>>> 365 Cards Day 61 <<<

Today has been a whirlwind. Completely the card in the afternoon but was rushing around like a mad hatter! I'm thankful for the time now to sit down and take a breather.

Today's challenge is aptly entitled 'Leaf It Up To Me!' Basically create a card with a leaf (or more) on the card. Here's my take on it:

Patterned papers by Pink Paislee Fetching. Stamped image & sentiment from Unity, coloured using Promarkers.

Didn't realised how bad the shadow is below the stamped image. Oh well, will have to retake tomorrow under better lighting. Can't believe it's the end of April! But on the bright side, I've done all the challenges for April on 365 Cards blog. That is a total of 30 cards! Not surprising my card box is now overflowing with cards! Makes a change from always scrambling to make one each time I need it.

I will be catching up with all the lovely creations done by the rest of you for the challenges later on... Thursday is one day where I reach my peak of exhaustion each week! TTFN!

>>> Card Patterns Sketch #12 <<<

This is the sketch for this week's challenge:

Here's my take on the sketch. Didn't deviate much from it:

Patterned paper from WRMK Urban Window collection. Stamped images from Unity stamp comapny and coloured using Promarkers. Background paper embossed with Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Another card to my Xmas collection. TTFN!

>>> Natter Natter! <<<

So hubs is asking me what I wanna do for my birthday which incidentally is this Friday, yup May Day but unfortunatetly this country only celebrate holidays on a Monday and I've got to work on my birthday. All through my life my birthday always falls on a public holiday until I came to this country! Frankly I've not idea. My SIL suggested going to the Safari Park. Hubs told me and I laughed! Yeah rite... going to the Safari Park in his Jag XF! She must be joking rite! (In case anyone doesn't know my hubs, his latest car is like a precious bebe to him... enough said). With his luck, he'll probably have a rhino stamping on his car!

Anyway, this morning, he asked if I was interested in going to Legoland! Frankly NO! I dun like theme parks but I know my boys do and they have been asking lately about going there. Oh well, might have to check out if there's any offers since it's a long weekend too. Well, more photo opportunities for me and I think I need to get another 4gb memory card. Thank goodness they are so cheap these days!

I might have a BBQ on Sat instead! Will have to check up the weather on it! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 60 <<<

Now what did I do with my cards made for Day 59 & 60? They've completely disappeared! After taking photos of them, I just can't remember where I've placed them and they're gone! Dun see it anywhere in my craft room and no where in the house either. Sigh! Just when I need to send it off to my dad!

Anyway, today's challenge is another use of sentiment, aptly titled Say "What!?". A pretty cute sentiment and open to loads of interpretation. Well, here's mine:

Stamped kite & butterfly images from Unity April Kit Of The Month set. They are so adorable. I decided on the sentiment 'what's up'. That comes from Banana Frog PaperChains stamp set. All images were stamped directly on the card itself. Left the sentiment blank inside so that I can decide what I wanna do with it later.

TTFN!

>>> Caardvarks Challenge - Trees A Crowd! <<<

Here's my 2nd attempt for Caardvarks challenge.

Saw this Unity tree stamp and couldn't help using it and it meets the tree-themed challenge. Patterned paper by KI Memories Favourite Things collection. Sentiment by Purple Onion Designs.

TTFN!

>>> Unity Anniversary Challenges! <<<

It's Unity Stamp Company first anniversary and they are hosting a list of challenges at Splitcoaststampers. For the first day (Monday), the challenge is to create a project using these colours:

Kraft
Baja Breeze
Ruby Red
So Saffron

Not sure what the colour code refers to but here's my take of it. I tried to use the colours as close as I can:

Made use of Unity's April's KOTM stamp set and coloured using Promarkers.

Here's the inside of it:

Patterned paper by GCD, part of Scarlet Lime April main kit.

For the 2nd day challenge (Tuesday), it consists of a recipe (taken from the SCS site):
1. the project MUST include Unity stamps since we are celebrating Unity's FIRST birthday. (NO OTHER STAMP COMPANY's STAMPS!)
2. F is for flowers...include some sort of flower or flower image in the project
3. I is for insect...think butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, etc...
4. R is for ribbon
5. S is for scallops.
6. T is for turquoise or teal so you must include one of these two colors in the project.

I did a LO:

I believe I fulfilled the requirements as all stamps used are from Unity. LO created using Scarlet Lime April main kit.

LO is also created for UKScrappers SLYMI #17 which calls for scrapping using layers and lace. With time flying so quickly, had no choice but to combine challenges! TTFN!

>>> Caardvarks Challenge - Trees A Crowd! <<<

The challenges is create a tree-themed card and did a simple one here:

How not to forget the humber Xmas tree? I need to start making my Xmas cards (yes, that early as I always end up running out of time at the end of the year!) Stamped using embossed ink and colour added using glitter powders (now the name of it escapes me!)

>>> 365 Cards Day 58 & 59 <<<

Decided to combine both cards in one post. Let's start with the recent one, Day 59 which is called 'A Certain Sentiment'. Today's sentiment is 'I Miss You' or something similar. So here's what I've done:

Patterned papers by Kelly Panacci (the world travel type of papers). Stamped images by See D's Travel set, RiverCity Rubber Stamps (postcard image) and Paper Artsy (the litte boy). Thought I played with these sets as I've not touched them for a while. The sentiment couldn't have been more appropriate as I'll be sending this card to my parents in Singapore from the boys! My dad misses them badly but he hasn't long to wait as they will be seeing him in a few months' time.

*************************

This is for yesterday's card, Day 58 which is called 'Something Fishy'. You are supposed to create a card with at least a fish image on it. I've got two. Now this card caused me grief yesterday! No matter how much I tried, I just couldn't get it right! Beside, I think it was also extreme tiredness as well. Not surprising, I went to bed immediately after putting the boys to bed too. So today, I woke fresh and ready to go and started the card anew! Here's my effort and I think I much prefer it than yesterday's attempt!

Made use of a journaling sheet from Making Memories spiral journal pad. Stamped fish & waterlily images from Stampendous (bought years ago) and sentiment by Unity stamp. Coloured using Promarkers.

So here are my two cards done! Off to create more stuff! TTFN!

>>> Mojo Monday Week 83! <<<

Here's the sketch for this week's challenge:

Here's my take on the sketch:

Patterned papers by Cosmo Cricket Li'l Man. Stamped image by Unity and coloured using Promarkers.

TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 57 <<<

Woo Hoo! Found out this morning that one of my cards made it in the top three for this week! Quite surprised but pleased. Just in case you're wondering which one... it's this one:


Now back to earth and a new challenge for today. It's Super Sketchy Sunday and here's the sketch for today's challenge:
I do like sketches although sometimes they do rein me in . I find it difficult to follow it exactly and would somehow deviate slightly. Not surprising, I rotated the sketch and altered it slightly. Here's my effort:

I replaced the label with the Chinese doll. Made use of my latest stamp set from Hero Arts Chinese Dolls. They are a compliment to my Four Dolls set. Patterned papers by Pink Paislee Facinating and 3 Bugs in a Rug Sugar collections. Coloured using Promarkers. (will have to retake the card in better lighting tomorrow!)

Rite, I'm off to watch my two fav US TV programmes... Desperate Housewives and Dirty Sexy Money! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 56 <<<

The challenge today is 'See Through Saturday'. Basically, create a card using an acrylic sheet either as a base, front or whatever! I always wanted to make one but never got round to doing it and therefore, I'm so glad this challenge came on.

Well, dug into my Hambly and found a sheet that I cut out into a 10x5". Score the middle and folded it. Decorated it and here's the result:

Acrylic sheet from Hambly ('hug' them). The stamped images are new,they came by post today and I couldn't resist using them. They are from Unity Stamp Company. Luv the uniqueness of it! Well, they were coloured with Promarkers and then decorated with sticklers and gems.

Here's how the interior look. It was a little difficult to get it open completely and take a photo at the same time so here's just a sneaky peek inside:

Stamped another lamp within and coloured it. Added a 'happy birthday' sentiment by Hobby Art.

Really enjoyed doing this particular card! TTFN!

>>> Card Patterns Sketch #11 <<<

Here's the sketch for this challenge:



Here's my take on it:

Decided to go for a Xmassy theme as I need to start making my Xmas cards. Patterned papers by Basic Gre Blitzen. Stamp images from Elzybells and Stamp Away (UK manufacturers).

TTFN!

>>> Blog Award! <<<

3 times lucky! Pam and Rose nominated me for an award:

The rules for the award:

The winner may put the logo onto their blog.

Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
Nominate 10 blogs.

Put links to their blogs.

Leave a message for the nominees.

Terri B
Karen Lee
Toni Lightwood
PaulaM
Bohemian Gypsy
Fran

Alicia
Stephanie
Debbie
Ann

Finding 10 bloggers is hard for me but these are the people who have so kindly left comments on mine and took the time to look at my creations. Thank you and I appreciate it. I know there are others who do as well but seeing that you have already been awarded, so I've turned my attentions to those who haven't and to spread some luv! TTFN!

>>> TGIF! <<<

So the first week of the school term ended with a bang! Zac's school held a St George's theme disco. As part of the PTA group, I was, of course, involved, much to the disgust of Zac as he hates dancing but was forced to attend. I managed to get MIL to pick the eldest from Junior school. Didn't think she could handle both of them on the bus on her way home (she doesn't drive). The disco went well, although my ears are smarting from the excited screams of the kids. 200 ish kids attended so you can imagine the logistic of keeping control and sorting snacks out! Would be interesting to know how much we collected as everything goes towards the school fund. The next activity will be a car boot sale and I'm gonna make sure I get some stuff to sell... got loads in the loft!

Talking about St Georges' Day which occured yesterday, I was surprised to find how low key it is in England, compared to the other Saints day in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Makes you wonder if the English are proud to be English and if so, why aren't they celebrating it. St Patrick's Day is not only big here but in the US as well. There were some celebrations around but it was so low key. Sad really especially when it's time to celebrate and nothing is done! TTFN!

>>> Blog Candy! <<<

While surfing, came across Debbie's blog and OMG, I'm blown away by her colouring technique. It's amazing. I know I've got a long way to go to achieve her colouring method! Anyway, she's has a blog candy up for grabs as a celebration for her blog's first anniversary! Check this out:

She does some amazing cards too! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 55 <<<

The challenge today is 'Card Recipe' where you had to use the following in making the card:

5x5 card (solid colored card stock - may be smooth or textured)
4x4 patterned paper (you may alter the edges if you'd like)
1 shape (circle, square, star, heart, etc.) - must be solid color
3 jewels
alpha stickers

Have to admit I found this rather hard. I'm more a freestyle kinda person, and feel a wee bit restrained having to follow the 'rules'. Anyway, not one to give up a challenge so here's my effort:

Patterned paper by Crate Paper Blue Hill collection. The circular shape is actually one whole shape comprising of different little ones within. So I merely took a couple out. Think I fulfilled the requirements. Can't say I'm overly impressed by it but hey, I did it!

Just a short note to thank those who left me an award. I'll get is sorted asap. I seem to be running out of time these days and I'm not even working full time! TTFN!

>>> Basic Grey Challenge 31 - Paper Piercing <<<

The challenge is to use paper piercing in the card. Here's my take on it:

Dug out my BG stash and found this Two Scoops paper. Played with my latest Hero Arts Chinese Dolls images. Luv them! Coloured using Promarkers.

TTFN!

>>>365 Cards Day 54 <<<

Today's challenge is 'Recycled Elements'. It calls for using recycled item in making a card. Well, ever since I made one, I've been hoarding them so here goes:

What does a loo roll and the card have in common? The card is made from the loo roll!
Ok, it's not my idea. I got this off another card blog site and made something similar a few week ago but it was immediately given away to my MIL for Mother's Day (yuk, UK celebrated Mother's Day in March!) So I decided to make another one which I hope I can keep for a wee bit longer! Used my Sugar Nellie stamp for the first time (bought her secondhand) and she was a delight to colour in. Think I'm hooked and will be looking out for more! She was coloured using Promarkers, the Brit version of Copics and far cheaper! :)

I added a tag to the card which can used as a bookmark if the recipient choose to keep it. The sentiment will be at the back. Here's how it looks like:

The tag is a recycled cardboard from an A4 pad (you know the back of it). I covered it with tissue paper but not before stamping on it first. Patterned paper from the card comes from Bo Bunny.

I really enjoyed using the loo roll. Will be using them to make a mini album in the near future! TTFN!

>>> Another Blog Award! <<<

I've been awarded again by two lovely ladies, Kristie, Diana & Rose whom I got to know online at 365 Cards blog. Thank you and I'm certainly honoured.

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Here are my eight bloggers:

Terri B
Karen Lee
Toni Lightwood
PaulaM
Bohemian Gypsy
Fran
Alicia
Stephanie

>>> 365 Cards Day 53

Today's challenge is 'Fun with Fruit'. Well, as the name implies, create a card with fruit on it. After pondering for a while, thought I create this:

A bunch of grapes using buttons. Black grapes too ('cos they taste better but bloody expensive too!) Thought it was a good idea but realised I didn't like what I've done. Anyway, patterned paper by Cosmo Cricket Haunted and WRMK Nonsense. Sentiment by Purple Onion Designs.

So I decided to start afresh and created another tutti fruttie card. Here's the next effort:

Stamped images from October Afternoon Detour. First time using them. Bought it when it was the rage then and got caught up in the hype and upon laying my hands on them, they remained in their plastic sheet untouched till today! Sentiment by Purple Onion Designs. Coloured using Promarkers.

I would like to thank all of you who have left comments and took the time to stop here. Rest assured that I've ventured into your blogs and have looked at your creations too. I may be a little slow at leaving comment on yours as I'm snowed under at the moment with scrapping assignments. I'm primarily a scrapbooker but ventured into cards lately to try and use up my leftover paper scraps! Vicky if you are reading this, I've not been able to get into your blog so sorry if I've not left any comments. (Hope you'll invite me in! )

Thanks again to those who have left me awards too. Will sort them out after dinner! TTNF!

>>> Back To School! <<<

The Easter break is over! 2 weeks gone and dusted. Boy is time simply flying fast this year! I just can't believe it. Anyway, back to mayhem and thankfully the boys got up early without fuss. I was kinda worried as they went to sleep at 10ish pm (they were in bed at 9pm but nattered non-stop). Hopefully as they get into the swing of school life, they will sleep much earlier and faster!

Back to work for me as well. The weather was brillant! Sunny and warm! Let's hope it stays that way. Officially it's spring and the weather should start looking like spring!I luv it that the flowers and leaves are starting to bloom. It just gives me such a happy feeling.

Back to crafting for me... I'm working on a guest DT kit and feeling kinda mojoless at the moment. What luck! TTFN!

>>> Blog Award! <<<

I've been awarded by Willow, who participates at 365 Cards blog. Thanks Willow.

The Lemonade Stand Award is for being a blogger who shows great attitude and gratitude.

To pick up the Lemonade Stand Award:

- Comment on this blog.
- Cut and paste the award logo and use it in your own blog.
- Nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude.
- Link to your nominees within your blog post.
- Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.
- Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.

I would like to nominate the following awesome bloggers for this award:

Claire

Fay

Alix

Steph

Lisa

Bex

TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 52 <<<

Today's challenge is called 'Tuesday Trio' and we have to use 3 items in the card: brad, blossom and circle. Here's my take on it:

Patterned paper by Bo Bunny Back to Backs and Sassafras Serendipity. Deer image by Unity stamp. Created the felt flower myself using a tutorial I found on the web with regards to making a ribbon flower. Got my elements i.e. brad, circle and blossom!

TTFN!

>>> Blog Candy! <<<

In anticipation of their launch of new stamps, they are offering this blog candy! Check out their new stamp ranges... so cute! Heavens for the colouring enthusiast! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 51 <<<

Today's challenge is called 'Picture This'. The inspiration comes from this picture:

Well, I did a quick and simple card as my boys are still around (they don't go back to school till tomorrow). Here's my take on it:

Patterned papers by Pink Paislee Facinating. Sentiment by Purple Onion Designs.
I had embossed the background but chose the wrong embossing folder so it can't be seen properly.

TTFN!

>>> On Display! <<<

Created more LOs on Sunday. The family was around but thankfully each of us had something to do so left the others alone! :) Here's what I've done:

One of the BPM cyber crop challenges regarding edges and doing something to them! Left the journaling blank as I'll be giving it away to a friend whose daughters I used in this photo.

LO served 2 challenges: 1) BPM cyber crop challenge using flowers and 2) UKScrappers SLYMI #16 Scrap in the morning (did this in the wee hrs of Sunday morning)

In between LOs, created cards for 365 Cards blog. I'm addicted to that site and try to make a card each day for their challenge! I've got to start making Xmas cards soon! Need it for Dec and somehow always end up running of out cards and buying commercial ones! Off to play ... TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 50 <<<

It's back to normal challenges and today is 'Super Sketchy Sunday'. Here's the sketch that we have to use:

Here's my take on it:

Patterned papers by Basic Grey Archaic. 'Roar' stamp by Imaginsce. Background embossed using Cuttlebug embossing folder.

TTFN!

>>> Solitude and On Display! <<<

I'm so enjoying this solitude, being alone and free to craft all day long without interruption. Hubs and the boys are still down south but will be returning late. Have done a couple of LOs for several challenges.

This LO was done for 3 challenges.

BPM cyber crop challenge to finish up any old LO. Well, this LO was started 3 years ago and never completed. I simply added buttons and distressed the edges. You can see it's a far cry from my current trend of scrapping!

Another BPM cyber crop challenge to finish up any old LOs lying around. Well, I started by doing the background using Heidi Swapp bird mask and left it at that (that was 2 yrs ago)! Decided to complete it simply and quickly with SL kit.

TTFN!

>>> Caardvarks Challenge - Good Knight! <<<

The challenge is to create a card with a fantasy theme. So without further ado, here's mine:

Patterned paper by Scribble Scrabble. Bingo image by Inkadinkado, figure by Zettiology, wings by Stamper's Anonymous and sentiment by Purple Onion Designs.

Had fun with this. Had a chance to use stamps that I've not touched for a while. TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 49 <<<

Ok, so I'm a day late in submitting this but I got so much on this weekend. But the good news is that I'm completely finished the projects in Score-It week. I'm gonna miss it as I've done a lot of stuff that I wouldn't have done before so kudos to the team on 365 Cards for introducing them!

The challenge today is to make an 'Accordian Card'. Well, I followed the example on DT Vicky's blog and here's my take on it:

Made use of WRMK BoHo Chic collection papers for this card. Stamps by Unity Stamp Company and coloured using Promarkers.

Here's the inside of the card. The 'happy birthday' sentiment is by BackPorch Memories. Luv that particular set! Border punch by MS doily punch.

Enjoyed doing this card. Wasn't as hard as I thought but you certainly need to get the scoring measurements correct. TTFN!

>>> Dreamgirls Challenge #26: Jerry McGuire - Show Me The Money <<<

The challenge is to use a quote from a movie for the LO title. I googled and found the title I wanted. Here are the 'rules' for the page:

Prompt: Use a quote from a movie for your page title

Technique: A penny for your thoughts (Show visible journaling).

Product: Use chipboard or grungeboard on your layout.

Here's my take on the challenge:

LO created using Scarlet Lime Sep 08 main kit using their exclusive papers.

LO was also created for Banana Frog blog showcasing Banana Frog stamps as well. TTFN!

>>> Cyber Crop! <<<

Hubs took the day off and brought the boys down to Poole! As for me, I decided to stay at home and join in the fun at BackPorch Memories where they are having a cyber crop. I was also involved in the organisation and came up with 2 classes and 1 challenge. Here are my classes:

Class 1: Heat Embossing
I showed the basic of heat embossing and came up with a sample:


Class 2: CD Holder Mini Album
How to turn an ordinary CD Holder into a mini album. I used photos from my Paris Disneyland trip.

The entire album can be seen here.

Challenge 1: Colour Therapy
Colouring in stamped images using any medium. Here's my sample:

Stamped imaged by Unity Stamp Company and coloured using Promarkers.

Some challenges end this Sunday while a fair few including all the classes end next Saturday! So that's a lot of time to participate! I'm off to play... TTFN!