Patterned Reindeer

I have created this Christmas card by using elements from different designs by two people.

The first is my tutor Marilyn who gave us a card of her design to make at our last lesson.  I missed the lesson but was kindly given the pattern at the workshop.  I loved the reindeer so I used him - filling in the sections using a diagonal grid and other multi grids.  The border is from a book - 'Parchment Craft Borders for Beginners' by Judith Maslen.  The sentiment was traced from one of Judith's Christmas Patterns. The snowflakes were made using a punch and embossing set that I bought last week at The Art of Craft and the gems are from one of Anita's Gem Wheels.

I enjoyed making it and I hope my tutor likes my use of her image.

Santa's Favourite

Pattern by Judith Maslen

CD Sunday - Butterfly

Actually I have more than one in my project.  This theme was chosen by Wendy.
Before I had my op I was convinced that it could be many many weeks before I could craft again so I made all my 'must do's' up to the end of September and didn't expect to be playing until November at the earliest.  When I saw my physio after 2 weeks and three days post op she was so pleased with me that she suggested I tried a little crafting.  I hadn't dare ask.
I really wanted to join in with the Butterfly theme so I have started with something that was half made so there was no undue strain.

Sometime ago I made and scanned a piece of backing paper - here - so I printed it out twice using A4 Fabric Canvas.  I deconstructed a wire bound notebook I had and covered the front and back with the canvas.  Then put it all back together using plastic spiral I just happened to have.  (Before our retirement we used to own and run a factory making plastic spirals for the stationery industry).  I used a die cut  label for the gold glittered letters and then attached 4 of the butterflies to the front cover.  I have seen so many add little bits of ribbon to spirals when making notebooks so I thought I would have a go.  I managed to make this project without having to use a guillotine or trimmer  which are still no goes for me at the moment.
Here is my Recipe Book project.

Hope you like it.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed making it.


Since I posted this I have discovered that  Ooh La La Creations   have a challenge 'Things with wings' so I have entered my Recipe Book in their challenge.

Carol
x

Winter Birthday Card

This is the third pattern  in a series called  'Seasons' -  by Judith Maslen.  I have already done Spring and Summer -and now Winter, and I have Autumn yet to do.

I did this yesterday at our monthly parchment workshop.  We have this at the Art of Craft where we spent several hours working and chatting or perhaps chatting and not working.  It depends.  We have a great group who all love parchment.....and putting the world to rights.  Our tutor Marilyn is there in case we need any help or advice or to borrow something.

I enjoyed this card as it is just simple white work with no hard outlines to the embossed snowdrops.  A little bit of grid work to add interest.  I did all this plus started another Christmas card which I know you will like.  Should finish it soon.

The sentiment is a peel-off.

Carol
xx

Christmas countdown still ongoing

Here are some more Christmas cards this time using the new La Pashe CD - 'The Christmas Box'.
Yet more fabulous images that are a joy to use.

This next one was made using La Pashe - 'The Best of 2012' CD - for the image and 'The Christmas Box' CD  for the backing paper design printed direct to card.

And this last one was made using an image from 'The Big One' CD - Christmas Trinitage Set 2.

I am enjoying all this decoupaging. I haven't done any seriously for a while and it feels good to get back to it.  It doesn't hurt the shoulder and I can still craft.   A bonus.
Carol
xx

CD Sunday - To the moon and back

We are so pleased that we are being sponsored this month by Linda Chapman who is Creative Crafting World.  Linda has offered a great prize of a copy of  'At the Bottom of the Garden'  CD plus a pack of 20 5 x 7 Gift Bags and  a pack of A4 White 250gsm Card. A worthy prize.

Linda also kindly sent the team some folders for the team to use for our  'To the moon and back'  cards/projects.  They were all so pretty with the lovely soft colours that it was difficult to choose which one to use but I think we have each managed to find a different one.

Here is mine:

It was all there in the folder so all I added were three die cut stars and some matting card. The centre panel and the two daises were decoupaged.

We are welcoming Wynn back for a second visit as our Guest designer.  Wynn makes some lovely cards and has been a great supporter of CD Sunday and we are looking forward to seeing her work.

Thank you all for your super entries in our 1950's theme Challenge.  I am going to have to make some difficult choices.  I will let Jenny know my decision later in the week.

Carol
xx

The Village

This pattern is by Judith Maslen - and this is how she describes it -  VERY easy!  Traced with black pen and then embossed. 
You do need a Pergamano Moon tool though if you copy the pattern exactly but of course you can do any border that you wish.
I enjoyed using the pattern and here is my offering:

Carol
xx

Christmas Cat

I found this lovely stitching design here and couldn't resist it so I have used it to make a Christmas  card for one of my family.  I have stitched the cat in a colour as near as I could get to their own cat and it looks quite a good match to me.
It is a lovely design to stitch and doesn't take too long.  The hardest part was trying to find a suitable backing card.  I tried allsorts but finally settled on the snow from a Pamela West CD as the background colour is just about perfect.

The little paper baubles and bows come from  Carol Ann's Studio - CD-8.

I saw the surgeon on Monday and he says I am way ahead of schedule but as I start using muscles and tendons etc it is going to hurt a bit. He also said that I looked so much better than I did before the op.  I kinda like this man.  He is good for the ego. I can now drive again so I have my freedom back.

Carol
xx

CD Sunday - The 1950's

Good Morning.

The theme this week is my choice and I hope you enjoy finding things to fit the theme.

Here is my creation:

An easel card made using Joanna Sheen's - Nostalgia Collection - CD1. I have just found this scene in a jigsaw catalogue and the place is named as Sidmouth.   The card is made using the same scanned sandpaper that I used in an earlier theme.  All the images including the sentiment come from the CD and the couple of charms are from stash.

I had scheduled this post as I wasn't sure how I would be but am now having to edit as I am so 'much more betterer' that I thought I would be at this stage.

Although I am not up to serious serious card making (guillotines and trimmers etc) and my attention span is not 100% I am really surprised at how well it has all gone.  Just need the Ok for driving next week.

I look forward to choosing the Top 3  and will have a little something for the winner.

Carol
xx

Here is one I made earlier

I made this card last year but I hadn't decided if I was going to give it away so I didn't add any sentiments at the time.  Now the perfect occasion has arisen.  One of my friends is going to celebrate her 90th birthday on Tuesday so I have decided this is the time to part with the card.  It isn't always easy to give away parchment.  It takes so long to do you get attached to it.

I have added the Happy Birthday, the glittery 90 numbers and a little Glamour dust.  I will give it to her tomorrow when she comes for our monthly craft session.  As long as I don't guillotine anything I feel I can resume the classes.

Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You(C2cu)- Challenge #3 -Texture- Twist 2 - add something shiny or glittery

Last week of our Challenge #3 and the second week of twist 2 - adding shiny or glittery things.

There are a few levels of texture in this card starting with the base which is Ice Blue glitter card.  The wrap is glitter embossed snowflake heavy vellum. The topper is made using shimmer card and a Crafts-Too snowflake embossing folder.  The topper - which has been backed with silver mirri card - has been decorated with Crystal Stickles, crystal stars and Rhinestone sticker dots. ( My pack from July seems to be lasting forever.)

This will be a nice addition to my ever growing box of Christmas cards.

Now this   will be my last post for a wee while as I had a shoulder replacement in August.   I was able to make as many of my DT cards as possible but there will now be a gap until my shoulder has healed.
I look forward to catching up with everything as soon as I can.

Happy crafting
Carol
xx
C2cu DT

Noah's Ark

When I can't craft and I am so bored with TV (I still can't drive yet) I have been doing some jigsaws.  I used to love doing them with the family but like so many things you get out of the habit of doing them.
Well I wanted to show you this one which was a joy to do and I got so involved I was still up at 2 am just putting the last bits of sky in.

This is called Noah's Ark by Colin Thompson.  1000 pieces.  It was difficult to photograph well because of the size .
Does anyone else still do jigsaws?

Carol
xx

CD Sunday - Snow People

Good Morning.

Now I think Beryl wanted to nudge us into some more Christmas card making when she chose this for our theme  this week.
Well I warned you it was another La Pashe from me this week and here are my Snow People.

There is a little decoupage and I have added some die cut tree branches and sentiment to the image from The Best of La Pashe 2012.
Altogether I have managed about 40 Christmas cards so far but quite a few still to do.

Have a good week.
Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You(C2cu)- Challenge #3 -Texture- Twist 2 - add something shiny or glittery

Time for a change for Twist 2.  Texture is still the theme but now to add something shiny or glittery.  Time to go really mad with the bling!!.

For my DT card  I have used a Crafts-Too embossing folder with more shimmer sheet.  This has a shiny glittery look.  I have  stitched a butterfly with holographic thread with crystal and gold glass beads. Wrapped the topper with  gauze and ric rac  ribbon and added crystal gems.  Mat of gold mirri card on shiny pearl lilac card.

Here it is:

I hope you like it.

Happy blinging.
Carol xx
C2cu DT

'Christmas Diamonds'

I managed to do this one today as it is uncomplicated but stylish.  Yes - another of Judith's great patterns and another for the Christmas box.

Let's Go Shopping - 'The Christmas Shop'

This lovely parchment pattern is by Judith Maslen. I started it a few weeks ago and have just managed to finish it over the last couple of days.  I can manage most parchment without any strain on my left arm/shoulder.
I thoroughly enjoyed making this and it will be a welcome addition to my ever growing collection of Christmas Cards.

CD Sunday - Little Boys

Good Morning

Our team member Caz has chosen this theme and I decided to do a parchment card this time and perhaps give La Pashe a rest - until next week at least.

When I was about to decide what I was going to do for my creation my parchment magazine arrived and in there was the perfect thing - a pirate ship.  At least it wasn't a pirate ship until I had decided it was and went on the hunt for a skull and crossbones.

I then had to find the perfect backing paper from a CD and 'Lo and Behold Me Hearties' -   I found it on Ooh La La's  'Kiddiwinks' CD.
I loved making this card and I hope you like it too.

Take care.
Carol
xx

p.s.
My recovery seems to be on track so much so that although I can only do a little gentle crafting I really think that I can now resume my DT commenting duties.  I have been looking at all the lovely entries and I am sorry I couldn't comment but I feel that I should be able to now.  I am quite comfortable typing with a finger on each hand as long as it isn't for too long.
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You(C2cu)- Challenge #3 -Texture- Twist 1 - Choose your own style

This is week 2 of 'Choose your own style' and for this DT sample I have changed my style to 'Pale and Pastel'

More textures but with pastel colouring. Pale pinkish linen look base card. Glimmer card embossed with a Craft-Too embossing folder and backed with a lilac card mat. This topper was placed over some white spotted lilac chiffon ribbon with bow.  Added to the topper are  flower and leaves made using coloured parchment and mixed dies.  Flower centre is a brad and silver ring from Nellie Snellen.


Take care.
Carol xx
C2cu DT

CD Sunday - Shop til you Drop

Good Morning.

It is Jenny's turn to choose the theme for this week and Shop til you Drop is such a good choice.  We all love shopping - especially for craft goodies.

I have been back to La Pashe again for this card.  I had remembered seeing it when I first looked through the menu and when I got the theme I rushed off to use this folder.  I seem to like working with red at the moment so that appealed to me as well.
Here is my card:

I just love this design which is all from the CD.

Have fun with your shopping.

Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You(C2cu)- Challenge #3 -Texture- Twist 1 - Choose your own style

A new month and a new challenge.  This Twist is to choose your own style but use Textures please.
I have chosen 'Bright and Cheerful' for my style.

For my DT card the texture I have chosen for this one is stitching with colourful threads. I die cut the pink card for the stitching and then backed with  some  papers left over from my August projects.  I spliced  these together to give a contrast interest and then backed with an embossed gold shimmer mat.  The large brads I found in my stash and was amazed that they matched almost exactly.  I didn't have 4 of each colour so I opposed the 2 of each  to the background stripes.  Finally the multicoloured stripey paper and sentiment come from a CD.

I hope you enjoy the challenge and I will be posting my second for Twist 1 next week.

Take care.
Carol xx
C2cu DT

Made a little earlier

Here are a couple of ATC's made for a swop last month.  Theme TV Favourites.  I used the La Pashe images and did some reduction in size and some decoupage.

xx

CD Sunday - Scentimental

Good Morning

The beginning of another month.  Autumn is coming around quite quickly.  I have no idea whilst posting this what the weather will be like but let's hope it is good.

A new month and  we are  delighted to say that  we are being sponsored again by Sarah Andrews of  Jems Designs.  This time Sarah sent us all the Scentimental CD so that we could choose which gorgeous perfume to use.
I couldn't make up my mind which one to use so I made some ATC's showing various elements from several of the folders hoping to catch the essence of the gorgeous images. I have even perfumed the ATC's with a new perfume purchase - Cerruti 1881.

Here are the ATC's

All the images and the background come from the CD.  I have just added some pearls, a gem, a flower brad  and some lacy bits.  And of course a spray of perfume.  Pity you can't smell it as it is a delicious light scent.
Carol
xx

  p.s.
Just grabbing the opportunity to say that  as far as I know the replacement has gone well.  Will be seeing the Consultant tomorrow for update and clip removal I hope.  As you can see I can type a little but in short bursts.  I have been very surprised how comfortable I feel in general and the intense pain is no more.  I am just frustrated about how long I have to wait to try things but they know best.
I have been looking at all the wonderful cards that are being made all over the place but sad I can't join in. But there is an upside....... I only need my right hand and a mouse to go shopping.  Just wait til I get started again with lots of new goodies.
Can't type any more.
Carol
xxxx

p.p.s  02/09
 Thanks for the kind thoughts and wishes. Saw the Consultant this am. He is very very pleased. Said I looked well because my hair looked good!!  He took out the clips and said I could take off the Teds.  Will see me in 4 weeks and hopefully then I will be able to drive.  Onwards and upwards.  Feel tired now as this is the 1st time I have been out since the op but feeling good.
Soon be crafting I hope.
xx

CD Sunday - On the Beach

Good Morning.  If all has gone well I should be home by now being pampered and waited on by my sister.
Caz has chosen our theme this week and for this one I went to what is by now my favourite CD - The Best of La Pashe 2012.  Before I took up parchment decoupage was my favourite discipline and I just love the decoupage on the La Pashe CD's.

             



For the card itself I scanned a piece of sandpaper and then printed it out on 280gsm card and I was pleased to see that it does look just like beach sand.
The green mat is some holographic found in my stash and the second mat and the image are both from the CD.

I have found too that all these images on the CD  reduce down in size beautifully to make ATC's.  Here is the one I made using this image for a recent swop.  And it is decoupaged.

 

All for now.
Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You (C2cu) Challenge #2 - Summer Days - Twist 2 - Beach Colours -

Hello for the second/third week of our Twist 2 challenge - 'Beach Colours'.

I decided I would really like to do some parchment for this challenge and I went to my favourite designer Judith Maslen for inspiration.  I have done this pattern before but I have taken some liberties this time and there are a few alterations to fit the challenge. (sorry Judith).

Isn't he just gorgeous?  I have re-designed the border, added a blue band of colour and some blue and white striped ribbon and buttons from Crafts-Too - all to accentuate the beach and sea feel. He has been traced in black ink and then embossed and coloured.  I think he is definitely an 'Edward'.

Carol xx
C2cu DT

CD Sunday - Add a Number

Good Morning.
Starting with today I am afraid that all my postings for the next few weeks will be scheduled ones. I know this is very impersonal and please bear with me,  but I will be back to 'live' postings once I am fit and able again.
This weeks challenge - Add a Number -  has been chosen by Jocelyn - and for this card I went to the new House Mouse Triple Collection - CD 2.  They are so cute.

Everything except the die cut tulips ( which are Memory Box - if memory serves me correctly!) came from the CD.
Even though I won't be replying  I look forward to receiving  your comments and looking at your blogs when I can.
Carol
xx

Keeping busy

finishing off a stack of birthday cards.  I will need some of these in the next few weeks and months.  Decoupage is something that I can sit and do quietly without any undue strain on my arm and I love doing decoupage - especially using the La Pashe 2012 CD.
I enjoyed making them and here they are.

 I really don't know what I am going to do when I can't craft for a few weeks.  I don't read a lot so it will be back to jigsaws I expect.
Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You(C2cu)- Challenge #2 -Summer Days - Twist 2 - Beach Colours

Good Morning and welcome to Twist 2 of our August Challenge - Summer Days.  This time we would like you to use some beach colours

Here is my creation which I hope will give an idea of what we are looking for, or perhaps even give some inspiration.

For this easel card I have used from my pack from Crafts-Too  - buttons, ribbon and the striped backing paper. The Beach Hut and shell stamps used came from the free set with Creative Stamping (I think Issue 10).  I thought the beige buttons looked a bit like pebbles and I used the blue striped ribbon to look like a wave. The beach huts are coloured with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils.

I look forward to seeing more of the wonderful creations that we have been receiving.
Carol xx
C2cu DT

p.s.  I won't be making any comments for a while I am afraid but my fellow team members will be doing my turns for me.  

Patchwork - Grid 37

Pergamano have fairly recently released two more multi grids - in fact nos: 36 and 37.  I bought them as soon as I knew about them directly from Pergamano and have just now had a chance to play with no: 37.  This one is all about patchwork and I think it is going to be one of my favourites.
Until my arm is sorted out I am a bit a restricted in what I can and can't do craftwise.  I can do parchment as that is quite easy one handed and I can use my Big Shot one handed as that is so stable.  But the guillotine is difficult.

For this card I embossed all but three of the little patchwork scenes.  I then made a patchwork using the smallest die of a set of hexagons I have just bought.  They are not the perfect size but near enough.  I cut several in red, green and yellow and stuck them in a pattern to a backing paper.
The striped card was printed using a Carol Ann's Studio CD.  I then offered up the parchment to the hexagons and  fixed them by using brads and some Perga Glue.

I don't think I will be making many more cards but I might try and do some finishing touches to ones almost complete.  I have to try and keep busy.

CD Sunday - Quick and Cute

Good Morning.

I think there is a slight chill in the air - at least compared with how it has been.  I can't say I am sorry as I don't like it very hot.

'Quick and Cute' has been chosen by Sue-b and for this I have chosen a couple of Yorkshire Terriers from The Best of La Pashe 2012.

They certainly look cute and it was a quick card to make so all the boxes ticked.

There is plenty of scope for all sorts of themes and styles.  I look forward to my last week (for a while) of blog hopping and commenting.

Have a good week.
Carol
xx

Crafts-Too Challenge You (C2cu) - Challenge #2 - Twist 1 - Fun in the Sun

Good Morning. We are so pleased to have received  many wonderful entries in the 1st week of our second challenge.  Thank you all for your continued interest and support.
Here is my second card on this theme of 'Fun in the Sun' and for this I have been doing some stamping and colouring.

This is 'Making a Garland' using Marianne 'Snoesjes stamp', Marianne backing papers and Crafts-Too buttons.  The Rectangle Parenthesis dies (X cut) and the  'Dancing Tulip' die (Memory Box) , purple and green card are from my stash. The butterflies are cut from a piece of backing paper in the selection I received.
We are looking forward to receiving many more entries.  I love looking at all the different styles used and of course what else is new to buy.

Carol xx
C2cu DT

CD Sunday - Transportation

Good Morning to everyone.  A lovely weekend here in the South after a late night thunderstorm on Friday.  It didn't last long enough to cool everything down but it did water the garden.

Yet another new month and we have a lovely sponsor this month - Lynn of 'Crafty Linby'.  Lynn has very generously offered a CD as her prize - Debbie Moore's Shabby Chic  Mechanical. As well as choosing the theme, giving a prize and choosing the winner  Lynn is also going to be our Guest Designer for this month.  Thank you so much Lynn for your support of our Challenges.

Now the team have all been thinking outside the 'box' this month and I know you will enjoy the cards that they have made for your inspiration.  I think I am way out of the box this time and here is my offering:

His legs and pose have been much admired by the team.  The pattern came from Stitching Cards and the palm fronds are from a die that I have - Marianne I think.

I can hear you saying - now where is the bit from a CD?  and here it is:

The insert which  is  from Robert Addams - Ancient Egypt CD
I thoroughly enjoyed making this simple card and I look forward to seeing how many more 'out of the box' creations we receive.

On a personal note - the count down to my op has started.  I now have a final date (20th August)  - the last of 4 alterations and change of hospital - and I have my pre - op assessment and physio consult on Tuesday.  Let's hope I pass after all this.

Carol xx


p.s. In answer to your question Margaret - yes I have ridden a camel.

A wonderful holiday in Egypt in 2005.

Crafts-Too Challenge You (C2cu) - 2nd Challenge - Summer Days. Twist 1 - Fun in the Sun

I can't believe we are already into the second month of our new Challenge but we are and we have chosen 'Summer Days'.  It is also difficult to believe that we have had Summer days but we certainly have and I for one am slowly melting.

For the first week of Twist 1 I have chosen to go to one of my favourite CD's (La Pashe 2012) and together with the decoupaged image I have used backing paper, ribbon and Marianne Craftables die cut utensils - all from my DT pack from Crafts Too.

I hope that everyone is having their own 'Fun in the Sun' and I look forward to visiting many blogs in the coming month.
If you look here you will find all the details about how and when the prizes for last month will be decided and the links to my fellow teamies wonderful creations for your inspiration.

Many congratulations to the winner of our mega Give Away - Susan @ Scrumplescrunch

CD Sunday - Garden Pleasures

Good Morning.  This weeks theme couldn't be more apt for me  as yesterday I spent a wonderful day at the gardens at  RHS Wisley - where I am a member.  There were nine of us wandering around - chatting and catching up with news whilst admiring the wonderful gardens.  Our group came from as far afield as Holland, Wales, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Sussex, Kent and Surrey.   We all agreed that we never tire of our annual group visits to Wisley so a 'Garden Pleasure' it truly was and it will always be so.
For my card I used a Pamela West Cd - Volume 2 Cd 1.  I printed the topper on parchment and embossed all the appropriate areas and then fixed it to the matching backing paper and card with tiny brads. The blue bow is a die cut and the 4 corner flowers were punched and were from stash.

This is our last week with Tess as our Guest Designer.  Tess,  it was lovely to have you back with us this month,  and thank you for your beautiful creations.

The Foxtrot

This was my parchment project at the lesson on Wednesday.   The image was traced using black ink and white pencil  from the stamped image of a Kanban stamp by Yvette Jordan called 'Foxtrot'.  The oval border was made using Pergamano Grid No: 20 and the brads are white floral brads by Nellie Snellen. I used a little Glamour Dust and 3 tiny stick on pearls.