Fresh as a Daisy

Acrylic Block Recommendations

2011-01-10T19:17:00.002Z

I've recently been purchasing the Stampin Up Stamp sets designed to be used with Acrylic Blocks for their space saving ability and now need to purchase some Acrylic Blocks to be able to put my new sets to good use.

Rather than spend out on the SU ones, can anyone recommend a particular brand or store where I'm best purchasing these?

I finally received my lovely new Owl Punch that I bought from a lady in America :) I bought it at the beginning of December, but bad weather conditions in both America and the UK have delayed its arrival ... but finally today ... it arrived!! I'm so looking forward to start using it.

Flat Pack Weekend .....

2011-01-09T22:43:00.004Z

Wow, what a weekend ..... Hubby and I are totally shattered from building a whole host of Flat Pack furniture.

Finally after negotiating a price reduction with Storage4Crafts, we decided to repair the damaged parts, so that we could make up my lovely new unit and clear the room that needed to turn into a Nursery this weekend.

I'm so pleased with this unit now I've got all my crafting supplies in one mobile unit. It's the perfect size to house all of my goodies and wheels neatly between our desk and the dining room table, so I've the choice of work surfaces to make use of. Equally the bottom drawer of the desk, houses all my coloured card stock and backing papers, so everything I could wish for to hand and I just love it that my Daylight Craft light clips neatly onto the top too. When I'm not crafting, this can then be wheeled either to another corner of the room, or down the hallway to the spare room, where it will have to sit in front of the wardrobe. It's just perfect ..... it's taken a while with lots of hassel, but finally I'm really pleased with it. I just now need to label up a few of the boxes and get crafting.

Once this job was out of the way, our energies were turned to the Nursery and 12 flat pack boxes of furniture. It's taken two solid days of methodical work and three trips to the local tip to clear the house of boxes, but WOW its been worth it. We couldn't be any more pleased with our gorgeous Nursery. There's still a good few things to do, including hanging the wardrobe doors and adjusting the height of the Cot mattress, but the foundations are there. This week the washing machine will be working over time, washing all the bedding and clothing that we've bought, so that I can start really dressing the room properly. It's all so very exciting !!!

A picture of total peace and tranquility .... for now ;))) x

Storage4Crafts Disappointment ....

2011-01-06T22:57:00.002Z

Well, sadly yet again we've been let down :( The replacement parcel arrived a day late with yet more damaged panels in, so we're still unable to make up this unit and clear the Nursery properly in readiness for our Mamas & Papas delivery in the morning.

I'm almost left speechless with disappointment now. I'd sold all my old static IKEA storage units on ebay to fund what I had hoped would be the most amazing unit, which I ordered on 26 November and I sit here now on 6 January with two piles of wood, with so many damaged parts that we're unable to make anything with them.

What do I do? ..... I've filled all the Really Useful Storage Boxes with all my supplies awaiting the Unit and now feel I'm half settled in. It's as far forwards to a solution as it is backwards. I find it so sad ..... I'm sure you ladies will understand my excitement as I placed my order for something that cost £260, but I now feel that my bubble has well and truly been burst!! I'm actually quite sick of this item now.

I'll be speaking with the company in the morning, but just find myself shaking my head with uncertainty as to how to resolve this quickly, when my time should be spent on our babies Nursery now.

I did so much research into locating a suitable sized mobile unit that would take everything. If anyone can suggest a single unit similar to the combi units that Storage4Crafts sell, I'd be very interested to hear from you.

Hugely disappointed :(( ..... on the up side, we had a 29wk scan of Tiny T today, so seeing our baby has certainly helped lessen the blow today ;) x

Continuing Saga of new Storage Unit

2010-12-31T10:34:00.003Z

Well, very sadly the new Storage Unit arrived damaged, so now we're awaiting replacement parts which I'm told will arrive next Wednesday ..... I should sound excited here, but I'll retain myself until it's actually here, made up and in place for me to reveal to you.

I sincerely do hope that it will be delivered next Wednesday, as all the Nursery furniture is being delivered next Friday, so I'm off out in a second to buy the necessary paint and supplies for giving the room a fresh lick of paint this weekend in readiness ..... ooooo I can't wait (now that I can get excited about) :))

I can't believe that upon the strike of midnight tonight, we'll be able to say that we're having a baby this year ..... in just a few months!! Everything hots up next week with the start of our NCT Classes, Midwife appointments and 28wk scan to check on measurements and rule out Gestational Diabetes.

I have my Stampers 10 class towards the end of January, so I'd better finish preparing a list of goodies needed, so that I can start making up Birth Announcement cards and Thank you cards in advance ..... ooooo I'm so looking forward to making them.

Well my dear Crafting friends ..... May you have an enjoyable evening and may 2011 bring you Crafting happiness ;)) Happy New Year to you all !!! xx

OMG I take it all back .....

2010-12-22T17:08:00.002Z

YAY !!!! It's arrived !!!

I think the Fed ex delivery driver was amazed at just how excited I was to see him. I've only waited a month for this, but finally it's arrived. Now ..... fingers crossed the contents of these boxes is what I hoped for.

Let the organising begin ;)))

Awaiting delivery from Storage 4 Crafts .....

2010-12-22T14:03:00.003Z

I'm all excited and waiting in anticipation of my new Storage 4 Crafts Unit. I'm told it left the warehouse and is on route for a delivery today, but the weather outside just isn't good, so I'm not holding out much hope :(

Oh please Santa let this delivery arrive, so that I can clear the Nursery floor of all my craft supplies and start cleaning and decorating the room in preparation for the furniture being delivered at the beginning of January.

Six Months Pregnant and Organising my Craft Supplies

2010-12-19T18:29:00.001Z

It's been quite some time since I last posted ..... so please forgive me. Life has been somewhat busy .... I sit here now 6 months Happily pregnant with our first child awaiting the arrival of my lovely new mobile cabinet from Storage 4 Crafts to combine all my lovely craft supplies in one place. I've had to sell my old craft desk and storage units and down size all my supplies, to make way for the Nursery.

I've been trying to streamline all my supplies in favour of mainly Stampin Up products, so that what I do have will all co-ordinate. I've been selling all my lovely old SU Punches and slowly been replacing them with the new compact punches to take up less space. The Nursery now has all my craft supplies all over the floor awaiting the delivery of the new unit, which is now overdue. Sadly with all the weather conditions we are experiencing here, I'm not even hopeful now that it will arrive this side of Christmas :( I sincerely hope it arrives soon, as all the Nursery Furniture will be delivered on 10 January!!

Friday night I was sat searching the web for some Birth Announcement cards to make up throughout January/February. I've got a couple of lovely SU stamp sets that would be gorgeous to use and have a few ideas in mind, but just need to finalise the design, so that I can be sure to have all the supplies in .... ooooo it's so exciting!!

As part of the re-organisation of my Craft storage, I need to find a good way of storing all my papers/card stock. I've one hanging filing drawer to make use of, but before I load it down in no particular order, I think I'll do some searching for some ideas.

Oh please snow .... allow my craft unit to be delivered this week so I can start getting organised!!

Well, I'll leave it there for now ..... Keep warm everyone and enjoy the festive build up. xx

Broken Scollop punch

2010-08-23T18:33:00.003+01:00

OH NO !!!

My favourite punch is no longer working. My lovely SU Round Scollop Punch is only cutting at the bottom edge and not all round. Thankfully I managed to just finish making a card for my neighbours expectant baby, when it decided to give up on me. I was so pleased to have made the neutral baby card first, as I was planning on reproducing it in both pink and blue to cover all options.

Its so annoying though, as although it's my favourite punch, it's hardly been used really, but I bought it a while back. Surely these things should last longer than this.

Nevermind ... I feel an order coming on (big grin)
xx

Simply Said ... Thanks so much

2010-08-23T18:26:00.003+01:00

With being on a run of card making and enjoying the simplicity of the House Move card, I thought I'd make a few Thank you cards on a similar theme making use of two Stampin' Up sets, Simply Said and Trendy Trees.

The colours used here are: Chocolate Chip and Old Olive (my favourite colour).

Trendy Trees - House move

2010-08-23T18:17:00.002+01:00

I needed to make a card for a friend who had just moved house and wanted something a little different. I did own the Stampin' Up set, Good Neighbours, but I just didn't warm to it and decided to sell it on ebay.

Instead I decided to use the Trendy Tree's set in some bold colours and really liked the finished outcome.

The colours used here are: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Summer Sun and Old Olive. I stamped the trees using Chocolate Chip for the trunks and a clear Versamark that I heat embossed for the actual body of the tree, so that it would take on the colour of the cardstock used.

Its so simple, yet crisp and effective and I was really pleased with it.

xx

Sweet Birthdays

2010-08-23T17:56:00.002+01:00

I'm loving this Stampin' Up stamp set, Crazy for Cupcakes. I find it so versitile and you can use as much or as little of it as you like, as I did with the single cupcake in the raised scolloped circle. That was done by just inking up the top cake and cutting it out.

The cardstock colour I used was Almost Amethyst and Certainly Celery

I made this card for my last Crafting Swap at my Stamper's 10 evening and received some beauties in return. We're doing it again next month, so I need to get my thinking cap on again ... but for now, I've a few cards of my own that I need to make, what with Birthday's Christenings and Weddings over the coming months.

It's a Boy!!!

2010-08-21T17:15:00.003+01:00

About a month ago I had a card to make for a friends little baby boy and was fortunate enough to be given the template and instructions for making this beauty, which I thought to be just soooo cute.

I've another to make for my neighbour who's about to give birth, white and lemon for that one me thinks.

Its good to be back ....

2010-08-21T17:03:00.004+01:00

Its been a very long time since I last updated this blog and had enough time to do a good spot of crafting, but thanks to a good friend, I tracked down my local Stampin' Up Demonstrator and have my regular crafting sessions now with the girls that I thoroughly enjoy.

Since my last post a lot has happened ..... I got married and moved area, so have had a lot of adjusting to cope with and Crafting very much had to take a back seat. But thankfully Hubby is very supportive of my hobby and enjoys seeing the creations that I now make. My back problems progressed and my days were spent exercising and making the regular visits to Physio's etc.

I've been selling a whole load of old stamps, ink and crafting supplies on ebay, in order to fund some lovely Stampin' Up replacements and streamline what crafting goodies I do have, which might just help encourage me to sit down and make a few more bits. So watch this space .....

Its good to be back .......

A pain in my neck to the Credit Crunch!

2009-02-08T16:50:00.005Z

Well, this is a double edged sword .... I've just been signed off work with a neck & shoulder condition that's leaving me in a lot of pain and slowly reducing the mobility I have in that arm. So far I've been signed off for 4weeks, but I just know that it will be extended further. I'm being referred to a specialist consultant for further investigations, xrays, MRI scans and Physiotherapy ... the good side being, I'll finally have more time at home to relax and spend crafting.

I appreciate that this site of mine has been somewhat neglected and I really do feel that this is my chance to reignite my love for card making and learn a few new skills from many of you out there.

Having a much reduced income over the next few months, will mean using up supplies that I already have, which will be a challenge, so you could say this Credit Crunch will teach me a thing or two at my craft desk too and probably do me the world of good ... so watch this space.

Embellishment drawers

2009-02-08T16:42:00.002Z

Well, there isn't a lot to see here, but I've chosen to link up my previously two piled embellishment drawers and have them appear in one stack, split only by the desk top. As before, my embellishments are sorted by colour and the two jars on the top, hold oddments of ribbons.

The old chopping board sat neatly down the side of my stool, is used when heating shrink plastic or hammering and comes in very handy for an additional surface.

Its a small craft area with two sets of IKEA box drawers elsewhere for my stamps, but I make do. I'd love to have some lovely flash space, but sadly it's just not possible.

Space Saving Magnetic Canisters

2009-02-08T16:35:00.004Z

There isn't much in them at the moment, but give me time ;o)

These great little magnetic pots are from IKEA and I'm currently using them to house my button collection, which is actually much bigger than this, but need colour sorting. I bought the magnetic pen holder in Target in America and used to have it in my kitchen, but thought it was best used here. It houses my key items that I use the most.

The little basket on the top holds most of my Making Memories matching paper blocks, which are mostly new and unused and I just love them! ...

Desk time

2009-02-08T16:26:00.004Z

At long last .... I've finally found some time to upload a few photo's of my new craft area. Its a rather small space I'm sure you'll agree, but I'm trying to make best use of it and have as much close to hand as possible.

The two cream drawer units were previously sat side by side and not close by my desk space, so I decided to put them one on top of the other and make use of the side of the top one to attach magnetic canisters to, in order to free up some much needed desk space.

My embellishment drawers are now to the right and close to hand. These also previously used to sit on top of the cream drawer units some distance from my desk. It's all sitting quite neatly in and I'm looking forward to putting it all to the test.

The next step is to seek approval from my landlords to put up a shelf and pinboard above the desk, but that may just have to wait a little while longer.

New Year ... New Craft Desk

2009-01-12T11:21:00.002Z

Happy New Year to you all !!

Well, I don't know whatever possessed me, but at stupid o'clock on New Year's Day, I decided to have a sort out of my Craft Desk. Just a simple little tidy ... so I thought, but this soon lead to a full deep clean, clear out and change round and I didn't get to bed until the wee small hours. Nothing was stopping me!!

I only have a small desk and a limited amount of storage space really, but I wanted to try and make better use of it all and have things closer to hand, whilst using a little less floor space. My spare bedroom doubles up as a guest room and craft room, so I like to make it relaxing for guests and not busy with glitter and ribbons, so it's important to me to keep things organised. I thought that a change round and an improvement to my set up, might just encourage me to sit back behind the craft wheel and get creating again. This year, with a little more enthusiasm.

I finally sorted out some old backing papers and disposed of the old plastic drawers that I had from Next that were really quite ugly. I'm amazed at just how much backing papers, vellum and textured papers I have, that I'm not making use of and I'm hoping that the sort out will encourage me to use up some old stock, to make way for lovely new stock. I'm considering storing my scraps in a wicker basket that I can have sat by me, each time I craft.

I really could do with a trip to IKEA for a few items to finish things off, but funds just won't allow right now, so will put that off til next month.

I'll upload a few photo's of my craft space later this week. As I say .. it's not huge, but it might just help others who are limited on space, how to best use it.

One very happy 38yr old man, content with glitter & glue (momentarily)

2008-12-08T19:25:00.005Z

Look at what my Boyfriend created for me. He was quite adamant that he wanted to make me a Christmas Card and being pretty creative himself, did quite well.

What a star he is .... All but the tree, cut by hand, with a Pipe cleaner for the scarf, a nose that actually sticks out ...... AND wobbly eyes! I've never received a Handmade card from a partner before ... well, at least not made by them. He SO enjoyed himself! .... so I now expect handmade cards from him for Valentines and Birthdays ... lol.

Could they get any simpler? ....

2008-12-08T19:11:00.005Z

Just when I felt guilty that my creations were becoming simpler by the day, they become even simpler. In one night I knocked up so many of these, that I managed to finish off my Christmas Card making and have them all in the post today.

Hard to believe that a simple Holly Punch and a Red Diamante and glue could bring about a Christmas Card so effective.

I know that this site has been somewhat neglected by me this year and I'm hoping that recent creations have helped put a renewed injection of interest into my favored hobby. I've just packed away all my Christmas punches etc (all but what I need to finish my boyfriends card in the morning) and plan on returning to my craft desk again after Christmas to start on Valentines and Spring cards early, sometime in January. I'm promising myself a monthly craft workshop to keep myself abreast of the new methods etc to keep my interest fresh. I also want to attend a Stampin Up workshop or two.

Christmas is just round the corner ....

2008-12-05T18:24:00.007Z

With Christmas just around the corner I guess I should really be putting my mind to my Christmas Cards?? .....

With limited time as usual, I've set myself a challenge to produce some very simple cards, whilst using up some scraps of paper and a few embellishments that have been hanging around for several years.

To make things simpler, I thought I'd stick to one colour theme, til that batch of scrap paper had been used up and I decide to move onto the next colour theme. I actually quite like these colours.

The little snowflakes were actually little buttons that I snipped the back loop from and glued on and the "Noel" lettering from my QuickKutz Letter set.

These simple trees were created from scraps with little lemon baby buttons used as the star at the top.

The final scraps of the green and blue cards, were cut into strips of different lengths, before making up a hap hazard tree. The white brads make for tree decorations and the star brad at the top the finishing touch.

ooo I'm on a roll ...

2008-12-05T18:14:00.004Z

With my boyfriends card being the starting point, I was on a roll .... I've two female birthdays this side of Christmas, so decided to make something very girlie, very pink and very simple and here it is.

Recipe:

Stampin Up Scallop edge punch and 2" circular punch
Making Memories Ribbon - Bella range
Jolees Boutique - Cupcake
QuickKutz Alphabet

I feel a bit of a cheat making use of a ready make cupcake, but with time being limited, I hope I'm providing inspiration to others out there with very limited time.

Is it the Birth of my Hobby again? .....

2008-12-05T17:43:00.003Z

Well, it really has been a very long time since my last posting. This year has presented me with some rather more pressing subjects to deal with and sadly luxuries like spending time in my craft room have very much had to take the back seat .... but ....

Thankfully my boyfriends Birthday earlier this week, was my encouragement to get in there, even if only for a day .... and boy did I enjoy it.

Recipe:

Marcella by K Cardstock
Blue Velvet Paper
Cream & Beige Chalks
Penny Black - Milestones Stamp 3172H
Making Memories Square Wavy Charmed Frames
Making Memories Cajun Ribbon
Making Memories rub on phrases
McGill File Tab 3" Punch

I'm so pleased with how this card worked out. I'm not normally so good at producing Male cards, but I think the colours and theme have all come together nicely and the chalks have aged the tab and "Milestone" phrase nicely.

More importantly, my boyfriend was really pleased with it. It was the first card I'd made for him and the first he'd seen me make at all.

Boy it's been a long time ....

2008-05-22T16:20:00.004+01:00

For all of you who have been visiting my site ... thank you ... and sorry ... you've not seen anything creative from me in ages.

Things after my move have finally settled down a bit and I'm now starting to get myself straight. My craft room needs a little attention and I could do with a trip to IKEA for a few more drawers to help organise what I have.

Being in a rented apartment, I'm not allowed, without prior consent from the Landlord, to put up shelves etc and I feel that requests like that should come after I've been here for at least 6 months and we are into a Long Term let, so for now, I have to make do with what I have.

My desk is in a beautifully bright and airy spare bedroom with three large sash windows. Its just perfect for all the colourful things I'll be creating in there. My desk is quite slim, so I really need to organise my things better to free up the worktop space and make better use of drawers around me.

I'd like to buy some more of the IKEA wooden box drawers that are sitting to the lefthand side of the desk and put them to the right to put all my pens, scissors and everyday supplies in. The plastic drawers currently to the right hold all my ebay sales, which I hope to move elsewhere.

This area really is a mess ..... I'd like to buy another set of the cream IKEA drawers to replace the plastic ones to the right and house more cardstock, which sits on the top in the basket. Hopefully then, with most of the things away in drawers, there will be more space to display my ribbon/button jars to colour inspire me.

I'll give you an update on my progress and hopefully my organisation might just help others out there who are in the same, no shelf, position as me.

Home is where the Heart is!

2008-04-22T13:12:00.003+01:00

Sunny Sussex here I am !!!! ;o)

The Move has taken place and I'm unpacked and settling in nicely. Its so good to be back to familiar surroundings, the South Coast and all my friends and family. I never realised just how much I missed the sound of Seagulls living up in Warwickshire and the smell of the sea air.

Horsham has a lot to offer and is surrounded by some great Crafting stores, which I look forward to frequenting. My Craft Desk is in and provisionally set up. I'd like another filing cabinet from IKEA to tidy things further and store a few more loose things that I previously had on shelves, but all that will come in time. Being a rented apartment, I'm limited to what I have for the time being, but I'm sure in time, I may be allowed to put up extra shelves etc.

Once I've finished getting myself set up with DRs, Dentists and generally settling back into my surroundings, I'll be hitting the Craft Desk full on ... and I can't wait.

It's good to be back !!! ;o)

Moving Moments ...

2008-03-20T14:52:00.003Z

Easter springs upon us and I'm about to box everything up and move South ... so the craft desk moves again! My new place has a beautifully bright and airy room, which I look forward to crafting in, but sadly, if I've measured up correctly, I may need to buy a new desk, as my current one appears a little too long for the space it's intended.

I'm hoping that between now and my move, to get at least one more special card made, as I've a 2yr old boys card needed for my dear friends son, early April, just when everything is likely to still be boxed up. If time allows, I'll share it here with you, otherwise, you probably won't see a blog post from me for a few weeks.

Wishing all crafters out there a Happy Easter!

I've been Tagged

2008-03-07T14:18:00.003Z

I've been tagged by my dear friend Janette (Cards & Chat).

4 JOBS: Personnel Secretary, Recruitment Consultant, Reflexologist, Longhaul Air Hostess
4 MOVIES: Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Million Dollar Baby, My Fair Lady
4 PLACES I've been: thoughtout America (North & South), throughout Africa, throughout India, Singapore
4 PLACES I've lived: Brighton, York, Rugby, Horsham
4 TV Programmes I watch: "Location, Location, Location", "Property Ladder", "Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmere's", "Friends"
4 RADIO SHOWS: There is only one .... Radio 1
4 FAVORITE FOODS: Fish, Strawberries, Cheese, Creme Brulee :o)
4 PLACES I'D RATHER BE: Italy, anywhere with friends & family, Sun lounger on a dessert Island, Craft Room

A Real Coffee Break

2008-03-02T13:38:00.002Z

This is a Real Coffee Break for a change and one I just know I'll enjoy.

I received a very generous Christmas Gift from my old Lodger that sadly had to be taken back, so this weekend replaced the item with something that I know I'll love and get lots of use out of. I adore my Coffee and in particular my espresso's, so it just had to be an Nespresso Coffee Maker and electric Milk Frother.

ooo it looks fantastic on my worktop and boy does it taste good. There's a selection of varying strengths of coffee to sample, so that you can determine your favourite to purchase in the future. This morning started with a Cappuccino with perfectly formed froth that resembled white fluffy clouds and I'm onto my 2nd espresso since. Oh how I'll have to control my consumption now ... it will save me a small fortune at my nearby Coffee shops though and my waistline on the accompanying pastries ;o)

My kitchen has turned into it's own little Cafe Nero

In olden times

2008-03-02T13:12:00.004Z

This pocket watch is so versatile. The inspiration for this card, came from a book I looked at some years ago at a friends, but sadly I can't remember which one. The little hanging watch is made from PolyShrink to add a different dimension and instead of using white cardstock, I discovered some self adhesive squares in the bottom of a drawer that suited this project perfectly.

Although generally I'm pleased with the outcome of this card ... I can't help but think I enjoy making female pretty cards so much more. Help!!! ... I need to learn how to adapt.

Recipe:

Pearlescent Cardstock, Plain Black Cardstock
Crinkle effect silver grey backing paper
Self Adhesive white squares
Inkadinkado Pocket Watch Stamp & Crackle Glaze Stamp
PolyShrink sheet
Versa Magic Purple Hydrangea Multi Surface Chalk Ink & Hero Arts Shadow Ink - Lilac
Making Memories Black Ribbon

Purple Hydrangea was used to stamp and heat emboss the Pocket watch and the Lilac Shadow Ink to create the crackle glaze over it. If mine hadn't dried up, I'd have used Dimensional Magic to add that clear glazed look to create more of a window pane appearance to this card.

Birthday Time

2008-03-02T11:59:00.006Z

The first of today's Male Birthday Cards and I love this stamp. It's my old faithful for the man and I've used it in many different ways in the past. Lets hope I can recreate some of those cards of days gone by today and upload some here for you to see.

Recipe:

ProvoCraft Navy Blue Cardstock and Mid Blue Cardstock
Deja Views Big Dot Blue Backing paper
Inkadinkado Pocket Watch Stamp
Penny Black - Happy Birthday Stamp
Hero Arts Boxed Letters
Color Box Pigment Brush Pad - Smoke Blue
Blue Chalks
Elements White Ribbon

Female Cards ... I just can't help myself

2008-03-02T11:40:00.005Z

I know, I know ... I'm supposed to be making male Birthday Cards, but late last night when I was cropping some cardstock ready for today's mammoth Crafting session, I just couldn't help but knock this little beauty up. I love it's simplicity and freshness.

Recipe:

ProvoCraft Pink Cardstock
Marvy Circular Punch
Penny Black - Blush 2666K Flower Stamp
Hero Arts - Thinking of You B2426 Stamp
Marvy Le Plume II No48 Leaf Green & No43 Brilliant Yellow Pens
Brilliance Pearlescent Poppy Dew Drop Pigment Ink
Making Memories Green Gingham Ribbon

Presents of Swirls

2008-03-01T20:29:00.005Z

What is it with March? .... I seem to have loads of male cards needed this month and I find masculine cards so much harder to produce than feminine, but I'm determined to produce a few beauties this weekend and get all the cards I need, stocked up.

Here's the first of my male cards, that I'm planning on sending to my 14yr old Nephew. A mixture of Presents and Swirls. I'm not entirely pleased with it, but it's a start and I really like the way the centrepiece tucks under the large corner swirl.

Recipe:

Provocraft Cardstock in Two different Blues
Marvy Circle Punch & woodcare tag punch
QuickKutz Present and Present mini
Inkadinkado Large and Small Swirl stamps
ColorBox Pigment Ink - Smoke Blue
3mm width Navy Blue Ribbon
Metal Run Embellishment

Bookmark this day!

2008-03-01T14:04:00.004Z

With the instructions of the Bookmark card and supplies sent by my dear friend Janette (thanks again Janette), I've produced my own. I can officially Bookmark this day as a day, I actually managed to sit down and do a spot of crafting without chores, house hunting or organising to do.

Recipe:

SU Cardstock, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Basic Black & Whisper White
SU More Mustard Ribbon and Black Ribbon (not SU)
Scallop Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch
Jumbo Eyelet and flower brads
Versa Color 182 Bisque Ink & Brilliance Pearlescent Poppy Pigment Ink
Penny Black Milestones Stamp 3172H
Rubber Stampede Cosmos Blossom 2877B & Hero Arts Flower (from set)

I think this card has demonstrated to me, just how few flower stamps I own .... oooo I feel a browse of the SU Catalogue coming with a nice cup of coffee :o)

The Search is off .....

2008-02-29T18:21:00.002Z

With all house sales, there is a search for a new one and this week has been spent lining up viewings of properties in the Horsham area of Sussex that I hope to return to.

As if golden drops of lucky sunshine were landing on me, I managed to complete my search in the first viewing! The viewing took place at 9am and by 10am, I'd parted with my securing deposit and completed reference requests to satisfy the landlord.

It's a beautiful old Victorian property that used to be an old Hospital, with super high ceilings and all the character and charm you'd expect with a Victorian property. I just love it and can't wait to move in at the beginning of April. The spare room is so big and has several large sash windows in it and a great big cupboard with "Craft Supplies" written all over it :o) .... such a bright and airy room that I just can't wait to get in and start crafting. At the moment I craft in my artificially lit cellar with low ceilings, so it will be a welcome change.

Having completed every chore needed this week, I'm allowing myself a day and a half of crafting this weekend, so watch this space for a few updates.

Birthday Blues

2008-02-01T11:50:00.000Z

Well, I seem to be on a roll this week with yet another Birthday card needed, but this time a male card, which I always seem to find so much harder.

I took the inspiration from another blog for the layout (Ink a Stamp, Ana Wohlfahrt), which I think works really well, so thanks Ana. I simply layered up the various card stock and papers, then out of plain white card, punched a large circle which I then stamped with a Smoke Blue colour to sit neatly behind the MM Transparent Tag

Recipe:

Blue Pearlescent Card Stock
Provo Craft Cricut Blues - Plain Blue card stock
Deja Views - Big Dot Blue backing paper
Marvy Large Circular punch
Color Box Pgment Brush Ink - Smoke Blue
Hero Arts - Large Circle Solid (E2835)
Penny Black - Happy Birthday (2049L)
Penny Black - Scroll Border (1960D)
American Crafts Elements - White Ribbon
Making Memories - Transparent tag

Juicy Coloured Scraps

2008-01-31T16:41:00.001Z

Not one for wastage, I thought I'd use up the scraps of the cardstock and backing papers that I had from the two cards I made earlier, so made a simple little card to cheer a friend up.

This time I added the sentiment "Sending a Smile" and added a splash of fushia pink ribbon to the Lime and some Glitter dots to the Scallop Punched circle for some added sparkle.

The News just gets better!

2008-01-31T16:30:00.000Z

Oh my god ... The news just gets better today where Crafting is concerned.

I've just read the Blog of Stamping Caz who I remember from the Craft Barn and who's classes I used to attend and notice that she too is a Stampin Up Demonstrator. Not only will I be living nearby the newly opening Craft Barn again, but I'll have both The Glitter Pot and Crafts U Love nearby and now a Stampin Up Demonstrator! .... I have a feeling I'll be receiving several visitors this year!

Best I get earning some pennies!!!

Juicy Coloured Birthday Cards

2008-01-31T15:23:00.000Z

I'm almost amazed that I've managed to get some more cards made in such a short space of time, which has proven easier now the house is sold.

I think my lovely new Stampin Up Scallop punch and Catalogue gave me inspiration to make a couple of friends Birthday Cards which are needed next week.

Recipe:

Provo Craft Cricut Card stock (Red & Pinks and Rainbow)
DCWV Floral Prints Mat Stack
Stampin Up Scallop Punch
Marvy Circle Punches x 2 sizes
Making Memories Flowers and Brads
Hero Arts Thinking of You stamp (B2426)
Lime Green Ribbon

The Provo Craft Card stock is double sided, so the colours coordinated beautifully with the Floral Prints backing paper that I chose to use. I liked the vibrant colours of the Lime and Watermelon and the simplicity. I used sticky raised pads to layer the Scallop disc and circles, to add some dimension .... ooo I can see me making a lot of use out of my new Scallop punch.

Home is where the Heart is

2008-01-31T15:00:00.000Z

Well, after several months of an immaculate house, viewers over the Christmas period and house alarms being set off by the Estate Agents, the first viewer back in November returned for the third time and has now put in an offer and pending a final call from the Estate Agents to confirm things, my baby is sold.

Its been a hard 4 years of renovation on my own and I've learnt a lot about myself in that time. Its pushed me to some extremes in many ways, but all in all, these four walls have become my best friend and it will be hard to move on. However, I'm moving back to familiar home teritory of the South Downs in Sussex and very much look forward to getting back to seeing my friends and family more and visiting my old Crafting Stores.

New's has it that the Craft Barn is to reopen next month ... and I'm planning on moving only a 30 minute drive away. Its things like this news that will make my move easier, as I know for sure that moving day will be moving in more ways than one and Kleenex will certainly do well out of it.

If only I could pick my house up and take it with me!

Origami Hawaiian Shirts

2008-01-20T16:58:00.000Z

With January being so gloomy, I thought I'd warm the place up with a spot of Hawaiian tropics. I needed to make a Birthday card for my Grandfather, who is quite up and with it, even in his 90's, so thought he might just appreciate this Origami Hawaiian Shirt, which I often use for men's birthday cards when I'm stuck.

Recipe:

Origami Paper 15 x 15cm
Liquid Pearls White Opal
Hero Arts Poetic Prints F1828 Ornamental Star Flowers II
Hero Arts Alphabet
Versa Magic Multi Surface Chalk Ink (Sea Breeze)

To make the Hawaiian Shirt you need a 15 x 15cm square of Origami Paper of your choice that you should cut in half to produce two rectangles of 15cm x 7.5cm. Each of these rectangles will make one shirt.

Fold one rectangle in half lengthways, open out, then fold the sides in towards the fold line so that the side edges meet in the middle.

Turn the rectangle over so that the folded flaps face down and at one end, fold down about 5mm to make the collar.

Turn the rectangle over and fold the top right hand corner in to the middle at about a 45 degree angle, before repeating on the other side to make the collar and neck shape. Check that the collar has a 'split' in the centre back. If the split is at the front, you need to refold the collar down from the other side.

Fold the bottom third of the shirt up, then fold over again, tucking the folded edge under the points of the collar, before pressing the fold sharply.

Unfold the bottom of the shirt and pull out the flap of paper inside, behind the first fold. Hold out at an angle and press the fold flat to crease the sleeves into shape. Repeat on the other side to make the other sleeve. Refold the bottom of the shirt, tucking the fold with sleeves back under the collar points.

If you want to, you can add Liquid Pearl dots as buttons, as I did on the card.

Z Card Thank you's

2008-01-20T16:53:00.000Z

I received a lovely Z Card from a dear friend of mine, Janette and just had to give it a go at making one or two, so another few Thank you cards made with Pearlescent card, a few flower punches, a few buttons and some glitter glue.

The centre piece on this first one, hooks neatly under the larger flower to the right, which is attached with a foam pad to raise it up a little.

The central flower punch that I've used in the centre of both cards, is a new Punch I bought before Christmas. Its by EK Success and allows you to raise the petals for 3D effect.

So Pretty, so simple, yet very effective, so thanks for the inspiration Janette and introducing me to this design.

Thank you Cards

2008-01-20T16:49:00.000Z

Having received some really lovely Christmas gifts, I've clearly a few thank you's to send, so I've spent some time last weekend making a few.

A while back I received some Crafting supplies from a friend that I decided to make use of in these very quick and stylish Thank you cards. I appreciate that they are simple, but the coupling of striking colours more appealed. I really do think they'll help brighten up this miserably grey January.

Long time no see ....

2008-01-19T14:45:00.000Z

Its been a while I know and for that I'm sorry.

Selling houses doesn't go without constant tidying and running around between viewings and as such, I've just not had the time to allow myself to get messy in my craft room. I received some lovely crafting gifts for Christmas (thank you Janette) and would just love to get using them. Each time I enter my Craft room cellar, I look at all my lovely things and pine for a day of crafting, but every time I set aside a day or afternoon to play, something happens and other priorities take over.

I promise I will have some things on here not before long to show you more of my creations and to put into practice some of the lovely ideas that i've seen on some of the lovely Crafting Blogs that I frequent for inspiration.

Here's hoping that your all managing better than me.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T15:51:00.000Z

Wishing all my Blog friends a Happy New Year and hoping you all welcomed the New Year in, in a sparkly way!

I'm not really one for New Year's Resolutions, but this year, I really am planning on being more creative .... and I'm not letting anything stop me ... so watch this space!

In the words of Cher .... If I could turn back time!!

2007-12-21T14:36:00.000Z

Where has the time gone this month?

I started the month well, having completed pretty much all my Christmas shopping and delivered it within the first week ... but it would appear that time has rushed away with me and the Card making that I wanted to achieve, hasn't happened.

I'm currently selling my house and although you'd have thought that most were thinking of Christmas preparations this week, I ended up with three viewings the night before last post and before a Business Trip with work .... so all in all, the creations that I had in mind to make, haven't happened.

I've a free day Sunday and although saying it now is the kiss of death to this idea, I'm hoping to spend a few hours making the very cards I should have been posting this week and setting them aside for next year .... at least then I will be ahead of the game next year ... ha ha ha

Hope your Christmas preparations are going better than mine.

Snowflake Trees

2007-12-10T19:46:00.000Z

The Monochrome Cards that I recently made and a Marks & Spencer's Christmas Card gave me inspiration for this simple, yet effective card.

I found this method a great way to use up old scraps of silver and hologram card/paper without scrimping on flair.

Recipe:

Woodware Craft Collection - 3 x Snowflake Punches
Making Memories - White Snowflake Brads
White 3mm Ribbon
Sticky pads to mount raised snowflakes
Black Pearlescent Card Stock

The Silver and Hologram papers were used to punch a variety of snowflakes which were displayed to form a basic tree shape. A couple of the Hologram larger snowflakes were mounted using sticky pads to give dimension, along with the white ribbon bow. I placed a single snowflake brad to the top, to form a star.

Pilot Santa

2007-12-10T19:25:00.000Z

The Festive season has officially started and preparations in my household starting to take shape.

A few years ago I was commissioned by a friend to come up with a Christmas Card that would depict the senders Airline job and after many hours of playing, I finally created this beauty. It was quite time consuming to make, as everything started life as a plain sheet of card, but it was well worth it.

This year, I'm considering making some for myself to send to the younger members of my family.

Recipe:

Hobby Art - Bear Flight & Small Star
Versacolor Ultimate Pigment Ink - 505 Icicle
Hobby Art Embossing Powder - Hologram
Watercolour Pencils
Pompom and faux fur embellishment for the hat
Sticky pads to mount the aircraft
Black Card Stock

The graduated Ink Block was just perfect for creating the night sky and the Hologram Embossing Powder the skylight twinkle.

Winter's Butterfly

2007-12-10T13:12:00.001Z

Snow is on the ground and the hotel tree up. Toronto is certainly helping put me in the Christmas Spirit with it's wintery feel and I'm hoping that this will give me even more inspiration for more Christmas Card making, when I get home.

What better inspiration than the simple Snowflake ..... Winter's Butterfly!

White and Lavender make for a fresh wintery blue/white snow look.

Recipe:

Stampendous - Winter Sprite and Softly Silent, Hero Arts - Winter's Butterfly, Graphi Stamp - Snowflake
Archival Pigment Ink - Brilliance Pearlescent Lavender
Hobby Art Embossing Powder - Hologram
Stickles - Frosted Lace
Polyshrink - Translucent
3mm Lavender Ribbon and Diamonte Embellishments

Softly, Silent, Snow, Settles .... For this card, the smaller snowflake stamp was stamped randomly over the clear, roughly torn, vellum and a dauber used to create the mottled Lavender colour effect before being attached with Spray adhesive. Stickles Glitter Glue was then added to the snowflake tips. The Winter Sprite was stamped over a large circle of Polyshrink to create the hanging tag to coordinate with the main centerpiece which was embellished with little Diamonte's and Hologram Embossing Powder used for that real twinkle.

Winter's Butterfly .... For a similar, slightly smaller card, I used the main Winter Sprite, again with Hologram Embossing Powder and embellished with both Glitter Glue and Diamonte's and again used the Polyshrink to add a hanging tag to the ribbon.

More Card Making next week, but meanwhile, I'm out there looking for more inspiration.

High Expectations

2007-12-08T18:29:00.000Z

If your asked to be funny .... it's hard. If your asked to talk on demand .... its hard to choose a topic ... so you'll understand that when Ive set a challenge to make a batch of Christmas Cards in an afternoon, that it takes a while to get a theme going and get in the swing of things.

Well, it may have only been half a day, but I have actually managed to produce a few Cards to share with you, I just don't have time to get them uploaded here tonight. I'm hoping to take a few photo's in the morning before I head off to work and upload them in the week.

I could do with another FULL day of Card Making really. The break of momentum is just not what I need right now. Still, I've made one of each design, that I hope to mass produce. Sadly, that won't be for another week, as I'm away on Business in Snowy Canada all week ... but watch this space!!

Ssssshush ......

2007-12-04T13:41:00.000Z

Don't speak too loudly ... but I'm working towards a full day and a half of Christmas Card making later this week!!!

Keep those fingers crossed for me and hopefully, I'll have some more creations posted by the weekend.

All the gifts have been wrapped and delivered and despite a few chores, I really should be able to manage to be creative for the whole of Friday and Saturday .... yippie!!!

Bags of Ideas ...

2007-11-19T18:23:00.000Z

Finally time for a spot of Card Making over the weekend ... and boy did I enjoy myself. With Christmas on the horizon, I really should have been making some Christmas cards, but I thought I'd start off with a couple of Birthday Cards that I need for next month. Two girlie cards, one for my niece and one for a dear friend. It's amazing that once you hit on an idea, just how the creative juices flow ...

I used the Flirty Purse Template by Deja Views to make the Pink bag that was cut out of Luxurious Velvet Paper that I had in my craft drawers. I added a Making Memories button to the front for some girlie fun and coupled it with a flower brad to attach the elasticated Silver thread to. The pearl beads are threaded through two holes in the top of the bag to make a handle, which could be used to hang the card, if you decided not to mount it on Card Stock.

For this card I mounted some coordinating pink card inside the bag, for a further secret message. A simple, yet effect and fun card that I'm sure my niece will be thrilled with. The second card was something that I made to use up some background papers that I had to hand.

The Bag Theme seemed to be the start to my creative mind on Saturday and for my friend, I wanted to produce something a little more sophisticated, so the Black, Silver and White colour theme came about. I thought it would be an unusual colour theme to use for a girl and quite challenging.

For this bag, I used the same Luxurious Velvet Paper in Black, but added a little more fun with feathers and Diamante Bling for the handle and Bag fastener .... I decided that the card inside this bag should be a smaller, stand up card that could be removed and stand alone. I'm really pleased with this creation and my first attempt at a Monochrome Theme for a girl. It doesn't always have to be pink!

My second and third cards where making use of Jolee's Boutique Dimensional Stickers (Funky Footwear).

You can never have enough hats, bags and shoes! .... LOL. The stunning dark Grey Background paper is by Deja Views Wedding and the ribbons by American Crafts Elements and Making Memories. A Making Memories, pebble tag was used to add Happy Birthday to the Jolee's bag on this final card, which I feel finishes the look beautifully.

All in all, that may have been my first card making session for a very long time, but it reminded me of just how much I enjoy it and how creative the mind can be when you give it a chance.

I'm hoping to spend some more time this week, setting to the Christmas Cards.

I've been decorating

2007-10-21T09:41:00.000+01:00

Its been a while since I last posted a message, as I've been decorating the house in readiness to sell. Touching up areas and re-jigging furniture to better stage the place for sale. I'm in that difficult position of loving my house, not wanting to move but wanting to get back to my home area of Sussex ... If only it were possible to pick my house up, street and neighbours too and move them with me, I'd be happy.

I've cleared a nice space in my Cellar for my craft desk, although I could do with a slightly better layout. The shape of the room and the size of my furniture dictates the layout, which at the moment isn't quite right, still, no soon as I settle myself in there, the house will be sold and I'll be on the move yet again. I've calculated that I've moved house 10 times already in 19 years. I'm beginning to think I'd have been better as a Gypsy.

I was hoping to get some cards made today, but I simply can't concentrate when I know there are more pressing things needing my attention and my car is one of them. The poor sole hasn't had a good clean for months and so today is getting my attention, before the ironing pile. Other than having the Estate Agents out to photographs and measure the place this week, I'm done and can return to my hobbies and Christmas Cards!!! .....

Flowery friends

2007-10-13T20:03:00.001+01:00

Flowers .... always seem to cheer a girl up and I don't know why some men just don't seem to understand that simple pleasure in life.

A good friend of mine, who's aware I love Crafting, Making Memories and Flowers, bought me a whole bunch of flowery goodies this week to cheer me up. I just love it all .... and can't wait now to get my crafting desk back to mine and set up next weekend. I just hope then, in between all the decorating I've to do, I'm able to set aside time for playing. How lucky am I to have good friends?!

Every time I log onto Janette's blog (Cards & Chat), I'm reminded just how close to Christmas we are, so really do need to start thinking of that. Must get myself some more card stock first.

I'm going Home!!!

2007-10-11T19:24:00.000+01:00

After 4 years of living in Warwickshire, I've finally decided to sell up and move back to Sussex where I was born and breed. I've tried to settle here, but home is calling. I've a week of painting to look forward to next week to prepare the house for sale and get the place straight. Its mostly painting skirting boards and a few fresh licks of paint to cover over a few marks, although the bathroom could do with some tiling work, which I'm not sure I'm able to tackle ...

I'm hoping to move back to Horsham, nearer to friends and family and certainly right in the middle of my crafting circle. It's gonna be fast moving I know, as I've been told many times that my house will be snapped up, so I'm hoping on a move this side of Christmas.

My craft desk won't know what's hit it with all these moves, but I'm sure that even that will eventually be happy.

Buzzy little things

2007-10-10T22:22:00.000+01:00

'Twas a whole new world in my roof space.

Yes this is my rather large Wasps Nest that I had to have the activity of, killed off this week. Just count the number of bricks high to give an idea of it's true size. It's quite a masterpiece ... I just wish I'd been charging each one rent, I'd be a millionaire!!

Back where they belong ....

2007-10-09T15:50:00.000+01:00

Well, been promised my belongings back for Sunday 21st, so today I've been clearing out my cellar of rubbish and creating several piles .... the Tip, sales for Ebay and .... Ccchhhhhharity!! :o) .... It's quite surprising what we accumulate over the years and what we don't really need.

Thankfully my cellar is damp proofed, with carpet and electrics, so all should be well with putting my crafting desk and bits down there.

Yesterday I had a Wasps nest destroyed .... boy oh boy, I should have been charging rent. The size of this nest was the size of a large Beach/Exercise Ball (Swiss ball). Even the guy who came round to deal with it, was amazed. I'd put the photo of it on here, but you just don't get the feel for the size by photo. All I can say is ... check your loft space regularly, you'll be surprised what's growing in there.

It's a week for me to catch up on things and I've been calling this supplier and that to reduce my outgoings, catching up on washing and ironing and filling my wheelie bin with the contents of my cellar and back bedroom. I find it very therapeutic having a good clear out from time to time. Clears the mind and makes you feel more organized ... even if only temporarily.

Poetry .... and My Gift

2007-10-07T21:43:00.001+01:00

Its at times like this that I turn to all things creative and reading poetry is one of them.

I found this poem in a very cheap little Poetry book in America about a year ago and just love it. I think it sums up pretty much everything.

My Gift

Someday I will smile
and find the warmth of my smile
reflected back to me.

Someday I will reach out
and find that I only have to reach halfway
for someone will be reaching out to me.

Someday I will find
the true meaning of the word love
that many use so carelessly.

Someday I will find
someone with whom I can share,
but for now I must try to know myself
and the World around me
so when the time comes for me to give
I will know the meaning
of My Gift

Heartbreak Hotel

2007-10-03T08:04:00.000+01:00

I've not had a good couple of days. After an intense 8 months of a ready made family with my boyfriend and his son, my partner has called off our relationship. I've felt pain before, but this has left my body numb and wiped the smile right off my face and out of my eyes. I can only liken this to when I lost my dear old dad some 10yrs ago.

My partner had me looking at Engagement Rings with him and his son, spoke of moving in (which we started to do) and babies and had his sons support in all of this. I truly believed I'd found my life partner and now find myself grieving the lost of both him and his lovable son.

I've not been sleeping well these past few months, suffering from an accumulation of Jet Lag, and I'm supposed to be travelling to Hong Kong on Business tonight, but can hardly muster up the energy to make it to the kitchen for a cuppa. The thought of spending time alone in an unfamiliar hotel room leaves me with dread. Having received some other bad news the very same day, I now feel that my world is falling about my ears and I have absolutely no say.

As for card making .... well with everything set up at his house, so who knows when I'll receive my goodies back. Could have been a good distraction too, albeit tear stained.

When I do start back up, I'll be trying one of the Criss Cross cards that Janette has done, especially now that she's emailed me the link to the instructions ... Thank you!!

All I can say is .... keep smiling, cause you never know whats round the corner to wipe it off.

A date for your diary

2007-09-29T15:27:00.000+01:00

Hey .... I've just discovered Stampeezee in Coventry. A craft store not far from me who offer workshops. I think I need to get my diary out and pencil in a date or two and meet a few fellow Warwickshire/Midlands Crafters. I might just pick up a tip or two of the new techniques that are out there now.

Crafty Magazines

2007-09-29T15:08:00.000+01:00

I'm currently away with work in the Middle East and have spent all day flicking through back issues of crafting magazines for inspiration. I'm amazed that I've held onto magazines that date back to 2004! .... I hope this hotel recycles, as I'm leaving them with a lot of paper to dispose of. It's no wonder that my suitcase has just broken and is beyond repair ... LOL

I was hoping to get over to my boyfriends where my craft desk is this weekend for a spot of crafting, but can't see that happening and next week I'm off to Hong Kong, so think I'll have to dig out my Travelling Craft Case instead. Its a clear plastic case, about the size of a briefcase, that's sectioned off for all your crafting tools and embellishments. I bought it in Michaels Craft Store in America some years back.

I start a part time contract in November, giving me a whole week at home to enjoy every month. I can't wait. You should be seeing some more card creations then.

Pitter patter

2007-09-26T20:05:00.000+01:00

At long last the craft mat has come alive and my first card in years has been made. I can tell that my techniques and methods are a little out dated, but I still think I'm able to produce a simple clean card that would be appreciated by the recipient.

To think that the beginning of a babies life could be the rebirth of my hobby, is a nice thought. This was made for a neighbours new arrival and bundle of joy. The mixture of dry embossing, chalk and Jolee's Embellishments give a cute finish. The wording "Little Star" came from part of a Christmas template ...... which reminds me ..... I really need to start thinking about my Christmas Cards.

Favoured Colours

2007-09-24T16:17:00.000+01:00

Ever wondered why we are drawn to particular favourite colours? … A friend once believed that it was something to do with your Chakras. My favourite colour being green, which seemingly is the colour of the Heart Chakra. She seemed to think that it symbolised that I bare my heart to all …..... interesting thought.

Rubber Stamping

2007-09-23T14:01:00.000+01:00

I don’t have a vast number of stamps, as I did a major clear out last year and sold a whole load on ebay to fund the purchase of a Quickutz Handtool and selection of Die, which I store in a Pink Binder, but I purchased 3 sets of wooden drawers that are under my desk (each £8 from IKEA), for storing and organizing my Rubber Stamps. I’ve used suitably sized drawers for the different themes of stamps depending upon the quantity in that selection … Christmas, Wording, Love & Wedding, Flowers & Bugs, Numbers & Letters, Abstract shapes, Child & Baby and General. I just need to think of a way of labelling up the front of each drawer now, which is a job for this coming week.

I’ve 3 sets of these drawers with a gap to the right that will eventually hold one of my old plastic draws with my supply of envelopes in.

The square wooden drawers on my desk store things that I don’t need regular access to, like additional glues, cleaning products and my light box and selection of Dry Embossing templates. This allows me to make best use of the space in front of them with my new MM Paper Trimmer (not shown here), heat tool, lamp and Quickutz Handtool. The small basket to the right holds my 6x6 Card Blocks by Making Memories (Vintage and Kids ranges), with coordinating tags neatly stored beside them. The wooden magazine holders store supplier’s catalogues and back issues of my favourite magazines for easily accessible inspiration.

There is still some organizing to do to finish off my desk space. The galvanised hanging tubs (from IKEA) in the centre of my desk, need hanging from their rail and the drawers to my right, that currently store my card stock and backing papers, will need further organizing. Generally speaking though …. I’m really happy with my little space.

Colour Sorting difficultes ....

2007-09-23T13:16:00.000+01:00

In my mission to colour sort, I found that many items, particularly ink, chalks, alphabet pebbles, mixed colour embellishments, stickers, Rub-on books, Jelly labels and peel offs proved difficult to group. Several ink pads shared their own colour spectrum and stickers difficult to split and re-store, so for the time being, I’ve decided to keep all my inks together in one place, my embossing powders and chalks in another and have an entire drawer dedicated to mixed colour/word embellishments.

I seem to have an awful lot of new unopened things to look forward to using :o)

Ribbon, Ribbon ... everywhere!

2007-09-23T12:46:00.000+01:00

To replace some brittle old plastic drawers that have seen many a house move and were on their last legs, I purchased two cream metal sets of drawers for £19.99 each from IKEA (Helmer Drawer unit on casters) … They are just fantastic?!!! The set to the left has two drawers of Ribbon, one of single colour spools (which fit perfectly) and one of mixed patterned and coordinating ribbon cards for my Making Memories sets (kids & vintage) which I love. I used to store my ribbon in a basket, but I just love this way of being able to see all the colour range that I have and the choice of patterns and fibers available .... it seems to bring my selection alive, having space for each colour to breath and be noticed. I've used colour grouping here too.

The glass jars on the shelf store the excess ribbon cut offs, with buttons in the smaller jars (all jars purchased from IKEA). My Brads are all stored together in a Clear Making Memories Storage Box, making colour an even bigger visual part of my desk.

Haven't I been a Busy Bee? .....

Colour Organization

2007-09-23T12:13:00.000+01:00

Should I organize my inks, ribbons and embellishments by colour, item or manufacturer? …

It’s been so long since I last made anything, that I can’t really remember the method that I used for making cards and therefore the best storage method to compliment this. I’m inspired by colour, so reading the blog posting on Simple Scrapbooking Magazine, gave me direction and although a little daunting to split everything up, I was committed to trying a new method.

The little plastic drawers that I’m using for this colour organization, were purchased from Staples for £24 for 10 drawers. They come in sets of 3 and 2 drawer combinations and click neatly together, so plenty of possibilities for expansion. I’ve snipped off the drawer stays on the bottom of each drawer, so that it can be removed easily for use on the desk. Each drawer currently stores coloured embellishments, Flowers, glitters and Sparkles and are split into Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple/Lilac, Pinks, Gold/Bronze & Neutral, Silver/Metal, Black & White.

I love the burst of colour that it gives to this neutrally decorated room. Slowly my desk is coming to life.

A big desk at last ....

2007-09-23T12:01:00.000+01:00

From a small folding TV Dinner table to a large Office Desk, that can only mean space for expansion.

I can’t tell you the excitement I felt in making this first step towards my new desk and much loved hobby, but first a few decisions had to be made before this craft zone could start looking a happy place to be and inspire creations to be proud of .....

One of my seedlings died? ....

2007-09-20T11:11:00.000+01:00

Janette's just informed me that The Craft Barn is closing?? ..... The base in which my hobby was sewn ... I can't believe it. It was so popular and well stocked ...... my former home?!!!

More than ever, I now feel the need to find myself a new store to sew my seeds LOL

I think I need a strong coffee

From little seedlings ...

2007-09-20T07:07:00.000+01:00

Well ... here I am .... I've a Mobile Phone, Wireless technology, a Digital Camera, an iPod, a Laptop, an email address and now a Blog .... organise my craft desk and I think you can certainly say I've everything I need to get this little seedling growing into a full Daisy Chain.

Thanks Janette, by clicking through your Blog and many more links, my enthusiasm for Card Making has been re-ignited. No longer will I allow a busy lifestyle and a hectic job to keep me away from this much loved relaxing hobby that started some 12years ago.

Some may recognise me from The Craft Barn in Lingfield, Sussex, which almost became my second home as I attended many classes and browsed the store for new purchases. Having moved some 3 hours drive away to Warwickshire, I lost my network of crafting shops and friends and the renovation work of my house took over. For the past 3 years of renovating my beautiful home, hobbies have taken a back seat …. Until now!

Like anything, I’m sure it’s just like riding a bike. Given time to catch up with the new mediums and tools out there, I’ll be right back on the craft mat and I’m hoping that this link with the outside world of Crafting will help get me back on track for a few crafty evenings.

First and foremost, I’ll be sharing with you the organising of my new craft space and which products and manufacturers I like to use. Then I hope to be up and running and able to share a few creations with you along with some Coffee Break Chatter, so til my next posting .....

Keep smiling