Valentines

Wedding commission pt2..

2012-01-27T21:21:00.002Z

The bride has made her choice & here are some of the finished invitations..

Sample no.3...(but with a little tweaking)..

I'm delighted with how they come out...I think they look very smart & fit the 'vintage lace' theme perfectly..

(excuse the awful pics!..I took these indoors without any proper light!)

I've still got to do the table plan, guest book & a keepsake box for the bride & groom to keep all the cards they receive in.

It's been a challenge working with colours outside my comfort zone, but i'm loving it!!!

Thanks for popping by!

Clair

xxx

SAB is here!!!!!...

2012-01-24T13:52:00.003Z

Oooohh.. would you just look at these scrummies....

Gorgeous, EVERYDAY ENCHANTMENT designer papers..

ELEMENTARY ELEGANCE Stamp set..

FRESH VINTAGE Stamp set..

OUTLINED OCCASIONS Stamp set..

& SPRINKLED EXPRESSIONS Stamp set..

aren't they fab???!!!???...& to get one of the above SALE-A-BRATION items absolutely FREE all you have to do is place a Stamp Up order of £45 or more... How cool is that!!!!

CLICK HERE to view the SAB brochure.

email me at valentines.cards@btinternet.com to place your order.

Clair

xxx

Mums birthday card..

2012-01-23T12:53:00.002Z

Hiya... I nearly forgot to show you the card I made for my mums birthday last week..

I used a selection of shimmery cream & mocha cardstocks. Martha stewart deep edge punch, nestabilities & the GORGEOUS stampin up butterfly embosslets.

Thanks for looking

xxx

Workshop & Challenge card..

2012-01-19T13:23:00.002Z

Hi everyone..Thank you so much for the lovely comments & emails about my wedding stationary I blogged about yesterday- it certainly seems as though card no.1 is the overall favourite so far!! :o)

I was very excited this morning when my lovely postie delivered my new Whiff of Joy stamp Henry mouse with large bow..

Isn't he cute?????

Anyway, I went straight into the craftroom & made this card for the WOJ challenge..

I love how this card turned out so much that I've decided to also use this as next weeks workshop card, i'm sure you're going to enjoy making it, we get our Copics out again which is always good!..& we get all sparkly with Stampin Up Dazzling Diamonds!!

Thanks for looking

Love

Clair

xxx

Wedding stationary commission...

2012-01-18T10:19:00.000Z

I've been asked by some good friends of mine to make their wedding stationary, the theme is 'vintage lace' and here are the samples I made up for them..

Card 1..

I started off by making this very simple one using Cream pearl cardstock, I printed the wording & embossed with the lovely Stampin up Elegant bouquet embossing folder, I then added pearls to the flowers..

Card 2..

A bit more lacy this time! Crumb cake (Kraft) cardstock by stampin up with a gorgeous piece of cream lace, chocolate satin ribbon & a pearl heart ribbon slider..

Card 3..

Beautiful wedding slip envelope, DL size, made with Stampin up Crumb cake cardstock, It has an ivory lace wrap, cream ribbon & nestability label..the insert pulls out from inside with a lovely little cream ribbon tab, this, of course, would eventually be printed with all the wedding details..

Card 4..

A5 sized wedding slip & insert, again made with Stampin up Crumb cake cardstock, I printed the baroque swirls onto the insert & added gorgeous vintage ivory lace, chocolate ribbon & a pearl heart ribbon slider..

Which one do you like best?...I'd love to know your favourite, leave a comment below & let me know!...

The bride has made her final decision & i'll share with you which one it is very soon..

Thanks for looking..

Clair

xxx

90th birthday..

2012-01-14T15:58:00.002Z

I've just finished off this card for Alan's Grandad who celebrates his 90th birthday tomorrow..a pretty simple card(but aren't all mens ones always that way?!?!?)..I used lovely papers from the Jillybean soup collection along with Stampin up Chocolate chip & So saffron cardstock..

I hope you're having a great weekend!

Love Clair

xxx

Workshop project 12/01/12..

2012-01-07T14:50:00.001Z

Hello everyone. I hope you're having a great weekend.

I've spent the morning in the craftroom designing & making up the kits for workshop this week, we're going to be making this beautiful 12"x12" calendar (inspired by the cover of the new mini catalogue!)..

We'll be using the lovely new Berry Blossoms designer papers & matching 'in-colour' cardstock..

Now if you don't want to make a calender, you can turn the whole project into a beautiful 12"x12" scrapbook page simply by just adding a photo instead of the calendar page.

See you Thursday ladies!

Clair

xxx

Mini Catalogue..

2012-01-04T20:51:00.001Z

The new Spring mini catalogue is now live YIPPEE!! to view it CLICK HERE. There are some great new items in there including the brand new Simply Adorned Jewellery, how wonderful to be able to insert a photo of your children & give them away as little pressies to grandparents!! I wish I could've got my mitts on these before Christmas.

ETA - My lovely upline (SU Mummy) Monica has posted a great run through of the catalogue HERE on you tube - Thank you Mon!

But the very best thing about the catalogue is the front cover - have you spotted it?????????? It's ME!!! well, not me exactly but a beautiful layout with my name on it...and it's spelt correctly!!! :o)

Our first Valentines workshop of 2012 is NEXT THURSDAY 12th JANUARY & we're going to be making a project inspired by that 'Clair' layout. I can't wait!!!

See you soon

Clair

xxx

2012..

2012-01-01T15:50:00.004Z

Hello, Happy new year to you all..Lets hope 2012 brings us fun, laughter, happiness & good health.

My first post of the year is actually a few more Christmas cards (sorry) I know you're probably as bored of Christmas cards as I am, but I thought I'd share these last few with you & then that's it for a while, I promise..

This card was made for my good friend Kay who collects teddy bears :o)

Inside..

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Inside..

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Inside..

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Inside..

That's it! done! finished! finito!...no more Christmas cards for a while (unless I decide to play along with one of Arlines Christmas Crafting Challenges that is!) :o)

See you soon

Clair

xxx

2011-12-31T16:50:00.002Z

2011-12-23T09:30:00.000Z

See you in 2012!!!

(Valentines workshop ladies - workshops resume on the 12th Jan)

lots of love

Clair

xxx

Christmas workshop card - Number 10..

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 9..

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 8..

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 7..

2011-12-18T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 6..

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 5..

2011-12-16T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 4..

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 3..

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 2..

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000Z

Christmas workshop card - Number 1..

2011-12-12T11:46:00.003Z

Christmas workshop..

2011-12-05T09:37:00.001Z

OMG...before I begin to tell you about our fantastic Christmas craft day on Saturday let me first apologise for the really cr*p photos..I'm so ashamed, embarrassed etc.. please forgive me, I'm not really a careless blogger honest - I just forgot my camera on the day & had to make do with my iphone :o(

Ok, apology over...moving on..

Our Christmas craft day was AMAZING!!!!!!! I know I have said this before but I really am blessed to have such wonderful craft buddies - I love you all!!! YOU made the day special! I put 3 weeks of hard work into designing & making the card kits (with mums amazing help of course) & I have to confess there were times when I thought 'why am I doing this?' & 'Is it worth it?'...but you guys made it all worthwhile & I really hope you enjoyed the day as much as I did..

Here are the little gift boxes I made for everyone..

They're made using the fantastic Stampin up mini milk carton die..each little box is filled with a pot of embossing powder, one gold & one silver for each person..

Aren't they cute?!?..

I must admit though, after making 40 of them I was a little tired of scoring, folding & gluing!! :o)

I didn't get any photos of the tables set up nicely before everyone arrived, but here are a few pics of you all busy working away..

Along with making (or should I say 'attempting to make') 10 cards & tags in 7 and a half hours, we also found time to stop for lunch & play the silly questions game with little mini prizes to be won..

& we had a raffle with over £100 worth of goodies..

which the lucky Mary won - even though she was in the loo at the time of the draw & missed her number being called out!! :o)

Our day was followed by a lovely meal in the carvery across the road where we exchanged our Secret Santa pressies then drank, ate & laughed a lot (apparently we were REALLY loud..oops!)

A perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit..Thank you ladies!!

Clair

xxx

PS..I'll be posting pics of all the cards we made up over the next few days, so you can copy any you didn't manage to get finished..

Christmas DT card..

2011-12-02T21:49:00.001Z

Oh my!... am I excited or what?...I'm like a child on Christmas eve!!!!! Tomorrow is our Mega Christmas workshop & i'm finally all finished prepping - I whizzed round M&S today to get all the food & then packed all the craft kits (200 card kits!!!!!) & equipment up in the car ready for the morning-I do hope I've remembered everything!!..anyway, I wanted to pop on here quickly to share with you my card for the Christmas crafting challenge blog..

I was thrilled to be asked by the lovely Arline to be guest designer for the month of December, The challenge is 'Santa Claus is coming to town' & here's my card..

& the inside..

Why not head over HERE & play along yourself.

Thanks for looking.

Clair

xxx

More Christmas commission cards..

2011-11-26T09:29:00.001Z

Yes..I'm still doing Christmas commissions!!!

Here's one I had to make for a little boy who LOVES robots..

& this one is for an older man who loves classical music...

again the photo's don't really do it justice as it's all textured & 3dimensional in real life!

& I also had a play with my new stamps that arrived in the post, this is the new Penny Black 'Little Elf Present' it's such a sweetie & a joy to colour..

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

Oh boy!!...

2011-11-20T15:44:00.001Z

...I'm starting to feel all Christmassed out already!! I've been sooooo busy lately designing & making all the cards for the Christmas workshop (which I can't share with you yet)..& I've also had loads of orders for personalised Christmas cards too.. I know I shouldn't complain but boy am I getting bored of using the same colours of cardstock over & over again!!!

Here are a few of the personalised cards I've been making - p.s. you best look away if you're not a fan of hybrid cards - I've had to use lots of royalty free printable images to complete these cards, some have been a real challenge!!

This one's for a 6 year old girl who loves pink & ponies..

This is for a 5 year old girl who loves dalmatians..

& a couple more.. these ones actually look much nicer in real life, I've done a little bit of decoupage & added gems, stickles & glitter to make them sparkle..

I'll share some more with you over the next few days once I edit the photos.

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

Can you believe it....

2011-11-15T15:55:00.001Z

..I've actually got this weeks workshop project up on time...hurrah!!!! and after a weekend away - Alan & I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary on Friday..we've actually been together 21years!! (goodness that makes me sound old doesn't it?!?) we got together when we were just 16 & were engaged at 17, 2 children, a house, a car & a van later we eventually got married!!! anyway, we always try & get away for a little break on our anniversary & this time we headed up to London, we stayed in a lovely hotel in the Canary wharf area & spent the weekend sight seeing, shopping & eating - FABULOUS!!!! :o)

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Our workshop project..

We'll be using the gorgeous Tatty teddy / Me to you bears & papers again this week, teamed with Stampin up Pretty in pink & Bashful blue cardstock.

We're making a different kind of card this week, I have no idea what to call it! - I was just playing & came up with a double fold, bow fronted design..

I hope you like it!

Please just bring along your usual tools, trimmer/scorer & cutting mat (no need for any colouring things this week) See you Thursday!

Clair

xxx

2 birthdays..

2011-11-07T13:03:00.000Z

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a good weekend.

We had a lovely family get together on Saturday my brother Jobie & sis-in-law Kirsty invited us all up to their place to celebrate Guy fawkes night, we had a bonfire, fireworks & plenty of food (& i mean PLENTY of food!! - Kirsty cooked about 25 jacket potatoes & there were only 11 of us there!!!) It was a really good night & the kiddies all loved the fireworks, especially the sparklers! & the best bit was that I got to see baby Rosa again :o)

My other brother Dean, celebrates his birthday tomorrow along with his girlfriend Gloria, so I had to make two cards today..

I tried the CAS (clean and simple) look for Deans card which I always struggle with, it's really out of my comfort zone! I quite like the way it's turned out though. I coloured the cute little doggy with my Prismacolour pencils & Sansodor which was nice as I haven't used them for ages.

Gloria's card is much more 'me'... Stampin up cardstock for a fun colour combo, lots of texture, some stamping & little bling to finish it off.

Sorry about the poor photos - It's all very wintery outside now so I'm having to revert back to taking my pics indoors :o(

Thanks for looking

Clair

xxx

She's here!!...

2011-11-02T22:26:00.002Z

After a very long nine months my sister-in-law finally gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Friday!

I'd like you to meet baby Rosa...

Isn't she just the most PERFECT thing you've ever seen?!?!?

I was privileged to be at the hospital while she was born, I heard her first cry, & I had a snuggle when she was just a few minutes old..oooh...my heart melts :o)

An interesting read..

2011-11-01T20:52:00.003Z

...about Stampin Up's success - If you fancy it CLICK HERE

Clair

xxx

Commission card..

2011-10-27T17:00:00.003+01:00

Hiya.. Sorry I've been a little slow on the blog front lately - I have been making stuff, I promise, just nothing I can share with you yet!! I have designed & prepped for 3 of the Christmas workshop cards & let me tell you they're fabby!!!! we're going to have such a good day - I can't wait!!!!

anyway, here's card I can share with you..

I used the Penny Black stamp 'Cheesecake message' which I coloured with Copics & added my own sentiment to & the papers are by my minds eye (I think!).

Clair

xxx

Ribbon Shares..

2011-10-24T10:56:00.000+01:00

A few of you lovelies have asked me if i'm doing any ribbon shares for the new catalogue :o)

So, here they are..

Share 1..

SCALLOP DOTS RIBBON

You will get10 metres of this scrummy ribbon (1m of each colour)

£7.00 - collected from me

£8.00 - posted

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Share 2..

IN COLOUR RUFFLED RIBBON

You will get 5 metres of this (1m of each colour)

£4.50 - collected from me

£5.50 - posted

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Share 3..

STRIPED GROSGRAIN RIBBON

You will get 11 metres of this (1metre of each colour)

£10.50 - collected from me

£11.50 - posted

Email me - valentines.cards@btinternet.com if you would like some!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Valentines..

This week at workshop we're making 3 cards...YES 3 CARDS!!!!

We're using a BRAND NEW stamp set, Pennant Parade & the matching Petite Pennants punch..

I wanted to show you a few different ways of using it..

I hope you like them!!

See you Thursday,

Clair

xxx

A very very sad day...

2011-10-13T18:41:00.001+01:00

..my Great Nan passed away today :o( I wouldn't normally post this kind of thing on my blog but I know some of you 'Valentines' know my Nan personally as when I first started up my workshops she used to come along.. She's where my creativity comes from!! I remember as a child always going around to hers & rummaging through her craft cupboard & tins of old buttons...she would sew, knit, crochet, stamp, paint you name it, she done it! & she made the bast cakes ever - she truly deserved her nickname of 'cake-nanny'.. I will miss her :o(

Here are some pics of her celebrating her 90th birthday back in 2009..

Gruffies..

2011-10-12T16:59:00.001+01:00

I love this stamp so much!!..

I bought the Gruffies years ago when I first started stamping & I still adore them, they're so sweet & very easy to colour too :o)

I made this card for no real reason to be honest, I just fancied playing & I wanted to use up some of my retired Stampin Up papers, these ones are called Elegant Sioree & as usual, all the cardstock i've used is Stampin Up too.

Clair

xxx

Workshop card..

2011-10-04T17:28:00.000+01:00

Hi Valentines..

Here's the card we're making at workshops this week..

Isn't it beautiful (even if I do say so myself!)...

I really like this card, it's just so pretty & you can change the sentiment to suit. It could be used for wedding, anniversary, birthday so it's very versatile!

Please just bring along your usual tools, adhesives, trimmers & mats..If you do have any of the punches or nesties you can see on the card then feel free to bring them along too :o)

See you Thursday!

Clair

xxx

Challenge card..

2011-10-03T21:27:00.001+01:00

Hi folks..

I made this card today to play along with the Penny Black Saturday challenge,the Penny Black at Allsorts challenge & the Cute Card Thursday challenge..

This lovely Penny Black stamp is called 'Grass cake' & I used all Stampin Up cardstock in autumnal colours for the Allsorts challenge. The flowers & leaves are both Stampin Up punches & the sentiment I printed myself.

Clair

xxx

Just a quickie..

2011-10-02T13:54:00.000+01:00

I had to make an 'emergency' birthday card for a friend of mine this morning, so I quickly popped in the craftroom put this together..

Such an easy card to make - The papers are from Stampin Up & called Greenhouse Gala - Aren't they beautiful!! Sadly they're not in the new SU catalogue but luckily for me I had the sense to stock up!! The cardstock is all Stampin Up & the sentiment I deigned in Photoshop & printed out. I used the lovely Tim holtz 'mini paper rosette' die to make the flower.

Have a great day!

xxx

The new Stampin Up Catalogue..

2011-10-01T13:34:00.001+01:00

Is finally here...& IT IS SO LOVER-LY!!!!!!!!

I really am more excited about this catalogue than any other one before, SU have really outdone themselves this time!!! I've already placed my first orders - & I have a special offer for you - If you place an order with me for over £75.00 i'll give you FREE POSTAGE & GOODY BAG filled to the brim with all sorts of wonderful crafting goodies!!

Click on the catalogue to go shopping...

Email me to place your order - valentines.cards@btinternet.com

Clair

xxx

Challenge card..

2011-09-30T08:30:00.000+01:00

Well it's busy here in the Matthews house again now..it's been soooo quiet with Sharni away, but now she's back for a while..We've been catching up on all sorts of girly gossip :o) Dubai sounds amazing, I can't wait to go over there. She's been having a wonderful time & her bf's family have been looking after her very well..I'm looking forward to meeting them! The day before Sharni arrived home our new UAE student arrived too, he seems lovely and has been already helping Sharni learn her Arabic (such a difficult language to learn..I can say maybe 10 words!!!) but she's picking it up really quick :o)

Anyway, on to crafting - I've just made this card for this weeks Lili of the valley challenge where we had to use buttons..

I really like this lili of the valley stamp, it's so sweet & great for a boys card!

Thanks for looking

Clair

xxx

12 x 12 Paper display stands

2011-09-29T11:37:00.002+01:00

Hi, I have for sale 4 paper display racks..

(I got this pic from google but my ones are virtually identical- in fact mine have more solid legs than this one so they're more sturdy!)

Each one is designed to hold 12x12 papers, although you can use it for A4 too.. there are 30 trays/slots for different coloured papers. I have 3 which are white & one which is black - the black one is a bit different, it only has 24 trays & is designed in two halves so they can be stacked on top of each other to make it full height (floor standing) or they can be stood next to each other & used at half height (for on a desk top).

£35.00 each

you must be able to collect from Brighton area.

email me - valentines.cards@btinternet.com if you're interested.

Clair

xxx

Christmas Workshop..

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000+01:00

To all my 'Valentines' workshop ladies & blogging friends,

You are invited to my...

Our special craft days are always so much fun, if you've not come along before HERE are a few pics of the last one...you're guaranteed to have a good time!! If you would like to come send me an email - valentines.cards@btinternet.com

xxx

Challenge card..

2011-09-25T13:40:00.001+01:00

Hello.. How's your weekend going? Ours is very exciting - Sharni is returning from spending a month in Dubai today so we have to do the airport run shortly, i'm really really really looking forward to seeing her!! it's been so quiet in the house without her (although the laundry has been MUCH easier!!!) anyway, she's home today & hopefully stays a while before she heads off again.

Sofie & I quickly popped in the craftroom this morning to play along with todays Penny Black Saturday Challenge & also the Sketch Saturday challenge.

Here's our card..

We used a lovely little PB stamp called 'Joyous Hymn' 4011k

Patterned papers are by Pink petticoat

& cardstock is all Stampin Up

The image was coloured with Copics & the covered with the lovely Stampin up Dazzling Diamonds

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-09-21T13:57:00.002+01:00

Hi Valentines!

Here's the card we're making at workshop this week..

..a double gate-fold card..

Gorgeous Nitwits digi-papers, Stampin up cardstock.

Digi images by Teddybo..

Aren't they adorable???!!!???

Please bring along your Copics!

Clair

xxx

Daniels birthday..

2011-09-19T11:15:00.000+01:00

Hi.. I hope you all had a good weekend..

It was my little nephews 6th birthday this weekend & he had pirate party..so of course, I had to make a pirate themed card..

..the royalty free images I found on the internet, saved them, opened them in Photoshop, colour inhanced them & resized them.. I then searched for a pirate type font, which again I saved & opened in Photoshop to add the text.

Daniel loved it!!

xxx

Challenge card..

2011-09-16T17:25:00.000+01:00

I made this card today for this weeks Lili of the Valley Thursday challenge

where the challenge is 'Red, Green & White'...
& the Christmas Crafting challenge blog, where their challenge is 'Christmas sparkle'.

This lovely little LOTV stamp is called 'James bear in the snow'..I coloured him with Copics, the papers are digi from Nitwits Collections & the circle sentiment I designed in Photoshop & printed myself.

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

A card for Wendy..

2011-09-15T10:19:00.000+01:00

I made this card for my lovely friend Wendy who's going through a bit of a tough time & just needs a little love sent her way right now..

I used the beautiful Stampin up 'Silhouette sentiments' stamp set (which you can get for FREE of you host a SU party!!) & the sentiments I designed in Photoshop & printed myself.

Clair

xxx

What a fun day!!!...

2011-09-14T10:34:00.000+01:00

Do you remember back on this post I told you I had something very exciting to tell you about..Well it all got postponed due to the rioting in London...but..yesterday it happened!! We, that is my craft group, us 'Valentines' were invited up to the QVC studios in London for a craft event, we got to take a backstage tour, we saw all the studios, we watched the shows being filmed live, we met a few presenters, we were fed & watered & best of all we got to play with all the brand new jewellery making ranges that QVC are about to launch, we got to keep all our jewellery we made & our tools... & we got goody bags!!!!

Our day started with a train ride up to Victoria, we then went for lunch at a very nice Italian restaurant, once we were all stuffed (& stinking of garlic!!) we made our way over to Harrods for a little smooch around (well...you can't go to London without popping in there can you?!?)

Here we are outside Harrods..

Here's us in the QVC training room making our jewellery..

& here are some of the beautiful samples they had on display..

One of the new ranges is called Steampunk...lots of mixed metals & texture - texture which you create using the Sizzix machine & some lovely little embossing dies..

We got to meet the lovely Carolyn Schulz (in the zebra jacket)..

Here we all are with our goody bags..which are absolutely jam packed with all sorts of goodies, including loads of wonderful jewellery making kits for us to play with..

We really did have a fantastic day..Thank you QVC!!!!

Clair

xxx

Cricut Expression for sale!

2011-09-11T15:29:00.001+01:00

Hello..

I'm selling my CRICUT EXPRESSION MACHINE & 16 CARTRIDGES.

If you're interested they are listed on eBay HERE.

Clair

xxx

A freebie for you..

2011-09-11T07:30:00.000+01:00

I made theses for you to use on your cards...

Simply click on them to enlarge them, right click, save & then print as desired..

Don't forget you can re-size them to any size you like.

Here's how I've used mine..

Enjoy!

Clair

xxx

Penny Black..

2011-09-10T11:48:00.002+01:00

Here's my card for todays Penny Black Saturday Challenge..

'Delicious'

I used the lovey 'Cheesecake party' stamp & played with my new nestabilities labels.

Have a great weekend!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-09-07T09:58:00.003+01:00

Hi 'Valentines'..

We're going all Christmassy this week at workshop, I wanted to make one of these front stepper cards & I thought the Stampin up 'Lovely as a tree' set would be just perfect to give this card the depth it needs..

Along with lots of stamping & cutting out, we also have a go at some heat embossing with gorgeous white embossing powders..

No need to bring along anything different this week, just your usual tools, trimmers & adhesives.

See you Thursday!

Clair

xxx

COPIC STORAGE!!!!!!!....

2011-09-02T19:36:00.004+01:00

How amazing is this!!!.....

As my family are all in the building trade, I've managed to (after huge amounts of bribing!!) get these amazing COPIC STORAGE boxes fabricated especially for me by one of the suppliers they use.

I've been waiting such a long time for these & now they are here I am thrilled - They are even better than I expected!! The manufacturer has made them brilliantly, they are extremely well built & very sturdy..but best of all I can get them made in ANY COLOUR I want!!!! I went for white but the pale pink is just fabby!!!!

This is the double (10 cubby) Copic box..

It's holding my full set of 144 Copic Ciaos & a few extra Sketch markers too & as you can see there's still plenty of space..

& this is the single (5 cubby) version..

This still holds all 144 ciaos but obviously you have to mix them a little more i.e the 'BG's' have to live in with the 'B's' etc.

I've had them made to my exact specifications, so the tips of the pens just stick out enough to make them easy to grab hold of.

I'm selling these over on my SHOP page.

Clair

xxx

STAMPIN UP LAST CHANCE LIST!!!

2011-09-01T15:55:00.004+01:00

I know a LOT of you have been waiting for this.. So click HERE to see all the Stampin up goodies that are retiring..Have a good look through & grab yourselves some bargains!

If you place an order with me of £50 or more i'll also give you FREE POSTAGE!!!!!

Email me valentines.cards@btinternet.com to place your order.

P.S...I've seen the NEW SU CATALOGUE & I can assure you, you are going to LOVE IT!!!!!!

xxx

Last weeks workshop project...

2011-08-31T13:08:00.002+01:00

Here's the card we made at workshop this week..

This card was inspired by one I found whilst browsing the web a few months ago, but I really can't remember who's blog it was on!

We used the lovely Penny Black stamp 'Fly with me' & some gorgeous papers by My Minds Eye.

xxx

Jane's Birthday..

2011-08-28T07:45:00.000+01:00

I can finally share with you a card I made for one of my 'valentines' Jane who celebrated her birthday on the 5th of this month..She's only just been given her cards as she was away sunning herself in Portugal!!! now Jane is such a fun person we missed her LOADS at workshop while she was away, it really was good to have her back even if we did get told off this week for making too much noise!!!! lol..!!!

For Jane's card I used a really cute stamp by lili of the Valley..

I hope you enjoyed every bit of your holiday & had a wonderful birthday!!!

Clair

xxx

PBSC166..

2011-08-27T13:32:00.006+01:00

Hello..

It's a lovely sketch designed by Nat this week over on Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

Here's the sketch..

& Here's our card..

as usual I had my little Sofie helping make it..she chose the image, the papers, done all the cutting for me & even tied the bow :o)

We used some absolutely gorgeous papers by My Minds Eye, Stella & Rose 'Hazel' collection. The PB stamp is not actually one I own, my friend Keighley stamped this for me ages & ages ago, so I don't actually know what it's called i'm afraid - It's lovely though isn't it??

This card has also been entered in the challenges at:

Penny Black at allsorts

Papertake weeekly

I hope you like the card - Go over & give a challenge a go..you never know you might just be picked as a winner!!!

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

E.T.A..The stamp is called 'You're the bestest'.

Birthday Craft day - Card 10..

2011-08-23T07:21:00.001+01:00

Here's the very last of the cards we made at my birthday bash...I hope you've enjoyed looking at them as much as I had fun making them - It really was great day - THANK YOU again to all of you who come along!!!

Ingredients:

Doodlebug 'Daisy stripe' patterned paper

Co-ordinations cardstock

Sizzix 'Thank you' embossing folder set

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 9..

2011-08-22T07:19:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Melon Mambo' & 'Tempting turquoise' cardstock

Fine & Dandy 'Cheery' patterned paper

Hero arts 'Cupcakes' stamp set

Clair

xxx

2011-08-20T12:44:00.003+01:00

This week over on Penny Black Saturday Challenge it's Shabby Chic, something i'm really not very good at!..I don't know why???..I just can't seem to ever get it to look 'pretty' I always end up thinking it looks 'messy'!!!

But anyway, I gave it a go...

The stamp I used is one I've had for absolutely ages, but never used before!

It's called 'Break for Cake' 4083k.

Thanks for looking & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 8..

2011-08-19T07:15:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Basic black' cardstock

Echo park 'Lemon drops' patterned paper

Hero arts cling flower stamp

Stampin up sentiment

WOW embossing powder

Clair

xxx

Why I blog..

2011-08-17T09:34:00.002+01:00

I've seen so many bloggers lately questioning 'why they blog', so I started to think long & hard about why I do it too, and to be honest I don't think I have one precise answer.

Some bloggers (in my opinion) get very competitive, it becomes all about who has the most 'hits' or who has the most 'comments' etc.. I'm really not into all that. Yes comments are lovely, I truly appreciate every comment I get because it is lovely to know that you guys are out there liking what I do.. I have over 170 followers, an average of 400 page views a week & hundreds of lovely comments & all those figures just totally WOW me, I'm amazed that you all enjoy what I do. I certainly don't profess to be the best or most original at anything (I'm a great copycat!) my writing skills are poor, so my posts tend to be blunt & to the point - I wish I could tell you story after story & captivate you all - But it just doesn't flow for me :o(

Sometimes blogging is a complete chore - My family are my number one priority & when I don't get chance to blog (when I'm busy being 'Mum') I feel really bad, I start to feel pressured into just getting something up so you all don't feel let down by me.

Of course my blogging originally was about business - I honestly thought I could set up a blog, set up an online craft shop & be rich!! ok maybe not rich, but successful. even now as an SU demo, my blog helps to get my Stampin up orders in - we all have minimums to meet you know & it's not always easy, more & more though I'm starting to hate that side of it, all my craft workshop ladies who know me, know I'm a crafter NOT a salesperson. For me it's the social side of it I love, it's not about making money but I've made LOADS of new friends since blogging - Isn't that brilliant??!!?? the WWW can be a wonderful place.

I spend my 'chill out' time blogging/online..I don't really watch TV, I find it boring, but I do love browsing around other peoples blogs, being inspired by others, playing along with challenges - Isn't it only fair that I give something back as I get so much from others.. If just one person gets inspired by a card I make then to me that's just great.

I also have my photography blog, again I'm not a fab photographer & I certainly don't have all the best equipment, but we (myself, my mum & my girls) do love our days out taking photos & if that inspires any of you to get out there, go for a nice family walk & take some photos then that's great isn't it? You do start to see the world differently when you go out with a camera, you take notice of the small things & I like that - it makes me happy :o)

So I guess really that's the answer to my question - BLOGGING MAKES ME HAPPY!!!

I'd love to see why you guys blog, so please take the time to do a post like this & link back to this post so I can read your thoughts on blogging.

Love

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 7..

2011-08-16T07:12:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Pastel pink & pastel green cardstock

Pink petticoat 'hearts' patterned paper

Lili of the valley stamp

Magnolis 'grass' die

Wild orchid flowers

Woodware 'small dragonfly' punch

Clair

xxx

Challenge card..

2011-08-13T13:37:00.003+01:00

Well hubby has had to go out & do an emergency call out (he's an electrician) which gave me the perfect opportunity to head into the craftroom & play for a little while :o)

I made this cute little Christmas card, using Penny Black stamp 2526K 'Snow Family'

I used the wonderful Dazzling Diamonds from Stampin Up to make the snowflakes ultra sparkly!!..

This card is made to fit the following challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge, week 164 - 'Touchy Feely'

Pink (ink) sketch challenge, no. 3 - Sketch by Jeanette Comerford

Simon says stamp - 'All White'

Christmas Crafting, challenge no.2 - 'Cute Christmas'

Thanks for looking

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 6..

2011-08-11T07:10:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Basic Black' & 'Real red' cardstock

Pink petticoat 'Dotty' paper

Cuttlebug 'Graces frame' embossing folder

Stampin up 'Flight of the butterfly stamp set & matching punch

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-08-10T20:19:00.004+01:00

Hi ladies,

Just popped on here very very quickly to share with you what we're making at workshop tomorrow..

We'll be using the Stampin Up butterfly punch & flight of the butterfly stamp set, Edge punch, Medallion stamp, Baroque motifs stamp set... if you own any of these bits please feel free to bring them along to class with your usual tools,trimmer & adhesives.

See you tomorrow!

ETA...as I was rushing putting up this post I totally forgot to say that this card is inspired by a gorgeous card my lovely Stampin Up Mummy Monica sent me for my birthday, you can see it on her blog HERE..Thanks for the inspiration Monica! xxx

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 5..

2011-08-08T07:07:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Old olive' cardstock

Quite Contrary 'Lovely' patterned paper

Build a Flower Nestabilities

Stampin up Frame stamp

Penny Black sentiment stamp

Clair

xxx

1 Card, 2 Challenges..

2011-08-06T22:47:00.002+01:00

Hello..

Here's my card for this weeks Penny Black Saturday Challenge where the challenge for this week is 'Anything goes'..

& it also suitable for the Penny Black at Allsorts Monthly challenge where the August challenge is 'Free & Easy'..

I used one of my PB stamps that I've had for absolutely ages, it's one of the first we ever bought!

'2892K - Embrace'

Patterned papers & Cardstock are all Stampin Up!

Thanks for looking

Clair

xxx

Hello..

2011-08-04T10:27:00.004+01:00

I hope you've all been enjoying the summer holidays..

We've kept ourselves pretty busy, it's at this time of year that all those annual passes we have come in soooo handy!!! we're lucky enough to have Merlin annual passes which get us into Chessington, Thorpe park, Alton towers, Sea-life centres & all the top London attractions, plus we're members of The National trust & Sussex Wildlife trust, and they always put on LOADS of events for children over the holidays! & we also have annual passes for our local zoo Drusillas too - so the last couple of weeks they have definitely all paid off!!

We visited the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey yesterday & I managed to get a few photos which I'm happy with (I will upload them to my photo blog HERE if you want to take a look) it was soooo hot there though, we we're sweating all day & trying to find shade!.. but in true British weather style-y it's absolutely pouring down today & we were supposed to be going Fruit & Veg picking..oh well, instead we're having a PJ day, no need to get dressed just lounge around in PJ's & watch Disney Channel all day long!!! (ok, the girls will watch TV & i'll sneak off into the craftroom!!!)

So with all this activity I've not been a good blogger-sorry- but I am on here now to share with you the card we all made last Thursday at workshop..

It's very sweet..these little Tatty Teddy/Me to you bears are never going to go out of fashion are they?!?..& I love the muted colours of this card too..

I'm really into decorating the insides of my cards at the moment, I think it makes so much difference & really finishes them off.

Speak soon!

Clair

xxx

p.s. I have a very exciting day for all my workshop ladies planned next week - I will tell you all about it very soon!!! :o)

ILWS - Colour Combo Challenge

2011-08-01T12:13:00.003+01:00

Yippee!!!. The colour combo challenge over on ILWS is back!!!!

I used to love playing along with these challenges but sadly not many people took part & they just fizzled out :o(

But they're back & let's hope they're here to stay this time!!

The colour challenge that went up today is to use Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy & Old Olive.

Here's my card..

Why not head over to ILWS yourself & give it a go??!!??

Clair

xxx

Stampin Up - August Special Offer!..

2011-08-01T10:45:00.004+01:00

1-31 August, 2011

As if getting new Stampin’ Up! products wasn’t fun enough, when you place a £75 order or place a £250 workshop order you’ll also receive a free gift from Stampin’ Up!

Your gift includes a beautiful exclusively-designed cosmetic bag (priceless!!!) along with a whole reel of Rich Razzleberry 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (worth £10.25) , and a 24-piece Clip Assortment (worth £7.95).

This offer is only available during the month of August, so me today to place your order - valentines.cards@btinternet.com

Also - If you place your order with me, I'll give you FREE POSTAGE (worth £4.95) & an extra FREE GIFT (worth £10) - Now you won't find that anywhere else!!! :o)

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 4..

2011-07-29T07:04:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Cherry cobbler' cardstock

Doodlebug Dotty paper

'Me to you' stamps

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 3..

2011-07-27T07:01:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Regal rose' & 'Wild Wasabi' cardstock

Stampin up 'Because I care' stamp set

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 2..

2011-07-25T06:59:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Bashful blue' cardstock

Penny Black 'Nap time' stamp

Pink Petticoat Gingham patterned paper

Clair

xxx

PBSC161...

2011-07-23T12:40:00.004+01:00

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

Sofie & I were up bright & early this morning & headed straight into the craftroom to do the Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

The Challenge this week is 'STARBURST' & we made this card..

Ingredients:

PB stamp 'Party Animals'

Cardstock - Stampin up 'Pumpkin pie'

Patterned papers - My Minds eye, Lime twist 'Fly a kite'

Enjoy the rest of your weekend & thanks for looking!!!!

Clair

xxx

Birthday Craft day - Card 1..

2011-07-21T18:54:00.000+01:00

Ingredients:

Stampin up 'Baja Breeze' cardstock

Prima patterned paper 'Emily'

Stampin up 'Sincere salutations' stamp set

Clair

xxx

2 Penny Black Cards..

2011-07-20T10:58:00.004+01:00

I played in the craftroom for a little while last night & caught up with a couple of challenges.

This card is for the Penny black Saturday challenge, where the challenge this week is 'BUNTING'..

Ingredients:

PB stamp - 2072J 'For You'

Stampin Up Cardstock

Patterned papers from a Forever friends 6x6 pack.

I made the bunting using the Stampin up star punch & cutting off the little points.

-----------------------------------------------------------

& this one is for the Penny Black at Allsorts challenge where the challenge for the month of July is 'FLOWER POWER'..

Ingredients:

PB Stamp - 3972K 'Frolic'

Stampin up Cardstock

Kaiser craft 'Hippy Girl'Patterned papers

Thanks for looking

Clair

xxx

Birthday Bash Photos..

2011-07-19T12:44:00.005+01:00

Hello.. How are you? I hope you had a wonderful weekend..

Mine was truly AMAZING!! I spent Saturday in the company of some very dear friends.. lots of crafting was done & lots of laughs were had :o)

I received some stunning cards & wonderful gifts which I will take photos of & post up here as soon as I get the chance.

huge THANK YOU again ladies for making my day so special!!

as promised here the pictures..

I can't wait til the Christmas event!!!

Love to you all!!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-07-11T16:43:00.004+01:00

Hello ladies.. I hope you are all keeping well & getting LOTS of crafting done.. Iv'e been spending soooo much time in the craftroom lately prepping all our kits for Saturday!.. I've made 160 card kits up in the last week!!!!..I can't wait til all get to spend the whole day creating - How much fun is it going to be?????!!! :o)

Along with Saturdays kits, I've also made designed & made up the card kits for this weeks workshop..

Quite a simple card this week..but we do get to make our own 'patchwork' paper, which we've not done before so that'll be good fun.. I love this look, really different & it's something that could be used for a mans card which is good :)

I've taken pictures of all the cards we'll be making on Saturday & I'll be posting each & every one up on here for you all to see.. Enjoy!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-06-28T13:32:00.005+01:00

Sorry I've been gone for so long..

My parents home was broken into last week while they were asleep upstairs, how awful is that!! Hubby & I have had the unpleasant experience of being burgled a few years ago & the only thing we were thankful for was the fact that we were away on holiday at the time so nobody was home. but poor mum & dad were asleep in their bed at the time & the bas**rds broke in!!! apparently they were just 'car thieves', I don't think that's of any great comfort though..It's still horrendous to know they were snooping around your home.. They broke in through my parents back doors, took my dads briefcase, laptop,iphone & keys..opened the safe & emptied the contents, rummaged through mums handbags, took money & bank cards etc & then drove off in Dad's car!..

The police have actually now caught them (4 of them!)..& managed to get the car & a few of the possessions back but it still very unsettling & such a nightmare dealing with insurance companies and such..It's going to take a very long time to get things back to normal.

(If you've emailed/text me over & i've not replied please bear with me..I will get back to you soon I promise)

Anyway..on to more happier things :o)

My birthday bash is proving to be very popular...I soooo love my crafty friends!!! :o) so over the next two weeks mum & I will be very busy designing projects, prepping all the kits & arranging everything - It's going to be great fun!.. I can't wait!!!!!

There really are only a couple more spaces available so if you're thinking of coming along please let me know asap.

...................................................

Finally here's what we're making at workshops this week..

I've dug out an old favourite stamp set of mine.. It's the Stampin Up 'Crazy for Cupcakes' set..this is one of the very first sets I ever bought & I still love it & think it's just perfect for girly cards..We're going to be making 4 cards this week..YES 4!!!!!!

& a decorating an acetate box for them to live in..

Isn't this a great gift to give to someone?!! - I love it!!!

Don't forget to bring along your colouring things along with your usual tools..

See you Thursday!!!

Clair

xxx

Card samples..

2011-06-16T10:25:00.000+01:00

Here are a few of the cards I made using the gorgeous goodies I got from QVC..

I really like this one..

I love the way everything co-ordinates so well..& even matches my Stampin Up ribbon & buttons!..Just perfect for when you need to make an emergency card in under 2 minutes!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-06-14T14:12:00.004+01:00

Hi ladies.

Here's the card we're making at workshop this week..

as promised we're using the Little Claire - Room with a view 'Garage' stamp set (kindly lent to me by Cindy - Thanks Cindy!!)..

Look how sweet the little spanner & wrench charms are!!..they work perfectly with this stamp set & match the embossed 'tools' background too..

Cardstock all by Stampin Up.

See you Thursday

Clair

xxx

My Birthday Bash...

2011-06-13T14:33:00.001+01:00

To all my crafty friends..

(click to enlarge)

You're all very welcome!

Clair

xxx

WOWWWWEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-08T11:05:00.007+01:00

I've just received the most wonderful selection of goodies from the lovely people at QVC, I can't wait to get playing with it all..

Just look at the gorgeousness of these papers..

& scrummy prima flowers..

Oooh..It's just all so bright & colourful!!

& very girly..right up my street :o)

I have to be honest with you, I'd never even thought of looking at the QVC website to by craft goodies before, but I've been seriously missing out haven't I??!! There are some great bargains to be had over there & it's definitely worth checking out.. I'm extremely tempted by the dew drop inks they have at the moment..I may just have to order those ;o)

I'll be back soon to share with you some cards from this stash..

Clair

xxx

Zumba Classes!!!!!

2011-06-07T10:24:00.004+01:00

Hi Ladies..

Well just in case you haven't got my email i'm popping the info up here too..

For a while us 'Valentines' have been trying to think of something to do on the one Thursday a month we don't get together & make cards/scrapbook. We came up with lots of suggestions but the one that had the most interest was...

I've spoken to a lovely lady who runs Zumba classes around Brighton & she happens to do one on Thursdays just 5 mins from where we hold the workshops. she seems really nice, she's happy for us 'Valentines' to go just once a month & I've warned her that we're doing it for a laugh & we won't be taking to too seriously!! :o) So this Thursday 9th June is our first chance to go - The class is 7:45 - 8:45 we'll be meeting there at 7:30.

If we get really into it, she's more than happy to run a private class for us 'valentines' at my hall, but we'll see ~~if we survive~~ how it goes for a while first.

If you live locally & you'd like to come along just email me & let me know - You're all very welcome even if you don't come to craft club.

See you Thursday Ladies!!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-05-31T12:33:00.003+01:00

Hello workshop ladies..

As requested we'll be playing with FLOWERS this week at workshop..

We will be putting together one complete card..

The card has a gorgeous flower made using the Stampin Up Flowers Dasies #2 die..

& also some very sweet little pearly butterflies..

We'll be aiming to complete this card within the first hour of workshop, in the second hour - It's playtime!!! - we will be playing with various flower dies & punches to create all different kinds of flowers.

I'm Hoping to have these new Marianne flower dies there to play with too..

I've ordered them from Jackie & they should be here in time :o)

See you Thursday!

Clair

xxx

PBSC153..

2011-05-29T13:06:00.004+01:00

Hello, Here's my card for this weeks Penny Black Saturday Challenge..

A slightly awkward one to make this week. I know you're asking why, so let me explain - I wanted to use this cute PB elephant 'Embrace' wooden stamp.....BUT.....It's quite a large stamp & I wanted it to be smaller so it would fit into the circle on this card (made with the 1 3/8" Stampin up circle punch) ..... SO.....I had to stamp it, colour it, scan it, shrink it, print it, & then use it!!!!..... see.....I told you it was awkward!!!..but I do like the end result so it was worth it :o)

I've also played along with the challenges on

TOTALLY PAPERCRAFTS

STAMPAVIE & MORE

THE CUTE & GIRLY

Clair

xxx

Congrats Jackie!!..

2011-05-24T08:30:00.000+01:00

My good friend Jackie (who owns The Crafty Garden in Seaford) has just become a grandma!!!..so of course I had to make a card, I literally went into the craftroom the moment she told me!!!..so about 10 o/clock last night this little card was made ready to go in the post first thing this morning..

It's always scary sending a card to another cardmaker & especially one who's lucky enough to own her own craft shop! all those crafting goodies at her fingertips!!!..it's just not fair..

Jackie don't look at the card too closely... it was made very late at night!!! - next time you have a grandchild can you make sure you let me know earlier in the day please :o)

Clair

xxx

PBSC152..

2011-05-23T17:22:00.002+01:00

Here's my card for this weeks Penny Black Saturday Challenge.

It's 'Fussy & Fancy' this week & I think this card just about fits the bill..

It really has a bit of everything on there! Mulberry flowers, Diamantes, Pearls, Stickles, String pearls, butterflies..

The Penny Black stamp is called 'Daisy Swing' & I've coloured it with Copics, I inked around the edges with 'spun sugar' distress inks.

I think it's turned out rather pretty..don't you? :o)

Oh, before I go, I must tell you about the raffle over on Kirsty Wisemans blog..There's only a few hours left to buy tickets, there's a HUGE amount of prizes to be won & all they money is going to a very worthy cause.

Clair

xxx

Craftroom update...

2011-05-21T12:44:00.010+01:00

I thought I'd share with you today a few updated photos of my craftroom.

My room is only very small & I am a bit of an organisation freak, so I'm always trying to jig it around & re-organise things to gain extra space!

Behind my door I have all my ribbon, it hangs on rails which are from Ikea..

Then, turning to the left, I have my Magnetic wall where all my nestabilities live.. I still some of this magnetic sheeting if anyone wants some??..I bought a 10 metre roll of it! - It works out around £10 per metre & mine here is approx 1.5metres..

turning left again, we come to my Ikea Expedit unit - I LOVE THIS!!! this unit is where basically everything lives..

My favourite parts are..My 24 Display Dynamics trays holding all my patterned papers..

& some really cute cupcake storage boxes from Whsmiths, these are all labelled up & contain acrylic stamps, distressing inks, mulberry flowers, sticky gems & embellishments, chipboard letters..

On top of the unit I have my scrapbook albums..

& my brilliant rotating glass jar holder which I got from my local charity shop a few months ago for just £3.50!!!!!! I've filled each jar with different coloured flat backed pearls..

moving around again we get to my desk space..

Ikea shelves hold all my small bits & bobs..Ikea rails for most of my punches..

On my desk I have my Stampin Up ink caddy..

Under my desk I have drawers filled with all my stampin up & penny black wooden stamp but I forgot to take a pic! anyway, moving around again we come to my messy Printing & Cricut area..

& then some more Display Dynamics trays holding all my Stampin up Coloured cardstock & labelled accordingly.. (can you see the stack of A4 papers next to the shelves???..they really bug me as they don't have a proper home!!!)

Next to that is my Really useful button storage - organised by colour & shape..obviously!

Then finally we get back around to the other side of the room which Is my little sewing desk area, which isn't really organised yet & i'm not sure what to do with it, hence the empty shelves above & fabric just shoved in a box on the floor!!!..

I hope you like my little pictorial tour...If you have any questions just ask.

Clair

xxx

Commission card & TLT Challenge..

2011-05-18T22:05:00.000+01:00

I've just finished this little commission card & uploaded it for you all to see..

I then done little blog hopping & realised it fits this weeks challenge over on Ladybug crafts.. Cool!! :o)

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-05-17T09:14:00.004+01:00

Hello workshop ladies..

Well I've decided to make a boys card this week at workshop, so It's way out of my comfort zone as you know!! I only went with it as I couldn't resist these gorgeous 12x12 patterned papers by my Minds Eye, which happen to co-ordinate perfectly with Stampin up 'Pacific point' & 'Tempting turquoise' cardstock :o)

We use the Penny Black cling stamp 'Hoppy Day' which I just think is great for a little boy.

I've coloured him here with Copics. (but you can bring along your choice of colouring pens or pencils) I'm not that impressed with my colouring on this one, so hopefully it'll go better on Thursday.

We also use a couple of Stampin Up punches as you can see - The star & the Curly label - so bring them along too if you have them.

See you Thursday!

Clair

xxx

Commission card..

2011-05-13T21:17:00.003+01:00

Phew I'm glad blogger has finally sorted itself out.. not only did I lose some of my posts but I've been desperately trying to get on here today to show you this card I've been working on & just couldn't!!

I had an order for a Christening card & really was stumped on this one! after lots & lots of browsing the net I finally decided on a very cute digi-stamp by Mo Manning..

I coloured her very delicately with Copics..

added ribbon & lace..

& finally some gorgeous flowers & a little bling.

xxx

Lili of the valley.. again..

2011-05-11T21:08:00.002+01:00

ohmygoodness...the children are driving me nutty!!!! At this very moment I have 6 children playing in the house!! I tried encouraging them to play game?..no!..do a puzzle?..no!..do some art?..no!..everything I suggested is just no! no! no!...instead they're running around like loonies, it's obviously been a stressful day at school & they need to let off steam but running around the garden kicking balls, screaming, shouting, scooting, pogo-ing, skipping etc... SOOOOO..I've decided the very very best thing to do in this situation is to hide myself in the craftroom & leave them to it!!! :o)

I've just made this card for the Lili of the Valley Thursday challenge. The challenge is ribbons & bows..

It's a very large card 20cm x 20 cm, & it sure did use a LOT more ribbon than I anticipated but I think it's worth it don't you??

oh well..I better go & check the kiddies are ok..wish me luck!!

Clair

xxx

Lili of the valley..

2011-05-08T19:56:00.003+01:00

Hiya... I do hope you're having a great weekend - I managed to sneak into the craftroom again today for a little while, the girls were out & hubby was busy cleaning his van :o)

I'm really in the mood for making cutey cards at the moment, so I got out my lovely little Lili of the valley stamps & made this card..

I layered up loads of nestability shapes & added plenty of pearls, coloured with Copics.

I'm entering this card into the 'Animal Antics' challenge over on LOTV

p.s.I've just ordered myself 7 more stamps from LOTV & I can't wait for them to arrive!!

p.p.s. Don't tell hubby ! ;o)

Thanks for looking

xxx

PBSC150.. & NSD..

2011-05-07T11:34:00.004+01:00

Did you know today is National Scrapbooking day??!! I didn't until I checked my emails this morning & found one from Penny Black Inc. saying they had a competition running to celebrate the day...so of course, I had to play along. The challenge is 'Monocromatic cards' & here's the card I made...

I stamped the dots using the fantastic Stampin Up extra large dotty background stamp - I absolutely LOVE this stamp & would never ever part with it!!! I then distressed all the edges of the cardstock just to give it some texture. I printed my own sentiment using Photoshop.

After making this card I popped over to Penny Black to Saturday Challenge Blog to see what their challenge is for today, only to find it is 'Distressing'..so of course this card is just perfect for that challenge too - Bonus!!! :o)

Thanks for looking

xxx

Quack quack..

2011-05-06T11:19:00.003+01:00

I made this a while ago & totally forgot to show you..

Cute little stamp by Whippersnapper, Doodlebug dotty paper, Stampin up cardstock & a printed sentiment.

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-05-03T13:57:00.003+01:00

Hello my lovely workshop ladies,

Here's what we'll be making this week..

We'll be making the flower using the Stampin Up Blossom Petal Punch..

& as a special exclusively for my workshop ladies - IF YOU ORDER THE PUNCH AT WORKSHOP THIS WEEK YOU'LL RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT!!!! along with the usual FREE P&P that you get :o)

See you Thursday

xxx

PBSC149..

2011-04-30T12:59:00.003+01:00

Hello..How are you? Did you enjoy the Royal wedding yesterday?? I thought it was brilliant, made me feel very proud to be british :o)

Sorry I've been awol all week, It's been a strange week here in the Valentines residence..the girls went off to Disneyworld Florida last Wednesday (They're Disney Pin traders so they've popped over there to get some new releases! - lucky things!!!!) so hubby & I had plans to have a nice relaxing, romantic, peaceful week together... BUT..sadly things didn't go as planned, my hubby had a severe asthma attack & ended up being rushed in to A&E!! He was admitted into hospital for 3 days.. all the nurses/doctors were absolutely brilliant & looked after him amazingly well - Thankfully he's home & feeling much better now but boy was it a scary time!!!

Anyway, I thought i'd pop into the craftroom today & do just a little bit of crafting, so I played along with todays Penny Black Saturday challenge..The challenge this week is 'Milestones' & I made this cute little new baby card..

I printed the sentiment directly on to the patterned paper & then stamped & coloured the cute penny black topper. This stamp is called 'In a nutshell' - Simple!

Thanks for looking!

Clair

xxx

Happy Easter...

2011-04-23T11:04:00.005+01:00

Looking for some quick & easy Easter ideas... How about these???

Me & the girls have just made these cuties in just over an hour - thats good going isn't it!

Each little basket is filled with yummy mini eggs & they're just perfect to hand out to friends & family.

They're so simple to make - start with a square of cardstock, we used stampin up daffodil delight measuring 12cm x 12cm score at 4cm on each side. cut up the two score lines on opposite sides which enables you to fold & create the little basket shape. glue into place. while the glue is drying make your handles - 15cm x 4.5cm strips scalloped along both sides. staple these to the basket & wrap ribbon over the top. you then have your basket completed & you can decorate the sides as you wish. we used some cute circle Easter printable freebies we found whist browsing the net, we punched them out using the largest Stampin up circle punch & layered them on to scalloped circles cut from Melon Mambo cardstock.

Have fun!

Happy Easter to you all!!!

Clair

xxx

Workshop project..

2011-04-19T21:12:00.002+01:00

Hi workshop ladies (we've still not decided on a group name yet!!!)

Here's this weeks project..

This lovely Easter card was inspired by one Debby made over on PB Saturday challenge, It was just so adorable I just had to make one similar.

Please bring your choice of colouring pens/pencils along with your usual tools.

See you Thursday!

Clair

xxx