Here I come - and so does summer!

 Hello, well I am finally back - sort of. I am here today but will be back properly next week. I have missed crafting sooooooooooo much but I am pleased to say the smelly old essay has been handed in so we just all need to keep our fingers crossed that I pass it or I will be having to write it all again (how awful that would be!!!!!) So I am back with the fab challenge on Lili of the Valley and our theme this time is .....

HERE COMES SUMMER!

COPICS

plantpot - Y17, Y35, YR16, E08

Leaves/trousers/top - YG06, YG41, YG67

T shirt - RV10, RV23, R85

Flowers - RV10, RV21, RV23, Y17, Y35, YR16

Car - W1, W3, W5

Hair - E33, E35, E37, E53, Y21

Skin - E000, E00, RV21

 Challenges

Sketch and Stash - sketch #34 

Creative Craft Challenge - Bloomin' Marvellous

Stamp Something - Charmed Somethings

One Stop Craft Challenge - Metallic

 Materials

I have been a lucky girl because I got a lovely package full of scrummy goodies yesterday from Tracy at Dies to Die For and I have managed to sneak a few onto my card :o) Of course the image is a beauty from LOTV and this little darling is called Me and my Cat - what a cutie!! Papers are my good old stash of Making Memories .... love these so much. So onto my fabby goodies from DTDF - well, here are the links to them all ....... beautiful antique silver butterfly charm - so pretty and just a gorgeous addition, how about using a pretty spacer in the centre of your flowers! The brill quality card blank is also from Tracy but I cannot see it on the website yet so I will add a link later :o)

Flowers are from Wild Orchid Craft and also crafty feeling kits (which I adore) and the other bits and pieces were from my stash. 

Hope you all have a great weekend - this is the first BH weekend that my hubby and I are both off together in years so we are going to have a great time - probably have the odd drink or two and maybe, just maybe squeeze a starbucks in too, lol. It's great to be back xxxxxxx

Sketch Saturday - my final week as guest designer

Hello, do you all remember who I am???? Yep, just Marcea here popping by to say good morning to you all. Well, I am still tapping away at my keyboard writing this awful essay but one way or another it will all be over Wedneday evening thank the lord and I can try to get my life back again!!!!! Well can you believe it is my last week as guest designer for Sketch Saturday , I have really loved being part of the team this month and am so thankful to Terry for asking me to take part.

copics

E50, 51, 53, 33, 35, 37, 31, 00, 11, 29, 47, g03

W1, 3, 5, 7, y35, y

Challenges

How wonderful is this image by Mo Manning. I love her images, she captures real expression and emotion in her artwork. Jack and Ginger are perfect for this 50th Anniversary card, still so much in love it just melts my heart. I think my papers are by Papermania but I am locked out my craft room for fear that temptation will lead me strat from my essay so I will amend next week if I am wrong. A very simple card really, I have made an easel card and used a million pearls with my fab new swirly template thing by ? Bazzill (oh heck I think it is by them) which I truly love! Punched edge on some mirricard using my trusty Valentine Lace punch from DTDF - still one of my fave punches even after all this time. That pretty much sums it all up. Think of me today as I try in vain to finish my essay. I am afraid that I may have to miss a special family event tomorrow if I don't so I will be typing like my life depends upon it. Hope to be back crafting by the end of the week .... fingers crossed xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Busy Bears by LOTV now on sale

Good morning, oh I am missing you all so much!!!! I just popped by to let you all know that the gorgeous new stamps from Lili of the Valley have now been released. They went on sale yesterday so you better be quick, quick, quick if you want some because you know how popular they always are. This time there is a wonderful collection called Busy Bears and they are gorgeous!!!! Here is a card I made a few weeks ago with one of the stamps

All the design team have other cards to show you so pop over to visit them for some inspiration. I am also excited to let you know that the girls at LOTV have put together a set of Fritz and Fifi stamps including sentiments for only £14.99 ... talk about a bargain!

So what are you all waiting for - pop over and treat yourself to some new stash - you really do deserve it after all, lol.

Hope to be back with you all next week after my essay is finished - thanks for the lovely messages you have been sending, it really does mean so much xxx

Sketch Saturday Guest Designer - week 3

 Good morning lovely people - her I am with my 3rd GD card for the fabulous Sketch Saturday . If you think I have been quiet you are right - I am having a couple of weeks off to get my final essay finished for uni then I will be back again crafting and trying to visit you all. 

This weeks sketch is lovely - lots of circles for you to add oodles and oodles of flowers .... perfect!!!!!

copics

Jacket/Shoes/Bouquet - BV02, BV13, BV31

Skirt/flowers - Y00, Y11, Y15

Hair - E50, E51, E53, Y00, Y28

Leaves - YG03, G14

Skin - E000, E00, RV21

Challenges

Creative Card Crew - Happy Birthday
Papertake Weekly - Cutie Pie
Create4fun - Circles

 

I just love this image - isn't she pretty. She is of course from Lili of the Valley and is called Rosie Posy . Good news for all you LOTV fans .... there is a really gorgeous new collection due for release on 21st April so visit the website for more details. The papers are from an ols stack I have had forever but I still love them. Flowers are a mix from my stash and Crafty Feeling and all the other bits and pieces are from my stash too. As you can see my Martha Stewart punch has been used to the max and Tracy at DTDF has lots of great punches to choose from (and copics too!!)

Well I better get back to work although I am still a bit tipsy from last night .... hic! Had a great night with some girls from work ...... happy days :o)

Crafts & Me - Colour combo

 Good morning and welcome to our 2nd challenge on Crafts & Me . We cannot believe how many of you entered on our first challenge and we hope you all join in with us again this time. We have a fab colour combo for you picked by our lovely teamie Trish ........

Pink, Brown and Yellow

Copics

Hair/boots - E33, E35

Dress - RV21, RV23

Flowers - Y11

Grass - YG03

Skin - E000, E00, RV21

Challenges

Cupcake Craft - Childhood memories

Pollycraft - Pink, Brown (and Yellow or Green)

Stamp with Fun - Sketch

Creative Card Crew - Happy Birthday

Papertake Weekly - Cutie Pie

Pixie Dust - Things with Wings

Copic Creations - Flowers
Flutterby Wednesday - Open challenge

Quixotic - Heavy Metal

I thought it would be a nice change to show you some of the other stamps Teresa stocks. We all know she is the only UK supplier of Sweet Pea Stamps but she also stocks lots of other cuties including this gorgeous Heidi among the flowers who is a little swiss pixie by CC Designs. The fab papers are from BG Lemonade pack and the flowers are from good old Crafty Feeling kit that I subscribe to each month. Ribbon may also be from there (can't reamember now) and the sentiments are from Craftwork Cards ...... so useful to have in my stash! Still loving my Martha Stewart Loop Border Punch .... I need more punches!! Brads and spacers also from stash (which just keeps growing and growing .... does yours do that too???)

Hope you get chance to join us .... remember to check out this weeks prize over on the challenge blog .

Sweet Pea Stampers - Acetate

 Good morning, well it looks like another gorgeous day again .... doesn't the sun put you in a good mood. We had a hectic weekend again but Ryan had a fabulous week and the concert was brilliant. If any of you want to know alittle about the band you can read it here   . Ryan in in the Henley t shirt (tromboine section) looking very serious, lol.

Anyway, onto this weeks challenge on Sweet Pea Stampers   and this proved a real headache for me .....

Acetate

For some reason none of my dies would cut the acetate and all my ideas quickly went out the window and in the end all I have is a little photo corner on the bottom left corner ... oh well, it is still there so it counts, lol.

Copics

Hair - E08, E29, E37, E53, YR16
Moon - B93, B95, B97
Gown - Y35, Y38, YR16, YR68
Wings/sash - R22, R35, R37, G94, G99, YG63
Skin - E000, E00, E11, RV21 

Challenges

ABC - R is for Red
Flutterby Wednesday - Sparkle (lush pearlescent card)
Pixie Dust - Things with wings
Allsorts - Petals and Pearls

 

Isn't this image gorgeous ..... she is called Time Flies  and is available as a single stamp or from sheet 11 plate 38  from Crafts & Me. 

Back later to add the rest of my materials - have to dash to work

byeeeeeeeeee xxxxxxxxx

Ps check out the blog for fabulous news on our prizes!!!!!

  

Guest Designer for Sketch Saturday - week 2

Good morning, have managed to schedule thispost so hopefully I am still sound asleep :o) It is my 2nd week as guest designer for Sketch Saturday and I had so much fun with this weeks sketch! Hubby and I are heading back down south later to collect Ryan but we will be treated to a fabulous concert by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (yes, I know you all know who they are but I am sooooooooooo proud, lol)  this evening to see what they have been working on all week before we drive all the way home again :o(

Copics

Top - B00, B12, B93, B95, B97

Hair/Scales -V09, V12, V17

Tail/top - R05, R22, R29, R27, R35

Sun - R35, YR02, Y35

Skin - E000, E00, E11, R20

Challenges (update later)

Pollycraft - Anything Goes
Your Next Stamp - Purple
Hanna and Friends - Scene
Stampin' for the Weekend - Ribbons & bows

Well, no surprise to see another fabulous Sweet Pea stamp from Crafts & Me . This beautiful lady is called Nostalgia and is also available on Sheet 8 plate 30. The perfect papers were sent to me by my lovely friend Terry (thanks hun). Flowers are from Crafty Feeling andthe ribbon and brads are from my stash. I hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine now that it has returned xxx

Just Magnolia - Punch It

Morning all, sshhhhhh be quiet, I am a little tired this morning, we were out with friends last night which is not something I usually do when I have work next day. Needless to say I forgot to do my post so I have just lifted the pic from Just Magnolia and will be back later with my proper post. Hope you all have a great day and remember ....... keep the noise down, I am trying to sleep hahaha x Oooh by the way - I am always last to find out but how easy is the new and improved blogger - wow!!!!!
Edit #1: Hmmm looks like I will never learn .... heading into York with hubby for a few drinks so will have to update in the morning ... sorry, lol xxxxx

Copics

Dress - Y00, Y11, Y15, Y17, Y35
Sash/socks - R32, R35, R37, R59
Skin - E000, E00, E11, RV21
Hair/parcel - E50, E51, E53

Challenges

Pollycraft - Anything goes
Roses on Paper - Layers

Sweet Pea Stampers - Fairies at the bottom of your garden

Boooo, it is the last day off for Easter but I shouldn't grumble because it is still an extra day off isn't it. I hope you have all had a lovely weekend. I have some great news to share with you all. I have been invited to join the fabulous challenge blog dedicated to the beautiful Sweet Pea Stamps, you know I love these so how I could I say no!!!! So why don't you pop on over to Sweet Pea Stampers and join us with this weeks challenge ......

Fairies at the bottom of the garden

Copics

Skin - E000, E00, E11, RV21, BV02
Eyes - B93, B95, B97
Flowers/clothes - Y15, Y38, BV02, BV13, RV02, RV23, RV34, YG06, BG49, E57


Challenges

Papertake Weekly - Open theme
Craft Creations - Anything Goes
Stamp Something - Pink Somethings
Secret Crafter - How does your Garden Grow?




I have tried to make my card look like I am looking through a window (sort of) by making a recessed window card. There is a really wonderful tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers which is so easy to follow and a lot of fun too. I added a border around the edges with my fab MS Valentine heart punch from Dies To Die For . A little reminder that Tracy also stocks Copics so why don't you add a couple more to your collection - I love mine so much. This beautiful stamp is called Dark Sirene and is only available from Crafts & Me in the UK. I treated myself to some more new papers a few days ago and how pretty are these ones. Can you believe they are by Papermania (Rose Garden pad). I have been really impressed with Papermania's new pads this year - all have been utterly wonderful. Lots of flowers to finish, another mix of wild orchid crafts, tabby crafts and I think maybe Joanna Sheen but don't quote me on that! Enjoy your day if you are off and please try to join in if you can. Have you seen the gorgeous piccy on my sidebar for the challenge .... why don't you grab it and help spread the word about our challenge :o)

Sketch Saturday - GD Card

Good morning and I am hoping this post is on my blog because I have scheduled it. Right now I should be on my way to Taunton to drop my son off for the week at the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. My husband and I will then turn right back around and drive home - a round trip of around 9-10 hours. My poor husband has then got to head straight off to work until 2am poor soul, I do hope he isn't kept back late because he will be ready for his bed!

Anyway, I am so excited to share the fab news that I have been invited to be Guest Designer for Sketch Saturday for the whole of April. I love taking part with their sketches as often as I can and didn't even hesitate to accept the wonderful offer from them. Thankyou Terry for asking me :o)

Copics

Dress - YG06, YG11, G05, G14
Hat - R22, R27, R29, R35
Hair - E50, E51, E53, E33
Skin - E000, E00, E11, RV21
Sparkly frosting - Spica clear


Challenges

Papertake Weekly - Open Challenge
ABC - R is for Red



So here os my humble offering. I won this great stamp on another challenge but you can buy her here from Dies to Die For if you are not as lucky as me, lol. The great papers are also from DTDF and are My Mind's Eye Jack & Jill .... aren't they scrum! Flowers are from crafty feeling and the brads are some I have had forever. The usual Craftworks Cards sentiment (how did I ever manage without these) and of course the gorgeous Martha Stewart frond punch.

That's it for a couple of days from me. I am going to attempt to make a start on my essay tomorrow because it will be due in before I know it. Hope you all have a great Saturday xxx

Just Magnolia - More than one fold

Woohoo, here we are at the start of a 4 day long weekend - oh if only it was like this every week!!! Lots of crafting time I hope is ahead although I really do need to knuckle down and get this essay done. I may need to enflict a crafting ban if I cannot get my head in gear, lets hope not. I am finding it hard to get motivatedthis time - oh dear!
We have an interesting challenge for you on Just Magnolia this week. We want to see more than one fold on your card. Hmmm I needed to think for this one and in the end decided to make this cute little spring card .... there is a dead easy tutorial to follow here on Split Coast Stampers.


Copics

Jumper - G000, G00
Dress - BV31
Hair - E50, E51, E53
Skin - E000, E00, R20


Challenges

Kaboodle Doodles -A shaped card
Roses on Paper - Punch It
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Shapes Galore
Papertake Weekly - Open Challenge
Colour Create - Pastels
Crafty Creations - Anything Goes





Very few materials for this apart from my cute little Tilda snuggled safely in my nesties. Paper is Making Memories (some of my fave ones) and the flowers are a mix from various retailers and RAKs. Plenty of stickles on her wings and I happen to know you can buy it from Dies to Die For at a very reasonable price!

Heading into York with hubby, son and his g/f for a bit of shopping and maybe a bite to eat before dashing back so poor Glen can get to work .... poor thing. Have a lovely day (ooh just remembered, Good Friday means I can have Fish & Chips later yum yum!!) xxx