WELL!

After announcing my intentions to blog more regularly and join in with some challenges again, wouldn't you just know that the 'real world' would scupper those plans.
February flew past before I could even blink ..... March stomped in boldly and then charged out again taking Easter and Mother's Day with it ..... and as for April!   It's advanced at an alarming speed and is showing no inclination of slowing down any time soon!  
Sooooo ... I've decided to make some marks here before May makes it's presence felt or I get jumped by June.

Let's get things rolling with a card for
Crafter's Companion UK April Challenge - Flowers

I had printed off one of their free Valentine downloads, but never got around to actually making anything with it, so thought I'd just see if I could make it work for this challenge. 
Simple flower embellishments were made by cutting out some of the hearts and curling the edges. They make perfect petals when glued together to form a circle.  The large flower centre was made by snipping into one of the printed border strips and then gluing it onto a small punched circle ... both flowers were then decorated with a coordinating button to finish.   The fancy flourish doubles up as a very pretty leaf don't you think?  Hero Arts stamps provide the simple greetings and the little birdy gets a wing from half a leftover heart.

Inside is simply decorated with one of the downloaded backing papers matted onto black card and finished off top and bottom with pieces of the border strip. 
So there you are ... that's how you use a Valentine themed download for a flower challenge. I'd also like to submit to the following challenges...
Ladybug Crafts - Leap Into Spring 
Brown Sugar Challenge - Spring 
Crafts and Me Challenge - Spring Flowers 
Crafting For All Seasons - Floral Delight 
Allsorts - Spring Has Sprung 
Here are a few of the other cards I was busy with in February ... it was a fairly heavy month for special landmark birthdays with numbers on.

My Nephew became a teen

My Brother celebrated being 21 ... with 29 years experience!

For Naomi's bowling pal

Fizzy Moon For My Niece

A bit of Decoupage

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

I cannot finish without telling you that after 4 cancelled bookings since September 2012 due to bad weather, my 17 year old daughter Naomi finally got to do her Skydive from 10,000 feet on 23rd February 2013, raising well over £1000 for Edinburgh Sick Kids Foundation. 

Proud doesn't even come close!

If you'd like to see the awesome footage click on the photo.  The music is muted so as not to breach copyright.

Flaming June? ...

Errrrmmm ... I don't think so!
Any hint of flames would be quickly extinguished in the abysmal weather we've had recently.
However on a more positive note ...
It was my son's birthday yesterday and obviously cards were needed so what better excuse could there be to give my crafty stash a long overdue airing?

As he is, (and always has been), a dedicated Nintendo fan, the only difficulty was in deciding which character to use.  After much deliberation, I plumped for Mario and Yoshi simply because they're in my own personal list of favourites. 
An A5 card blank was covered with star paper and Yoshi was printed a couple of times so I could decoupage him for a 3D effect, (although it isn't showing very clearly in the photos).  Once dry this was matted onto gold mirri and placed on the front panel with foam pads.  The sentiment was something that simply popped into my head while I was pootling,  so I quickly printed it, used coloured chalk to kind've match the background paper and cut it out with an oval nestie before matting onto a gold mirri scalloped oval.

Inside I used another piece of the star paper and the Teddy-Bo freebie stamp from this month's Simply Cards and Papercraft provided the perfect greeting.

One down ... one to go!
Sticking 2 DL size cards together gave me a tri-panel card, the front of which was decorated with fabulous blue glittery paper - a perfect background for Mario to fly through.  I cut some silver stars with the cuttlebug and placed an embossed panel across the bottom instead of a stamped greeting.

Red card was scored and embossed top and bottom and stars were cut with nesties for a bit of decoration on the middle section.

Another silly sentiment was matted onto a slightly larger piece of blue glittery paper and the inside was done in a jiffy!  

Cards completed and I'm pleased to say he was delighted with them.

Bah! Humbug! 37 - Stars

My DT example for Bah! Humbug! this week follows a wonderful Acetate Card Tutorial, which demonstrates a simple technique to ensure your background doesn't tip forward when the finished card is on display.   Not good if you've been sneaking the sherry LOL!  It was written by my very good Humbugger buddy and VERY bad influence Ann, who constantly leads me into temptation where crafting goodies are concerned and is responsible for my ever growing obsession with rubber - of the stamping kind in case you're wondering.  

I used the free downloads from the new 'Beatrix Potter - A Winter's Tale' release which is currently available for members at Crafter's Companion.   Very generous and perfect for those of us who have to be a bit more canny with their 'cally-dosh' at the moment.    I'm entering their Monthly Challenge where the prize up for grabs is the whole Winter's Tale Collection - SQUEAL! - so wish me luck.   I will try to remember to breathe until the winner's name has been announced and not be too disappointed if the random winner isn't me!
As I have mentioned before, decoupage is definitely not my favourite technique but, as the ideal choice for this kind of card, I had no choice but to get out the snips and have to confess now I see the finished result,  it was worth making the effort.   As I'd only printed 2 sheets of background scenery, I improvised for an additional layer with a piece of blue glitter card which was torn and then attacked with Icicle Stickles.   AND because I love the 'Stickles Effect' so much, the trees and snow were punished severely too.   

See what I mean?

The bunnies are also decoupaged, although it is difficult to see the layers in this photo - and yes - they were also 'stickled' within an inch of their little bunny lives.  The extra sparkle hasn't slowed them down any though.
My original intention was to add the stars randomly across the acetate front, but I was reluctant to hide the scenery so opted for arranging them across the sentiment panel at the bottom.  Acetate cards can have a tendency to topple unless heavy duty acetate is used, so doing this helps as a card stabiliser.
The other DT members Ann, Irene and our Guest Designer Anne, have some beautiful starry samples to show you so head over and check them out too.

A Movie Star?

Do you think this dapper chap looks like a movie star from the 50's or 60's?  He reminds me of Cary Grant or Rock Hudson or another of the big movie legends of that era.

His name is Raymond, (apparently), and he's a Kanban decoupage design, (part of a QVC Art Deco card kit bought a while ago), and I'm absolutely convinced the 'Stars of the Silver Screen' had an influence on these designs.
I needed a birthday card for a lovely gentleman who celebrates his 78th birthday next week, so thought this image might make him smile. 

The inside panel is stamped with a simple greeting and decorated with the extra decoupage elements from the sheet.

In complete contrast this rather vibrant card was made for my daughter's friend who celebrated her 15th birthday last week.    

Doesn't need much explaining really does it?
... it's very pink 
... has a gorgeous dramatic black flocked velvet design 
... adhesive gems add a lorra' lorra' bling 
... and a handbag charm is held in place with a gorgeous jewelled brad given to me by my good friend Ann.
What more does a young girl need I ask you?

Ribbons, Tags and Poinsettias

I'm feeling quite chuffed that I managed to get both these cards done for Fab's Big Christmas Card Challenges as it's all been a bit manic at 'Chez Lawson' this week with horses and bowling and birthdays and stuff. 
But I'm now up to date so I can pop over there with my head held high ... well until next week anyway.
Challenge #6 was to use 3 different Ribbons and Tags and without hesitation I reached for my good old faithful HOTP Ultimate Christmas Stack. 
I knew I would find papers and tags in there no problem and it was a simple case of matting and layering with some coffee coloured cardstock onto a cream textured blank to give a good base card. 
The 3 different, (but matching), ribbons were a slightly more difficult challenge, until I remembered that I could colour plain white ribbon with promarkers ... so thank you Burnt Umber and Terracotta ... the gold text ribbon is from Anita's.
Challenge #7 - Poinsettias and White Space, proved more testing - especially the white space bit - I'm afraid I couldn't resist adding some red.

The 3D bird house and poinsettia image comes from a 3D die cut decoupage book that I bought ages ago from C+C, (obviously that was before knowing how much I would dislike doing decoupage), but it comes in handy sometimes.  The images are really glossy and there are loads of layers ...  LOOK!

  ... so it gives great dimension and looks quite impressive on display. 
Now I must rush as I have a birthday card to make for my wee brother before tomorrow and one for my niece for Friday when she becomes a teenager - EEEK!  ALREADY!    Sadly, I'm going to miss the celebrations ... but more about that exciting ... and slightly skeeeeery ... news later!

Twin Girls

My cousin and his wife are now the proud parents of beautiful twin girls and here's the card I made for them.

I used Funky Fairys free download paper, which was matted onto silver mirri card to give a narrow border.

Before printing the cute baby girl decoupage sheet, I nipped into PSP (Paint Shop Pro) and reversed the topper so I could have mirror images for my front panel.
I did actually do a wee bit of decoupage to add a little dimension, only one layer I know, but regular readers here know it isn't my favourite thing so ... my theory is that one is better than none ... isn't it.?
The names were added using silver peel off letters.

Inside I again matted the pretty paper onto silver mirri card and then added a clear adhesive sticker onto the last scrap before popping it in the bottom corner.

Challenge #34 over at Funky Fairys this week is 'Recycling' and the bonnie pink twill ribbon was removed from a t-shirt before heading off to the wardrobe in the sky, and the buttons are also recycled from a cardigan, so that keeps me in with the theme.

Sporty Dufex

I'm slowly but surely using up the Sporty Dufex Decoupage which has been languishing for so long in my drawer. YAY ME!
Here's another card where simple matting and layering of coloured cardstock was used, some of which was embossed using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, but my point is there's not even a sniff of patterned paper. Sometimes it's just not needed.
I think this particular folder is a firm favourite with many hundreds, if not thousands of crafty creators worldwide because it is just so effective.


I had a wee accident with a stray black inkpad on the bottom right corner ... tut tut tut ... so just cut it away at an angle rather than 'faff about' trying to fix it.
Bish! ... Bash! ... Bosh!
Job Done.

Sporty Uncle

Found time this afternoon to make a card which qualifies for both The Pink Elephant Challenge #23 which is a Colour Challenge using Red, Light Blue and Darker Blue and Carol's Sketch Fun Challenge #10

I opted to use up some more of the Dufex Sporty Decoupage Kit that's been hiding in my stash for ages and which was purchased from one of the shopping channels many moons ago.
The red card was embossed with Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots folder and the scallop edge was achieved with a small circle punch.

Christmas Meeces

The challenge at Creative Card Crew #19 this week is to 'Create A Scene'
I'm a bit long in the tooth to be throwing a tantrum in public so I made this card instead .. tee hee.
The cute mice and sentiment stamps are from the Crafter's Companion range and were offered free from a magazine provided I paid the P+P.
Sounded like a good deal to me!
The background scene is from one of the Crafter's Companion CDs which are designed specifically to be used with these cute stamps.
It has been decoupaged and then blinged up with the use of glitter glue across the branches.
Whispers Brush Markers were used for colouring (as per usual) and then Decoart Glistening Snow Writer gives some sparkle and dimension to the meeces clothes.
If you click on the image it wil show the sparkly details more clearly.

Another one for the Xmas 2009 collection.

SKOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!

Yes ... the kids have started their Summer Holidays and that means less time online for me for the next few weeks. However I hope to be dotting around now and again and intend to fit in some blog browsing whenever possible so won't be totally AWOL.

I have a couple of cards to show today ... the 1st one was made for my Uncle who celebrated his 80th Birthday last week.
I used DCWV Card Kit stack and added a Dufex Cricket Decoupage from my stash to the front.

The 2nd card is my entry for Simon Says Stamp Challenge which is a Colour Combination using the lovely summery colours of Lemon, Orange, Apple Green and Pink ~ how mouthwateringly fabbylicious!
I've used a sheet from the lovely Papermania Springtime Papers and matted it onto pink Papermania Textured Cardstock.
A slim strip of the same pink card was mounted across the front with a strip of narrow yellow ribbon tied to one side. The simple greeting was a magazine freebie and I've double matted it onto green card and then a square of pink funky foam to add some dimension.
Simple ... cute ... and summery! Another perfect addition to the Grab'n'Go Box.

For the Boys

June is a pretty busy month for birthdays in our family and on Sunday 14th it's the turn of my nephew and my son to celebrate their special day.
I'm still working on our card for Niall ... GULP! ... it's not easy trying to work when he's hovering around and sticky-beaking into my space ... but I finished this one for Naomi to give to him. The image was in a folder on my PC and I added the text in PSP (Paint Shop Pro) before printing it onto plain white paper and double matting onto coloured card. The stripy paper is from a Paper Cellar pad.
Hopefully he will disappear to bed soon so's I can wrap his prezzies and finish his card from hubby and I ... if not then it'll probably mean a night shift for me.

This die cut decoupage car was completed on Friday and posted to my nephew so hopefully it arrived today ... nothing startling but fingers crossed he likes it.
Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful weekend ... wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Dino-Decoupage

Regular visitors here will know that decoupage is not ... and probably never will be ... my "thing" but I really admire and appreciate other people's beautiful results.
I have a couple of Decoupage Sheets that were sent to me when I took part in a 'Tried and Tested' item for Crafts Beautiful magazine a while ago. So I thought I would just use them up and make a couple of cards for the Grab'n'Go box.
This one is Die Cut Decoupage so is easy peasy to make up ... just press out the pieces, add foam pads and layer it up.
Even I can't go wrong with that!

The characters are kind've cute and if you look carefully you can just about see the sparkle highlights which catch the light.
Just need to add a Dinosaur related greeting to the inside and it's good to go.

I think I may just about be in time to enter this into Creative Card Crew's Challenge #13 as the theme this week is 'Child's Play.'

Show'n'Tell'n'Other Stuff

I didn't manage any blogging yesterday because I was too busy "pootling" between the kitchen (making a cauldron of soup LOL) and the craft room.

By the time I'd finished everything, I was plum tuckered out!
Here's some of what I was "pootling" with.

*First in my 'Show'n'Tell Parade is a cosy, somewhat fluffy crocheted hat ... yes folks I've dug out the crochet hooks and this is one of 3 little hats I've made recently!

The other 2 were snatched and grabbed by friends before I managed a photo but I don't blame them as it's fffffffff...freezing out there.

*Next up are some Dufex decoupage Xmas cards.

Not really my thing but they'll serve a purpose and it's another 3 less cards I have to buy.

*Continuing the Christmas card theme, here is another card but this time in the Country Kitchen style.

Not sure about that one either.

*Now these little beauties are something I discovered when I was gormlessly gazing around while waiting, (not particularly patiently), in a queue to pay for some ribbon ... and I just had to have them.

They distracted me from the blatant incompetence of the person supposedly in charge of the till and by the time it got to my turn, they had jumped into my basket.
I did a wee test to see what they were like ... and I am very impressed.

All you have to do is squeeze the tube and out drops a pearl. Leave it to dry and there you go ... what's more they can be applied to fabric and can be washed at 30 degrees.

So it may be that I NEED to go back for the other colours just so's I have the complete set.

*Finally ... a bargain buy!

I went to a clothes sale with my MIL recently and spotted this lovely velvet denim skirt. Thought it'd look nice with my tan leather chunky heeled boots and was delighted to find it was at a knockdown price of a fiver.

Even with the credit crunch I could afford that.

Couldn't believe it when I checked the label and saw the original price !!




Check this out .....

.... so this will probably be hailed as my bargain of 2008 !

There's A Moose Loose Aboot This House!

I took some time off from card orders to have a little play on Saturday afternoon.

After doing over 100 cards and boxes for work I reckon I deserved a wee break.

My good friend Maggie50, from CB forum, recently stamped me a couple of wee Crafter's Companion 'meeces' and also kindly gave me some of the matching backing papers that she had already decoupaged ... ('cos she knows I haven't the patience for it) ... cheers Maggie!

So I coloured them with Whispers Brush Markers and popped them where I thought they should go on the papers.

Naomi's colouring skills are evident on the handsome chappie in green.

Went a bit mad with the Glistening Snow Writer at first, but hey ... we all love a bit of winter sparkle, (and in fairness it wasn't properly dry in the first photo, so the white glue looks quite obvious).

The 2nd photograph shows much better how wonderful it looks when it is fully dry ... all twinkly and sparkly.

Anyway, I think I have perfected the technique now so future efforts should be much less "splodgy".

The day after I got these wee 'meeces' I received the same ones as a freebie from a magazine offer, so now I can stamp and colour these cuties to my hearts content.

Floral Simplicity

I was lucky enough to grab a little playtime yesterday afternoon and managed to produce 3 simple floral cards.

Now don't get excited ... they are the simplest of simple but my little craving for some craft time was satisfied and I feel better for having made something this week. Hurrah!!

This first one was made using some freebies from a magazine.



I dabbled with doodling my own swirls and fake stitching on this second one.

As you can see there is definitely room for improvement but it was quite therapeutic to do.
The chipboard retro flowers were from a kit I think.





This last offering is one of my early attempts at decoupage and although I like the image I know I should've curled the edges for a more professional finish.
Slap my fingers ... I will remember the next time.

My favourite part of this card is the material square ... the turquoise area feels like velvet and is very tactile. I took a close up to show what I mean.