>>> Unity KOTM Blog Hop! <<<

Welcome! Thanks for dropping by...

It's time again for the Unity KOTM Blog Hop. I participated in last month blog hop and had so much fun that I decided to do it again. I had a good think about what I wanted to showcase and then it hit me.... I've been buying Unity stamps the past few weeks (can't resist the offers that Angela constantly gives out!) and the stamps come in a package. Having amassed a few of them and rather reluctant to throw them away (yeah, I'm a hoarder), I knew I had to do something with them. The scrapbooker in me kicked in and I came up with this...

Here's my bit for recycling Unity stamp package:
I didn't want to cover the package completely so I sprayed the package with glimmer mist to mask the wordings and also to create background patterns using a bubble wrap. I then proceeded to decorate it using stamp images from February, March and April KOTM sets. My aim was to create a little pouch from the package so that stuff can be kept inside the pouch. The handle was made from waxy flax and beads. Patterned paper by American Craft Teen collection.

Here's the front of the pouch:

Halfway creating this and I got carried away and had forgotten that I had to use KOTM stamp set and accidentally used some newly acquired Unity stamps that arrived recently. Oops! But I needed a quote to finish the altering of the package (& that's my excuse!) Patterned paper by GCD Cloisonne collection.

Your next blog hop is Kathy. Have fun! TTFN!

>>> Card Patterns Sketch #14 <<<

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


Here's my take on it:

Patterned papers by Cosmo Cricket Dapper Dan and Prima The Best Things collections. Stamped images by Unity, coloured using Promarkers.

TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 75 <<<

Today's challenge is 'Imagine this - Coffee'. The challenge is to either use an image of coffee (cup, beans, etc.) or let an image of it inspire your card. This left me speechless as I don't have any appropriate stamps for this (mental note to acquire one!) Moreover, I'm not a coffee drinker (I do drink it but very rarely). Anyway, I remembered I had hoarded some Starbucks cup holders (which I had used one for a scrapbook page) and an idea formed in my mind. So here's my card:

Patterned paper from Collage Press Jackson Lodge collection. Stamped images from Unity Stamp Company, which incidentally came in the post this morning so couldn't resist using them immediately. Coloured using Promarkers. This card will be given to one of my son's teachers later at the end of the school term just before the summer hols.

TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 74 <<<

Today's challenge is entitled 'DIY - Handwritten Sentiment'. Well, you are supposed to write out the sentiment on the card. Can't say I like that idea much... that's what stamps are for! Anyway, here's my card:

Patterned papers by WRMK Nonsense collection and Crate Paper Static collection. Stamped images by Hero Arts Four Dolls and Jenni Bowlin (bird label image). Border punch by Martha Stewart. Within the label is my handwritten sentiment... kept it small obviously! :)

TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 73 <<<

It seemed like ages since I did a card but I've been hit by the flu and had to prioritise by completing my DT assignments first above others. Now having the flu and trying to craft do not go hand in hand. Concentration is short as well as fatigue that hits you. Not surprising I was in bed early every nite when I had the flu! Thankfully, I'm slowly on the mend so I'm back and can't wait to tackle the challenges.

Today's challenges is 'Tuesday Trio' which asks you to create a card that includes 'circle, scallops and bling'. Here's mine:

Patterned papers by Sweetwater Bloom collection. Stamped images by Unity, recently acquired pieces which were coloured using Promarkers. I think the required elements fulfilled... circle, scallops and bling! Will be sending this card to my nephew whose birthday is around the corner.

No doubt I'll be tackling the other challenges that I missed so watch this space! TTFN!

>>> Dreamgirls Challenge #27 <<<

The theme of the challenge is 'Happy Mother's Day'. Here's the rule:

Prompt: create a layout about a mother/child relationship this could be you and your mom, or you and your children or just a relationship that you admire.

Product: Kraft Paper Background
Technique: folded / rouched ribbon

Here's my LO:

LO created using Scarlet Lime April main kit. Stamped words from Technique Tuesday Ali Edward stamp set. Scanned the LO but it's very bulky, hence the blotchiness and shadows.

LO was also created in conjunction with UKScrappers Scrap Like You Mean It #19 whereby the theme is 'Scraplift a Page from SLYMI Gallery'. I've chosen Jimjams' LO which can be seen here.

I was inspired by her use of button and lifted that idea. TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 71 & 72 <<<

Today's challenge, Day 72 is 'Musical Monday'. The challenge is to

Use a sheet of music, "musical" paper, or music notes on the card.

Here's my take on it:

Patterned papers by LilyBee French Couture collection. Stamp set by Crafty Secrets Bird Lovers (luv this set).

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Yesterday's challenge, Day 71 was 'Super Sketchy Sunday' and the challenge is to create a card based on this particular sketch:


Here's my take on it:

Patterned paper by DCWV Citrus Flower Honeycomb Glitter and Cosmo Cricket Everafter collection. Stamped images by Unity. Also used Kaiser pearls.

TTFN!

>>> On Display! <<<

Today's the reveal at BackPorch Memories for their May kits. Here's their lovely kits and stamp set:

Solo kit

Medley kit

Stamp set (all that colouring to be done... heaven! Not surprising it's sold out!)

Here's what I did with the Medley kit:

This was based on a Becky Fleck's sketch (a DT sketch challenge). Papers by Crate Paper Li'l Sprout.

Papers by LilyBee French Couture collection.

Papers by Fancy Pants Summer Soiree.

This is a canvas project (canvas from a Pound store).
Created this for a friend's birthday gift.

TTFN!

>>> Unity Challenges! <<<

Unity Stamp Company had a few challenges as part of their 1 year Anniversary at Splitcoast Stampers and I participated in them, using Unity stamps. Well, I had to find excuses to use them! Here they are:

TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 69 & 70 <<<

Day 70's challenge is 'Ad Inspired' and the challenge is to create a card based on this Ad:

Here's my take on it:

Patterned paper by SassafraLass. Stamped images by Unity.

Inside of the card.

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Day 69's challenge is 'Glad for the Grad' and as the name implies, create a graduation card. This had me pondering as I seldom do grad cards... in fact, never! Anyway, after much pondering, here's my effort:

Patterned paper by Scenic Route. Sentiment by Purple Onion Designs.

TTFN!

>>> Competition! <<<

The boys attended the Northfield Diamond Jubilee Music competition today. They didn't win, not surprising as they were up against fierce competition, some of whom are excellent violinists. However, they gain invaluable experience (whether or not they do it again next year is another matter!) They were also given constructive criticism which I think is valuable to them so that they know what they need to improve. I'm pleased with what they did today and any exposure to solo playing will definitely improve their self-esteem. Ollie was a little disappointed at not winning but I told him that winning is not the reason why he's playing. The point of taking part is to gain experience and to learn from it. It's his first time and he has a longgggg way to go if he wants to win. Now that he has seen the winning performance, hopefully it will spur him to work hard on his practice!

They did play against their age groups but most of these players were privately trained, and probably started when they were 3, as opposed to my boys being trained in school (which is a different thing altogether). They progressed much slower when trained in school as they are taught together with other pupils, some of whom don't bother to practice and as a result, hold back the class or in the boys' cases, they are far more advance than the other player and therefore, they are sometimes held back in terms of progression. I've started private lessons for them with their music teacher and hopefully, this will help them progress faster. Their music teacher has asked me permission if they could have extra 20 mins lesson on top of their normal time for the next school year and of course I said ok! The more the merrier although I don't think they will thank me for that! LOL! Managed to grab a couple of photos from the competition before finding out I wasn't allowed to... oops!

Came home and I worked on my DT LOs. Yup, my kit came on Thursday. They are due soon and I can feel a flu coming on as well....All I can think of is sleep! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 68 <<<

The challenge today is 'I Want Candy'. Couldn't be more pleased when I found out as I had a particular stamp image that I've been wanting to use for a while and here's the chance to do so!

Can't remember where the patterned paper is from but stamped image & sentiment by Unity Stamp Company (part of March KOTM set). Coloured using Promarkers. Border punch by Fiskars.

TTFN!

>>> Not Feeling Good! <<<

I think there's a flu bug going around as I can feel myself a little bung out! My throat hurts and I'm feeling rather lethargic. The boys are slightly down as well but not down enough not to go to school! The weather here has gone cold again. Shan't bother about putting winter clothes away... we still need it!

Seriously need to do a big clearout of clothes. I've got loads taking up space and some are better off given away as I will never ever wear them again. The only problem is finding the time to do it. It is a tedious process and consume loads of time which I much rather use it for creating!

Which reminds me, the mailman had better bring my BPM DT kit soon ... really dislike the postal system in my area... they take ages to deliver parcels and I know for a fact as I'm usually one of the last to receive any parcels while my friends get theirs early (and I'm talking about the same parcel arriving here from the US). TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 66 & 67 <<<

Today's challenge is 'Think Pink'! Basically create a card with a lot of pink. Here's my take on it... I did add a wee bit of other colours as well:

Patterned papers by Scenic Route (script background) and Fancy Pants Sweet Spring (flowers). Stamped 'VIP' image by BackPorch Memories April stamp set.

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Onto yesterday's challenge, which is 'A Certain Sentiment #2'. Well the sentiment is 'You are there and I am here'. I knew immediately what I was going to make...

Patterned papers by Tapestry Lavender & Lace (luv this particular set of papers). Stamped bird and nest images by Crafty Secrets Bird Lovers set.

Here's the interior:

Left blank space for writing later.

This sentiment will suit a card I sent to my family who lives overseas. TTFN!

>>> Muddled! <<<

Oh gosh, I feel so bad as I had forgotten to attend my son's Assembly where he was to receive Star of the Week award. Picked him up and he showed me his award and said "Mom, you didn't attend!". Gosh, I've never felt so guilty in my life. I had completely forgotten and what's worst, I had received a text from the school asking me to attend and it was supposed to be a surprise too. My fault as I had forgotten to key that event into my phone calendar and as a result, was not reminded. These days, my brain's like a sieve and I need a reminder for any events coming up! I felt so awful the whole day not to mention such a wasted photo opportunity! Note to self: key in every event immediately into phone calendar! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 64 & 65 <<<

First of all, thank you for all the birthday wishes! Didn't do much on the actual day itself as it was a working day but had a BBQ the next day and the following, a trip to Drayton Manor theme park with the family! Had a great time but it's back to reality again!

Today's challenge, 'Mother's Day Card' is to create a card to honour a woman in my life. Well, I just went for Mother's Day as I need to send one to my mom. Here's my card:

Patterned papers by Cactus Pink Cotten Candy collection. Played with a Sugar Nellie image. Sentiment sent by G Studios and backgrounds stamped by Unity April KOTM image.

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Onto Day 64! (Was out the whole day and was too knackered to do any card when I came back) It's Super Sketchy Sunday and here's the sketch:
Here's my take on the sketch:

Patterned papers by Sweetwater Bloom collection. Stamped image by Hero Arts Chinese Dolls and sentiment by Unity. Border done using Martha Stewart embossed diamond punch.

Hopefully it will be back to normality tomorrow! TTFN!

>>> Drayton Manor <<<

So we prebooked to go to Drayton Manor with my SIL and her family. Not exactly my ideal place but at least it gives the chance for the boys to expand their energy and to spend time with their cousins!

Weather was brillant although not very warm when the wind blew! I was all covered up (better be warm than cold anytime!) The kids had a great time although I felt they didn't go on as much rides. In fact, majority of the rides suited adults more i.e. Maelstrom, Apocalypse, G Force, Pandemonium etc. Still they did go on some rides which satisfied them. We did visit the zoo as well. I leaves with some photos!

Oliver on one of the rides that goes up and down in Thomas Land.

This li'l boy actually won that humongous dinosaur by himself by throwing 2 boys into a basket! He was thrilled beyond bits at winning! We didn't carry that dinosaur with us all day. Hubs left it in the car after this shot.

The Mountain Buffalo Coaster ride.
The Sombrelo ride

The Flying Boat ride

The monkeys from the zoo.

The water ride, the last ride of the day. Good thing as they got wet! Thankfully after this, we went home.

The theme park close at 6pm. Here are the boys having a final pose!

On the crafting side, Caardvarks featured my Easter tags (they are having a weekend of showcasing readers' creations and my project was chosen to be featured). You can see it here! TTFN!

>>> 365 Cards Day 63 <<<

Today's challenge is entitled 'Floral Fest'. Basically create a card with 8 flowers. Here's mine:

Patterned paper by Cosmo Cricket Li'l Man collection. Stamped image by Unity and lattice border by Martha Stewart punch.

Did this card in a hurry at the moment as I've got guests coming for my BBQ. TTFN!

>>> Birthday BBQ <<<

Celebrated my birthday with a BBQ. Thankfully the weather held up, being cloudy with touches of sunshine at times. I made my usual birthday cupcakes.

Food was great. We had pork kebab (created by hubs), vege kebab (done by moi), chicken kebab, sausages, prawns (which I had forgotten to take pics of but they were delicious), chicken wings (prepared by hubs) and fried rice (cooked by hubs).

SIL brought me a cake (so sweet of her).

Nice to be surrounded by the kids... didn't get a chance to blow the candles... they did it for me!

Cake was absolutely delicious.
In case anyone is wondering, it's from Costco, including the sausages, chicken kebab and prawns (all courtesy from SIL)! The food from there was just fab! I dun generally like sausages but I have to admit that it was plain delicious!

My nephew accidentally lost his shoe in the bushes and that kept us busy hunting for it. Eventually SIL's boyfriend found it! Literally everyone had a go, poking around the fence.

Guests of mine helping to look for the missing shoe!

Gotta thank hubs for setting it up all. He did a great job preparing the bbq, marinating meat etc. and being the chef on that day too!

The evening was spent playing on my new Wii board. All of us (esp the adults) had a go on it, hula hooping, ski down the slope, ski jump etc. We had so much fun, laughing and exercising at the same time. No wonder I hit the sack immediately with my boys! Fab day and a great birthday! TTFN!