Helen Berry Design

Just for You...WMSC84 Sketch & CR84FN48 Color Challenge

2012-02-13T17:04:00.012Z

Just popping in with a card I have made for this week's CR84FN Color Challenge and Watzingmouse stamps Sketch Challenge

Lots of lovely little elements to this card! I started with a lavender cardbase and used some papers from My Minds Eye Happier and Miss Caroline "Fiddlesticks" collections and simply stitched them together to make some pretty panels and a chartreuse DP border.

I took a plain kraft cardstock tag which I got at my local craft shop and stamped the basket weave patterned stamp in cream ink to create a sweet background. The white leaves are die cut and I simply stamped some grey text ontop and added some lavender gems for extra bling. I had already stamped & colored the butterfly using the angel wings from WMS Earth Angel set stamped, so it was all ready to go - tucked away and forgotten til now!! I simply added a sweet lilac colour paper rose and layered it onto some lovely white May Arts lace trim.

BUTTON & BOW

To finish my tag, I simply added a pretty lavender seam binding bow and cute little green polka dot epoxy button topped off with a little pearl heart.

SENTIMENT

I stamped the "Just For You" sentiment along the bottom of the card in black ink (really do love this font) and voila!

Here are the lovely colours from CR84FN Color Challenge Blog that inspired me

and the fantastic sketch challenge, this week set by Waltzingmouse Mischief Maker Jennifer Cuthbertson...

Supplies:
Stamps: PIc Nic Patterns, Earth Angel, Say It Loud - Waltzingmouse stamps; Text style II - Papertrey Ink
Ink: London Fog - Memento; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Basic Black - SU!
Lace & Seam binding - The Ribbon Reel
Button - Making Memories; Lavender gems - Papermania; flower from stash; Fiskars lace edge punch

Good Stuff!

2012-02-13T15:40:00.011Z

I was delighted to receive an award from Carla (Carlas Scrappy Tales)

THANK YOU CARLA!!

What is the Liebster Blog award? Here is a quick explanation.

'Liebster' is German for 'dearest'. The award is a 'share-the-love' arrangement, given to inspirational bloggers with less than 200 followers.

Here's the to-do list of any Liebster award recipient:

Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
Copy and paste the award on your blog (see above)
Hope that those you award forward it to their favourite bloggers
Here are my five favourite blogs (in no particular order) with less than 200 followers (based solely on google followers).

1. Pauline - Craft Obsession
2. Stella - A little bit of the things I enjoy
3. Jeanne - A Kept Life
4. Kelly Schirmer - Gingham Girl
5. Tamara - Tamara's Scraphoekje

These ladies NEVER fail to inspire me & I look forward to visiting their blogs and want to tell them how happy & grateful I am to have met them through what has turned out to be a fabulous hobby!!

Hugs,
Helen xxx

Valentines Chocolate Cone...

2012-02-08T13:32:00.009Z

I started making one of these for each of my two sons for Valentines day, but my eldest persuaded me that he needed it more for his little girlfriend from school :) How cute.

I decided to enter the CR84FN#47 Color Challenge a second time using the inspiration photo and colors Pink, Red and light Blue. The Shabby Tea Rooms are celebrating their 100th Challenge this week and the theme is 'Candy Hearts' and we're asked to create a card or project with a food theme and hearts, so I thought this would fit really well!

I used the Waltzingmouse Vintage Banners stamp to create a cone shape by stamping the gingham triangle image three times right next to one another in red - i just eye-balled them to line them up. I then cut around the outline, leaving a little at one end to attach to the other side and scored between each flag, glued into shape and voila a simple cone shape.
I added a blue cardstock border which I cut using my Martha Stewart Zig Zag border punch, adhered it to the cone using double-sided sticky tape and then used some red bloomers by Websters Pages to finish around the top of the box. I then added some pale blue seam binding bows to each corner and finished each one with a pale pink pearl.

I used three different small hearts from Papertrey Ink's Heart Prints set and stamped them in pale pink, cut them out, added a small red gemstone to each one and adhered onto all three sides of the cone.

Here's a sneeky peak inside - YUM!!

This is the first one of these I've made and learned a lot - I hope to make many more too!

Have a great day. Thanks for looking :-)

Hugs,

Helen x

I'm also entering this into:
The Pink Elephant - Use Pink

Love is in the air...

2012-02-06T15:35:00.005Z

Had a little time to get inky and play with stamps today and have created a card using what are fast becoming my favourite stamp sets - Waltzingmouse Stamps Teeny Trees and the 'love' sentiment from the Say it Loud. We still have snow on the ground here in Oxfordshire and fog, so the light is terrible for taking photos!

I was inspired by the beautiful CR84FN#47 inspiration photo so decided to use pink, red and light blue as the main colors for my card.If you have time to play along, you can find all the details you need here on the CR84FN Color Challenge blog.

I started by using my Spellbinders Nestabilities Small Circles to cut a circle from white cardstock and also cut a blue frame using the same set. I stamped the tree-tops in Versamagic Pixie Dust Chalk ink and trunks in Memento Rich Cocoa - each tree stamped once onto the card before dry embossing using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder - just for a little bit of texture/interest! I then stamped the tree tops and trunks again onto a seperate piece of white cardstock and added some brighter pink leaves onto the oval shaped tree and a pink heart edged in red ink onto the second teardrop shaped tree.

I cut out the tree tops and then ahered them on top of the images I had already stamped on the embossed circlular piece. I then went ahead and added some white ruffle edge ribbon along the bottom of the circle and then glued the pale blue frame around the edge. I think it looks a bit like the view from a little round window - those embossed dots look like snowflakes to me!!

I attached the trees and frame onto some kraft cardstock and stamped the 'love' sentiment in Real Red ink by Stampin Up and sponged some fresh snow ink around the edges to soften them a little. I then added some gorgeous red satin ribbon, pink and white cotton twill and some blue grosgrain from The Ribbon Reel to make a border. I then added some blue seam binding and pink button threaded with some cream silky button twine. I couldn't resist adding some tiny red gems to the trees and some pink gems to the sentiment, just to finish it all off.

I am also playing along with a few other fab challenges and have linked them up incase you fancy joining in as well :)

Top Tip Tuesday Challenge #69 - Valentines Challenge
The Kraft Journal - La La Luv You
Moxie Fab World - Tuesday Trigger: Fancy Schmancy!

Thanks so much for looking and have a great week!

Hugs,

Helen xx

TRR 21 Shabby Chic Birthday - You are a Blessing

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000Z

Hi,

Its time for another fortnightly challenge at The Ribbon Reel and lovely Lenet has provided us with a real beauty of an inspiration photo and asks that you create a Shabby Chic Birthday card or project using the colors of the photo, seambinding/ribbon, lace,roses and some stitching. My sewing machine has decided it won't play the game, so I hope I can be excused from using any stitching on my card this time!!

I chose the lovely soft blues, pinks and turquoise colours from the photo to use in my card. I layered a few different elements here, I embossed the bottom two thirds of my card using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and sponged the edges with white irridescent acrylic paint - I wanted to add a little silvery effect from those lampshades in the picture, but went for an soft pearlescent paint instead to keep things subtle.

I used Spellbinders Labels 4 to cut a label out of some blue mini-polka dot paper and then Spellbinders small ovals to sit on top of that. I created a frame by stamping the beautiful oval wreath from "Cameo Creations" by Waltzingmouse Stamps using Antique Linen Distress Ink. The sentiment from Papertrey Inks' "Signature Greetings" stamp set - I simply stamped it in Hawaiian Shores ink and then edged the little oval label with more irridescent acrylic paint. Such a beautiful, soft sheen in real life.

I used some gorgeous White Sheer Ruffle edge ribbon (can't get enough of this!! love it!) and some stunning 25mm turquoise satin and a blush pink Christmas Rose (Hellebore). I added some more irridescent acrylic paint to the petals and stamen of the gorgeous flower and two beautiful pearlescent leaf pins as a finishing touch.

I used some may arts crochet lace in pink to create a border along the top panel of the card and also layered more pink lace over some Berisford blue grosrain along the bottom of the card and added an elegant cream rose.

Don't forget to visit The Ribbon Reel Challenge blog to see what the rest of the DT have come up with and play along to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous goodies from The Ribbon Reel store.

Have a fabulous, crafty week.

Helen x

Little Love Tag WMSC83

2012-02-05T12:55:00.012Z

Hi everyone,

I'm here to share a little something I made for this weeks Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I didn't get to play last week and I missed it!

I'm on a countdown now until Claire releases some new stamp sets - previews start on the 26th February and I really can't wait to see them!! :))

I made a little Tag for someone dear to me, just to let them know I love them. Here's the WMS sketch created by Jen Cuthbertson:

That's all from me today, but I'll be back tomorrow with my DT card for The Ribbon Reel fortnightly challenge. Look forward to seeing you again soon - thanks for visiting!!

I'm also entering these challenges too this week:
Tuesday Throwdown: Use Hearts
one stop craft challenge - for the one I Love

Hugs,

Helen xxx

Supplies:
Papers: Pink Paislee Nantucket Collection 6x6 pad
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps - Seasons of Love Tags, Cameo to Go, Teeny Trees (sentiment)
Flowers, White Seam Binding, Button Twine & Lace - The Ribbon Reel
Spellbinders Nestabilities: Standard Circles Small, Classic Ovals
Other: Gem - Websters Pages

Sending Butterfly Hugs and Kisses

2012-01-23T00:01:00.006Z

This is my second post of the day - for my Ribbon Reel DT card, please click here or scroll down. Thanks so much.

Good Morning,

This week sees the second week of the CR84FN#46 Color Challenge, WMSC#81 over at the Waltzingmouse Stamps Sketch Challenge Blog and a new challenge at DYSU - #55 Designer Paper.

I couldn't wait to ink up my new Dainty Doilies set by Waltzingmouse Stamps and decided I would do a kind of "one sheet wonder" and design my own patterned paper to use on a card and cover a little heart shaped box I've had in my stash for WAY too long now ;). But first, the card...both these shots show you a little more of my doily background paper and the gorgeous sentiment taken from the 'Say It Loud' set by Waltzingmouse stamps.

I stamped the small doily shapes from this set in a very random way using pink, yellow and antique linen ink onto some cream cardstock - I just kept adding doilies until I was happy with the look. I then cut out a piece for my card, used Spellbinder Labels One to cut out the beautiful ornate square shape, exposing some of the pink cardstock base below. I stamped one of the awesome WMS Very Vintage Labels One images in Versamark ink and heat embossed using some pearlescent embossing powder. I used the 'Wonderful Wings' butterfly die set by Donna Salazar for Spellbinders and cut one solid yellow butterfly and then layered this with co-ordinating cut out butterfly. I added some little pink twine antennae and a sweet pink rose. The pink wings are so sheer IRL!

Here's a shot of that sweet heart box. I simply drew and then cut around the lid and stuck on with glue, I measured and cut a complete strip to cover the base - the lid was quite a tight fit, so I had to measure the height of the strip of paper with the lid on. I edged the lid with pink seam binding and pearl lace trim from The Ribbon Reel and then added another yellow and pink butterfly to the top of the lid.

and this is where I took my inspiration from:

CR84FN#46 Color Inspiration:

Sketch by Waltzingmouse Stamps:

and DYSU #55 Patterned Paper Challenge:

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of your crafty week!!

Hugs,

Helen xxx

Supplies:

Waltzingmouse stamps: Dainty Doilies, Say it Loud
Ink: Versamark; Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink - Stampin Up; Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink by Ranger
Embossing Powder: Silver Pearl by Heat It Up!
Cardstock: Cream, Pink - Stampin' Up!;
Yellow paper - Papermania
Ribbon & Trims: The Ribbon Reel
Pink Roses: Prima

TRR #20 New Year New Start - Resolutions

2012-01-23T00:00:00.011Z

A very Good Morning to you!!

It's time for another wonderful challenge from The Ribbon Reel and this fortnight the super-talented Zuzana is asking us to create a card or project with a "New Year, New Start" theme - "create a card with your New Year Resolution and use ribbon/lace/twine/buttons"

Big things or little things, my resolution is to take time to celebrate this life!! The next year will be an adventure for my family and I can't wait!!

There are lots of lovely elements to this card. I am in love with the Ivory Crochet Lace - WONDERFUL stuff - I threaded Ivory Silk Ribbon from The Ribbon Reel through it to create a lovely border on the left hand side of my card.

I also used the beautiful Silky Gold Crush and natural twine secured with a mini clothes peg. My goal was for this sentiment to be pegged up there to remind me - a sort of 'Note to Self' or 'Don't Forget'.

I used some of the the luxurious Antique Gold Velvet stitched with a zig-zag and added as a border to the bottom of my homemade bingo number card. That paper with all the different numbers on it actually reminded me of a calendar and my resolution for each new day in 2012. I couldn't resist using more zig-zag stitching to sew a border around the beautiful dog wood flower I used on the background paper from Pink Paislee's Nantucket line.

I went with my heart on this card and used a combination of colours that are favourites for me. I stamped my sentiment using words from Ali Edwards set from Technique Tuesday onto some My Mind's Eye (MME) Lost & Found 'Sunshine' paper. I stamped a large doily from Dainty Doilies Large stamp set onto some grid paper from MME's Stella & Rose Gertie collection, cut it out and added a Blossom nestabilities shape and mounted my sentiment on top.

I really had fun with this challenge and it really has been a good start for the year for us as a family. 2011 was really tough and frought with difficult challenges and we are ALL looking forward to all the good things 2012 has to offer :) We are all looking forward to my eldest son's 8th Birthday this Thursday and my husband will be starting his dream job in the next couple of weeks. We have so much to be thankful for and so much to Celebrate!! :))))

Don't forget to check out what the other DT ladies have created for your inspiration:-
Keilly,
Pauline,
Debbie,
Zuzana,
Fran and
Lenet.
Click here to return to The Ribbon Reel Blog.

This week I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the lovely Claire Brennan, owner of Waltzingmouse Stamps who sent me a prize for the Tag I made using her wonderful Stamps and Ribbon/trims from The Ribbon Reel. I was lucky enough to choose not one, but TWO sets....STAMP HEAVEN :) I used one of those sets - the beautiful Dainty Doilies Large.

All Ribbon, lace and twine available from The Ribbon Reel Shop
Waltzingmouse Stamps:
Dainty Doilies - Large
Technique Tuesday Everyday Words by Ali Edwards
Papers: My Minds Eye 6X6- Lost & Found Sunshine Collection; Stella & Rose 'Gertie'
Paper Collection; Pink Paislee - Nantucket Petite Paper Pack
Cardstock: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Brushed Corduroy, Walnut Stain, Antique Linen
Buttons: from stash
Punch: Stampin' Up!

Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party!

2012-01-17T00:00:00.002Z

Hi, I'm so excited to be playing along with the monthly Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party today!! There's plenty of time to play - just link up your project on the Waltzingmouse Blog by 4:00pm GMT today - click here to find out more. Hooray - I love Waltzingmouse Stamps!!! The theme this month is "Sweet Things"

I didn't get a great deal of time to prepare to play this time around, but desperately wanted to share something so thought I would take the opportunity to show you a tin of chocolate shortbread I made for my sister Emma's birthday earlier this month. The shortbread has long since been enjoyed, so only the tin remains!!

I simply covered one of my husbands empty Coffee-Mate tins with pretty patterned paper. I then used a couple of favourite stamp sets on this project and of course, Emma's favourite colour which is the shade of raspberry you see in the picture.

I covered the lid of the tin in pretty raspberry pink felt that I picked up at my local craft shop. I made the pink pins myself by adding random pink beads onto pink pearl headed pins - I love doing this, reminds of when I used to make bracelets and necklaces for myself!! The vintage cream button is from PTI - I had been hoarding it in the old crafty cupboard for far too long!

The Rescue Remedies stamp set was just perfect for what I wanted and I love how the white embossed image looks against the Raspberry cardstock. I love how Claire's stamps fit so perfectly with the Spellbinders Labels Four Dies. I also cut another backing label using Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 8 dies and dry embossed some polka dots onto it using a Cuttlebug folder. I highlighted some of the dots by dabbing them with some white chalk ink - just to really make them stand out a little more.

and here's a view of the top of the tin...

Once my lid was covered I stamped and embossed the doily image from "Dainty Doilies 2 Small" and cut this out and adhered to the top. All that was left to do was tie it all up with some beautiful silk ribbon and pop a sweet little paper rose on top.

I decided to tie a little label onto the back of the tin with pink button twine. The word "Sweet" is actually from one of the Rescue Remedies labels - stamped in versamark, embossed with white powder and then cut and mounted onto a another white heat embossed "Very Vintage labels 4" Label. I added more of the pretty patterned paper that I used to cover the tin, some pretty cream lace and a mini paper rose. Super easy & mega quick using Claire's versatile stamps and nestabilities :-)

Here's a close-up of those "Sweet Things" - Emma's Chocolate Shortbread...Mmm, Yum!!!

Nothing really new here, but I enjoyed whipping something up super quick!! If you're interested, the chocolate shortbread recipe is from the Great British Book of Baking which was a BBC "Bake-Off" show. My sister actually gave me the book for my last birthday - I think there may have been an ulterior motive there don't you??!!

Here's the simple recipe for what I'm now calling "Emma's" Chocolate Shortbread :)
(makes 12 chunky pieces)-
260g Plain Flour
100g Caster Sugar (extra for sprinkling)
200g unsalted Butter, chilled & diced
40g Cocoa Powder
a pinch of sea salt (optional)

Method: Combine the flour, caster sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a bowl and then rub in the butter with tips of your fingers until the mixture resembles fine sandy crumbs. Pop it into a greased tin, press into an even layer using the back of a spoon. Using a fork, prick the dough and then bake for 25 mins in a preheated oven at 180C/350F/Gas mark 4.

Now I'm off to see what everyone else is bringing to the party today. Have fun!!

Hugs,
Helen xxx

I also took the opportunity to link into the following challenges:
DYSU 54 - Pink!!
Wild Orchid Challenge - Anything Goes

Cupcake Inspirations Top 5!!

2012-01-16T18:53:00.004Z

Just got some very sweet news...one of my cards earnt a place among the "Top 5" over at Cupcake Inspirations blog...This was actually a birthday card I made for my sister and was posted via my DT position over at The Ribbon Reel. (There's still time to enter a card/project into the "polka dots with pink" challenge if you would like...)

Thanks to all those sweet cupcake girls that voted for my card!!

I'm back tomorrow with a little something for the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party!!

See you then,

Helen x

Sweet Girly Birthday Wishes

2012-01-13T10:58:00.012Z

Here's a sweet little birthday card I've made...

The little girl and her puppy are some new stamps that my friend Lisa gave me for Christmas and the Birthday Wishes and little flowers are part of the "Eat Cake" Stamp set by Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used some copic markers to colour her in and paper-pieced her little handbag with the same orange star paper I used to create the background to the card.

The main background paper is from Stampin Up and is as old as the hills, but it has all the mid blue, orange and yellow tones that I wanted and it feels good to use up some of those things that have been hanging around and make something fresh and new with it.

I was so inspired again this week by the fantastic design team and vibrant colours of this week's CR84FN Color Challenge #45 inspiration board, that I had to play along!! These are not colours that I usually reach for, but I had so much fun putting this card together...lots of layers, beautiful vibrant colours, a sweet image to colour and some lovely stamps...

I played along with the SKETCHBOOK SATURDAY CHALLENGE #44- Chupa created a beautiful sketch this week on her Random Acts of Creativity Blog - pop on over and take a look if you have the time :)

I am also entering this into the "Happy 3rd Birthday Charisma Cardz!" Challenge #1 The lovely ladies over at the Charisma Cardz Challenges Blog have a special birthday week long challenge and some great prizes up for grabs to celebrate turning 3!

That's all from me for today - Enjoy your Friday!!

Hugs,
Helen xxx

Supplies:

Stamps: Studio g Smirk Stamp; Waltzingmouse Stamps - Eat Cake
Ink: Brocade Blue, Basic Black - Stampin Up
Papers: Stampin Up; Orange Stars - Makin Memories Just Chillin' collection
Die Cuts: Marianne Creatables snowflake die; Spellbinders - Labels One; Blossom Nestabilities
Fiskars Eyelet lace punch
Cardstock: Stampin up - White, Brocade Blue; PTI - Orange Zest

Winter Wishes

2012-01-09T10:12:00.009Z

Just popping in with a couple of Wintery projects I made around Christmas time but have yet to share with you...

I've been having fun with the free 'Winter Wonder' stamp set from Issue 98 of UK Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine...the cute images and the 'magical' and 'wish upon a star' sentiments got me to thinking about cards for Christmas, but also something I'd had in my mind for a little while now - to make a "Wish Book" for my two little boys to write down all their wishes and hopes for Christmas - not just Christmas lists for Santa, but anything that makes it a magical time for them - a wish for any time of the year!!

I stamped both the images twice in black Stazon ink so that I could colour them with markers and then cut the bears out and pop them up on foam adhesive for added dimension. The oval image was then covered in diamond dust stickles glitter glue and edged in Brilliance Pearlescent Sky blue ink.

I just made a little cover for a small notebook (99p from WHSmith) by embossing some Kraft Cardstock with a Sizzix folder and scoring using my ScorPal to get a snug fit.

I edged with white ink to add to the Christmassy feel and stamped 'wishes' and a little snowflake along the spine. The red dotty label is by Papertrey ink stamps and the 'Wishes' sentiment is by Waltzingmouse stamps.

The label actually keeps the whole book together and slides off for you to write inside the notebook.

The card was made using the larger of the two images - I embossed the card base using Sizzix snowflakes embossing folder, adding a strip of vellum stamped with the christmas lights stamp and then finished with red and white bakers twine to make a border - ribbon, pom-pom trim and a little button and snowflake charm - and of course the polar bear image to complete the card.

Thanks for the continued support and hope that you like my little creations!!

Ive also entered these into the following challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown - "Shiny"
DYSU Do You Stack Up - "Winter"
Really Reasonable Ribbon RRR39 "Sparkle & Ribbon"

Supplies:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps Say It Loud Winter Holiday; Papertrey Ink - For the Graduate
Kraft Card - Bazill
Ink: Stampin Up - Real Red; Brilliance Pearlescent Blue; Black Stazon; Copic Markers
Sizzix snowflakes and plaid Embossing Folder
Marianne Designs Snowflake Die
The Ribbon Reel: - Pom Pom Trim; Red Gingham Button; Red & White Bakers Twine
The Ribbon Girl: - Red Dew Drops; Red Stripe Ribbon, Jingle Bells, Snowflake Charm

TRR #19 Polka Dots in Pink!!

2012-01-09T00:00:00.002Z

Hi wonderful blogging buddies!!

It's time for another Ribbon Reel Challenge and this fortnight Pauline, my lovely friend and fellow Design Team member is hosting a Pink Polka Dot extravaganza!!!
Pauline has provided this unashamedly girly photo for your inspiration and asks that you create a project using pink and Polka Dots, with Ribbon/Bakers Twine. Yummy, don't you think?

It was my fabulous sister's birthday yesterday, so I created this particular card in her honour. I created my own custom patterned papers by stamping pink dots onto Echo Park's Springtime collection using Papertrey Ink's gorgeous "Polka Dot Basics" stamp set. The main sentiment is stamped using a combination of two stamp sets - the "Birthday" is from PTI's Giga Guide Lines set and the "happy wishes and kisses" is from Waltzingmouse's Say It Loud set. I love getting the most out of my clear stamps in this way.

I then created a little polka dot banner using Waltzingmouse Stamps "Bitty Banners" set and some lovely little adhesive foam letters to spell out the word "Sister". then suspended it using some Cotton Candy Divine Bakers Twine from The Ribbon Reel and some little mini wooden pegs.

I used ribbon to separate my card into 3 sections using some delicious Pink Spot Organza and some Pink Twill which I gathered using needle and thread to create a soft ruffle.

I couldn't resist adding a beautiful pink and cream Gardenia, Hellebore and Cherry Blossom flower backed with Pink Crochet Lace and more candy pink bakers twine from The Ribbon Reel -I can't seem to stop using them!!

Have a wonderful week and don't forget to stop by the Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog to see what the other members of the Design Team have created using Pink and Polka Dots!! You can enter your card/project here and could win a wonderful prize from the Ribbon Reel Shop.

All the best,

Helen xxx

Supplies:

The Ribbon Reel: May Arts Pink Crochet Lace; Pink Twill; Pink Spot Organza; Cotton Candy Divine Bakers Twine; Cherry Blossom, Hellebore, GardeniaStamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps: Bitty Banners; Say It Loud. Papertrey Ink - Giga Guide Lines; Polka Dot BasicsInk: Versamark; Versamagic Pink Petunia Chalk Ink; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Antique Linen; Stampin Up! Chocolate Chip
Paper - Echo Park Springtime Collection; Pink Card - Stampin Up!
Other: Adhesive Foam Alphas; Ranger Clear Embossing Powder; Needle & Pink Cotton Thread; Tombow Multi-Talent Glue; Foam Adhesive; Mini Clothes Pegs

I've entered this into these challenges:

Cupcake Inspirations:- 142
Simon Says Stamp:- NEW Something
Sweet Stampin - Spots & Dots

Happy New Year at The Ribbon Reel TRR #18

2011-12-26T00:00:00.003Z

Good morning everyone! I hope you are all having an absolutely wonderful Christmas time!!
Well, it's time already for another fabulous challenge over at The Ribbon Reel Blog and Fran is hosting this time and provided a wonderful inspiration picture which can be found here.

The theme this fortnight is to create something with a 'New Years' theme using the colours white cream grey silver or black

I combined Waltzingmouse Stamps with patterned papers to create a monochromatic look and finished with charcoal seam binding, silky crush, black pleated ribbon, button twine, may arts lace and black & white stitched grosgrain ribbon all from The Ribbon Reel. I created the white flower by twisting some beautiful white seam binding around to make a loosely rolled rose flower shape and then finishing with a large pearl in the centre.

I do hope you enjoyed what you've seen and wish you a very Happy New Year!!

Don't forget to check out what my fellow Design Team members have made for your inspiration here.

A Christmas Tag

2011-12-12T00:01:00.003Z

Hey everyone,

I have a tag to share with you today!!

I used the wonderful image from Waltzingmouse Stamps Very Vintage Christmas set which I stamped in Versamark ink onto cream cardstock and heat embossed using silver embossing powder.

I coloured the image using an copic marker and then sponged the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink. I used a Marianne Creatables die to cut the circular snowflake shape and then layered some fine silver fabric and bridal white satin ribbon from the Ribbon Reel. I used their gorgeous pewter silky crush ribbon to create the big bow at the top of the tag, some beautiful blue sheer ruffle edged ribbon to tie the tag to the prezzie.

I edged the bottom of the tag with some white guipure lace, silver pleated ribbon to which I added some narrow velvet ribbon. To finish I added a sparkly PTI button and some sweet aqua blue adhesive pearls.

I am entering this into the following challenges:
Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC77
Waltzingmouse Christmas Tag Challenge
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge142 - "Christmas Glitz"
The Ribbon Reel Challenge - TRR17
Jay Gee's Nook Challenge 14 - Christmas Inspiration Picture
CES Challenge 65 - A Traditional Christmas
Totally Gorjuss - 110 Let It Snow
Crafty Catz - 112 Anything Goes
The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop - Christmas with a bow
DYSU

Have a wonderful week,

Helen xxx

Supplies:

Waltzingmouse Stamps Very Vintage Christmas Stamp Set
Cream Cardstock: Stampin Up
Marianne Design - Marianne Creatables Snowflake Die LR0185
Silky Crush Ribbon, Blue Ruffle Edge Ribbon, Bridal White Satin Ribbon, May Arts Silver Pleated Ribbon, Silver Velvet Ribbon - All from The Ribbon Reel
Aqua Blue Adhesive Pearls - Prima

Ribbon Bauble for The Ribbon Reel TRR17

2011-12-12T00:00:00.002Z

Hello blogging friends!!

Well it's time for another fantastic challenge brought to you by The Ribbon Reel. It's the lovely Debbie's turn to host the challenge this fortnight and she has provided us with this beautiful picture for inspiration. The theme this time is 'Shabby Holiday Wonder' - create a card/project inspired by the photo and use CREAM or WHITE, AQUA or BLUE and SILVER.

I decided to create a simple little ornament for our Christmas tree using some of the beautiful ribbon and trims from The Ribbon Reel. This was pretty easy to create - i simply started with some of the stunning silver pleated ribbon, wrapped it around the circumference of the bauble and secured it at the top using plain short dressmakers pins. I used more of these small pins to which i added a small pearl bead, tiny fabric star and pushed them into the bauble at intervals to secure the pleated ribbon. I then went ahead and wrapped some of the May Arts silver velvet around the bauble twice to create four distinct sections and then added tile blue seam binding with some ivory pearl lace trim over the top to create another "stripe" around the belly of my little bauble.

Each section of ribbon is secured with a small pin at the very top, which is covered by the embellishments and the bottom part is secured by a single pearl headed pin which i think gives it a slightly more vintage feel and finishes it all off quite nicely.

Here's a close-up of the top of the ornament - the cherry blossom flowers have been glittered to add extra sparkle although it doesn't show up very well in this photo.

The grey and white seam binding is from the Ribbon Reel and was tied in a simple bow and pinned at the very top to secure it. The little beads on wire and the teeny tiny larch cones covered with silver paint are from my mum. My extremely talented mum has been making the most amazing Christmas decorations for years and used these bits and pieces to decorate the top of her most exquisite silver walnut decorations. I used some yummy ivory natural button twine to make a loop and simply glued it into the embellishments at the top to create my hanging ornament!!

That's all from me for now, don't forget to pop on over to see what the rest of the TRR design team have created for you to enjoy! You won't be disappointed.

Can't wait to see what you create!!

Hugs,

Helen xxx

Supplies: Ribbon, twine, pearl lace trim and flowers all from The Ribbon Reel
(You can click on any of the links included in my post to be taken directly to that particular product)

CR84FN#43 Color Challenge

2011-12-01T15:36:00.010Z

Hey everyone, I had some lovely news yesterday...I am a BIG CHEESE this week over at Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog...so exciting!! Check it out here:- http://waltzingmouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/big-cheese-of-week_30.html

I also have a Christmas card to share today...

I used the wonderful colors of Tan, Brown and green from the CR84FN#43 Color Inspiration Picture

I also used a sketch I found over at the Verve Stamps Blog :- Verve Sketch VLVNov11Week2

Have a wonderful day won't you.

Hugs,
Helen xxx

Supplies:
Waltzingmouse Stamps: very vintage labels no. one; Santas coming to town; Sizzix snowflakes embossing folder
Patterned Papers: My Minds Eye: Stella and Rose collection
Cream seam binding; button twine: The Ribbon ReelBrad and brown adhesive pearls: papermania

LBD Birthday Card and Card Patterns Sketch #143

2011-11-28T14:48:00.006Z

Happy Birthday to my lovely sister in law, Georgia!! I made this card using Waltzingmouse Stamps 'Dress form', 'Dainty Doilies', 'Very Vintage Labels Four' sets, patterned paper from DCWV La Creme Matstack and loosely based the layout on the fab Card Patterns Sketch #143.

Enjoy your week,

Helen x

The Ribbon Reel Challenge TRR #16

2011-11-28T00:00:00.002Z

Hello and welcome all,

It's time for another wonderful inspirational challenge over at The Ribbon Reel Blog. This fortnight ANYTHING GOES - the lovely Keilly asks that create whatever you like as long as it includes RIBBON, TWINE and/or LACE.

Earlier this month, my cousin and his wife had a baby girl so I was inspired to make a baby card...

I stitched some beautiful paper from Websters Pages onto some Kraft Card and adhered onto a white card base to which I had already punched a border along each edge and stamped a pink border from the 'Eat Cake' stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used PTI's Fillable Frames #1 stamp set and die to create a label onto which I stamped the New Baby sentiment from Waltzingmouse Stamps 'Say It With Style' set.

I added some flowers and pink button twine which are also from The Ribbon Reel shop -the beautiful Hellebore (Christmas Rose) in the centre is so delicate - the petals are edged in the most beautiful pale blush pink and those ivory tea roses have such a wonderful texture - simply beautiful!!

I used some of the gorgeous pink/white stripe grosgrain ribbon and light blue velvet ribbon to make the centre panel.

As a finishing touch I added a pearl headed and pink leaf stick pin at the top and a little flower button with more of that sweet pink twine onto the label.

That's all from me for now, don't forget to pop on over to see what the rest of the TRR design team have created for you to enjoy! You won't be disappointed ;)

Supplies Used:
Ink: Rich Cocoa - Memento; Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery - Stampin Up
Papertrey Ink: Fillable Frames #1; Waltzingmouse Stamps - Say it with style, Eat Cake Stick Pins, Pink Button Twine, Hellebore, Roses, Pink Stripe Grosgrain, Light Blue Velvet Ribbon - All available at The Ribbon Reel
Papers: Websters Pages
Cardstock: White Card - Papermania; Kraft - Bazill
Fiskars Apron Lace Edge punch

Embellish and Card Patterns #142 Challenges

2011-11-24T19:21:00.009Z

Hi there,

I have a card to share today for the wonderful Embellish Leaves Color Trends Challenge and for the latest fabby Card Patterns Sketch by Michelle Bertuzzi. I love both of these blogs and find them SO inspiring. I've been trying to get this card made all week and been thinking about it a lot!!

I finished the card late and therefore ran out of daylight, so the colours aren't quite representative at this time of day. The reds are slightly blue/purpley in real life. Anyway, here is my card...

I created the panels by using patterned papers from the Oxford collection by Basic Grey. I live around 30mins away from Oxford, so especially love these ;)!! The butterflies are die cut using the 'Butterfly Delights' border by Memory Box. I sponged the leaves from Papertrey Ink's Turning a New Leaf with ink and stamped onto Kraft Cardstock and then cut them out by hand. I used a wreath circle from the Waltzingmouse Faux Fun Circles Stamp set and stamped the sentiment from Say It With Style in Paris Dusk ink by Memento and then layered on some green felt cut with a Spellbinders Standard Circles Small Die.

And here is the wonderful inspiration I followed...

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog today - I do hope you like what you've seen.

Helen xxx

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes

2011-11-24T10:40:00.006Z

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the United States and here's wishing EVERYONE joy, health and happiness. Here's to you, my wonderful blogging buddies!!

Enjoy the rest of your week, whatever you are up to!

Hugs,

Helen xxx

WMSC#74 Gingerbread fun!

2011-11-21T10:06:00.006Z

Hi,

Today I'm sharing a card I have made for this week's Waltzingmouse Stamps 'Sketch Challenge' WMSC#74!

Here is the fab sketch I followed for the challenge...

Trying to get my head around Christmas cards - this one is going to be for my sweet niece...

I found the main image in a folder, already coloured just waiting to be turned into a card!! These cute little Gingerbread people are from the Bountiful Basket Additions Stamp Set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I stamped the inner part of the circle/frame using an image from Vintage Circles small set from Waltzingmouse. I used black ink on aqua polka dot paper and hand-cut around the beautiful inner lacey scalloped shape. I then layered it onto another pink scalloped frame I had cut using blossom and circle nestabilities. My frame was then popped up onto the image using foam dimensionals. I added some May Arts crochet lace trim and some white seam binding from The Ribbon Reel along with my Spellbinders Fancy Tags label, raspberry pink button and aqua gems to finish. The lovely sentiment is taken from the Teeny Trees stamp set - the happy and Christmas were stamped individually to make the sentiment you see here.

Thanks for looking - have a wonderful week.

Helen x

November Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz

2011-11-17T12:57:00.011Z

Hey Everyone!! Welcome to my Blog!! I'm glad you visited, as today I'm taking part in the 'Winter/Christmas' themed November Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz. If you would like more details, click here to visit the Waltzingmouse Blog.

I'm a little late posting pictures of my project because I only decided to participate in the 'Waltz' last night after my boys had gone to bed and I have literally only just finished it!! The glue probably isn't even fully dry yet - luckily nothing fell off during the photo shoot! LOL!!

Here is my snowy scene canvas picture...(please excuse my rushed photography)

I was SO inspired by Mona's post about mixed media canvasses (click here to see what Mona made and read more...) I had to give it a try and new exactly which of Claire's stamps I wanted to use. There's something so warm and exciting about those little cottages - it brings out the little girl in me again - I would just love to take a little look inside to see what life is like behind those cottage doors!! Maybe that's an idea for another stamp set - Cottage Interiors!!

...I tried to make each cottage a little different from the other in some way - whether it was the colour of the doors, windows, roof or the pots outside the front doors.

...you can see that I used lots of lovely white felt which I stitched together on my sewing machine and then stuck onto the canvas in one complete piece. I then tucked the trees, cottages and snowman into the 'snow drifts' after that.

I enjoyed using paints and glue again...it's been a while and I know this is far from perfect, but I will enjoy seeing it up on the wall at Christmas time.

This is what I started with..just 4 pieces of patterned paper...

..and some 'mod podge', paint and glitter later! I made my own 'mask' from a marianne creatables die and spritzed on some cosmic shimmer mist...and I then had the base canvas for the rest of my project.

Anyway, I really hope you enjoyed what you have seen - I'm sorry that it feels little rushed...thanks so much for Waltzing by and hope you'll visit me again.

Helen xxx

Supplies: Waltzingmouse Stamps A Cottage Christmas, A Cottage Home, Santas Coming to Town, Very Vintage Christmas, Sewing Box Christmas,

Card Patterns #141 & PDCC107

2011-11-15T14:03:00.008Z

Just popping in with a card inspired by sketch #141 over at Card Patterns and the Play Date Cafe Challenge (use the colours Black and White, with a splash of Orange!!) Eeek!! Way out of my comfort zone, but exciting too!

I stamped and paper pieced a VW Camper Van with orange cardstock and paper from making memories 'Just Chillin' collection. I added some Glossy Accents to the windows and the lights for dimension - love that shiny, glassy effect!! The spare tyre on the front of the card is a white PTI button which I've had in my stash for what seems like forever and reminds me of white-wall tyres. I simply added a black adhesive pearl to the centre to finish it off.

The banner was created by stamping a pennant from Waltzingmouse Bitty Banners onto paper from Basic Greys 'Out of Print' Collection and then cutting out and mounting onto foam dimensionals. It may be hard to see from the photo, but the paper I've used along the bottom has a whitewashed effect to it which reminded me of the chalky cliffs and soil we have along the beaches on our South Coast here in the U.K. So I guess that fits with the images I've used on my card.

And you can't think of VW camper vans and the beach without Surfboards - these cute images are from a set called Free Spirit Boy by Waltzingmouse Stamps.

I do hope you like what you've seen here today - thank you so much for visiting. Have a wonderfully creative rest of the week everyone!!

Helen x

Supplies:

Stamps: Retro Cars - Kanban; Free Spirit Boy, Bitty Banners, Say it Loud Winter Holiday - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Orange - PTI; White - Papermill
Patterned Papers: making memories - just chillin'; Basic Grey - out of print
Button: PTI Vintage White/Cream
other: twine, sewing machine, black adhesive pearls (Kaisercraft)

The Ribbon Reel TRR #15

2011-11-14T00:00:00.005Z

Hi and welcome - it's time for a new challenge over at The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog. The talented Zuzana is hosting the challenge for the next two weeks and provided the stunning picture you see here. Join in by creating a card or project using butterflies and the colours from the inspirational photo.

I adore butterflies and wanted to do something different to my usual soft muted colours so I picked out the bolder yellows, blue and the two tone oranges you see here. Many of the butterflies in the picture have a dark outline around their wings and I wanted to reflect this little detail on my card, so I edged the top level wings on my butterfly with dark ink. I kept the background neutral by using patterned paper from Pink Paislee and then added a zig zag stitched border.

Here's a closer look at those stunning ribbons, the beautiful pearl lace trim and the gorgeous cherry blossom flower which are all available from The Ribbon Reel.

The two-tone orange mesh ribbon is truly stunning in real life - not only a beautiful colour but also the texture of it ties the most amazing bow which stays put! I added a touch of blue seam binding and yellow grosgrain to tie all the colours together - also not forgetting the exquisite ivory lace and pearls trim. I added a little extra colour to my cherry blossom flower using a copic marker and a blender pen to make the petals look as though they are edged in blue :-)
The beautiful scalloped circle was cut from K&Co paper using Blossom nestabilities. I then used a butterfly die (which is a narrow strip) to cut out the tiny butterflies you see there behind the main butterfly. I placed some yellow cardstock at the back of the scallop so that the butterflies really shine through.
I saved a couple of the butterfly shapes which were cut out of the paper and adhered them in place at the top left corner of the card.
The main butterfly is cut using the Spellbinders 'Wonderful Wings' butterfly die set. I simply added a cream button topped off with a crystal gem and some twine for the antenna. The sentiment is stamped in Walnut Stain Distress Ink and is from the In Bloom stamp set by Papertrey Ink.

Don't forget to pop on over to The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog to check out what the rest of the Design Team have dreamed up to inspire you. Oh and don't forget to play along of course, there's another bundle of goodies up for grabs! Have a great week!

Helen xxx

Supplies:
Ribbon, twine, lace pearl trim, cherry blossom flower all from The Ribbon Reel
Stamps: In Bloom - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink by Ranger
Papers: Nantucket - Pink Paislee; K&Co - Que Sera Sera Floral Collage
Cardstock: Kraft - Bazill; Yellow from stash
Die Cutting: Memory Box Craft Dies 'Butterfly Delights'; Spellbinders Nestabilities - Blossom; Spellbinders 'Wonderful Wings'
Blue Copic marker: B41

WMSC71 Halloween card

2011-10-31T13:58:00.004Z

Happy Halloween everybody....if you are looking for my DT Ribbon Reel post please click here or scroll down...

This is my card for this weeks Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge 71. I used a few different Waltzingmouse stamp sets on this card. I actually did some masking (quite rare for me!) to create the pumpkin patch border along the bottom of the card by stamping the pumpkins image (from Bountiful Basket Additions) repeatedly in a row. I then used Copic markers to colour the pumpkins and leaves to really make them pop off the page. I created the check/plaid design by stamping the border strips from the Picnic Patterns stamp set in black onto purple card. The sentiment is from Say it Loud Winter Holiday (love that font!) and the little bat is from Wandas Pantry.

Now you can pop on over to the Waltzingmouse Blog to see what the Design Team have created for your inspiration and all the other wonderful entries into this weeks challenge.

Thanks for visiting and big Spooky Hugs,

Helen x

The Ribbon Reel Challenge 14

2011-10-31T00:00:00.001Z

Hi, Good Morning everyone!

This Monday brings a fresh fortnightly challenge from The Ribbon Reel and my first card to share as a Design Team member.

This week we have the most beautiful photo for your inspiration brought to you by my lovely friend, Pauline Pollington....The challenge is to use Turquoise, Hot Pink and Cream as the main colours of your card, scrap page or 3D project.

now onto my card...

All the ribbon I used on my card is from The Ribbon Reel. I created a gathered ruffle edge using some white silky crush ribbon and then used some hot pink ruffle edge ribbon and aqua seam binding to create a border. I then added some of the most beautiful paper flowers - the ivory rose and the truly stunning hot pink cherry blossom are amazing in real life.

The patterned paper I used for the background is from the MME Lost & Found collection and I just added a stitched border around the edge using my sewing machine. I used Versamark ink to stamp the heart from the Waltzingmouse Seasons of Love Tags set onto Aqua cardstock and then heat embossed using clear embossing powder. The lace flower you can see behind those little fleece birds is a piece I cut from a collar belonging to my confirmation outfit which I wore when I was about 14 years old!! Not quite an heirloom piece, but I am so grateful to my mum for keeping hold of it and passing it back to me so that I can 'recycle' it :)

Now pop on over to The Ribbon Reel Challenge blog to see the amazing creations from the rest of the Design Team and play along to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous goodies from The Ribbon Reel shop.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wondeful week!

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Seasons of Love Tags; Say it Loud Winter Holidays;
Ink: Memento Rose Bud; Versamark Clear Watermark ink
Cardstock: Aqua Mist - PTI; Patterned Paper - Lost and Found Collection My Minds Eye
Fleece Birds and Label - American Crafts
Pink Button, aqua Prima Rose, cream twine from my stash

The Shabby Tea Rooms Week #85 Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T15:21:00.011Z

Hello lovely ladies & gents,

I think I am just in time for The Shabby Tea Room's fun 'Happy Halloween' challenge. The lovely Fran provided us with the most AMAZING photo - the likes of which I have never ever seen here in the UK!! Just look at that gorgeous tree!! My goodness, where to start? Fran asks that you create a card or project inspired by the HALLOWEEN THEME in this photo AND USE PURPLE, ORANGE, BLACK & NEUTRALS WITH TWINE OR RAFFIA!

I just had to get involved in the challenge this week and I have to say that I really had fun with this - I kept my children in mind when creating because I know they love the whole Halloween experience - it's much bigger here in the UK now.

I am a stamper at heart so I pulled out the wonderful 'Wanda's Pantry','Say it Loud Winter Holiday' and Vintage Labels One from Waltzingmouse Stamps. The containers are just empty jam/sauce jars I have 'recycled' and filled with 'Fresh Eyeballs' (Murray mints) and 'Bat Droppings' (milk chocolate covered raisins).

I combined several of the images from Wandas pantry set to create the largest of the two labels - the 'Freshly picked Eyeballs' and the little witch at the bottom are seperate stamps which I've used to create my bespoke label here. I then went ahead and aged it using Tim Holtz Distress Ink. The smaller orange label is from the same set and stamped as is - i just stamped another bat and cut it out for more dimension.
Both jars are covered with scraps of material - the deep plum/purple is a remnant from my wedding day - my mum made the bridesmaid dress for my sister!
I created bands of colour around the jars themselves - purple and orange on the first and natural twill and twine around the second. Both have little labels on the back to cofirm that they are just sweeties after all!! :)

here's a shot of the top of each of the jars...

Thanks for visiting my blog today and hope you like what you've seen!! Have a wonderful week all of you.

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Say it Loud Winter Holiday; Very Vintage labels one; Wandas Pantry
Ink: Basic Black; Elegant Eggplant; Lovely Lilac; Only Orange - Stampin Up
Fresh Snow - Papertrey Ink, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy
Cardstock: Orange, Purple, Black, Cream - The Papermill
Spellbinders Nestabilities: Labels one; Standard Circles Large; Blossom
Ribbon, buttons, natural twine from stash
Black adhesive pearls, purple adhesive gems - Papermania

Little Cup of Pansies CR84FN41 Color Challenge

2011-10-25T19:58:00.010+01:00

Hi there lovelies!

I have a card for the CR84FN#41 Color Challenge. The ladies on the DT provided so much inspiration that I decided to play along. It's a beautiful inspirational photo this week - not colours I would usually go for but I really enjoyed playing with all the tones/possibilities. I don't really have much in the Steel Blue colour, so had to adapt a little :).

To create the card I used the Afternoon Tea Sentiments stamp set from Waltzingmouse(for such a big tea drinker, why did I not get this set before?). I stamped the pansies twice using black stazon. They were crying out to be coloured, so I broke out the copic markers which I have to say have been a little neglected in past weeks!! I then cut out & shaped the second set of coloured flowers to build up the image and give it a little more dimension.

I used the Sizzix 'plaid' embossing folder on the top half of the card to add a little interest and then added patterned paper, union blue seam binding and grey/white bakers twine. I stamped the teacup image onto grey patterned paper from Echo Park's Victoria Gardens collection and then cut out and mounted with the pansies onto more patterned paper from MME's Lost & Found Collection. The sentiment at the bottom is stamped in Memento's 'London Fog' ink. It's the first time I've inked up this particular sentiment, but I can see it becoming a firm favourite with me. It could easily be adapted to use with any other stamps by replacing the 'friend' part with 'mum' or 'sister'. That's what I love about stamping - lots of possibilities and so many opportunities to make it personal.

That's all I have for today - thanks so much for stopping by and hope you like my card!

Helen

Supplies:
Seam binding, twine - The Ribbon Reel
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps - Afternoon Tea Sentiments
Ink: London Fog - Memento
Copic Markers: B41 Powder Blue; T1 Toner Gray; B45 Smoky Blue;YG11; YG13; Y21 Buttercup yellow; 0 Colorless Blender.
Cardstock: Yellow - Stampin Up; Blue - PTI
Paper: My Minds Eye - Lost & Found Sunshine; Echo Park Victoria Gardens Collection
Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies: Blossom S4-192; Standard Circles Large S4-114
Sizzix Embossing Folder - Plaid; Yellow button from stash

Some exciting news...

2011-10-22T11:19:00.007+01:00

I am delighted to be able to share some very exciting news - I am now part of the already awesome DESIGN TEAM over at The Ribbon Reel. Not only does the Ribbon Reel sell all sorts of wonderful ribbon, lace, buttons and other beautiful embellishments via their website, but they also run a fortnightly challenge over on their blog.

I cannot wait to share my creations over the coming months...and BIG thanks to Keilly for the opportunity.

I thought I would celebrate my news by sharing the card I made for the Design Call.

Have a great week!

Helen x

2011-10-22T09:57:00.007+01:00

Hi, looks like it's going to be a glorious sunny Autumn day here in my little patch of Oxfordshire so before I head out with my two boys to put some colour in our cheeks, I'd like to share a quick card.

I'm playing along with The Ribbon Reel who have another fun fortnightly challenge on their blog. Clare Buswell is the host for this week and has chosen this absolutely stunning photo to inspire us - I love the variety of colours in this photo.

The challenge is to create a card /project inspired by the colours from the photo and also use FLOWERS (yay!!). I needed a quick and cheery Get Well card, so I chose to use the 'Rescue Remedies' stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps and papers by My Minds Eye 'Stella and Rose' collection. I stamped directly onto the lovely yellow gingham paper (just love this look) and then used a copic marker to add a little colour to the beautiful flourish you see there at the top of the label. I already had the die cut Labels 4 shapes ready cut, so it was actually quite a quick card to make.
I added some stitching around the edge of the pretty little flower paper and then created a border using peach lace, some cotton trim and yellow seam binding. To finish I added some paper flowers and a pearly pin. *happy sigh*

Have a great weekend, whatever you are up to.

Hugs,

Helen x

Supplies:
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four
Stamps: Rescue Remedies - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Yellow/cream - Stampin Up
Papers: Stella & Rose 6x6 Pad - My Minds Eye
Ink: Rich Cocoa - Memento; Rose Coral - Colorbox
Copic Marker: E02 - Fruit Pink
Pearl Headed stick pin - The Ribbon Reel
Forsythia Yellow Seam Binding - The Ribbon Reel
Peach lace & Aqua cotton trim - Websters Pages Designer Trim
Other: brown cotton thread, sewing machine, adhesive foam dimensionals.

For the Graduate - Card Patterns Sketch #137

2011-10-20T12:02:00.008+01:00

Well, Autumn has definitely arrived here in the UK - Brrrrr!! The temperature has fallen and yesterday I braved the hail storm to collect the children from school & then take them to their Karate class. On the upside, I had a little time to 'get inky' and create a colourful card for the Card Patterns sketch challenge #137

Here's the sketch:

and my card.....

I decided to make my own bespoke background by stamping images from Giga Guide Lines and For the Graduate onto white cardstock and then ran it through my Cuttlebug using the Sizzix Plaid embossing folder to give it a little extra texture. The beautiful red satin ribbon, royal blue dot ribbon and darling little gingham red button are all from The Ribbon Reel

Thanks so much for visiting and looking at my card today. Have a wonderful week all of you :)

Big Hugs,

Helen x x

Supplies:
Stamps: For the Graduate; Giga Guide Lines - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Paris Dusk, Danube Blue - Memento; Real Red - Stampin Up
Embellishments: Cream silk ribbon - from stash; Red Satin 1.6cm, Royal Blue dot; mini tartan button - The Ribbon Reel
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight
Sizzix Plaid Embossing Folder
Cardstock: Shillbrook crafts - White; Enchanted Evening - Papertrey Ink
Other: Cuttlebug, red adhesive gems - Kaisercraft, red stickles, dimensional foam adhesive

Mini Album WMSC68 & TSG125

2011-10-13T16:36:00.014+01:00

Hi all,

I just wanted to share something I put together super-quick. I have the makings of a mini album for my husband! It's his birthday on Sunday and I still have much to do to get it finished before then-but the basic ideas are there. Most of the components are ready to go - just a few more special photos, handmade envelopes containing secret little messages and some other little handwritten bits and bobs from my two boys to go in there.

handmade mini-envelopes and other treasures...but still a little way to go...

I mostly used existing supplies. The overall shape of the album was cut from thick cardboard using Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight Dies, then it was a snap to cover with some yummy papers using the very same die. I used the Basic Grey "Oxford" and "Out of Print" collections. Of course, I HAD to do some stamping, so used the fantastic circles background stamp from Waltzingmouse Free Spirit Boy to create a bespoke background paper ;) I also had great fun using the "Bitty Banners" stamp set and more patterned paper to create the bunting which is draped over the top left hand corner of the album cover.
I made the banner which holds the 'you' part of the sentiment using my scor-pal and the rosette on which it sits is made out of paper strips, folded concertina style!!

I do hope to show you more pictures when the album is completed - but unfortunately not until Jon's birthday on the 16th October!! Fingers crossed he will like it :)) - The most wonderful thing about making these albums is that they are a snapshot in time and I guess that you can personalize them so much - you can guarantee he won't have another prezzie like it!!

I have to say that I have been so inspired recently by the uber-talented Ashley Newell and also the lovely Meredith MacRitchie - those ladies really spurred me on to make more of these albums. And not forgetting the challenges over at Waltzingmouse WMSC68 and There She Goes TSG125

Love & Hugs,

Helenxxx

WMSC#67 and Circles Color Trends Challenge

2011-10-03T13:21:00.011+01:00

Yay, It's time for another challenge over at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog! This weeks brief is to create a card, tag, scrapbook page, 3D item or other project using the following inspirational and fun sketch:-

I also decided to play along with the Circles Color Trends Challenge at Embellish Magazine's blog. I had to improvise with the red color a little - so i hope this still qualifies!! The colours as you can see from the picture below are Green, Brown, White & Red.....

and here is what I came up with .....

I immediately thought to make a tag, but I actually think this would look good as an Ornament hanging on my Christmas tree.

I cut a blossom shape out of green felt using my blossom nestabilities and then used the Marianne Designs CreaTable die to cut the snowflake shape. I then stamped and layered the circle shapes on top of that to add some dimension. I stamped the snowman image in dark brown ink and then used copic markers to bring my snowman to life - to make him look a little 'whiter' I added some light blue shading around his face & middle; used walnut copic marker to colour his hat; added red and green stripes to his scarf and gave the little lantern a soft gentle glow by adding warm yellow!!
I added chritmassy red stickles to highlight the red band on his hat and also to the berry wreath he is attached to!! Some yummy red Dew Drops, ribbon, twine and buttons complete my little Christmassy tag.

I do hope you've enjoyed looking - thank you so much for stopping by my blog today!

Hugs,
Helen x

Supplies:
Spellbinders Nestabilities S4-192 Blossom; S4-114 Standard Circles Large Dies
Marianne Design CreaTables - LR0185 Snowflake die
Stamps: A Cottage Christmas, Very vintage Christmas, Faux Fun Circles - all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Stampin Up - Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Copic Markers: Walnut, YG13 Chartreuse; B41 Powder Blue; Y21 Buttercup Yellow; R24 Prawn
Other: Lime Green Felt - Hobby Craft; Hemp Cord - The beadery; Stickles - Xmas Red; Buttons from stash; Cream Cardstock
Red Dew Drops & Seam Binding - The Ribbon Girl

DYSU Challenge #38 - Duo

2011-09-28T18:11:00.007+01:00

Just popping in with a new card made for the Do You Stack Up? Challenge over at their blog...This weeks theme is Duo! The team want to see design elements in twos or pairs....and here's my take...

I thought the pair/duo concept would lend itself well to a partnership too - so I made an Anniversary/wedding type card...

The Cameos are stamped with Versamark Ink and then stamped in Silver Pearl embossing powder - I love the texture and irregular look this gives. I used my current favourite Melissa Frances 5th Avenue papers, Waltzingmouse stamps, buttons, lace, prima rose, scalloped edge punch, Spellbinders Fancy Tags - *happy sigh* - really enjoyed indulging my girlie side with this one!!

I also have a couple of recycled items on this card - six buttons to be precise which were passsed onto me from my mum who cut them off a shirt & thought of me! Love that! So it means I can also enter this card into the CES Challenge - to Recycle.

Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone!!

Hugs,
Helen x x

Supplies:
Waltzingmouse stamps:- Cameo creations, Roses in Bloom
Ink: Versamark, Vintage Cream - PTI; Antique Linen distress ink - Tim Holtz; Close to Cocoa - Stampin Up!
papers: Melissa Frances - Fifth Avenue collection
Aqua Mist Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Spellbinders Fancy Tags; cuttlebug
Scallop edged punch - EK Success
Chipboard scalloped square - American Crafts;
Rose - Prima; white flowers - Melissa Frances; Lace, buttons, pearl beading on her hair - from my stash.

Butterfly Birthday Wishes

2011-09-26T15:13:00.007+01:00

Hi, Just sharing a card I made between jobs at home today!!

I am truly in love with the new Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities 'Wonderful Wings' dies - they fit together so perfectly. I firstly cut the solid butterfly outline out of patterned paper and layered it onto some plain cardstock. i then went ahead and cut the detailed wings out of complimentary patterned paper. I think the cut-out shape with those pretty butterfly wings over the top looks so effective and I've had it in my mind to do this forever!!.

I stamped the wonderful birthday sentiment from the 'Eat Cake' Waltzingmouse stamp set in chocolate brown ink onto the label which I cut using the Spellbinders 'Fancy Tags' die. I added some cream zig zag stitching around the edge of the card to make a border, added some lace, Label and ribbon, adhered it all to my card base and Voila!! I love it when things come together easily!

Anyway, I hope you like the card and thanks so much for visiting today :)

Helen x

Supplies:
Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities - Wonderful Wings
Spellbinders Shapeabilities - Fancy Tags
Stamps: Eat Cake - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Echo park - Springtime Collection
Cardstock: hawaiian shores - PTI
Ink: Chocolate Chip - Stampin Up; Tim Holtz - Antique Linen Distress Ink
Cuttlebug, Sewing machine, Cream Cotton Thread
Lace, Ribbon, Adhesive Pearl - from stash

Thankyou Earth Angel - WMSC66 & PDCC100

2011-09-25T10:34:00.010+01:00

Happy Weekend everyone! Today I'm sharing a sweet little thank you card I've made using the WMSC66 sketch as my guide and the inspirational colours over at the Play Date Cafe Challenge Blog(PDCC100). This is their 100th Challenge, so Congratulations to them!!

This little lady is so cute - I stamped her a couple of times onto card and then cut & coloured her using copic markers - a skin white colour for her face, a little blush to her cheeks and an organgey shade for her shoes and bow in her hair.
I had a little lace left after cutting the border section on the left of the card, so decided to cut out a little lace pinafore and paper piece it over the top of her dress. I absolutely LOVE how this turned out and I'm hoping it ties in O.K. with the lace border and the rest of the card (although it's not strictly inline with the colours we are supposed to use :-)). I already had the butterfly shape cut out and ready to go, so I just coloured it yellow and adhered it to her back to give her some Angel Wings. As I didn't have any adhesive pearls in a suitable shade, I decided to colour some myself with a green copic marker and I think they turned out quite well in the end. I used elements from four of my beloved Waltzingmouse Stamp sets on this card and more details follow under the supplies list below.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs,
Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Earth Angel; Bitty Banners, Teeny Trees (sentiment), Dainty Doilies all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: More Mustard; Choc Chip -Stampin Up; Potters Clay - Memento; Vintage Cream - PTI; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tea Dye
Copic Markers - YG17, Y21, E00, E02
Paper - Orange-Papermania; Green patterned paper - Echo Park
Cardstock: Kraft, Ripe Avocado, Summer Sunrise - PTI
Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels One; Petite Scalloped Circles Large & Standard Circles Large; Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities - Wonderful Wings Dies.
Other: Lace, Button, Brad, twine - all from my stash. Pearls - kaiser craft

Ribbon Reel & Stamptacular Card!!

2011-09-21T10:24:00.005+01:00

Hi there dear friends,

I have a very 'ladylike' card to share with you today and would like to enter it into The Ribbon Reel challenge (create a project with a BIRTHDAY theme AND use RIBBON/LACE and/or TWINE)and the Stamptacular Sunday 'Just Sayin' Challenge

Just a quick post today as I feel I'm up against it time-wise today!!

Big Hugs,

Helen x

Supplies:
Blossom Nestabilities;
Ink: Pink Petunia - VersaMagic Dew Drop Chalk Ink; Versamark Ink
White Embossing Powder
Patterned paper: Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection 6x6 pad
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps - Dainty Doilies (behind Flower); Papertrey Ink - Giga Guide Lines (sentiment)
Sewing machine & cream cotton thread
pink seam binding; cream lace; golden pearl headed pins; Designer button - Websters Pages.

Birthday Cupcakes

2011-09-19T13:38:00.003+01:00

Just posting a card I made for a special little girl just turned 6 years old....

This 'Frame It' set from Waltzingmouse stamps makes it so easy to create something beautiful and original and I have to say that I really enjoyed putting together those cute little cupcakes - choosing different coloured icing and sprinkles!! Actually the three flower sprinkles are from 'Eat Cake' and the heart is from 'fancy tags'. They are supposed to be chocolate sponge cupcakes but unfortunately the photo has made them look a little darker than in real life.

That's all I have for now,

Helen x

Supplies:
Waltzingmouse Stamps: Eat Cake, Frame It, Fancy Tags
Ink: Stampin Up
Cardstock: White from Papermill
Papers: Echo Park - Springtime Collection
Fiskars Border Punch

Case Study#57 & Card for WMSC#65

2011-09-18T14:30:00.011+01:00

Happy Sunday!!

Here is my first ever entry into this week's CASE Study Challenge 57 and also for the fabby WMS Sketch Challenge65

Here is a link to view the card created by this month's muse, Julie Lacey.
I followed the brilliant sketch created by Anya Schrier....

I used the largest square die cut from my Labels One nestabilities to cut the curved edge onto the bottom of my card. I then stamped the beautiful border stamp from Victorian Frippery twice in black ink to create the patterned section. I then used my nestabilities to cut the black blossom & white circle shape. I stamped the tree and sentiment in black ink and then added the leaves using the tan coloured tea dye distress ink. I then layered the focal point using foam dimensionals. Black ribbon, twine and black button have been added as a final touch. I only had cream twine, so I used some tea dye distress ink to colour it to my liking :-)

I hope you've enjoyed what you have seen - have a great week.

Til next time,

Helen.

Supplies:
Stamps: Victorian Frippery;Teeny Trees - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Basic Black - Stampin Up; Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink
Spellbinders - Standard circles large; Blossom; Labels One Nestabilities
Kraft, Black, White Cardstock - Bazill
Button & twine from my stash (coloured with tea dye distress ink)

Little Monster Halloween Card

2011-09-17T19:10:00.003+01:00

Hello Lovely Ladies & Gents...

Here is a card I have made with Halloween in mind and also for the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz which is happening today!! I don't have any Halloween stamps specifically, so had to download the cute little Frankenstein fella you see on this card - but the frame around him is from WMS Vintage Labels 2 and the Stars around the BOO! are from the Teeny Trees stamp set. I think anyone who has young children in the UK will think of the kids TV show "Ooglies" when they see the BOO! on this card!! LOL!! HeeHee!! My boys tell me so!!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend,

Hugs,
Helen x x

WMSC64 & CR84FN38 Card

2011-09-16T09:27:00.013+01:00

Hi, just popping in to submit my entry into the Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge "WMSC64" and also for the Colour Challenge over at CR84FN!

The sketch I followed is by the lovely Anya Schrier for Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge.

And here are the colours for our inspiration.....

It's release time over at Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog, so I'm hoping for some time this weekend to sit back and enjoy all the wonderful projects the Design Team have made.

Have a great weekend,
Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Teeny Trees; You're Lovely; Faux Fun Circles - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Turning a new leaf - PTI
Ink: Memento - London Fog; Basic Black - Stampin Up; Versamark Watermark Ink
Button: Websters Pages
Grey Patterned paper - Echo park
Grey & Bright Pink Cardstock - Papermill
Bright Pink Adhesive pearls - Kaiser

Plant a seed and watch it grow....

2011-09-14T14:01:00.006+01:00

This card started with a simple (and free) seed packet digi download and combines lots of my favourite things - in particular Yellow and Sweet Williams :-)

I just love the idea of gift cards and this little seed packet card is perfect for the garden lovers among us. Just unclip the packet from the mini peg at the top and your sweet william seeds are ready to go!! Pretty and practical - I will definitely give these to my rellies for Christmas/Birthdays.

I SO enjoyed creating this so expect many more to follow on another day...

Hugs,
Helen x

Supplies:
Kraft Cardstock - Bazill,
Yellow Patterned Paper - Echo Park (Springtime Collection),
Mimosa Yellow Seam Binding - The Ribbon Girl
Lace - from my crafty stash
Sparklers adhesive designer button - Webster's Pages
Natural gardeners twine
Mini Wooden Clothes Peg
Sewing Machine & Cream Cotton Thread

Card for my man....

2011-09-12T13:24:00.002+01:00

I always struggle with making "masculine" cards - especially when they're for my man!! LOL! Was desperate to use some of the echo park papers and Waltzing Mouse Stamps, so that's really what drove me to come up with this little number....

I simply stamped the "i love you" stamp repeatedly across some white cardstock and then stamped the larger "love" sentiment in red ink over the top. Simplicity itself!! In case you're wondering, I cut the shape in the centre using the Spellbinders Fancy Tags Shapeabilities die, raised it up with some foam adhesive pads for a little dimention and voila!! I think it creates lovely frame for that simple sentiment.

Take good care,

Helen x

Supplies:
Echo park paper - Victoria Gardens Collection
Cardstock: Navy Blue & White - Paper Mill
stamps: Waltzing Mouse Stamps: Say It Loud
Ink: Memento - London Fog & Lady Bug
Spellbinders Shapeabilities "Fancy Tags" Die
Cuttlebug Die Cutting Machine

Little Bird Decorations

2011-09-11T17:05:00.008+01:00

Hi there

Sometimes I like to keep things simple and I think these little birdie hangers are just that. I can see so many uses for these little decorative birds - they could be tied to the door handle of a childs playroom or bedroom, tied onto a gift for a special finishing touch, they could even be adapted to tie onto a place settings for a wedding. Lots of possibilities....

I painted the birds in an off-white colour and then hand stamped the individual letters of the childs name in silver ink. I then stamped the heart/star on each one using Brilliance Ink and used a copic marker to fill in the colour. The birds are simply suspended by cream silky twine and finished with ribbon. Quick, simple and very cute.

Have a great week,

Helen x

Supplies:
Wooden Bird Shapes: Ebay.co.uk
Stamps: Waltzingmouse stamps - Sewing Box Hugs; Roman Alphabet - Dovecraft
Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Sky Blue; Versamagic Pink Petunia
Copic markers: RV32 Shadow Pink & B41 Powder Blue.

Stamping onto felt...

2011-08-04T16:51:00.004+01:00

..it's not something I normally do - I find it quite tricky, even with Stazon (the ink that will stamp anywhere, anytime, anyplace!!). but I love the effect and I'm pleased with the way those little felt blossoms turned out. I hope it gives the whole card just a little vintage feel. I used three fabby stamp sets by Waltzingmouse stamps and cut the felt flowers using my Spellbinders Blossom Dies.

A special card for a special friend - wishing you a very Happy Birthday.

Supplies:
Stamps: Say it Loud, Labels 10, Dainty Doilies 2 Small - all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Blazing Red - Stazon; Real Red - Stampin Up, Versamark Ink
Cardstock: Aqua Mist - PTI; White - Paper Mill;
Other: Silk Crochet twine; White Felt; Spellbinders Blossom Dies; Brad - Websters Pages, Clear Embossing Powder; Heat Gun; Adhesive Pearls - Kaisercraft.

Lovely Couture!!

2011-07-31T20:41:00.010+01:00

Just popping in to share a card I have created for this weeks Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge 58 and CR84FN35 Colour Challenge....

Here is the sketch created by the lovely Kelly Schirmer....

and colour inspiration over at CR84FN Color Challenge Blog.....

and here is my card....

I stamped the top part of the background using one of the images from "Dainty Doilies" in Memento "London Fog" grey & Stampin Up's "Certainly Celery" ink. For the bottom part I stamped PTI's text-style stamp in Lavender ink onto grey paper.
I stamped another doily image in grey ink onto grey patterned paper and then trimmed and made into a little pocket shape.
I used the absolutely gorgeous dress-makers dummy image from Waltzingmouse's "You're Lovely" stamp set onto cardstock and then stamped the bodice and skirt onto some Lavender Guide Lines Paper - as I'm limited in lavender paper shades I decided to print out some of the free "try before you buy" Sneek Peek Pieces available at Papertrey Ink. I also got inventive and made my own decorative pins using pearl headed pins and some glass beads from my stash.

Enjoy what is left of the weekend.

Helen x

Supplies:

Stamps: You're Lovely, Dainty Doilies - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Text-Style - papertrey ink
ink: Memento - London Fog; Certainly Celery & Lavender Lace - Stampin Up!
Cardstock: Lavender Lace - Stampin Up!; White - the paper mill; grey scroll patterned paper - Pink Petticoat
Green Rose -Websters Pages "Bloomers"
Other: sewing machine, Button, ribbon - Lavender moon- PTI; Certainly Celery - SU!; Sheer lavender wired organza from stash!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.....

2011-07-30T14:07:00.011+01:00

.....to two very special people celebrating their 45th "Sapphire" Wedding Anniversary. Wishing you both a wonderful day x

I didn't quite manage to find anything Sapphire like, but at least the card's partly blue!! heehee. I'm hoping they won't mind

Back later in the week to share some other little projects.

Have fun!!

Helen

Supplies:
Stamps: Dainty Doilies, Big Day Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Versamark ink, White Embossing Powder - SU!, London Fog - Memento Ink
Embellishments: Flower Centres - Websters Pages; Pale Blue Silk Ribbon - The Ribbon Girl
Card: Aqua Mist, Spring Rain - PTI

Just the ticket:- Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 57

2011-07-24T19:49:00.021+01:00

Its a beautiful summers day here in Oxfordshire and I have been playing along with this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge....

Here is the fab sketch, created by the lovely Julia Aston.....

and here is my take on it....

...a lot happening on this card...I stamped the top pink border using Versamark ink and one of the scrolls from Waltzingmouse Stamps - Vintage Labels 5. I also used Versamark ink on the Kraft background piece using a flower image and then stamped the rest of the background using those beautiful botanical images from Papertrey Ink's "Life" stamp set in cocoa shades & added a touch of glitter (any excuse!!). The sentiment is from Dawn McVeys beautiful Signature Greetings stamp set over at Papertrey Ink.
When I saw the sketch for the first time I immediately thought "tickets" for the images along the bottom. The little ticket images I've used are a little hard to see (due to my lousy photographic skills) but they are very cute in real life. They are a free download courtesy of "Little Miss Cutie Pie" and I simply printed onto cardstock, cut them out, distressed a little using Antique Linen distress ink and then used a perforation tool in an attempt to make them look a little more authentic. LOL!!
The flower is made using some white felt and I just layered two sizes of flower, gathered them up slightly by running a straight stitch close to the centre to give them a little more depth.

I have to say that this card really isn't what I had in my mind AT ALL when I started, but sometimes that's the fun bit - experimenting and seeing what comes of it!!

Wishing you all a wonderful warm & sunny week

Helen x

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 56

2011-07-17T20:56:00.014+01:00

Julia Aston has provided us with a wonderful sketch for inspiration this week over at the Waltzingmouse sketch challenge blog .

Its been quite a while since I last took part in one of these and almost as long since I last made something.....I've missed it...and glad to be back in a creative frame of mind again :)). I used my favourite stamps and my favourite flocked papers and even did a little fussy cutting around the leaves and flowers ;-)

What prompted this sudden urge to make something?? Well, it's nearing the end of the school term for my 5 & 7 year old boys and I wanted to at least try do something a little special for their teachers to show our gratitude.

So, first I set to work making a card....

then a mug....then a candle!! LOL!!

I love the little birdie image from the "Sewing Box Hugs" stamp set and I also love the simplicity of the image on the mug and candle. I really think they are cute homemade gifts - and the best bit is that they cost me very little to make - a fraction of what it would cost to buy them in a little shop.
I know this technique of transfering stamped images is probably 'old news' in the crafting world now, but it's new to me and I just absolutely love it - dare I say a little addicted to it???

Well, I hope you've enjoyed what you have seen and I hope their teachers will like them too!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sewing Box - Hugs, Fancy Phrases - Waltzing Mouse Stamps; Fancy Flourishes - PTI
Printed Flocked Papers: La Creme Mat Stack - DCWV
Ink: Stazon-Jet Black; Stampin Up-Basic Black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Antique Linen, Tea Dye;
Spellbinders - Fancy Tags; Labels 4 Dies
Cream Cotton Lace - from stash, Kaiser pearls, foam dimensionals, Tombow multi-purpose glue & roller glue.

Just another Manic Monday!!.....

2011-01-17T20:36:00.006Z

but glad to have a card to share with you......

"Happy Birthday" Supplies:
Stamps: Very Vintage Labels 5; Victorian Fripperie; Fancy Phrases - Waltzing Mouse stamps, Fancy Flourishes - PTI
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Pink Passion - Stampin Up; Colorbox Queue Chalk Ink - Dark Peony
Spellbinders Nestabilities Blossom Dies
Pink Tissue Paper; May Arts Ivory & Raspberry Silk Ribbon - The Ribbon Girl

Sometimes Less is More....

2011-01-16T09:38:00.004Z

...Is how I feel about this card :)

I'm not sure why, but this stamp set is a little under-used and spends much more time in the craft cupboard than some of my other stamps. So, new year, new start and all that - I'm attempting to try out new things and think of new ways to use what I already have. I guess this doesn't just apply to stamping either!!

Enjoy your Sunday and have a fantastic week!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Asian Fusion-Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Aqua Mist-Papertrey Ink; White-Paper Mill
Ink: Aqua Mist-Papertrey Ink; Basic Black; Certainly Celery-Stampin' Up!
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 8 S5-019
Ribbon: Pink May Arts Silk Ribbon - The Ribbon Girl
Pink adhesive pearls - Kaiser

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-01-15T13:06:00.016Z

Hi everyone,

I am so late in posting this. Sending all my thanks to Pauline as she sent me a wonderful "Stylish Blogger Award" - my very first one! I couldn't be more delighted...

As part of the award, you have the opportunity to pass on the award to 8 other bloggers that you admire and answer some questions about yourself.

By accepting this award, I now have to:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award. So, thank you Pauline!
2. Share 8 things about yourself
3. Pass it on to 8 bloggers
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their award

So now I need to think of 8 things about me! I don't like talking much about myself, so here goes!!

1. I am a proud wife to the wonderful, creative, supportive Jon and mum of two beautiful, spirited little boys aged 7 and 4 and half who are all truly wonderful, creative and bright.

2. I love the outdoors...I live very close to the Cotswolds and think it is one of the most pretty places in the world. My idea of heaven is sitting in a meadow full of wild flowers!!

3. I have recently become A LOT fitter - cycling and as a result I have lost 2 stone - something I'm very proud of...finally shifting the last of my baby weight (my baby is now 4!!! and I felt it was time to make the change). when I started I never thought I would get this far...an important lesson for me to have more faith in my own ability to stick with something once I've started!!

4. I am very close to my family and very lucky to have them all living very close by.

5. I am a big English Tea drinker!!

6. I love Live comedy and Live Music (too many bands to mention here) but Coldplay, Blur and Radiohead stand out as fantastic memories!!

7. I graduated in 1997 with a BA Hons degree in Social Sciences

8. I am a qualified Image Consultant and am looking to kickstart my business - particularly the Colour Analysis side again this year after a break to bring up my boys!!(Colour Analysis involves learning which colours will bring out the very best in you using your own unique skin tone, hair & eye colour as a guide)

Here are 8 wonderful, stylish bloggers who I am truly inspired by and delighted to be able to pass on this award to :-)

Jill
http://stampinginspiredby.blogspot.com

Kate
http://sporadicstamper.blogspot.com

Steph
http://stampingsharing.blogspot.com

Michelle
http://www.michellelast.typepad.co.uk

Sarita
http://littleprincesscards.blogspot.com

Monica
http://www.craftinginsunshine.com

MANDY
http://littlespaceofmyown.blogspot.com

Kelly
http://ginghamgirlsadventures.blogspot.com

Hope you enjoy all the wonderful creations you will see x

WMSC26 - L'il Tag

2010-12-04T19:47:00.007Z

Hi there everyone,

Wow, where did that week go?? Thank you so much to all the 10 lovely ladies who absolutely made my week by leaving me such kind, thoughtful comments about my last card for the Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge. I do really appreciate every single one of them!

Anyway, onto my next attempt!! Here is this weeks sketch....

and here is what I came up with. I originally planned to make a mini-card but I decided it would make a lovely little tag....so I've taken shots before and after I added the ribbon and twine at the top!!

I used some of my favourite things - yummy Waltzing Mouse stamps - aren't those little cheeky gingerbread fellas adorable? and some My Minds Eye papers from the "Colorful Christmas" line. I am just loving silk ribbon and the red & white bakers twine right now *happy sigh*.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a look!

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Bountiful Baskets Additions - Waltzing Mouse Stamps; Alphabet - Hero Arts
Ink: Brocade Blue, Real Red - Stampin Up
Copic Markers
Spellbinders Nestabilities - Small Scalloped Cirle Large
Papers: My Minds Eye - Colorful Christmas
Ribbon: Red Ho, Ho, Ho - Papermania; Cornflower Blue Silk Ribbon - May Arts (from The Ribbon Girl), Bakers Twine - The Ribbon Girl
White Vintage Button - Papertrey Ink
Other: Foam Dimensionals, White Flowersoft, Two Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter - Stampin Up, Tombow Mono Multi Glue

WMSC25 - Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge

2010-11-28T11:41:00.009Z

Here is my entry for the wonderful Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge - now in it's 25th Week!!. I really liked the simple lines of this sketch and was feeling inspired by all the cold, snowy, frosty weather we've been having here in the UK. I decided to have a go and make an icy inspired Christmas card.

I began by using a stamping some text in Versamark ink onto a square of cream card and then embossed using silver embossing powder. I then stamped the beautiful frame on top of this using the same process and added some colour using a powder blue copic marker.
I created my ornament by first stamping in silver Encore ink and then adding the detail using heat and stick powder followed by dazzling diamonds glitter. I then added some tiny seed pearl beads for definition. I stamped the little snowflake stamp onto some cream and silver patterned paper using Versamark and then embossed in silver and cut out by hand. A silver dew-drop gem for the centre and some tiny blobs of stickles hopefully bring it to life!

I really do hope you like my card and am going to go visit all the other blogs and enjoy everyone elses creations now!!

Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the week ahead x

Helen

Supplies:
Stamps: Very Vintage Christmas, Very Vintage Labels No. 2 - Waltzing Mouse Stamps; Text Style II, Vintage Ornaments - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Kraft - Bazill; Vintage Cream - PTI
Ink: Versamark; Vintage Cream - PTI, Encore Ink in Silver
Copic Marker - B41 Powder Blue
Other: Silver Embossing Powder - Stampin Up; Heat Gun; Blue Velvet Ribbon, Tiny Seed Pearl Beads, Foam Dimensionals, Star Dust Stickles, Dew Drop Adhesive gems, Cream silk crochet twine, Silver edged White ribbon.

A few little somethings....

2010-09-26T14:30:00.009+01:00

something pink and unashamedly girly :)

in love with bookmarks!! Easy peasy Christmas stocking fillers I think :)

something to celebrate my brother in law's engagement....

Just sharing a few little somethings I've made :) Seems ages since my last blog post...life takes over sometimes x

All the best,

Helen x

Fresh Greens!!

2010-09-13T13:49:00.010+01:00

Before I go any further I have to have a little "toot toot" as my card made the top 3 Waltzingmouse awards for last week's sketch challenge!! I just love joining in the Waltzingmouse sketch challenges each week and look forward to see what the new layout will be!! And I have another card to share for this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge which I believe may also fit The Shabby Tea Room "Fresh Living" inspired challenge.

I stamped the label image in pale green ink onto aqua cardstock and then heat embossed the sentiment and little flourish with white embossing powder. I then used my white signo gel pen to add a little extra definition to the oval shape of the frame. I was so worried about a wobbly line that I think I actually held my breath the whole time I was drawing!! You can also see the cotton scallop lace trim better in this photo too!!

I stamped the beautiful border image from Waltzingmouse Very Vintage Christmas to create some custom patterned paper - my lack of skill in photography hasn't quite captured all the detail on this card because I also scored vertical lines at 1/4" inch intervals to guide my stamping using my Scor-Pal...here's a close up......

I hope you enjoyed what you have seen today - have a great week and hope to see you again!!

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Technique Tuesday - Loving Words by Ali Edwards; Waltzingmouse Stamps: Very Vintage Christmas, Very Vintage Labels 4 (flourish)
Ink: Certainly Celery, white embossing powder - Stampin Up; Aqua Mist, Fresh Snow - PTI
Cardstock: Kraft - Bazill; Aqua Mist - PTI
Ribbon: White Grosgrain, green grosgrain - Stampin Up
Other: Lace cotton trim on card edge - Websters Pages; white flower button - PTI; Adhesive pearl - Kaisercraft; Rose - Prima; Mini Clothes-Peg; Sewing Machine; Scor-Pal

Waltzingmouse Goodness & a card for Sketch Challenge 13

2010-09-05T08:24:00.010+01:00

Hello and Happy Weekend to you!!

So, another week's gone by and it's time for another fantastic Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC13!! Wow, the Design Team and Mischief Makers really got us off to a great start with all their inspirational cards :)

This is the sketch we had to use to play along....

and here is my card:-)

I got in a bit of a muddle trying to decide which panels would go where at times but finally settled on the layout you see in the photo. I stamped the background using the beautiful lacey border from "Victorian Fripperie" stamp set onto Websters pages patterned paper using Versamagic Pink Petunia chalk ink. I also stamped extra details from Vintage Lables 5 and Victorian Fripperie onto the main square frame onto patterned paper - I just love this effect at the moment!! It may not show up too well in the photo, but also I stamped the gorgeous circular stamp from VF in Versamagic Pixie Dust Chalk ink - just to add a little extra detail - and then stamped the sentiment in soft brown over the top.
Zig-zag stiching, lace, pearls & pins and vintage button are my favourite finishing touches - I so enjoyed pulling this card together :) I hope you like it too!

Supplies:
Stamps: Victorian Fripperie, Vintage Labels 5 - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Signature Greetings - Papertrey Ink
Ink: VersaMagic Dew Drop Chalk ink: Pink Petunia & Pixie Dust; Close to Cocoa - Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: Websters Pages Digi - Magical Wishes Collection
Cream Cardstock: Southfield
Other: Vintage Button: Websters Pages, String of Pearls (manufacturer unknown), Offray Ribbon - sweet nectar; Pearl Headed pins

WMSC12 - Happy Anniversary JB x x x

2010-09-03T12:49:00.005+01:00

Although I'm a little late, (and have probably missed the deadline by now) I wanted to share an Anniversary card I have just made for my husband. I used this weeks Waltzing Mouse Sketch (WMSC12) for my layout. I was holding out for my new stamps to arrive and the postman only delivered them this morning-isn't that just the way when you're desperately waiting for something!!
Anyway, my husband is a real outdoors person so the natural, earthy colours are hopefully going to be right up his street!!

Here is the sketch and my take on it below....Have a fantastic weekend x x x

Supplies:
Stamps: Say it with Style; Very Vintage Labels 5
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa - Stampin Up; Tea Dye Distress Ink - Tim Holtz
Rustic Twine from stash; Brown Button from my lovely Aunty!!

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 11

2010-08-25T10:05:00.013+01:00

Hi there,

Its time for Waltzingmouse sketch challenge 11. Guess what? one lucky random participant will win TWO new sets due for release in September just for entering this sketch challenge-how fantastic is that??!!

Those lovely ladies have provided another fab sketch to challenge us all with!! Round cards are a bit of a challenge for me, but here goes!! Here is the sketch:

I must have been feeling Christmassy when I made this - inspired by a pictures i found of Scandinavian red and white Christmas decorations & candles...

and here is my take on it.....a little card/decoration to hang on the christmas tree and a cute snowy/icy looking snowflake soap to go with it (any excuse for me to make a soap these days-am really on a soap making kick at the moment!!)

and here is the matching soap....the sentiment reads "Let It Snow"

This is the first time I customised my own ribbon by stamping the beautiful border strip from Very Vintage Christmas in red onto some white ribbon. I also stamped the red plaid using the stamp from pic-nic Patterns onto white cardstock then stamped and embossed the beautiful lacey edged circle stamp from Vintage Circles Small and a snowflake image onto real red cardstock. I pulled it all together with some vintage cotton lace trim, red & white gingham ribbon, zig-zag stitching, some buttons, red thread and a little wooden Santa - so cute!!

Thanks so much for looking and hope you've enjoyed what you've seen :-)

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Vintage Circles, Picnic Patterns Stamp Sets - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Snowflake Stamp (unsure of manufacturer)
Cardstock: Real Red - Stampin Up; White - Papermill
Ink: Versamark; Real Red - stampin Up
Other: Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Vintage cotton trim - Websters Pages; Little wooden santa - Crafty Bitz; Gingham ribbon - from stash
For details of soap making supplies, see this post!

August Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz

2010-08-17T08:00:00.005+01:00

Dear all,

Welcome to my blog for this August Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz!! The theme this month is Vintage/shabby.

The summertime cold seems to be doing the rounds in our house at the moment, so I don't have a card to share today, but do have a couple of other Vintage/Shabby inspired projects I created recently to show you. I do really hope you like them - I don't find this style particularly easy, but always like to have a good go!!.

The first is a scrap page which I did for my children to give to their Grandma for her birthday.....I should apolgize for my lousy photography!!

The second set of projects were inspired by this post by Lisa Johnson. I have always loved soaps and used to collect them when I was a little girl. My very first soap was a beautiful Lavender soap my sister brought home for me when she went on a school trip to the Alsace area in France back in the early '80s. I never dreamed I would be making my own, but was so inspired by Lisa's post I just had to get involved!!
I love using clear stamps in new and different ways, and soap making is no exception - you can use your stamps in a soap mould to create the most beautiful, unique (& also practical) gifts. Trust me, your stamps will be fine. Full instructions on how to use clear stamps for soap making can be found here on the Soap Queen blog.

I used the most beautiful Vintage looking Rose from Claire's "Roses in Bloom" stamp set to create my soap from scratch. I used and organic melt & pour soap base and added some Lavender essential oil for fragrance and some Aloe Vera Gel for it's skin moisturising properties.

Here is the rose stamp in the bottom of the square shaped soap mould....

After spritzing mould and stamp with some Surgical Spirit (Rubbing Alcohol) to stop the soap from sticking in the mould (bit like greasing a baking tin) I added some melted soap which I had coloured blue to the flower stamp and let it dry for 3-4 minutes.

I then went ahead and added the second white mixture and left to set for 4 hours and here's the end result - a pretty Waltzingmouse Stamps soap!!! Add some Vintage looking lace and you're done!!

I am hooked-what to try next??!! My mind is racing now about all my other stamps - so exciting!! I can just see the rabbit or lamb stamp images from "L'il Buddies" stamp set on a soap next. My boys love using their special homemade bumble bee soap!

These are some of the very first Lavender and Aloe Vera soaps I made which i gave as gifts recently....

I hope you've enjoyed what you've seen today and hope you enjoy the rest of the Waltz. I apologize if you're not as excited by soaps as me!! Hope you weren't too bored!! :)

Thanks for looking and hope to see you soon x

Helen x

Supplies for Scrapbook Page:

Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps: Fancy Phrases; Very Vintage Labels 4; Seasons of Love - Tags
Amy Butler Clear Stamps: K&Co Lotus Floral stamp set
Ink: Versamark, Cameo Coral - stampin up; Tea Dye Distress Ink - Tim Holtz
Patterned Paper: Waltzingmouse Victorian digi paper collection in cream
Cream cardstock: Papermill
Websters Pages - Sparklers Vintage Scalloped Buttons; Bloomers Flower Trim
Adhesive Pearls: Kaiser Craft
Prima - Cameo Roses in Mandarin
Fiskars Squeeze Corner Punch

Supplies for Soap:
Stamps: Roses in Bloom - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Set of 4 soaps: Round & Round - Papertrey Ink; Butterfly soap: Amy Butler Lotus Floralstamps (as above)
Soap Moulds & cosmetic grade colouring: I found mine on ebay (UK) or here (US)
Organic Melt & Pour SLS/SLES free soap base: Auldhill Soap Company
Lavender Essential Oil, Aloe Vera Gel 99.9% pure - Local Health Food Shop
Surgical Spirit/Rubbing Alcohol: Local Pharmacy

Happy Birthday Mum!!

2010-08-15T19:11:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone,

Had such a lovely family day today as it's my mums birthday and wanted to share the little box I made using one of Claire's templates over at the Waltzingmouse store. Perfectly tucked inside are some homemade chocolate seashells made especially for their Grandma by my two little boys!!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and I'll be back on Tuesday 17th August to share something a little Vintage/Shabby for the Waltzingmouse Blog Hop.

Supplies:
Waltzingmouse template - A Piece of Cake
Cardstock: Doodlebug Design embossed scrolls
Patterned Paper: Websters Pages digi design - Make a Wish
Ribbon: from local craft store
Tissue paper flower: tissue paper; scallop cirle nestabilities - Spellbinders
Prima flower; Glue dots;

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 8

2010-08-04T19:32:00.010+01:00

Hello everyone in Blogland!!

I've just sneeked away to post a picture of the card I have made for this week's Sketch challenge over at Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Wow, as if this week's challenge wasn't hard enough I decided to make it doubly hard for myself and make a more masculine card for upcoming birthday!! I know, I must be nuts - especially being pressed for time with my boys at home for the holidays!!I seem to be getting slower and slower making cards these days, even when I'm supposed to be following a sketch, LOL! For some reason I decided to turn the sketch 90 degrees clockwise and worked from that.

Anyway, here is the sketch and my interpretation (if a little loose - the sketch is in there somewhere I promise!!) follows after that:

Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse - Free Spirit Boy (Wreath - just seen); Fancy Phrases (Sentiment)
ink: Fresh Snow, Hawaiian Shores - PTI
Card: Papermill
Patterned Papers: Making Memories - Just Chillin'Boy Collection
Spellbinders Nestabilities - Circles Small
Buttons: from Stash
Sewing Machine & Thread

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 6

2010-07-20T22:32:00.013+01:00

Hi there,

I have been trying to make something to share on the latest Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge blog, but time just hasn't allowed til now!! I had in the back of my mind that I needed to get it sorted before the boys break up from school for the Summer holidays this Thursday.
Well, Sketch 6 was a tricky one for me but I was glad to challenge myself again (after lots of staring into thin air, looking at blank sheets of cardstock etc -you know how it goes sometimes right?? It was however my boys and their total love and fascination with nature that inspired me. I decided on Butterflies after spending a good half hour in the garden quietly watching the most beautiful butterflies enjoying the sweet smelling Buddleia bush.

Here is the sketch....

and here's my card.....

The butterflies I used on my card are from a kit called "Flutterbies" by Hero Arts and I simply resized them in Word and printed them on Parchment paper to give them a more delicate, lighter feel than printing on Cardstock. I created the blue background by stamping the stem image from pic-nic patterns repeatedly until the whole card was covered. I am always really pleased to be able to combine several different stamp sets to create something really unique and personal.

Anyway, I do really hope you like it and thanks for looking :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Pic Nic Patterns, Fancy Phrases - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Friends til the End, Round & Round - PTI
Digital Butterfly Stamp: "Flutterbies" by Hero Arts Digital
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Lemon Tart: Papertrey Ink
Butterflies printed onto parchment paper
Circle Nestabilities: Spellbinders
Ink: Blue: Colorbox Queue Chalk Ink; Basic Black: Stampin' Up

July Friends of Waltzing Mouse Blog Waltz

2010-07-17T07:41:00.008+01:00

Hello and welcome to my very small part in the HUGE monthly Waltzing Mouse Stamps Blog Waltz!! I am so excited to be a part of this again and can't wait to be inspired by such creative ladies!! The Waltz starts over at the Waltzing Mouse House Forum where you can pick up the threads should you wish to start at the beginning (definitely worth doing-you wouldn't want to miss out!!).

If I get time, I would really like to enter this into Kate & Aimes' current challenge over at the "A Passion for Papertrey" blog too.

Onto my card......The theme is the colours of summer... blue and green (any shades of your choosing). I hope the Kingfisher/teal blue colour I've used here are summery enough & still counts??!! I raided my mum's material stash as I knew I wanted to make a fabric flower, saw this silk & just fell in love!! This material is so beautiful in real life and I'm not sure that you will be able to see, but it is woven in such a way that it looks blue/green-depending which angle you're looking from. I used this fantastic post by the uber-talented Betsy Veldman to make the flower.

I used a few different stamps on this card but I am really pleased with how the scroll from Faux Fun Circles (Waltzing Mouse Stamps) fits so nicely around the flower!!

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed the card and have a great time Waltzing around everyone else's blogs.

Supplies:
Stamps: Faux Fun Circles, Fancy Phrases, Pic-nic Patterns - Waltzing Mouse; Fillable Frames 1 - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink; Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise - Stampin' Up
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores - Papertrey Ink
Embellishments: Flower Centres - Websters Pages; Aqua Blue Rhinestones - Kaiser
Ribbon: Old Olive - Stampin' Up
Other: Small Scalloped Cirles Large - Spellbinders Nestabilities; Fillable Frames 1 Die; Foam Dimensional Adhesive, glue dots, tombow multi purpose glue; needle and thread.

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 5

2010-07-15T20:59:00.008+01:00

Hi there,

I'm popping in really quick with my card for the latest Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge. Here is the sketch...

and here is my interpretation...

I should apologise for the quality of the photo - I wasn't able to take it in daylight, so I may have another go at taking one in the morning. Nevertheless, I hope you like what you see and thanks so much for taking the time to look :)

Helen x

Supplies:

Stamps: Fancy Phrases, Vintage Labels 4 : Waltzing Mouse Stamps
Cardstock: Brown: Papermill; Kraft: Bazill
Ink: Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip : Stampin Up
Designer Trim, Scalloped Sparkler Button : Websters Pages
Brown Velvet Ribbon: American Crafts
Labels 4 die : Spellbinders Nestabilities

Summertime - where did it go??

2010-07-08T09:47:00.010+01:00

I enjoyed Chris's challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey so much (and they do make you feel SO welcome), that I thought I would have a go at their current challenge which is to make a 'Summertime' themed card. I really didn't have any particular layouts in mind until I thought back to my childhood memories of summer holidays and remembered running over the sand dunes with my sister at Hunstanton Beach on the East Coast. The rest of the card just followed from there really :).
The little flip-flop stamp had never been inked-up before so I was delighted to be able to use the image on this card, especially as I practically live in Flip-Flops during the summer. The blue polka dot parasol is actually an umbrella from the Scattered Showers stamp set and the sand dunes are cut out and layered from old Stampin Up Patterned Paper. The background pattern for the sky is from Background Basics - Retro.

I had fun playing along with this challenge and look forward to the next one!

Thanks for looking :)

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Scattered Showers, Round & Round, Background Basics : Retro - PTI; Flip Flop stamp - Snag 'em Stamps by Imaginesce
Ink: Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores - PTI; Versamark; Barely Banana - Stampin Up; Blue Chalk ink by Colorbox
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores - PTI; Patterned Papers - Stampin Up, Whisper White - Stampin Up
Other: Twine, White Embossing Powder - Stampin Up; Yellow Button - Hero Arts, Pink Flower Sequin & crystal gem from stash; Corner Rounder Punch - X-Cut; Sewing Machine & Cotton Thread.

Wibbly Wobbly Ribbon & A Round Card

2010-07-05T14:38:00.005+01:00

Hi there, just popping in to share a card I have made for the "Round Card" Challenge over at A Passion For Papertrey.

I can't remember if I've ever made a completely round shape card, but enjoyed making this dinky little one!! It's also my first attempt at wibbly wobbly ruffled ribbon (which other people seem to be able to make look so beautiful - Oh well, there's always next time!!)

Hope you like the card, thanks for looking!!

Helen :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Fillable Frames 1 - PTI
Ink: Pixie Pink - stampin Up
Cardstock: Spring Rain - PTI, Cream - Papermill, Patterned Papers
Ribbon: Fresh Snow - PTI
Pink Rose: Prima
Pink adhesive gems: Kaiser
Other: Nestabilities Circle & Scallop Circle Dies, Foam Dimensional Adhesive, Double sided sticky tape.

Golden Wedding Wishes

2010-07-04T09:49:00.015+01:00

Today I would love to share a couple of cards I made to wish two very special people a very "Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary". Here's hoping that you have a wonderful time with friends at your "blessing" and special lunch today x

I wanted to keep it simple but sophisticated and really wanted the golden heat embossed cross, gold cardstock & ribbon all shimmer and shine without being too overpowering (I hope!).

And here's the other card I made - all with my beloved Waltzing Mouse Stamps :)

Thanks for looking :)

Helen x

Stamps: Waltzing Mouse - Celtic Heritage, Fancy Phrases, Roses in Bloom. PTI - Fancy Flourishes
Cardstock: Cream - PaperMill; Gold - PTI;
Patterned Paper: Pink Petticoat -
Other: Gold Embossing Powder, Versamark Ink, Scor-Pal, Dimensional foam adhesive, Spellbinders nestabilities classic circles small, ribbon from stash.

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge 4

2010-06-27T13:55:00.008+01:00

I decided to take the plunge and play along with this weeks Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge WMSC4.

I really had a tough time deciding what to do with this sketch and still not sure if I am happy with the finished result, but I did enjoy creating something so unlike anything I've done before!! It's times like these that I wish I had invested in different sizes of circle punch - the flowers are all cut out by hand.

I hope that you like it and thanks for looking :)

Helen x

Stamps: Picnic Patterns (kraft background), Sewing box hugs (leaves) - Waltzing Mouse Stamps; Round & Round (flower wreath), Signature Greetings (sentiment) - PTI
Ink: Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Certainly Celery - Stampin Up; Vintage Cream - PTI
Cardstock: Cream, Cameo Coral - Stampin Up; Kraft - Bazill
Other: Patterned Paper, Sewing Machine, foam dimensional adhesive, spellbinders nestabilities classic circles small, cuttlebug.

Friends of Waltzing Mouse Blog Waltz

2010-05-17T12:02:00.013+01:00

Just a quick post for the Waltzing Mouse Blog Waltz which starts at WaltzingMouseHouse.com today - The theme is BIRTHDAYS.
I'm not at my most creative - my eldest boy has Chicken Pox and the other has a fever, so this card was made yesterday in a hurry with sleep deprivation!! I created a diamond background using my Scorpal to tie in with the beautiful background Claire created for the new 'Pic Nic Patterns' stamp set.

I don't know about you, but I find these blog waltzes so inspirational and can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!!

Thanks for visiting my blog today :)

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: All Waltzing Mouse: Fancy Phrases, Earth Angel, Pic Nic Patterns
Ink: Stazon, Copic Markers; Aqua Mist-PTI; Choc Chip - Stampin Up
Cardstock: Kraft - Bazill; Cream - papermill;Aqua mist: PTI
Rose: Prima
Other: Spellbinders Nestabilities® Labels 8; Scorpal, Sewing Machine & thread; dimensional foam adhesive, adhesive pearls - Kaiser, cotton twill from stash.

A little pink girliness!!

2010-05-04T16:28:00.006+01:00

Pink, cute and unashamedly Girly! Took a break from the boys in our house to put this card together! Needed to practice a little 'colouring' - I haven't done any for quite a while and really enjoyed it :)
I wanted to leave the card front without a sentiment as I'm trying to build up a stash of blank cards to personalise later as and when I need them.

Thanks for looking!

Supplies:

Stamps: Kanban Cupcake Clear Stamps
Ink: Stazon Black
Papers: My Minds Eye 'Pretty Please' Papers
Cardstock: Papermania
Pink Button: Woodware
Ribbon: from stash
Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Silk crochet thread, dimensional foam adhesive, sewing machine, white thread, nestabilities classic circle small

Happy 1st Birthday Waltzing Mouse Stamps !!

2010-05-01T08:43:00.008+01:00

Hi everyone,

The lovely, wonderful & talented Claire of Waltzing Mouse Stamps has a new challenge on her blog to create a card using the following sketch and be in with a chance to win a Whopping 8 brand new stamps sets due to be released today, May 1st. Well, I have to say that I would be in absolute HEAVEN if I won this prize as I absolutely adore Waltzing Mouse Stamps.

Anyway,...without further ado, here's my take on "The Biggie" sketch.....

I don't know if the photo shows it, but I cut the flowers out from some flocked patterned papers. I added some stitching onto the background stamped with the leaf sprig image from Faux Fun Circles(I can stitch straight - honest!!) but didn't want anything too perfect/regular!!! Stitching in a circle is harder than it looks! I also inked around the edge of the Kraft card base with a little cream ink - just to soften it a little. Well, using black is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I love the finished card.

Thanks so much for taking the time to look at my card.

Hope to see you again!

Helen x

Supplies:

Stamps(all Waltzing Mouse): Roses in bloom, Faux Fun Circles, Vintage Circles Small
Patterned Paper: DCWV - La Creme matstack
Kraft Cardstock: Bazill
Ink: Basic Black-Stampin Up; Vintage Cream-PTI
Adhesive Pearls - KaiserCraft
Other: Sewing Machine, Cream Cotton Thread, Dimensional foam adhesive

April Waltzing Mouse Blog Waltz

2010-04-17T13:57:00.001+01:00

Hi there,

Just dropping in to share a Mothers Day card for this afternoon's Blog Waltz over at Waltzing Mouse Forum. If you get stuck you can always link back to the Waltzing Mouse Blog where you will find a direct link to the Forum.

The theme for this month's Waltz is Mothers Day. Mothers Day was back in March here in the UK, but to be honest, I never need an excuse to make my mum a card and thought this would make a great Birthday Card for her in August.

I decided to make my own decorative pins and use them as embellishments - they seemed so expensive to buy here and I had some pearl headed dress-makers pins, some glass beads and some little pearls in my stash and I'm really pleased with how they turned out. It's especially nice for my mum to think that my Granny's beads are being recycled and made into something pretty again!! I also wanted make a special mention to my mum, who crocheted the gorgeous little flower attached to the centre of the button - I really must try to learn how to do this!!

Putting the pins together...

All those lovely glass beads...

Thanks for visiting today - I hope you enjoy the rest of the "Waltz" and thanks especially to Claire and the Waltzing Mouse DT for all their daily inspiration.

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps:: Waltzing Mouse Stamps: Roses in Bloom (Sentiment); Seasons of Love - Tags (Heart); Very Vintage Christmas (Ornate Square - see background)
Ink:: SU-Perfect Plum; PTI-Aqua Mist; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Antique Linen
Cardstock:: Aqua, White - Papermill
Other: Spellbinders Shapeabilities - Fancy Tags; Ribbon, pins, beads from my stash, dimensional adhesive foam pads, glue dots

Lucy's Cards - Challenge 8

2010-04-11T16:01:00.009+01:00

It was too late for me to enter the Embellish Magazine Challenge, but hopefully just in time for Lucy's Cards Challenge Number 8! I've used Kraft, white, pink and light aqua. I just love this combination - so delicate.
It's not very clear in the photo, but I coloured the clear rhinestones above the sentiment with a copic marker to make them a light aqua colour.

Thanks for looking :)

Kraft cardstock: Bazill
Paper: Pink Petticoat - Pretty Doodles
Sentiment: Computer Generated
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse - Very Vintage Labels No.4
Ink: SU-Pretty in Pink; PTI-Aqua Mist; Copic Marker-BG13 Mint Green
Rhinestones: Papermania

2010-03-05T11:12:00.007Z

Lucy's Cards: Challenge 6

Lucy has posted another challenge on her blog and this will be my first ever entry into one of these, so here goes!!

The challenge is to create a card inspired by another card you have seen. The card can be any theme. I had literally just made this card for my mum to give to my Aunty for her birthday, so quickly snapped a picture thinking it would be perfect to use.

The card is inspired by this card by Anya. I loved the way she arranged the Roses and thought I would try and emulate that look. I am no flower arranger that's for sure, so thanks for the inspiration Anya!!

Hope you like the card and thanks for looking.

Best wishes,

Helen x

Supplies:
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse - Roses in Bloom
Ink: Certainly Celery, Basic Black - Stampin Up, Signo White Gel Pen
Cardstock: White - Papermill, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink - Stampin Up
Other: White lace - local craft store, Pink Pearl gems-from stash, paper piercer - Qcut; foam dimensional adhesive.

Waltzing Mouse Blog Hop

2010-02-22T07:59:00.025Z

Yay, today's the day of the first ever Waltzing Mouse customer Blog Hop!! Please note that this blog-hop starts at Claire Brennan's Waltzingmouse blog, creator of the beautiful Waltzingmouse stamps.So, if you arrived here first, you may want to go back to the beginning and follow through the blogs in order - would hate for you to miss out on what these incredibly talented ladies are sharing today.

I'm so excited. The theme is "Spring" and the challenge was to make a scrapbook page, card or altered item using Waltzing mouse stamps or template. I have just been having SO much fun trying out my gorgeous new Waltzingmouse stamp sets and trying my hand for the very first time at some Copic marker colouring.

I have a few cards to share today, all using Waltzingmouse stamps. I hope you like them and I can't wait to see what everyone else has created. You will find the next person to visit on the blog hop is listed at the end of this post. Have a great day!

Button Flower Card
Anyone close to me will tell you that I love yellow (roses especially!) and Spring being such a beautiful season signifying new beginnings, new life and as the wording below says 'full of blessings' there was no question that these sentiments would feature on my Spring themed card! I'm still practising with the colouring techniques - in fact, I'm not sure I have a particular technique right now, I tried anyway!!

Supplies:
WaltzingMouse Stamps: Spring Baskets
Ink: Black stazon; Close to Cocoa: Stampin Up; Copic Markers: RV13, RV14, YG13, Y26, T1, E57, B41, Y21, YG11
Cardstock: White: Papermill; Kraft: Bazill; Summer Sun Yellow: Stampin' Up
Nestabilities Classic Circles & Small Classic Scallop Circle Dies
Other: Yellow buttons: Woodware; Yellow Adhesive Pearls: Hobbycraft; Yellow Gingham Ribbon: Local craft shop; Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch; Foam Dimensionals, Glue Dots, White cotton & Sewing Machine

Hoppy Easter Card

I think this would make an equally cute New Baby Card as well. It's the first time I've tried to gather lace on a project and don't think it will be my last as I love this look. Hopefully I'll improve with practice!!

Supplies:
WaltzingMouse Stamps: L'il Buddies, Faux Fun Circles, Vintage Circles Small, Very Vintage Labels No.1
Ink: Black stazon; Close to Cocoa: Stampin Up; Copic Markers: BG11,BG13,RV10,T1
Cardstock: White: Papermill; Kraft: Bazill; Aqua Mist: PTI
Nestabilities Classic Circles & Labels 1 Dies
Other: Aqua Gingham Ribbon: Making Memories (Animal Crackers - "Jack"); twine: SU; Cream button: from stash; Vintage cream lace: from mum's sewing box stash! Foam dimensionals; Glue Dots.

L'il Chick 'n L'il Lamb Easter Cards
I am hoping to make many more of these for my boys to give out to their friends at school this Easter. I deliberately kept the design very simple so I can mass produce the 40+ required!! You may not be able to see from the photo, but I stamped & cut out the head of the little lamb separately to give him even more dimension. Soooo cute!

Easter Chick Supplies:
Waltzingmouse Stamps: Chick-L'il Buddies, Faux Fun Circles, Sentiment-Spring Baskets;
Ink: Black Stazon; Regal Rose: Stampin Up; Copic Markers: Y21,B41,T1, orange felt tip from my boys colouring box!!
Cardstock: White; Barely Banana: Stampin Up
Other: Pink striped ribbon: Hobbycraft; Corner Rounder Punch; Foam Dimensionals

Little Lamb Supplies:
Waltzing Mouse Stamps: L'il Buddies; Spring Baskets (sentiment)
Polka Dot Basics: PTI
Ink: Black Stazon; Basic Black, Brocade Blue: Stampin Up
Copic Markers: B41, T1
Cardstock: Barely Banana: Stampin Up; White: Papermill
Other: Paper Piercer, White Gel Pen, Corner Rounder punch, Foam Dimensionals

Now please click here to hop on over to Marcie Sharp's blog. Or type www.cardmakinchaos.blogspot.com into your browser.

Thanks so much for looking, enjoy the rest of the 'Hop' & hope you'll visit again!

Helen.

3 Hearts in a Row Card

2010-02-21T16:00:00.001Z

Just posting a quick card.....could be for anyone especially lovely in your life!

Supplies:

Stamps: Technique Tuesday Loving Words by Ali Edwards; Heart Prints (PTI)
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink - Stampin Up
Ink: Pretty In Pink - Stampin Up
Pink Button: Woodware
Other: Nestabilities; Cream Crochet thread

Loving Life Valentine Card

2010-02-02T22:01:00.006Z

Here's a card, which I hope my husband will find masculine enough for Valentine's day! LOL :) I found inspiration from this card made by Kristina Werner.

Thanks for looking!

Supplies:
Chocolate Brown Cardstock - Paper Mill
Kraft Cardstock - Bazill
Herringbone natural ribbon - American Crafts
Cream Crochet thread
Stamps: Technique Tuesday - Loving Words by Ali Edwards
Ink: Stampin Up

Robot Birthday Spinner Card

2010-02-02T19:48:00.019Z

I've been wanting to make another spinner card ever since I made Christmas versions in this same design for my two boys. I came across the idea one day while 'blog surfing' and there is a link to a spinner card tutorial at the bottom of this post. Be warned-once you've made one, you will find it's a little addictive! Here's the Christmas version.....

Thanks for looking!

Thanks to Cami Turnbow for this tutorial.

New Year, New Start

2010-02-01T12:10:00.015Z

It's been so long since I've posted a card on this blog I was wondering whether I would actually remember how to do it!!

Anyway, here's a card I wanted to share - just clean & simple (with the tiniest bit of bling).

Thanks for looking!

Supplies:
Paper Flower: Imaginesce
Stamp: PTI
Ink: Fresh Snow, PTI
Clear heart gems: Papermania
Ribbon, Lace & twine: from stash

Colour Inspiration Challenge #44

2009-03-07T18:11:00.011Z

It has been a couple of weeks since I last did one of these challenges and just managed to get this card finished before the roast chicken dinner was ready!!

I apologise for the photos - really must invest in a decent digital camera! It's also tea-time here in the UK, so the light is pretty dim.

I hope you like the card - I really enjoyed making it. I wanted the outer rectangle to look like a frame, but it may be difficult to see that from this picture. I just love the Season of Joy set - it's so versatile. Where I've used dimensional foam pads to adhere the flowers to the card and bent the petals of the flowers slightly upwards it reminds me of water lilies floating on a pond!!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by :). If you would like to know more about the Color Inspiration Challenge, you can visit Kristina Werners Blog.

Helen x

Stamps: Season of Joy; Polka Dot Punches
Ink: Color Box Chalk ink - (i think from chocolate and blueberries chalk-Q stack)
Card: Whisper White; Close to Cocoa, Choc Chip, Pretty in Pink (Stampin Up)
Rub-ons: lily white 'all mixed up' letters by Doodlebug Design inc.
Buttons: American Crafts, Papermania
Dimensionals (Stampin Up)
Micro-dots

Color Inspiration Challenge #42

2009-02-20T14:02:00.011Z

Hi,

Here is the card I made for the 'Color Inspiration Challenge #42' over at Kristina Werners blog
I really enjoyed using these colours and making the card - i started off trying to do "homework" for the "A Year in cards - February 2009"and ended up with this for the Color Challenge!
I really enjoyed heat embossing those little flowers at the bottom, but you can't really see them all that well on this picture!

Thanks for looking!

Helen :)
Supplies:

More mustard, really rust cardstock (Stampin Up)
White embossed cardstock - Doodlebug Design
Green puffy letters (Making Memories)
small flower stamp from 'Simply Said' stamp set (Stampin Up)
Green & Mustard flowers (Papermania Elements)
Other materials used: Clear Embossing Powder; Stampin' Dimensionals (SU); heat tool (SU);Corner rounder punch (SU), snail glue