Happy Crafting

I'm having a complete guilt free crafting day and it's bliss.  I've made a couple of cards and I'm working on a couple of projects that I can't share with you just yet.  So this day of relaxation is fabulous but it does mean I'll have a busy day tomorrow, I might even go and do some house hunting!!

So here's what I've made today.  I decided it was long overdue that my Speccies had been out, so I grabbed this cute Strawberry Kisses Stamp and inspired by the following challenges here's what I came up with:

Inspirational Card Sketches - #148

Daring Cardmakers - wishi washi - I'm loving making my own washi tape

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Let's see those animals
Sundays with Crissy - beat the mid-winter blues - for me that's donning my boots and going out walking, hence the boot stamp

The flower is cut on the eCraft from Core'diantions Tim Holtz Kraft Core - it's one of my favourite ranges for making these little flowers

Stamps - Strawberry Kisses Together from Crafter's Companion, Sentiment from Through the Trees, back ground basics twinkle by PTI

Dies - Nestabilities from Crafter's Companion, Banner from PTI, 3d flower Laina Lamb spiral flowers SVG from 2 peas in a bucket

Pens - Spectrum Noir (forgot to write the colours down!)

Paper - distressed dots by PTI, Kraft Core

Card blank - Craftwork Cards

This second card has more of a vintage feel.  I've used some of the goodies that my gorgeous friend Dougie sent me for Christmas.  She always sends me crafting presents that are so beautiful that I can barely stand to use them!  I've been inspired by challenges at:

Crazy 4 challenges - layer it on

Totally Papercrafts - pearls and lace

Papercraft Star - Victoriana

I love this sentiment, it just makes me smile.  Those little flowers are gorgeous, they're resin but have a flock to give them a soft finish.

Supplies used (lots!!)

Paper - pacific vineyard by PTY

Card - ripe avocado, vintage cream by PTI

Punch - Martha Stewart around the edge

Printed die cuts - Farm House range from October Afternoon

Resin flowers - Maya Road

Stamps - Lock and Key by PTI

Ink - dark chocolate and pure poppy from PTI

As it's Saturday, I want to play along with 

over at Marcea's Blog.  My offering for this week is Miss 600, I really need to get this bought.  Thank you to my lovely friend Archi for bringing this band to my attention, it's just my thing.

So now it's back to doing some crafting - what joy!!  I hope you're finding some time to craft too.

Love

Ginger

xxx

Sock Monkey

A little while ago I won some free digi stamps from Meljen Designs and one of them was the cutest little sock monkey.  So today I decided he needed an outing so here he or she is on a couple of cards.  This one was inspired by challenges at:

Card Patterns - sketch #83 (I flipped this on 90 degrees)

Stamp something - fall colours

Stamptacular - season's change

My time to craft - looks like Autumn

Tuesday taggers - here comes Autumn

Supplies used

Digi stamp - Meljens

Stamp - PTI - faux ribbon

Paper - Scrap-a-gogo greeting kit

Copic Ciaos used for sock monkey:

Monkey - E31, E33, E35, E37

Monkey face - E00, E02

Hat - BG10, BG15, E000

This card was inspired by challenged at:

Stamp with fun - sketch

Cupcake craft challenges - pink and brown

A spoonful of sugar - spots and stripes (the stripes are in the corrugated card)

Papercutz - little critter

 Supplies used

Digi stamp - Meljens

Stamp - PTI - fancy flourishes

Corrugated card - inspire me papers

Paper - October Afternoon

Sticker - Scrap-a-gogo greeting kit

Felt flowers - making memories and Marianne designs die cuts

Copic Ciaos used for sock monkey:

Monkey - E31, E33, E35, E37

Monkey face - E00, E02, RV10

Hat - RV10, RV13, RV21

Outline - W1

So on a Wednesday evening this little monkey has made me a happy monkey.  Really I should have been getting ready for some demos, but I'm waiting for a delivery from the office. This weekend I'm all over the place, demonstrating for Crafter's Companion:

Friday - The Craft Shop UK Stalybridge

Saturday - Cadbury Garden & Leisure, Nr Bristol

Sunday - Melbicks Garden & Leisure, Nr Birmingham

Monday - Inspirations by Cardcraft Plus, Nr Preston

 

If you're nearby please pop in and say hello.

xxx

Comes up for air

Oh my, I decided it was time to tidy my craft room this weekend!  It still looks worse than when I started but I think I must be making progress as there are several large boxes on the way to friends and there's a heap more that needs to go to new homes.  It meant that I didn't get to craft but I'm hoping when I finish I'll know what I've got, where to find it and be able to fully embrace my creativity.

I have to say that although I was clearing out, the fabulous parcel that arrived on Saturday morning from A Passion for Papertrey, is not going anywhere but in my to keep pile.  So much so I've even used some already!  A great big thank you to Aimes and Kate for my lovely prize and super cute card xx

So here's what I've been making with these gorgeous goodies and my new Up, up and away stamps (thank you Julie xx).  This first one was inspired by challenges at:

The Secret Crafter - It's a man's world

Twisted Sketches - card sketch #19, stripes

Ooh La La - spots and dots

This second card is dinky but it makes me smile and was made with a stamp that's been at the back of the cupboard for years but as soon as I saw the sketch, I knew I wanted to use it:

Clean & Simple - sketch #102

One Stop Craft - summer fun - ladybugs remind me of summers as a child

Last but as ever by no means least this card was made with the lovely Seaside papers and mini cards from October Afternoon and was inspired by challenges at: 

2 sketches 4 you - Laura's sketch 58

Totally Papercrafts - by the sea

The Pink Elephant - Summer Fun

I definitely prefer making the mess than tidying it up!!
xxx

Christmas Come Early

Inspired by some of the goodies I brought back from CHA I decided to make some Christmas cards tonight.  Yes I'm actually using paper that you can't buy yet!  It's the beautiful Very Merry range from October Afternoon, teamed with stamps from Kaiser Crafts.

This first card was inspired by the challenge at:

Get sketchy - sketch 49

This second card was inspired by challenges at:

Twisted Sketches - sketch 18 with the twist of tag

Stamp Something - Christmas in July

Now I have to stop myself buying more Christmas product as I have loads of stamps and papers to use up from previous years but I know what a sucker I can be for some new patterned paper!
xxx

Going home

Today we're packing and going home.  The best bit about packing when you're leaving a craft event is looking at all your fabulous goodies.
Here's my bag full off stuff!

My PTI goodies - yes I am totally in love with everything they do and the people who do it.  There's only 6 sets of stamps, 3 paper pads, 4 dies, 2 rolls of twine and one card pack!  I thought I was quite conservative considering the amount of gorgeous stuff they make.  Oh and not pictured are some of the slim note books they do for a project and some of their free notebooks and pens too!

Next up are goodies from Kaiser Crafts.  Gorgeous 6 x 6 paper pads, little tags, rub-ons, stickers, stamps and not pictured lots of card and envelope packs and the most gorgeous little tree.  I'll photograph that when I'm home.  Also I got my hands on the last 6 months of their magazines too - lots of inspiration.

How gorgeous are these papers from October afternoon.  I love them all but especially Very Merry the new Christmas collection and Seaside, although School Days is up there too.  I just love the whole feel of their lines it's modern with a vintage twist - totally yummy.
 

Some alphabet stickers from the gorgeous girls at My Little Shoebox.  There's fabulous for journalling and terrific for cardmaking due to their cute size.

It wasn't quite all for me, I'm bringing some stamps home for my lovely friend Gwyneth and did play nice and split my goodies with my fabulous room mate and friend Leann.  I'm sure there's some more stuff but I'll let you know when I get home and empty my case.  Let's just hope that it isn't too heavy when I check in.  Paper is heavy!!

As today is the first it's also the day for the new Challenge at Crafter's Companion Monthly Challenge Blog.  Here's this month's sketch:

 

 Here's what I did with it, also inspired by challenges at:

Sir Stampalot  - bring on the bling

 Dutch Dare Challenges - anything goes

A close up of those lovely layered flowers, printed from the SWALK CD, embellished with a little bling.

We had time for one last meal before we left for the airport.  Talapia with potatoes and veggies, which was lovely but very slow in coming to the table.  As it was so slow we all got a free dessert and it would have been rude not to have one, wouldn't it?

Yummmmm - cheesecake!

On our way to the airport.  Even the minibus from the hotel was flashy!

Goodbye Chicago - it's been a blast.
xxx

From one show to another

Today was another great day with the end of the wholesale show and breakdown followed by the set up of the consumer show.  So I said goodbye to my friends at October Afternoon - Kim your whole range is delicious, Glitz designs - you girls are crazy, My Little Shoebox, lovely new friends, Penny Black, Shanda and Susan you're both delightful.

I'm sure I'll make some new friends over at the Supershow.

Not many photos today as we were busy moving the booth from one hall to another but I did get to play with the new eCraft machine from Craftwell , I can't wait to get my hands on one of these beauties.  I also have some delicious October Afternoon paper to play with and a copy of the Card Style magazine from Papercrafts.
Poor Papertrey Ink still hadn't got their pallets of product delivered as we were leaving at 7pm but as I stood on their stand wondering what I could do to help they appeared.  So although they'll have a late night at least they'll have a stand full of gorgeous product tomorrow morning.  It was definitely a day when good things happened when I was around - spooky.

After a busy day what do the Crafter's Companion team get up to - dinner in one of our rooms of course.  Pizza for some but salad for Leanne and I.

I'll try and get into the Consumer show early tomorrow and let you know what's happening.  Luckily with me working I won't have time to go shopping so I'll come home solvent!

xxx

The magical interweb

From my little grrrr's recently you may have realised that my internet has been a little bit tempramental.  However I got round to phoning BT tonight and a lovely chap seems to have sorted it out for me.  Happy days - well hopefully!

So to keep me calm whilst the internet was a little wobbly I made a couple of cards.  This first one is the gorgeous Souffle and was inspired by the challenge at:
Charisma Cardz - watch the birdie

This next card was inspired by challenges at:

A Passion for Papertrey - summertime - cherries just scream summer to me

Papertake Weekly - sketch challenge

I'm not sure where this week has gone to, it's just flying by!
xxx

Swinging Sunday

What better way to get those aching legs moving than a walk.  We decided to stay local today and just walk up to the headland.  It's deceptive as it looks quite close and doesn't look too far out to the end of the headland but it's definitely a good walk.

So what do you need after a good walk?  A good pub of course.  Being with Big Pete and Paul that's par for the course, and I'm just easily led.  The local pub was great and we were made to feel very welcome - 2 cloudy (or as I call it rough) ciders welcome!  When we asked if they did food they said no but the place up the road did and the landlord even phoned through and made us a reservation.  Brilliant service.

On the way back from our walk, Paul, Pete and I decided to look in on the band that was playing in the afternoon - The Gents.  We didn't think we'd stay long as they're harmonica led which isn't our favourite but they launched onto a fast tune.  So Pete and I kicked off our shoes and hit the dance floor to dance in our socks.  I know we weren't the best dressed on the dance floor but I think we had the most fun - I think the cider helped!

The Little Mermaid?

Sue & Pete finding a way down.

Homemade meatballs at the Castle for lunch

Just one more cream tea!

Just one little card today with Popcorn teamed with some October Afternoon papers.  This one was inspired by challenges at:

CPS - sketch #174

One stop craft challenge - distressing

I also made a box for another card to give to our waitress Justyna that had looked after us so well during our stay.  She didn't even open it and she was over the moon.  Doesn't making someones day make you feel warm and fuzzy?

Lots of people at the weekend looked their best, including this chap on his way to the dance.  The setting for this camp is ideal as the chalet blocks have that 1940's/50's look although they're pretty nice inside.

Suzanne, looking beautiful and impeccably turned out as always.

The last two bands of the weekend - Swing Cat Club from Germany.  Another great fun band.

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys

Thank you to Tania for being a great roommate, Sue, Pete and Paul for lots of adventures and booking for next year.  Alan, Richard and Marilyn for being great company at dinner.  Most of all a great big thank you to all the great leads that I danced with this weekend.  I've had a fabulous time.

xxx

Last minute crafting

Some of you will think I'm crazy but some of you will totally understand.  I'm going away for a few days so I've had to get my crafting fix in.  So here's a round up of the cards I've made tonight.

For this first one you might need your sunglasses on as it's a little bit bright.  It was inspired by challenges at:

A Spoonful of Sugar - sunshine inspired card

Cute Card Thursday - anything but square

The main image is a little badge I bought from Paperchase.  So the person receiving the card can then have the badge to wear. 

This card was inspired by the challenge at:

Dutch Dare - birdhouse

Thanks to Monica for the template it's super cute

Now this card was a challenge thanks to the girls at:

Passion for Papertrey - one layer challenge

So you'd think it would be easy to only use one layer - not for me!  So after a failed attempt I ended up happy with this one. 

The stamps are from the Sign Language set from Papertrey Ink.

Another bright card for these challenges:

Inspirational Card Sketches - sketch #70

ABC Challenge - W is for weather

Moxie Fab World - Tuesday Trigger - the trigger this week really played with my head but in the end it was the various stripes that stood out for me and this is where it took me.

Now onto some softer colours.  This one was inspired by challenges at:

Papertake Weekly - Ice cream flavours - I went for Neapolitan

Sir Stampalot challenge - punch it - I decided to use my circle punches

Last but not least is this gentle little card inspired by the challenge at:

Clean and Simple - sketch #94

Lots of cards and one happy crafter.

xxx

Monday Madness

So the BBQ madness has continued into Monday.  Today there were more burgers but also pork kebabs.  No walk today though, so I've done most of my steps in front of the TV.  Not going out has meant that I had time to make a couple of cards.

This first card was inspired by challenges at:

Cupcake Craft Challenges - summer delights

The Pink Elephant Challenge - bright fun colours

A Spoonful of Sugar - Celebrations

So with summery cherries and bright colours all round this Popcorn card fits the bill.

 

This second card was inspired by the challenge at:

The Secret Crafter - Buttons and Blooms

I have fun with this October Afternoon paper and my Slice - I love my Slice :)

Last but not least and a little less bright is this card inspired by the challenge at:

Allsorts challenge blog - black, white and 1 other colour

More cutting with my Slice for the butterfly, the shaped mat and the word, and yes it's cut through glitter card.  All of the card for this one was from DCWV - thank you Michelle x

So that's the weekend over.  But it was fabulous.  Thank you Joanna and Ian we had a lovely time - although I'm not sure about being sucked into Mafia Wars!!

Special Sunday

Every day is special but those spent with friends are those amongst the most special in my life.  So a big thank you to the girls I've spent the weekend with - Archi, I miss you too, the glittery one, lovely Katie-Pepper, Lou - the weasley one, Gwyneth my glorious road trip pal, my special Dougie, Jo - it's been too long, Auntie Janet, Mummy Gladys and super Suzanne.

I concentrated on making a mini book today (not yet finished) but here's a couple of cards I finished off.  This one was inspired by the challenge at:

Sweet Stampin Challenge - Sketch challenge

For this second card I took my inspiration from:

Pile it on challenge - out of the box - for me this was that I didn't use a stamp or ink on this card!!

I love this October Afternoon paper - it's totally lickable.

The journey home from Debden was a little longer than expected but nothing really exciting  So now to get ready for my trip up north as I'm off to the office tomorrow.