Men or Boys at Allsorts

 Ellie is holding the fort at Allsorts this time and her optional theme is

Men or Boys (anything goes also welcome)

This is a theme that I struggle with despite  Husband, two Sons and a Grandson!!

I had a little mooch through my paper pads and found a very old Craftwork Cards 8x8 pad called Coastal that inspired me. I have had a lot of fun heat embossing lately so chose a large sentiment stamp set (Mama Elephant, Make a Wish) and used Wow EP in Pepper. Matted and layered three of the papers and Bob's your Uncle...a male card!! 

Two A5 stamp sets from Sweet Poppy

    

Looking forward to seeing what you make. See you soon xx

Autumn Colours at Allsorts

 Don't these weekends roll around, I can hardly believe that we are changing the clocks tonight in the UK. That means it really is autumn, which leads me nicely to Brenda's optional theme at Allsorts Challenge which is

Autumn Colours 

I am in my element here as I LOVE the colours that the berrrrr (September, October, November) months bring with them.

Once again, I had a good old rummage through my crafty stash and found many card candi boxes (remember them from Craftwork cards?!), that triggered the memory of a Woodware stamp and this card was born!!

As luck would have it I had the perfect complimentary piece of paper in a very old Doodlebug Designs pad so used that (and the reverse side of the trimmed off bit) for the background. a jolly nice card to have "just in case". 

Prizes this time from  Stamp Addicts, 

I hope to get some leaf kicking walks in this weekend and probably some acorn collecting too. As it's been a "mast" year we have had more fruit, nuts and berries than ever before which has meant an absolute glut of acorns from our three oaks. They can be addictive to horses and in large quantities can cause death so we've had to fence them off and remove the acorns. It's a great workout!!

See you soon xx

Square or Not at AYLI

Hello everyone. Hope this week is being kind to you. I am here with inspiration for our new challenge at

where the theme is Square or Not? (with your reason of course)

In a bid to use excess card stock in my stash (and believe me there is a LOT!!) I have been making my own A6 card blanks. I also appear to accumulated many envelopes of the same size so win, win!!

This card was made using an old paper kit from Craftwork Cards. I subscribed to the monthly kits a very long time ago and this is Pretty Patchwork. All of the elements are from the kit.

Autumn is well and truly underway here in the UK and it's been glorious once more, after a week of much needed rain. Gales are forecase for tomorrow so I hope to get a little bit of crafty time. I am drowning in Wedding Invitations at the moment as Connor (youngest) and his Fiance, Amelia have asked me to make their wedding stationery...eeeek. 

See you soon xx

 

Christmas Food

 Welcome friends and visitors. Thank you for dropping in and I hope you have a good week in store.

In just two months it will be Christmas Eve so it's time to increase your Christmas card numbers!!

is now an Anything Goes (Cute & Christmas) Challenge now but we do give an optional theme. This time it's O' bring us some figgy pudding which means we would love it if you shared a card featuring some festive food.

 LOTV had 60% off so I had to support them and bought a couple of new images. Plum Pudding is the one that I have chosen to share today.

I coloured the sweet couple with Promarkers to match the Christmas Pud paper which was from an old Craftwork Cards pad. My paper trimmer blade is due to be replaced and leaving a feathery edge so I used my distressing tool and added some shabby chic touches by way of mesh and co-ordinating seam binding.

I am planning a "slow" week. Work has been rather busy with Flu Clinics for the last month. It's quite an event in the village and I really love being involved but smiling for ten hours straight is exhausting!! 

Mother Nature really is putting on a lovely Autumn show here although the rain and wind we've had is battering the poor trees somewhat. As much as I love being able to get up and enjoy the early morning peace during the Summer I much prefer the Autumn colours and temperatures that she brings. 

I shall leave you now andhope to see you join us with your Christmas Pudding and Turkey Stamps!!

See you later in the week xx

Birthday Bears

 Hello Friends. I hope today finds you well. 

I've got a Cutie Pie Challenge DT card to share today. The new challenge here is

BIRTHDAY BEARS

I used a  LOTV rubber stamp and coloured the adorable pair with Promarkers. I used an old Craftwork Cards stamp set for the sentiment. I can tell you, it was SOOOO hard not to add "stuff" to the CAS design!! There is a touch of sparkle on the daisy though!!

Thank you for dropping in, your company is much appreciated xx

Paper Piece It!!

 Hello crafty friends, hope you are all keeping well.

It is time, once again, for a new challenge with The Cutie Pies. The theme is paper piecing and I had truly forgotten just how fabulous this particular technique is. Doesn't her dress look gorgeous!? It was a tiny piece that I had left from another Julie Loves, Craftwork Cards collection.

She is, of course, a Pure Innocence stamp, the rest of her was coloured with Pro/Flexmarkers and the  textured paper came from my bits and pieces box too.

Looking forward to seeing your paper pieced makes xx

AYLI Tip

 Hello peeps, hope the world has been kind to you this week and that you have had some crafty time to yourselves. My work room is west facing and gets extremely hot in the afternoon and evenings so I have to plan my crafty time carefully at this time of year. Not sure why I felt the need to tell you that but hey ho!! Anyway, an early morning visit to the work room resulted in this......

I am in the driving seat over at AYLI this time where we are all about your crafty tips. Blogland is such a kind and generous place that we are hoping that you will share your little pearls of wisdom with us.

My tip for you is one that I use almost every time I make a card and that is to choose your paper before you colour your image so that you can make perfect colour choices and therefore coordinate the card. I always have the paper next to the image as I am colouring and then construct the card afterwards. Jules shared another rectangular sketch last week, #4, so I had to try it out!! Thank you again Jules.

The papers are from a  Craftwork Cards Julie Loves  pack and the stamp from a Woodware set. Perfectly coordinated colouring with Promarkers and a little bit of Stardust Stickles on the pom pom.

I remembered to make two this time!!

Finishing touches were seam binding and a little star punch with a matching pearl and enamel dot.

I hope that you will have a tip to share with us and look forward to seeing what you make.

See you soon

His or Hers

 Hello friends. Hope Thursday finds you well whether, like me you are on the cusp of Lockdown #2 or waking up to the possibility of a new President!! Whatever is going on where you are in the world I hope that you will be inspired by my little DT card for the new challenge starting at 

The theme is His or Hers.

I really was going to challenge myself and make a card for a fella but made the decision to stay true to myself and make what I love most, a girlie card. It also meant that I could delve into paper mountain and get some inspiration. I ended up choosing a lovely pad from Craftwork Cards as a backdrop for this adorable image from Lili of the valley She and her pooch were coloured with my Promarkers and the icing on the cake was glittered a bit.

Take care everyone and I hope that you will find the time to join us. 

See you soon xx

Delightful Digis

Good morning everyone, I hope you had a good weekend and are looking forward to the week ahead. I had a haircut on Friday...oh my days, it feels amazing and I will never take a good hair cut for granted ever again!!

Anyway, on to the matter in hand. I am here to shout about the latest challenge at

As always we want to see your cute images and this time a digi image.

Here is my card using an image from our sponsor.

Little Mia was coloured with Promarkers to match the Craftword Cards paper that I used. Since the mojo was lacking I paid a visit to Jules' sketch vault and chose #49 this time...she really does have some fab designs that she is happy to share.

On Saturday, armed with face coverings, we headed south to the coast. We had seen in the local paper that there were cruise ships anchored off the beach in Weymouth so went to have a look for ourselves. Never having been on a cruise, we were astonished by their size...gargantuan!!

There are actually six of them "parked up". What was most alarming was how quiet Weymouth was. We had our reservations about whether to go or not but need not have worried, it was like a ghost town. We treated ourselves to a picnic lunch from M&S where it was well organised and we safely got around the food hall following the arrows!!

And here are before and after hair cut shots. I did take the scissors to the fringe during lockdown!! I am embracing the natural highlights this time as I seem to be blessed with an even sprinkling of grey, so we'll see how that goes!!

So, that's all the news. I am thankful , as always, for your visits and words of encouragement.  It is a comfort to know that there is no social distancing here and we can come and go as we please!!

Take Care xx

Cutie Pie Challenge

Hello. It's a cute one from me today...no change there then!!

is ANYTHING GOES, as long as it's cute.

This cute little lady is Winnie from our sponsor

I used Promarkers to colour her to match the pretty papers which are from one of my many "Julie Loves" sets. As usual the design is quite simple but I found myself with a large white area, top right, so used my companion die and stamp set from Whimsy, which filled the space perfectly. The "everything" was heat embossed in white.

Have a good week xx

Some challenges

Pink and girly handbags

Hello friends. I hope my fellow Brits were able to enjoy the Bank Holiday yesterday. Blessed with dry weather too which doesn't happen that often!! As Monday is a normal working day for me it means that I get a one day working week which is also very pleasing!! 

 As promised here I am with a card that I put together for a couple of challenges that grabbed me. I have had a little sort through my stash and found a fair few unused items including the stamps I have used today. So my mission is to use or rehome anything that has been gathering dust.

A square card as usual covered with some paper that came from The Range. I used a very old Martha Stewart border punch for some detail and all the stamps used are part of a Craftwork Cards set from here. 

The message was heat embossed and I have coloured the smaller handbags and paper pieced the large one and then used glossy accents. Although not cute, I actually like this one!!

Before I go I have a couple of snaps that I took on my early morning walk with the hairy kids. There is the feel of autumn in the air and the blackberries are starting to appear. 

See you soon xx

The challenges that inspired me

Allsorts week 534/535 - Feminine

Sweet Stampin' - Pretty in Pink

Creations in Pink #13

Dainty Dancing

Hello crafty friends, hope all is well with you. I have a just for fun card to share with you today. The current theme at Sweet Stampin' inspired me to make this little card.

I used a Craftwork Cards paper pad for the layout, which is another of Jules' sketches, loosely based on #5 actually. The adorable little LOTV Dainty Dancer is the rubber version but can be found here. 

She was coloured with Promarkers.

That is me for now, I have Line of Duty to catch up with. Have a good evening xx

Some challenges

Allsorts #517 - Mothers Day or Feminine

I Love Promarkers #383 - Anything Goes =/- ribbon or a bow

Cute Card Thursday #580 - Anything Goes

Beary Cute indeed!!

Hello my crafty friends. I hope you had a lovely weekend, despite the ferocious weather, and are refreshed and ready to take this week in hand and make it a good one!! 

I am kicking mine off with a DT piece for 

where the challenge theme is BEARY CUTE so we would like you to raid your stash and share a card featuring a bear or two!!

Here is mine, using an image from our sponsor Crafty Sentiments

I have made an anniversary card for a change. The pretty papers are from a Craftwork Cards pad.

I hope that you will take some inspiration from my little card and dust off your bear stamps, decoupage or, perhaps, toppers and join us!!

I have had a busy couple of weeks work wise so my crafty time has been in short supply. My accident prone Husband had another trip to A&E last week following another head injury at work. I am considering buying him one of those blow up sumo wrestler suits for added protection!!

See you later in the week xx

Some challenges

Pop up box card

Hello everyone, I hope this finds you well. Late in the day for me, I know but I wanted to enter some challenges with my project.

I had been debating "should I or shouldn't I?" for some time about investing in the Lawn Fawn pop up box set and in the end decided that I should!! 

So, here is my first attempt.

I used a Craftwork Cards pad for the panels and used a very old floral border die for the blooms which I cut in four spring colours and then snipped and put back together ( I do hope that this satisfies the handmade criteria at Allsorts , if not please feel free to delete me!!). The grass is an icicle die, upside down 😁

This creation made me feel very light hearted and optimistic about the forthcoming spring, in fact it has been glorious here in Dorset today!! I have a feeling the dry weather is here to stay but the temperatures are due to plummet...at least the rain  has stopped, fingers crossed.

That's all for now, see you later in the week xx

Some challenges

Crafting with dragonflies #98 - Special folds
A gem of a challenge #213 - Spring flowers
Allsorts  #455 - Handmade flowers

Stars and Snowflakes

Welcome to a new week and a new challenge at

The Cutie Pie Challenge

The theme is Stars and/or Snowflakes. I made use of one of my Julie Loves kits from Craftwork Cards. I love this colour palette!! The digi image is an old one from Paper Nest Dolls, one of our sponsors.

As you can see, a really simple card.

I hope that you will manage to snatch a minute or two, during this busy time of year, to join us. We can't promise mince pies and mulled wine but a warm welcome is always available!!

See you soon friends xx

Some challenges

Dragonfly dreams - Non traditional Christmas colours
Addicted to stamps #159 - Seasons Greetings
Come and get it challenge - Christmas
Pink gem designs #209 - Anything Goes Christmas

AYLI Favourite Paper Pad

Hello everyone. Here I am to shout about the new challenge starting at

As You Like It

Your Favourite Paper Pad.

What???? I couldn't choose if my life depended on it!!  However...I somehow managed to subscribe to the Craftwork cards Julie Loves collections and have really been enjoying using these wonderful kits. I love the sweet Ditsy prints which I really like to use on my cards.

I used a couple of papers here to create a little background scene for Lazy Daisy. The cute little pair were coloured with Promarkers and I added a fence to finish the scene. We had a pony on the yard once that used to lie down when he thought he had worked hard enough,  rider and all!!

Before I go here are Surprise and I coming back from a walk a couple of weeks ago. She is much better now, thankfully.

Stylish I know...wellies and shorts!!

Thank you as always for your visit xx

Some challenges

Passion for Promarkers #413 - The great outdoors
The Ribbon Girl September Any Image
Digi Choosday #38 - Anything Goes
A gem of a challenge #203 - Fun Outside

Favourite Cutie Image

Welcome to another new week and another new challenge at

The Cutie Pie Challenge

It's a rather special challenge as it's our 6th Birthday and for the occasion we have lots of sponsors, so many chances to win!!

I used an image from Bugaboo, one of said sponsors.

She was coloured with Promarkers to match one of the elements from Craftwork Cards August kit (which is scrummy!!). I used my favourite colour combination here, pink and turquoise...ish, my summer wardrobe is based around these colours and sadly soon to be packed away and replaced by winter woolies and boots!!
Anyway, less of that!! Hope you, and your Cute cards, will join us for our celebrations!!

See you later in the week. Until then take care xx

Some challenges

Knitting Time

Hello crafters. It is my turn to showcase an image from Sasayaki Glitter. I thought I would stay away from the cute girlie images this time and, instead, chose a cute bunny with her knitting...as you do!! 

I used my Lyra Rembrandt pencils to colour her to match the Craftwork cards papers. I was lacking mojo so visited Jules in order to borrow another of her sketches. This one is #7. The sentiments are from a Clearly Besotted Stamp set and I used the coordinating die for the label too, although they must be discontinued as I can't find them on the website.

I chose this image because I have actually been knitting for a change and have just finished a, one ball, pretty shawl. It's purpose is to jazz up a very smart black full length coat that I bought last winter and never actually  got to wear because it was too warm!!

Thought you might like a peep.

It was made using Sirdar Colour Wheel and the pattern came on the ball band.

Thank you for your continued visits and comments xx

Some challenges
MAWTT #52 - Things beginning with B
Bunny, Balls (of yarn!!) and Banners
Craft Rocket Challenges #40 - Animals Kingdom
Kitty Bee #101 - Anything Goes 

AYLI - Favourite embellishment

Hello folks!! It's time to get your embellishments out and let us know at

which is your favourite!!

I am not one for a lot of embellishments but if I am feeling in a fancy mood I add ribbon to a card for a bit of interest. It adds a lovely touch to certain designs and still doesn't add too much bulk for posting, as you can see on my card.

Another card without a coloured image, I don't know what is going on lately!! This sweet little fairy and papers came free with a magazine and was perfect to send to a friend for her Birthday. All it needed was a gold mat and my perfectly matching ribbon. 

I usually say I am looking forward to the weekend because Martin will be off, and he will be, but I am abandoning the boys and going out on a "jolly" with the girls from work. We are going to Bournemouth to see Mama Mia at the Pavilion. I can't wait!! I love live theatre and it has been far too long since I have been to see a show. It's a matinee performance so I have booked us in for a nice lunch beforehand. We can dance and sing the calories off later!!

Anyway I know it's a bit premature but whatever the weekend has in store for you, I hope it's a good one!!

See you soon xx

The colours of your flag

Allsorts have had such great challenges lately and I have found myself with time to play along again. This week they are asking for projects using the colours of your flag. Well, being British I have chosen red, white and blue, but have also incorporated a little bit of yellow for Dorset. Yes the county of Dorset has a flag!!

Anyway here is my card using the latest Julie Loves kit, and a stamp from Craftwork Cards.

Better get ready for "walkies", I can hear excitement building and had better not disappoint as it is such a lovely day!! 

Hope yours is a lovely day whatever you are doing!!

Some Challenges

Allsorts #427 - Colours of your flag
Creative Fingers #135 - Anything Goes
Simply Papercraft #49 - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations #347 - Anything Goes