Springtime Parchment

Hello there,

Well, after a trip to the opticians yesterday to pick up my new glasses I experienced a strange occurrence! On the way home in the car I decided to put on my new sunglasses (well, it was nice and sunny) - but something didn't seem right. They didn't seem quite as clear as my old glasses! So, after a bit of swapping with my new clear glasses, new sunglasses and my old clear glasses, I realised that I could actually see better out of the old ones! How does that work? So when I got home I rang the opticians to query it - I was told that my eyes might need to adjust to the new ones and to try them again tomorrow! I have never experienced this before when starting out with a new pair - so the saga continues. I have to ring them back on Friday if there is no improvement!

On a crafty note, we have a brand new challenge starting today over at Cardz 4 Galz, and this week Amy has chosen the theme of

'SPRINGTIME'

Here's what I made using my new (very addictive) Groovi system from Claritystamps ...

I started with a piece of A5 parchment and built up the border and the '9 square' grid using the Nested Squares. I then filled each of the squares with a selection of tiny elements from the 'Butterfly Wreath', 'Meadow Grasses' and a couple of different 'Border' plates. The 'Spring' lettering was done using the alphabet from the Groovi Plate mate.

I added just a little white work with my embossing tool and had to chuckle as I worked on the tiny dots in the border area (I could hear Barbara in my head saying 'Up, Down, Left, Right, and Round and Round'!) to get the perfect dot! I then worked in some colour to the whole design using my Derwent pencils and attached it to rose pink card using the original Groovi 'Corner Punch'. I must say, I was pretty pleased with the result - hope you like it!

Hugz, Jan xx

In the Springtime

Hi there everyone,

First of all, I wanted to thank each and every one of you that has sent such lovely messages offering words of sympathy and support during our sad time.  It has been a very difficult few weeks, with so many things reminding me of mum (and I'm sure there will be many more difficult times ahead). I managed to get through the funeral in one piece on Monday - it was a beautiful service and a very fitting tribute to mum.

I haven't been doing much crafting at the moment (haven't had time really), but we have a brand new challenge over at my challenge blog, Fantasy Stampers, today. I also have a close friend's birthday on Monday, so decided to put the two events together and make my DT card for her birthday. The new theme is

'IN THE SPRINGTIME'

Here's what I made using a pretty LOTV stamp called 'Little Lamb' ...

I know the image has Easter eggs on, but the little lamb reminds me of Spring (and her birthday falls over the Easter holiday). The image is coloured with Promarkers and the sentiment is also LOTV.  All other papers and embellishments are from my stash.

Hope you will join us with your own 'Spring' makes over the next two weeks.

Hugz, Jan xx

Spring is in the Air

Happy Saturday,

Well, it's been a busy one this week - including taking a class of 28 eight year olds to Filey for the day! I am absolutely shattered - so lots of rest this weekend and hopefully spoiled for Mother's Day.

We have a brand new challenge starting today over at my challenge blog 'FANTASY STAMPERS' and the theme for the next two weeks will be

'SPRING IS IN THE AIR'

Well, I certainly hope it is anyway - here is what I created for my DT inspiration ...

I had lots of fun with this one - layering up different elements. The background layer is a piece of custard cardstock and I stamped a flower all round the edge using Scattered Straw distress ink. Then I layered up a piece of milk cardstock, together with a piece of lemon design paper from my stash.

The topper used a rectangular die-cut which I cut down the middle to make a little smaller for my image. The image is another LOTV called 'Hand Picked' (anyone would think I am addicted!) - coloured with my Promarkers.

All the flowers were die cut from the milk cardstock, then stamped with one of my script stamps and coloured with a little co-ordinating distress ink, before being layered on the card with a few die-cut leaves.

I made the lettering (which is only just visible in the picture) on my pc and finished off with a few self adhesive pearls.

I hope you will come and join us over the next two weeks with your own Springtime projects.

Hugz, Jan xx

Spring in the Air

Happy Friday everyone,

I have to work today, so scheduled my post ready for this morning. It's time for our midway motivation over at Polkadoodles for the current challenge, which is

'SPRING IS IN THE AIR'

Here's what I made for my DT inspiration using the fabulous 'Sugarplum Daisy CD' ...

This one is an 8x8" scalloped edge base card, covered with lush papers from the CD. The image is also printed from the CD collection, together with the cute little sentiment. All other embellishments are from my stash.

Why not pop over to the blog to see some more fantastic inspiration from my teamies - and if you would like to come and join in the fun, you have until Friday 4th April to submit your entries.

Hugz, Jan xx

Spring is here!

Happy Monday to you all,

What a great weekend - I hope you were all able to enjoy the sunshine we had yesterday, I sincerely hope that Spring is on its way!

It's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and it couldn't be more appropriate at the moment - Rosie has chosen the theme of

'SPRING'

Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

It measures 6"x6" and I decided to keep it simple to show off the stamp. I used an old Magenta wooden block stamp which I have had for ages - but it always stamps up well. I used layers of green and yellow textured cardstock to highlight the images, which are stamped and coloured with my Promarkers. The wording was printed from my pc and I added three little eyelets as a decorative touch.

Why not come and join us with your 'Spring' makes this week - we would love to see you.

Hugz, Jan xx

Fantasy Stampers - Challenge 5

Good morning everyone,

Are you ready for a new challenge over at

'FANTASY STAMPERS'?

We had some fabulous entries last time - why not pop over and take a peek at the winners.

For our fifth challenge we would love to see your projects showcasing

As we leap into March already and the weather seems to be picking up (a little, anyway!) what reminds you of spring? Please remember to include some stamping on your project.

 Here's what I decided on for my DT inspiration ...

I always think that seeing the little crocus pop their heads up through the grass is one of the first signs of Spring - hence my choice of colour theme. 

This one is an 8x8" scalloped edge card blank decorated with papers from my stash. I ran the lemon piece through my honeycomb embossing folder for a little added texture. The image is one of my favourite Magnolia stamps - 'Tilda with her Bunny' and is coloured with my Promarkers. The flowers are all handmade using my Dreamees stamp (I am very quickly becoming obsessed with this one - it makes such pretty flowers). I dusted them with a little crystal glitter for a bit of sparkle before adding little lilac pearls into the centres. I made the bunting by hand (as I don't have a die - yet!) and the sentiment was printed on my pc. All other embellies are from my stash.

Hope you can join us this time - can't wait to come visit your blogs to see what you create.

Hugz, Jan xx