Helen's World

Blog Candy - My Memories Suite v3

2012-03-18T21:30:00.000Z

This post will remain at the top of the page until 8.30pm on Sunday 18 March 2012.

As you know I enjoy my Scrapbooking as well as card making, in fact until June 2011 I had hardly made any cards at all. My first love was Scrapping!

After our holiday in 2009 to Africa I found that traditional scrapping was becomming a chore and not something that I enjoyed - I was creating layouts for the sake of it and not because I wanted to capture a memory.

I had investigated Digital Scrapping before but the software I had looked at did not give me the same amount of flexibility as you get when traditional scrapping. Now I have found a piece of Software which gives me this flexibility , I am able to create quick layouts & albums based on templates or I can start with a blank piece of paper and get creative.

The best news is that the various digital elements I already have can also be used in the new software. So what is the software I hear you all asking....

My Memories Suite version 3!!!

I had already started to create a digital 8x8 album using our photos from Florida 2010 (I know I am a bit behind in the scrapping time scale LOL) but this software is so easy to use I created another 3 layouts in about 1.5 hours!!!!

This layout was created using a template &
will be the front page of my Album when printed out

Another layout using a template, all I had to do was add 3 photos and think of what to write (that was the hardest bit LOL!)

This layout was created from a blank screen & I have only
used elements which were included with the software.

I have a copy of this software to give away FREE to 1 lucky Winner, all you need to do is to follow the 3 steps below:

Follow my Blog
Visit the My Memories web site and have a look at the various Products available
Leave a comment on this post sharing your favourite product

One winner will be chosen at Random on Monday 19 March 2012

Trying to Use Shrink Plastic

2012-03-08T09:43:00.000Z

While at a workshop at LLinda's Card & Craft shop in Laneham, Notts I used Shrink Plastic for the first time. I decided to buy a pack of mixed plastic to have a go with at home.

The pack has been sitting in the box by my desk for several weeks and then I found a stamp that I wanted to try shrinking. The stamp was free with the latest 'Lets Make Cards' magazine:

Stamped on white paper and coloured

So this post might cause you to smile, this is my learning curve in using Shrink Plastic:

Attempt 1: The ink I used to stamp the image rubbed off (not a good start) I was not over keen on the colours of the flowers either

Attempt 2: Not too sure what happened, but when heated it curled & stuck together!

Attempt 3: Now I'm starting to get somewhere... I used a Brilliance Dew Drop ink pad, and the colour did not rub off. I used Sakura Glitter Pens to give a couple of flowers colour - overall not a bad result (this was DH's favourite)

Attempt 4: Using a different Shrink Plastic and a different colour of ink, again I was not too happy with the colour of the flowers

Attempts 5,6 &7: More trials with different colours of the ink, I was happy with these, but felt that they were just missing something - just not too sure what

Overall I was quite pleased with my first attempt at using Shrink Plastic. I did find that the Brilliance Dew Drop Ink did not dry on the plastic, before using the heat gun. I then found it very difficult to colour the flowers as the outline would smudge at the slightest touch.

If anyone has any hints/tips for using Shrink plastic (or has any tutorials on their blog) please let me know. I did enjoy using the plastic, but I think that these pictures prove I need a bit of help!!!!

WOYWW - 07 March 2012

2012-03-07T09:19:00.003Z

The beginning of week has been a busy one and the time has flown by. With DH away in London (he is due back later today) I spent Sunday & Monday evenings having a tidy of my craft desk & corner.

I can't believe how much time tidying actually takes, however, the good news is that I now can find everything I am looking for again LOL.Being Wednesday it is time to join Julia over at the Stamping Ground to have a look at desks around the world :)

So this is the latest picture of my workdesk (& surrounding space):

What is it about an empty desk, it just can't stay empty for long LOL.

So once I took this picture I just HAD to start on another card, based on a sketch I had seen on someones blog who takes part in the 'Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge' Blog (Sorry but I couldn't find the blog Post)...

I started with the inner piece of card along with some ribbon, I then found an A6 card base with a colour that I felt would work well.

I placed the 'topper' onto the card base, but felt that something was missing - Just not sure what!!!!

Attempt No 2. Moving the 'Topper' to the side to place ribbon down the right edge,

but I'm still not happy

In the end I had to walk away from my desk as I needed to get to work LOL - Well, how else I am going to get money to spend on more crafting goodies :)

If anyone has any suggestions on what might 'Look Right' for this card, please let me know.

If you feel like winning a copy of My Memories Suite Software click HERE to enter my blog candy (closing on Sunday 18 March 2012).

6 Cards Using "Design House - Waters Edge"

2012-03-06T09:00:00.000Z

Quite a while ago I brought 2 packs of Decoupage from Design House (Twisted Pyramid - Waters Edge Looking On & Twisted Pyramid - Waters Edge Meet the Family) they had been sat on the shelf just waiting for me to decided to give them a go. Well I did give them a go and using the 2 sets I created 6 cards, with the 'Waters Edge' theme. For the Twisted Pyramid toppers I used alternate peices, so that I am able to get 2 toppers from each design - I find that if I use all peices on 1 topper it gets too thick.

So here they all are:

This was the first time that I had tried to use the wider selection of papers that came with the set of decoupage and I was really pleased with the way all of these cards turned out.

If you feel like winning a copy of My Memories Suite Software click HERE to enter my blog candy (closing on Sunday 18 March 2012).

Hedgehog Love

2012-03-05T19:05:00.000Z

I'm not sure how I managed it, but I have created 1 card that fits 3 challenges. I don't think I have done that before (I occasionally manage 1 card for 2 challenges!).

Ok, I chose the image of the two hedgehogs for the Sweet Stampin' Challenge ("Something Nature related with some Bugs, Bees or Ladybirds on your creation") as it included a snail - which I hope will count as a 'bug'.

I then realised that it would also fit the Little Claire Design Challenge for this month (Romance) after all what can be more romantic than 2 hedgehogs in love???? To top it of the image is a digital version of a Little Claire Designs stamp :-)

To complete my hat-trick I decided that I could use the Sketch from the I Love ProMarkers challenge to mount the image (coloured in using my trusty ProMarkers, of course).

An A5 card created using Pearlescent Card finished on with a couple bits of Candi

If you feel like winning a copy of My Memories Suite Software click HERE to enter my blog candy (closing on Sunday 18 March 2012).

Less is More - Neutrals

2012-03-05T18:47:00.001Z

Over at the Less is More Challenge the challenge for this week is:

"we've got a colour challenge which this week is

NEUTRALS
This could be anything from off white to black with any shade of beige, brown or grey in between."

While I was having a tidy of my craft desk this afternoon I found 2 owls that I had created using my Stampin' Up Owl Punch a selection of brown/beige papers. So I decided that these 2 little critters would feature on the card...

I did not think that they need much more to be added to the card, so I created a wide boarder for them to sit on and the owls were mounted on foam pads just to give a bit of dimension (sorry about the shadows in the photo - this was the best of many attempts!!!).

If you feel like winning a copy of My Memories Suite Software click HERE to enter my blog candy (closing on Sunday 18 March 2012).

Home Alone With My ProMarkers

2012-03-04T21:50:00.001Z

I know that it is unusual for me to post on a Sunday evening, but I'm home alone. DH has driven down to London this afternoon/evening as he needs to be there for tomorrow morning, and will be back on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

So I have spent this afternoon/evening after he left organising my ProMarkers... when I started collecting them the 'Letraset Wallets' worked well, however now I have a greater collection it was very frustrating having to constantly open/close the wallets to find a colour pen I was looking for - not to mention the space element of having several wallets open at any one time!

I had to come up with a different way of storing them! I did a bit of research on the Internet looking at the different types of storage other people use and found that there was many alternatives. Many were cost or space prohibitive, I did like the idea of using some sort of storage box I just had to find the right one!!!!

Eventually I found a 'Really Useful Box' that I thought would work, however it was one with an opening end (designed for storing shoes in) - but I though I could get around this. Once I got the box home it sat by the desk for a couple of weeks, as I was having problems in working out how to store the pens in the box. I wanted a way of keeping them in colour order.

After DH had left for London today I started to have a play with different alternatives: I tried to make 'ledges' in the box to sit the pens on - this did not work; after looking on line I tried to use Toilet Roll Holders to keep the pens together - this did not work either; I attempted to create dividers - again I could not get this to work either.

I then had a brain wave... A5 poly pockets!!!!!! I had found an answer that worked :-)

First I cut the height of the poly pockets down to 14cm and cut a piece of white card to 14.5cm x 13cm to fit inside the pocket (to give it a bit of 'back bone'). Using the computer I created a Colour Chart & matching insert labels, the insert label was stuck onto one of the inserts and placed in the pocket. I could then put the named pens (9 in each pocket) into the pocket & as my collection grows I will fill up the space left in the pockets (only 1 pocket is completely full!).

Ok, I have waffled enough, so time for a few pictures of the finished thing:

This is my whole ProMarker Collection - I still need to add coloured dots to my newest pens

One of the pockets, containing 3 pens.

One of the Inserts, with the details of the pens in this insert

My new Colour Chart

Non-Challenge Cards (February 2012)

2012-03-01T13:00:00.000Z

Ok, once again I have created a number of cards which did not fall into any of the challenges this month. So here they are...

Beware, this is a picture heavy post - You have been warned!

Created using a Daisy die. The edge of the 'strip' was created using my new Woodware Trimmer (Victorian Blade).

This card was created using a Little Claire Designs stamp (Butterfly Tree), on a A5 card Blank. One of my work colleagues is now home following surgery for Cancer. The whole team wishes him a speedy recovery.

The background was a Spellbinders Impressabilities coloured with distress ink. The toper was from a decoupage sheet.

The background was a Spellbinders Impressabilities coloured with distress ink. I then added a peel-off coloured black for the sentiment.

Yet another background using the Spellbinders Impressabilities coloured with distress ink. This time I stamped the sentiment using the same shade of distress ink.

Using a Digi Little Claire Designs stamp coloured using my ProMarkers along with a peel-off sentiment (again from Little Claire Designs). I have also used an embossing folder for the dotty background (coloured with a green distress ink) and a peice of Map from an old map book.

This card was created using a scrap of white card stock coloured wiht Distress ink to create a foreground. The gems were coloured with my ProMarkers & the bird house was a free stamp with one of the magazines (stamped & clear embossed) also coloured with ProMarkers.

Month in Numbers - February 2012

2012-03-01T08:43:00.000Z

As it is now the end of the month it is time to look back at February 2012, along with Julie over at the Notes on Paper Blog...

4 Tickets brought for me & 3 friends to go to the NEC next month

1 Snow ball fight with our next door neighbours

2 Snowmen in the garden, this picture is of Mr Frosty the 2nd. The Original Mr Frosty lived in Canada back in 2009, unfortunately for him he only lived 1 day :)

Mr Frosty the 2nd suffered various health problems but lived for 8 Days.

57 Eddie Stobart vehicle (Identified by name), this takes my standing in the Spotter League Table to 2380 :)

This picture of 'Wanda' was taken at our local Tesco store as it was making a delivery. When I went to the Club Stobart site to register my spot there was no photo. So I uploaded this one & it can now be seen on the members site!!

OK, I must confess, 34 were spotted on one day! Well... we were sat outside the Stobart Depot in Newark (it is only 30mins from home) LOL.

1.5 The number of miles we were away from our destination when we slid off the road. Both DH & I were ok, so were the Kids who were also in the car as we were on our way to talk to a local WI Group. But our CRV is now in the car hospital.

-14 the lowest temperature I encountered during this month, while driving down to Cambridge.

30 the difference between the lowest temperature this month (-14oC) and the highest (16oC)! Our poor kids (the owls) are getting confused as they don't know if they should start to molt their feathers ready for Spring/Summer or keep them on just in case Winter returns again LOL!

2 Is also the number of visits to Local Libraries with the birds this month. During each visit the libraries have seen an increase in numbers, which has been good for them.

This picture is of 'Story Time' with many children all sat around to read a selection of Owl themed stories (including Owl Babies).

31 more ProMarkers - I admit I did have to purchase the pack of Limited Edition Spring 2012 colours (and very nice they are too). As for the ones pictured... well I did not really buy them... well sort of, in a round about way!! When I brought the latest edition of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine I found that they would GIVE them to me if I took out a subscription... well as I buy it each month anyway, and they were offering FREE ProMarkers. Well what could I say!

On the flip side I had already got 3 sets (Summer, Winter & Skin Tones) so I will be hosing another Blog Candy shortly to give them a new home.

WOYWW - 29 February 2012

2012-02-29T12:32:00.000Z

It seems so strange to be writing 29th February - it is a date that you don't really think about as it only happens once every 4 years.

Just imagine if your birthday happens to fall on 29 February - would you choose to celebrate once ever 4 years or pick a Un-Birthday date to use instead? Me, I think I would go for the Un-Birthday option!

At the moment I can't believe how quick time is just flying by, last Wednesday only seems a couple of days away and not 7! Well it is time to visit Julia at Stamping Ground to have a nosey look around the craft desks of the world.

During my post last Wednesday (here) I mentioned about my Inspiration Book, and I have taken some pictures and I did a post over the weekend, you can see it here. In addition I had so many lovely comments about my Quilled butterflies, I decided to do a How To... to give you all the instructions to create them.

Now back to my desk this week... I have been trying to create a Mini Book from card blanks, thanks to a post I found on the Scrapping Mojo Blog. I printed out the instructions and added them to my Inspiration Book, and when looking through last night I decided to have a play.

With the covers closed

With the covers open you can see the main pages (3 cards glued back to back)

I still have to glue the cards that will create the covers onto the main pages. I'm not even sure what I will use the mini-book for. I just wanted to have a play :)

Little Boy with his Balloon

2012-02-28T16:37:00.002Z

I created this card to meet of 2 challenges.

Don't Scrap It - Less is More
It's a Man Thing - Sweet Stampin' Challenge

I have used a part sheet of blue Cardstock and found a odd cut of white to stamp this image on to (I think the image was free with a magazine at some point in time). The image was then coloured using my ProMarkers & cut out using an oval die.

The Brown card stock is also a left over piece. As for the 'Baker's Twine, it was also an off cut.

How To... Create a Quilled Butterfly

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000Z

It has been a while since I created a How To... so I thought it was about time that I created another one. Following many comments about my Quilled Butterflies I decided to use this How To... to show you all how easy they are to create.

I also have a second motive, I could not find the instructions that I used in the first place, so I needed to write down them while I could remember!!!!

So here goes...

You Will Need:
Glue Pen
Pinflair Glue (or Silicon Gel)
Quilling Tool
Quilling Paper - 2 x 25cm, 2 x 20cm, 1 x 10cm & 2 x 5cm

Curl one of the 25cm lengths around the quilling tool & put a dot of Glue at the end to hold it together. Repeat with the second length of 25cm; both 20cm lengths & the 10cm Length.

Curl 3/4 of the 5cm length around the quilling tool. Repeat with the second 5cm length

You will now have 5 circles & 2 part curled lengths of paper

Take the 10cm length and gently squeese both ends

I would suggest that you now put the Butterfly on a non-stick surface (I have used a bit of clear plastic packaging) so that you don't end up with the butterfly stuck to the desk or scrap paper!

Add glue wither side at one end of the 10cm length and attach the two 5cm strips

Put a small amount of Pinflair Glue on either side of the 10cm length, this will be used to hold the wings in position

Taking each of the 25cm lengths gently squeeze one end to create a tear drop shape

Repeat for both of the 20cm lengths

Now place the 20cm lengths to create the bottom pair of wings.

You can repeat this process as many times as you want with what ever colours you want to create a large kaleidoscope of butterflies - Yes, a group of Butterflies is really called a kaleidoscope.

I Was Trying To Be Good...

2012-02-27T10:30:00.000Z

As I am going to the NEC next month I decided that this month I needed to save a bit of money and not purchase much in the way of crafting goodies.

I was being good (Honest!) until I picked up Issue 102 of Card & Papercraft magazine, there on page 53 was an advert for Stampaddicts

Featuring a sweet looking trio of owls (Hear No, See No & Speak No) which I just could not resist! They feature in the 'Owl Be Yours' set of stamps.

Completed Butterfly Card

2012-02-26T15:25:00.000Z

Last week I had a go at Quilling & found that I could create Butterflies, I had also created this card using the Butterfly Tree stamp from Little Claire Designs. The card was not quite finished, but I did not really know what to add to finish it - I just hate that feeling don't you????

Well when I had created 1 butterfly, I created a second & added them to the card. Something so simple as curled strips of paper really finished this card of & I was pleased with the finished card.

Don't Panic Mrs T...

2012-02-25T16:10:00.001Z

Over the last couple of days I have been fighting my anxiety.

The trigger for this attack was not one thing, but a number of things happening over the last month or so building up slowly.

One thing just tipped my anxiety levels over the edge. The good news was that although I had a case of killer butterflies, I did not have a full panic attack.

I was lucky that I was able to identify what was going on and could then start to work out what had caused this attack & work to calm down.

Yes it was a bit scary especially as I have not had any butterflies for a long while. However, I am now back in control of the Butterflies, and although they are misbehaving occasionally it is nowhere near as bad as it was on Thursday!

This just makes me realise how lucky I am to have the support of my DH & my Boss has been great too.

I am also thankful that over the years I have been able to develop a set of strategies that work for me. This has enabled me to identify the problem and work to get my anxiety under control.

My Inspiration Book

2012-02-25T15:22:00.000Z

Last week on WOYWW I mentioned that I had some bits to add to my Inspiration Book, a couple of people wanted to know what my book looked like. Well I finally got around to taking a couple of pictures.

It is basically a A5 hard back note book, in which I keep bits that I have found in various magazines (or sometimes printed out from the internet) which I liked and would like to try... at some point in time.

Book Cover

On the left is instructions to create a Twisted Easel Card, & on the right is a advert for a website selling stamps (I liked the look of some of the stamps featured)

On the right is a card that I liked the layout of, & on the left is another card that I liked, this time I also kept the instructions for the creating the card.

I hope that this might have given you some 'Inspiration' of your own. So when I am looking for a new technique to try, all I need to do is get out my Inspiration Book and see what takes my fancy :-)

WOYWW - 22 February 2012

2012-02-22T11:00:00.000Z

Wednesdays are now something to look forward to with the weekly visit to the Workdesks of other craftaholics (Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday)... Pop along & visit Julia at Stamping Ground, sit down with a cuppa and have a look around a wide selection of creative workdesks.

As for this week here is mine...

This is actually what my desk looked like when I had finished last night, on the right are a number of bits cut out from a selection of card magazines (included in the pile are Mother's Day Quotes, Techniques & examples of cards that I like the look of) these will be added to my inspiration book - I really must get around to doing a post on this book as it has been mentioned several times.

On the left is a open copy of the 'Lets Make Cards' magazine from last month, the magazine came with a quilling tool & papers, so I decided to follow the instructions and have a go. I had created a card using the Little Claire Designs 'Butterfly Tree' stamp, but the card needed 'something' else to finish it off. So I though that I would have a go a creating 2 butterflies. The plan is to then put them at the bottom of the card.

So that is the content of my Workdesk this week. I'm off to have a look around at other desks.

Flower Girl

2012-02-21T21:59:00.000Z

I had a phone call on Sunday from my Dad, asking if I could make a card for their next door neighbour who has been diagnosed with Cancer. This card is what I came up with, Dad asked if it could include her name on the front.

I have used a Lili of the Valley stamp coloured with my ProMarkers (the flowers have 'Glossy Accients' added to give them a bit of dimension).

After doing a search online for inspirational quotes I came across this one which I will be printing on the insert...

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." (Henri Matisse)

I am entering this card in the I Love ProMarkers challenge 'Nature' - I hope that the flowers count :-}

Edited: Oh No... I'm too late, the challenge has already closed for this week :-{

Never mind it is the thought that counts & I really do like this card!

Less is More - Die Cuts (2)

2012-02-21T21:47:00.001Z

This week the theme over at the Less is More challenge Blog is:

Punches or Die Cuts

I found that I had created a couple of cards for this challenge, but then when taking the photos to upload realised that they did not meet the 'Less is More' idea :-(

So out of 4 cards I am only uploading 2 for this challenge. This is the second...

For this card I tried something different, using the pink paper I added a strip down the middle of the card and then trimmed about 1.5cm off the right hand edge of the card. Adding another strip of pink paper on the inside of the card so that you could see it when the card was closed.

The wavy edge on the paper & card was achieved by using one of the blades from my new Woodware Trimmer.

I then topped the card off with a die cut oval featuring 2 owls, coloured using my promarkers.

Less is more - Die Cut (1)

2012-02-21T21:42:00.001Z

This week the theme over at the Less is More challenge Blog is:

Punches or Die Cuts

I found that I had created a couple of cards for this challenge, but then when taking the photos to upload realised that they did not meet the 'Less is More' idea :-(
So out of 4 cards I am only uploading 2 for this challenge. This is the first...

Using a Car cut using my Cricut & a 2nd die cut to hold the sentiment.

I hope that there is enough 'White' space for this to qualify :-}

Wednesday Evening Crop

2012-02-20T10:00:00.000Z

I'm running a bit behind with my pictures at the moment, and I have only just photographed the 3 pages I completed last Wednesday evening at our local Crop in Lincoln.

All 3 pages are for my nephews album and as he is Danish the journalling is in both English & Danish.

Pirate Toast - Page 1

Pirate Toast - Page 2

I Wish...

I also have 3 more pages nearly finished, I just need to find the right embellishments!! They are one of those pages that you know what you want when you see it... I just have to start looking through my stash to find the right 'IT' :-)

Eddie Stobart Spotting

2012-02-18T09:30:00.000Z

I have mentioned before that I have joined the Eddie Stobart Club. Over the years when travelling around the UK the call of "EDDIE" can often be heard, I had always said that it would be nice to find out how many names have been used on the various Eddie Stobart cabs over the years.

However the only way to get a full list of past & present names is to become a member - so I finally got around to joining!!

I was amazed to find that "Helen Ann" was already in use, the bad news is that she went out of service on 1 January 2012 :-( and I was never able to see 'my' Eddie.

Recently DH & I visited the Newark Depot, it was really just a way to get a number of Eddie spots in a short space of time.

We arrived and parked out of the way of the incoming & outgoing lorries. As DH is a keen photographer he said that he would take photos of the various lorries for me (the Club Stobart web site has the ability for you to upload photos & many are missing).

I must say that I was impressed with the attitude of all of the drivers we saw, as soon as they noticed that we had a camera they all slowed down to allow DH to take a photo!

Before we went to the Depot we had stopped at McDonalds to get a Cuppa... we were sat in the car drinking when a Eddie driver pulled alongside to speak to us!!! Well, I was expecting to be told that we could not park on the road outside the Depot - but I was wrong!!!

This driver wanted to know where Eddie Spotters post their photos, as his daughter had never seen a photo of him driving an Eddie lorry. Sadly he was not one of the drivers we had seen come in so we could not really help.

While talking to the driver he mentioned about the new trailers celebrating Rugby Super League, there will be 14 different designs on 100 trailers. While at Newark we saw 3 different designs & in just over 1 hour I was able to add another 19 Eddies to my Spotter List :-)

For anyone not in the UK, Eddie Stobart is a big haulage company with approx 2,250 trucks on the roads of the UK.

A Lovely Time at LLinda's

2012-02-17T11:56:00.001Z

As I mentioned on Wednesday I was taking a trip to LLinda's Card & Crafts for another workshop... this time the workshop was 'Take a Set of Stamps' looking at different ways to use stamps.

During the workshop we completed 3 cards, so I thought that I would share them with you all. All were completed using the same set of stamps from Woodware (sorry I don't know the name of the set):

Technique used: stamping onto patterned paper & heat embossed using clear embossing powder.

Technique used: Fantasy Film & Fibres.

Technique used: Stamping onto glossy card & heat embossing with clear powder, colouring with Sakura Gel Pens (painting with water). centre embellishment using Shrink Plastic.

Once again we had an amazing afternoon of creativity. I think that my favourite card was the last one, using the Sakura Gel pens to paint with - the colours were so softer than using just the pen on its own!

The bad news was that after the workshop I just had to buy some more bits...

My new purchases include: Shrink Plastic, 'Twist' blade for my Woodware Trimmer, another tube of Collall glue & yet another set of die cut templates

I can't wait until the next workshop... I don't have any booked at the moment as Linda is due to have an operation on her foot and is not yet sure how long she will be off her feet for.

But just to keep me going I have put my name down for a full day workshop using stamps from the 'Creative Stamping' magazine. I now have to be patient (not my best characteristic LOL) and wait for an email with the date.

WOYWW - 15 February 2012

2012-02-15T10:09:00.000Z

It's Wednesday again, it is 9.55am & I'm at home!!!! This means that I will have some time to check out the great collection of work spaces at the Stamping Ground Blog for Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

I have a days annual leave for today and DH has gone to the Hospital for an X-Ray (to check that the kidney stones have gone). So I'm home alone :-)

This week my workdesk is a bit of a mess (by my standards)!

Ok, so what is going on... I found a stack of Lili of the Valley sheets that came free with one of the magazines a while ago & decided to have a colour with my ProMarkers, trying out a couple of techniques I found on You Tube. I was pleased with the results (you can just see a little girl in a yellow dress in the bottom left corner of the desk).

When at my last workshop at LLinda's Card & Craft shop in Laneham, Notts I found this great Spellbinders Impressabilities 'thing' called Butterflies and I just HAD to have it!!!! So I have spent some time last night & this morning playing and using the embossed/debossed impressions with Distress Inks to create cards.

Now I am just trying to decide if to leave it as it is or put a 'topper' or sentiment on top????? Any suggestions would be great.

I only have this morning at home before going back to LLindas for another workshop (this time 'Take a Set of Stamps' looking at different ways to use stamps) and I can't wait. I'm then off into Lincoln this evening for a Scrapbook Crop! So by the time I get home I think I will need to go back to work for a rest... it can be so hard work having a day off.

Well once I have posted this I'm off for a look around other desks.

Happy WOYWW ;-)

Liebster Blog Award

2012-02-14T12:51:00.000Z

I would like to say a big thank you to Karen who has nominated me for the Liebster Blog award.

The Liebster Award is given to smaller bloggers who have 200 or less followers in the hope it will bring them new followers and friends.

The tradition is that it is then passed on to five other blogs to help them too.

If you want to accept the award the steps are:

1. Link back to the persons blog who gave you the award and thank them. - Done
2. Post the award on your blog. - Done
3. Give the award to five fellow bloggers who inspire you. - Done
Deborah's Gems
Rainbow Days
CardzbyClaire
My World... Sort Of...
Crafting Heaven
4. Leave a comment on their blogs to let them know. - Done

Seeing Stripes

2012-02-14T09:00:00.001Z

Once again I have been able to create 1 Card for 2 challenges - this does not happen very often, so I am pleased when it does.

This card was created with plain white card stock, I used a stamp to create the Zebra Striped Boarder on the right and then a stamp featuring Zebra along the bottom. A green ProMarker was used to give the grass a bit of colour.

The 2 challenges are:

Less is More - One Layer Card with Stripes
Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Clean And Simple (CAS)

Valentines Day

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000Z

I really hope that Blogger does not misbehave on this post!

I have teased you with a little bit of DH Valentine Card & now that the big day is here I can show you all the whole card.

The little clip that you saw was the join of 2 hearts, I also added a red glitter 'I Do' & single heart. The bottom boarder was cut from red parchment using one of the cartridges from the Woodware Boarder Punch system.

A Figment of My Imagination

2012-02-13T20:48:00.000Z

Was it my imagination or have Mr & Mrs Frosty made an escape???

This morning when I looked out of the window I found 2 small piles of snow where Mr & Mrs Frosty were sat last night.

Missing... Mr & Mrs Frosty

If anyone sees them please let me know LOL :-)

Heat Wave

2012-02-12T12:28:00.000Z

I really don' know what is happening with the weather at the moment...

Yesterday DH & I drove to Cambridge for the Cambs Family History Society Meeting and on the way down the lowest temperature was -14oC and the highest was -3oC!!

Today we went to Tesco and the temperature on the car said +8oC.

Now as far as I am concerned that is good news, I don't like the cold! But for Mr & Mrs Frosty that is bad news! They love the cold and this mini heat wave is getting to them & causing their health to decline very fast LOL.

This is the latest picture of the couple...

I'm not sure if you can see from this picture, but Mrs Frosty (in the front) is panicing so much so I think she is about to loose her head!

Mr & Mrs Frosty

2012-02-10T21:37:00.000Z

Just to give you an update on Mr & Mrs Frosty.

Both have suffered with health problems since Sunday... However the are both still in the land of the living (or should that be frozen?).

They are now 5 days old, both Mr & Mrs have new coats for the cold weather (courtesy of the Snow yesterday evening).

10 Things - February 2012

2012-02-10T12:17:00.000Z

Once again it is the 10th of the Month and time to join Shimelle Laine over on her blog for '10 Things'...

This month I decided to use Music for my inspiration. So I present my list of 10 Songs which hold a special meaning for me:

1.   "Annie's Song" - Recorded & Written by John Denver Annie's Song reached Number 1 in the UK Chart in 1974. I have always loved the lyrics to this song and although many artists have recorded it over the years I still like the original version.

2.    "Grandad" - Written by Herbie Flowers & sung by Clive Dunn, this song was another UK Number 1 in January 1971 (for 3 weeks!). At Primary school I was in the school choir and one of the songs I really remember was Grandad, this was performed for the local Over 60's group. I felt so proud standing on stage singing this song to My Grandad!

3.    "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was a Number 1 hit in 1984. The song was written by Bob Geldof & Midge Ure to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia. I can vividly remember this record being released and on the last day of school term before Christmas we had it playing & we were all singing & dancing, some of the class even started dancing on the tables!!!!!

4.    "What a Wonderful World" - Written by Bob Thiele & George David Weiss, this song has been recorded many times by different artists. However I think that the best version was the 1st recorded by Louis Armstong in 1968. When DH & were organising our wedding we decided to get married in a Registry Office rather than a Church, we were given a list of songs to be played as I walked in & as we left as Husband & Wife. As I was entering we remained traditional (Here Comes The Bride) but we wanted something different/meaningful for when we left. The list of possible records was a long one, however we both quickly decided that 'What a Wonderful World' sung by Louis Armstong was the one! This became 'Our Song' :-)

5. "I Have A Dream" was released by the amazing ABBA (written by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus) in 1979 but only reached Number 2 in the UK Charts. DH & I have been to see Mamma Mia! the musical 3 times (and would go again today if we could!!), I love the songs created/performed by ABBA, but 'I Have A Dream is my favourite. Part of this is because 'I believe in Angels' :)

I could not find the pictures with the 'Flower'
but here is Artemis

6. "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)" was the title of Sandi Thom's debut single in 2006. When this single first came out it was on the radio all of the time, back in 2006 we had a baby Barn Owl called Artemis. One day we were sitting outside in the garden with her enjoying the sun & playing, somehow she ended up with a Flower on her head... from this point on when ever we hear this song it is know as 'Artemis's Song'.

You didn't really think I would be able to list 10 songs with out one of the owls making an appearance did you!!

Bruno on stage at Nottingham

7. "The Lazy Song" was the song that introduced me to Bruno Mars, this was his 4th Number 1 in the UK. I don't really know what it is about the song but it is just so catchy, I just can't help singing along & the video is guaranteed to make me smile. After seeing Bruno in concert in November 2011, I love it even more & it is even the ring tone on my phone - the only problem I that I sometimes forget to answer the call LOL.

8.    "The Chain" was written & performed by Fleetwood Mac, but it never made it above Number 81 in the UK Charts. Being a Formula 1 fan, this track has been used between 1978 - 1997 & then again from 2009 as part of the title sequence. The sound of 'The Chain' has been enough to send me heading towards the TV to settle down and watch the race - which is always improved when a British Driver wins :)

9.   "Suicide Is Painless" - was the title track of M*A*S*H & the lyrics were written by a 14 year old Mike Altman. I love the M*A*S*H series & DH has brought me all 11 seasons on DVD (but I have yet to watch all of them!). It is hard to think that it was in production between 1972 & 1983 with a total of 251 episodes, when the Vietnam War (the subject of the whole programme) only lasted 3 years.

10.    "Lift the Wings" from the Riverdance Shows. Since 'Riverdance: The Show' opened in 1995 this song has been sung by many performers. I would love to see the Riverdance show at some time, the rhythm of the dancers feet along with the music & song never fails to get my feet tapping. The lyrics of this song are all about returning to a loved one, at a time when DH was away from home a lot due to his work commitments this song seemed even more special.

Blog Candy Winner

2012-02-09T13:12:00.001Z

The winner of my Blog Candy was...

Fatmonica

Please drop me an email (owl.helen@gmail.com) with your address & I will send you the box of Blog Candy.

LLinda's Cards & Crafts

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000Z

As I mentioned yesterday on Tuesday I visited LLinda's Cards & Crafts in Laneham, Notts. A couple of friends had said that the shop was a gold mine & that the workshops Linda runs were good.

So as I had a few days annual leave left to use up before the end of March, I arranged to attend 2 workshops. On Tuesday it was the 'More ideas with your die cutting machine' workshop and it was an eye opening workshop.

I was amazed at what I was able to create during the workshop, and I have learned so much in the way of hits & tips. One of the big things was the difference between using Cut & Dry Foam & Felt - I have tried using both and have found that I prefer the Felt.

During the workshop I created 2 cards.

For the 1st Cards we used the following techniques:

The first was a card using a Mask which had been inked & put through the Cuttlebug
Inking through a Mask to create a background
Cutting a Aperture in the front of the card
Creating a acetate window
Cutting a matching frame to cover the edge of the acetate

The 2nd Card was created using the following techniques:

Scoring a Gate Fold on the front of the card
Using the Cuttlebug to 'partial' cut 1/2 of the die
Embossing each edge of the card

We did not have time to create a 3rd card, but Linda also showed us how to create a '3-D' card. So I created a card blank, but have yet to decorate it & have a play.

If you would like to see a Tutorial for using Partial cuts leave me a comment & I will see what I can do.

I Love You

2012-02-08T20:14:00.002Z

I coloured the image used in this card a while ago (it was free with a magazine) & decided that I would use it for 2 challenges this week.

The colours have not come out very well in the picture, both fish are shades of pink/gray & the 3 hearts are blood red. I also found some 'beads' with the letters & heart symbol to create the sentiment.

This card is for the following Challenges:

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - The One I Love
I Love ProMarkers - Love is in The Air

WOYWW - 08 February 2012

2012-02-08T12:32:00.000Z

Here I am sat at work eating my lunch dreaming of my craft desk at home... This morning I have been on a Mandatory Basic Life Support course at work, learning how to give CPR & the "Kiss of Life" which are now known as 'Rescue Breaths'.

So it is time to joint the Crafters at Stamping Ground & be a bit nosey at other people desks (or work spaces). As it has now reached lunch time I can do a quick update to my blog along with a picture I took of my desk before I came to work.

Ok... I admit I'm not going to drink the tea (it was left over from Monday night) LOL but the other goodies were brought yesterday.

I have discovered a Gold Mine for crafters in a little village called Laneham (Notts). Coming from Lincoln I have to pay the 30p each way toll to cross Dunham Bridge - but it is soooooo worth it. If you are in the area I would STRONGLY suggest that you pay a visit to LLinda's Cards & Crafts How she gets so much in such a small space I don't know.

She also runs a number of classes, & I attended one yesterday - which was fab... I will have to do a separate post about the class & pictures of the cards that I made as I don't have time at the moment.

A quick update on DH, he is back home from hospital (Many thanks to those who added kind words on Monday) he had another Kidney Stone, but it looks as if it has now passed, his kidneys are clear and he is feeling a lot better :-)

2 More Layouts for my "Book of Me"

2012-02-08T09:30:00.000Z

Last Wednesday was Crop evening in Lincoln, and I have only just been able to take photos of the 2 layouts I got completed.

A large part of the evening was taken just chatting :) I do like craft evening like that, sometimes the social side is more important than the crafting.

Both of these layouts are for my Book of Me...

Grandad's Chair is about just that, the chair that was brough for & used by my gradad. Even though he passed away many years ago the chair is still part of the furniture

I completed the Race for Life in 2010 in 55:23 minutes, my aim was under 1 hour.

Less is More - Aqua (2)

2012-02-07T07:20:00.000Z

Happy Birthday to the Less is More Challenge Blog... they have reached 1 year old. The challenge this week is:

For our first Anniversary we are back to a repeat of our inaugural challenge which for the first Saturday of the month is colour... and this time we have chosen
AQUA

After going through my card storage I was able to find a couple of bits of card that you could say were Aqua in colour.

Here is my second card (and my favourite of the 2)...

I used a stamp in the shape of a flower but the word Thanks is included in the flower.

All I did to finish the card was to add a dashed boarder by hand (not my favorite technique, by this one did work well).

Less is More - Aqua (1)

2012-02-07T07:17:00.004Z

Happy Birthday to the Less is More Challenge Blog... they have reached 1 year old. The challenge this week is:

For our first Anniversary we are back to a repeat of our inaugural challenge which for the first Saturday of the month is colour... and this time we have chosen
AQUA

After going through my card storage I was able to find a couple of bits of card that you could say were Aqua in colour.

I had a couple of attempts to create a card, here is the first...

I used a stamp in the shape of a flower but the word Thanks is included in the flower.

Mr Frosty & Stuff

2012-02-06T21:00:00.000Z

I was planning on giving you an update on Mr Frosty when I got home from work... but things did not go according to plan today.

At about 11.20am I got a phone call from one of DH work colleagues, he had been taken to A&E with kidney pains again. This time all of the pain was in the left side (the last 3 stones have been in the right kidney).

I have never seen A&E so busy!!! To say it was manic was an understatement. DH is now back on the Surgical Emergency Admissions Unit & due to have a scan tomorrow morning to confirm if another kidney stone is the cause of the pain!

Seeing DH in so much pain was upsetting (he scored it at 10 out of 10!) I really don't know which is worse; being in pain or watching your loved one in pain knowing that there is nothing you can do to stop it!

The good news is that the pain has stopped and DH has settled down for the night. I just sent him a text to say that I was home safe & sound and to wish him a good night sleep and to 'Mind the Bed Bugs don't Bite'... and his reply - "No bugs in hospital they are not allowed - the government said so!" I guess this is proof that he is feeling a bit better.

Mr Frosty the 2nd

Now, onto my real reason for this post... Mr Frosty. He is now 1 1/2 days old, unfortunately he is also having a few health problems:

Frost bite (or lack of frost) has caused his nose to fall off;
One of his eyes has fallen out of its socket;
He has lost the use of his arms (they are now hanging limp by his side)

He has already lived longer than the original Mr Frosty - he survived approx 15 hours.

I will update you on the progress of both DH & Mr Frosty tomorrow.

All my own work

2012-02-05T12:13:00.000Z

With all of the snow overnight we decided to each clear different areas of snow.

DH did the front & cars, while I did the path to the Kids aviaries.

While clearing the snow I was thinking and realised the this was the first time that I could remember ever clearing a path of snow before.

In addition I just had to make a snowman (well 2, but only one got finished!)... So Mr Frosty the 2nd was born (today - 05/02/12 at 11:30), I will try and keep you up to date on his progress :)

Mr Frosty the 2nd

It Snowed!!!

2012-02-05T10:20:00.001Z

When we went to bed last night we had a small amount of snow settling on the ground.

This morning we have just got up to find enough snow to make a whole family of snow men...

Here are a couple of pictures showing our back garden this morning.

Library Visit

2012-02-04T13:26:00.000Z

Once again we have been out with the Owls. Today was another library visit, the first since losing Ufo.

Delta & Jumanji both behaved very well. And Delta had a nice hug with his daddy.

The Library staff were pleased as they had approx 170 people through the door (double the normal Saturday visitors!)

Here are a few pics...

Jumanji - Looking Grumpy as usual

DH getting a Hug from Delta

The table containing our Stock to help fund raise

Blog Candy Winner

2012-02-02T09:13:00.002Z

Good Morning All

Many thanks to all those who asked to be in the draw for my box of Blog Candy. I forgot to do the draw last night so as I don't have a Random Number thingy, I decided to ask DH to select a number between 1 & 16...

The reply I got was that he asked his cleaner at work to choose :-)

So the winner is.....

.......................

...............

.......

Fatmonica

Please drop me an email (owl.helen@gmail.com) with your address & I will send you the box of Blog Candy.

Post Number 200

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000Z

This is a Sticky Post and will remain at the top of my Blog until 5pm on 1st February 2012. Please scroll down to view my newer posts.

I can't believe that I have reached my 200th Post...

My first post was back on 23 June 2011 and since then I have continued to regularly add posts each week. I have found that I am now addicted to Blogging and get withdrawal symptoms when not able to view the Blogs I follow or post to my own Blog.

Thank you to all of those who Follow my blog and add comments, they really mean a lot and I enjoy reading them.

As a celebration of my 200th Post I have decided to give away some Blog Candy. Included in the box shown below are: Stamps; Embossing Powers; Embellishments; Flowers; Blank Cards & More... and I nearly forgot - Chocolate!!

If you would like to win this Blog Candy you will need to Follow My Blog & Add a Comment to this Post.

(due to the cost of postage this Candy can only be sent to UK, or BFPO addresses)

I will pick a winner at random on 02 February 2012

Everything is packed into this A4 Craft Box as it will be easy to post.

Once I knew that everything would fit in the box I unpacked it to give you an idea of the contents.

Non-Challenge Cards (January 2012)

2012-02-01T15:05:00.000Z

I have decided that I want to try and photo all cards that I make and include them on this Blog during this year - I have decided that the easiest way to do that is to create post featuring several cards.

Beware - This Post contains lots of pictures!! - Don't say I did not warn you :-)

So here are a some cards that I created during January 2012 but they have not fit into any challenges during this month.

Created using a Stampin' Up Stamp, ProMarkers, Martha Stewart Border Punch

Also using the Stampin'Up Stamp coloured by ProMarkers, Nestibility Dies & a Embossing folder from Do-Crafts

Another image from Stampin' Up coloured by ProMarkers. The Snail has been cut out using Labels 1 and the 'Boarder' by the Woodware Edge Punch System.

These cute guys have been created using the Stampin' Up Owl Punch and the 'Boarder' was created using the Woodware Edge Punch System.

The Front of my Tri-Fold Card

This is the inside of my first Tri-Fold Card. Created with a 'wonky' top edge and decorated with papers from a birthday set of 12x12 papers (from Do-Crafts).

This card was created using a 'Side Stacker' decoupage from Design House (Meadow's Edge, Night Owls), along with a bit of border created by a Woodware punch and a Little Claire Designs sentiment circle.

This card was created for a White on White Challenge,
However I forgot to use a stamped Image!!!

I then thought that I could use it for the Anything Goes challenge, only I had not used my ProMarkers!!!

This quick card was created using an image from the "From the Heart of the Garden" CD, along with a strip of Ribbon and Red/White Candie

Created using papers from Do Crafts, Die cut sentiment & a number of white Do Craft flowers, with a mix of coloured gems for the centres.

WOYWW - 1 February 2012

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000Z

February is a strange month, this year it is 29 days long, but it is still the shortest month. It is also another sign that the year is marching on day by day, one month done & 11 to go before we are back at January again. I don't know why but the older I get the faster time seems to fly!!!!

So WOYWW - As for today on my desk, I had a tidy up yesterday and put away all the bits & bobs that had started to clutter up the desk space.

My task for today is to update my Stamp Catalogue with my new stamps... All of my stamps are added to the catalogue so that I am able to quicley see what images/sentiments I have got as well as where they are stored. This is what the last 2 pages in the catalogue look like...

When each stamp (or set) is added to the catalogue I write down the make & name of the stamp(s) (if they are from a magazine I will add the name of the magazine). I then draw lines around the sets so that I can see at a glance what stamps go together in a group. I also label where they are kept, this is usually a Letter & Number combination, which will refer to a A5 ring binder or a Really Useful Box.

Well that is my desk for another week. Happy WOYWW :-)

Month in Numbers - January 2012

2012-01-31T09:01:00.000Z

Over on the Notes on Paper blog you will find the 'Month In Numbers' challenge, to document each month based on various numbers.

So for January 2012, my Month in Numbers is...

1,000's the number of pieces DH Kidney stone was smashed into when he had surgery at the beginning of the month - Thank you to all those who have posted good wishes for his recovery, he is doing very well and recovering nicely :)

6 lbs of weight put on over Christmas & New Year. Now the work starts to loose the weight again

7 years since Holly, my first Barn Owl, died. She was 11 years old & like Ufo (read about Ufo here)she had her own personality, however in many ways Holly was the complete opposite. Holly was very reserved and her relationship with us was very much on her terms.

She came into my care when she was about 2 years old, she had been released into the wild by her previous owner (who was never found), we also know that she had been mistreated and suffered a broken hip which was never treated by a vet!

Over time & with much love and kindness Holly trusted me (and later my DH) and allowed us into her life.

16 New Stamps: During this month I have brought 1 Tatty Button stamp and 15 Lili of the Valley (although 12 of the Lili of the Valley stamps were in one pack).

47 People who attended the Cambridgeshire Family History Society Computer Group Meeting in January to listen to both DH & myself - DH was covering 'What is a Computer?' as part of the new Back to Basics series of talks. My talk was 'Explaining Blogs' and it went down very well - So a Big Hello to anyone from CFHS

10 Eddie Stobart vehicles that I have been able to identify by name - taking me to Number 3400 in the Spotters League Table!! I know it is slightly sad LOL, but it is also fun :-)

6 1/2 lbs of weight I have lost this month. I am so pleased that I have been able to loose all of the weight that I put on over Christmas/New Year, I can now start working towards my next 'Sliver Seven' :-)

8 Snowdrops in the Garden. When we had the fence replaced last month I was afraid that my Snowdrop bulbs might have been disturbed. Over the years I have put so many Snowdrop bulbs into the garden, but they only ever grow in one little corner (right by the fence!!) However they have now burst into flower. I only ever would get a single flower, but the bunch has slowly got bigger over the last few years.

Less is More - Sketch (Take 2,3 & 4)

2012-01-31T08:44:00.003Z

This week the sketch challenge over on the Less is More blog looked so simple, but very few of the ideas I had really looked any good.

This morning I have had several attempts, but I am only submitting 1 for the challenge, although I have included the others here. Out of the 3 photos I have put them in the order in which I like them with the best one first...

A white card blank, with a Gold Mirror Card (Matt finish) and topped with 2 small images from Design House Crafts, the sentiment is a gold peel-off.

A textured card blank with the Gold Mirror Card (Matt finish) embossed with balloons, the sentiment is again a gold peel-off.

This time a red card blank, with an embossed strip of Gold Mirror Card (Matt finish) and a strip of flower paper from Do Crafts, the sentiment is a gold peel-off.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions - You have until 5pm on the 1st February 2012 to enter, Good Luck.

Less is More - Sketch

2012-01-30T09:10:00.000Z

This is a very quick post just before I leave the house... The Less is More challenge this week is to follow a sketch...

For our challenge this week we have a SKETCH and we have a few basic ground rules.

We would like the card to be

rectangular
in landscape orientation
with the band remaining in a vertical position

So after quite a bit of thinking, mainly at stupid times of the morning this is my 1st attempt...

I used a basic White A6 card blank and added a strip of Black card stock, the card stock had been cut using one of the cartridges from the Woodware Boarder Punch system. I then threaded a sparkly gold ribbon through the holes and added a black Thank You peel-off for my sentiment.

A very quick & easy card to make and one which I do like :-) The question now is will I be able to give it away????

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions - You have until 5pm on the 1st February 2012 to enter, Good Luck.

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Animal

2012-01-30T08:09:00.000Z

Over on the 'Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog' the topic for this week is Animals.

Here is my entry for the challenge this week, I used a stamp which was free with a magazine a while ago, along with a Little Claire Designs sentiment. The background paper is from Do Crafts.

This is quite a simple card and in some ways I found it difficult to create (especially where to place the zebra & sentiment), but I felt that the colours went together really well.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions - You have until 5pm on the 1st February 2012 to enter, Good Luck.

Decoupage

2012-01-30T08:01:00.004Z

Good morning all... this will be the first of several quick posts this morning (and it is not even 8am!!!)

Both today & tomorrow I am on a course, but as we don't start until 10am I have about 1 1/2 hours before I have to leave home. DH has left for work, so I have just finished his Valentines Card (but you will still have to wait until the 14th before you can see it - am I a tease or wot??) & I am adding a couple of cards that I have completed at the end of last week.

On Wednesday last week I had the urge to do some Decoupage, because I don't do the fine cutting that is sometimes needed for Decoupage I had spotted some Dufex Craft Products sheets featuring 2 die-cut decoupage images.

The only thing I find with Decoupage is that it does not take many layers to become very bulky (especially if being sent by post!). With this in mind I created 4 decoupage images (alternating the layers), here are 3 of the 'toppers':

The other 'topper' was used on this card:

I added some white paper behind the image as it was just getting lost on the background. The background paper is from a Do-Crafts paper pack, the sentiment is a sliver peel-off.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions - You have until 5pm on the 1st February 2012 to enter, Good Luck.

Spring is in the Air

2012-01-26T16:33:00.000Z

Well, as far as our European Eagle Owl (Delta) is concerned Spring has started & he is looking for a Girlfriend.

What he can't seem to understand his that DH & I are not European Eagle Owls (LOL) and every time we go outside he starts trying to woo us.

Every evening when we give him his food, he tries to give it back to us, which is exactly what he would do with a female owl. Boy is he confused!!!!

I have just been outside to photo the Snowdrops in the garden & decided to try and get a few pictures of Delta as well. I did try to upload a video clip but I could not get it to work :-(

Here is Delta in his next box, he is doing his impersonation of a Chicken with his tail stuck up through his wings and hooting at me.

Sorry about the scary looking eyes - the flash on the camera turns them red/pink

Do I Really Need....

2012-01-26T12:43:00.002Z

More ProMarkers????

This is a tough question - the difference between Want & Need??

The reason for the question is simple, I have seen on several Blogs & Forums about the new range of "Spring 2012" ProMarker colours.

Including:
•Budding Rose
•March Hare
•Daffodil Bloom
•Fresh Meadow
•April Shower
•Morning Mist

Apparently some stores are taking Pre-Orders, but does anyone know which ones??? or do I wait until I go to the show at the NEC in March???

Decisions, Decisions - The logical part of me is telling me to wait until the NEC, but the impatient part of me says I need them Now!

Which do I choose.... now or later... that is the question, I just don't know!!!!

WOYWW 25 January 2012

2012-01-25T09:22:00.001Z

I can't believe that it is Wednesday again... therefore it is time to have a look at the workdesks all over the craft world with Julia at 'Stamping Ground'.

My workspace is a bit 'Hush Hush' this week, and you will only get a tiny picture... why??? Well on February 14th it is a very big day for couples (need I say more!).

This year I have decided to make my Valentines Card for DH, the only slight hicup with that is that he does look at this Blog from time to time & I don't want him seeing his card before the 14th!

So here is a tiny sneak peak...

I got out my original sizzix dies & my Guilding flakes for this part of the card. As for the rest... well you will just have to wait until after Valentines Day.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

White on White

2012-01-23T08:29:00.000Z

I have created this card for the Sweet Stampin' Challenge this week, which is...

White on White
"All card stock & paper used should be white, but your image can be coloured any way you wish. Embellishments should also be mainly white. See, we're not too strict as long as the overall card is mainly white, we're happy! We just want you to enjoy creating."

This is the first time I have attempted a White on White card, and I must say that I am pleased with the card that I created. This card also features one of the Lili of the Valley stamps that I brought a couple of weeks ago.

As many of you will know my shading skills with my ProMarkers are not very advanced, but I have been able to achieve a look that I am pleased with :-)

Ok so enough typing, here is the card:

Well, what else can I say, the embossing folder was a free one with a magazine (using the same 300gsm card used to create the card), the flowers are from Papermania & I have used White Candie for the centres (you can't see it in the photo, but the Candie has a slight glitter finish).

I am also submitting this card in the I Love ProMarkers Challenge this week "Anything Goes".

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

Cut it Out

2012-01-23T08:17:00.002Z

No I don't want you to stop reading my Blog!!!! In this case "Cut it Out" refers to the Less is More Challenge for this week!

"Cut it Out"

For this we would like to see some kind of hole or aperture in your card!

I had plenty of ideas for this challenge, however when I sat down to start work I completed one, only to realise that it was NOT Less is More & I got a bit carried away!!!! So this is take 2 - and it is LiM :-)

I used a Little Claire Designs stamp from the 'Window' set and coloured it with my ProMarkers. After cutting the aperture in the card I knew that I wanted to suspend the image inside of the aperture but had to think about how I wanted to do this. I then found a piece of acetate sitting on the desk, after cutting a strip about 1cm wide I placed that behind the stamped image and use the card cut from the aperture to back the image (& hiding the acetate strip).

This close up shows the image suspended in the aperture...

I am also submitting this card in the I Love ProMarkers challenge for this week, which is "Anything Goes".

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

How To... Make a Never Ending Card

2012-01-21T15:59:00.001Z

Over the last month I have shared with you a couple of Never Ending Cards that I have made & I promised to create a How To...

So here is it... How to make a Never Ending Card. First a quick recap for those who don't know what a Never Ending Card is. All is explained (with pictures) on THIS Post.

The instructions to create the card base are very easy, however you do need to create the base BEFORE you decorate it.

My card when finished will be 14cm square. The size you decide on is up to you as long as it is square & the length of any side can be divided by 4 it will work.

Cut 4 pieces of card 14cm x 7cm

Score each piece of card along the long edge at 3.5cm & 10.5cm; and along the short edge at 3.5cm - DO NOT fold the pieces yet (if you do it will make the next 3 steps very hard!!)

Place 2 pieces along side each other vertically - add glue to the 4 corners (I used Double Sided Sticky Tape)

Place another piece of card horizontally on top of the first 2 - Ensure that the outside edges are lined up. Then add the remaining piece horizontally

Now you can start to fold the score lines until you are able to easily move to each side - See following pictures for more detail:

Fold outwards from the centre

Fold up/down from the centre

Fold outwards from the centre

Fold up/down from the centre

You are now back at the front again & you have completed one revolution of your Never Ending Card

Once your card is moving freely from one side to the next you can start to decorate each side as you wish.

Happy Card Making

What a Surprise!

2012-01-21T13:44:00.001Z

I have just been looking at the various Blogs that I subscribe to and found to my surprise that I have won a Little Claire Designs stamp featured on their Showcase yesterday :-)

What a great start to a weekend.

Book of Me Pages

2012-01-20T15:15:00.003Z

Something I started a number of years ago was a 'Book of Me' featuring Scrapbook layouts about me as a person and DH & I as a couple.

I had not added any pages to this album for a while, however I had decided that I wanted to scrap something that happened before we were even engaged. At the same time that I was thinking about how to scrap this topic I was scratching my head about what embellishments to use on the page.

Then Little Claire Designs issued their Blog Challenge for January... Anything but a Card... After looking though both my digi & clear stamps I had made a decision.

The reason for all of this head scratching about the embellishments is this... DH & I were unwrapping fridge magnets from their bubble wrap packaging to put them on sale, I told DH "I'll Unbubble 'em & you hang 'em up". I should say at this point that DH & I share a sometimes silly sense of humour, this conversation got sillier & sillier until we had created a place called Usngus (otherwise know as Us 'n Gus). Before too long we had created a Map of Usngus... this map was what I wanted to scrap!!

I know it is a bit of a long story, but just in case you were unable to read the journalling on the photo, I though I would explain all here.

Right hand layout

This pair of owls was from Little Claire Designs & coloured with my ProMarkers

I am entering these into 2 challenges:
Little Claire Designs - Anything but a Card
I Love ProMarkers - Anything Goes

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

One Layer Card - Birds

2012-01-18T15:24:00.001Z

I have been busy this week and have completed a entry for the Less is More challenge Blog, the topic this week is:

ONE LAYER CARD

with the subject of

BIRDS

Remember to add NO additional layers and to keep embellishments to a minimum.

My One Layer Card had a couple of false starts, I know what I wanted to achieve but it did not happen (I hate it when that happens!!) So attempt number 3 is the one I was happy with:

I have used 2 stamps from Little Claire Design and decided that for once I did not want to colour them using ProMarkers (& yes I am feeling OK). So after a bit of searching I found my box of chalks & using a few cotton buds & cottonwool balls I ended up with this card.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

All That Glitters

2012-01-18T15:13:00.003Z

The topic over on the Sweet Stampin' Challenge is:

All that Glitters - The theme this week is "glitter, bling, shine, sparkle"...get the idea?? You can make anything you like as long as it fits the theme and has something that has been stamped.

For this challenge I have created my first Triangle Card (as seen in the 'Lets Make Cards' magazines) & I must say that I was pleased with the way it looks.

I have added a stamp from Little Musings (coloured with my trusty ProMarkers). I also used some ribbon out of my stash & some split pearls. As for the Glitter, well the photo does not show it very well... I have glitter on her wings & the flowers in her hair. In addition the ribbon has a glitter edge to it as well.
Happy Stamping :)

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

WOYWW - 18 January 2012

2012-01-18T12:45:00.000Z

Once again it is Wednesday & today I have this afternoon off work - Every year we are given annual leave, but I always seem to end up having a mad panic in January to use up what I have left, so between now and the end of March I have various days dotted in the calendar.

So this afternoon my plan is.... To practise using my ProMarkers, I have stamped a number of images to colour (Including my new Lili of the Valley images and some Little Claire Designs Digi Stamps)

For WOYWW I am abandoning my desk for today and basing myself on the sofa, the TV will be on in the background, add to that easy access to the kitchen & kettle & I will be well away, however no Chocolate will be in sight as I WILL reach a Size 12 by August!!!!!!

I am currently watching the Michael McIntyre Christmas Comedy Roadshow (saved from Christmas), however, I have had to stop colouring because I was laughing too much LOL - My favourite bit was Michael singing 'Fairytale of New York' I laughed so much that I had to reach for the tissues ROFLMAO

Here is my attempts so far...

Happy WOYWW.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

Its a Good Day

2012-01-14T14:35:00.003Z

As today is the 2nd Saturday of the month we have a standing commitment for Cambridgeshire Family History Society (CFHS). Since May 2004 DH & I have been going down to Cambridge to deliver talks for the Computer Group. This is now the most popular monthly event that CFHS runs.

This month 47 people attended and DH gave a talk about 'What is a Computer?' looking at the insides of the computer and trying to show people that they don't need to be scared of computers. As for me I was talking about... Blogs.

One of my loves is Training & until recently I was an IT Trainer at Work, now things have moved on & I now concentrate on e-Learning. However today my talk has left me on a 'High', for anyone who has trained people and gets the 'Buzz' from standing in front of a group of people and training you will know what I am talking about.

Sorry if this post is a bit rambling, but I am currently so high and have not quite come back down to earth. However I wanted to tell the world, and what better way than putting a post on "Helen's World".

Happy Satuday to everyone

Lili of the Valley & Tatty Button

2012-01-13T17:34:00.000Z

My Lili of the Valley has arrived (cheer) the bad news is that I doubt that I will get chance to play during the weekend!

At the beginning of the week I also ordered a Tatty Button stamp which arrived on Wednesday, I did get chance (before going to Weight Watchers) to have a quick play last night. Here is my first attempt, and I am quite pleased with my colouring using the ProMarkers.

All I need to do now is find the time to sit & play.

Spots & Dots

2012-01-13T17:25:00.000Z

While on a recent Blog Hop, I came across the 'Sweet Stampin' Challenge' Blog and decided to join in.

This week the topic is: SPOTS & DOTS

The image is a Little Claire Designs digi stamp coloured with ProMarkers. The ribbon & card stock came from a 'Lets Make Cards' magazine.

Weight Watchers - Celebration

2012-01-13T10:33:00.001Z

Just a quick post to celebrate a good weight loss week...

I was very good this week and managed to loose 3.5lb

WOYWW - 11 January 2012

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000Z

I don't know about anyone else, but I am having problems typing 2012... it takes so long and I normally have to delete an extra 1 (I don't know why LOL) before I type the second 2!!!

Ok, back to the subject of this post... 'What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday' with Julia at Stamping Ground.

My desk this week is a bit untidy. My "Handmade by:" stamp has arrived and I am in the process of stamping the details onto each card that I have made. So cards are scattered everywhere (even the floor) while the ink dries.

As for what my stamp looks like, here it is...

Now if my Lili of the Valley stamps arrive in the post this afternoon I will be set for hours LOL

10 Things... January 2012

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000Z

Shimelle Laine runs 10 Things on the 10th of each month.
This list of 10 things has been hard to put together, I have been planning it for 2 months but needed to find the right time to work on the list and find the photos.

On Saturday 19th November 2011, Ufo our Little Owl (the picture on the Right of my banner) died. I had fed her as normal on the Friday evening and she was fine, on Saturday morning I found her in her nest box. It looked as if she had fallen asleep and did not wake up.

So my list of 10 Things is month is...

10 Things about Ufo:

1. She hatched on 8 June 1996 along with a brother & sister

This photo was taken when Ufo was 6 weeks old. It was the first time that I had seen her and I fell in love...

2. On 8 August 1996 she moved in to live with me & my parents

Ufo at 10 weeks old, she was now starting to bond with me, she would even sit on the glove for short periods of time (plenty of patience was required!!)

3. Initially she lived in the Kitchen until she was fully feathered and could move outside to the aviary. Back then I would eat my breakfast while sat on the floor with Ufo running around the floor. One morning she found a current that had fallen on the floor (mum had been baking) and she ate it!!! An owl is not designed to eat currents (only meat) and I was really worried about how her digestive system would cope. Later that evening the panic was over when I found a pellet (the leftovers) which included a current!

4. When Ufo was 10 1/2 months old DH took her picture for the first time & she cast her spell over him too!

Ufo's first photo shoot, and she behaved very well. This was to be the first of many photos taken of her in various trees over the years

5. As Ufo started to show her personality we soon found that that she was no Angel, she would regularly get into trouble, but she kept looking so sweet and innocent...

After a quick flight she landed on this candle holder... luckily the candle had not been lit. She was always getting into everything that a Little Owl should avoid!

6. When DH & I got Married in 1998 Ufo (& Holly, my Barn Owl) joined us at the Wedding. They sat in their travel boxes in the Registry Office and were present for the Reception - After all both Ufo & Holly were my babies!

This is not the greatest picture of us, but the only one we have with the Kids... when this picture was taken we were both talking to the kids!

7. For Christmas in 1999 I asked DH if we could have a real Christmas Tree, he agreed (provided I cleared up all the needles LOL). Once we had decorated the tree we needed a special Fairy...

Our Little Christmas Fairy

8. Ufo loved to have a shower, but only when it rained (and the rain was not too heavy). We found it very difficult to get any pictures of her having a shower - as soon as she saw the camera she would stop! But when she got wet, she really got very wet...

Is it a Little Owl or a Drowned Rat??

9. Each year Ufo would scare us, normally on 22 April (or within 3-5 days) she would start to lay her eggs. This is one of the most dangerous things any female bird can do and over the years we have known several owls who have died while trying to lay eggs.

Each year Ufo laid between 3 & 6 eggs, she would then spend 30-40 days sitting on them. Not that the eggs would hatch!

10. Over the last 15.5 years Ufo has met and touched many people, even helping some of them overcome bird phobias. Ufo loved to be the centre of attention, she loved to be hugged and stroked. All of our other owls preferred to be stroked on the tummy - Ufo was different!! She preferred to be stroked on the head & back. To make life easier for Ufo if we had visitors who wanted to meet her we would sit them down and cover their lap with her tea towel, Ufo would then sit on the tea towel. If you stopped stroking her she was even known to head-butt you to encourage you to continue!

In many ways creating this list of 10 things was easy, I have so many memories of Ufo, but there are too many to include here today. In another way it was also very hard, especially to realise that she was 1 in a million and no other owl could ever come close to being the big hearted creature that she was.

Over the last 10 months her health had started to decline, she had a cataract in her left eye and was starting to lose the sight in her right eye (if she had not already lost it completely). She was also having problems keeping on weight and I had needed to increase the amount of food that she was given to keep her weight stable.

While writing this list I have rewritten it several times and cried many tears. Despite this, Ufo brought so much joy into my life as well of that of so many other people. She was even partly responsible for getting DH & me together as a couple. How something so small could make such a difference in so many lives I will never know - but she did.

I will always miss her as she was so special, but I know that she is now truly flying free.

RIP

Ufo, Little Owl

(1996 - 2011)

Lili of the Valley - Blog Candy

2012-01-09T15:29:00.000Z

I can't believe how many Posts I have made today, but after ordering my first Lili of the Valley (LOTV) stamps I think that I am hooked, and the chance to win 12 more for free is just too good to miss.

So, click here to find out more and how to get your name added to the draw.

Predominantly Purple - 2

2012-01-09T15:15:00.002Z

On the Less is More Blog the challenge has been set for this week:

So onto the first week of the month and a colour challenge

this time we want to see

Predominantly Purple

PURPLE... what do I have in my stash that is PURPLE!!!!! Well, I was able to find some purple card stock along with my 'Purple' ProMarker, so here goes...

This is my second card, this time with More Purple than the first...

Well I did warn you - it is PURPLE!!

This time I decided to use a piece of Purple card stock as the base and then using my Stampin' Up Owl Punch I created the little owl you see (I did use white card, coloured pink for her heart). The Thank You sentiment is a Sliver Peel-Off.

This card definitely fell outside my comfort zone, but it was fun to make. It is very rare for me to use plain card stock to cut my own card bases, I usually use ones brought in packs. However I think it turned out OK.

Predominantly Purple - 1

2012-01-09T15:10:00.000Z

On the Less is More Blog the challenge has been set for this week:

So onto the first week of the month and a colour challenge

this time we want to see

Predominantly Purple

PURPLE... what do I have in my stash that is PURPLE!!!!! Well, I was able to find some purple card stock along with my 'Purple' ProMarker, so here goes...

I ended up with 2 cards for this challenge as although I liked the first one I was not sure if there was enough 'Purple'!

So here is the first card...

Using a Tall Card Blank I added the strip of Purple, the image was a stamp which came free with on of the Magazines, coloured with my ProMarkers. The Happy Birthday was a Silver Peel-Off, again coloured with my ProMarker.

Latest Purchases - Samps

2012-01-09T09:53:00.001Z

Over the weekend I was looking at one of my Card Magazines and found an article featuring the Lili of the Valley stamps.

I have seen these stamps many times, but they looked so complex to colour & while my ProMarker collection is good, by colouring/blending skills are not!!!!

I have just been very naughty and had a look on the site and made my first order ... I now have to wait for them to arrive.

The stamps I have ordered are:

Dreamy Days Sentiments
Summer Daydream
Big Present
Messy Mesages

I have also just ordered a custom 'Handmade By:' rubber stamp featuring my name & email address from Stamps Direct. I will then be able to stamp the info on each card I create and give to friends/family or charity.

I had been putting the info on the 'Insert' but it would get in the way or look too busy, this will enable me to stamp the info where I want (either on the inside front/back of the card on the reverse of the insert) . It was not cheap (£20), but it will be created using the size text & font of my choice, however, I know that it will get lots & lots of use!

Scrapbook Pages

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000Z

At our local crop on Wednesday I completed a Double & Single Layout for my Scrapbooks. It is not very often that I do pages for me, so this was an exception.

The Double Layout was created using pictures and bits from the Bruno Mars concert we went to in November. This layout came together quite quickly once I had found the paper.

Bruno Mars - Left Hand Side

Bruno Mars - Right Hand Side

The Single Layout was about the Solitaire game we were given by friends in Canada, and the running battle DH & I have for winning games and getting high scores.

Solitaire Machine

I do have plans for more Layouts for my Albums so as I complete them I will add them to the Blog.

Buttons & Lace - 2

2012-01-07T14:51:00.000Z

The I Love ProMarker challenge this week is:

As you will have noticed, this week the theme is to raid your stash for BUTTONS & LACE as we want to see BOTH - and don't forget, to enter our challenges

YOU MUST USE LETRASET PENS – EITHER PROMARKERS, TRIAS, FLEXMARKERS OR AQUAMARKERS ON YOUR CARD OR PROJECT.

I knew that I have buttons in my stash, but Lace... this is not something that I had!!! After having a look at the pictures of cards from the DT I noticed that while some did use Lace other used something that looked like Lace (giving the effect of lace), so if it was good enough for the DT I guess it would work for me.

On Wednesday I was at my local Scrapbook Crop and asked those there for ideas... 2 members of the group had got for Christmas the Woodware Crafty Edger Boarder Punch System with a selection of cassettes, one of them looked like lace. After having a play I created a strip of paper with the patten punched on either side.

This is the second of 2 cards that include both Buttons & Lace:

This card also features a strip of 'Lace' along with a image from Little Claire Designs, the buttons were then added to each corner in 'autumn' colours (the colours don't show very well in this picture).

Buttons & Lace - 1

2012-01-07T14:47:00.002Z

The I Love ProMarker challenge this week is:

As you will have noticed, this week the theme is to raid your stash for BUTTONS & LACE as we want to see BOTH - and don't forget, to enter our challenges

YOU MUST USE LETRASET PENS – EITHER PROMARKERS, TRIAS, FLEXMARKERS OR AQUAMARKERS ON YOUR CARD OR PROJECT.

This is the first of 2 cards that include both Buttons & Lace:

The image is from Little Musing and coloured with my ProMarkers, cut out using Label 1 (Nestibility dies). I added a strip of 'Lace' and mounted the buttons on some embroidery thread to match the colour of my angels hair.

Baby & Child

2012-01-07T14:35:00.001Z

Over on Ruby's Rainbow Challenge the topic for this challenge is:

This fortnights challenge #19 and theme has been chosen by our lovely
Team mate Jacqui who would like to see
Something for a Baby Or Child

So on when the thinking cap and this is what I came up with - I have made 2 variations on this card, one for a boy and one for a girl.

Both of these cards are using a stamp from Stampin' Up, coloured with my ProMarkers and I used my Nestibility dies to cut/emboss the shapes.

As I don't know anyone who is expecting a baby, I will be donating both of these cards to charity (Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance) for them to sell to help with fund raising.

How I See Me

2012-01-05T22:25:00.002Z

This title made sense to me when I was writing this post, it is all about how I feel about me when I looked at a photo taken during 2010.

Taken at the Race for Life at RAF Waddington on 23 May 2010

Wednesday evening I was at the local Crop in Lincoln and I had put into my bag a number of photos to be scrapped for my 'Book of Me'. This was one of a group of photos taken at the Race for Life event in 2010.

My first thought when I saw this photo was 'Boy, do I look fat!' My second thought was 'I did achieve my aim of completing the 5km course in under 1 hour'.

Last January I made the decision that I did not like the way I looked, and when I had to buy a dress in a size 20 I was mortified!!!!!

Since January 2011 I have lost about 2 stone in weight (unfortunately I did put a bit of weight on over Christmas/New Year). I still want to loose a bit more weight and want to achieve that during 2012.

One big difference I have noticed about myself since I started loosing weight is my confidence. Instead of hiding away and trying not to be noticed, I now find myself standing tall and proud. I like the way my body is currently shaped - but want to be a bit slimmer.

This photo is a reminder about how I looked and will help me continue to loose more weight until I reach my goal. I will continue to go to my Weight Watchers Meetings each week and track my progress.

Comment from DH: I still love you

WOYWW - 04 January 2012

2012-01-04T08:39:00.000Z

Wow, this is the first Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday of 2012 - Is it really a Wednesday, it doesn't feel like it!!!!

Yesterday was a busy day as I did not want to be sitting around waiting for the phone to ring to tell me to go and collect DH from the hospital after his surgery. So I kept busy!!!

I had a big tidy/clear-out/reorganisation of the area around the workdesk, I basically have 2 shelve units for all of my craft stuff & over the last few months I have been saving the plastic cartons from the Chinese take-away & buying the A6 & A5 craft storage boxes.

All of my boxes are sat neatly on the shelves (for now) and all are labelled (for now)... the floor space has even been cleared

The big question is how long will this space stay this tidy?????????? Hmmmmm... maybe a day or two??

Ok enough of the craft space, back to the desk...On my desk today is my first completed 'Never Ending Card', and I must say that I was impressed with the result - even DH said that it was clever & he liked it!!!

As a Never Ending Card is designed to keep being folded until you end up at the beginning there are actually 5 pictures (4 are the different 'sides' and the last picture is the back).

The front of the card - the starting point & 'Side 1'

After the 1st fold you are at 'Side 2' (the text reads "A wise man once said...")

After the 2nd fold you reach 'Side 3' (the text reads "Follow your dreams, except the one where you're at work in your underwear.")

The 3rd Fold takes you to 'Side 4'. When you fold again you will find yourself back at 'Side 1'

Yes I know that this photo is slightly wonky & upside down... this is the back of 'Side 1' - However if you start folding from this side you will see a completely different set of 'Sides'

If you would like to see how simple it is to create a Never Ending Card then please leave me a comment and I will get round to creating a 'How To...'

It Happened...

2012-01-03T17:51:00.000Z

DH has been down to surgery & he has been told that Sidney & Sophie have been shattered into tiny pieces.

A big Thank You to anyone who kept their Fingers Crossed this morning :)

The Drs have decided to keep DH in overnight so dinner tonight will be either McDonalds or Chinese.

During today my anxiety has been under control and not a butterfly in sight... but I have kept busy during the day - Pictures will follow tomorrow as part of WOYWW.

Through the Window

2012-01-03T10:24:00.001Z

The current theme on the I Love ProMarkers Challenge is...

The theme for this week is Anything Goes
How you interpret this is completely up to you, as long as you make sure you follow the theme and use Promarkers, Triamarkers, Flexmarkers and/or Aquamarkers.

This card was created using the Window Stamp set from Little Claire Designs and coloured with my ProMarkers.

I also used one of the stamps from the set to create the view from the window, the window has then been mounted above the view on foam pads to create the feel of distance between the window and the view.

The view from the window is the Spring stamp, again coloured with ProMarkers.

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

2012-01-03T07:30:00.000Z

My fingers are crossed for two reasons this morning...

This is a scheduled Blog & I hope that it appears at 7:30am on Tuesday 03 January 2012.
Today is the day that DH is scheduled for surgery to 'Zap' Sidney & Sophie (the kidney stones)

I have to take DH to Lincoln Hospital for 07:30am, once he has been booked in I will then go back home and wait for a phone call to tell me that he can be collected - as it is Day Surgery there is nowhere for family to wait, so I'll go back home.

Please can you all keep your fingers crossed that DH has his surgery & that Sidney & Sophie are successfully zapped and no longer cause a problem.

Just Teasing... Never Ending Card

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000Z

The following picture does not look much, but it was my first attempt at creating a 'Never Ending Card'.

What is a 'Never Ending Card'? well it is a card that you just keep folding until it gets back to the beginning. It sounds really complicated, but it is very easy to create - this test was so that I could understand how the card works.

On the whole this attempt went well, I was able to get the 'Never Ending' mechanism working without too much problem, now I can try again using a single coloured card stock. And adding some embellishments :)

I plan on creating another How To... for creating a Never Ending Card sometime in the New Year.

The beginning of 2012...

2012-01-01T15:09:00.000Z

Well today is the first day of 2012.

Over the last couple of years I have found that I don't really make any New Year Resolutions - I don't really remember why, but there did not seem much point as they never lasted to the end of the year.

This year I only have a short list of things that I would like to achieve during 2012:

Continue to loose weight
Keep posting on this blog and to try and keep up with a regular selection of Challenges
Start to create a 'Inspiration & Ideas' book for my Cards (I have brought a book and have a few ideas already - more to follow in a later post)
Keep learning new skills/knowledge during the year
Enjoy life

And finally for today...

If it didn’t Bring you Joy,
Just Leave it Behind.

Let’s Ring in the New Year
With Good Things in Mind.

Let Every Bad Memory Go
That Brought Heartache and Pain.

And let’s Turn a New Leaf
With the Smell of New Rain.

Let’s Forget Past Mistakes
Making Amends for This Year.

Sending You These Greetings
To Bring you Hope and Cheer

Happy New Year!

Author Unknown

Just Swinging Around

2012-01-01T11:00:00.000Z

Earlier this year I brought a set of templates (from Payperbox) to create Swing Cards, after looking at them and putting them back on the shelf again (several times - they just looked too difficult) I decided to have a go.

I did create a couple of cards, but I did not like them - so they went into the recycling bin! But this one I do like, there are a couple of bits that I would do differently, but on the whole, I am happy with it.

I found that the card was very difficult to photo & the template does not make sense until the card is folded and decorated. So... I ended up taking several pictures from different angles.

This is the card when it is closed as if it had just been taken out of the envelope

This is taken from the right of the card - you can see how the centre rectangle 'Swings' out from the card

This picture is taken from the left of the card - I did use the same image on both sides of the 'Swing' section but next time I would use different designs.

I was quite happy with the card, I created the main card using 300gsm White card stock, and covering the base did prove tricky with the openings. However next time I create a swing card I think that I would cover it slightly differently next time.

If anyone would like me to create a How To... based on using the 'Payperbox Template' leave me a comment and if people would like a How To I will create one.

My Month in Numbers - December 2011

2011-12-31T17:03:00.000Z

I have seen several other posts about Months in Numbers but did not really know where to start... then I found Julie Kirk's Month in Numbers Blog pages, which explained all.

After reading her 'Tutorial' I decided to have a go and see how I got on for December, initially it will be a list on my Blog. I thought that it would be a good way to remember what happend during the month using both words & pictures.

So here is...

December 2011 in Numbers

Our Advent Calendar (complete with Chocolates for each day)

24 Chocolates eaten from our advent calender

6 People attended our Christmas Meal, in our team 3 of us work in the Lincoln Office, we decided to all meet (with partners) for a meal out a Toby Carvery. It does not happen very often but I even got my hairdresser to do something fancy with my hair for a change. We all had a very enjoyable evening and it gave us all chance celebrate the year that was 2011.

5 Vertebra that were out of alignment when I visited my Chiropractor to sort out my aching back.

57 fence panels, gavel boards & posts. We had been talking for a while about replacing the fence around the back garden, this month we finally got it replaced. Keith took down the old fence (which was well and truly rotten) and in its place put up a new fence (with 18 new panels). It does look a lot better and we are pleased with the result.

14 Christmases DH & I have spent together as a couple, although we were apart for 1 Christmas we did celebrate Un-Christmas when DH returned.

12 people playing the 'Parcel Game' on 27th December. While visiting MiL with the majority of DH's family we all sat on the living room floor to play the 'Parcel Game'. The idea is that you have a large number of small wrapped gifts (no more than £1 each) and 2 die. All the players take it in turns to roll the die, when you get a 6 you take one of the gifts (if you roll a double 6 you take 2!). Once all the gifts are gone someone sets a timer to count down - but only they know for how long. This time when you throw the die if you get a 1 or 6 you get to choose a gift from someone else (or 2 gifts), this continues until the timer goes off. You often find that one gift is the one everyone wants - this year it was shaped just like a Toblerone. Everyone then opens the gifts to find out what you won. Once everyone has opened the gifts you are able to swap with others - So if for example you were a boy and received a make-up mirror, you would be able to swap it for something else :) Alternatively if you received a tin of soup you could swap it for a pen/pencil set.

525 Miles travelled in 3 days (to Devon & back) to visit MiL and DH's family. During the trip on the road we always have to count something (otherwise I have a tendency to fall asleep while DH drives!!) so during this trip it was Eddie Stobart lorries (21); Caravans (66); Sainsbury's Lorries (39) and 6 Broken Down Cars.

Just One Word - Smile

2011-12-31T16:15:00.002Z

The Less is More challenge this week is:

JUST ONE WORD

Whatever type of clean and simple card you make, the sentiment must consist of simply one word.

I guess our card to you would merely say "Thanks ". There are lots of sentiments where a single word can say it all... Enjoy, Welcome, Peace, Joy, Birthday, Sympathy, Love, Thanks etc..

This is my second card for this challenge... Am I on a roll or wot!!!

I think the image for this card is from on of my Little Claire Designs CDs, coloured with my ProMarkers. I decided to matt the image on a wonky background. For my One Word I used a black pen to add the word 'Smile' under the branch that the 2 owls are sitting on.

Just One Word - Love

2011-12-31T16:09:00.003Z

The Less is More challenge this week is:

JUST ONE WORD

Whatever type of clean and simple card you make, the sentiment must consist of simply one word.

I guess our card to you would merely say "Thanks ". There are lots of sentiments where a single word can say it all... Enjoy, Welcome, Peace, Joy, Birthday, Sympathy, Love, Thanks etc..

I did create a card before this one, only to decided to not enter it as I felt that there was not enough 'White Space', you can see it here.

This is attempt number 2... as well as meeting the Less is More Challenge I will also enter it in the 'I Love ProMarkers' Challenge which has the topic of 'Anything Goes'.

The image for this card is a stamp from Little Musings coloured with ProMarkers. I then cut & embossed the green background, the card is then finished with the word 'Love'.

Just One Word - But not Less is More!

2011-12-31T16:02:00.000Z

The Less is More challenge this week is:

JUST ONE WORD

Whatever type of clean and simple card you make, the sentiment must consist of simply one word.

I guess our card to you would merely say "Thanks ". There are lots of sentiments where a single word can say it all... Enjoy, Welcome, Peace, Joy, Birthday, Sympathy, Love, Thanks etc..

So with that in mind I set to work. Only when I had finished I realised that I could not really enter it into the challenge as it did not meet the Less is More rules - it was a bit too busy, and not enough 'White Space'. But I liked it, so thought that I would post it anyway.

This card was created using an image from the 'From the Heart of the Garden' CD. I mounted it on bronze coloured mirror card and finished with a wooden butterfly & the word 'Thanks'.

It was then back on with the thinking hat to try again for a 'Less is More' card!

Win 20 ProMarkers from Handy Hippo

2011-12-30T11:58:00.001Z

As you know, I love my ProMarkers, so when I found this Blog Candy I just had to join in. The chance to win 20 ProMarkers (of my colour choice) was just too much to resist!!!!

Don't they look Fab :)

So if you want a chance to win 20 ProMarkers then pop over to 'Always with a Heart' and follow the instructions.

Eddie Spotting

2011-12-29T14:06:00.000Z

During our trip to Devon we were counting the number of Eddie Stobart trucks we saw (doesn't everyone???) and on the way back to Lincoln we happened to pass 'Jade McKenzie'.

If anyone has watched the 'Eddie Stobart - Trucks & Trailers' programmes on Channel 5 'Jade McKenzie is one of the featured trucks (but I can't remember the name of the driver).

This might be slightly sad but for several years I keep saying that I wanted to join the Eddie Stobart Fan Club as when we are travelling down to Cambridge & Devon we see quite a few... well I have finally done it!!!

It is official - I'm an Eddie Spotter!!!!!!!

WOYWW - 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T14:58:00.001Z

Wow, this is the last Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday of 2011. And as for My Workdesk...

Well it is empty... we got back from Devon just 15 minutes ago and I did tidy my desk before we left - it was not until this morning when I was checking the blogs I follow on my phone that I realised it was a Wednesday today!!!

I hate this week between Christmas & New Year - I totally lose track of all time & days of the week!

Hopefully by next week my desk will be back in a creative state - but I am at work tomorrow & Friday :(

Happy Crafting Wednesday :)

Merry Christmas :)

2011-12-25T16:30:00.002Z

Merry Christmas to all who are reading this post.

In the 'T' household, DH is about to start cooking the Christmas Dinner - DH is so much better at cooking that I am LOL.

We have had a lazy day and even visited Lincoln Hospital at lunch time to deliver 2 tins of chocolate to the staff on duty at A&E as well as to the staff on the Surgical Emergency Assessment Unit. We both wanted to say thank you & Merry Christmas to the staff who have looked after DH so well when he has visited both areas with his Kidneys stones.

It is at this time of year that my thoughts also turn to those people who do not have family or friends around them. Christmas can be such a lonely & depressing time of the year. I also think about those families who are apart this Christmas - especially those in the Armed Services. May your loved ones come home safe and sound and you get to celebrate a 'Un-Christmas' when you are all together.

I do hope that the Military Wives Choir is able to get the Christmas Number 1 as they are a truly inspirational group of women. Every time I hear the song it brings a tear to my eyes - it deserves to be Number 1.

Once again Merry Christmas & Best Wishes to all.

Good Luck

2011-12-23T08:34:00.003Z

Today is the last day that we will have a 'Rest Room' at my Workplace. Next year there are other plans and a new building opens with restaurant facilities. So the lady who has been looking after our food needs for years is moving to a different location from January.

As a 'Thank You & Good Luck' we are getting her some flowers and I have made a Good Luck card:

The picture is not the best but it was difficult trying to get a good photo.

A couple of weeks ago I brought some Mica Powders & yesterday afternoon I had a play... this was the result.

I used a clear embossing pad to stamp the butterfly image (from Little Claire Designs) 3 times, I then brushed over the stamped image with 'Pale Blue' Mica Powder. I then added a couple of butterflies & a Good Luck sentiment from a collection of Forever Friends bits I had left over.

How To... Make a Milk Carton the size that you want

2011-12-22T08:53:00.000Z

These instructions took some thinking about, but I got there in the end.

The first thing that you need to do is to decide the width & height of the Milk Carton that you want to make. During this How To... I am going to use the following sizes as an example: 5cm wide & 10cm tall, all of the measurements for this example will be shown in Red Text.

To start you need to work out the size card that you will need to use, so grab a pen & paper; get out your fingers & toes and I will begin...

For the width:

Multiply the width of your box by 4 (5cm x 4 = 20cm)
Add 1cm to create a tab (20cm + 1cm = 21cm)

For the height

Take the width of your box & subtract 1cm (5cm - 1cm = 4cm)
Multiply this number by 2 - to create the Base & Top (4cm x 2 = 8cm)
Add 1cm to create the tab used to close the box (8cm + 1cm = 9cm)
Add the height of the box (9cm + 10cm = 19cm)

To create by Milk Carton which is 5cm wide x 10cm tall I will need to use a piece of card 21x19cm

Next you need to work out where to score the card, again I found that it was best if I worked this out on a piece of paper:

For the width (the long edge - 21cm)

Score at each multiplication of the width (5cm, 10cm, 15cm & 20cm)
You will then have a 1cm tab at the end of the card

For the height (the short edge - 19cm)

Score at the following points

Width - 1cm (4cm)
Height of your box (14cm)
Width - 1 cm (18cm)

You will then have a 1cm tab left at the end of the card

Now you have your card cut and scored you can follow the same instructions provided to make a Milk Carton from A4 card stock which is found here.

I would strongly suggest that before you make a box out of card stock that you use a plain piece of paper first to ensure that the size of card & score lines are correct.

It is up to you if you glue the Milk Carton together, I did and then wrote the measurement & score lines on the side for future reference.

WOYWW - 21 December 2011

2011-12-21T08:38:00.000Z

I can't believe that the year is nearly over, today is the Shortest Day, in 4 days time it will be Christmas Day and in 10 days time it will be New Years Eve.

Once again it is Wednesday and time for WYOWW - this is what my desk looks like today...

My desk is very quiet this evening, as tonight is Crop night in Lincoln. However I do have several cards that I need to print inserts for as well as the 'Sticky Stuff Remover' to clean my scissors with.
I have not done much this week on the Craft side, but I have made 2 cards for work. The first was for a colleague who has been diagnosed with Cancer and is currently of work:

This picture is not great but the wording on the image says... "Where hope grows miracles blossom" The image came from my new Joanna Sheen CDs - From the Heart of the Garden.

We also had one of the team applying for their own job (it's a long story, but worked out in the end), after being interviewed and told that they had the job we all wrote in the following card:

Made with the paper strips from the Crafts Beautiful magazine & a Little Claire Design sentiment

WOYWW - 14 December 2011

2011-12-14T10:14:00.003Z

Only 10 days remain until the Big One... & I'm still making Christmas Cards!!!!

I have sent out all that need to be sent by post (all of which were hand made this year), those that I am doing now are for people that we will be seeing between now & Christmas Day. As I am in a Christmas mood I decided to get a head start on the cards for next year (great planning or wot???).

As for What's On My Workdesk Wednesday - My desk this week is a bit busy...

Ok, I did warn you... the most important thing on the desk at the moment is the Tea! I am freezing!!!

As part of a 'CAS' selection of cards I decided to use a number of wooden ornaments brought from Create & Craft this year. One set were Christmas images so using a selection of pens & glitter I have jazzed them up a bit...

Then using my distressing inks I created a background. Some have snow & sky, others are just a single colour.

So far I have created 4 cards, with more to follow using the ornaments I have already coloured...

Also on my desk is a number of printed sheets from my new Joanna Sheen CDs (From the Heart of the Garden). One of our team at work has been diagnosed with Cancer, I have been asked to make a card that we can all write in to send our best wishes. So I thought that as this person enjoys gardening a card featuring flowers would be good.

Happy Wednesday to you all.

10 Things... December 2010

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000Z

The list that I had planned to do for this month is not yet finished - I'm still looking for the pictures I wanted to use.

So that will be for next month, as for this month my 10 things are...

10 Things I’m Grateful For…

My Parents – they helped make me who I am today
DH – His love and support makes my world a happier place to be
My Kids (Jumani & Delta) – Give so much pleasure to both me and so many others
My Work – It gives me a reason for getting up each morning, but the fact that I enjoy my job is an added bonus
My Health – I’m healthy and have no health problems
My Anxiety – I am grateful that I have experienced the problems I have with anxiety, as it allows me to help others
Our Home – I have a safe & secure roof over my head which keeps me warm & dry
Holly & Ufo – The 2 birds who got DH & I together. Both are now flying free in heaven, but despite the pain of losing them, I am grateful for the time that I had with them both
My Friends – Over the years I have had many friends, some have come & gone, others remain. Those friends have been there for me in the bad times and helped me celebrate in the good times. After all “Friends are the family you choose for yourself”
The Sea – If I need to chill out & really relax, all I need to do is imagine being on a beach with the waves lapping the shore

Christmas Tree Decorations

2011-12-09T08:44:00.001Z

After the picture of the Christmas Tree this yesterday morning, this post contains pictures of some of the Decorations on our tree.

All of the decorations have memories attached, in previous years we have also added Gold baubles, but this year we decided to stick to a 'Memories Tree'.

So from the top...

Our Christmas Angel

In support of Help For Hero's we have our Christmas Airman

Felt Snowman made by me... the front pocket did contain chocolate money, but it never seemed to last very long

Under the Tree sits our Me-to-You Santa with his Sleigh & Reindeer

Decorations From Holidays Past...

Disney World, Florida 2004

Australia 2005

Nova Scotia, Canada 2006 (Did you honestly think we could have a Christmas Tree without Owls???)

Disney World, Florida 2010

Kennedy Space Center 2010

Venice, Italy 2011

The Best Thing About Christmas...

2011-12-08T08:44:00.001Z

Getting up and going downstairs in the morning to be greeted with this sight...

Our tree is set with a timer to come on just before I head downstairs to make sandwiches/breakfast - I love the warm glow given of by the tree lights.

I will try to take some photo of the decorations during daylight.

WOYWW 07 December 2011

2011-12-07T13:28:00.001Z

As it is once again Wednesday it is time for the WOYWW event.

I am being very organised today, on my desk is 3 more completed Milk Cartons (this time made from A4 Card Stock - Click Here to see a How To...for A4 Card Stock, and Here to see a How To... for A5 Card Stock).

I have the card & embellishments ready and waiting to finish the 4th box, I can then fill then all with a selection of sweets & make matching tags - the problem comes if there is any sweets left... do I eat them or not??????

You will also see a CD - Jane Shasky 'From the Heart of the Garden' (produced by Joanna Sheen). I purchased this from Create & Craft on Sunday and it arrived yesterday, so I have not yet had time to have a look at the content - but it did look good on the web site.