Crafting Musketeers....New Challenge..Use a Sentiment

Here are the two cards that I have made for a design team make for the great team over at the Crafting Musketeers. The theme for this month is to Use a Sentiment. For the card above I have made a card using this beautiful image from the Christmas Moments cdrom, which is available from Creative Crafting World. I of course had to add just a little glitter..lol. I used diecut snowflakes to create a border and added jewels to each.

For the card below, I have used one of my favourite chrismas images from the Christmas At Hollypond Hill cdrom brought to us crafters by Joanna Sheen.

To decorate this card, I have used diecut mistletoe, adding pearls to represent the berries. Both cards of course feature a sentiment. For all details of the challenge, please pop over to the Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog. There is some wonderful inspiration from the members of the team.

We are lucky enough this week to have been sponsored by the wonderful team over at Sassy Studio Designs. They are a fabulous source of images and inspiration.

Well I think that I deserve another cup of coffee now. I am so enjoying the fact that the kittens are asleep..lol. I now will have an hour of perfect peace...well providing the other cats behave. I had to go and have my eyes done yesterday at the doctors. They put drops of solution in my eyes to dilute the pupils and then photographed my eyes. It was fine but all night it seemed as if I was looking at the world without my glasses on..lol Very strange I have to say. But today all is fine and I'm playing catch up with my work. Have got a few to do tomorrow and then I should be up to date. So until then...take care and happy crafting.

In the stable

Todays card has got to be one of my christmas staples. Whenever I look through my cds every year..I always have to print this one.I love the donkey and the puppies. I always glitter the images as well. This picture always puts me in mind of one of Henrys and my favourite christmas film. The film is a cartoon film called Annabels Wish and it tells the story of a little calf that wants to be one of Santas reindeer. In the film all the farmyard animals get their voices at midnight on Christmas eve. And this image always makes me think that they may be having a chat on Christmas Eve. Daft I know but that's the way I am. At this point I have to admit to crying my eyes out at the end of this cartoon film. Henry always took the mickey out of me..but we always made a point of watching it every christmas. And another reason to just love this christmas film is that the voice over is done by Randy Travis..a country singer and his voice alone can give me goosebumps..lol

It's still cold here in the mountains...all the cats are inside. Jeffrey and Reginald are so far in the dog house..they're nearly in the shed..lol. Last night they raided my stash and ate my stollen..the second one. Now I think that they have gone way too far now. Yesterday they ate their way through a stollen, 5 cherry scones and a pack of meaty chunks and the whole living room looked as if they had had a party. So last night I had put everything out of their way..or so I thought. Stupid me. I am seriously thinking of getting the two of them silly hats and making them wear them every time they're naughty. And what makes it worse is that when I get up in the morning..everyone is telling me just how hungry they are when I know that at least 2 of them are telling lies..lol

I had a lovely surprise last night. A surprise visitor. My friend pretty boy came to see me. It felt as if I hadn't seen him for an age.It was great to catch up. Pretty was Henrys best friend and has always felt a part of the family. His girlfriend is lovely and is training to be a vet..bless her it's a lot of work. I shall call her the beauty, as she is. Reg finds her irresistible and doesn't leave her side when she visits. Our Reg really is a ladies man...he has a collection of special ladies who he goes all soft with. it's just so funny to see.

Well the coffee is calling and then it will be back to the dreaded inserts..lol. I'm hoping to get all the cards for posting ready. So today will see me finishing off and bagging them all. And then I'll get to sort my own out. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Through the leaves

Todays card is from the wonderful cdrom by Creative Crafting World which showcases the amazing paintings of Pollyanna Pickering. This has to be one of the most requested cards that I make. This cd features so much..I would buy it just for the backing paper..which to me speaks of what a great buy it is.I mounted the backing paper and the image onto some cream pearlised card and then edged the image with some peeloffs. I stamped some leaves..something you know that I love to do..and then coloured them with my copics.

Yesterday was quite productive..I spent the day colouring and searching for quotes. But when it came to bedtime I realised that I hadn't made a card! I probably have the pieces to make 10 but haven't got to putting them altogether yet. Mind you I did have a fall yesterday..one of them that takes your breath away and you end crying with the shock of it. So I was feeling particularly tender yesterday..and then I woke up this morning and goodness me everything hurts. I'm ok apart from when I move my head..lol. If I move my head I get a huge pain in my side. Sounds strange I know but then you always feel worse the day after a fall. As I was on the floor yesterday following my fall I was kissed by Reg who was obviously trying to make me feel better. The cats looked at me as much to say what on earth are you doing mother..lol. Today Rave has not left my side..I must look like I need cuddles.I'm hoping that today I get finished a least a few of the projects that I've started..lol

Well the coffee is calling along with a couple of painkillers I think. I have the nurse coming tomorrow to have a chat about my illnesses...that should be exciting..lol.So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

White stripes

Todays card features some of the wonderful artwork of Pollyanna Pickering. This cd is available from the wonderful team at Creative Crafting World. There is so much on the cds produced by this team. There are an absolute mass of images, in lots of different styles, alongside backing papers, greetings, gift bags...you name it..it's on there. I love this image of the zebras..it would make a great card for a male..just something a little different. The border is also from the cd..the image is so striking..it really doesn't need anything else.

As I am sat here today I keep shaking my head..just to hear the sound of my earrings. I have always said that it doesn't take a lot to get me excited but today I am so happy. I have never been able to have my ears pierced because of my blood condition and have spent years searching for something I would wear that was a clip on. Years passed and I was just so jealous of my friends when they showed me their fabulous earrings. Because I'm a large lady and a little bit gothy (I know..but I've never really grown out of it since my punk days..lol), I never wanted to wear small earrings. They would just get lost. And then to my absolute joy as I was trawling facebook I happened to come across a small business that created earrings and yes there was clip ons and oh my goodness they were fabulous. I contacted the owner Annette because I spotted a pair of long dangling beauties and asked if they could be made for clips and here they are sitting on my ears. I'm just so chuffed. I contacted Annette again and asked if she had anything a bit gothy..anything with skulls..she didn't but then she sourced some for me. They will be arriving in a couple of weeks.The name of the business is Annnettes Beads..I found them on their facebook page but they also have a website..www.annettesbeads.co.uk..The website is full of wonderful beads and so much more. If you get the chance please check them out..Annette is so lovely and the work that she has put into making this gothy lady happy is a total credit to her. When my gothy earrings arrive I will take a photo so you can share in my joy.

What a day today has been. I had to speed wheel with Reg..we had got about half way back and it started to rain. I was wheeling as fast as I could, there were flying cats everywhere. They didn't know what to do..get out of the road of the rain or stay with me..lol. When I got back I decided to do the prep for dinner tonight..and then I even made scones with my spare hand whilst washing up. I managed to shock myself that I could manage to get so much done in a sort space of time. I think it was the fact that I wanted to sit down and paint that pushed me on..lol

Well the coffee is calling and so is a scone.I hope you have a fabulous weekend. So until tomorrow ..take care and happy crafting

Happy Bunny

Todays card is yet another from the Pollyanna Pickerings British Wildlife cdrom. As you all must know by now I do have a bit of a thing for rabbits. My first memory of rabbits is the one that George Best bought for me when I was little. He was friends with my Gran and Grandad and used to visit. To me he wasn't famous...just another friend of the family.It now feels strange to remember his visits. I remember his lovely hair..it was longer than most of the men that visited and I can hear my Gran telling him that he ought to get it cut...lol On the card I have used a smaller image but I have mounted it to a toning card. The backing paper is one of many on the cd. I love this image because it is so fresh and would be perfect for any age or gender.

It has been a lovely day today. I had visitors and really enjoyed chatting and catching up. The cats were in a definite 'love me'mood. They were in and out of the biggest cat flap in the world and demanding yet more attention at every move. Reg and Jeffrey managed to get themselves in trouble by getting into the treat jar. Every single day Jeff opens the jar (it's a flip top container) and gets the treats out for him and Reg. It's a wonder that they are both not the size of horses...they pinch so many. I wouldn't mind but they are dog treats..yet Jeff loves them. After the jar had been removed out of their way..they took themselves to Regs basket and sulked. Eventually they both fell asleep...obviously sleeping off all the treats.

When all my visitors had left I decided to do some baking and make something for tea. I made a huge lasagne..which will hopefully do two days and then I made some currant scones. As soon as thwe scones were out of the oven, there was a deluge of cats seeing what they could beg off me. Jeff even followed the scones upstairs into the parlour and as we speak is guarding them..lol

Well the coffee is calling and the lasagne is shouting to be eaten. So until tomorrow take care and happy crafting.

All Together Now

Todays card is another from the wonderful Pollyanna Pickerings British Wildlife cdrombrought to us by the team at Creative Crafting World. The detail in the image is truly amazing. So many of my customers love cards with wildlife on and the good thing is that men seem to likethe natural world too. I get so sick of the lack of imagination on mens cards...if they're not into football, beer or boats then there is not a lot of choice. I may have to have a moment and make a selection of mens cards with a difference. Perhaps a project for next week.

The weather here was lovely today when Reg and me went for a wheel. We had two cats today..Jeff and Tank. But now the sky is looking very grey. It was so hot when I went out ..it hit me like a slap in the face.On the walk we were met by our friend Bailey..a neighbours dog...instead of going into his house like he was supposed to..he ran down the road to join our group...Reg was so excited he managed to get himself wrapped around the wheelchair so badly that we had to unclip him..lol That's friends for you.

And speaking of friends...I have had some really lovely messages in the last couple of days with people checking that I'm ok..it means so much. Somedays I think that I just keep going automatically..get done what needs..it's as if I almost blank out my feelings..I have to or I just end up getting overwhelmed by the pain. No-one expects to lose their child and sometimes the pain is so bad I just feel like screaming. But thats when my animals and my good friends form a pathway for me to follow. Somedays it helps to talk about Henry and somedays I cannot even bear to look at a photo of him. I'm still on the journey of my grief and I decided to let it come however it wants to. Crafting has given me a distraction that I need...I concentrate one card at a time and get through the day. The kindness of strangers has been amazing. People that I didn't know very well at all have been bricks. I've had messages from all over the world from people that Henry knew through his art and that has helped. One day at a time is the only way I can take things at the moment ..but I'll get there.

Well today I spoke to the doctor and it seems that I'm also lacking in Folic acid as well as my B12..so I get to take even more tablets..at least I don't have to have any more B12 injections for a couple of months. I'm still waiting to feel like a new woman...lol..that's what all the nurses said would happen but I've only felt worse. At the moment every joint hurts...so where I was always slow..I'm even slower..lol But onwards and upwards.I'm still counting my blessings and will continue to do so.

The coffee is calling and there are cards to be made..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

The Owl and the Butterfly

Todays card is from Pollyanna Pickerings British Wildlife cdrom...available from the wonderful team over at Creative Crafting World. I am just so envious of the talent of Pollyanna. I have loved her art since the 80s, when I found a picture that she had done of some hounds. And the image was just a pencil drawing and the detail just took my breath away. I love this image of the owl gazing at the cabbage white. This card happened thanks to an accident. I was making a small card and then thanks to a wet cat..the card got ruined..the back of it. So I decided rather than throw the front away..I would mount that onto a matching paper and then onto a larger card. It worked well so it was a disaster that turned out ok.

It is beautiful weather here again today and it was a joy to take Reg out. We all (Reg, the cats and me) sat in the sunny spot by the turnaround tree and watched the wildlife. It really amazes me just how much noise one sheep can make when it's eating...lol. We were joined today by a neighbours cat. He has been on the edge of the group for a while but today he finally decided to join us on the grass. The only trouble is that he is another 'let me roll on the road right in front of your wheels' cat. I really do need a scoop attachment for the chair.

Well the coffee is calling...I hope you have a great day...so until tomorrow ..take care and happy crafting

A Wolf for Henry

Todays card features this fabulous wolf and is from Pollyanna Pickerings World Wildlife cdrom brought to us by the great team over at Creative Crafting World. I just had to make this card...Henry would have adored it. He always has an absolute passion for wolves. One of his favourite books when he was little was Little wolfs diary of daring deeds. His favourite game was to pretend to be a wolf. He had a waistcoat which was grey and slightly furry when he was about 5 and he said that he felt more like a wolf when he put it on.He was so upset when he grew out of it...I found it the other day and I intend to put it into a frame. Such good memories. As it turned out we discovered that our family crest features a collared wolf..so Henry was really made up with that.

The card was simple to make. Just mounting the image and the backing paper onto a toning  card.The cd features lots of different backing papers...to be honest..I just can't believe just how much is on this cd. Even the ribbon border was one of a selection on one sheet.I am finding it so hard to write this blog today..thanks to Rave..who wants to sit on the computer.She wanted to sit in front of the easel as I took pictures as well. I think I need one of those papoose things..she would be so happy to be strapped to me all day. She really is a little homebody and demands to be right by me at all time. Bless her furry black feet...but typing around a little cat bottom is quite hard...lol

No cats came with Reg and me today...and to be honest I don't blame them. It was hammering down and the wind was so strong..we kept getting blown backwards..lol. And as I'm a very large lady...believe me it was a strong wind. When I got back..Jeff was demanding treats..I told him he wasn't even damp so he would have to wait.

Well the coffee is calling and I intend to spend a couple of hours sorting out my next bunch of crafting ideas and planning for next week. So take care and happy crafting

Badger in the Bluebells

Todays card is another simply made card from the wonderful Pollyanna Pickerings British Wildlife dvdrom brought to us by Creative Crafting World.The dvd is a wonderful addition to your image library...there is the possibility of lots of cards suitable for men. Even though I have made this for a lady, just by changing the lilac mount for another colour..it could easily be turned into a male card

It seems a bit cooler today...I've just wheeled Reg along the lane and at least there was a breeze. I had four of the cats today and when we all got to turnaround tree, the horse was waiting for us. The cats threw themselves onto the grass and enjoyed the shade alongside Reg.

I have my weekend planned thanks to the doctor. She came yesterday and gave me strict instructions to rest my leg. It made me laugh as if I used it much less..it would be on a permanent stop..lol. But with what she said I decided to do nothing this weekend but craft. I have a number of projects in mind...hopefully I will be able to do the work and share it with you next week.

Well the coffee is calling and my leg is propped up nicely so my weekend can start. I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Rabbit in the Daisies

Todays card features this fabulous rabbit from Pollyanna Pickerings dvdrom British Wildlife. This dvd rom is brought to us crafters by the wonderful team over at Creative Crafting World.This is a very simple card to make as the imagery is so vivid and detailed that I didn't do anything but mount the image and backing paper on a toning card and added a greeting and ribbon. Sometimes when I look at Pollyannas artwork it is amazing to think that it is a painting and not a photograph. The detail that she captures really takes your breath away.

As I wheeled Reg today I wondered as I wheeled, about people who say how quiet it is in the country. I have never thought that it is quiet here. Yes there are no sounds of traffic but there are plenty of other sounds. As I sat I listened and there was not one quiet moment...the birds sank. the local magpie chattered at the cats...the sheep baaed and the cows were mooing. The wind rustled through the trees and the bees were buzzing on the wild raspberry bush. The longer that I sat the more sounds I could hear. And I came to the conclusion that it is because the sounds that we hear are gentle sounds. There is no harsh traffic noise. I suppose that the lane here has sounded the same as it did this morning for many a year. I am really blessed to be able to live in such a beautiful place. And yet there are people who prefer to live in built up places and they love the sounds of city life. I have a friend who loves to watch the motorway from her house. Especially at night...she says it looks like coloured ribbons. Each to their own. I have spent some time in my youth in towns and cities...when I looked out of the window all that I could see were other buildings...no green to be seen. And I always said that I would go back to live in the country and I did. And I'm grateful every day.

Well the coffee is calling and I'm glad to say that today I intend to craft away for a couple of hours. I have some design team cards to do and a couple of orders...my mojo has decided to come back. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

The Peeping Owl

Todays card is from the wonderful Pollyanna Pickerings British Wildlife dvdrom. It was brought to us crafters by the wonderful team at Creative Crafting World. There is not one image that I wouldn't use...they are all so stunning. And I cannot stress just how much there is on this dvd...backing papers, inserts, borders, flowers and embellishments. I mounted the plain coloured topper onto some gold mirror board. The backing paper was also mounted onto some of the gold. I diecut some ivy leaves and coloured them with copic markers. I think that this card would be suitable for anyone and for any occasion..

I'm sitting here thinking about what I want to craft today. I have orders to do and a pile of toppers that I have printed and I don't feel like doing any of that. I was so uninspired today I polished the furniture, hoovered the top of the house and sorted my flowers. You can really tell when the going is getting tough..I clean house. Reg, my dog isn't very keen on the hoover..but most of the hoovering that needs to be done is because of him..I've come to the conclusion that my carpet is like dog velcro..everytime Reg lies on the carpet he leaves a little tuft of hair. I think that I may do the orders...sometimes when my mojo is having a wobble..just beginning something is the best way.

Well the coffee is calling ..so I'll make a brew and get crafting.So until tomorrow..take care and I hope your crafting goes well.

Just like Jeff

Todays card is one that I have been requested to make numerous times over this festive season. I just love this image. The cd is Magical Christmas Moments brought to us by Creative Crafting World. The image is just so breathtaking that every time I make this card, I find myself just mounting the image onto some mirror board and adding some glitter. There really is something magical about this image..it has captured so well the expression on the cats face. It does look just like Jeff (the printer stopper) and I know that expression...it means I'm about to do something that you won't like..lol
I have to share some very exciting news today..I've been invited to join the design team over on the Christmas Fun Challenge blog. It is a new challenge blog which will go live in January. I'm very excited to be working with a group of fabulous crafters and so very happy to have been given this opportunity to work christmas all year round. As most of you know by now..I am a christmas nut..so this is perfect. Son was happy for me but also devastated..he said oh no I'll never be rid of the glitter..lol. If you have chance..please pop over and have a look...there is a link on the right hand side.
The weather here in the mountains is as wet and windy as yesterday. The cats had quite a day yesterday managing to stay upright. They didn't stop out for long. I saw Tankie tutu..one of my little black girls..get lifted by a gust of wind..after which she ran in and stayed on the couch. Son has just left to go to his carol concert..so I have planned an afternoon with a soppy christmas film with some crafting..my idea of a good time..lol.
So as always, the coffee calls. I hope that you are having a good day..despite the weather..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

The Robin and the mince pie

Todays card is from Magical Christmas Moments by Creative Crafting World. The backing paper is from my stash. The embellishment is made using a wonderful poinsettia die from the Brittania die range. In the set there are 3 sizes of die allowing you to make 3 different sizes of poinsettia but would also allow you to make ifferent types of layered flowers in the rest of the year. I can imagine layering up different pastel colours and creating many types of flowers.
I certainly hope that the weather is being kinder to you than it is here in the mountains. The winds are blowing hard round the valley and the rain is horizontal. It really is one of the few areas in the country that umbrellas are a waste of time. The rain never seems to come down but hits you sideways. From my chair by the window I have noticed something really strange. The heavier that it rains...the higher up the mountain the sheep go. Perhaps they know something that we mere humans don't.
My blogging journey continues..I've now entered my third challenge...and I can tell you that it does get easier. It is a case of when you've overcome the fear and done it once..the second time is still nerve wracking but trust me the thirds a dream. I also have a page on facebook...Vixenvarg Cards and Creations...if you get the chance please pop along and like the page...I post different cards on there as well. My christmas card pile is growing..next week I will have to go through them all and sort them into the different orders. And then I get to do my favourite thind of all time..lol..making all the inserts. Yes I know I should make them as I go along...nice idea..but it never works like that. I end up spending 2 days making inserts and moaning all the way. To me the inside of a card than really make a big difference. I try to make them as special as I can.
Well I really need a coffee today..so the kettle calls. I hope you have a good (and not too wet) day...until tommorrow take care and happy crafting.

Chatting at the barn

Hello everyone..I hope you can all hear me over the roaring wind. Here in Snowdonia the winds are battering the trees in my front garden and it can't decide whether to rain or not. Because nature can't decide, the rain is coming in great swathes and then stops as suddenley as it starts. The wind is definately in charge today. According to the weather reports we are only in a yellow zone so goodness knows what it is like if you're in a red zone. Just stay safe.
Todays card is from the magical Christmas Moments by Creative Crafting World. Alot of the time with the images from this cd..the image is so beautiful that I add very little to the card. On this one I have just added some glitter and a row of diecut snowflakes. Really the only thing that I have added is some twinkle.
I know that I have used this cd a lot this christmas but if like me..you love animals then this is the cd for you. There is not one image on here that I wouldn't use. I remember the old tale that at 12p.m. on Christmas Eve all the animals can speak. When I was a little girl the story seemed to be perfectly reasonable to me. I always wanted to go and hear them but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't stay awake. But the memories of that magical time will stay with me and I can remember telling my son the same story when he was little.
Well the kettle is boiling and the crafting is calling. Wherever you are today take care and keep safe. Happy crafting

Watching and waiting

Todays card is another from the fabulous 'Magical Christmas Moments' by Creative Crafting World. I love this image, which of course I just had to glitter. The only embellishment that I've added is some die cut snowflakes. This cdrom really lives up to it's name...it is full of really magical images that you could use at christmas for many years to come.
Today in Snowdonia, the weather is confused to say the least..we are changing from roaring wind to hard rain to brilliant sunshine..all in the space of 15 minutes.As I look out of my window I can see the changing colours of Autumn. The leaves are falling, making a natural patchwork on the ground. Even the mountains are changing colour. One of the best colours in the year is in bluebell time when the mountain is swathed in bluebells. The whole mountain becomes a blue purple and you can't take your eyes off it. At the moment the mountain is showing browns, oranges, greens and purples...making me want to use those colours in my card making. We shall have to see what I can come up with.
For some reason my mind is drifting towards the challenges that I keep seeing online. I have already entered my first and that has given me the urge to enter some more. It's all part of my blogging journey I suppose. As you move along you learn new things all the time and when you master one new thing you feel brave enough to try something else. I must admit because I'm not good at all with computers I do get more than a little stressed but I keep telling myself to keep calm. But I'm still loving the journey and I love the fact that I get to share it with you.
I have a lot of cards to finish today so I'd better go and do some work. But as always..coffee first. So I hope that you're having a good day and that you will consider creating your own blog. Believe me it's a fantastic journey to begin. Let me know if you do start a blog of your own and I'll follow you online..shaking my pom poms and encouraging you on your journey. I have had some really fantastic messages about my blog..thankyou all. So now the kettle has boiled..take care and happy crafting

Lets Talk about Christmas

Todays card is from the Magical Christmas Moments cdrom by Creative Crafting World. As most if not all of my friends are animal lovers, there are many that would love this image. All I have done is mount and glitter the image and added a greeting. It's quite a plain card for me but I think it's still alovely card to send. And of course it is totally flat and of a size that will mean it will only use a normal stamp. With the cost of postage what it is now,everyone has to think of these things. If I make a 8x8 card then I will add my embellishments because I want it to be a very special card..especially as I have to buy a large first class. I can remember a few years ago posting over 200 cars..now I couldn't manage it without a morgage. So many customers now are having to take the cost of postage into account and I try to help them as much as I can. One lady this year wanted 30 cards that would go using a normal first class and only family and close friends were going to get the larger cards. This is when good images like the ones above come into play..it's a simple card but with a special image and will go normal post. Goodness knows what will happen now ownership of the Royal Mail is changing. I expect more increases in cost and less service. It's the postmen and ladies that I feel sorry for. In many ways it is a thankless task...delivering in all weathers and being expected to do more and more for the same money. I think some of the mps should have a couple of days delivering and see how their opinions would change.
Talking of the weather ..today in Snowdonia the rain is teaming down..all my cats are inside in disgust. They were all outside when the heavens opened and there was a steady stream of soaking moggies running through the window. They all are now sitting on the windowsills watching the rain. So it looks as if it's a case of find a seat and don't let it go. I hope that the weather is better where you are..it's time now for a coffee..and then I have to print some new images..I'm going to work on a parcel for an animal rescue..I'll be putting up details tommorrow so you will get to know the people involved and the animals they care for...I hope you all have a great weekend...take care and happy crafting

Looking at the Mistletoe

Todays card is from the Magical Christmas Moments cdrom by Creative Crafting World. This cdrom is just filled with images that I will use for many christmas to come. This is a very simple card, the only embellishment I've added is a couple of diecut mistletoe stems. They were made using a die from the Tattered Lace 'winter floral' range. It's a wonder that the dies have not been worn out..the amount of times that they have been used on cards for this festive season. The backing paper that I've used is from the Crafters Companion 'Father Christmas' cdrom. It's been a favourite of mine this year.
It's funny how our likes change..I say this every year..you could give me the same image 5 years in a row and every year the card that I make would be different. What colours we use with an image, what embellishments we choose to use..they change depending on our mood or what we are into at the time. This is one of the reasons that my cdrom library is such a wonderful resource. I often look back at my early cdroms and come up with new ways to use the images.
Today is definately a crafting day..the wind is roaring and the rain is coming in sheets. The cats are in and refusing to go out. And I can't blame them. So I'm planning my crafting for the rest of the week..I have 4 birthays next week and they're all male. I love making male cards..finding something different. As you will know by now I don't do the fishing or football cards..unless of course they are really a big fan. So I hope that the weather is being kind to you..and wherever you are..take care and happy crafting

Christmas in Blue

 

Todays card is from a cdrom from Creative Crafting World called Magical Christmas Moments. It really is a fabulous cdrom and if like me you adore cats and dogs..it is a must have. There is not one image on this cd that I wouldn't use. I can see that I will be using this cd for many years to come. There are some fabulous backing papers too..some of which you would be able to use at any time of year. What you can't see on the photo is the glitter that I have added. All I did was add some glitter to the snowy areas and it looks quite magical. I will be sharing other images from this cd during this week.
Today in Snowdonia, the sun is shining but the skies are dark grey. Goodness knows what weather is on it's way. The cats are in and out like yoyos..they can feel something on the air. It's like crafting in the middle of a roundabout. As one comes in by my left shoulder..one will go out by my right shoulder. And cats on both sides demand fuss..and people wonder why they end up covered in glitter..lol.
It's not that long ago that I started on this blogging adventure and I have to say that I still love it. If anything it has given me an incentive to be more creative. I have spoken to many people who are thinking of starting their own blogs and encourage them to do it...after all if I can do it..anyone can. Me and computers are not a marriage made in heaven..but I'm still learning. I've found so many people that are willing to share their knowledge..people that I don't know who just share a love of crafting..and through this I've made some great online friends. So if you're thinking about it..do it.
So now I'm off to glitter the world..or at least a few christmas cards..wherever you are..I hope you have a good day..take care and happy crafting

Father Christmas

Todays card is a really simple but happy card made with the fabulous Father Christmas cdrom by Crafters Companion.The image is from the toppers section and the backing paper is from the design sets. All that I have done is mount the image onto some red card and add some glitter peeloffs around the edges. This is a really quick and easy card..and lets be honest we all get to the point nearer christmas when we need a card that we don't have to think alot about and gives the right amount of festive feeling. I looked at this card sat on the side while it was drying and thought that it was a really cheery card.
Here in Snowdonia it's a really grey day and getting cooler by the hour.You can definately feel that Autumn is here. The cold snap is bringing on the changing of the colours. Even though I can't go out, I can still feel part of the seasons. Autumn and Winter have always been my favourite seasons. I love the cold air and the dark evenings. I love the cosy feeling of winter evenings by the fire. The first frost where the whole vista looks as if it's been sprinkled with glitter. Autumn always reminds me of new shoes. When I was a little girl I always had new shoes for the beginning of the Autumn term at school. I can remember looking down at my shoes and seeing the shine. The days before they became scuffed from all the playtimes.
I hope that you are having a good weekend and that you find some me time. Wherever you are take care and happy crafting

The Ginger Patchwork cat

Todays card is from Magical Christmas Moments available from Creative Crafting. Of course I adore this image because of the fabulous ginger cat. I wanted to make a patchwork backing paper so I used the new dies from Joanna Sheens Signature die range and took the colours from the image. I am really pleased with the effect. There is something so cosy about patchwork. It makes me think of my childhood and being tucked under the quilt with the wind and rain raging outside. A feeling of being safe and of being loved. Isn't it funny just what can set the memories off. Sometimes a piece of music, sometimes a certain smell or sometimes a picture can bring it all back. The smell of pine trees and woodsmoke make me think of early christmas morning. The squeak of new shoes make me think of the start of Autumn term at school. The texture of a candlewick bedspread takes me back to being little , lying in bed. The feeling on the air at the time of the first frost takes me to misty fields, walking in the early morning. It's so strange that all these memories can come from thinking about a card that you have made. I do a lot of scrapbookong and I think that it's these memories and experiences that we want to keep..to be able to recreate for other people to share. I want to share with my children my experiences, thoughts and dreams. Sometimes as an adult we get so caught up with work, paying the bills and keeping the household running that we can forget the dreams and the hopes that we had for ourselves when we young. And yet sometimes when life gets hard we wish we could be back there. To me that's what scrapbooking is all about .Remembering those special moments, the good times, the quirky moments. So please start to scrapbook and let future generations remember who you are..the dreams you had and the memories that you have made.
Well the glitter pot beckons..so it's time to craft. Coffee, I think is called for. So wherever you are have a good day..take care and happy crafting.