Chris decided ...

... to go Christmas for her shoebox card. Another really pretty but simple card however it could have been even more simple if I'd read the instructions - *lol* I was going by the look of the sample card and cut all my green squares and then the embossed bits to matt and layer.  I matted them all up and then found the ribbon, which I thought was very long for just a tiny bow. Then I read the instructions - *oooops!* The green card should have been kept whole and the ribbon wrapped around it to make the squares. What I had thought was white card (remember, looking at sample card but from a distance) between each white embossed square was, in fact, the white ribbon.  Anyway, it was too late for me to do anything other than matt and layer and hope to get the spacing right.  It doesn't look it in the photo but it is in fact pretty good - *LOL* 

Some glitter glue was used on the roofs of the buildings to make the snow sparkle. Embossing done with Cuttlebug embossing folders and nestabilites used to cut the greeting plaques.

  Thanks for dropping by .....

A while back ...

... I decided I was going to try 12.7mm magnetic tape for my nestie storage instead of the 25mm I had been using.  Today I finally got around to trying it. I've been collecting sets but not wanted to 'decant' them until I'd found the notebook I'd lost and in which I'd listed all the dies/punches/folders that I own. Today I was going through cards that need to be finished and what did I find amongst them? Yep, my notebook! It was on the cards I would have to do it again (already bought another notebook) and it took an age to do it in the first place.  Anyway, back to topic .... 

I wasn't too sure how successful the narrower tape would be but I can report that, although it's not quite as strong as the 25mm (less surface area so wouldn't be), is lighter (less bulk) ... it does work effectively. I will now stay with the 12.7mm tape as you can get 10m for virtually the price of 5m of the 25mm, so works out cheaper as well.  Wish I'd bought that in the first place now as I wouldn't have had to buy any more for a good while but .... I reckon I've now got enough to last for as long as I shall need it as most of my dies are bought and it's only odd sets, when I buy them, and not nearly the 100 odd I had to deal with when I first started storing them the way I do now. 

At this point I should say that I do have another item for nestie storage .... Joy Crafts! A3 Magnetic Metal Die Storage Folder.  Yes, that is A3 (there is an A4 version as well) but I needed something to store my 12" Grand Borderabilities and .... some Grand Label Dies.  My CD wallet just doesn't cut the mustard for such long/large dies :0)  I'd already got a few of the Quickutz version for my mega/long nesties but they're not even A4 size so really didn't work for the long borders.

I don't have a Grand Calibur or any other A4 sized large cutting machine but I checked out the measurements of some of the dies for the Grand Calibur and found that some weren't far off the maximum size that the Cuttlebug would take. I figured that there were 4 sets where all the dies would fit so I bought one to try (Grand Labels Four, set of 6 dies) and all but the very largest die goes through the Cuttlebug. By my reckoning that means that all of that set may go through the Big Shot as I believe the slot it slightly wider but it will need to be a Big Shot owner that confirms, or denies, that.  It is only the overhang around the cutting edge that makes it too wide for the Bug. Being quite happy that there was only one die I couldn't use with the bug I bought Grand Labels Eleven (set of 6 dies) and that has the same result. Only the largest die won't fit the bug.

I've revisited my estimations of the other sets as the narrowest cut measurement should be 5¾ inches or less. If it says 6 inches technically it should go through but that bit of overhang will stop it - and the plates are only 6 inches wide - *LOL*  The only thing that may be needed are extended plates or running the die through the Bug twice - top and tail.

Anyway, here's what I reckon will fit, and won't fit the Bug from the available Grand dies (but I won't be held accountable if they don't -*lol*)

Grand Large Label - all of them (all fit - I've bought, I've tried and they do!)
Grand Ovals - all of them (all fit - I've bought, I've tried and they do!)
Grand Labels Eleven - 5 out of 6 (have proved this one as I have them *grin*)
Grand Labels Four - 5 out of 6 (another proved as I've these as well * bigger grin*)
Big Scalloped Circles - 3/6
Big Scalloped Ovals - 3/6 definitely.  Possibly 4/6
Creative Book Pages - 4/6
Grand Labels One - 4/6
Grand Scalloped Ovals - 4/6 definitely.  Possibly 5/6
Grand Circles - 4/7
Grand Scalloped Circles - 3/6
Grand Squares - 4/7
Grand Scalloped Squares - 3/6

OK, there's only 4 sets where all will fit through but reckon there's enough choice to make it worthwhile buying some without buying an A4 machine to use them with - unless you really, really want/need to use the very largest in the sets *grin*

Anyways, that's been my day today. Listening to Harry Potter while sorting my cards into order of needing inserts, matching with envelopes or just general finishing and then, once notebook came to light - decanting my newer dies into their new home, labelling them, updating notebook and revisiting my list of what will and what won't go through the Bug with the Grand dies.  Tomorrow I'll get it looking more like a work area than a dumping ground and I might even get some crafting done .... but then again?

Oh ... and we had a visit from prospective new Grand-daddy Philip and his soon to be wife Paula (eldest son and future daughter-in-law), eldest grand-daughter Chloe and future step-grandson Ben ... followed by a visit from youngest son, Wayne and our little Emma. Zac and Amy were safely tucked up in bed fast asleep - *grin* Lovely day!

Thanks for dropping by .....

Boy, it's hot, hot ...

... HOT!!!  Yesterday was hot but it's been even hotter today - or seemed it was to me.  Eldest son and his partner's youngest came today and, while he was here, he put together a lovely toy for me.  It's been residing, in it's box, in the shed for over a year but it's now usable - and use it I certainly will!

Kieran and Chloe, the eldest grandchildren arrived as well, so we had quite a family gathering.  Kieran brought his girlfriend and her little boy.  Scary and, not wanting to go there but, he could potentially be a step GREAT grandchild!  As I say, I do NOT want to go there - not yet, anyway :0{  I'm not old enough to be a great grandparent - pleeeeease!  Didn't think to get camera out while they were all here. Stupid 'cos photo opportunities with any of them are few and far between and now I regret not putting brain into gear and getting camera out as there might not be another opportunity for months.  Getting too many senior moments recently with brain not working until it's too late :0(

Final bit of shopping for holiday done and dusted.  Tried on another dress I'd seen last week and, although I loved the colour and it was pure silk, the fit was atrocious.  Bagged under the arms and over the bust.  Empire line dress but a smaller size wouldn't have fitted under the bust.  Really disappointed but it's saved me £100 *grin*

Here's the last project from Greta's playday and it was my offering.  This one was very much a fly by the pants project.  I'd bought ordered (Paul paid for it as part of my Christmas present) the die at a very, very good price but had never used it.  I cut all the elements needed and it was a 'follow the directions' make for us all for the first time.  Think we all discovered where we could improve if ever made again but strangely, although I took the die with me, nobody rushed to cut the parts needed to make another - *LOL*  The die used is a Sizzix Bigz XL called Pop Up Snowman (I think).  I used it with my CuttleBug using extended plates but they aren't totally necessary as you have to be quite selective with cutting the pieces.  There are some elements that you need more than one of but there's only one on the die.  I don't actually dislike it and may make more, especially now I know where it could be improved.  I finished the card at home on Sunday ...

 I entered this one into the forum's April inspirational challenge as well ... to include a button.

Thanks for dropping by ....
.

A Ruby Wedding

I've been waiting to post this card because I wanted to make sure that the recipients had received it.  Unfortunately they haven't!  I sometimes wonder about our postal system. 

UPDATE:  Card arrived ... a week after posting 1st class!

Anyway, dear friends of mine, Greta and Roger, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday.  I didn't find out about it until the early part of last week and I didn't have much time to make a card.  Firstly I had no working room as my crafty space was doing a good job of hiding itself under all the 'junk' I'd piled in it and secondly, we had our night away and I had Dad to deal with amongst the normal 'stuff' I don't normally have to do but have at the moment - until OH is able-ish again.  I managed to get crafty space cleared and, after getting home and having a 'rest' from out night away I set to work .... trying to find mojo!  I had a sketch to follow for a challenge on the forum but I had no idea what to do.  I cobbled something together which I hated so it all came apart and I started again.  Hubby is thinking I'm mad 'cos he liked what I'd done but I didn't.  Still actually didn't like what I ended up with - mojo well and truly left me, or I never really had any in the first place and I can only make cards when I go to a workshop and told what to do :0(  Fact was, I'd run out of time as it had to go in post to get there on time .... or not, as it turned out 'cos they're still waiting!

Ingredients:

Plain white card blank.

Cuttlebug A2 embossing folder Tiny Bubbles.

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Set - Wedding.

Woodware clear stamps - Anniversaries.

Red ink pad for distressing card edges.

Red mirri card.

Ribbon from stash.

Gems from stash.

Thanks for dropping by .....

Christmas meet shoebox project #7

Well, it wasn't my project #7 as these are the cards I made the kits up for. I made several samples as I'd used different colours in my kits and wanted to show that, depending on how the snow couple were coloured, any colourway could be used.  There was one more, in  a pinky colour, but seems I've omitted to photograph it and it's now gone to a good home - lol!

Ingredients:

Penny Johnson stamp from Stampavie - Snowy Cuddles

Promarkers

Digi sentiment from Create with TLC

Snowflakes embossing folder (Cuttlebug exclusive to Kars)

Stickles glitter glue

Snow writer

Papermania paper

Mirri card.

Enjoy!!
 

Christmas meet shoebox project #3

I love this one ... well, I love them all but like the simplicity and impact that this has.

Jan's shoebox kit

Ingredients:

A6 card blank

Score board for scoring lower part of card and border (Hougie board in this instance)

Strip of DP paper

Circle nesties for matting.

Nellie Snellen Multi frame circles or Nestie Lacey Circles

Stamp or Digi image (this one was from Pink Gem)

Colouring medium (promarkers used here)

Greeting and SU window punch

Stickles glitterglue

 Enjoy!!

 

Christmas meet shoebox project #2

A second card made at the Christmas crafting day.

Carolyn's shoebox kit.

Ingredients:

3 inch square card blank.

Contrasting card for backing

Scalloped and plain circle nesties

SU window punch and a stamped greeting

Stamped or digi image and colouring medium

Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

Enjoy!!
 

Christmas meet shoebox projects.

At the end of November (27th to be exact) I had a day of crafting with a group of friends. We used the shoebox idea again where we each supplied everyone with a 'kit' to make a card or project. We ended up with 12 projects each on the day ... some simple and effective and others with a bit more of a difficulty level ... but far too many to get through in one day. I've still to do some of the projects - and put finishing touches to others - but I've finally got round to photographing those that I have finished so there'll be a few posts to follow.

Where I can I will put details of items used but mostly ...... I have no idea - lol!

Cally's shoebox kit
based on a card we made at a Jackie Huckstep workshop at the Glitterpot

Ingredients:

Bazzill Bling

Nesties labels

Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

Crafts Too embossing folder (greeting)

DP for backing

Snowflake punches

Gems & Ribbon

Enjoy!!
 

Embossable Christmas Workshop

Thursday 22nd October - morning at the Glitterpot with Jackie Huckstepp.

Yep, 2nd day running and another workshop at the Glitterpot. This time with Jackie using Crafts Too embossing folders and another selection of designer papers, punches, dies and embellishments.  Again, I'm not sure of the DP used but guess it's not really important as long as you can find what you like.

Ingredients

Embossing folders - Crafts Too: Noel,  Christmas Greetings & Cuttlebug: Swiss Dots

Core'dinations card for embossing/distressing

Nestabilities Labels One

Punches - Selection of snowflakes, corner rounder

Gems, ribbon, stickles, brads

DP - Noel card, Echo Park.

Enjoy!!

 

A commissioned card.

Eldest son's future in-laws celebrate their Ruby Wedding Anniversary at the end of October and I was asked to make a card for them but the card had to incorporate Cyprus in one way or another as it was their favourite place. Now, I don't usually take commissions. If anyone wants one of my cards they either select from those I have already made or they take what I make them but, in this instance, I thought I'd give it a go. Wish I hadn't but ... it seems the card was a success. Well, at least it was liked by son and future daughter-in-law.

I have to thank a friend, Debs, for giving me the inspiration for the design of the card as I cased the card she sent me and hubby for our Silver Wedding last weekend.

The Cypriot flag, in a heart, was found on t'internet and I printed it off onto shrink plastic, coloured the heart (which was white), punched a couple of holes for ribbon and shrank it all down. The idea was for it to 'dangle' but it wouldn't so it got stuck on instead! Perhaps one hole with jump rings and dangled from the bow might have been better but didn't think of that until it was too late (like now - *lol*). Not sure I like the ribbon across the top either but again ... too late. Have to say, I was given enough notice as I was asked back in April if I'd make a card and finally made it on Wednesday this week. It was collected today and will be wending it's way over to Cyprus, next Wednesday, where the family will be celebrating the anniversary so, once again, all left to the last minute - ooops!

Ingredients:

Linen card for card blank, matting and layering, greeting and embossing.

Red holographic card for matting and layering

Satin ribbon from stash

Cuttlebug embossing folders, Divine Swirls and Wedding

Shrink plastic (frosted, although would have been better in white I think)

Computer generated greeting

Red gems from stash

Enjoy!!

 

Crafter's House Party - Thank you #1

My shoebox card makings will resume once I've finished the ones still to show.  Not had time to do them yet but in the meantime here are a few of the thank you cards I received at the end of the House Party weekend.  The partially hidden one was from Kaz and she really excelled herself with all the cutting and foiling on the lettering etc. but it was excellent.  Not sure which shop - or car boot - she got it from but she really put herself out there to find it - *lol*!  Only joking Kaz, it was still very much appreciated :0)

The ladies were extremely generous with their thank you as they paid for both of my therapy sessions and gave me vouchers to spend at the Glitterpot. I wish they hadn't done anything as my thank you was seeing everyone enjoying themselves and it all passing off successfully but I am very grateful for what they did do. I thoroughly enjoyed my massage and reiki sessions and spending the Glitterpot vouchers. All were such hard work .... NOT!

Enjoy!!

Cuttlebug?

Look forward to the new products from Provocraft for use with the Cuttlebug (and other similar machines) - from extended plates to quilling dies! All due out over the next few months.

Scrap Time - CHA Winter 10 - New for Cuttlebug from Mark Giles on Vimeo.

Enjoy!!

Hubby's 70th Birthday

Hubby celebrated his 70th birthday while I was away on my luxury holiday (fast becoming a distant memory now) but I made sure that I'd made his card before I went and left it with strict instructions not to open it until the day! Because of that I couldn't post it here in case he saw it. Not that he reads either of my blogs and not sure he even knows how to find them but Murphy's Law says that if I had posted earlier he would have found it *LOL*. I guess I could have scheduled a post but time ran away and I never got round to it but .... here it is now! I have to thank a dear friend, Kim, as she cut the letters and numbers for me on her Cricut. She found me searching for diecut numbers and letters while at the Glitterpot recently and offered to do them for me. I would have done them manually but she saved me a fair bit of time so ... Thank you, Kim

Think everything is pretty self explanatory by the pictures alone. Martha Stewart, Kanban and Nestabilities being the main ingredients along with Kim's input. (Click on any image for larger view)

As you may gather, we don't do 'lovey-dovey' *LOL*

Enjoy!!

A Christmas to Die For - Workshop

Jackie Huckstep, 27th November at The Glitterpot.
Morning session - 3 cards.

Die-cut Christmas cards combining embossing folders and Sizzix dies .... Sizzlit - Tree, Christmas #4, Sizzix Bigz - Holly & Berries, Cuttlebug embossing folders - Season's Greetings (cut up and elements used on each card) and Snowflakes.

Enjoy!!

Kay Webb Workshop - Clearly .... Christmas

Lovely relaxed day at The Glitterpot on Wednesday doing a workshop with Kay Webb. 4.5 cards made. The 0.5 because it's not finished and isn't likely to be - *lol*!! It was a card started, using scraps, to fill up the time as we finished the planned ones very early ... that's how easy peasy they were. Not happy with what I did with it before I ran out of time so will leave it. It may get finished eventually - *LOL*

Morning cards ...
Stamps: Gillian Roberts - Nativity 2 (I coloured this at home with my Prismacolors) and Gillian Roberts - Snowman (coloured in class with watercolour pencils). Various greeting stamps.
Other embellishment: A variety of backing papers & card, matting and layering, Bazzill Bling, nestibilities, Cuttlebug folder and Cuttlebug, crystal gems, ribbon, snowflake brad.

Afternoon cards ...
Stamps: Penny Black Majestic and Hero Arts Winter Pine (watercoloured trunk and chalked leaves), selection of greeting stamps
Other embellishment: Nail Heads, Stickles, glitter, double sided adhesive sheet, red crystal gems, ribbon, holographic peeloff star, variety of backing card and papers, versamark and white embossing powder, versafine, snowflake punch, glitter card.

Enjoy!!