Risen to the challenge...Again!

Browsing the Just Bex forum again, I happened across a challenge called Doodle Doodle Doo! We have been asked to produce a card which has to feature some doodling. Here is my take:

I sent it to my lovely Scottish friend Lori as a thank you for all the gorgeous stash she has sent me!

Time flies...but I've finally done my FIRST LAYOUT!

Once again, I find myself trying to make up for lost time! Its been AGES since I was on here...and sadly, there is no good excuse for my absence!

I'd really like to try and organise my time, as there are so many things happening and my memory is too rubbish to remember them all. So, as luck would have it, the Just Bex forum http://justbex.co.uk
has just what I'm looking for in their June challenge. Unfortunately, I found out about their organiser too late to start with the rest of them, so I'm doing it under my own steam. Never again will a deadline be missed...as long as I remember to write them down!

Well, this blog was supposed to be about my road into the world of Scrapping. So far, it has been anything but! Anyway, on Thursday I bit the bullet and produced my very first layout! Drum roll please....


Yes, the lovely Simon sporting a very fetching pair of Bunny Ears was what I chose to make my LO about. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, so I think I'll be able to do a few more!

Yum Yum!

Well, they do say 'you are what you eat'... You Are a Chocolate Mocha and Orange Cheesecake

Enthusiastic and intense, there's so much you love in the world... it's hard to do it all. You are good at getting things to mix - friends, flavors, hobbies. You're the master of fusion!

What Kind of Cheesecake Are You?

DCM Challenge w/c 15th June

You're not the (em)boss of me

Hi there playmates, its Lythan here!
Doing these dares is such a joy. We all love seeing what you create so much. The way that you have taken up and run with both the Celestial dare and the Midweek extra this week has just been awesome.

As a reward - and as I was so strict last time I set a dare - here is a nice broad theme to get your creative juices flowing.

Embossing.
Dry embossing with a light box or with a die cutting machine.
Using embossing powders or triple embossing.
Using pre-embossed papers.
Embossing with found items.
Just have fun playing!

And as I can't resist being a little (em)bossy - why not see if you can get more than one emboss technique on your card?

Published On Di Hickman's Blog!

This is a few days later than I had planned, but better late than never! I am really chuffed with myself as the card sketch I sent in for the Di Hickman weekly challenge http://dihickman.blogspot.com/index.html
was published on her blog on Wednesday! Its the first time I've submitted to her, but she was really supportive and encouraging, so I thought it was about time I gave it a go! Here is my offering, complete with sketch:

Other fantastic news this week is the lovely Lori has been asked to submit some of her fab scrapping works to be published on a website! This is great for her, and I'm dead pleased! The site is still under construction, but at least they have got their priorities right and got the LO's! As soon as I get the details I'll put them on here.

Right, off to check out what those lovely DCM's have in store for us this Friday!

What a Lovely Day!

Its been a lovely day so far today. A lovely sleep in to kick things off...mmm! Unfortunately, it did get interrupted by Simon phoning me from work, but it was 12 midday, so I suppose he can be excused for dragging me out of my slumbers!

Next, a lovely latte, accompanied by Big Brothers Little Brother and a chat with my lovely friend Feebee. We've not spoken for AGES, so needed a good gossip and a catch up. 2 cups of tea, 3 rich tea biscuits and 2 fig rolls later, we had clocked up 3 hours on the phone! Chatting to Feebee always cheers me up, as her life seems to lurch from one saga to another!

After we had finally run out of ways to describe the BB housemates, we decided we had better stop chatting and do something a bit more constructive, so for me it was a bit of browsing and buying from ebay!

I'm hoping to be able to do a bit of craft this afternoon, but having had such a lazy day so far, I don't know if I can summon up the creative energy needed! I need to have a look at some card sketches for inspiration.....but then again, Eastenders is on in 20 minutes...!

DCM Challenge - w/c 8th June

Here are the details for the DCM challenge this week, with my offering underneath! Unfortunately, the photo isn't the best, so please excuse it! I really enjoyed this one, it was lighthearted and fun - just as craft should be!


Hi it's Keryn here and it's my turn to set the dare this week. This time I asked my family for ideas for this weeks dare and the best amongst a lot of ideas including power tools etc, etc was Lachlan's ideas for Space. It's been his topic at school this term. (Lachlan is seven and in Year 3). To make in a little easier on you all I've called it Celestial to also include horoscopes as well as planets, spaceships, stars, suns etc. How you use these items is up to you.

Need A Kick Up The Bum!

I really am going to have to start getting my act together with this crafting lark!

I keep neglecting the blog, as well as the craft, thinking 'oh, I'll do that tomorrow....' but as we all know, tomorrow never comes! I need to start getting seriously organised!

To do this, I have decided to take a pro-active approach, and have started challenging myself with card sketches. I get them through on email from Di Hickman, and wow! Are they inspiring?!! Every time one has come through spo far, I've thought about it...and that's as far as I've got! When Di emails all the results back out, the cards that have been produced are fantastic and I start to think 'I wish I could do that'! Anyway, I have finally taken the plunge and decided to submit my effort to Di for her to publish on her blog on 13/06/2007. I'm not allowed to show my effort until then, so as soon as I'm allowed, it will be here!

I'm also making a start on some mini books as a gentle way in to scrapping! One mini book is about Sarah, my best friend since school as its her birthday...tomorrow, actually! Whoops! See what I mean about not being organised?

The 2nd book is for Fathers Day. My hubby Simon is stepdad to Bethany, and she adores him. We have decided to put a book together about the 2 of them, using photos of them both together and B ethany is going to write little notes and words about why she loves him and what he means to her. I'm hoping it will turn out ok!

I've also got a couple of long standing 'ideas' which have yet to come to fruition, one of which is the journal for my friend Rebecca, who is due to land her bump at the end of August. I think this is enough to be going on with so far, but my lovely friend Lori (cathaircrafter) has a birthday soon too....but my lips are sealed as to what her prezzies are! So Lori - if you're reading this hoping for clues....SORRY!!! She came to my rescue recently, providing me with a 'wonderful' card sketch for a wedding card I was struggling with. I don't think any of the card sketch sites need to lose any sleep just yet...

Wonderful!

Alas, I didn't get to use it for that particular card, although I am keeping it for future reference in case of crafters block in the future!

Another Month Has Passed....

Since I graced this page!

So much has been happening, and NONE of it is card related! Surgery and recovery have had me laid up, and now I'm itching to get back to crafting. Unfortunately, my gorgeous little dog Lucy passed away on Tuesday, so this will now be my first step into the world of scrapbooking, as I want to put together a little album for her.

Before I was hospitalized (preferring to think of it as an 'enforced holiday'!) I managed to complete a few cards I had been asked to make.

The first 2 are cards for twins celebrating their 21st birthdays. I was asked to make them in black and white to fit the theme of the party. All was going well, until *shock*! I realised I didn't have enough of 1 style of font to make both names, hence the mix!!! Durr! So, lesson learnt this time - check, check again and then double check you have enough letters to make the names you need!!



Next up, a Prom Card. Well, this had me stumped for quite a while, but eventually...with the help of Pink Petticoat... I arrived at this!


So, all in all, not a bad effort!

DCM Mono Challenge

Here is my attempt at last weeks DCM challenge! The challenge was to design a card but only using 1 colour for all aspects. Although it is difficult to tell from the picture, the colour I chose was YELLOW. I started with a yellow square card blank and used scraps of paper to do the paper folding down the opening edge. I then used buttons, gems, beads, sizzix flowers, fimo flowers and Doodlebug frills, all in shades of yellow to add interest and embellishment.

Challenge Completed!

DCM Challenge

So, the DCM challenge this week was to be inspired by a work of art or an artist. As I said in the post below, I haven't a clue when it comes to art! Anyway, whilst flicking through some stuff, I came across a picture by Henri Matisse called 'Blue Nude'. This is one most people recognise from being sold in Ikea! After browsing further, I began to recognise some of the works as things I've seen before. I'd not realised they were all by the same artist, so perhaps I know more than I first thought! Matisse is a fan of bold colours, something I don't use as much as I should as I tend to favour pastels

After a bit more digging, I came across a picture called L'Escargot, which is the one I have adapted to fit the brief of the challenge.

Challenge completed!

Getting Back Into It!

I have just been back onto the DARING CARD MAKERS site, and have been zapped with some much needed positivity and challenge-itis!

The latest challenge is to be inspired by a work of Art. Any artist or genre can be used, and you are to create a card with them/it in mind.

Now, I don't really know a lot about art, I have heard of artisits, sure...but apart from the obvious ones, I wouldn't know a piece of artwork if it smacked me in the face! So, what to do? Well, I will be doing a little 'research', and I'll be back....!

'Proper' Crafting!

Today, I have handed over a piece of 'Proper Crafting'!!! I've made a couple of these before now, both wedding ones, but this is the first baby picture I've done.

I've been feeling yucky today, hence the lack of craft related waffle! Tomorrow is another day, as they say, so hopefully I'll feel more in the mood, less tired and more inclined to craft! There are a few cards and projects I'd like to try, so all being well, I will be able to report back and let you know that I have actually done something positive!

How Long????!!!!

I can't believe it's so long since I was last here! Where did March go??!!!

Well, actually, March passed in a whirl of birthdays, hospital visits, hospital appointments, more birthdays, hospital admissions...and another birthday! So, it didn't leave much of March left for me to get on here!

But! I haven't been idle, dear reader, no way. Cards and crafts continue to be made...sort of! My 'mojo' decided to leave the country and deserted me in times of need! It was a bit of a struggle trying to create when there was more chance of finding a swimming pool in the Sahara than there was me finding an idea!

Anyway, the problem seems to have been solved, so I'm able to show you an example of one of the projects I've managed to come up with....



This was made by request, and seems to have sparked off a mini 'shaker' card revolution! I have been asked for a few of these lately, which is good...since this is only the 2nd one I've done! Its good to get practising.

I have also been able to tick some things of the 'To Do' list too! Hurrah! It was getting longer, and I was adding more, rather than ticking off what was already there.

The 3 exploding boxes were completed...finally! It became a labour of love in the end, and although they were being made for 3 fantastic people, I think I'll be giving myself a break from them for a while! Unfortunately, I didn't even get chance to take a picture of them, although I think I was actually fed up of looking at them by the end of the mission!

I have also managed to complete 20 out of the requisite 30 Inchies for the UK Swappers swap. The swap leader very kindly agreed to make the final 10, so once again, although they are done now, its something I will not be revisiting for a while!

25th Feb - Mini DCM Challenge Completed!

I am pleased to announce the completion of another DCM challenge!

This time, we were set a mini challenge to create a card with a man in mind. It was a broad challenge, because we weren't confined to a certain age group or occasion.

Luckily for me, I have a little boys birthday coming up, so I thought it would be a good chance to combine the two-again!

So, using 4 small square blanks, I attached them together to make an accordian stlye card blank. I rounded the corners, and then cut 6 panels from a sheet of 'boy themed' paper, which I think is from a DCWV paper stack.

2 panels went onto either end panel, and the other 4 panels were mounted inside using DS tape. I attached a blue and white ribbon across both the front and back panels so the card can be tied up. On top of the ribbon, I mounted 3 blue gems and 2 dinky pale blue buttons. Inside I used the letters 'Birthday' from the Doodlebug 'Birthday Boy' cardstock sticker sheet. I mounted them onto white paper before cutting them out and arranging them across the inside panels. I then took the 'boy' sticker, from the same sheet, and mounted it onto a green acrylic tag. I popped a blue brad through the hole at the top of the tag, and then folded a matching piece of ribbon into a loop and placed it onto the bottom right hand corner of the card. I put the tag on top of the ribbon....and that was that!

Very quick and easy for those of us who need a card in a hurry!

23rd Feb - Another Challenge Set!

Thanks to the folks from DCM for the lovely comments they have left about my challenge entry for last week. I really appreciate it, as I was a bit daunted to start off with! Anyway, I'm really getting into it now, and consequently have no fear about attempting the next challenge!

This weeks DCM Challenge: 20/20 Vision

The challenge is to use 20 of a particular item on a card. However, after being lulled into a false sense of security I read on, to find it had to be 20 of the same item - eg: flowers, brads, etc...and not 20 items altogether! Apparently, if the urge grabs hard enough, you can also try two lots of 20!

Now, that has set the cogs creaking into life! My first thought is to use 20 crystals, as I love my sparkles! Then, if I'm brave enough to try another 20, I may go for ribbon...or I may not! Watch this space for the end result!


I'm also signed up for my frst ever UKS swap - Inchies! I have to make 30 of them and have them sent out by 31st March. I had better get my thinking cap on...!

22nd Feb - Finally Finished A Project!

Hurrah! I have finally finished one of of the many projects on my To Do list! Here is my brothers birthday card, which is also doubling up as my DCM challenge entry! The satisfaction at being able to tick 2 items off my list at once deserves celebrating...with a cuppa and a kit kat!

Feb 20th - Grrr!

OK, this is starting to get silly now. More ideas? No way! I've never had this many ideas at one time for...well, I don't know how long now!

I have just realised its my Bro's birthday on Saturday...that's a card to make there.

I have been asked to make some Easter cards...more cards there.

I have to make some Mothers Day cards...more cards there too!

Why are there only 24 hours in a day? Lori has offered to set me deadlines, which in theory is a very good idea, but in reality I think she will be a hard task master and will be cracking the email whip!

I have had an idea for my bro's card which will also incorporate the DCM challenge, so I can tick 2 things off the list at once...hopefully!

Further to yesterday's ATC musings, I think I've found a way around the problem of finding a starting point...Inchies! What are they? Well, Inchies are what they say...a 1" square card, decorated as you wish. Apparently they are also very addictive...and they also appear to be a lot easier to make than ATC's. If the Inchies work out, then I may be able to adapt them to ATC size! Excellent!

I will post the results on here, as and when they are completed...but have just realised...this is another 'To Do' for my rapidly growing list!

Feb 19th - Ankles Remain Intact!

Well, Simon is happy...at last! My stash is tidied away, the desk is cleared and his ankles are safe from trimmer induced damage! Unfortunately, it took all day, so all attempts to craft in daylight hours went by the wayside.

During one of my (frequent) tea breaks today, I went on UKS, and my imagination has been fired up by talks of ATC's. (Artist Trading Cards) I once tried to make one, but I couldn't get the hang of things! In theory, it all seems so simple - cut a piece of card 3.5" x 2.5", and decorate it. Easy? Well, yes, but I can't work out a design! I'm too stuck in my card making ways I think...can't go up a size (to 12x12), can't go down a size (to ATC's) so I seem to be stuck! However, I had a brainwave, and went to the good old Page Maps site. There are some maps for tags and cards, so I think I will use the tags for inspiration and adapt one to fit an ATC. Bingo! Unfortunately, this also means I have another item to add to my 'To Do' list...and still no nearer starting any of them!

Maybe tomorrow....!

18th Feb - Still Awake With More Ideas!

I have got 3 more items to add to my list of projects to do! The list is getting longer, and I still haven't got as far as the stash cupboard to take anything out to start it all off with!

Number 1:

I am Godmother to triplets and they are going to be 18 on 2nd April. I have decided to get Hannah a piece of jewellery, and Matthew and David a pair of engraved cufflinks each, as from their career hopes, they are both destined to be in suits!

Anyway, I was thinking initially of a card design, and then got to thinking of making my own gift boxes for the gifts. Then I thought 'How about combining the two?' So, therin lies my next project!

I am going to make 3 'exploding boxes'! The boxes will be decorated with photographs of them as they have grown up, from the obligatory embarrassing bare-bottomed-on-a-rug photos, through the gap toothed school photos and onwards to where they are now.

The present will be placed inside the box as well, so when they take the lid off their 'gift box', they get a decorated collection of photographs too! Genius!

Number 2:

I saw a lovely card made by a member of UKS. I knew I had to try and make one too! Its a 'Waterfall' card, and the effect on the front is brilliant! I am aiming to make one for Mothers Day, so when I manage to actually make one, I shall show it off on here!

Number 3:

The next project to catch my eye is a 'matchbox' book. It looks very cute! Bethany wants to make one too, so I'm going to have a go first and then she can copy it. I think that one will be an Easter project. Yes, I think spreading them out a bit will perhaps be a good idea!

Now, I just have to find the time to get started! Maybe tomorrow....!