Happy Halloween

 Happy Halloween everyone. Todays card is from Joanna Sheens Vintage Christmas Cards cdrom. A lovely image of a little girl with her snowballs. I have glittered the snow in the picture and mounted the image onto some dark green card. The backing paper is just a red gingham from my stash. There are some lovely images on this cd..I especially love both the flowers and the bird sections. I say that every year you could give me the same cds and every year I would no doubt either pick different images or pick the same image but treat it in a different way. The more we work as crafters..the more our own style develops. We learn new techniques and add them to what we already do and that can change the whole look of the card. That's the one thing that I love about being a crafter..there's always something new to learn and something new to play with.
Well today is Halloween..when I was little it was always called All Hallows Eve..to give it it's proper name. In my home it was always a celebration. It celebrated the ancestors. The people that had gone before and it was always a time to celebrate their lives. It was an unusual occurance where I lived and I don't know when this tradition began but it is something that we continue today. As a child I thought it was a wonderful time..there was something magical about it all...listening to the stories about the older people. In a way it made me feel connected with family members that I never knew. Through the magic of this evening I got to know the family stories that would have otherwise simply have been forgotton. I get to tell the same stories to my son.These days All Hallows Eve seems to have been taken over with the americanised version, all about horror and trick or treating. It was never about horror when I was a child..it was really a happy family time connecting with family memories. Tommorrow would be the day that we would visit the graves and leave flowers. Graveyards were not considered scary places..they were just places that we went to honour the memories of those who had passed away. It's just another case of how things change I suppose. However you celebrate Halloween or not..I hope that you all have a good day and maybe take time to remember your ancestors.
The coffee calls and I've lots of orders to list and sort through. So wherever you are and whatever way you are going to do..I hope you have a good one..take care and happy crafting.

Woodland Fox

Todays card is from the Squeezee Cards cdrom Christmas Furry Friends. It is a great cdrom that makes accordian type cards with either 4 or 8 levels that all squeeze flat for posting. For this card I have just used the image without the layers. The images are so beautiful that they make a great focal point on a card. Because of the nature of this cd (that they're meant to be layered), there are no matching backing papers, so I used one from my stash. I mounted the image and backing paper onto some holographic card. Down the side of the image I added some diecut ivy leaves, which I added snow and sparkle to. Acrylic white paint and glitter. To obtain the single image it should be noted that I used the snapshot tool in the program. This is a lovely size image to use on a large card. With this cd I have used either a 8x8 or a A5 size card.
This image always reminds me of when I first moved to Snowdonia. It was back in the day when I could still walk and I had taken my dog J.J. for a walk. We walked up to the disused quarry and as we walked around the corner we came face to face with the biggest fox I had ever seen. I don't know who was the most shocked..me, J.J. or the fox. For what seemed ages we all stood still looking at each other. Nobody made a sound. Then all of a sudden the fox ran off. I shall always remember this moment in time. To be that close to the fox and to see the sun shine on it's coat is something that will always stay with me.
Well coffee time calls and so does the glitter. I hope that wherever you are the weather is being kind to you, here in the mountains the rain is pouring and the wind is roaring round the valley. So keep warm and cosy..take care and happy crafting.

Blowing in the wind

Todays card features the wonderful house mouse. The image is from the triple house mouse cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. This picture comes from the third disc..the christmas one. It is from the winter section. With all the bad weather I thought that I would do a card featuring the leaves blowing around. We have certainley had that lately. I mounted the image onto a diecut mat and added a matching punched border. The die and punch were from tonic. I diecut some leaves and painted them using H20s using autumn colours. The backing paper is the matching one to the image on the cd. I loved the keep cosy greeting. It's a great one to use at this time of year.
The bracken on the hillside has changed colour over the past few days. It is now a fabulous orange with brown and purple streaks. The colours that nature bring just take my breath away. The path is coloured with a patchwork of leaves. I think that one of the joys of card making is that you can feature the seasons in your cards. I love the autumn colours. When I was little I had a friend who was lucky enough to be a red head and I was so jealous of the colour of her hair. I always wanted to be a red head and as an adult I used to dye my hair every shade of red I could find. Isn't it always the case in life that we always want something we don't have. I have friends who had beautiful heads of curly hair and they dreamt of straight. Friends who were tall who wanted to be tiny. I think one of the things that comes with getting older is that you can become happy with what you've been given. I always count my blessings every day..being thankful for all that I have instead of worrying about what I don't. Good friends, my son and my animals make my life a joy everyday and my cardmaking adds to that joy.
Well the coffee calls.so I hope you all have a great day...take care and happy crafting

Barkley cuddles

Todays cards feature the wonderful cdrom Barkley from Crafters Companion. Both the cards are 6x6 in size and feature some of the smaller toppers from this cd. Even though there are some fantastic backing papers on the cd..I wanted to have a play around..so I created my own. The backing paper is actually acetate which I coloured myself. I took a piece of clear acetate and coloured the back of it using some alcohol ink pens..I scribbled all over it using four toning colours. I then took some ranger blending solution on a sponge scourer from my kitchen and dabbed it randomly over the coloured acetate. It took only a tiny bit of blending solution and created a fabulous blended pattern. I forgot to tell you that the acetate was heat resistant. I use this type so that I can dry it off using my heat gun and not have a wet piece of acetate lying around where certain nosy little cats can investigate. I then dried the acetate off and added some spray glitter. This piece I cut down to the card size and mounted it onto white card and then that in turn onto red mirror board. I mounted the acetate onto the white card first so the pattern came through really clearly. Depending what colour you mount the acetate onto..it can give a totally different look..so have a play around. I hope that you have a play..seeing what effects you can get is great fun.
I hope that the weather was kind to you all last night. Here it was very calm..in fact it was far worse during the early evening. Today is still calm and all the cats are in and out making up for last night. They must have thought that it was going to be bad as they all stayed in from the early evening..so it was a case of grab a chair quick and stay put..lol
So I'm off now to do some baking..I have no idea what..I'm off to look in my Mary Berry cook book and get some inspiration. But as always coffee first. So 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

Snow

Todays card is made using the alphabet from the Crafters Companion 'Father Christmas' cdrom. I first embossed the background paper with a snowflake design. I cut and mounted the word snow from the alphabet section onto a piece of blue card. I die cut lots of different snowflakes and added them. It is a really simple card but it twinkles in the light and the embossing gives it a lovely look.
Well it looks as if we are in for a wet and windy weekend, with a serious weather warning for Monday. Winter is definately on it's way. I have to admit loving the wind. There is something so vital about it. I always think that I'm a bit like a dog with their head out of the car window..lol..I love standing there feeling the power. When I was little, I used to love lying cosy in my bed, listening to the storm raging outside. I can even remember the feel of my candlewick bedspread under my fingers. I have to admit to pulling out the little pieces of thread from the bedspresd and making my own patterns. Perhaps that where my love of pattern came from. The other thing that I remember is getting a piece of paper and drawing a big squiggle on it and then colouring all the different sections in. And of course no section could touch another of the same colour. Many happy hours were spent colouring these tiny sections. And now I love Zentangle..it must be all linked. Many of my crafting friends can admit to loving certain papers that much that they can never use them...that they get a buzz just looking at them. Me too. I can also get carried away with material...the pattern of it. This is why I so love my cdroms. I can print a certain pattern out again and again and not have to worry that I will run out of it. There is a certain Joanna Sheen paper that has foxgloves and other wild flowers on it..and it makes me happy. With that in mind..I shall have to go back to work..so the kettle is going on ..I always need that caffeine in my system. I hope that the weather is kind to you this weekend and that you have a wonderful time..take care and happy crafting

Winter by the Fireside

Todays card features a lovely image from The Brambley Hedge cdrom by Crafters Companion. The whole cdrom if packed with the iconic images from the books. This image is from the Autumn /Winter section.All that I have added to this card is a backing paper from my stash and some peeloffs.
 I always loved the books just because of the detail in the pictures. I can remember sitting looking at the pictures, just amazed by the attention to detail and the imagination that had been shared. I especially loved the pictures of the kitchen..it was so timeless and alot of things reminded me of growing up a country child.
So my thoughts once again take me back to my childhood. Remembering the walk that I took as a little one, bringing the cows back for milking. Still fresh to my memory is part of that journey where the trees met overhead and on sunny days, the sun was dappled through the leaves. I had a special Great Aunt whose knowledge of the flora and the fauna was huge. As we walked the path she would tell me what the flowers were called and tell me how, when she was a child they used so many to make their herbal remedies, helping both the family and the animals. As well as teaching me about the plants..she opened my eyes to the magic of the natural world. She taught me to see the wonder in a flower, the beauty in a sunset and the love and trust that your animals have in you. The knowledge that she shared with me has stayed with me all my life and I try to pass it on to my son.
The weather today is up and down. The wind is blowing and the rain keeps coming in heavy showers...which means in this house that the cats are in and out like yoyos. I can't believe that the clocks go back this weekend..where has the year gone?
Well it's the time to go and answer the call of the coffee. I have a bunch of christmas cards to finish and then it will be time to play. I have a set of new dies..pirate themed..and I'm itching to play. So I hope you have a great day..take care and happy crafting.

Keep warm and button up

Todays card is from Joanna Sheens House Mouse cdrom. It is a triple crom with so many wonderful images and backing paper, as well as many other paper crafting ideas. This image is from the christmas cd..(disc 3) and comes from the winter section. I just love this image with the sweet little mouse in his bobble hat. I have matted the image onto a die cut card layer..this was using the Loopy Lace Ovals die range from Tonic. The border is made using the matching punch from Tonic. I have to say that the tonic dies and punches have been a pleasure to use..they cut the 280gsm card with no problem. The backing paper is from the same section as the main image. I have decorated the card using buttons.
I love this image so much because it manages to remind me of winter when I was little. There was a long line of knitting Aunties. They would be knitting bobble hats (with over sized bobbles), scarves and mittens for everyone. It was the days that the mittens had a string that connected them through the arms of your coat. I still have a pair of mittens on a string that I was given when I was little..I hang them up now as a christmas decoration and as a reminder of childhood memories. Knitting has really made a come back and lots of fabulous new ranges are on the market. I can knit but I do so much more cardmaking and papercraft these days. I still love sewing and embroidery and do some on a regular basis. I have a collection of cushion covers that I have made over the years but I am yet to use them. That's because of little cat paws that wouldn't leave them alone. I've also made lots of pictures..both embroidery and cross stitch. They all seem to feature different furry animals..anyone would think that I adored cats and dogs..lol. I have a collection of embroidery that was created by my grandmother and great grandmother. It includes some wonderful tablecloths with wild flowers sewn all over them. I use them on the table when I give a ladies afternoon tea. They are so beautiful, reminding you of times gone by. This was a time when most ladies did embroidery to decorate their homes. In my family all the ladies lived on farms..working alongside the men with the animals. My gran was in charge of the pigs and the poultry. Hens, ducks,geese, peacocks, pheasants and turkeys were all her department and she earned quite a bit selling eggs, live birds and birds dressed ready for the table. With the pigs she dealt with them mostly at farrowing time..my grandad said they behaved better for her. I can remember many a night her sitting with a sow ready to deliver. My gran always took her chair,radio, and flask and stayed until it was all over.
It's been so strange writing this blog..memories can flooding back..and it's been so nice to share them..alot of people have contacted me as sharing my memories has made them remember things from their own childhood. It has become a wonderful journey. Well the coffee and crafting calls..so have a good day, take care and happy crafting.

*challenges entered*
Joanna Sheen - Button it up

Mistletoe Kisses

Todays card is a real cutie from the Hollypond Hill Christmas cdrom by Joanna Sheen. Every time I look at this cdrom, I find yet another image that I adore. It's the same with the Hollypond Hill cdrom. There are some images that you know that you'll be using time and time again. There are beautiful backing papers on both cdroms that are so useful in your everyday crafting. On this card I have used the image and matching backing paper, mounting them both onto green mirror card. The embellishments are mistletoe sprigs and holly leaves...both from the Joanna Sheen Signature die range.
In the mountains today the wind is blowing and the clouds are floating by quickly giving us brief views of a brilliant blue sky. There is a cold snap in the air which makes me think of cosy blankets and cocoa. The nights are drawing in and the time to think about changing to the winter curtains. Here in the village my friends and I are already talking about what the winter be like. The last few winters have been hard..the snows and the below freezing temperatures have lasted for a long time. Last year all the fridges in the village switched off as it was colder outside of the fridge than it was inside! I' a great believer in knee blankets and cosy socks. Oh and long johns..lol. It really can be a different world here in the mountains.
I'm working on a challenge card which I will hopefully share with you tommorrow. It will be featuring the fantastic House Mouse cdrom by Joanna Sheen. So I'm heading for a coffee...I swear sometimes I'm running on caffeine..lol So wherever you are..have a great day..take care and happy crafting.

Barkley and his friend

Todays card again features the fantastic Barkley from Crafters Companion. The backing paper is from the design sets on the cd. For embellishment I've used ivy leaves from the Joanna Sheen Signature die range and snowflakes from Robert Addams All Occasion die range. The ivy leaves, I've cut in holographic card which was really heavy..above 300gsm..and they cut like a dream. I cut the greeting from the same card. This card twinkles away, which is what I like to se on a christmas card.
The image on the card made me laugh. The sight of a cat sitting on the dog is one I see quite often in my house when the weather drops below freezing. Of my two dogs it's Reginald who collects cats. As most of you know alot of my cats are rescued and have suffered alot at the hands of horrible people and when they arrive in my home, they are generally very nervous and scared. Reg is the first animal from my tribe who will welcome them. And I think they remember his kindness. As I watch them now..the cats will always make a fuss of Reg..when they have been out..they always make a point of rubbing his head when they come in. Reginald himself was a rescue. When he arrived he was very nervous and seemed to be in pain. As I checked him, I was horrifed to discover that the claws on his back legs had been allowed to grow right round into his pads. Every step he took must have agony. I took him straight to the vets who had to operate on him straight away. He also had to have alot of other procedures. When I left him, he had his head held down and looked so sad. When I picked him up when he had come round after his operation...the magic happened. As the vet brought him out he held his head down until I called his name and he looked up at me..and then despite the bandages he wagged his tale so hard that he fell over. He made such a fuss of me and hasn't stopped since. He is now around 16 years old and just as loving as any dog could be. The only trouble he has now is if he gets bothered or upset something he will pull hair. The vet says that it is his coping mechanism with problems. The last time it happened was when my old dog Daisy sadly passed away and Reg obviously missed her..and his way of grieving was to pull hair. But we know how to deal with it now..lots and lots of extra attention and he's fine. As for the cats..they love him and come winter time all you will be able to see of Reg is his nose...the rest of him will be covered by the cats. It always is a happy pile of love on the couch.
Well the coffee is calling and I'm just about to order some more dies. Most with a nautical theme. Well maybe more pirate..lol..well that at least is what I'm planning on doing. Fun awaits. So wherever you are ..I hope you have a really good day...take care and happy crafting.
To see more of my cards please pop along to Vixenvarg Cards and Creations on Facebook. I post on their daily as well. There is always more to share.

Snowflake ornaments

For a change today I thought that I would share these snowflake ornaments that I have made. The images are from the fabulous 'Barkley' cdrom by Crafters Companion. You can purchase this cd from Julie at jb-crafting supplies. There is a link to her on this page. I had some ornament shaped chipboard ornaments which I wanted to use. I coated the chipboard with a layer of white acrylic to seal and then added the image. Then I layered snowflakes. Some were plain white, some cut from holographic card and some were painted with H20s. I am really pleased with the effect as they twinkle as the light catches them.
I love the idea that you can make decorations for your home. I'm currently working working on some other ideas for hanging decorations. Every year the shops seem to throw christmas at us earlier and earlier. Now don't get me wrong..I am the original christmas nut and adore everything about the festive season but I think that it shouldn't be about shops trying to sell us stuff. Some of my favourite decorations are some that my son made when he was a little boy. I have a little angel that he made at childrens club. It was made at their craft time and the painting is a little rough and now she has been a little over loved but to me she is christmas. There is also a snowman that he made using cotton wool and cardboard. Every year his head has to be repaired but he is part of our festive season. So if you have children in your life please make time to craft with them. They love it all and it becomes part of their own christmas tradition. Some of my happiest memories are of times when we crafted together.
Well the coffee is calling, the wind is raging around the mountains and the cats are not enjoying getting their fur ruffled. I hope you are having a good day..take care and 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

Live your Life with Butterflies

First thing today, I want to say a HUGE thankyou to every one who has stayed with me on my journey with this blog. I couldn't believe it that I reached 1000 views. I know that compared to alot of other blogs 1000 doesn't seem a lot but to me...it's amazing. I remember when I first began I was so chuffed when I reached 100..so to get to this point has blown my mind. So thankyou all. I have had some really lovely messages and the feedback has been great. So now the next target will be 2000..it seems to be another world away..but we'll carry on.
Todays card is something a little different from the christmas cards that I've been making lately. It was made for a cardswop on a forum that I'm a member of. The theme was butterflies. I've used my new tonic dies and punches. The stamp is from Inkylicious. The butterflies are from Robert Addams All Occasion die range. They are so delicate and there are 3 different types in the set. I cut them out of white card and then painted them with H20s. There are 3 different colours on each butterfly. I painted them to tone in with the background card. The tonic dies were a pleasure to use..they cut really easily and all the little hearts that were the waste make a great embellishment in their own right. I've also added some embossed paper behind the die cut. To me it's a really happy card and would be a useful card to send for any occasion even a I'm thinking of you today card. Sometimes it's nice to send a card to someone you haven't been in touch with for a while..just to say hello. And lets be honest..it's so nice to receive mail that isn't a bill or a piece of junk.
Well as it's Friday my job for today will be to photograph the cards that I have made this last week. I always aim to upload all my photos on one day and list what I've used to make them. I get asked so many times where my dies have come from, where to buy them..and I like to be able to answer these questions..after all to me crafting is all about sharing. So coffee first and then photo time..I hope you are having a good day and are looking forward to the weekend...take care and happy crafting

Christmas Visit

Todays card is from the truly magical 'Hollypond Hill Christmas' cdrom from Joanna Sheen. I just love the images on this cd. Even though this cd does have a lot of wonderful rabbit images, there are many that do not shout rabbit at all. There is something truly magical about this cd..I love the images..they are gentle and have a very classic look. There are some fabulous backing papers on here that would work for many projects, no matter what the season. I have used some holly leaves as decoration. They echo the swags on the main image.The dies are from Joanna Sheens Signature die range. These dies are a dream to use and there are new additions being added to the collection on a regular basis. I'm hoping to buy some new ones in the next few weeks..so you'll be seeing them soon.
It has been a very strange day today here in Snowdonia. I seem to now be living in the bin center of the world. The council has delivered recycling bins to every house..we now have a total of 6 bins and 3 bags. And good luck to all involved I say. It seems as if it's going to be a full time job separating the rubbish. I dread to think what's going to happen round here with all the empty houses and all the holiday homes. I had to ring to find out what I'm to do with all my card offcuts. Now you would think that all my card would go in the card bin but no. All your card offcuts from card making have to go in the paper section. Even if it is 300gsm. The only card in the card section is brown card..so all kraft card is to go in there. Peeloff waste goes in the normal bin. Your plastic card bags and the such doesn't go in the plastic but in the normal bin..it's not the right kind of plastic!! And the council has sent out a calender to show us all what days they are going to collect it all..what I wonder is what is going to happen when we have a spell of bad weather and they can't collect...over the winter it may take them until June to get back on track..lol.
Well I'm just hoping that all the local cats and other animals don't realise that every house is going to have a happy little food waste bin outside. It will be like a fast food run for them all. But the council knows best...they say that they're going to save all this money every year..but I bet that won't make any difference to our council tax bills. Well that's my whinge for today..so please look at your card making waste and don't get caught out by their madness. If you are in doubt about anything..give them a ring..I do..and I must be driving them mad..but if they can't make it clear.I'm going to push until they do. So wherever you are..I hope you have a good day..take care and happy crafting..and happy recycling!

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

Santa Stop Here

For today I thought I would share my latest project for the design team over at jb-crafting supplies. It features the artwork from the 'Barkley' cdrom by Crafters Companion. If you are a dog or cat lover then this would be a cd worth adding to your library.
On the project the backing paper, the letters and the Barkley and his cat friend image are all from the cd. I have added a diecut christmas tree and some diecut greenery, with some jewels and peeloffs from my stash. I thought that it would be nice to make something that could come out every year with the decorations.
When my son was little we had a similar sign which I had made (and still have) which he would put out at the beginning of December so that Santa would know that he was here and that he was doing his best to be a good boy. It provided alot of fun and became a part of our family christmas traditions. In our home , we all love christmas and have a lot of traditions that all help to make christmas so special. For us christmas begins on Christmas Eve with a special meal and we are normally joined by our close friends. The parlour will be decorated with decorations that date back to my own childhood as well as the ones we add every year. One thing we do every year is buy one decoration for the tree. Each year when we get them out a flood of memories are shared, remembering times from other years, remembering friends that are no longer here...it is a very happy time,remembering times we have shared and the joy of the season. I hope that you have your own traditions and can understand the pleasure that they can bring.
Well it has got to that time when the coffee and the glitter are calling..so wherever you are I hope you are having a good day..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

The boy with the Lambs

Todays card is from the Giordano Christmas cdrom from Joanna Sheen. I love this image of the little boy with the lambs. The backing paper is a classic holly and berry design from another Joanna Sheen cdrom. The embellishment is made with Joanna Sheens Signature die range. I have mounted the image onto some dark green card. With all Giordano images, the painting of the animals is so good and cute in the right way.
I'm currently working on some cards and creations with the Barkley cdrom from Crafters Companion. I'm loving the images..a dog and a cat..it will always be good to use for my friends. I'm working on a couple of decorations that I thought would be nice. I'll be sharing them with you shortly. I've had a good play this weekend with my alcohol inks and some acetate and have made some nice backing papers. And I have to admit to making a right royal mess. My hands were covered with ink and there was splats of ink everywhere. And the whole room smelt of blending solution. But a good time was had. I seem to have about 30 cards only half finished. I will have to settle down and get them done. They are all sitting there waiting to be embellished. And don't make me think of inserts..any day soon I'm going to have to sit down and make about 500. As I've said before it's my least favourite job and I put it off for ages. It's all my own fault..I keep telling myself that when I finish a card I should do an insert at the same time...but I just put it off. Shame on me.
I hope that you have a good weekend..and are ready for the week ahead..take care and happy crafting.

vixenvarg: Father Christmas

vixenvarg: 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 ...

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 Patchwork Life

I thought that today we would have a break from all the christmas cards that are surrounding me. Todays card features a brilliant stamp from Inkylicious. The background paper is made patchwork style from all those little pieces of pretty paper that we can never throw away. I have done quite a few of these patchwork type cards and always get a thrill doing them. I think it's because I've managed to use something that should have ended up in the bin. The rose embellishment is using a Joanna Sheen stamp.
 The large words stamp is one that I use all the time. It is a great message to send to anyone..it's great because it makes you think of things that sometimes get lost in everyday life. As you are doing your washing up, sometimes it's hard to remember how it felt to run barefoot through the sand or grass. How it felt to watch a kite sweep up higher and higher into the sky. How it felt to lie in the long grass, watching the clouds roll by. Sometimes reading these words can bring back happy memories and sometimes it can inspire you to do something different. Something just for you.
I can't believe it's Friday again..time is flying by. I really hope that you have a great weekend...and remember to treat yourself..take care and happy crafting

Driving Home for Christmas

Todays card is a decoupaged image, available from jb-crafting supplies. In the pack there are 8 images and matching backing papers. It is a really lovely set to work with. I have recently seen the matching summer image to this one and it's equally nice. The artist is Andrea Jayne and this set is from the Docrafts Tulip Christmas range.
I have always been a christmas nut..I love the colours, the twinkling lights and all the traditions. We have made our own traditions in this family...blending older family ones with new ones and with a little hope they will continue  There are recipes that have been passed down which I'm writing down for my son, so he can share them in the future. If you have old family recipes or christmas traditions ,then please write them down..scrapbook them..it's your way of sharing them with the future generations of your family. One of our traditions is to buy one ornament for the tree every year..you never know what is going to take your fancy from one year to the next. But come the next christmas it's so nice when you unpack them and recall the memories attached to each one. Last year we began the owl tree. We have a collection of owl ornaments and clear glass icicles which has been building over the last few years. Well last year I decided that I wanted to do something special..so we created the owl tree. My son went out and cut me some twigs and small branches...I then painted them white and glittered them. We put them into a weighted vase and then decorated them with the owls and the icicles. Around the base of the vase we put some white tinsel and somehow the whole thing looked quite magical. It will be returning this year.
So whatever your family traditions..enjoy them and try to record them for future generations. They are what helps to make christmas such a special time of year. Well the coffee is calling and craft time is coming so wherever you are..take care and happy crafting

Flowers of the Season

Todays card is made with a topper from my stash (available from jb crafting supplies). The backing paper is from a Joanna Sheen cdrom. The topper image is decoupaged and the embellishment is made using the Tattered Lace die range. Around the edge I have used an enclosed glitter peeloff. To me it is a very traditional christmas image but it's what alot of people like to receive. I have mounted the backing paper onto some dark green card. I have to admit that when it comes to christmas..I'm a bit of a traditional girl. I have always preferred the red, green and gold colours. Even though alot of my friends are very contemporary, using purples, pinks and black, I still remain the same. I can't explain why..perhaps it's memories of my childhood.
Well there is a definate nip in the air today. The sky is quite grey and moody..and there is a cold snap to the air. The cats haven't travelled far..they are all sat on the studio roof with the wind ruffling their fur. It's as if they can smell the change in the weather..they sit with their noses in the air smelling the breeze.
Today I've got 20 christmas cards to decorate so I suppose it's a case of drink the coffee and get on with it. I hope you have a really good day and that the weather is kind to you..take care and happy crafting.

Christmas Joy

Todays card is made with a topper from my stash (available from jb-crafting supplies ) and the embellishments were made using the Tattered Lace die range and Joanna Sheens Signature dies.
I'm so enjoying making christmas cards this year. It seems to me that every year the products out there get better and better. When I first started making my own christmas cards over 20 years ago the choices were very limited. I would never have dreamed that cutting dies for you to use at home would become available. When I think back to having to draw all my own flowers, cutting them all by hand..and all the time it took. Well these days it's a joy. And with new dies coming out all the time ..my need list gets longer and longer. I suppose it's the same with all of us crafters..we want to be able to use a product in many different ways and as always get the best value for our money. So when I recommend a product on here..you can be confident that you will get the best results. Over the years I've learnt that in life you really do get what you pay for. I've made the same mistakes that we all have..trying to buy cheap and getting something we end up hating. I've learnt my lesson and now try to get the best quality I can. I love crafting and I love my stash...I have been known to stroke paper...and ooh and ah over glitter colours...lol. All my friends know that I have a slight glitter obsession and know that the chances are that they will leave the parlour twinkling. Since becoming disabled I've learnt that in life you need to find your joy..and I know that crafting is mine. So wherever you are..I hope that you can find your joy..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.

Snowy Rooftops

Todays card is from a set of decoupage by Docrafts called Tulip Christmas. This set and many others are available from jb-crafting supplies. It is really a lovely set of decoupage (all diecut). In the set there are 8 decoupage images and matching backing papers. As far as value for money goes..I don't think that they could be beaten. I have been really enjoying doing this set..it's not the usual type of thing that I do but it has given me lots of ideas. You can of course just use what is in the set without using anything else and still produce great cards but you can also look at your own embellishments and add more to the card. Either way you'll end up with a great christmas card.
I've been having a lovely time this weekend with lots of crafting play and the company of good friends. All my friends know that I'll be crafting away as we chat. Henry keeps the brews coming and we put the world to rights. I've been playing with my new tonic dies and will be sharing the outcome this week.
The weather here is really windy despite the sun shining. All the cats are out playing. I think that they really like the feel of the wind in their fur. A couple of them are skipping round the studio roof. It's so funny to watch them playing tag in the wind. Here in Snowdonia you really feel the changing of the seasons. I can look out of my window and watch the colours changing. I really wouln't want to live anywhere else..I've been here for over 20 years and have to say I still get a buzz that I live in such a beautiful place. Many people come here and can't handle the isolation. It's as if they can't manage without a pub or a shop. It's as if they cannot entertain themselves. Some people cannot handle living in such a small community..village life is not for everyone. The fact that everyone knows you and your business is something that doesn't bother me and in times of difficulty the friends that I have made here have helped me alot. But some people don't like it and don't last very long. They seem to arrive thinking that they are going to live the rural idyll without any work. They resent the rain, moan about the sheep, lack of pavements and expect to be able to live a town life in the middle of nowhere. But as I've said they don't last long. One hard winter with snow, blocked roads and no electric for a while and you know that come February the for sale signs will be up.
Well  the glitter is calling..hope you have a really good day..take care and happy crafting

Skating in the snow

Todays card is made using a topper and backing card by My Paper Stash available from jb-crafting supplies. There is a link to them on the right side of this blog. In the pack there are 8 toppers and I piece of co-ordinating card. I loved them. Out of the card I managed to make 3..6x6 backing pieces. 2 were cut directly and the 3rd. piece I made by layering the paper pieces that were left. They have made some lovely cards. I love the image of the lady skating. How I wished that I looked like that. How I wished I could skate..lol.
When I was a young girl I was never allowed to go iceskating because I had such weak ankles and I was the clumsiest child on the planet. I seemed to even fall over my own feet. And it seems to be hereditary. Both my son and my daughter have the lets fall over gene. How I longed to be graceful. It just never happened...I suppose that the wellies didn't help. Living on the farm, wellies seemed to be my footwear of choice..and even now I can't wear heels without a wobble.
The weekend is now here and my friends have arrived. And I'm already tired..lol..that could be due to the fact that we didn't go to bed until 4a.m. I have been trying to craft already today and have decided that more coffee is required. So whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope you have a great time.Take care and happy crafting.

Monkey through the leaves

As you can read this is a card that I made for the daughter of a dear friend. Her one great love in life is orangutans. Every year I get asked to make her a card featuring this amazing animal. She supports alot of charities that work with the orangutans especially the ones that help with the orphaned babies.
I get asked to make alot of unusual cards..that is one of my greatest joys..to make a special card for someone who has a special but different hobby or interest. The more people I work for ..the more it amazes me just how difficult many find it to find a card they really like. I think this is one of the reasons that handmade cards has taken off. People are fed up with the fishing,football and floral cards that they see in card shops. A handmade floral card offers so much more..unusual images, textures and just the right sentiment. Some days I feel really blessed to be able to give my customers what they want. Okay sometimes I may have to search a little further, spend a little longer or think a little more about a special card  but that's the fun of the thing.
I can't believe that it's Friday again. I don't know where the last week has gone..it could very well be hidden behind a big pile of christmas glitter..lol. My plan for today is to photograph the cards that I've made in the previous week.I have a pile waiting to be bagged to be posted after the weekend. I like to get all my posting together to go in one trip. My friend does the posting for me..the local post office is 7 miles away. The nearest Asda is 40 miles away so a trip to go shopping can be a day trip. Because of this and because of my diability, I tend to all my shopping online. My son sometimes asks me what I'm doing on the computer and I tell him I've gone to Asda! I have become the queen of spotting a bargain. If we're having something a bit different..he'll tell anyone that we're only having it because it must have been on offer. Well the way I see it is the more money I can save on bargains..the more I have for crafting goodies.
Well time to go and find the camera..I hope you all have a fabulous weekend  so take care and happy crafting.

The Christmas Farm

Todays card features a wonderful stamp by Sheena Douglass. I love this image as it reminds me alot of the farms here in Snowdonia. The stamped image was very clear for a large stamp. Many times with larger stamps it can be difficult to get a perfect image first time. It was not the case with this range. I have painted the image with H2Os and of course have added a little glitter. The only embellishment is some die cut snowflakes which I had also painted with H2Os to match the colours in the image. This is a large stamp providing the focal point on a 8x8 card. It could work equally as well on an A5 card. The backing paper comes from a Joanna Sheen cdrom.
When I buy cdroms I always pay attention to the backing papers. Many times I'll have a stamped image or an idea for a card that will need a backing paper and with all my cdroms I know that I will be able to find one that will fit the bill. I have recently been looking at a new cd by Creative Crafting World that has backing paper matched to over 70 colours. I'm thinking of buying it as an addition to my cdrom library. I can get a bit picky about colours..warm blues and cold blues, blue purples and pink purples, cold and warm yellows...my list goes on..and I need colours to match. People laugh at my card collection..I have a huge rainbow collection and many times I get asked just why I need such a collection and it is purely this colour match thing. I can find a backing paper to print but I seem to have a thing for the card to match. Perhaps I am bit ocd as far as colours are concerned but bad matches can make me twitch..lol
The weekend approaches quickly and the orders keep coming. I have a work on list by the side of me and work my way down it. Every 3 or 4 days I update it. Crafting does give me such a sense of well being. Knowing that I have a long list ahead of me and an afternoons crafting ahead...gives me a warm feeling..I know it's sad but each to their own. So wherever you are and whatever you have planned..take care and happy crafting.

Christmas Celebration

Todays card is from the fabulous Father Christmas cdrom from Crafters Companion. I have done quite a few cards from this cd and people have loved them. So many people adore this film and to be able to craft using these iconic images is a wonderful thing. I have used a diecut christmas tree on which I painted with white acrylic and glittered. Even though it is a smaller image it still becomes the focal point on a 8x8 card.
I have been making christmas cards for weeks now and still have a number to go. The thing that I moan the most about is making the inserts. To me a card needs an insert and that they should be just as nice as the front, and this is something that gives me the ultimate headache. When people open one of my cards..I want them to think that I've put an equal amount of thought into the insert. My headache usually begins when I start to make the inserts. I know that I should make the insert when I finish the card..but I don't. I usually end up with a pile of 100 cards all needing inserts. And sometimes it can seem to be the job to end all. But then I tell myself to suck it up and get on with it. And lifes a lot like that..we all have to do things that we would rather not but when we've done it..all's well with the world.
So now I'm off to start making inserts and hopefully by bedtime..all will be well with the world. Wherever you are and whatever you have to do..take care and happy crafting

The Snowflake Mice

Todays card is made using the wonderful Brambley Hedge cdrom from Crafters Companion. It is a card that I have featured on my facebook page..Vixenvarg Cards and Creations..and have been asked for more details. In fact there are a number of cards that I have featured there and will be detailing on here because people have asked and I love to share.
The image on the cd was with a different coloured doily so I matted it onto the blue doily and then matted that onto some silver holographic. The backing paper is an older piece from my stash but any matching colour paper would be just as nice. When I had mounted the image, I surrounded it with snowflake die cuts. These are from my ever growing collection of snowflake dies. Some are from the All Occasion Range and some from Crafters Companion. Some of the snowflakes have been cut in silver mirri, silver holographic, blue mirri and some have been painted with H2Os. I have also glittered the window of the image.
I hope you like the card and wherever you are, I hope you have a good day. Take care and happy crafting.