Good evening everyone

 I thought I would like to show you a couple of the stitched cards that I have been making whilst I convalesce.  I am not allowed or even able to do much of anything physical, so once I have taken my stack of pills and done my daily exercises, I am free to stitch.  

This is pattern  602  from Laura's Design.  The central image is a 3D decoupage from Hearty Crafts.  I used a variegated thread to tone in with the colours of the flowers in the teacup.  I also found a picture of similar coloured flowers and made a background sheet using my Kaleidoscope programme.  I will add a sentiment when I decide when to use the card.

This second card is a design by Linzoos.  Pattern Z77.  

Again, I have used a 3D decoupage image in the centre.  I think it is from the same source as the one above, but I am not sure.  Different threads, though this time.  These are K.O. threads.  They are perfect for card stitching, but I do wish they had a bigger colour range.  

I have made so many such cards over the last few weeks - including Christmas ones - that I think I will have enough for my lists next year.  I am usually fairly ahead with my card-making, but I think that I will break all records this year.

I am enjoying the fact that I am now able to join in with CD Sunday Plus again - and of course, my contribution to the team cards will be stitched.  Now there's a surprise.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge#164 - hosted by Meg

Well, here I am.  I am so pleased to be back with the team.  I have so missed the cut and thrust of CD Sunday. 

Pamela has been brilliant in taking over everything, having received no notice at all.  I was rushed off in an Ambulance and couldn't tell her anything that was happening.  I am just going to be a teamie for the time being and take things carefully and slowly.

Here is my card for this challenge:

The peacock is a decoupage image by Mary Rahder, which I have had for some time.  The stitch pattern is Laura's Design no 413.  A good pattern, as I can see possibilities of it being used also as a Christmas design, perhaps as a bauble.

I think - or in fact I know - that my next few cards will be of the stitched variety.  It is a craft that I can sit and do whilst resting in my armchair.  The fact that I love the stitching helps a little.

Great to be back.

Hugs everywhere.

Carol

xxx

For Christmas 2025

 I have managed to stitch three more cards while I have been resting. They are all using Linzoos patterns - which I love - and they are:

Pattern R29

Pattern X20

Pattern i69

Although the last one is a birthday card, it is for someone whose birthday falls around Christmas, so I tried to make it a little Christmassy.

Hugs

Carol xx

Hi

 After having been absent for about 16 weeks and with so much happening, I am afraid 'Hi' is about the only greeting I can muster.

Sometime at the end of March, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance as I wasn't very well.  I don't even remember the date or the actual arrival.  I have since gathered from several of my friends that I was 'proper poorly' and looked as though I might not survive.

But I am here to tell the tale, or rather what I can remember.  I was struck by something called discitis and psoas.  Yes, I had to look it up.  Several medics that I spoke to hadn't heard of it either.  In layman's terms, it is an infection in the spine, but it is not necessarily known where it comes from, or came from.  It needs serious antibiotic treatment, which is what I was given - 54 doses to be exact.  I also had some very serious pain killers that really sent me loopy.  I can still remember some of the serious and unpleasant thoughts I had, and I don't ever want any of those medicines again.  How anyone takes them for fun I can't comprehend?

I have slowly recovered. Part of that was learning to walk again with a walker. I still have to use one when I am outside the house.  The antibiotics and pain killers have been stopped, but I have had several medical appointments.  I cannot praise the NHS enough for the wonderful treatment that I received and am still receiving.  There was a time when I thought that I may not make it.  I gather that my family and friends were very worried.  I had many visitors in the hospital and since at home.  I would like to thank them all for their kindness.

I have now - TG - managed to return to crafting.  I was getting so sick of the TV.  I couldn't do anything else.  Not even concentrate enough to read or listen to my audiobooks.  I have picked up my stitchcards again and am now thoroughly enjoying my days of enforced leisure by being productive.  Here is a card that I have been working on for a couple of days.

This is a "Laura's Design" - no 1401.  I have done it a couple of times before and it has become a favourite.  I have used K.O. threads and some enamel drops from my stash.  The  3D decoupage in the centre is also from stash.  I have had it for some time and cannot - at the moment - remember where it came from. I have remembered - Hearty Crafts from the Toptoppershop.

I will be back with CD Sunday Plus soon.  Hopefully joining in with Challenge #165.  The girls have all been so kind, taking on my duties and keeping me up to date with 'stuff'.  Thank you, teamies.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #154 - hosted by Margaret

Just for a change, I am slipping in a 3D die-cut decoupage card from amongst my many recent stitched cards.  Here is my card:

This is all from a  Katy Sue Spring die-cut decoupage sheet.  I have added downloaded butterflies from Carnation Crafts.  The mats are all cut using Carnation Craft dies.

I love almost all of Katy Sue's designs and this is one of my favourites. The spring flowers look beautiful and perfect for the upcoming month of April.

I look forward to visiting your blogs and discovering new things to try or buy.

Carol  xx

More stitching patterns

 It must be obvious by now that I love making stitch cards. I am mostly using patterns from Linzoos (the site link is in my sidebar) and Laura's Designs, but quite a few other designers as well, such as Stitching Cards.

This one below is a Linzoos design and I love the simplicity and style of the pattern.  The central image is a 3D pushout by Amy Designs from Find It Media:

I have not yet added any sentiment to the front. I quite often do that when I am ready to use the card - or, in fact, not at all, preferring to add any sentiment and/or message to the inside.  

Something I have started to do is to increase the size of the patterns from the seemingly standard  12 x 12 and 13 x 13 cms to a 6" x 6".  This makes it much easier to use the central space for an image.

The one drawback is that this will increase the postage costs, but as I am almost always just sending a card and not a gift, and this is my hobby, I think I can bear the cost.

I hope you like the card, and I am sure I will be back showing some more.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #153 - hosted by Jo

 My team card for this challenge is another stitched card.  I am really enjoying making them.  Choosing patterns from a myriad number of designers and then deciding on occasions, images and colours.

Here is my card:

The design for this card is a download from Linzoos.  I found the flower to use in the centre of the card in my book of  'bits I have saved to use later'.  Sometimes I just stitch the card and then search for something appropriate for the centre, which is what I did on this occasion.  The flower seemed perfect.  I had stamped, painted it and cut it out ages ago.  It must have been quite a while ago as I haven't stamped anything for yonks.

I am so pleased to have found all these wonderful stitching patterns. Finding something to replace my love of parchment work has been a blessing. During the day, I do the housework and other chores that I can manage, and in the evening, I sit and relax, stitching.

I have also discovered that my son Chris has a keen eye for colour and often helps me decide what threads and images will complement the patterns I have chosen.

I will catch up with you all on your blogs and look forward to seeing what you are making.

Hugs

Carol xx

STITCHING...........

 Since Christmas time I have been creating stitched cards instead of die-cutting.  After doing a few daily chores, I can sit, relax, and stitch.  I find it very therapeutic.  Keeping busy but not stressing the neuropathy.  I am very unsteady on my feet some days.

Anyway, that is enough complaining.  I have managed to make about 30 cards using stitch patterns from people like Linda from Linzoos, and Laura's Designs.  As well as on their own sites, they both sell patterns on 'Add Some Sparkle'. (on my sidebar)

Here are two very different cards made using the same pattern (Y9) from Linzoos.  I have been experimenting with new to me variegated threads.

The centre image on the 1st card comes from a digital set I purchased from Aliexpress.  I played about with the colours and contrasts to get as close in-depth as I could to the thread I had used.

The image on the second card is a Christmas digital image that I printed on the card before I pricked out the pattern. This was an experiment to see if I could manage to get it all in the right place.  99% OK I think.

Part of the fun is finding and matching the right image to use on the card to complement or complete the stitching.  It is also the hardest part.  I have been searching the crafting internet and think I have found most of what I need.  Watch this space.

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #152 - hosted by Meg

I hope you won't be bored with my design team card for this challenge as I did a similar exercise for this challenge as I did for our last - #151.

I took the image of this stitched card that I made back in July 2023 - see below:

Then to make my new card I used my Kaleidoscope CD to create a pattern of the image and removed the Pansies so that I could add a central sentiment and a double border, as shown.

 

I have already chosen the prospective recipient and it is now in my 'cards to go' box -  at the bottom of the stairs.  My son always checks the box when he goes out to see what needs posting.

I look forward to my visit to your blog to see your cards. I will see you then.

Carol xx

A treasured gift

 I recently admired a beautiful parchment card made by Avril Gardner, which was shown on Facebook. It is truly gorgeous, and I wish I could still make parchment cards as I used to before the dreaded Carpal Tunnel struck.

The pattern is by Judith Maslen. Pattern No: jm287

Anyway - to cut a long story short - Avril sent me her card.  What a wonderful thing to do.  I have now framed it and here it is to show you.

Isn't it beautiful?  Thank you again Avril for your generosity.

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #151 - hosted by Pamela

 I had fun with this card by combining different 'disciplines' to create a card -  digital, CD and stitching.

Firstly I used my Kaleidoscope CD with one of my older (favourite) stitched cards that you have seen before.

Here it is:

I then added the sentiment into the centre of the resulting kaleidoscope and finished with a border using my new ACDSee24 graphics programme.  

The 'digital' part of the project was the original digital download of the stitch pattern.

I have been making many stitched cards recently and hope to show them to you when I have done the finishing touches.  I have had to rest more recently and I find stitching a perfect way to combine rest and crafting.

I will catch up with you all on your blogs and perhaps you may let me know if you have passed by.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #150 - hosted by Carol (moi)

Hello everyone.  It is my turn again to host the Challenge and choose our Top 3 - so I hope there will be many entries from which to choose.

This is my own team card which I love, and I am going to find hard to part with.  I hope you like it too.

This is an Etsy-purchased download printed on Glossy photo paper.  I have added the two borders and the sentiment with my ACDSee24 graphics programme. The photo image is just over 6" square so I cut the card down from a 7x7  blank.

I am still thrilled by the quality of prints that I am getting with my new Canon printer and the new ACDSee24 graphics programme.  It is so good that I just log on to have a play and see what comes up.

I will be studying all our entries very hard and as I know you all enter such great works - it will be hard work.

Take care 

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Challenge #149 - hosted by Jocelyn

 Firstly I wish fellow teamie Jocelyn  -  our hostess for this challenge -  a very Happy Birthday today.  I don't think we have ever had a teamies birthday on the first day of a challenge before and it is a special one.

Happy 70th Birthday Jocelyn.

Here is my card for this challenge (not the one I have sent to Jocelyn):

A birthday card for my go-to box made using a stitch pattern download from Laura's Designs - no 390.

The single butterflies and the sentiment are die-cuts from Carnation Crafts and the central 3D die-cut image was purchased from Hearty Crafts from the Top Topper Shop.  The link is on my blog.

I look forward to another year of CD Sundays with all your beautiful creations to inspire us.  

In the meantime take care of yourselves and have fun crafting.

Hugs

Carol  xx

p.s.

I just want to say please be careful, everyone, if the weather turns really nasty, as has been forecast. It's another reason to stay and craft.

A card or two for my go-to box for next year

 I am trying to add some cards to my box ready for the next birthday season and the Cards for Kindness that I make for the UKSN list.

This first one was made when I found a very simple stitching pattern in one of my many folders.  I can not remember from whence it came but I thought I would have a play with it.  Here it is:

I added the back stitch border around the 'petals'? and the little stitch to join the petals together.  The central 3D image of the Lavender and jars etc comes from my collection of toppers from Hearty Crafts.  I bought lots and lots of the sheets to make up and now have a brilliant collection to choose from. I added the pink and lavender gems from another collection.

This second card is a pattern from Stitching Cards.  I have stitched this one quite a few times. As you can guess I quite like this one.

She is pretty enough without adding any froufrous apart from the gem centres in the yellow flowers.  This can be for a birthday or a CFK.

Stay safe.

Carol XX

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #148 - hosted by Margaret

 I have a Christmas card to show you for my team card for the last challenge of the year.

This card was made (amongst many this year) using a purchased digital image.  This one was from a seller on Etsy - GiraffeCreative.  I added the border and the sentiment using my new all-singing and dancing graphics programme - ACDSee2024.

I am having a wonderful time using my computer with the new upgrades and printer that my son persuaded me that I needed.  It is true that you are never too old to try something new.

As this is our last challenge for this year may I take the opportunity to thank those that visited my blog for their kind comments and their support of CD Sunday Plus.  Next year will be our 15th year.

I look forward to yet another busy year and in the meantime:

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #147 - hosted by Jo

I added the borders and sentiment and tweaked the colours to this purchased Christmas download with my new fab printer and graphics programme.  

I have now finished all my Christmas cards for this year ( 60+) and enjoyed creating everyone using these new toys.  I purchased quite a few image downloads and had so much pleasure and fun tweaking the colours and finding new borders.

The card above was just a straight print of the original but below are a couple of cards I made using the same image and my Kaleidoscope CD before adding borders and sentiments.

Keep crafting and having fun.

Carol xx

 

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #146 - hosted by Meg

There are three celebratory birthdays in my family this month and I have chosen the celebration of my granddaughter's 21st Birthday to share with you.

I find it hard to believe that Ellie (Eleanor) will be 21 in a few days.  Here is the card that I have made for her.

I used an image of Tatty Ted from the Docraft Designer CD. I printed it out twice and then punched out the flowers with my Pinflair Punch and stuck them on the image for the 3d effect. 

'Ellie'  and the borders were printed using my ACDSee graphics programme.

The image of the champagne bucket etc was a purchase from Etsy.

Using the image of the card front I made 6 coasters for her to use on the day and then keep as a memento. 

The scan isn't perfect but here it is.

I am looking forward to seeing her on her special day.

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #145- hosted by Pamela

  

My first  Halloween card for this year.

I  love making Halloween cards.  All those wonderful images just cry out to be used.  The yellow background card is from Hunkydory.  The wonderful Cheshire Cat with the pumpkins is a digital image from 'Halloween in Wonderland' from Etsy.

I added the Moon from Kate Hadfield's 'Whatever the Weather' and, to the Moon, I have added one of Beccy's witches from 'Witching Hour'.   The spooky sentiment also comes from Beccy's 'Witching Hour'.

The orange, yellow and black borders were added using my ACDSee graphics.

As well as being a teamie on CD Sunday Plus I also belong to several card and ATC swapping groups each with an annual Halloween list. I will show you some of those after Halloween but now I want to show you a special Halloween card that I have made for the two youngsters that are my neighbours.  They have just had birthday cards from me but this one will be a surprise first.

I had such fun making this one.  The hollow forest tree is an image downloaded from somewhere.  All the rest are digital images from the many sets I have purchased since I decided to investigate using digital images.  I am so glad I took the plunge to add that to stitching, decoupage, die-cutting etc etc.

I am looking forward to seeing many more Halloween Cards  - as much as I know my fellow teamie Pamela is.  I actually think she is nuttier than I am about Halloween.

Take care 

and Boo til we meet again.

CD Sunday Plus Challenge #144

 It is my turn to be your hostess for this challenge and I have a special card to share with you:

I made this card for my young neighbour - Marcus.  He is a delightful young man and I enjoy making cards for him and all of his family.  We were so lucky when they moved in next door. They are wonderful neighbours.

The card is from Carnation Crafts using my favourite meeces.  Aren't they fun?  I think I now have all the dies for all the meeces - including the ones for Halloween which I will be using very soon.

I found a background of some wooden planks for the meeces to stand the ladder against.  The letters for 'Marcus' are die cuts (not sure from whom I purchased those) and the No:7 is a peel-off.

Marcus has his birthday later this month but his sister Emily has already had hers - on the 4th.  

 I hope all are well and I look forward to lots of visits to your blogs.

 Hugs

 Carol xx

 

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #143 - hosted by Jocelyn

 I had fun with this digital jungle card.  I found Quirky Safari Animals at PaintPixelCo on Etsy.  I am not absolutely sure where the border came from but I added to it with my graphics programme. 

My favourite animal is the meditating monkey.  I should know what kind of monkey he is with all those programmes I watch, but I can't remember.

This is for a friends birthday in November so this is why I can show it now.  I added her name after I took the photo to show you on here. I hope it will bring a smile.

Further to my telling you about all my upgrades and struggles - they haven't ceased.  I had to buy a new printer - of course one using different inks.  Then........I needed a new mobile telephone.  I really didn't want one as I hate them  - but son - who must be obeyed - said that the current one was no longer any good as it wasn't safe technically.  I believed him and paid up.

If I didn't live so far away from you all I might be tempted to come round with a begging bowl.  😛😊

Take care everyone.

Hugs

Carol xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #142 - hosted by Margaret

Some more digital delights used in my offering for this challenge.  I am glad that I made this card a little while ago because my son - bless him - decided two days ago that he had some spare time to use to update me to Windows 11.  But that wasn't all - because he didn't stop there.  I needed an upgrade to my graphics programme, so he did that as well.  The original that I had been using dated from 2009, so it was very old.  I now have an all singing, all dancing 2024 version.  He thought that this was wonderful, and that I would be thrilled.  Now he understands all this stuff, as he built his and my computers, but I feel as though I am drowning.  I will get there - I have done it before but it may take a while.

Here is the card I made earlier:

Designed using 'Magic Garden Soup'  - a digital folder from Polkadoodles, with added die-cut butterflies,  dragonfly and stick on pearls. The sentiment comes from the same folder.  The border was done with the graphics programme - the old one.

I look forward to more visits to your blogs.  Have fun and I will see you soon. xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #141 - hosted by Jo

 Ocean Beach

The background was purchased from Aliexpress.   I created the border using my ACDSee Graphics Programme.   Two shells and the three pink starfish die-cuts are from Carnation Crafts - 'Around the Shore'.  The sea bird is a die cut, one of the Tiny Birds from 'Sparkle and Lace' - Tattered Lace.  The extra sea flowers are from Aliexpress.

I love sea scenes and enjoyed making this one. 

P.s.

Just a quick note to say that I am sorry that I didn't visit and comment during the last challenge.  A new medication had taken the rug out from under me and I have been spending most of my time asleep. I have stopped taking it now and hope to be back on track asap. Carol xx

ATC Swop UK

100. Think Pink.

 Here is my own 100th contribution to the Facebook ATC Swop Group.  I think I have only missed about three themes since I joined.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #140 - hosted by Meg

 My team offering for this challenge is my first Christmas card made for 2024:

The background was one of a selection I purchased.  I used my trusty graphics programme to expose the image which heightens the colours.  I added the borders after I had chosen which digital images I was going to use as I can pick out the border colours to match to whichever ones I want.  Clever gadget.

The snow people are 'The Snow Globe Family' from Jan's Digitals, as was also the sentiment, from the folder 'Baby it's cold outside'.

From Kate Hadfield  came the Xmas tree (All bundled Up) and Santa in his sleigh from 'Jingle all the way.'

I added some red pearls to the holly berries.

I am still enjoying mixing up the different crafts I am using.  I have though bought  a couple of new sets of dies to play with - so watch this space.  But I must get on with Christmas cards.  I am way behind this year.

Stay safe and well.

Carol

xx

 

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #139 - hosted by Pamela

 Are you all as exhausted by the hot weather as I am?  Silly question I know but I think you know what I mean.  I am one of the few? that prefers cooler weather -  working on the premise that it is easier to warm up rather than cool down.

I am almost praying for the thunderstorms that have been promised but in the meantime I must get on with my posting.

The card I have chosen for this challenge has a summery feel to it. I have added some bright colours, words and tiny buttons -  and here it is:

 

 I used A La Pashe CD (there's a surprise) called 'The Big One Backgrounds' -  for the multi-coloured striped background and my graphics programme for the image border and words.

I know that Aimes particularly liked the VW campervan and I had sent her a couple of previous cards where I had use the VW as the focal point.  I will save this card and send it to her when I know she is OK and settled.

Keep cool and well everyone.

Hugs

Carol xx 

Since I put pen to paper here we have heard from Aimes.  If you would like to read how they are just click on her name in the teamies list. (righthand coloumn). I have left the link open.

Digital playing with The Card Hut CDs

The lovely young lady who lives next door has a birthday soon.  I think it was three years ago that Emily and her family moved in.  Emily will be (I think) 9 this year.  A lovely family and we are very lucky they decided to move in next door.

Emily has many interests - mostly sports I think - but I tried to think of something different.

I hope she likes it.

I used several different sources.  A 'Burst of Celebration' and 'Her Garden Shed' from The Card Hut were used for the bunting, table and cake.  The background was also from The Card Hut.  I found the Rabbit Band by Hetty Clare on Etsy.  I have used the band before.  The border and colour improvement were done using my graphics programme.

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #138 - hosted by Carol

Unexpectedly I am acting as host for this challenge.

We hadn't heard from our teamie Aimes since the 8th of July. This was when her hometown in Texas was hit by Hurricane Beryl.  We were all very worried.  We didn't know if it was just loss of connection or something a lot worse.  We finally heard from her just before noon yesterday (20th July).  Thank goodness she and Michael are OK.  

Aimes is obviously not able to contribute to the team or the challenge.  She and Michael have far more important things to be doing.  I will post more during the coming few days.

I think I was checking her blog several times a day in the hope of seeing any action. Aimes joined our team after she and I had become friends over the internet through crafting and blogging.  Penfriends -  if you can still use that term in this modern age.  Just so pleased that they are OK.

 So - after all that - here is my design team card for this challenge:

 

This was taken from an Ooh La La CD - Say it with words.  I have done it as a birthday card to be used sometime, although I do have someone in mind.   The  'Go on - be a devil!'  is my addition.

I have always enjoyed using Ooh La La CDs (retired) so I try to fish them out of the cupboard every so often to see what I can have a play with. The 'Say it with Words' CD is a nice easy CD to use.

Keep safe.  This little phrase seems to have special meaning these days.

Carol

xx

ATC Swop UK

 These are my latest contributions to the Facebook ATC Swop UK Group.

98. Spring.

99. The Letter 'A'

We are almost up to date now.  The next theme is 'Think Pink' which will be my own 100th contribution.  I joined in July 2014.

For the 5 ATCs for the Letter A theme I used my Card Hut digital programme and used several of their CDs.  I love playing with this programme.

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #137 - hosted by Jocelyn

For a little while I have been playing again with digital 'stuff'.   I have come to it later in my crafting life than others and I am still finding it an adventure.  Sadly, I have had confirmation of Peripheral Neuropathy,  which had been suggested,  and I am finding that playing around with heavy die-cutting machines and rushing hither and thither very tiring and unsteadying.  So when I am too tired I can play digitally.

This is one such card made using  Serif Craft Artist 2.  The folder /CD I used was 'Water Garden' -   together with my own graphics programme.  I also used the graphics programme to alter the letters of the sentiment and construct the border.  

I must be drawn to this particular folder as I have found that I have used it several times. Once before actually for a CD Challenge - also hosted by Jocelyn.

It is miserable weather here in the UK but good for crafting.  I hope all are well.

Hugs

Carol

xx

CD Sunday Plus - Challenge #136 - hosted by Margaret

For this Challenge I have used a download set from Ooh La La that I added to my stored images quite a while ago.  Somewhere between 2009 and 2010 according to the dates on my computer.  The download was a free gift if memory serves me correctly.  It came with the sheet of pyramage (which I have done as a flat one on this card), two sheets of inserts and a beautiful topper image of the Sweet Peas.  

I have used an A5 card from  Hunkdory in what I think is a matching shade of pink.

Sweet Peas are one of my favourite flowers.  My sister always grows a beautiful display of them each year in her Bristol garden.

Anyway - here is the card I made for your delectation:

 

Here is the topper sheet that came with the set. Aren't the flowers beautiful?

As always I am looking forward to visiting your blogs, and I hope you enjoy your visit to mine.

Hugs

Carol

xx