wings.

'Anything Goes' this week at Wild Orchid Crafts challenge, I would like to enter her there.

I hope you'll join us for the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge this week as we are sponsored by the marvellous Digi Doodle Shop who are offering our lucky winner a $10 voucher to spend in their shop.

Finally I have an apology to make. I am having problems commenting at the moment. When I try the comments box comes up briefly & then the screen blanks out. Apparently this is a known problem that blogger is trying to fix. Until then sadly I can only lurk, & send my comments telepathically, so I hope you are all tuned in, LOL!!

That's all from me for now. Whatever you are up to, have a great weekend.

Big Hugs one & all

Andie xx

Divas By Design - New Beginnings/ Thanks

2012-01-11T09:00:00.003Z

My, my how time flies. Christmas is all but a distant memory already. But once we get through January things pick up a pace again. But doesn't January drag?! It's definitely my least favourite month. Good job then we've got a fab challenge for you at Divas By Design to help while away the time! This time around, our theme is

NEW BEGINNINGS

THANKS

I incorporated both themes into this card. The sentiment speaks for itself, but I also used some new goodies on this card. I picked up Tilda with Sparklers in the sales & coloured her with my brand new Prisma Color pencils that my bestest blogging buddy got me for Xmas. Mwah, I love you!! Obviously I need a whole lot more practice, but I am loving them! FYI, the papers are Memory Box - Brioche.

I used the fab sketch at Totally Gorjuss this week for my layout. So I would like to enter my card there.

At Cute Card Thursday they want you to use something new on your card. Check with Tilda & the Prisma Colors.

I hope you'll pop on over to the Divas By Design blog to see the fabulous inspiration of my uber talented D-Teamies. We are thrilled this week, to be sponsored by the gorgeous Crafty Emma.

So that's all for me for now. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge - Let them Eat Cake

2012-01-07T09:00:00.002Z

Phew! Made it through my first week back at work & Xmas is a happy, but already distant memory! It's my turn to choose the theme at the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge this week. I want you to forget about New Year's resolutions & diets &

LET THEM EAT CAKE!

I've had this fab Kraftin Kimmie for some time & only just inked her up. Soor my photos are so bad again. This looks so much nicer IRL. The papers are Basic Grey - Bittersweet. I dusted off my Promarkers for this one. They have hardly had a look in lately!

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafter's Challenge blog to check out the awesome inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies. We are also thrilled to welcome a new sponsor. Crafter's Companion our offering this week's lucky winner a £10 voucher to spend in their store! They have got some fab offers on there too right now!

Well that's it for me now. While I'm telling you to forget your new years resolutions I'm actually planning on keeping my own, LOL! My goal is to get to the gym more often & I'm going to give Pilates a go today. That's going to be embarassing - I am not bendy or flexible at all! Wish me luck, & don't worry, I'm taking the boys out for cake this afternoon!!!

That's all for now.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Creative Card Crew - Snowy Day!

2012-01-03T00:00:00.003Z

Given that I never make enough Xmas cards for everyone I want to make them for I thought I'd get a head start on my Xmas cards this year, LOL! I still have lots of stamps I did not have chance to ink up in time for this Xmas, I think that means I might have too many, but I think I'll ignore that thought for now!! Anyhoo on to the new challenge at Creative Card Crew where our theme this fortnight is

ONE SNOWY DAY

I used one of my favourite Whiff of Joy stamps, Charlie Building Snowman. He's coloured with Distress Inks & the Papers are Echo Park. The sentiment is by Whimsy Stamps.

We are thrilled to be sponsored this fortnight by the lovely people at Simon Says Stamp. So I hope you'll play along for a chance to win.

I based my layout on this week's fab sketch at Sketch Saturday so I am entering my card there.

Back to work for me today :~( Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Sketch 'N Stash - Hello Little Friend!

2012-01-02T10:19:00.000Z

Whoo-Hooo, Happy New Year! Has everyone had fun over the festive season? I hope so. So this is my first post of the year & it feels good to be back. I did no crafting over Xmas & I missed it so! Anyway, without further ado, let me show you the card I made using gorgeous Michelle's fab sketch at Sketch & Stash this fortnight.

I coloured this super cute Sugar Nellie image - Hello Little Friend with Distress Inks. The paper is Prima - Botanicals & I used a Spellbinders die to cut the flower. The leaves were cut from a Doo Hickey & McGill punch. That all oldish stash. The ribbon I picked up from Hobbycraft, but hadn't used till now. Obviously, I can't colour a fairy without also using lots of Glamour Dust on the wings & a touch of Viva Decor gold glitter liner on her wand.

Here's the sketch for you to use. I can't wait to see what you make of it. Maybe you got new crafting stash for Xmas too. Be sure to let us know what you got!

We are also thrilled to be sponsored by the wonderful Heather Ellis, home of the Pure Innocence images. She is offering our lucky winner a choice of 3 of her gorgeous digis.

I am also entering this card at Simon Says Stamp were this week 'Anything Goes'.

At ABC Challenge, G is for Green. I took this photo inartificial light. it's much more green IRL.

So there you go. Sorry this is a bit late. Ben has been poorly this morning, though seems to be perking up a bit now.

Wishing everyone all the best for a wonderful & prosperous 2012!

Big Hugs,
Andie xx

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - Anything Goes!

2011-12-24T09:00:00.001Z

Oooooh, are you ready yet? Not long now!! I'm so excited, but not as much as the boys. One more sleep to go, they can hardly contain themselves!! A couple of things to show today in my last post before the big day. My first is for the last challenge of the year at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge, where

ANYTHING GOES!

This is the card I've made for my hubby for Xmas. It's an old Sugar Nellie image, though I'm not sure if it's still available. They look so loved up

I also want to show you what I've been up to at our local crafting cafe, whenre you can paint pottery & they fire it in the kiln for you. Last week we decorated plates for Santa. This is my effort, shame it will only get used once a year!

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafter's blog where you'll find the wonderful inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies.

At Bearly Mine Designs & Creative Inspirations the theme is also 'Anything Goes'

At Papertake Weekly they want to see your 'Last Christmas' card.

This will be my final post of the year. We're off for Christmas at my parents, with my sister & her family flying over on Boxing Day, so it's going to be a lovely family time. I just wanted to wish everyone a Wonderful Christmas & a Very Happy New Year! A big Thank You too, to everyone who has taken the time to visit & left a comment.

Thanks for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Creative Card Crew - Christmas Lights

2011-12-20T08:18:00.000Z

So are you ready yet? I'm nearly there, not quite. Still got some Christmas cards to make yet too. We've got another fab challenge over at Creative Card Crew, for those of you, loike me who still have a bit to do yet. This fortnight our theme is

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

It's so frustrating that these photos look so horrid, taken under artificial light. IRL they are silver, blue & white. I'll have to try & remedy this if I get chance.

I had a couple of ideas for this theme. Christmas tree lights & star light. So I used these gorgeous Memory Box dies to cut out the shapes, with glittered vellum behind.

This last photo is a bit better. Perhaps you can now tell that I really did follow the colour scheme at Colour Create so I could enter my cards there.

I hop you'll pop on over to the Creative Card Crew blog where you'll find loads of fabulous inspiration from my lovely D-Teamies. This time around we are sponsored by the wonderful Robyn's Fetish

So there you go. Got to fly or I'll be late for work. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Sketch & Stash - #77

2011-12-19T08:26:00.000Z

If you're not already, time to start getting really excited now for Christmas. Less than a week to go, Yippee!!!! What better way to take your mind off thisng than playing along with us at Sketch & Stash. We've got a lovely sketch designed by the fabulous Sue work your magic on.

This is the card I made for my son, Jack, for Christmas. It a Nellie Snellen stamp from the last release, coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are Echo Park. This looks so much nicer IRL, the artificial light has given it a horrid orangy glow.

So I hope you'll hop on over to check out the gorgeous design of my lovely D-Teamies at the Sketch & Stash blog. Here's the fab sketch to follow.

We are also happy to be sponsored by Just Some Lines digi stamps, who are offering our winner a fabulous prize, so all the more reason to play along.

So there you go for now. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs'

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge - Celebrations or Happy New Year

2011-12-17T09:29:00.000Z

Big Yay for the weekend! Though my word, it's going to be a busy one for me! So this is going to be a quickie. It's gorgeous Tracie's turn to pick our theme at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge this week & she has gone for

CELEBRATIONS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I used one of my favourite LOTV images for this, & because I'm so busy I had to keep it simple. The paper is Memory Box - Yuletide.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge to see the fabulous inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies.

It's Ben's birthday on Monday & he's having his party today. It's the last thing I need after last night's works do. I was very good, but I have to hold up my hand to being a dirty stop out & have only had about 3 hours sleep. How I am going to get through today?!!

Oh well, wish me well! Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Divas By Gesign - Big News!

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000Z

OMG I'm so excited to be sharing this card with you today! I'm thrilled to say I have been invited, by the gorgeous & uber talented Rebekah, to join the Divas By Design DT - Whoop Whoop!! This weeks theme is a nice easy one that will run for 4 weeks. We wish you

A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I made this book card for my boss at work. She loves reading. I just need to add a sentiment that reads 'A Christmas Carol' to complete it, but my printer is broken. The papers are Basic Grey - Wassail. The poinsetta was created with a Doo Hickey with Diamond Dust, & the labels over the spine are made with a Spellbinder die. Unfortunately the Memory Box Frostyville border does not stand out so well against the holly paper.

I love this LOTV Carol Singers stamp. It's coloured with Distress Inks, with a little Glamour Dust on the fur & snow.

I'm going to get the rest of the team to sign the inside cover & fill the box part with chocolates.

I am also entering this card at Stamptacular Sunday, where theme theme is 'Christmas Glitz'. I hope the Glamour Dust, Diamond Dust & adhesive gems are enough to qualify.

At Papertake Weekly they want you to use your favourite Christmas colours. I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to this. I've gone for red & green.

I hope you'll now hop on over to the Divas By Design blog to see the stunning cards of my new fellow D-Teamies. We are proud to be sponsored for this challenge by Stitchy Bear Stamps & Delicious Doodles.

Hope everyone out there is happy & well & gearing up for the Xmas season!

Thanks so much for looking,

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - All Creatures Great & Small

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000Z

Hurrah for the weekend, & another fab challenge at Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge, this time set by lovely Linda. She wants to see cards that feature,

ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL

When a card is for someone really special, you just want it to be perfect. I won't say it's perfect, but I am pleased with it. This may just be my favourite image of the moment. She's a Nellie Snellen stamp, coloured with Distress Inks. The papers are Echo Park.I love this Doo Hickey Poinsetta die, it always looks fab with Twinklets. I also added Glamour Dust to the snow.

There are a few challenges I would like to enter this at. At Deep Ocean challenge the theme is 'Let it Snow'. Likewise at Winter Wonderland.

Creative Inspirations are also having 'Snow much Fun'

'Anything Goes' at Papertake Weekly & Cute Card Thursday

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge blog to see the awesome inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies.

So what are you up to this weekend. It's going to be a little hectic today. Ben & Jack have got Tae Kwon Do gradings. I need to get toi the gym as the Xmas do is coming up at work next week & I desparately want to try & look slim! Still got Xmas shopping to do.. oh & got to get & decorate the Christmas tree, yippee!!

Whatever you are doing. I hope you have fun. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers Mega Christmas Challenge - Celebrations!

2011-12-06T09:00:00.001Z

Well, my, my, my, where has this year gone? Six months ago we (team 2) returned to Passion For Promarkers for our stint, whilst team 1 took a well earned rest. I can't believe this is now over & this is my final card for PFP, for now. But what a way to go out. This is the final PFP challenge of the year, we have lots of wonderful sponsors & both team 1 & team 2 have loads of fab inspiration to share with you. So what better way to mark this than with a big

CELEBRATION!

It seems strange at this time of year not to be making a Xmas card, but my little boy, Ben turns 6 on the 19th Dec. Bad planning or what, LOL?!!! He's such a little cutie, with bags of personality, that I thought this Kraftin Kimmie image would suit him perfectly. It's not my ideal card, but I wanted to make it fun & hope he likes his big glittered 6. The papers, BTW are old Basic Grey - Oh Baby Boy.

I used the lovely sketch at Totally Gorjuss this week for my layout & would also like to enter my card at Cute card Thursday, where the theme is 'It's only a number'.

However, back to the Passion for Promarkers mega challenge. Just feast your eyes on all these goodies you could win.

Letraset are offering 1 amazing prize of 3 new packs of markers (metallics set, contemporary xmas set, modern xmas

Whiff of Joy Stamps are generously offering 1 stamp from their sentiment collection

Pink Gem Designs are generously offering 4 digi images of winner’s choice

Joanna Sheen are generously offering 6 packs of promarker fine liner sets

DigiStamp Boutique are generously offering 6 digi images of winner's choice

Saturated Canary digis are generously offering 2 digis of winner’s choice

Bugaboo stamps are generously offering 7 digis (which we are going to split into 2 prizes)

Tickled Pink stamps are generously offering 2 digis of winner’s choice (from Lil Lolita, Lil Lad and Lil Pinkette ranges)

Crafts & Me are generously offering 6 digis of winner's choice

How's that then for a great selection of festive treats? Imagine getting your mitts on these in the new year. This challenge runs for the next 4 weeks, so plenty of time to get busy & share your creations with us. You can enter up to 3 times.

Well if you are still with me now, all that remains for me to do is urge you to hop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog & check out the awesome creations of my fellow D-Teamies.

Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Creative card Crew - Tis the Season!

2011-12-06T08:08:00.000Z

Hurrah for Tuesday. Always good to get Monday out of the way, workwise at least! I've got 2 posts for you today. Firstly my card for Creative Card Crew where we are celebrating Christmas. Afterall,

TIS THE SEASON!

I had a blast with this card. I've been dying to ink up this Stamping Bella - Eve under the Mistletoe, from Quixotic Paperie. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are MME - Holly Jolly. The sentiment is by Catslife Press at Crafty Emma's store. The mistletoe die is a Doo Hickey, with Liquid Pearls for the berries. The holly was made with a Memory Box die with added stickles for the berries. A little Glamour Dust on the fur trim & that's it.

I used the fab layout at the Quixotic Paperie challenge for my layout.

The colour scheme of red, white & green fits with the challenge at Colour Create to.

At Bunny Zoe's they want to see 'Anything Christmas with pearls'.

Well I hope you'll now take the time to check out the fabulous creations of my fellow D-Teamies at Creative Card Crew, where this fortnight we are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.

I'll be back sooner than you think with my card for Passion For Promarkers. Hope everyone is keeping warm & well out there. It has certainly started to feel a lot colder here in Manchester.

Thanks so much for looking,

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Sketch & Stash #76

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000Z

Gosh I can't tell you how quickly the new Sketch & Stash challenge has come around again. This fortnight it's lovely Chrissie's turn to create another gorgeous sketch for your delectation.

I've had this SCACD image by Elisabeth Bell for ages. I'm not even sure if she is supposed to be a Christmas image or not, but she's called Angel of Hope. I got her at Quixotic Paperie. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are MME. The border punch is by Martha Stewart & I used a couple of the punch outs in the corners. I picked up the star ribbon at HobbyCraft, but it was impossible to tie into any kind of elegant looking bow, so I used other ribbon. To be honest I think I might remove that though, it looks a bit odd. A touch of Glamour Dust on the wings & that's it.

This is Chrissie's sketch for you to work from.

This week we are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp

So I hope you'll come on over & play with us this fortnight. Check out the Sketch & Stash blog for more fab inspiration from my gorgeous D-Teamies.

I am also entering this at Simon Says Stamp this week, where 'Anything Goes'.

Well that's it from me for now. Can't believe there's now less than 3 weeks to Xmas. Eeeek, I've suddenly got scared! So much to do so little time, but it's always so worth it.

Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,
Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge - Photo Inspiration

2011-12-03T09:00:00.000Z

It always feels good to make it to the weekend! This one is no exception, not least beacause it's time for another challenge at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. It my wonderful D-Teamie, Kate's turn to choose our theme. She wants you to be inspired by a photo this week, which you can find here.

I'm afraid you'll have to indulge me here. I was quite pleased with how this turned out so I took several photos! This is Tilda with Heart-shaped snowball, with Magnolia winter forest & winter scene. I coloured it all with Distress Inks. The papers are MME.

I love this little cutie, she's just adorable. I used silicone glue to 3D to make her stand off the page.

I used Polar White Flower Soft on the snow for a bit of fun & the snowflake is a Marianne Design die.

Now I have to give credit where credit is due. I never set out to case the card on the front of the last Magnolia magazine. But after I finished it I noticed a big similarity. So I should credit Tab with a lot of the inspiration for this card. Her work is just awesome & you should check it out.

I hope you'll now check out the fabulous creations of my fellow D-Teamies at the Secret Crafter's blog.

I also want to enter this card at several challenges this week. At Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar, 'Anything Goes' with a touch of sparkle. 'Anything Goes' at Simon Says Stamp.

At Stamptacular Sunday, the theme is 'Anything Christmas'.

At Deep Ocean Challenge, they want to see cards inspired by the letter 'C'. Mine is C for Christmas of course!

My this has been a long one today. If you've stuck with me this long, thanks so much for bearinf with me. I'm off to the cinema this morning with the boys. Then I hope to get lots of crafting done later. Hope you all have a great weekend, whatever you are up to.

Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Sketch

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000Z

Happy Tuesday one & all! Time for another challenge at Passion For Promarkers & this week it's the turn of the lovely Tracy. She has designed a fab sketch for your delectation.

I made this card a few weeks ago for my hubbie's birthday, & I've just noticed a couple of the pearls have fallen off. I'm a bit disappointed with it. I love the image, but the overall look is a bit too girly really for a man. The papers are Kaisercraft - Lush.

We are thrilled to have Sugar Nellie as our fabulous sponsor this week.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog to see the wonderful inspiration of my lovely D-Teamies & play along with us this week.

So that's all from me for now. Thanks so much for looking.

Big hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - Borders & Flowers

2011-11-26T09:00:00.001Z

Ooooooh yippedy-yip for the weekend. How I love it so :~) Especially as we have another fab challenge at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. This week it's lovely Janet's turn to chose or theme. She has gone for

BORDERS & FLOWERS

I had to take a break from Xmas cards this week as it's my gorgeous sister's birthday next week & I'd been saving this SCACD image for her, as it's almost as beautiful as she is. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are one of my faves, Memory Box - Gossamer. The border die is a Doo Hickey & the flower is by Spellbinders.

I kept this relatively simple as I think she's such an elegant image I did not want to detract from her too much. With that in mind, the flower is perhaps, a little big. Too late now though. My layout is based on the fab sketch at Quixotic Paperie this month.

At Bearly Mine the challenge is 'My Favourite Things'. As I got this image with my sister in mind as it reminds me of her elegance, I am using her as 'my favourite thing'. As I said, the papers are amongst my faves too.

So I hope you'll now hop on over to the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge blog to see the fantastic inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies. It's also the last challenge of the month so also therefore your last chance of entering & being in with a chance of winning a fab prize of 5 gorgeous digis from The Stamping Boutique.

So that's all from me for today. We're off visiting my Uncle in Leicester today. I haven't seen him for ages & he hasn't seen the boys for years. So it will be interesting to see what they make of each other. I've had to warn Jack that my Uncle is not into football at all. I'm not sure Jack will know of anything else to talk about. He's such a football bore, LOL!!

I hope everyone has something fun to look forward to this weekend. Only 4 weeks till Xmas!! Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Creative Card Crew - Monochromatic

2011-11-22T09:00:00.002Z

Happy Tuesday one & all! Time for another fab challenge at the Creative Card Crew. This fortnight we want to see your creations that are

MONOCHROMATIC

I confess to getting a little scared by the thought of being limited to a single colour, but I always like how it turnes out. I love the sepia tones of this card, with a little copper thrown in for a little shimmer. The image & sentiment are both LOTV, coloured with Distress Inks. The stars were cut with a X- cut die & the criss cross ribbon I picked up in a cake decorating shop.

I am also entering this at Divas By Design who are also running a Monochromatic challenge.

At Creative Card Crew, we are thrilled to be sponsored by the lovely, generous people at Paper Pretties, who are offering our winner a fab prize.

I wanted to use one of their fab images for my card this week, but my printer wasn't playing ball. However, my fabulous DTeamies have been busy weaving their creative magic. So pop on over to the CCC blog & check out what they have for your delectation & play along with us.

You'll be pleased to here my computer problems have miraculously rectified themselves somehow. I guess it was some kind of network or ISP problem. However, if I hadn't wasted so much time trying to work out the problem, I might have had my Passion For Promarkers card ready for you by now too. But for now this will have to suffice. I hope you like.

Thanks so much for looking. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Sketch & Stash DT

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000Z

It's not often I have something to show you on a Monday, but that's all gonna change! I'm so excited & thrilled to have been invited to join the wonderful Sketch & Stash DT & this is my first card using Kevin's fab sketch that you will find here.

I used Something For You Tilda from the Sweet Christmas Dreams collection & coloured her with Distress Inks. The papers are MME & I also used my gorgeous new Memory Box die. These dies are so delicate & beautiful. The snowflake die is a Doo Hickey & the ribbon is by Marianne Design.

Now you all don't want to hear this, but I am having real problems with my computer access. All 3 of our computers will only let me access Yahoo groups when they feel like it. Likewise I can't enter challenges or see entries to challenges, but I can leave comments, but not on my netbook. I can't post on my netbook either. So I keep having to borrow hubbies laptop for that. What is going on?! How do I sort it out. My hubby had a look & he can't figure where the problem is & he works with computers. What chance do I have of sorting it out?

Anyway, enough of my problems. I hope you'll hop on over to the Sketch & Stash Blog to check out the awesome creations of my fellow D-Teamies. I hope you'll follow the sketch & play along with us.

I may be back to enter this into some other challenges, but until I get things sorted there's not much point :~(

Thanks so much for looking. Have a great week.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - Sketch

2011-11-19T12:32:00.000Z

Big Yay! for the weekend & another fab challenge at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. This week, lovely Jane has designed a fab sketch for your delectation.

I used a stamp I have had for yonks, but had never inked up before. It's from Sugar Nellie, but I'm not sure if it is still available. It's coloured with Distress Inks. It's a little darker than I intended because doofus brain thought they were penguins & coloured them black/grey, until I realised they were sitting on a branch & penguins can't fly, DUH!!

I am also entering this at Winter Wonderland where the theme is 'What a cutie'.

I hope you'll now check out the fabulous creations of my wonderful D-Teamies at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Thanks so much for looking. Have a great weekend.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - White on White

2011-11-15T09:00:00.001Z

It's Tuesday & time for another fab challenge at Passion For Promarkers. This week or theme is chosen by my wonderful D-Teamie, Debs. She wants to see cards that are

WHITE ON WHITE

This is my favourite Whiff of Joy stamp. She's gorgeous & I love colouring skirts with lots of material, so I always have a field day with this! I can't remember doing a WOW card before & I really enjoyed this. The poinsetta was made with a Doo Hickey smothered in Diamond Dust. The foliage was cut from a Tim Holtz Alterations strip die & the snowflakes are from a Martha Stewart border punch.

It's been ages since I last entered the Whiff of Joy challenge, but the current theme there is, 'Let it Snow'.

At Stamptacular Sunday the challenge is 'Punch It'. I did use a punch, but fortunately dies are allowable too.

We are happy to be sponsored again this week by Some Odd Girl who are offering our lucky winner a choice of 3 of their fab digi images.

I hope you'll pop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog to see the awesome inspiration of my wonderfiul D-teamies.

It's my lovely hubbie's birthday today & we've got the day off while the boy have to go to school, Yippee!! He wants to see the Rum Diaries & have lunch at the Trafford Centre. However, we're both feeling really ropey, so we'll have to see what we can manage.

Hope everyone else is feeling better than me. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters' Saturday Challenge - Spots & Stripes

2011-11-12T09:00:00.004Z

Whoop- de-Whoop for the weekend! Time for another fab challenge at Secret Crafters' Saturday Challenge, chosen by wonderful D-Teamie, Helen. She wants to see cards that contain

SPOTS & STRIPES

I'm so in love with these Fairy Glen images from Sugar Nellie & this little sweetie is uber cute! She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are Papermania -Silent Night. The snowflake was made with a Marianne Design Creatable & the gorgeous corner embellishment is by Memory Box. Once again I used the fab Impression Obsession snowflake background stamp from the Craft Barn.

I based my layout on the wonderful sketch at Crafting Life's Pieces. I do love that challenge.

At Papertake Weekly, the challenge this week is to make a Xmas card. This is not my first , but I hope it still counts.

At Totally Gorjuss they are celebrating Christmas Traditions

So now get yourself on over to the Secret Crafters' Saturday Challenge to check out the awesome inspiration of my fabulous D-Teamies.

I hope everyone has a fab weekend. I'm off out tonight with my girlfriends. How exciting. We never go out. Me & the boys are making muffins too. Jack with his maths brain likes the weighing & measuring, whereas Ben likes the messy bits. I like decorating them. But best of all we all like eating them, LOL!

Whatever you are up to, I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks do much for looking .

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For promarkers & Creative Card Crew DT Double Header

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000Z

Happy Tuesday one & all! I have 2 cards to show you again today. My first comes with some happy news. I have been asked to join the Creative Card Crew DT & this is my first card for them. Yippee!! Our challenge for you this week is to

BE THANKFUL

I keep moaning about taking my photos in artificial light. However, when I took my pictures of this card it was bathed in sunlight & it looks just as bad!! The Prima Botanical papers look really washed out, whereas IRL they match my colouring a lot better, honest!! This is my favourite Tilda, she's coloured with Distress Inks & I used a Heart Swirl Doo Hickey up the side & a Sizzix die in the corner. The flowers were cut with a Spellbinders die.

The Thank You sentiment is a bit big for the card, so I may have to replace it. I don't have many 'Thank You' stamps. I mustn't say it often enough!! For

this card I used the lovely layout at Sketch Saturday

so I would also like to enter my crad there.

We are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp this fortnight. Our lucky winner can win a fab voucher to spend at their store.

So now please hop on over to the Creative Card Crew blog to see the wonderful creations of my new & fabulous D-Teamies & give them some love :~)

However, before you do I just want to show you my other DT card today for Passion For Promarkers. My gorgeous D-Teamie, Julie has chosen this week's challenge to use

KRAFT & 1 OTHER COLOUR

This is one of my favourite snowmen images. I don't have many, but I just love this Kraftin Kimmie snowman. The papers are MME & I overstamped the Kraft background with a massive snowflake stamp I won along with the big acrylic block to stamp it with at Sketch Saturday. You have to squint quite closely to see it because the ink isn't very good, but it's by Impression Obsession from the Craft Barn. I love it!! It's brilliant & there are a whole host of other background stamps I need to save up for!

For this sketch I used the great layout at Stamptacular Sunday.

We also have a wonderful prize at Passion For Promarkers, where we are sponsored by Some Odd Girl who will give the winner their choice of 3 of their wonderful digis.

My awesome D-Teamies at Passion For Promakers have been excelling themselves again & you need to check out the PFP blog to see what they have been up to.

Oooooh dilemma where to go first? CCC or PFP. Why not both & if you can combine the 2 even! I leave it up to you.

So for now, that's it from me. I just want to thank you so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge - Flowers, Lace & Ribbon

2011-11-05T09:00:00.002Z

Way Hay for the weekend! Time for another great challenge at the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. It's fabulous Francesca's turn to pick our theme this week & she has gone for

FLOWERS, RIBBON & LACE

After the dull grey of my last card, I can't tell how much I enjoyed colouring this little Sugar Nellie cutie. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are Memory Box - Mistletoe. The flowers were created with a Doo Hickey & McGill mini petals punch.

This little sweetie is one of my faves from the last Fairy Glen release, I can see her getting used a lot. I say a lot. I have too many stamps for any of them to get used too often. I really must look at selling some off on E-bay. Then I can make room to buy more, LOL!!

My fellow D-Teamies at Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge also had a lot of fun with this challenge. Hop on over & check out their awesome creations. These week we are joined by the newest members of our team.

These ladies are seriously talented so go check them out & leave them some love.

I based my layout on the fab sketch at Sketch & Stash this week. I used old papers, but my image is seeing ink for the first time.

At Creative Inspirations this week they want to see 'lashings of sparkle'. I don't know about lashings, but she has glitter on her halo, her wings & the flowers in her hair & on her dress. Plus the gems in the flowers. So I guess that's quite a lot!

Lace, Flowers & Ribbon also happen to make the diagonal line on the bingo card at Truly Scrumptious

Hope everyone has fun over the bonfire weekend! Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - At the Zoo

2011-11-01T22:47:00.000Z

My goodness. I didn't know when I was going to get this done. All the Halloween festivities at the weekend sure took a big chunk out of my crafting time. Well at least the kiddies had fun! So on to this weeks challenge at Passion For Promarkers, chosen this week, by my wonderfully talented D-Teamie & new Mum, Emma. If you like cute baby photos, go see her gorgeous baby daughter on her blog & give her some love. Back to the challenge. Emma wants to see cards inspired by what you would see

AT THE ZOO

Apologies for the dreadful quality of these photos. There is not much colour in the MME Andrea-Victoria papers I used, but it looks all washed out. The image is a very old High Hopes stamp called Camilla Gorilla. I was not seeing much of her girly charm, so I made this card for a man. Actually my son Jack loves it & wants it for his birthday in April! The sentiment is High Hopes too.

My lovely D-Teamies at Passion for Promarkers look like they really enjoyed this challenge. Pop on over & check out their awesome creations. This week we are generously sponsored by the lovely people at Joanna Sheen crafts. Our lucky winner will get a £10 voucher to spend there.

I used the fab sketch at Cute Card Thursday for my layout this week.

At Papertake Weekly 'Anything Goes'

At Stamp with Fun, their theme is 'Buttons'

So there you go. Hope you all had fun on Halloween. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,
Andie xx

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T21:22:00.000Z

I know I'm a day early, but my boys have been having a Halloween party tonight. I thought I'd show you the card I made for Ben. (Jack's can be found here - Mr Punkinhead)

This oh so cute image is from Rick St Denis- I Brake for Stamps at Quixotic Paperie. I coloured him with Distress Inks & the papers are MME.

I followed the fab sketch at Stamp With Fun for my layout on this card. The picket fence Doo Hickey, is no exactly spooky, but looks appropriate here.

Thought I'd also share some piccies of Jack & Ben having fun at our party. Their food when they had 'Dead Man's Fingers (sausages), with blood (ketchup), Monster Munch & Scotch Eggs (Monster's eyes). I made them goodie bags filled with sweets from a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. I will try & find the link.

Jack (above) was a werewolf. If you saw his mask it's easier to imagine. Ben (below) was a skeleton. Just see that scary face, LOL! They had Sparklers after tea too.

Thanks for sticking through with such a long post. Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween tomorrow. Have fun!

Thanks for looking. Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge - Spooky or Whimsical

2011-10-29T14:29:00.000+01:00

Goodness, I'm late with this. I'd hoped to get this posted earlier but didn't manage it & haven't had time till now. Nonetheless, Happy Saturday everyone! My lovely D-Teamie, Bridget, has chosen this week's theme at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. And it is

SPOOKY OR WHIMSICAL

I was in rather a hurry to complete this, hence the CAS look. The image is from the gorgeous new Fairy Glen release from Sugar Nellie. She's coloured with Distress Inks & I used green & white glitter on her wings. The flower was made with a Spellbinders die.

The sketch & CAS theme at the Sugar Bowl this fortnight suited my needs perfectly for this card.

I am also entering this at Totally Gorjuss this week where the theme is I remember. I bought this stamp specifically because it has a squirrel. I love squirrels. As a child my favourite book was Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin'

At Simon Says Stamp this week, 'Anything Goes'

As it's the last challenge of the month, it's also your last chance to have a chance of winning the fabulous prize of 5 digis from our sponsor, The Stamping Boutique

Please pop on over to the Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge blog to see more awesome creations from my wonderful D-Teamies. For now though I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Papertake Weekly & Passion For Promarkers Double Header!

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Tuesday! I've got 2 cards to show again today. The first is my final (boo hoo) GDT card for Papertake Weekly. Dawny has designed another fab sktch for us.

This is not my normal style, but sometimes you need to make a card for someone who doesn't do cute. Such is thew case with this, it's for my uncle. I coloured this gorgeous Stempelglede image with Distress Inks & used MME papers. A few half pearls finish it off.

It was a relief therefore to get back to my comfort zone therefore, with my Passion For Promakers card. Our challenge this week, chosen by lovely Denise, is to make a card

FOR A CHILD

This time I was making a card for my little niece. I used this adorable little LOTV image with Magnolia papers & Doo Hickey dies. I edged everything with Picket Fence Crackle Paint.

We are lucky to be sponsored by Letraset this week who are offering our prize winner a fab stamping set. Check out the fabulous inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies at the Passion For Promarkers blog.

I want to enter this at the LOTV challenge this week where it's eyes down on their bingo card. I used gems, flowers & lace/ribbon.

Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - Wrap up Warm with Something Knitted

2011-10-22T09:00:00.002+01:00

Big Yay for the weekend! Time for another challenge at Secret Crafter's Saturday Challenge. This week it's my turn to choose the theme & as the weather turns colder I'd like to see your images

WRAP UP WARM

(with something knitted)

I have to confess to forgetting about the something knitted bit myself even, but this little Wee cutie by Whimsey Stamps is wearing gloves, so it's OK. I was so keen to ink her up, I just had to use her! She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are Cosmo Cricket - Mitten Weather. I love this pad. The die cut is a Magnolia Doo Hickey.

You can see the Glamour Dust on the fur trim better in this photo. I also sprinkled a little over the Crackle Glaze I put on her wings.

It's all very simple, but this has to be one of my favourites of the Xmas cards I have made this year. I love the image & the colour scheme. I based the layout on last weeks Sketch Saturday sketch, but forgot by the time I posted this the challenge would be out of date, duh!

This card does however, fit the bill at Totally Gorjuss, where the theme is 'Pastel Christmas'.

I hope you'll pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the awesome creations of my fellow D-Teamies.

All that remains is to Thank You all so much for looking & wish you a wonderful weekend.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers & Papaertake Weekly Halloween Double Header

2011-10-18T12:00:00.002+01:00

Happy Tuesday one & all! I've got a double helping of scary cards for you today. My first offering is my GDT card for this week's challenge at Papertake Weekly, where we want you use

HALLOWEEN HUES

(ie. purples, oranges, greens, black etc. It doesn't have to be a Halloween card though.)

As you can see, this little Bildmalarna scarecrow is not really that scary at all. That's because this is for my recently turned 1 year old nephew, so I went all out cute & colourful for him instead. He's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are Fancy Pants - Oct 31st. I embossed the purple co-ordinations paper & the bow was off a chocolate box or something.

This next card is an altogether much spookier affair. But I love the image & I hope my 8yr old son, Jack will too. This is my DT card for Passion For Promarkers, where lovely Lisa has chosen our theme this week, which is

STARS

This is Mr Punkinhead from Kraftin Kimmie. He was a doddle to colour & I added Distress Stickles to his eyes & mouth to enhance the effect of the light inside his head. It sounds wierd writing it like that, but you know what I mean. The sentiment comes with the image & the papers are Fancy Pants once again.

The layout for both cards is based on the fab sketch at Quixotic Paperie where they have a new monthly challenge back up & running again. Yippee!!

There are also other Halloween themed challenges that I am entering these cards into at Creative Card Crew, Simon Says Stamp, ABC Challenges, where B is for 'Boo!'

I hope you'll now go and check out the fabulous inspiration of my wonderful D-Teamies at Papertake Weekly & Passion For Promarkers & play along with us this week. There are fabulous prizes to be one, including a £20 voucher to spend at Crafters Companion available at Passion For Promarkers. What re you waiting for!!

Well I hope you are all having a good week so far. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - White & One other Colour

2011-10-15T09:25:00.000+01:00

I don't need to tell you how happy I always am that it's the weekend, but I'll give it a big WHOOP WHOOP anyway!! Our lovely boss lady & original Secret Crafter, Wendy has chosen our theme for this week challenge at Secret Crafters & it is

WHITE & ONE OTHER COLOUR

I thought I would struggle with this as I always use more colour in my cards, but it was perfect for a frosty, vintage style Xmas card. The fab LOTV image is coloured with distress inks & the papers are MME, Merry Days of Christmas. I edged everything with Picket Fence Distress Stain & used Liquid Pearls for the snow. The stars were die cut & 2 layers covered with Picket Fence Crackle Paint. The top star I then covered with Glossy Accents & Sprinkled with glitter. I love how it turned out. I think the gem swirls are by Prima.

I based my layout on the lovely sketch at Sketch & Stash this week. My stamp is new & I have to say, was nice & easy to colour. My old stash is the papers & diamante swirls I have had since last Xmas!

At Bunny Zoes this month the challenge is to put lace on your card. I chose some I thought looked like icicles for the purposes of this card.

So I hope you'll now hop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the amazing creations of my wonderful D-Teamies.

That's it for now. After England's dismal failure in the rugby last week, I'm now off to support the land of my mother's birth & where she lived for all of 2 weeks, Wales.

Have a great weekend & thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Papertake Weekly & Passion For Promarkers Double Header!

2011-10-11T12:00:00.006+01:00

Good Morning to you & a Happy Tuesday one & all. Buckle your seat belts, I've got a long old post to get through today as I have 2 cards to show you. The first is my GDT card for Papertake Weekly where we want to see cards with

3 DIFFERENT SHAPES

( one can be the card base)

I used this super cutie from the Fairy Glen Xmas release at Sugar Nellie. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are MME Holly Jolly, or is it Jolly Holly?! Of course there is the mandatory glitter every fairy must have, including Glamour Dust on her fur trim & Crackle Glaze sprinkled with pink glitter on her wings. The snowflake was cut with a Spellbinders die & the sentimnet is LOTV.

I love how she turned out & had fun distressing her, which I haven't done for a while. The layout follows the sketch at the current Sugar Bowl challenge.

At Truly Scrumptious the theme is Distressing, as it is at Stamptacular Sunday, so I am entering this card there.

On to my second card of the day. It's my offering for the Passion For Promarkers challenge, where this week the theme was set by my good self & it is,

CHRISTMAS CRITTERS

(ie. Xmas cards with animals on)

I used Christmas Bunnies - Post from last years LOTV Xmas release. It's a shame I couldn't take the photo in daylight as I always hate the radioactive glow they give out in artificial light! The papers are MME. It's hard to see the pattern on the red paper, but it has a lovely self coloured glittery snowflakes. Again with the Glamour Dust on the fur trim & on the snow I used Frosty Lace Stickles. The snowflake is a Martha Stewart punch.

This layout is based on the sketch at Sketch Saturday this week.

I am also entering it at Lili of the Valley where the theme is 'Let it Snow'.

So I hope you now pop on over to see the fabulous creations of my fellow D-Teamies at both Papertake Weekly & Passion For Promarkers. They are all awesome. Play along & you could also win a fabulous prize :~)

***EDITED: LOTV Blog Candy Winner from the Papertake Weekly Blog Hop is

CraftyBirdLisa

Congratulations!!

E-mail me with your details & I will get you stamp in the post to you :~)

Here are my boys, Jack (the big one) & Ben picking Lisa's name out of the hat. Sorry about the quality of the photos, they soon got over their initial excitement & wouldn't pose for a better one! As you can see Ben has been taking tips from Paul McCartney on how to pose for photos; does he ever have a picture taken without giving a thumbs up!!

Thanks so much for looking,

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Anything goes, as long as it glitters!

2011-10-08T09:15:00.000+01:00

Saturday is here again, & you know how much I love my weekends! Not least because it's time for another fab challenge at Secret Crafters, chosen by my wonderful D Teamie, Tracie. This week,

ANYTHING GOES

( as long as it glitters!)

I finally got chance to play with one of the new Sylvia Zet images by SCACD that I got from Quixotic Paperie. This one is called '3 Wishes', isn't she adorable? She's coloured with Distress Inks & the yummy paper is by Bo Bunny. IRL it gltters, though the photo does not pick that up. The paper ribbon is from Crafty Emma's.

You can see the glittery bits a little better here. I used a Sakura glitter pen on the spots on the box. Glamour Dust on the flowers in her hair & on the wings of the fairy & gold Viva Decor glitter on the stars.

I've kept this very simple as I love the image & the gorgeous paper & did not want to cover anything up. But I hope it has enough 'Sparkle & Bling' for Simon Says Stamp this week. It does sparkle more IRL, honest!

So now it's time to pop on over to the Secret Crafter's blog to see the fabulous inspiration of my lovely D Teamies. Nice & easy challenge for you this week, so no excuses for not playing along! I look forward to seeing all your gorgeousness.

Well I was going to watch the rugby now, but I'm not sure I'll bother as England seem to be getting the beatings off France! That makes it very hard to watch. So I look forward to cheering on Saints tonight instead! That's Rugby League for anyone south of Cheshire! It's a perfectly miserable day out there weather wise, so looks like a good one to get crafty to me :~) Whatever you are doing, have a great weekend.

Thanks so much for looking, & don't forget my little blog candy if you scroll down.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Papertake Weekly - GDT Blog Hop!!

2011-10-04T12:00:00.002+01:00

Big, Big WOW!! Papertake Weekly is 4 years old. Other fab challenges have come & gone, but Papertake Weekly just keeps on rolling. How lucky am I to be joining the team as GDT for this month & I joining in the 4th Anniversary blog hop.

If you missed the start, go back to the Papertake Weekly blog & start at the beginning. You should be joining me from lovely Katina's amazing blog.

I couldn't get the light right for this photo, this looks a lot brighter IRL. This little LOTV cutie is called 'Twinkling Star' & I coloured her with Distress Inks. The DP is Echo Park, Wintertime, & the snowflake was made with a Spellbinders die.

You can see better in this photo, some of the sparkle. Gold Viva glitter on the stars & Liquid Pearls on the snow. Of course I had to use the obligatory Glamour Dust on her fur trim too. What did I ever do without it?!

Getting into the spirit of the hop, as some of the other Papertake DT are offering their own candy, I thought I would add a little bit of my own. Leave me a comment & I will pick a winner for this gorgeous LOTV stamp that is looking for a loving & caring home. It may only be small, but it is perfectly formed!

(Candy closes at midnight GMT on 10th October)

There are loads more stunning & fabulous prizes to be won on this weeks blog hop & at the Papertake weekly blog itself, where the challenge this week is,

ANYTHING GOES

What are you waiting for, it couldn't be simpler! However, before you do, you better finish the blog hop. Next stop is the wonderful,

LOLS

Go & give her some love :~)

Finally, I just want to enter this card at the challenge at Crafting Life's Pieces this month, where I used their fab sketch for my layout.

Thanks so much for looking & don't forget to enter my candy:~)

Big Hugs to one & all,

Andie xx

Passion For Promakers - Alter Something, not Square

2011-10-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

Good morning! Time for another Passion For Promarkers challenge, this week chosen by my lovely D-Teamie, Anja. She wants to see

SOMETHING ALTERED

(but not square)

In all honesty, I am embarassed to be showing you this. You'll have to take my word for it that I have altered a wine bottle, by wrapping it in some gorgeous Bo Bunny paper & adding this sweet image from Sugar Nellie. But my photo was so bad, it looked like I'd drunk the whole bottle of wine before I took it!! So I'm afraid, you only get to see the close up here. If you want to see how bad it looks, you have to hop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog & have a good laugh at it, whilst you admire the fabulous creations of my gorgeous D-Teamies.

Play along this week & you could win another great prize. We are sponsored this week by Joanna Sheen who is givingaway a £10 voucher to spend in her fantastic shop.

So there you go. Not my greatest piece of work I'm sad to say. However, I will be back at 12:00 today with something rathe special & a whole lotta fun!

See You later!

Thanks for looking,

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Halloween!

2011-10-01T10:59:00.000+01:00

Whoop-de-whoop for the weekend! We've got another fab challenge at Secret Crafters for you this week chosen by my lovely D-Teamie, Kate. She wants to see what you make of her theme,

HALLOWEEN

This is Little Mimosa Witch from Bildmalarna. She's so sweet. I coloured her with Distress Inks & the papers are. The sentiment is from High Hopes.

There is not much to tell you about this really as I followed the sketch at Papertake Weekly quite faithfully & I don't really have much in the way of Halloweeen themed embellishments.

This card also fits at Cute Card Thursday, where they're going 'Animal Crackers'.

At Simon Says Stamp, 'Anything Goes'. As it does too at Crafts 4 Eternity. Big waves & kisses to all my lovely former D-Teamies over there!

It's now time to pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the wonderful inspiration on display there. I hope you'll play along with us this week, I look forward to seeing your fab creations.

Also here's a heads up for all you lovely ladies in the Midlands, or further afield maybe. The original Secret Crafter herself & uber talented all round lovely person, Wendy, is hosting a 'Christmas Dabble Day' on November 19th. You get expert guidance from fabulous tutors to make a range of gorgeous xmas projects, with the chance to 'dabble' with various tools & techniques. Sounds like a mega fun day out!

So there you go. That's all from me for now. I hope you all have a great weekend & this fantastic weather lasts at least till Monday. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

EDIT: Apologies for the lateness of this post. 2 words - GRRRRRR Blogger!!

Passion For Promarkers - Planes, Trains & Automobiles

2011-09-27T08:11:00.000+01:00

Hurrah for Tuesday! Monday is out of the way & we have another fab challenge for you at Passion For Promarkers, chosen this week, by terrific Tracy, who has decided on a theme of

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

I made this card a a first birthday card for my friends' little boy. It is a long neglected Alota stamp (I think!). I've had it years & had forgotten about it until this challenge. The papers are old too, Basic Grey - Oh Baby Boy. Go me for using old stash!! I wanted to to make it bright & colourful for a little child, but i have to say, I don't really like how it turned out, but I hope he does!

I used the fab sketch at Sketch Saturday for my layout for this card so I would like to enter my card there.

I hope you now pop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog to see the fabulous inspiration of my wonderful D-Teamies. We have another great prize from our sponsors, Letraset, who are offering a stamping set to our winner this week.

Well better fly or I will be late for work. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - 5,4,3,2,1 Recipe & DT call reminder

2011-09-24T09:08:00.000+01:00

Yeah it's my second favourite time of the week, when you wake up on a Saturday, groan, then realise it's the weekend, Yippee!! My first favourite, if you're interested is when I leave work on a Friday, knowing I'm not in again until Monday! A second reason for loving Saturday morning is also the fact it's time for another challenge at Secret Crafters. These week lovely Jane has picked our theme & it's a

RECIPE

1 image, 2 papers, 3 flowers, 4 brads, 5 gems/pearls

I have to say how thrilled I am with this card, despite it not being as I'd envisaged. In large part due to the sad demise of my Cuttlebug :~( I'd hoped to go for more swirls to use up my gem allowance, but my little green friend gave up after cutting just one poinsetta. I had to cut the one underneath by hand. This little cutie is a Nellie Snellen image, called 'Share a Biscuit'. I'm going to just have to get the other Xmas cuties in this range. They're just adorable! She's coloured with Distress Inks to match the Echo Park-Wintertime papers.

I added Glamour Dust to the fur trim & used Liquid Pearls for the snowflakes & the snow. The sentiment is by LOTV.

My layout for this card is based on the fab sketch at Bunny Zoe's Challenge this month.

I would also like to enter this at Papertake Weekly where the theme is Creature Comforts.

At Creative Inspirations they are having a 'Celebration'. I hope this fits OK, but afterall, what is Xmas if not a celebration.

At Simon Says Stamp, they want you to use a die cut on your creation. OK, so I had planned to use more, but... oh, it's still too raw, sob, I can't talk about it. The snowflake is a Martha Stewart punch too.

As it's the last challenge of the month I also need to remind you, it's your last chance to win a prize from of wonderful sponsor, The Stamping Boutique.

Also, you have until the end of the month to register your interest to join the Secret Crafters DT. We are looking for several more lovely ladies (or men) to create some gorgeousness once a week to inspire our lovely fellow crafters to play along. Come on, you know you want to!! Pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the fab inspiration of my wonderful D-Teames & leave a link to your blog in the top right hand corner. Please join me in welcoming 2 new ladies to our team already who will be joining our team next week

LINDA

JANET

I think that might just be it from me for now, Phew, that turned into a bit of a marathon, as I'm not the fastest typer! All that remains is to Thank You so much for looking & to wish you a fabulous weekend.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Sketch

2011-09-20T08:14:00.000+01:00

It's terrific Tracy's turn to choose of theme at this week's Passion For Promarkers challenge. She has designed a fabulous sketch for your delectation.

I used another sweet LOTV image for this card, with my favourite Memory Box - Spiceberry papers. The snow was created with a glitter Snow Writer. It sure is glittery. I'm not sure I wuldn't prefer an ordinary snow writer & add my own glitter to it. There is more sparkle on the fur trims, this time created with Glamour Dust. It is hard to see the lace & seam binding trims I used on to of each other bhind the image, & the snowflake was created with a mix of punches.

This is a very detailed image & withhindsight I wouldn't have just stuck to a purely green, red & white colour scheme, but I wanted to enter the LOTV challenge again this week.

Also at Stamp for Fun, 'Anything Goes'

I hope you'll now hop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog & see the wonderful insiration created by my fabulous D-Teamies. Our lucky win will win their choice of 6 digis from our lovely & generous sponsors at The Digi Stamp Boutique.

I hope everyone is having a good week. I went t the gym last night & overdid it. I'm feeling a bit sore right now, but it's all for a good cause, ie the reduction of my backside. It does not seem to be working though it still always fills the mirror when I look in it, LOL!!

Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - One Layer Cards

2011-09-17T11:18:00.000+01:00

Good Morning & a happy weekend to you all. Hope everyone is feeling fighting fit & raring to go. I myself am feeling a bit grotty, hence this being a bit late. But I won't let that spoil the weekend. It's what I live for, LOL!

Lovely Helen has chosen our theme at Secret Crafters this week. It's,

ONE LAYER CARDS

I have to confess one layer cards scare me a bit. Not because I lack inspiration, but I don't know what paper to use. I don't have any card stock that carries my Distress Inks very well other than the paper I normally use which is a bit expensive for creating a whole card with. The paper I use for my Promarkers is too thin to fold into a card & other card stock bleeds too much. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

However, this stamp is by IndigoBlu & for a one layer card it turned out rather 3 dimensional! I decided to 3-D the main flowers & covered them with Sepia Glossy Accents sprinkled with a little glitter. I also played about with some Distress Stickles, pearls & obviously the button! I can't decide if I actually like it or not!

My fellow D-Teamies at Secret Crafters have created lots of gorgeousness for your delectation. I hope you'll hop on over & check them out.

I am also entering this at Cute Card Thursday & Creative Inspirations where this week, 'Anything Goes'.

At the Bearly Mine Challenge, they want us to 'button it up'.

So there you go for now. I'm off to tackle the boys bedroom. I'm hoping to throw lots of things out, if they let me! What is everyone else up to? Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs to one & all,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Beary Special!

2011-09-13T07:59:00.000+01:00

It's Tuesday & my fabulous D-Teamie, Lisa, has chosen a wonderful theme for this week's challenge at Passion For Promarkers. She wants to see your

BEARY SPECIAL

creations, featuring lots of cuddly teddies!

This is just the worst photo, IRL this is not radioactive day glow salmon pink! I'm going to have to take a new photo asap. This challenge was an opportunity for me to use one of my favourite Belles n'Whistles images. The papers are MME - Stella Rose & you can just see the cute little teddy charm in the corner.

I based my layout on the fab sketch at Sketch Saturday this week.

I am also entering this at Stamp Something who are sadly celebrating their final challenge with an 'Anything Goes' theme.

I hope you'll now check out the wonderful inspiration of my fabulous D-Teamies at the Passion For Promarkers blog & play along with us this week. Our lucky winner will win a choice of three digi images from the wonderful, Some Odd Girl. What are you waiting for?!

I hope everyone is having a good week. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Inspired by a Song

2011-09-10T09:00:00.001+01:00

Yay for the weekend! It's Saturday & at Secret Crafters this week my lovely D-Teamie Francesca has chosen this week's theme to make cards, or whatever else you like,

INSPIRED BY A SONG

I chose Wonderful Christmas Time by Wings

This darling little lady who looks like she's having loads of fun is from LOTV along with the sentiment. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the papers are a mix of Spiceberry & Mistletoe by Memory Box. The snowflakes & doily were cut with Marianne Design dies & the little stars & adhesive gems I picked up at the Manchester Craft Show last weekend.

You can just about see the Glamour Dust & Viva Decor glitter I added in this photo to the starts fur trim & snow. But IRL they shimmer so beautifully & you can't have Christmas without a little sparkle now can you?!!

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the gorgeous creations of my fellow D-Teamies.

I would also like to enter this at the following challenges:-

Crafting Lifes Pieces where I followed their fab Sketch

Papertake Weekly where 'Anything Goes',

Lili of the Valley who are creating cards for people they miss :-(

A Spoonfull of Sugar who are celebrating their last challenge with a party.

This is all a bit rushed as it is our 10th wedding anniversary today & Paul is whisking me off for a night away, so I hope this schedules OK. He kept it all secret until this morning. What a romantic he is. I feel bad I only bought him a jumper, but good job I didn't organise anything!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Simply Sassy Sppotlight

2011-09-06T09:17:00.001+01:00

WOW! I can not tell you how thrilled I am to be showing you this card! I was delighted & honoured when lovely Maria Therese contacted me to ask if I would like to be in the 'Spotlight' at the Simply Sassy blog this week. This is the card I made to mark the occasion.

She's called 'This little light of Mine' & she's just gorgeous. I coloured her with Distress Inks & the papers are MME. A little sparkly ribbon & some adhesive gems completed the design.

I am entering this at the Sugar Bowl this week where I have used their fab sketch for inspiration.

All that goes for me to do now is to thank Maria Therese for granting me this special priviledge & thank you all for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Patchwork

2011-09-06T09:02:00.000+01:00

It's Tuesday & time for another fab challenge at Passion for Promarkers chosen by my lovely D-Teamie, the fabulous Julie. She wants to see cards that contain an element of

PATCHWORK

This is the birthday card that I made for my beautiful little nephew, Mattias, who turns 1 this Friday. I don't get to see him often as my sister lives in France. But believe me he is just adorable! I thought this gorgeous lil' elephant from Stamposaurus would be perfect. The papers are MME Fine & Dandy, true Blue & the stars were cut with a Die-namics die.

This week we are sponsored by the lovely people at Joanna Sheen who are offering a £10 voucher to this weeks lucky winner. So get yourself over to the Passion For Promarkers blog & check out the wonderful inspiration of my fabulous D-Teamies.

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking. But hang on as I have something special to show you next & I will be back much sooner than you think!!

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Colours of Autumn

2011-09-03T09:22:00.001+01:00

Whoop Whoop for the weekend & another fab challenge at Secret Crafters. Our fabulous challenge this week has been chosen by brilliant Bridget, aka Curlybear, who wants us to use

THE COLOURS OF AUTUMN

It's always a pleasure to use the rich reds, oranges & browns of Autumn, but I wasn't ready to go the whole hog & create an entirely Autmnal themed card. I haven't given up on summer yet! I chose this beautiful Simply Sassy image & gave her the full on Fall colour treatment with my Distress inks! The papers are Basic Grey - Curio. The flowers were cut with a Spellbinders die & the leaves with a Doo Hickey.

I have to say I'm really pleased with how this adorable cutie turned out. I used the fab sketch at Papertake Weekly for my layout, so I am entering this there.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafters Challenge blog to see the wonderful inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies. We also have a DT call running till the end of the month. If you would like to join us, why not give it a go!

Is anyone going to the Craft Show at the Trafford Centre today? If you see me, please stop me & say 'Hello!' I don't bite. I'll be the big tall one with the curly hair, reaching stuff down off the highest displays for people. I always get asked to do that in the supermarket!!

Maybe see you there. But whatever you are up to, have a great weekend.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Flexible

2011-08-30T08:25:00.001+01:00

It's a special week at Passion For Promarkers this week as we are celebrating the imminent release of the fabulous, new Flexmarkers from Letraset. We have all has an opportunity to play with some & I have to tell you, I love them!! Our challenge this week is

FLEXIBLE

ie. anything goes!

You can probably tell I was up late last night getting this finished, hence the horrid orange glow from the lamplight. I will remedy that later, but I have to go to work in te meantime. I just love this little cutie. It just reminds me of how almost everyone in my family feels after Xmas dinner after my Mum's fantastic cooking & you just want a little supper later on! It is an LOTV stamp & sentiment & the papers are Memory Box - Spiceberry. The Star is a Marianne Design die cut covered in Stickles.

So I hope you'll now pop on over to the Passion for Promarkers blog to see the awesome creations of my fellow D-Teamies. Play along this week & you could win the most awesome prize. Letraset are sponsoring us with 6, yes 6 packets of the new Flexmarkers for this week lucky winner. You know what they say, 'you gotta be in it to win it!'

I am entering this at Stamp With Fun this week where I used their fab sketch for my layout.

At A Spoonful of Sugar it is 'Partytime'. As it is their last ever challenge, this image seemed appropriate that it depicts a scene after the party has ended. Thank you to all the wonderful ladies at ASOS for all the awesome inspiration they have provided over the last 3 years. Your challenge blog will be missed :~(

At Creative Card Crew, 'Anything Goes' this fortnight, so I would also like to enter my card there.

OK, better fly as I'll be late for work otherwise. Thanks so much for looking. Have a great week.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters -By the Sea

2011-08-27T09:08:00.000+01:00

It my week for chosing the theme at the Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge. I've had this Kraftin Kimmie mermaid image waiting patiently to be inked up for aaaaages! As a result I chose my theme specifically so I could use it. For this week challenge I want to see cards inspired by things

IN THE SEA

Unfortunately, I'm not at home just now & I haven't got my camera to show you any more photos. I'll have to add another when I get back. This is Cordelia & she is coloured with Distress Inks. I added glitter & Stickles to the shells in her hair & gave all the purple areas a light wash with pearlescent paint that you can just about see in the photo, but looks so much better IRL. I did the die cuts with Doo-Hickeys & are supposed to resemble sea weed! The papers are Basic Grey - Kioshi & the sentiment was computer generated.

The layout is based on the fab sketch at Simon Says this week so I am also entering my card there.

At Totally Gorjuss, you're free to create 'As you like it'

I am also entering this at Papertake Weekly were the challenge is 'Dies to Die For'

I hope you'll hop on over to the Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge blog to see the gorgeous inspiration of my fellow D-Teamies. As it's the end of the month it is the last chance to join in for a chance to win a fab selection of digis from our lovely sponsor, The Digi Stamp Boutique

So there you go. Hope everyone is has a great weekend & it's not too wet out there for you. Keep telling yourself the weather will get better, but it is a Bank Holiday weekend, so don't hold your breath, LOL!

Thanks so much for looking :~)

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - No Patterned Paper

2011-08-23T08:13:00.000+01:00

Hello!! Back with another DT card to sahre with you :~) It's time for another fab challenge at Passion For Promarkers, this week chosen by our lovely leader, Denise. She wants to see cards with

NO PATTERNED PAPER

I kept this very simple. I love this LOTV image from the Xmas collection, & wanted it to stand out. The background is part embossed with a snowflake folder & I covered the area where the snowflakes end with a piece of ribbon. For a little festive sparkle, added glitter to the frame & touches of glitter on the leaves, though it does not show up very well in the photo.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Passion For Promarkers blog to see the fab creations of my fellow D-Teamies. This week's lucky winner will win a fab prize from the wonderful Whiff of Joy store.

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking & have a wonderful week.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafter - Making a Scene!

2011-08-20T10:45:00.000+01:00

Whoop-de-Whoop for the weekend & another Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge. This week, wonderful Wendy has chosen our theme this week. She wants to see cards that

CREATE A SCENE

I've had this Magnolia background stamp for ages & this was the perfect opportunity to use it. Everything is coloured with Distress Inks. I also used the Magnoli fence die, that I love on everyone else's cards, for the first time on here too. The butterflies were cut from the Prima papers I used & the little flowers were made with the McGill Hydrangea punch. Tilda is 3D'd for extra dimension.

I also added glitter, Stickles, Liquid Pearls & Glossy Accents for added sparkle. You can see them better in this photo.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafters challenge blog to check out the amazing creations of my fabulous D-Teamies. I had loads of fun making this. I hope you will too if you play along this week.

I am also entering this at Papertake Weekly where they are playing Bingo this week. I used blooms & pearls on my card.

At Bearly Mine, they want you to 'Bring on the Bling'.

So there you go. I hope you like it. Thanks so much for looking.

Have a fab weekend.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

P.S Apologies that this card is slightly late. Blogger & me are not getting on very well at the moment :~(

Passion For Promarkers - A Pirate's Life for Me!

2011-08-16T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hurrah! For no other reason than it's always good to get monday out of the way. Double Hurrah though for Tuesdays when there's a new Passion For Promarkers challenge to play along with! This week delightful Debs has chosen the theme,

A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR ME!

This theme came at a perfect time for me. My son, Ben had another party to go to on Saturday & this is the card I made for him. It's another adorable LOTV image. The papers are Basic Grey -Marrakesh.

My wonderful D-Teamies have been excelling themeselves once more. Check out their awesome cards at the Passion For Promarkers blog. Play along this week & you could be the lucky winner of 6 fab digis from the Digi Stamp Boutique.

I would also like to enter this at A Spoonfull of Sugar, where the challenge is 'Happy Birthday'.

Hope everyone is happy & well. Have a wonderful week.

Thanks so much for looking,

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Xmas is Coming!

2011-08-13T09:34:00.000+01:00

Saturday once more - Whoopeee!!! Time for another fab challenge at Secret Crafters, chosen this week, by the ever so lovely Tracie. Her theme is

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

A great opportunity for me to get my Xmas cards underway!

After last week's challenge, which I have to tell you, my mojo just up sticks & left, it was relief to get back into my comfort zone. I'm really pleased with how this turned out. I haven't over embellished it as it may need to be posted. But I think the gorgeous Memory Box - Mistletoe papers are embellishment enough. This is one of my fave images, coloured with Distress Inks, from the first LOTV Xmas collection. Can't wait to see the second set!

My awesome D-Teamies have been busy creating more wonderful inspiration for you. I hope you'll check them out at the Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge blog & play along this week.

I would also like to enter this card at a couple of other challenges. The layout is based on the fab sketch at Crafting Life's Pieces.

This also fits the colour theme at Colour Create. The colours are right, but it looks nothing like the photo inspiration. There is a little glitter for added texture, so I hope it counts.

Finally, is anyone else having problems with a temperamental blogger? I'm finding it is hit & miss whether it works for me at the moment. Especially when it comes to commenting. So bear with me please :~)

But for now, whatever you are up to, have a great weekend. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Divas with Glitz & Glam!

2011-08-09T08:18:00.000+01:00

Wa-Hey it's Tuesday! My lovely D-Teamie, Anja has chosen this weeks fab challenge at Passion For Promarkers. She wants to see

DIVAS WITH GLITZ & GLAM

After the embarassment that was my last card, it was lovely to get back to colourful & cute again. My Greeting Farm satmps have not seen much ink of late, so it was about time I remedied that. This is from the Cheeky Cherry collection called Cheeky Glamour. She looks like Marilyn Monroe, until you give her brown hair!! I've used MME Stella Rose - Hazel papers. I'm in love with those right now! The sentiment is LOTV & I used a McGill Hydrangea ounch for the little flowers to break up what looked like a rather stark background shape.

We are thrilled to be sponsored once more by Joanna Sheen & this week's lucky winner will get a £10 voucher to spend at her online store.

Check out the gorgeuos inspiration of my wonderful D-Teamies at the PFP blog & join us for a chance to win.

I am also entering this at Totally Gorjuss, where I used their fab sketch for my layout.

The colour inspiraion at Colour Create this fortnight is Pink, Green & White.

That's it for now then. Thank you so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Black & White

2011-08-06T09:38:00.000+01:00

Yippee!! It's the weekend & time for another fab challenge at Secret Crafters.

It's Kelly's turn to choose this week's theme & she wants to see cards that are only

BLACK & WHITE

I don't think I need to tell you my mojo & inspiration deserted me for this one! My card looks rather funereal. It's a Crafty Individuals image, which I was dying to give a wash of colour!

I have to say, by wonderful D-Teamies have done a much better job with this challenge than me, so pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see their fabulous inspiration. I promise normal service will be resumed with my next card, LOL!

Thanks so much for loking,

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Hugs & Kisses!

2011-08-02T09:49:00.000+01:00

Good Morning! Always a good feeling to see the back of Monday, & Tuesday is even better because it's time for another challenge at Passion For Promarkers. It's my turn to pick the theme this week & as I need to make an anniversary card for my hubby I thought I'd open it up a bit, so chose

HUGS & KISSES

I fell in love with this Make It Crafty image, called 'Geeky Love' as soon as I saw it at Quixotic Paperie. Can't beat a bit of Geek chic, right?! I used MME Fine & Dandy, True Blue papers for my colour pallette & just added a little charm of the boy & girl kissing. The hearts aren't ideal. I cut them from a Martha Stewart punch & only added them to cover up a big smudge. Don't ask me how it got there!! I covered them with Cosmic Shimmer Aurora Sparkle to soften the look.

All in all, it's quite simple. I hope you'll now pop on over to the PFP blog to see the wonderful creations of my awesome D-Teamies.

This week's lucky winner will receive a £10 voucher generously donated by Bearly Mine Designs to spend in their onlone shop.

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

2011-07-30T09:00:00.014+01:00

Good Morning & welcome to the weekend!! Time for another challenge at the Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge & lovely Kate has chosen our theme this week. She wants to see cards that are

MONOCHROMATIC

I have to confess, ordinarily I get scared off by this kind of challenge, I don't like tobe restricted to just one colour. But in reality it does make things a whole bunch easier & I really like how my card turned out. I used one of my favourite Simply Sassy images by Sugar Nellie. She's coloured with Distress Inks & the flowers were created with a Nestabilities die, with a few gems for a bit of bling.

The layout is based on the current Sugar Bowl sketch, so I am entering this there.

At Allsorts Challenge are contining their 'Free & Easy' theme.

Please check out the wonderful creations of my fabulous D-Teamies at the Secret Crafters blog. We got all the colours of the rainbow there this week!

Thanks so much for looking.
Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Animal Antics!

2011-07-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

My Goodness how quickly the weeks are flying by, I can't believe it's Tuesday again already & time for another Passion For Promarkers Challenge. Terrific Tracy has chosen our theme this week, which is

ANIMAL ANTICS

I don't have an aweful lot of animal stamps, but I do have some uber cute LOTV Teddies. This is my fave & I used it to make a card for my Dad's birthday tomorrow. My Dad reads the paper in his armchair everyday, so this seemed particularly apt. I used Basic Grey - Marrakesh papers & dies by Mariane Designs (border) & My Favourite Things (stars).

This is essentially very simple as I was sending it in the post. But I based the layout on gorgeous Dena's fab sketch at Wild Orchid Crafts Challenge.

Totally Gorjuss want to see cards using punches or dies.

I hope you'll now check out the fabulous creations of my lovely PFP D-Teamies. This week's lucky winner will win stamping kit, generously provided by Letraset.

Given the tragedy that has occurred in Norway over the weekend, it feels flippant to wish you all a good week. My sincere condolences go out to everyone affected. Watching the news, it is clear that the horror has united the people of Norway, & I am sure they will emerge from this stronger, & determined to uphold their way of life.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Numbers!

2011-07-23T09:00:00.002+01:00

Hurrah! for the weekend & Whoop Whoop for a new Secret Crafters Challenge. Lovely Jane has chosen this week's theme of

NUMBERS

I've used an LOTV image I've been meaning to ink up for a while. My son, Ben has a party to go to next week, so I thought I'd use it with an oversized chipboard 5, as that is how old he'll be. Though you might have guessed that bit already!! I covered the 5 with Basic Grey Marrakesh paper & kept the rest CAS. The sentiment, BTW, is hand written by me, like you couldn't already tell!

I'm still experiementing with CAS look, but this is even bordering on Less is More! One day I might even enter the LIM challenge! I hope you'l now pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the wonderful creations of my fellow D-Teamies.

There are several challenges I want to enter this in. At Papertake Weekly this week the challenge is to 'Get Cute' How could an LOTV image ever be anything but?!

At Cute Card Thursday they want want to see cards that are 'For His Eyes Only'. This is by no means as racy as some of their DT produced. My hubby sure enjoyed purveying the cards on display when I showed him, LOL! His favourite was Kathrin's. He obviously lives in a fantasy world!!

At Allsorts Challenge they are still getting 'Free & Easy'.

So there you go. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Thanks for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Sketch

2011-07-19T09:00:00.003+01:00

Good Morning & a Happy Tuesday one & all. Time for another fab challenge at Passion for Promarkers, where this week, marvellous Michele has created a wonderful sketch for you to follow.

I have to apologise for the quality of my photos. Due to the fact our summer has gone AWOL again! Despite taking them in front of the window they look a bit dull!

I've been playing with my Pion papers again & used 'Hello Little Butterfly' from the Butterfly Dreams collection. I thought I'd fallen out with Tilda a bit, just a few weeks ago, but now I'm feeling firmly back in love with her. What was I thinking?!! The romantic lace die & the swirl are both Doo Hickeys & the flowers were cut from a Memory Box die.

This is Michele's fab sketch. You should hop on over to the PFP blog to see the delights my awesome D-Teamies have created for your inspiration.

I'm delighted to tell you that our sponsor this week is Some Odd Girl who are offering our lucky winner 3 digi stamps of their choice. So what are you waiting for?!

I am also entering this at this week's Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge, where the theme is 'pink, purple & pearls'.

Allsorts Challenge is still hanging 'Free & Easy'

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

Secret Crafters - Holidays!

2011-07-16T09:00:00.001+01:00

I'm doing a happy dance for the weekend! Even though it's raining, I'm not at work, so it's not all bad, LOL!!! Even better news is that it's time for another Secret Crafters Challenge, set this week by lovely Helen. She has chosen a theme of

HOLIDAYS

This Kraftin Kimmie stamp is called Florence & I think she's fab!. I coloured her with Distress Inks & the papers are MME. I wanted to keep ths really simple, just added a heart shaped connecter from Crafty Emmas

, ribbon & the adhesive pearls.

When I asked my boys, independently of one another who Florence reminded them of, they both said my sister - WRONG answer!!! At least not the one I was hoping for. They both said my hair was a lot curlier & then darling hubby chipped in with '& greyer'! Do you see what I have to put up with?!!!

Oh well! I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to see the fab creations of my awesome D-Teamies! Before you go these are the challenges I am entering with this card.

At Papertake Weekly, things are getting Hot, Hot, Hot! And at Bunny Zoes, the theme is 'Fun in the Sun'.

At Creative Inspirations, there's 'No Flowers Allowed'.

Big waves to my old D-Teamies at Crafts 4 Eternity. They have a 3-2-1 challenge this week. I've used 3 adhesive pearls, 2 design papers & 1 charm.

Bearly Mine Designs & Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Finally, one of my favourite challenges that I don't enter very often is Stamptacular Sunday. I have based my card on their fab sketch this week. I tried to make the top & bottom layers represent the sun/sky & the sand.

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking.
Big Hugs,
Andie xx

Passion For Promarkers - Gingham!

2011-07-12T09:00:00.004+01:00

Happy Tuesday to you all! Lovely Lisa has chosen our theme at Passion For Promarkers this week & her theme is

GINGHAM

Shock horror, I found a gap in my crafting stash! I don't have much gingham! How did that happen? However what I did find was soooooo lush I did not want to cut into it. But, without this challenge, who knows when I would have made myself to cut into these gorgeous Pion papers from Dies To Die For. But it was worth it. This is quite possibly the prettiest card I've ever made! BTW, the image, if you don't already recognise it is LOTV. The butterfly is also from Pion, with a thin layer of Liquid Pearls.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the PFP blog to see the glorious creations of my fellow D-Teamies. Moreover, this week's winner will win their choice of 6 digi images from our wonderful sponsor this week, The Digistamp Boutique.

I made this card following Donalda's fab sketch at this week's LOTV challenge.

I would also like to enter it at Stamp Something where the theme is 'Bug & Butterflies'.

At Totally Gorjuss, the theme is 'Sumertime'.

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking & have a great week.

Big Hugs,

Andie xx

2011-07-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

Wey Hey for the weekend! Saturday once more & it's time for another Secret Crafters challenge! This week fantastic Francesca has chosen our theme of

GET WELL SOON

I thought Tilda with Tulips, from the Butterfly Dreams collections would be quite a verstaile image when I got it & perfect for this challenge. But I've just realised I forgot to add a 'Get Well' sentiment to this card! DUH!! Just imagine it in the top right hand corner.

Almost everything about this is Magnolia. The image, the papers & the die cuts, apart from the larger flowers which are a Nesties die cut. I distressed the papers with Antique Linen to lessen the whiteness (is that a word?) of them.

I hope you'll now pop on over to the Secret Crafters blog to check out the gorgeous creations of my fellow D-Teamies.

I would also like to enter this at some other challenges. Firstly the layout is based on the sketch at the fabulous monthly challenge Crafting Life's Pieces.

At Papertake Weekly & Bearly Mine Challenge, 'Anything Goes', while Allsorts Challenge is hanging 'Free & Easy' throughout July.

So there you go. Thanks so much for looking & have a wonderful weekend!

Big Hugs,

Andie xx