Snow Family

Hi,

Well i guess you all thought i had disappeared off the face of the earth ???, well i did nearly - as soon as my knee was better and i was able to drive again, in that first week i was so busy, then i got a cold and cough, which lasted for almost 2 weeks and finished just in time for me to fly to Barbados to pick up a ship and cruise round the Caribbean (visiting Antigua, St Maarten, St Lucia, Dominica, Curaco, Bonaire and Jamaica)  for 2 weeks, we got back the 18th and then it was into a crazy week doing all the Santa visiting things !!!, but now i'm back, yipee. So now you know why you all got your cards early !! and thank you for mine.

I can't believe Christmas was last Sunday and today i've made, yes you've guessed it a Christmas Card (probably because most of the challenges are still Christmas related !!). Today i've used a cute little stamp that i bought from a well known auction site - in fact i bought 5 snowmen stamps (all PB) for £7.30, so i was well chuffed - and i thought a WOW card would be the best option so i stamped in Versafine onto pearlescent card, then sprinkled over Crystal embossing powder and heated, i've used a CB folder 'Snowflakes' for the background and the strips were last years in the sale Papermania embossing folders that i bought for 75p each  (and you get 4 strips in each pack), to finish off i've used white pompom and pearls.

The Challenges are :

Christmas Challenges (with sketches) - and they are up to Sketch No: 16

Creative Craft  - where the Challenge is 'White On White'

My Time To Craft - where Challenge No: 169 is 'Winter Pals'

Lexi Creations  - where Challenge No: 55 is 'Untraditional Christmas No Red Or Green'

2 Sisters - where Challenge No: 71 is 'Snowflakes'

Crafts And Me - where they have a 'Christmas Bumper Challenge No: 66 Part 1 Anything Goes'

Have added another photo, showing the embossing colour better.

Image - Penny Black - 'Snow Family'

Embossing Folders - Background - CB - 'Snowflakes'

Strips - Papermania 

Pompom - 'The Ribbon Girls'

White Pearls from stash

For something different, i thought i would also show you the silk painted card, i made whilst i was on the ship.

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Furry Present !

Hi,

I was signed off by Physio on Monday, yipee - but she has put me on something called SOS, which means if knee starts to blow up again or starts to hurt, then i'm too ring her straight away and she'll sorted me out with an appointment, - i'll be on this till the beginning of January.  Therefore Tuesday i was able to drive for the first time in 5 weeks and as i live in a village, with a bus service once an hour !!! you can understand my frustration, at not being able to get around.

I decided to use a stamp that i bought from a fellow crafter who doesn't have the time to craft anymore, so this is a new one for me to use, and i've mounted it all on pearlescent gold card.  I've stamped round the edge of the image with my PB 'Snow Scroll' in a gold ink and have used my ever faithful DCWV papers and my MS punch.  The gold ric rac is very old Docrafts stuck on a sheet ribbon.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Penny Black Saturday - where Challenge No: 177 is 'Gold & Presents'

Totally Gorjuss - where Challenge No: 106 is 'Christmas Traditions' - I've gone for present giving

Sketch & Stash - where they are up to Sketch No: 74

Christmas Stampin All Year Long - where the Challenge is : 'Never Been Inked'

Penny Black At Allsorts - where the Challenge is 'All Creatures Great And Small' - My 2nd Entry

Image - Penny Black - 'Furry Presents !'

Scroll Round Image - Penny Black - 'Snow Scroll'

Papers - DCWV - 'Christmas Wishes / the Christmas Multi Stack'

Punched Edge - MS - 'Presents'

Ribbon - Docrafts sticky ribbon

Gold Candy Dots - Craftwork Cards

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

The Park Bench Affair

Hi,

Well i have a couple of hours peace and quiet, as OH has taken son to a party, so i thought whilst they were out i would upload my latest offering.  I have got the Physio tomorrow, so hopefully she will sign me off, so that i can drive for the first time in 5 weeks on Tuesday, as i am desperate for a haircut and when i say desperate i really do mean it !!!

With regards to the name of today's stamp, boy they do come up with silly names for them sometimes !!!. this card is based around the challenge at Die Cut Dreams, as it's a recipe and the colour Red. I think i may have to go and buy some more of these fabby papers though, as i'm a real lover of proper Red for Love / Valentines cards, and the majority of manufacturers like other colours.

Today's Card and Challenges :

Die Cut Dreams - where Challenge No: 102 is a Recipe - 2 Brads - Flowery brads in the centre of 2 of the flowers / 3 Gems - Heart Gems / 4 Flowers

Simon Say's Stamp - where this weeks Challenge is a 'Photo Inspiration' of a field of poppies

Allsorts - where Challenge No: 129 is 'Black, White & One Other Colour' - I chose Red

Cute Card Thursday - where Challenge No: 190 is 'Red For Remembrance'

Sketch Saturday - where they are up to Sketch No: 181 and i have turned it round by 90 degrees

Image - Penny Black - 'The Park Bench Affair'

Papers - Bo Bunny - 'Crush'

Sentiment - Woodware - 'Tiny Phrases'

Punched Flowers - E K Success - 

Heart Gems - Club Green

Black & White Flower Brads from stash

Thanks For Looking, Luv Sam x

Snowman Melt Your Heart

Hi,

I wasn't going to make another Christmas card quite so soon, but as there were several Christmas Challenges around and as i managed to get this very unusual stamp ( the date on it is 1998) from a well known auction site and yes when i saw it, it did 'Melt My Heart', it did also suit the sketch very well and what a great way to use some of my brads.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Midnight Madness - where they are up to Sketch MMSC 129 and i went for the fancy one

Bah Humbug - where Challenge No: 43 is 'Snowmen'

Divas By Design - where Challenge No: 14 is 'Use Metal' - i've used Brads

Paper Sundaes - where Challenge No: 94 is 'Rectangles'

Cards For Men - where Challenge No: 23 is 'It's Nearly Christmas'

Papertake Weekly - where the Challenge is 'First Christmas'

Top Tip Tuesday - where Challenge No: 59 is 'Anything Christmas Goes'

Penny Black Friends - where Challenge No: 176 is 'Christmas, Snowflakes / Snow & Silver' - silver surrounding card, ric rac and brad

Image - Penny Black - 'Snowman Melt Your Heart' - 1267L

Papers - Doodlebug - 'Winter Ribbon Stripe'

Ribbon and Brads from stash

I wasn't going to, but the lovely Sue suggested i add this card into the Penny Black Saturday Challenge as well, so i have.

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Cheesecake Dreams

Hi,

Well i'm back to walking 4 year old son to school and back, OH has decided i should take Whisper too ( I think it's because he's fed up with doing it), i'm still using 1 crutch as i'm scared that the children & parents will knock into me.

For todays card i've made another Valentines cards to send out to the troops as i thought i had 10, but i actually only had 9 !!, i've used a stamp that i've had for about 18 months, but was made in 2000. I found some fabby BG papers that have not been used yet and fortunately for me, one of them was text, so i'm able to enter Cupcake Craft and i finised it off with some heart buttons and lush blue ribbon. I also used for the first time my Cutterbee, but i think i'm going to have to practise with it, to get my faux stitching up to standard.

Today's Card and Challenges :

Cupcake Craft - where Challenge No: 167 is 'Textalicious'

Basic Grey - where Challenge No: 56 is 'Anything Goes' - I've used 'Hopscotch'

Oldie But A Goodie - where the Challenge is 'Buttons & Bows'

Totally Papercrafts - where Challenge No: 91 is 'Stitch It'

Penny Black & More At Allsorts - where the Challenge is 'All Creatures Great And Small'

Sweet Stop - where they are up to Sketch 'SSS133'

Image - Penny Black - 'Cheesecake Dream'

Sentiment - Sentiments 4 You 

Papers - Basic Grey - 'Hopscotch'

Ribbon - American Crafts

Buttons from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Xmas Crafts

Hi,

Yesterday OH and 4 year old son went to Wembley to watch the Rugby League Double Header - Wales V New Zealand and England V Australia - and son was supporting the OZ's, he says because of Aunty Bren and Laurie (my best friend and her daughter who live in Sydney), but OH says it's because they were surrounded by young good looking Australian girls !!

Todays image is another Cat - my mate Janice keeps thinking i'm becoming a cat lover, but no that's not the case, just the fact that there are far more Cat PB's then there are Dog ones !!! I stamped the image in black, but for the snowflake i stamped in versamark and then embossed with silver and highlighted it with 'Crystal' Stickles.  I decided i wanted to make my own background, so i found some holographic silver paper and used CB 'Snowflakes' and for the white card used my PB 'Snow Scroll' and embossed with silver. For the snowflake i've covered it in Stampin Up heat & stick powder and dazzling diamonds.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Penny Black Friends - where Challenge No: 176 is 'Christmas, Silver & Snowflakes'

Winter Wonderland - where the Challenge is 'Make Your Card Sparkle'

Top Tip Tuesday - where Challenge No: 58 is 'Make Your Own Background'

Creative Inspirations - where Challenge No: 136 is 'Lashings Of Sparkle'

Delightful Challenges - where the Challenge is 'A Very Sparkly Christmas'

Truly Scrumptious - where Challenge No: 69 is 'Bingo' - I've gone for : Glitter, Glimmer / Punch, Die Cuts - Snowflake and Frame (Labels 8), Ribbon

Crafty Hazelnuts - where Challenge CHNC45 is 'Bright Colours And / Or Sparkle - I went for Sparkle

Image - Penny Black - 'Xmas Crafts'

Heat Embossed With Silver - Penny Black - 'Snow Scroll'

Embossed Hollographic Silver Paper - Cuttlebug - 'Snowflakes'

Sentiment - Craftwork Cards

Snowflake - Spellbinder - 'Snowflake Wonder'

Snowflake covered in Stampin Up - Heat & Stick Powder, then Dazzling Diamonds

Ribbon - Tescos

Brad in Snowflake from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Fly With Me

Hi,

Well tonight my OH and I are going on a very rare night out, to see 'Charlie Boorman', which should be fun - the guy who went round the world on his motorbike with Ewan McGregor.

Todays card is using a fun stamp, that i got in The Glitter Pot summer sale and thought it would be great for boys / mens cards, i've combined it with the equally super My Minds Eye papers, some buttons and my very versatile for mens cards MS Zigzag punch - i did follow a sketch, but i'm too late to enter the challenge!!

Todays Card And Challenges :

Cards For Men - where Challenge No: 22 is 'Animals'

Stamp With Fun - where Challenge No: 135 is 'Buttons'

Simon Says Stamp - where this weeks Challenge is 'Buttons'

Papertake Weekly - where this weeks Challenge is 'Anything Goes'

One Stop Craft - where Challenge No: 155 is 'No Sentiment'

Moving Along With The Times - where Challenge No: 122 is 'No Girls Allowed'

Image - Penny Black - 'Fly With Me'

Papers - My Minds Eye - 'Fly A Kite'

Punched Edge - MS - 'Zigzag'

Buttons - Papermania

Ribbon - Stampin Up

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

White Slopes

Hi,

I had physio today and she's happy with the way i'm progressing - even though i feel so frustrated and starting to get cabin fever !!!, H is being taken to school in the mornings this week by a friend and i'm picking him up in the afternoon, but i must admit, it seems to be taking me twice as long as normal !!

It's funny how i'm like a child in a sweet shop, i get a new stamp and i want to make a card with it, leaving ones (like the one i've used today) that i've had for 2 years in the box !!!, i've teamed it up with some fabby Bo Bunny papers and i've gone glitter mad with my Stampin Up heat & stick powder and my dazzling diamonds !!

Todays Card and Challenges :

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - where Challenge No: 175 is a 'Sketch'

Bah Humbug - where Challenge No: 43 is 'Die Cuts'

Fun With Shapes And More - where Challenge No: 95 is 'Animalistic Christmas'

Jingle Belles - where Challenge JB44  is 'Not A Creature Was Stirring'

Totally Papercrafts - where Challenge No: 90 is 'Glitter It'

A Gem Of A Challenge - where Challenge No: 33 is 'Cold & Frosty'

Image - Penny Black - 'White Slopes'

Papers - Bo Bunny - 'Tis The Season'

Large Snowflake - Cuttlebug - 'Ice Crystal'

Smaller Snowflakes - Spellbinders - 'Snowflake Wonder'

Punched Edge - MS - 'Snowflake'

Gems from stash

Thanks For Looking, Luv Sam x

Duckie & Hedgies

Hi,

I was reluctant to put my signature on my cards, but i have received a couple of spam comments from somebody using my card designs for other things, so because of this, they have forced me to do something about it and i would recommend to anybody else to do the same - I would like to thank the lovely people at Docrafts forum for helping me out with it.

The swelling on my knee is starting to go down, thank goodness, but there is still a sharp pain on the left hand side of it, oh well i better keep doing the exercises, as i'm going back to see the physio on Monday.

For todays card i have dug out some very old Papermania papers and a stamp that i've had a while, but there is something sweet and adorable about it, i've also used my faithful MS Snowflake punch and a sentiment stamp i got in the sales last year.

Todays Card And Challenges :

Totally Gorjuss - where Challenge No: 103 is 'Pastel Christmas'

Christmas Card Challenges  - where Challenge No: 47 is a 'Recipe' - 2 DP's - Check/ Ribbon - Check/ & Bird - Check

Die Cut Dreams - where Challenge No: 101 is 'So Charming'

Papertake Weekly - where this weeks Challenge is a 'Sketch'

Image - Penny Black - 'Duckie & Hedgies'

Sentiment - Penny Black - 'This And Every Year'

Papers - Papermania - 'Contemporary Christmas Colossal Paper Pack'

Punched Edge - MS - Snowflakes

Ribbon - The Range

Charm and Brad from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Before The Snow

Hi,

Ok this is going to be a very quick post tonight, as i'm absolutely shattered - OH drove myself, H and his mum to my lovely friend Celias for 9am and we only got in 20 mins ago !! - H and MIL went to see 'Numberjacks' with Celia, Chloe and Joshua, then they had a Halloween treasure hunt and poor Celia has cooked us all lunch and dinner too.

Todays cards colours are a little different for me - green and gold, but i thought they were good for a Male Christmas Card, plus i wanted to have a play with some unused items - the stamp and the embossing folder and also combine both types of embossing - dry and heat. Sorry about the quality of the photo, but the light really doesn't seem to like the Metallic Gold Card.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Bah Humbug - where Challenge No: 42 is 'With Men In Mind'

Charisma Cardz - where Challenge No: 42 is 'Embossing Heat Or Dry' - did both

One Stop Craft - where Challenge No: 154 is 'No Designer Papers'

Crafting When We Can - where the Challenge is 'Christmas Come Early'

Fairy Fun Fridays - where Challenge No: 64 is 'Wet Embossing'

Image - Penny Black - 'Before The Snow'

Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug - 'Winter Trees'

Ribbon from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Born Wild !

Hi,

Yesterday i went to see the Physio ( they managed to find me an appointment, as i was an urgent referral from the hospital), so she has given me some exercises to do - with one of them i have to use son's sledge, slide it across the floor trying to encourage the knee to bend.

Todays card is a little different for me, as i have used my Nesties - Labels 8 to make the shape of it, but i thought the stamp fitted it well, i've also used some old Doodlebug papers, (if you need something plain and co-ordinating you can always rely on them) and to finish off a motorbike charm and a computer generated sentiment.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Sentimental Sundays - where Challenge No: 77 is 'Fancy Folds' - I went for an easel card

One Stitch At A Time - where Challenge No: 84 is 'Shape Up' - I've used Nesties / Labels 8

Tuesday Throwdown - where Challenge No: 71 is 'Shaped Cards' - I've used Nesties / Label 8

Celebrate The Occasion - where Challenge No: 35 is 'Male Birthday (must use metal)' - I've used  a charm

Paperplay - where they are up to Week No: 42 'Use Black'

Image - Penny Black - 'Born Wild !'

Nesties - Labels 8

Papers - Doodlebug - 'Beetle Black Boutique Assortment'

Sentiment - Computer Generated

Twine and Charm from Stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Ski Patrol

Hi,

At the moment i'm struggling to get the temperature and swelling down on my knee - even though i'm resting it and using packets of frozen peas !!! I went to the fracture clinic on tuesday and what a waste of time the doctor and nurses were - the doctor said my name, but reckoned i lived in Littlehampton !!, which is about 15 miles from where i do live !!, then the nurse said she wanted my crutches back - how she thought i was going to walk i don't know - you wonder if they actually read your notes ???, it's a shame really as A & E were superb and i couldn't have asked anymore from them.

As i'm a little behind on the Xmas card pile, i thought i would do another one, plus i'm not really into Halloween !!. This time i have used an image that has been kindly sent to me, some fabby Doodlebug papers, my MS punch that doesn't get used as much as the snowflake one and i loved the idea of doing a banner greeting - i have embossed the banner with the Cuttlebug snowflake folder.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - where Challenge No: 173 is 'On The Move !'

Christmas Stamping All Year Long - where the Challenge is 'Seeing Spots'

Secret Crafter - where Challenge No: 156 is 'White & One Other Colour' - I chose 'Blue'

Ooh La La Creations - where Challenge No: 91 is 'Let It Snow'

The Sweetest Thing - where they are up to  Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge / SSSC139

Christmas Inspirations - where Challenge No: 35 is 'Die Cuts / or Punches' - I chose MS Punch - 'Icicles'

Image - Penny Black - 'Ski Patrol'

Papers - Doodlebug

Sentiment On Banner - Penny Black - 'Holly Day Critters'

Embossed Banner - Cuttlebug - 'Snowflakes'

Punched Edge - MS - 'Icicles'

Snow - Flowersoft - 'Polar White'

Twine from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Beary Balloon

Hi,

Good news head and arm are now a lot better - knee not so good and apparently according to my lovely OH (he who knows best, well that's what he says !!!), i was a Muppet last night as i went to bed with a cushion under it, thus putting more pressure on it, he says i should have used a pillow, as this would have distributed the weight more !!! It was H's first review at school yesterday, so OH and i went along and he seems to be doing alright, which is good news and early days !!!

Well todays card was not supposed to be a CAS / Heart card, it should have been a Christmas one, but silly me forgot i only had 9 Valentines Cards to send to the troops and i like to send 10 and as they have to be sent very soon, i thought i had better get on with it - anyway it gave me a good excuse to use a very sweet but old (1998) PB stamp ( i was going to use it as a childs birthday card, but i think i prefer it as a Valentines card) and my new 'Heart Circles' from Spellbinders, that i embossed onto card and then cut out a template and distressed the outside circle,  i have also covered the balloons in glossy accents, but not sure if it shows up in photo.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Less Is More  - where Challenge No: 36 is 'One Layer With Hearts'

Allsorts  - where Challenge No: 124 is 'Bear With Us'

Creative Inspirations - where Challenge No: 133 is 'Single Layer Cards'

Forever Friends - where the Challenge is 'Use Sentiment'

Sweet Stamps - where Challenge No: 36 is 'Clean & Simple'

Image - Penny Black - 'Beary Balloons'

Sentiment - Penny Black - 'Love You'

Spellbinder - 'Heart Circles'

Distressing Ink - Tim Holtz - 'Barn Door'

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Hedge Delivery

Hi,

Firstly thank you all, for your kind words,  i've decided that i'm just going to say hello to them, but that's it, and yes my trip to The Glitter Pot did help.  I'm like a walking disaster at this week yesterday morning i did yoga and ever since i've been in agony with my knee, pulled the boot of my car down on my head and i now have a nice lump !! and my left arm hurts from the Hep A jab i had yesterday, for a trip we are going on later in the year.

I've made todays card for my box of, just in case cards !!! I've used a fabby stamp, that i must confess i don't have, but i was fortunate enough to have a couple of images sent to me. I've also used some very old K& Co papers, that are great for boys cards and some little bicycle buttons, that i had forgotten i had. I'm hoping also my distressing is a little better as i have now bought the proper felt pads, instead of using the foam ones.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Here Comes The Boys - where Challenge No: 12 is 'Wheely Nice'

The Squirrel And The Fox - where Challenge No: 2 is 'Make It Sporty'

Penny Black  - where Challenge No: 172 is 'Age Is Just A Number'

Pollycraft - where Challenge No: 114 is 'Boys, Boys, Boys'

Addicted To Stamps - where Challenge No: 14 is a fabby sketch

Southern Girls - where Challenge No: 29 is 'Slugs & Snails & Puppydog Tails'

Totally Papercrafts - where Challenge No: 87 is 'Animals'

Image - Penny Black - Hedge Delivery

Papers - K & Co - 'Hopscotch'

Sentiment - Woodware - 'Circular Greetings'

No: 5 cut out with - Sizzix - 'Fruit Smoothie'

Bicycle Buttons from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Sparkly Fairy

Hi,

It's offical i HATE the school run - i'm so fed up with other mums speaking to me when they are on their own and yet when they get into a group, i seem to have invented 'Invisibility', as i just get ignored / blanked !!!, so to cheer myself up last week i drove over to The Glitter Pot and treated myself to a couple of things including the Tim Holtz dies 'Elegant Flourishes'.

On a more positive note, i've just found out that i have been picked to be a 'Cupcake Cutie' - thank you so much, this is just the positive pick up i needed.

So today i decided to dig out a stamp i have had for at least 2 and a half years ( in fact it brings back fond memories of my weekend in Blackpool with some fabby Docrafting ladies) and with a few Sparkly challenges around i thought i would also have a play with my Stampin Up - heat & stick powder and dazzling diamonds.

Todays Challenges and Card :

Cutie Pie - where Challenge No: 2 is 'Bingo Board' - I chose - Charm, Something With Wings, Ribbon or Lace

The Secret Crafter - where Challenge No: 155 is 'Anything As Long As It Sparkles'

Simon Say's Stamp - where this weeks Challenge is 'Sparkle & Bling'

Flutterby Wednesday - where Challenge No: 174 is 'Anything Goes'

Oldie But A Goodie - where the Challenge is 'Wings' - i've had the stamp for over 2 years

By The Cute And Girly - where they are celebrating their 2nd Birthday with 'Anything Goes'

Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - where R #40  is a 'Recipe Sketch'

Image - Pink Gem Designs - sorry don't know name, as it's not on the packaging

Papers - Basic Grey - 'Euphoria'

Punched Edge - MS - 'Traditional Scallop'

Ribbon, Charm and Gems from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Let It Snow

Hi,

Well what a difference a couple of days make !!, one minute i'm in my shorts and teeshirt, the next i've got my waterproofs out !!!, today i've done Yoga and then went for a Reflexology treatment, so i'm all chilled now.

I bought todays stamp in the Sir Stampalot sale at Christmas and wondered what i was going to do with it, until i saw the Challenge at Cupcake Craft, i knew exactly what i wanted to do - so i stamped it in versamark onto black card, sprinkled it with white embossing powder, then heated it, embossed snowflakes onto the other black card and layered it onto white bling card (i'm not sure it shows up on picture) and finished with a ribbon.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Cupcake Craft - where Challenge 162 is 'Black & White Christmas'

Bling It On - where Octobers Challenge is 'No Patterned Papers'

The Ribbon Girls - where the Challenge is 'Jingle All The Way To Christmas'

Paperplay - where Challenge No: 39 is 'White & One !!' - I chose Black

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - where CHNC No: 40 is 'For A Man'

I wasn't quite happy with the first photo, so have added another one.

Image - Penny Black - 'Let It Snow'

Embossing Folder - 'Ice Crystals'

Ribbon from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Much Gifted !

Hi,

I must confess that although the lovely warm weather has been nice, i'm now glad that it's going to cool down, as H has been beside himself, i'm so glad we went to the theatre yesterday (which although not my cup of tea, H loved) and when we got to Chloe's house, her mum got the paddling pool out and the kids had so much fun.

The stamp i've used today is the very first PB i ever bought, and it's so right for a 'Down On The Farm' theme,  the colours are unusual for me, as i usually colour it in, in more softer girly colours.  I've used a paper pad that i've never opened, only stroked !!, i loved the zigzag paper so much, as it allowed me to use my trusty punch, that is so fabby for male cards.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Penny Black  - where Challenge No: 171 is 'Down On The Farm'

Basic Grey - where Challenge No: 54 is 'Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales' - i've gone for 'Old Mcdonald Had a Farm' and the papers i've used are : 'Oliver'

Crafty Catz  - where Challenge No: 102 is 'Things With Wings'

The Crafty Pad - where Challenge No: 141 is 'One For The Boys'

Sketch Saturday - where they are up to Sketch No: 175 and it's another fabby one

Cute Card Thursday - where they are up to Challenge No: 184 which is 'Animal Crackers'

Image - Penny Black - 'Much Gifted !'

Papers - Basic Grey - 'Oliver'

Ticket Stamp - Imaginisce - 'Animal Crackers Collection'

Sentiment - Sentiments 4 You

Punched Edge - MS - 'Embossed Zigzag'

Distressed Ink - Tim Holtz - 'Pumice Stone'

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Football Crazy

Hi,

Well hasn't the weather been fabulous - took H to a farm activity centre yesterday (when he was on Inset Day), today he has been swimming and tomorrow we are going to a children's show 'Way Back Home' with his friend Chloe and her mum has kindly offered to cook us dinner afterwards.
On Thursday night i went for an MRI scan, as my migraines seem to be getting worse, so to reassure me more than anything i requested one - i tried it with just shutting my eyes, but i just freaked, so the nurse kindly gave me an eyemask and with 'Kylie' singing in my ears i felt alot better - i should know the results in a couple of weeks.

This card has been made for one of H's school friends who is going to be 5 on Thursday - initially i was going to use just plain old black and white buttons, till i found these fabby football ones in a drawer ( i must confess i had completely forgotten about them), they came with 2 American Footballs (that could double as Rugby ball) and 2 Baseballs. The sentiment i got in a bundle of other stamps, whilst purchasing 2 PB stamps, but i thought it worked well with the image. I've had the stamp since last November.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Lili Of The Valley - where Challenge No: 114 is 'Button It'

Oldie But A Goodie - where Challenge No: 27 is 'One For The Boys'

Simon Say's Stamp - where the Challenge is 'Anything Goes' - where they are hoping to get 1,000 entries.

Cards For Men - where Challenge No: 20 is 'Sports'

One Stop Crafts - where Challenge No: 151 is 'Just For Men'

Image - Lili Of The Valley - 'Football Crazy'

Papers - Papermania - 'It's A Man's World'

Sentiment - Anita's 

Buttons - Making Memories - 'MM Kids Buttons / Max Sports'

Ribbon - 'Crafty Ribbons'

Distressed Ink - Tim Holtz - 'Barn Door'

Embossed Section - Cuttlebug - 'Spots And Dots'

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Rainin' Daisies

Hi,

Wow how warm is it ?, it's been lovely being able to wash my nets. H has Inset day on Friday fortunately, as that is supposed to be the hottest day. This afternoon i'm taking him with his bike to a park and a lake for a ride round and an ice cream.

As there are a couple of 'Pink & Brown' Challenges about, plus the fact that i love bears (i think it dates back to my childhood), i thought i would combine the two and use a stamp that i recently purchased from a well known auction site, and it also gave me a chance to play with my 'Tattered Florals', that i don't seem to use as much as i should.

Today's Challenges and Card :

Moving Along With The Times - where Challenge No: 117 is 'Time To Get Cooking' - where they want to see - 3 DP's, 2 Types Of Embellishments - Brads and Gems, 1 Image

Everybody Art - where Challenge No: 161 is 'Pink & Brown'

Cupcake Craft - where Challenge No: 161 is 'If You Go Down Into The Woods Today / Bear'

Die Cut Dreams - where Challenge No: 99 is 'Recipe Time At Die Cuts' and it's 'Pink, Brown and Cream'

Basic Grey - where Challenge No: 53 is 'Pink & Brown' - I've used 'Bittersweet'


Sketch And Stash - where they are up to Sketch No: 71 and the option is 3 DP's and 3 Flowers - did both

Image - Penny Black - 'Rainin' Daisies'

Sentiment - Stampin Up - 'Oval All'

Papers - Basic Grey - 'Bittersweet'

Flowers - Tim Holtz - 'Tattered Florals'

Flower Brads - Papermania

Distressed Ink - Tim Holtz - 'Tea Dye'

Gems from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Pink - Toes

Hi,
After a very hectic weekend i was glad son went back to school today, so i could sit back and chill for a couple of hours !!! Saturday i took H swimming then we went to a farm activity centre where they had a bird of prey day on, whilst OH stayed home and did some DIY, Sunday OH took son and dog to rugby - yes H actually plays tag rugby at 4 years of age and in the afternoon we did a farm walk and cream tea - the walk was supposed to be an hour long and ended up being 2 hours, so by that time H and his friends Chloe and Joshua were literally hanging and didn't know what day of the week it was !!!

As 2 of H's friends had birthdays within 2 days of each other i thought todays card had better top up my supplies again !!, it also gave me a good excuse to try something new - using my deep edge doily lace trim to make a surround for the image, using the lovely Debby's tutorial, but i think i need more practice, as i've shown too much of it. I also used some fabby MS papers, that i managed to get in Houston, 2 years ago, but have not really played with them that much.

Todays Card and Challenges :
Penny Black Saturday Friends - where Challenge No: 170 is 'Monochromatic'

Simon Say's Stamp - where the Challenge is 'Punches And / Or Die'

Ooh La La Creations - where Challenge No: 89 is 'Punches / Dies'

Fuzzy Wuzzy - where unfortunately their last Challenge is 'Pink'

Sketch Saturday - where they are up to Sketch No: 174

Corrosive Challenges - where Challenge No: 133 is 'Punches and / or Dies'

Image - Penny Black - 'Pink - Toes'

Papers - MS - 'Playful Pink Paper Pad'

Punch Round Image - MS - 'Doily Lace Trim'

Punch / Straight Edge - MS - 'Cherish'

Sentiment - Clare Curd Signature Range

Ribbon - 'Michaels'

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Brave Captain

Hi,

I decided to treat myself this week as the nights are getting darker and because i'm struggling to see colours, so i bought a 'Daylight Lamp' from Amazon, but the seller was a very worthy cause 'RNIB' it cost £35 (with free delivery) and here is the link, if anyone is interested : http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B002UPDK7S/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1316770810&sr=8-6&condition=new - sorry about that it should work now.

Todays card is shock horror not a PB - i don't know what seems to be happening lately, this is my 3rd card on the trot, where i've used a different companies image !!! I  purchased this little fella from 'Bunny Zoes Craft' with my winnings and i think he is just right for 5 year old boys - well H's friends anyway !!! I have been dying to use these super DCWV papers and fabby buttons (i have 2 pkts of them) for a while.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Bearly Mine - where Challenge No: 19 is 'Button It Up'

Cards For Men - where Challenge No: 19 is 'Anything But Square'

Dream Valley  - where Challenge No: 16 is 'Buttons'

Here Comes The Boys - where Challenge No: 11 is 'Bingo' and i've gone for the top row : twine, blue paper, die cuts ( image and sentiment)

Sweet Stop - where they are up to Sketch 'SSS126 with a spin Starstruck' - star on sentiment

Paper Creations Ink - where Challenge No: 9 is 'Buttons or Bows'

Image - Nellie Snellen - 'Brave Captain'

Sentiment - G Studio

Papers - DCWV - 'All About Boys'

Buttons - Craftime - 'Pirates'

Distressed Ink - Tim Holtz - 'Brushed Corduroy'

Twine from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Snowman Frame

Hi,
I had a fabby weekend with my friend Jane - 'Top Hat' was amazing and well worth the money, they were on stage for nearly 3 hours, gee they must be so exhausted by the end, it was also very funny, which is something i wasn't expecting - if you get the chance to go, i highly recommend it. We also went to Winchester on Saturday, to a fabby restuarant 'Dim T' apparently there are also 5 in London,  we also went to M & S at Hedge End - gee i've never seen an M & S quite so big !

For today's card i've used a stamp that i found in a craft shop in Winchester at the weekend and it was only £4 and i thought it would make an ideal CAS card, so when i got back and saw there were a couple of blogs 'One Layer' cards i thought i would give it a whirl - this is also so out of my comfort zone, as i so love my papers.

Todays Card and Challenges :
Less Is More - where week No: 33 - 1,000 Challenge - Anything CAS Goes

Totally Papercrafts - where Challenge No: 84 is 'Clean And Simple'

Secret Crafter - where Challenge No: 152 is 'One Layer Cards'

One Layer Cards - where Challenge         is 'Colour It'

Image - Personal Impressions by Cherry Green

Sentiment - Penny Black - 'The Wonder'

Card Blank - Papermania

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Fancy Pants

Hi,

H seems to be settling in alright - although he's very tired last night he slept for nearly 12 hours, gee my OH were like, ok what shall we do now !!! Weather here at the moment is fabby, which is good news as it allows me to get some washing dry. I'm off to Southampton for the weekend to see 'Top Hat' starring Tom Chambers (the guy who won Strictly with Camilla) at The Mayflower theatre with my friend Jane and i'm so looking forward to it.

Can you believe H got an invite for a party on Monday this week !!!, well unfortunately he can't make it, as we have other plans, but he still wanted to send Grace a card, so this is for her - I'm sure my Mum will appreciate the image more than her though !!! I've used my new Stampin Up scallop round the corner punch, but it caused me a bit of a headache to start with, as the dimensions didn't come with it, unlike Martha Stewart !! I also decide to have a little play with the swirl i have, but don't use very often - shame on me.

Today Card and Challenges :

Sketch And Stash - where Challenge No: 70 is to pick a sketch of your choice from the catalogue - I chose Sketch No: 64
Allsorts - where Challenge No: 120 is 'Flowers & Swirls'

Challenge Up Your Life  - where Challenge No: 52 is 'Paper Piecing' - I've done the bag and shoes

Everybody Art - where Challenge No: 159 is 'Flowers'

House Mouse & Friends - where they are Celebrating their 3rd Birthday and Challenge No: 104 with the theme 'Birthday Celebrations, with the option of flowers'

Creative Card - where the Challenge is 'Buttons and Bling' - there is also glitter on the flowery paper, but not sure if shows up.

Image - House Mouse - 'Fancy Pants'

Papers - First Edition - 'Daydream'

Swirl - Sizzix - 'Flowers & Vines #2'

Sentiment - Woodware - 'Circular Greetings'

No 5 Cut Out Using - Sizzix - 'Fruit Smoothie'

Round The Corner Punch - Stampin Up - 'Scallop Trim'

Distressed Ink - Tim Holtz - 'Milled Lavender'

Flowers - Wild Orchid Crafts

Buttons from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Birthday Dog

Hi,

It seems ages (well nearly 2 weeks) since i lasted posted a card, but hopefully things will start to improve, as H from today is doing full-time, last week he was with me more, than he was at school !! - Monday we had to go in with him, Tuesday and Wednesday 9-12.15 and Thursday and Friday 1.45-3.15 !!! I'm also really sorry, as i have not even had the time to visit all of your lovely blogs.

For todays card, i thought i would have a go at a 'Criss Cross Card' and also a play with my new embossing folder 'Bone & Paw Print' - which when i saw it i knew i just had to buy. I've also used some Kraft card (well Stampin Up - Crumb Cake) for the first time and i so love the effect for a man's card. The cake on the tag is the same one with the image - i just masked it off and stamped it.

Todays Card and Challenges :
Simon Say's Stamp - where the Challenge is 'Multifold Cards/ Creations'

Totally Gorjuss - where Challenge No: 97 is 'It's A Man Thing'

Penny Black Saturday Friends - where Challenge No: 168 is 'Delicious'
Birthday Sundaes - where Challenge No: 26 is 'Criss - Cross Cards'
Paper Sundaes - where Challenge No: 86 is 'Finishing Touches'

Basic Grey  - where Challenge No: 52 is 'Celebrations' - papers used 'Archaic'

Truly Scrumptious - where Challenge No: 65 is 'Decorate The Inside Of Your Card'

Image - Penny Black - 'Birthday Dog'

Both Sentiments - Penny Black - 'Salutations'

Papers - Basic Grey - 'Archaic'

Embossed Paper Inside - Crafts Too - 'Bone & Paw Print'

Distressed Embossed Paper and Image - Tim Holtz - 'Tea Dye'

Punched Edge - EK Success - 'Paw Print'

Tag - Sizzix Die

Ribbon from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Con-graduate

Hi,
I hope you all had a good Bank Holiday, ours was quiet as i wanted to do some things i've been meaning to do for a while, but we did go out on Sunday to the marina where the local lifeboat had an open day, so we had a chance to go aboard and do a quiz about water safety, whilst there we had lunch at my favourite italian 'Zizzi's'. Well today is H's last day at nursery, as he officially starts school next Monday.

Todays card is being sent to my OH's nephew who did very well in his GCSE's last week and the fabby image was sent to me by a very lovely friend, whom i was fortunate enough to meet at a crafty get together in Blackpool a couple of years ago, Evelyn and who is also a PB nutter !! I also managed to find some old scraps of a paper stack that i just love DCWV - Black & White Prints.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Sparkles Forum  - where Challenge No: 19 is 'Punch It' - i've used MS - Modern Garland

Challenge Up Your Life - where Challenge No: 51 is 'Something For  Men'

Crazy 4 Challenges  - where C4C102 is 'Male Themed Cards'

Penny Black Saturday Friends - where Challenge No: 166 is a fabby 'Sketch' by Natalie

Fab N' Funky - where Challenge No: 87 is 'Mono Madness'

Do You Stack Up - where Challenge No: 34 is 'Boy or Man'

Image - Penny Black - 'Con - graduate'

Papers & Sentiment - DCWV - 'Black & White Print Paper Stack'

Cut Image with - Nesties - 'Curved Rectangle'

Punched Edge - MS - 'Modern Garland'

Buttons and Ribbon from stash

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Off To School

Hi,
Well what a couple of weeks i've had !!!, last weekend we went up to Yorkshire to see the outlaws - whilst there OH and son went to 'Yorkshire Air Museum', while i went shopping at the outlet mall, we all went to 'RHS Harlow Carr' and we met up with OH's best friend and his family. Since we've been back i've also been really busy with one thing and another.

As promised a photo of H and Chloe (I have got permission from Chloe's mum) dressed as a medival knight and princess :

Whilst away i was fortunate enough to win a couple of blog challenges, which still doesn't feel real and is still sinking in, especially as the prizes were with 2 fabby companies and i'm still deciding what to buy from one of them.

Todays card is for son, as he starts school next Monday and as i had made Chloe one already, i thought i had better get on and make his !! I bought this LOTV ages ago, especially for this card - and i wanted to recreate H in is school uniform - black trousers, royal blue sweatshirt, white polo shirt and green pe bag (green for his house colour), but it's taken me ages to get round to doing it, as i didn't know if i would be able to recreate it !!! The papers were bought in a fabby little craft shop in 'Whitby', whilst we were in North Yorkshire in June. I saw the ribbon on Mandy's blog and knew i had to have it.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Totally Papercrafts - where Challenge No: 81 is 'Back To School'

Stamp Something  - where the Challenge is 'Back To School Something'

Fussy and Fancy - where Challenge No: 44 is a fabby 'Sketch'

Fairy Tale - where Challenge No: 22 is 'Back To School'
Hanna & Friends where Challenge No: 108 is 'Use A Lili Of The Valley image'
Allsorts - where Challenge No: 118 is 'Back To School'

Image - Lili Of The Valley

Papers - DCWV - 'The Grade School Stack'

Sentiment - Computer Generated

Oval Punch - Stampin Up

Distressed Image and Sentiment - Tim Holtz - 'Broken China'

Ribbon and Pencil Button - Crafty Ribbons

Apple - Sticker from Poundshop

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x

Fly Away

Hi,

I know 2 postings in 2 days !!, well tomorrow we are going to Bodiam Castle , where H and Chloe are going to dress up as a knight and princess and then after that, we are really busy, so there will be no more cards from me, till at least next week.

I know i'm sad, as i have this image in a wooden as well as the slapstick version - but in my defence i liked the wording that came with the slapstick, plus it's also a little smaller than the wooden version. This image so much reminds me of H (he also loves planes) and Whisper, only thing is i would love to recreate this image in a photo, but i don't think Whisper would agree to leaning !!! The papers i've used again i've had for a while and all i seem to do with them is stroke them !!, the ticket stamp was a bargain from 'The Glitter Pot' 99p - i liked the Tim Holtz ones, but they are all precut and stamped.

Todays Card and Challenges :

Raise The Bar - where Challenge No: 70 is 'Dog Days Of Summer'

Stamp Something - where the Challenge is 'Dog Days Of Summer'

Cards For Men - where Challenge No: 17 is 'Anything Goes'

Fussy And Fancy - where Challenge No: 43 'Use A Lot' - 3 or more - i've used gems

Cupcake Craft - where the Challenge is 'Birthday Cupcake, Faberoony Sketcharoony, Pieces Of Eight !' - Sketch to Celebrate Their 3rd Birthday

Image and Sentiment - Penny Black - 'Fly Away' Slapstick

Papers - Daisy Bucket - 'Star Kissed Collection'

Star Gems - Papermania

Thanks for looking, Luv Sam x