And yet again ... a Boy

Once again, here is that image that reminds me of my brother, just a mere 43 years ago. Cool Dude Joe from Digi Stamp Boutique. And yes! he did have a skateboard and then a go kart and then a bike and then a motor bike (I think Mum is still recovering from that one) and then a car. What is it with men and their obsession with things!!! 

I, on the other hand was perfectly happy with playing schools, Barbie dolls and Donny Osmond. Of course I am over all that stuff now. 

Got to dash, I am off out and have to find my purple cap and I am distracted by one of those old songs playing on my ipo ..... I mean, the radio "..... and they called it puppy love, I guess they'll never 

know ... ". 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:  

Southern Girls Going Spotty Dot
2 Sisters #144 1-2-3 (1 image, 2 words, 3 clouds)
Kaboodle Doodles #172 Stripes and/or Circles
Stamps and Fun #152 Card for a Man/Boy
Love to Create #66 Something for Kids
ABC Challenge N for not just one 
As You Like It #2 Favourite Colour Combo  - Blue and Green should never be seen except with a colour in between - I never did understand this rhyme. I love blue and green together. 

Card Mania #21 Spots and/or Stripes

Digi Sketch Cute

And again with the Boys

I've always liked the saying ..."When you are on a good thing - stick to it" and these cute Digi Stamp Boutique images are definitely a 'good thing' in my book. 
Luckily for me, I purchased the '3' set of images cause I love 3's of. 
Perhaps not so lucky for you - cause there is another one on the way. Stay tuned for 'skateboarding Joe"! 
The paper pad is MME All Spice and the Copic colours I have used are: E31,33,50,51,53,55,57 and 93

R20,22,24, and 27

YG91,93 and 95

BG70 and 72

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
2 Sisters #143 Mothers Day
The Squirrel and the Fox #43 Mothers Day
Cupcake Craft #242 Lots of Layers
Fab'n'Funky #171 Your Favourite Embellishment (Well with this card, the last card and quite probably, the next card - my favourite embellishment would be those cloud dies from Memory Box.)

Boys!!!

This little fella, 'Joe and Present' from Digi Stamp Boutique, looks exactly like my brother used to look... about 43 years ago. 

That cute, adorable, 7 year old, sandy haired kid, who could do no wrong. 

(If you believe that then you have never had a younger brother) 

I thought that he might like to give this card to Mum for Mothers Day. All I have to do now is to go and choose, buy and wrap the present for him to give Mum. I am sure that I will be greatly appreciated with a - "Oh good! Thanks for that. What did I get her!" 

Brothers! 

I think that my sister and I created a monster. A lovable monster that is. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

Moving Along with the Times One for the Guys

Stampin' for the Weekend Use Die Cuts or Punches

Created with Love Mothers Day

Pile it On #18 For a Mother

Love to Create For Mum

My Craft Spot #96 For Mom

As You Like It Favourite Dies (Love these Memory Box clouds and banner)

Cut it Up #18 Mothers Day and Die Cuts

The Squirrel and the Fox #43 Mothers Day     Top 3

Country Mama

I have discovered that I have a big problem. Okay, maybe more than one - for those who know me - BUT, my problem this week was the challenge to colour something pastel. 

I realised that pastel means: put down those Copics, stop colouring, don't add any more! 

What! 

It just goes totally against my normal: choose another colour, add more depth and only stop when the family needs to be fed!

I am so stressed now, I think I need a lie down ... on second thoughts, I think that I will get out B21,23,24,26,28,29 and even 39. Phew! I feel better. 

The Copics I used for this Country Mama image from Saturated Canary are:

B21,23 and 24

C00,2 and 4

RV91 and 93 

E31,50,51,53,55,57 and 93

the flower dies are from Joycrafts and the paper is from Kaisercraft Lavendar Haze range.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Digi Galore One for the Girls

Ladybug Crafts Spring

Sarah Hurley #79 Projects with Character

Allsorts #203 Passion for Flowers

Crafts for Eternity #120 Spring Flowers

Raise the Bar #140 Friendship

Stampin for the Weekend Friendship
Milk Coffee Welcome Spring
Saturated Canary #41 Anything Goes

Inky Impressions #105 Punches/Dies     Top 3

And for my dear Aunty June, who loved a glass of wine, a good book and a giggle. Cheers to you! With lots of Love. RIP. 

Sweet Fairwee

Isn't she just the cutest!!!! This is Sweet November Fairwee Josie's Brella. I was so inspired when I saw her over at Anita's blog and I just had to have her. Thank goodness for digi images, Paypal and tiny purchases that no one questions when looking at your bank statement. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew #33 Clouds     TOP 3

Fab 'n' Funky #165 April Showers

Divas by Design Spring Colours

Creative Moments #14 Things with Wings

All that Scraps Winged Things

Allsorts #201 Spring has Sprung

2 Sisters #138 Anything Goes

Sweet Stampin' - Girly

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is to create something 'GIRLY'. 
Saturated Canary are our sponsors this week along with our monthly sponsor, The Ribbon Girl. This is my last post with the fabulous Sweet Stampin' design team and I have loved every minute of being a part of this bunch of wonderful, friendly and supportive women. Thanks gals! 
The image I have used is called 'Thank You' and is from Saturated Canary. Those flowers are from my stash of stuff and that corner die is a Memory Box 'Madera Corner'. 
The Copic colours I have used are:
Skin: E50, 51, 53, 93
Hair: E43, 44, 47, 49
Clothes: YR0000, 000, 00, 02, 04, 07, 09, 27
V01, 09, 12, 15, 17
W0, 1, 3
I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

No Matter Which Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesdays #113 Anything Goes

Charisma Cardz Happy Birthday

C.R.A.F.T. #200 Mothers Day/Female

Whoopsi Daisy Use a digi

Marker Pop #19 Use Glitter     TOP 3
Brown Sugar Flowers
2 Sisters Sparkle and Shine
Head on over to Sweet Stampin' and see lots of amazing inspiration from the team.

Sweet Stampin' - Easter

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is to create a card for 'EASTER'. I have used little Easter Emma from CC Designs. 

I tried to make her look like she had lovely freckles but now I just think that she looks like she has the measles and is a bit sad. Maybe if you glance at the card quickly then turn away ... that may help.

Our sponsor for this week is The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and our monthly sponsor is Ribbon Girl

The paper pad is Summer by Authentique and I have used the following Copic markers:

Y00, 02, 06, 08, 11, 15, 32 and 38

E50, 51, 53 and 93

BG72, 75 and 78

R00 and 01

C1 and 3

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Incy Wincy Designs Things that begin with an "F" (Flowers)

Simply Create Too #33 Easter

On Cloud 9

If someone asked me right now to choose my favourite colour it would definitely be ... GREEN. 

What a coincidence!!! I just happen to be sitting at my desk in front of this green card that I have just made. 

Luckily, I wasn't in my kitchen ... cause then it would be red and if I was looking in my wardrobe ... it would be blue and then this post would have made no sense at all. Or should I say - less sense.   

I have used another Tiddly Inks image - little Wryn on Cloud 9 as well as a Kaisercraft paper pad called Chapter One and the following Copics:

G0000, 000, 00, 12, 21 and 82

YG 63 BV23 R20

E50, 51, 53, 55, 57 and 93  

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Whoopsi Daisy 2 PatternedPapers

Party Time Tuesdays #110 Die Cuts

Inky Impressions #100 St Patricks or Green

Flutterby Wednesdays #230 Open - and a Butterfly

Crafts and Me #123 Tag It

Southern Girls #64 Tag You're It

4 Crafty Chicks #132 Die for Dies

Simply Create Too #32 Use mostly Green

Card Makin Mamas Green

Cupcake Inspirations #200 Choose a challenge (#34)

Sweet Stampin' - Embossing

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is "Embossing". 

Our sponsors are Sir Stampalot who are giving away 2 Molly Bloom Stamps to a random winner and there is also a voucher up for grabs at the end of the month from The Ribbon Girl.

This little digi image is Wryn from Tiddly Inks and that Window frame is from Memory Box. I have used a couple of embossing folders on the front on my card. On the inside, I have stamped my words in black Versafine ink (my favourite) and embossed with clear embossing powder. 

I love clear embossing powder cause it doesn't make a mess on the floor, oops, I mean table. Well ... I guess it does - you just don't see it. Actually, after eye strain from cutting out around Wryn and those tiny heart flowers, I am surprised that I can see at all.)

The Copic colours I have used are:

Skin: E50,51,53 & 93

Hair: YR20, 23 and Y28

Dress and Flowers: RV63,66 and 69

Flowers and Pot: BG45,49,57,70 and 72 

I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

C.R.A.F.T #196 Use Embossing

Sweet Pea Use a Digi image

Sweet 'n' Sassy #94 Girl Time

WOW Embossing Powder Anything Goes

Natalie and Amy #7 Diecuts

Sweet Stamps #106 Embossing folder, Die and Stamp

Moving Along with the Times Lovely Ladies
My Time to Craft #211 Embossing
Allsorts #196 For a Lady (My Mum loves these 'cute' images)

Made with Love

Just thought that I would share with you a card that I made recently. The paper pad is Authentique, the flower dies are from My Favourite Things and that image - well who doesn't love Saturated Canary.
The Copics I have used are:
Skin: E50, 51, 53 and 93
Hair: N5, 7 and 9
Clothes: RV13, 14, 17 & 19
Surrounds: BG0000, B000 and 0

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Fab 'n' Funky #159 Flower Power
Crafts and Me #121 Add a Charm     WINNER
Crafting for all Seasons #46 Dies and Punches
Saturated Canary #37 Love
Craft us Crazy #37 Use your Favourites
(These flower dies from MFT and any Saturated Canary image)
Simply Create Too #31 For a Female
Crafty Catz #171 Dies and Punches
Card Makin Mamas Birthday     TOP 3
Stamptacular Sunday #204 Swirls and Lace
Sentimental Sunday #143 Flowers Flowers Flowers and a Sentiment

Thanks so much for visiting me.

Sweet Stampin' - Stars and Stripes

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is Stars and Stripes. I have gone with the traditional Red White and Blue, but you can choose any colours you like, as long as you have stars and stripes on your project (and something stamped, of course). 
Pop on over to Sweet Stampin' and see the colourful creations from the rest of the team. 

We are sponsored this week by Stamp Fairy who very generously donated an image to each design team member. This little cutie is called Mimi Stars. Also, our monthly sponsor, The Ribbon Girl has a voucher to give away to a lucky winner.

The papers I have used are from LOB. Come on ... you want to know, don't you? 
What is LOB? A new paper company! 
No! it's my 'Left Overs Box' of course. You know when you use a piece of 12 x 12 and you have a bit left over? Well that bit gets neatly cut into a square (throwing away any scrappy little bits) and placed into a box with other papers that have experienced the same fate... a bit left over. 

I guess that I just could have called it my 'stash' but in the days of LOL, OMG, BTW and WTF, I think LOB sounds heaps cooler. I can hear it now! "Mum, please stop using words like 'cool'. You are so embarrassing :) 

Happy Valentines Day

Whooo Hooo! (my 17 year old will not be happy with that beginning. I can hear her now, "Mum, you are so embarrasing") Anyway ... whooo hooo! It is Valentines Day and there are heaps of  'Love' challenges at the moment. AND I just happen to be making a card for Ashleigh, a girl I work with, and thought that I would enter into a 'few' challenges - okay 12. (More like a few fews.)
I have used Hugs and Kisses from Saturated Canary and a paper pad from MME called Lime Twist Happy Go Lucky. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

Simply Create Too #30 Valentines Day/Hearts

Allsorts #193 Valentines

A Gem of a Challenge #66 Hearts/Valentines

2 Sisters #130 Hearts

The Squirrel and The Fox #37 Love

Stamptacular Sunday #202 From the Heart

Dream Valley #50 Valentines

Cupcake Inspirations #197 Photo inspired - Heart

Ooh La La #123 Love Story

Love to Create #52 Feelin the Love

The Cutie Pie Challenge #37 Valentines

Top Tip Tuesday #95 Let me call you Sweetheart
Happy Valentines Day all! 

Sweet Stampin' - Love is All Around

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is "Love is All Around". Our sponsor is this week is Cuddly Buddly who have loads of cute digi images and they have a voucher to give away to a lucky winner. Also The Ribbon Girl is our monthly sponsor and they will also give a voucher to a lucky winner of the month.  

The image I have used is Uptown Girl, Lucille from Stamping Bella and the papers are from MME Honey Cake paper pad. 

I will enter this card in the following challenges:

The Squirrel and the Fox #36 Something New (Lucille)

Stamptacular #200 Spots and Stripes

Paper Playtime #2 Use some brown
ABC #14 Valentines Day     TOP 3

Shopping our Stash #87 Valentine, Hearts, Love
Bearly Mine #71 Hearts Galore
The ABC Challenge 'G' is for Going Dotty

Sweet Stampin' - Show us your Frillies

This week at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is to "Show Us Your Frillies!"  Now we don't want to get too personal but anything with frills or ruffles would be perfect. Our sponsor this week is Lili of the Valley and our sponsor for January's prize draw is the Ribbon Girl.  

I have used Cherry Pip from Sugar Nellie with her frilly dress and the paper pad is Simple Stories Harvest Lane (thank you Glenice) with some 'frilled' grass. 

I will enter this card into the following challenges:

Allsorts #190 Flower Power

Card Mania #12 Oh, So Girly

Sparkles #40 Die Cuts and Flowers

Divas by Design Make it Girly

Crafting for all Seasons #43 Something New (paper pad)

Charisma Cardz #2 Punch it! Use at least 2 punches 

Stampin' for the Weekend Something Girlie     TOP 3
Dream Valley #49 Girls Girls Girls. 
Pop on over to Sweet Stampin' to see some fabulous inspiration from the team.

Make a Wish

I felt like doing something BIG and BOLD and BRIGHT and cute. How did I go? This is a Mo Mannings image called 'Make a wish'. The papers are from my old stash of stuff and I have of course, coloured with my Copics.   

I will enter this card in the following challenges: 

Crafting When We Can #35 Favourite Things (Bright and bold papers and this cute
Mo Manning image)

Glitter and Sparkle #15 Use a Digi

Allsorts #189 Dies and Punches

Flutterby Wednesdays #222 Open - and with a butterfly

Sweet Stampin' - White plus one

Have a look at my card and guess what I got for Christmas!!! Yes! you guessed it - I got a sandwich maker. A fabulous sandwich maker. Not just any sandwich maker but a red metallic sandwich maker. A sandwich maker which matches my red metallic toaster and my red metallic kettle.

Oh hang on .... you were thinking that I got this Poppy Stamps Small Madison Window 

and Small Flower Box.  

Silly silly you! 

The sandwich maker was in a pre-Christmas catalogue that was delivered to my letterbox. It was right on the front page and easy to circle with pen and place subtly on the breakfast table. 

Imagine for a moment trying to explain the above item. "Honey, I would really like this die thingy - it cuts out a window - and there is a box that goes with it - no not in a box - a window box - that is a die thingy too - and you put flowers in it - and it goes on a card - and you have to go into the craft shop."  

Really ... that would have been mean to expect anyone to understand that. 

It was just better to go off and buy my little craft items and simply add them to my stash as if they have been there for ages. 

Now that I have finished this card, I am off to make myself a cup of tea and a toasted sandwich. 

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is "White Plus One". Our sponsor for the month is The Ribbon Girl and and for this week it is Cuddly Buddly. Both have vouchers to give away so pop on over to Sweet Stampin' and join in. 

I will enter this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments New ... (new dies)

Bearly Mine #67 Something Old and Something New (flower punches and window die)

The ABC challenge E for Embossing

Creative Moments #7 Embossing

Sweet Stampin' - Seeing Double

A week ago, friends were asking me if I had finished my 'last minute' shopping. 

WHAT!!! A week ago - I had barely started. 

This continued through the week. Five days to go, three days to go ... "So Jenny, have you done your last minute shopping?" 

I think that it is time that we clearly defined the words 'last minute'. 

To me - last minute - means that I finish work on Christmas Eve at 2pm and race to the shops and run around like a crazy person before the shop keepers kick me out at 6pm or until the security guards come at 6.05pm

So ... in answer to your question - "Have I finished my last minute shopping?" the answer is "No! cause I am saving that until the last minute". 

I could possibly be just a teeny bit jealous of my super organised friends. But ssshhh! don't tell them.

This week at Sweet Stampin' we are "Seeing Double" which could have something to do with Christmas parties and alcohol. Not that I would know anything about that, cause I have been busy getting my Christmas shopping done. Hah! 

For you, it means putting two of anything on your card and joining in our fun at Sweet Stampin'. Our sponsor this week is Letraset who are giving away a set of Promarkers to a lucky winner and Joanna Sheen also has a monthly prize for you too.

I will enter this card in the following challenges:

Use your Stuff #65 Symmetry     Featured

There's Magic in the Air Snowmen or Anything Christmas

OLLCB #120 Reflections     Top 3

Ladybug Crafts Ink Anything Goes for Christmas

Celebrate the Occasion #93 Christmas Anything Goes

Craft Us Crazy #33 Merry Christmas

Aud Sentiments Use any Sentiment

I was going to wait until the last minute but that would be so unlike the 'new' me, so ....

  I wish all of my fabulous followers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year . 

Sweet Stampin' - Dies and/or Punches

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is to use Dies and/or Punches. 

These are some of the little gift tags that I have made. 

Okay ... drag it out of me why don't you! 

So these are the ONLY little gift tags I have made. 

Three! Somehow, I don't think that is going to be enough. My cuttlebug is definitely going to get a work out ... any day now.  How long is it til Christmas? Don't answer that!

Just pop on over to Sweet Stampin' and join in the fun.

I am entering these cards in the following challenges: 

That Craft Place No Squares Allowed

Sketchy Colours #142 Red White and Green 

No Matter Which #5 Christmas

Ladybug Crafts #4 Christmas or Winter

Paper Playtime #90 Christmas Colours

Top Tip Tuesday #91 Christmas

Deep Ocean #40 So This Is Christmas

PaperPlay #49 Christmas is Coming

Craft Us Crazy #32 Christmas

Charisma Cardz #48 Christmas

Ribbons and Snowflakes

Over at Sweet Stampin', Team Fi have a new challenge for you. The theme is Ribbons and Snowflakes. They are sponsored by The Stamp Fairy and the girls have some fabulous cards to show you. 

This week, I have had a little bit of a tidy up in my craft space and have placed my stamps into nice neat drawers. Unfortunately, I ran out of time while I was organising, so the only "system" I have with them so far is ... 'Christmas' and ... 'Everything Else'.  

As you can tell, it is not quite perfected yet, but those stamps WILL be sorted into a more orderly and specific manner. 

For a little while though, it was like Christmas had come early at my house. Picture me sitting on the floor .....oooo! look at that one! I remember that! Oh! so cute! Ooops, two of the same, I should use this more! I love that stamp! brand new and never used, where did I get that one, I didn't know I had that. 

It is hard to believe that I ran out of time, isn't it? :-)

Anyway .... I found this cute Penny Black snowman called Little Snowy. I have used Simple Stories 12 x 12 paper and the same paper from the 6 x 6 paper pad. 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

2 Sisters #120 Christmas Sparkle 

Ladybug Crafts Snowflakes

The Crafty Pad #198 Add some Glitter     TOP 5

Stamptacular Sunday #191 Winter Bliss     TOP 3

Ooh-La-La Creations #119 Spots and Dots

Divas By Design #63 Glitter and Sparkle

Fussy and Fancy #77 I love Christmas

Crafts 4 Eternity #100 Christmas Chaos 

Sweet Stampin' - Flowers

This week over at Sweet Stampin' we have a FLOWER challenge for you. We are sponsored by Emerald Faeries who are giving away 2 digis to a lucky winner and our monthly sponsor Joanna Sheen

I have used this cute little Emerald Faeries image called Ally and Beeble and my flower die cuts are from Papertrey Ink.

Plus, we are celebrating our 3rd birthday over at Sweet Stampin' and we have some fabulous candy to give away. All you have to do is enter the challenge and display our badge on your blog. Easy as! 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

One Stitch at a Time #140 Use a Digi

Whoopsi Daisy Die Cuts and Punches

Crafty Cardmakers #79 More Than One Die Cut

Moving along with the Times Lets Go Dotty

Polka Doodles #47 Any Die Will Do

Fussy and Fancy #76 Feeling Blue

Delicious Doodles #12 Something that Flies
Ladybug Crafts #3 Monochrome/tonal 

Beary Merry Christmas

Recently I was lucky enough to win a voucher from Stamp Fairy. Of course, the hardest part was deciding which images I loved the most but little Barry here stood out and said "pick me pick me!". 
Okay, so digital images can't talk, I know that. 
It was actually my trusted and life long friend, Ted E. Bear, who suggested I get these. 
No! no-one else heard him - he only whispers to me. 
I am entering this card in the following challenges: 

Fairy Tale Challenge #54 Embossing

Polka Doodle #46 Square Card with a Round Element

Raise the Bar #120 Bears

Fab n' Funky #147 Lets See Those Bears

Freshly Brewed #122 Lots of Dots

My Heart Pieces Anything Cute

Moving Along with the Times Seeing Stars   Top 3

The Crafty Pad #197 Christmas

Sweet Stampin' - Anything Goes

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge to you is -  Anything Goes. We are sponsored by Stamp Fairy who have very generously given the DT some images to play with  - as well as Quixotic Paperie and our monthly sponsor Joanna Sheen. This little Molly usually has Autumn leaves floating around her -  but without them, I thought that she was perfect to give a great big hug. 

I could not believe that on the week that I desperately needed our printer - that it threw its little toner in the air, clogged up its rollers and refused to respond to repeated pressings of the start button. 

What a temperamental little miss she is! 

All I needed to do was to print out a few Molly images and then three more images on different patterned paper and I was confronted by a sign taped to the front of the printer saying 

"Do not use - not working". 

I went directly to my partner cause he is the all round Mr. Fix-it in our house - only to discover that it was he that put up the sign. What the! Can't you just fix it!  I know that sounds a touch irrational ... but I had a card to make!!! 

Anyway, five days later and my printer is now purring happily beside me. Don't worry, I am keeping my eye on her just in case she has another tantrum.

Pop on over to Sweet Stampin' and join in. 

BOO! It's Halloween

I don't really 'do' Halloween. Plus, I don't normally 'do' scrunching and inking and I rarely 'do' distressing.  I do however, 'do' die cuts, I do 'do' cute images and I do 'do' colouring - so I guess that I actually do 'do' what I said that I don't do. 

One thing that I know I definitely 'do' is that I don't resist super cute images like this one from Sassy Cheryl's called Wicked Witch of the West Charlie . 

I will enter this card in the following challenges: 

Moving Along with the Times Too Cute to Spook

My Time to Craft #194 Halloween

Craftymess #20 Halloween

2 Sisters #115 Halloween or Fall Colours     Winner!

Cupcake Craft #216 Witches and Pumpkins

Top Tip Tuesday #88 Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!

Sweet Stampin' - What's Cooking!

This week over at Sweet Stampin' our challenge is "What's Cooking/Something to Eat".
I thought that these papers from Kaisercraft and this Mo Manning image were both a perfect fit for the challenge. 

We are sponsored by Whimsy Stamps who are giving away 5 free digis of the winners choice and our monthly sponsor is Joanna Sheen.  

Luckily for me, I enjoy cooking ...  and I have a partner and a son who both love eating. Can you actually ever fill up a man/boy? Do they have a cut off point? I know that I often hear the words - I'm hungry/Is there anything to eat/How long will dinner be? But, I don't recall ever hearing "I have had enough. I just couldn't eat another thing"? So to all those mothers of young boys - remember ... it will only get worse. (lol) 

Thank you to all of my lovely followers for your support and much much much appreciated comments. 
Have a great weekend all. 

Happy Birthday Sis

My sister had a birthday recently and I am so confused. I always thought that she was 21 and has been 21 for a number of years now. That would make me 19 - not a bad age. 
But not long after her birthday we celebrated her sons 21st birthday. See ... confused! 

I realised that you know you are getting old when your children turn your desired age. Bugger! 

So, I will start again ..... My sister had a birthday recently and she turned 30 which makes me 28 - not a bad age - and that is how it is going to stay for at least another 9 years. :-)

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Perfect Sentiments Happy Birthday

Card Mania #5 Happy Birthday     Top 3

Lollipop Crafts #92 Happy Birthday     Top 3

Sentimental Sundays #124 Black/White and another colour     Top 3

Sweet Stampin' - Autumn Leaves and Trees

This week over at Sweet Stampin' we are having an Autumn Leaves/Trees challenge. We are sponsored by Lily of the Valley as well as our monthly sponsor, Joanna Sheen, both with vouchers to give away.

Of course, here in Australia we are in Springtime but luckily for me, where I live, in Melbourne, we can have often have four seasons in just one day so it is no problem for me to imagine Autumn. Just this last weekend, we had the hottest October day in ... lots of years and then last Thursday it was 13 degrees C (55F). 

See what I mean - we are prepared for anything here.  

So wherever you are and whatever sort of weather you are having, join in our challenge. 

If you are looking for some inspiration, head on over to Sweet Stampin.
I have used Sassy Cheryls digi image - Jeni's Ladybug and Basic Grey - Picadilly paper pad.
I will show this card to:
Sassy Cheryl #95 Show Me Thursday

and I will enter the following challenges: 

Sketchy Colours #134 Orange Brown and White   Winner
Inky Impressions #80 Colours of Autumn     Winner
Sarah Hurley #73 Autumn     Top 3

Little Red Wagon #154 Fall     Featured

Cupcake Craft #213 Autumn/Winter     Top 5

Love to Create #36 Fall Fun - Autumn

Die Cutting Divas #86 Fall Colours

Craft Us Crazy #28 Children or Fall     Winner

To You From Me

Phew! I am back - colouring with my Copics and no Vintage. 
I made this card for my very good friend, Glenice for her 21st birthday (see Glenice, I can keep a secret, I won't tell anyone that you are not really 21) and I used some colouring tips from another good friend Amanda (pop on over and see her blog - amazing!!!) I have used a Tiddly inks image, MFT flower dies and paper from the Penny Black Madison pad . 

I will enter this card into the following challenges:
Moving Along with the Times Seeing Red     Top 3
Stampin for the Weekend #18 Feeling Floral
The Crafty Pad #190 Floral
Joanna Sheen Down in the Garden     Daily talent spot
Stamptacular Sunday #183 It's your Birthday
The Cutie Pie Challenge #28 Use a digi   Winner
The Crazy Challenge #130 Handmade Flowers
Lollipop Crafts #91 Something Old Something New (Old is the leafy flourish die from MFT and New is the image)

Sweet Stampin' - Vintage

         This week over at Sweet Stampin' we are having a 'Vintage' challenge. 

I managed to find some vintage paper and some old fashioned stamps and just went to work with my distress inks. I am sure that, any day now, all that ink will come off my fingers ... any day now. I know that there is some stuff that will get it off. I just don't happen to own any. 

Someone told me that you can get a similar distressed look by burning the edges of paper. So I thought that would be a good option for next time. I will keep my hands really clean and just play with paper and fire. 

Ummmm, on second thoughts ...

Crafty Ribbons is our weekly sponsor and Joanna Sheen is giving away a voucher to a lucky winner again this month. 

Pop on over to Sweet Stampin' and get your hands dirty! 

You are too Tweet!

 You already know the story. This little Wryn and her 'tweet' friend, Wren from Tiddly Inks ....totally Paypal's fault! Totally! I had nothing to do with it! Well ... maybe I did press a button or two - but Paypal made me do it!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
The Crazy challenge #129 Spots or Stripes

Totally Stampalicious Girly Birthday

Paper Playtime #84 Punches + Sentiment
Simply Stampin' Faux or Sew

Fab 'n' Funky #139 Things with Wings

Crafting for all Seasons #36 Things with Wings

Charisma Cardz #37 Things with Wings
2 Sisters #110 Things with Wings

Have a 'hoppy' day

This is Wryn from Tiddly Inks and you may see her a few more times on my blog.

But ... it's NOT my fault. Paypal made me do it! 

When I saw this little Wryn image, even though I knew I had to have her ... I resisted. I decided that I didn't need her, nor did I need the Wryn and Wren image or the Wryn - Grow a little love image. 

I just simply did not need them! 

But then - out of the corner of my screen popped that little Paypal icon and I knew... it was a sign ... not only did I need these images ... I had to have them ... now.

I wonder if this has ever happened to anyone else. It just amazes me that the 'Paypal power' is so much stronger than that silly thing they call 'willpower'. 

Gee, I hope that I don't ever start to collect diamonds or Ferrari's. Then Paypal will have a lot to answer for!!! 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Sarah Hurley #72 Something Magical (You couldn't get more magical than a frog in a crown)
Challenge up your Life #78 Fantasy (There is that frog and crown thing again)
Dream Valley #41 Celebrations (A birthday certainly is)

Aud Sentiments #63 A Funny Sentiment (Perhaps not side splitting but ... a giggle, maybe)

Paper Playtime #84 Punches and a Sentiment (Got both of those)

Sweet Stampin - Simply Sentimental

I've done it, I've done it, I've done it! I have made a Christmas card - in September! 

I have been patting myself on the back all day. 

This week over Sweet Stampin' we are having a Simply Sentimental challenge. That means that we would like to see a sentiment as the focal point on your card. You may include another image as well, as long as the sentiment is the feature. Our sponsor is Stamp and Create and they have a $20 gift voucher to give away as well as Joanna Sheen with a voucher for a lucky monthly winner.

I do have to confess though, that I didn't intend to make a Christmas card at all. 

I went hunting through a box of stamps hoping to find some big and bold writing. I found a stamp and inked it up in a nice chocolate brown and embossed it in clear embossing powder (cause I had in mind some paper to use). 

I chose the spellbinders die that suited it and then .... I read the words. You are probably wondering how I can get to that stage of a card and not realise what the words say. Obviously, quite easily.  

So then it was a mad hunt to search out some Christmas paper - to match that brown (from the year before last I think), some glitter card, a bit of bling and hey presto! Christmas in September. 

Feel free to use any word stamp and check out the creations from the rest of the Sweet Stampin' design team here.

Back to School

There are heaps of challenges at the moment for 'Back to School'. The best thing about joining in challenges like this is that I have my cards ready and done for when I actually need them. Our major holidays here in Australia are over our summer months and back to school is late January. 

But look how organised I am!!!! 

I know a couple of 'book loving' children who are starting school next year so these cards will be perfect for them .... provided I put them in a safe spot and then remember where I put them. Hopefully, I will find those Christmas cards I put away last year.

I am entering this little fella in the following challenges: 

Incy Wincy Back to School    Top 3

Card Crafters Circle #38 For the Fellas

A Gem of a Challenge #54 A Boy Thing

By the Cute and Girly Men or Boys

Use your Stuff #50 Navy Blue and Orange   Top 3

Here Come the Boys #35 Teddy Bears   Top 3

The Crazy Challenge #128 Seeing Spots

Crafty Sentiments Male Cards

I have used Digi Stamp Boutique images, Authentic Free Bird Series 6 x 6 paper pad and my much loved Copic markers for both of these cards.

I am entering this little cutie in the following challenges:

Fussy and Fancy Back to School

Just Some Lines Back to School

No Matter Which #2 Die Cuts and/or Punches

Marker Pop #6 Yellow   Top 3

Love to Create #31 Back to School   Top 5

Incy Wincy Back to School

Tuesday Throwdown #114 Back to Books

Digi Stamp Boutique A card using a DSB image

Sweet Stampin' - Inspired by a Song or Film

This week over at Sweet Stampin' we are sponsored by Papelitos Stamps and our theme is
"Inspired by a Song or Film".
So what do you do first? You can choose a song/film and then find an image to match OR you can find an image and then troll the internet for a matching song/film. 

I saw this little girl and thought that she looked sad (duh!) and also, lost ... and Delta Goodrem's song just popped into my head. I love it when things go 'pop' and I didn't even have to 'troll' at all :)
All of you Aussies will know Delta and here is a link for anyone who would like to sing along.
Our sponsor, Papelitos is giving away 3 digis as a First prize and 1 digi as a Second prize. Plus we have our monthly sponsor Joanna Sheen with a voucher to give away as well.
This is little Papelitos 'June', the papers are Authentique Endless and Fair Weather and I have coloured with my Copics.

Head on over to Sweet Stampin' and join in with us. 

I will enter this card in the following challenges:
The Crafty Pad Twine
One Stitch at a Time Use a Digi