Sketch Saturday

I would like to introduce you to....Oscar and Archie, from Digistamp Boutique. Cute, huh?! I've coloured them with Promarkers and then my Polychromo pencils for a bit of fur and grass detail.

The papers are Prima, matted onto turquoise paper. I've used a Papermania greeting that I've had forever, a new card candi and a little bow to finish.

I'm really starting to love digi images now......very handy and take up no space at all!!

I've used the Sketch Saturday sketch, which I haven't done for ages!

Apologies for the quick post.....need to get Louise to jazz!


 

Edit:

I'd also like to enter Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

 

Something Old, Something New

It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley and this fortnight, it is Something Old, Something New.

I have used the following:

OLD elements
* papers - various from stash
* "kraft" card (aka the inside of a roll of wrapping paper!)
* flower punch
* technique - sticking my paper scraps together to make a new paper
* platinum Stickles

NEW elements
* Cheery Lynn Olive Branch Die
* Inkylicious Sprinky ink for the flowers (before punching)
* Inkylicious Tiny Text stamp on the flowers (before punching)

I loved making this card....all the different papers (scraps from the previous cards I have made this week) seems to work well together....playing with the spray ink, stamps and dies that I got for my birthday was fab too!

And, Dream Valley are lucky enough to have not one, not two, but THREE sponsors this challenge:

So what will you make for us?  A card, scrap page, cushion, jewellery.........?  The choice is yours!

Happy crafting!

Susie x

Sugar Bowl 90

I'm so chuffed to have been able to enter the Sugar Bowl challenge.....it feels like ages since I've managed it! 

I've used the absolutely gorgeous Bambino image and I've left it black and white.  The papers are First Edition Summer Breeze, matted onto Papermill gold paper.  I've followed the Sugar Bowl sketch, but not the optional theme:

There's a new Facebook group for Sugar Nellie fans and it would be lovely to see you there.  It's a fab and friendly group!

Springtime Good Luck

This gorgeous little lady is called Springtime.......I've coloured her with my beloved polychromo pencils and I'm even pleased with how the grass has turned out!!  She looks lovely and relaxed sitting in the the meadow amongst the beautiful flowers, doesn't she?

I've used the fab sketch at Sketch Saturday and used odds ends of First Edition and Dovecraft papers and matted onto gold paper.

I would also like to enter the Saturated Canary photo challenge (inspired by the grass, flowers and relaxed feel of the photo).

Dream Valley - Steam Punk

Good morning everyone!  Apologies for my Dream Valley DT card being a little late.....we were in Aviemore until Friday and then went mountain biking at Glentress, Peebles, yesterday.

So, the theme for the Dream Valley challenge this fortnight is Steam Punk and it was DEFINITELY a challenge for me!  After looking up some definitions (to confirm my idea of steam punk) I decided that this paper, which has lots of pocket watches and penny farthing bikes on, would work....I could use my Cuttlebug Clockworks embossing folder......and I could make a corsetted style dress.....hmmm.

The dress is accordian folded for the skirt and the corset bodice is from my own template, built up with about 4 layers of sticky pads to raise to the same height as the skirt.  I've added a thin ribbon "belt" and bow to hide the join.  The clock is cut from some cream paper that has been embossed and inked with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink.  A Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish and some pearls complete my first ever Steam Punk card.  I will add a sentiment at a later date.

We are sponsored by the fabulous:

and the lucky winner will receive a £10 voucher to spend!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all create for our Steam Punk Challenge and remember that it can be any craft you like.

Happy crafting!

Susie x

Skateboarding

I seem to be addicted to Krista's Saturated Canary images just now...they're so awesome and fabulous to colour.

I've had this Skateboarding image coloured since the Men's Wimbledon final and finally had time to make it into a card. I'm pretty sure I layered my polychromos on top of promarkers. I love my polychromos.....have I ever told you that?!! The papers are a mix from stash- Basic Grey Cupcake (I think) and MME Everyday Flair, matted onto red Papermill paper. I've added some of my favourite scrim and rafia and a few embossed stars.

I would like to enter the Saturated Canary challenge - The Great Outdoors (skateboarding's an outdoor activity, isn't it?).

Dream Valley - Punches and Dies

Well, we've finally had a few days of summery weather this week and it has been fabulous to get outside again.

And it's time for another challenge at Dream Valley.  This fortnight, it is Punches and Dies - a nice easy one!  For ages, I have kept a bag of the bairns' old clothes, trying to decide what I might be able to do with them, SURE that I would be able to upcycle them in some way.  And finally, I had the idea to make a cushion cover.

This cover has been made out of 2 pairs of Louise's jeans that are way too short.  I have cut the denim into squares and rectangles and sewn them together into a patchwork.  I alternated the direction of the weaves which gave a good effect. 

I decorated it, as you can see, with lots of die cut felt flowers, cut using my Sizzix Wedding Flower die.  I have handsewn them in place with embroidery thread and a bead is in the centre of each one.

A neglected Tinkerbell cushion has been stuffed inside the cover (thus recycling again!!) and a new accessory has been born!  As this is the first that I have made, it is a little rough and untidy in places, but perfectly useable and I am please that it has turned out so well from things that were no longer being used.  Hopefully, the next one will be a little neater as I'll have a better idea about what I need to do!  AND, Louise has a couple of pairs of cute new denim shorts......we just need some warm and sunny weather to be able to wear them!!

So, what will you create for our Punches and Dies theme at Dream Valley?  I can't wait to see.

Happy crafting!

Susie x

Jazz Star

As soon as I saw this fab Saturated Canary image, called Sporty Guy, I decided that it would be perfect for using in something with Euan and his love of jazz dancing. I've cut off the basketball which is in the top hand to make it look like a dance move.

I've coloured him with my beloved Polychromo pencils and used him in a smash book page about the dance show that he and his big sister performed in in June. The words are the words to the song that he danced to. The paper is from my stash. And I've made this a fold out page, with the intention that I will put Louise's pictures on the other side. I'll add photos when that bit's all finished.

I would like to enter the Saturated Canary Challenge - Black and White and One

Well, it looks like its back to rain this morning, but we've actually had a couple of dry days and we have well and truly made the most of them: Beecraigs park, which included an outside picnic and gathering pine cone "treasure", catching up with my mam and dad - feeding the ducks, playing in the garden, play park, eating lunch outside, and a couple of BBQs too! Fantastic! Not had so much crafty time, but great to have been outside so much.

Hope you're having a good summer:0)

Susie x

 

2nd Sugar Bowl 88

I'm so pleased I've had time to play in the Sugar Bowl again. The sketch is fab and suits my simple style, and the cards I had to make, perfectly!

I've coloured Hamish and Tractor with Polychromo pencils, which I love using. The papers are mostly MME Everyday Flair, matted with red paper. A bit of scrim and some buttons add texture.

We were at Callum's party today and it was fantastic- Euan thoroughly enjoyed himself with his friends in soft play and the tractor ride, as well as the party games and food. And we all had a great time together afterwards looking at the animals, playing in the sand and in the play parks. Almond Valley was brilliant and we'll definitely be back!!

 

Sugar Bowl Challenge 88

I really don't know where time goes to just now.....do you? I thought that the summer holidays would mean having more time with the bairns and to do a few things for myself but it doesn't seem to be that way.....next year, maybe I need to have less activities arranged for next year.....?!

But, I have managed to make a few cards and finally managed to join in with the Sugar Nellie Facebook challenge (this week it's Anything Goes) and the Sugar Bowl Challenge. I love this challenges's sketch - its simple: just the way Iike it!!

So, I have used some old papers, which I think are Dandelion and Daisy ones. The image is the gorgeously cute Bambino. I decided to keep it black and white this time - the shading is utterly amazing and it suited the card. A bit of ribbon, scrim, a Sizzix vine, flower and some card candy complete my simple card.


I would like to enter the following challenges:

Sugar Bowl - sketch

Sugarnellie Facebook challenge - Anything Goes

Charisma Cardz - Monochrome

 

Dream Valley - Summer

It's time for another challenge at Dream Valley, and this fortnight, the theme is Summer.  I decided to create a scrap layout and used bright summery colours, but used pictures of activities the bairns have done during the extremely wet summer so far.  So, we have facepainting, an imaginary aeroplane game and xbox photos.  I have used my fab Sizzix aeroplane die and Puddles of Love Gorjuss girl, coloured with promarkers and lots of gloss. 

I MAY add a hidden journalling card via a slit at the side of the xbox photo to explain all the other activities we've done too......or I might create another layout.  But at least I have actually scrapped some summer holiday stuff this year!

Anyway, we have a brand new sponsor for this challenge: Squiggle Stamps and some of the team have made some beautiful creations using their images.  Remember that you can make any craft project you like as long as it follows the theme of Summer.

Happy crafting!

Susie x

"Fancy" Some Bling?

It was our 12th wedding anniversary on Sunday and, amongst other things we had to do that day, we went to Dollar Park.  Dollar Park was where our wedding photos were taken on a beautifully sunny day 12 years ago.  Louise acted as photographer and managed to get this lovely photo of the two of us.

I'd had the beautiful Saturated Canary image, Fancy, coloured for a couple of weeks and couldn't decide what to make her into, but decided that she was perfect for a Smash book page about our anniversary.  She's been coloured with Polychromo pencils and Stardust Stickles and I love her dress!  The papers are Papermania Lincoln Linen.  The swirl and flowers are peel offs I've had for ages, decorated with a few gems.  The Love tape, letter stamps and chipboard are from my Costco kit I got ages and ages ago.  The photo frame was cut from a 3 pic mount that I removed from the frame for Lou's picture I made her.

This is the first Smash page I've been brave enough to share, but I really love "smashing" and Krista's images are proving great additions to my pages too.

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Saturated Canary - Bling it Out

Whoopsi Daisy - Use Up Your Stash (love tape, chipboard, swirl peel off, flower die cut)

One Stitch At A Time - Anything Goes

Susie x

Dream Valley DT - Anything But Square

I hope that you are all managing to stay safe during this mad weather and getting the chance to enjoy a wonderful weekend of sport. This is the first year that I've really got into Wimbledon, but we have all really enjoyed it, especially Andy Murray's games and I loved the mixed doubles match that Paes and Vesnina won - very entertaining! We also get to enjoy the British Grand Prix, which is on as I type my blog post!

Anyway, back to the challenge....at Dream Valley, our new challenge is Anything but Square and the inspiration from the team is brilliant! After much deliberation, I decided that this was a good incentive to finish the picture I have been working on for a while for Louise's bedroom. The background patches are a mix of First Edition Spring Drop and from stash. I have drawn the letters free hand, with the help from my ruler and circular nesties.


I have coloured Saturated Canary's beautiful Hipster with Polychromos pencils. The hair kind of reminds me of Lou and turquoise and red are her favourite colours. The Magnolia karate girl has been used as Louise loves her taekwondo. I've just realised that I need to colour some green tags to make the belt correct for her current grading!

Some flowers, die cut Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourishes and a die cut teddy compete the picture.....finally! Now I just need to start and finish one for Euan!

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Paper Shelter - Flower Power

Stampavie and More - Lots of Flowers

I also had fun decorating a hair clip - simple colours and design to suit my simple tastes! I am seriously considering buying a glue gun so that I can make a few more hair accessories.......it would be useful for a few other things too, wouldn't it? Anyway, here is a wee pic of it

So, what can you make for us at Dream Valley? Anything you like as long as it is not square!! I can't wait to see what you all make.

 

Happy crafting!

Susie x

 

Sugar Bowl Hedgie

This Hedgie, Aviator, is just sooooooo cute, don't you think? And he's fab to colour! I've coloured him with Promarkers and Polychromo pencils - rather like this technique as it seems to be more vibrant, or have more depth, or something. Plus it's fun!! And there's a bit of gloss on the goggles and aeroplane.

I've used my favourite colour combo, or at least one of them: turquoise, green and grey. The papers are MME Lost and Found Portobello Road and I LOVE them......even more than the Memory Box Spearmint papers that have similar colours!! Everything has been matted onto turquoise paper which lifts the papers a bit.

I have used Fiona's fab Sugar Bowl sketch - I managed to get it to work with this image and papers! And I would also like to enter:

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday - One for the Men

Cards for Men- Happy Birthday

SugarNellie Facebook Challenge - fave colours

 

Hand Me Downs

 

I have lusted after this image Hand Me Downs for AGES and finally purchased her when Krista offered 30% discount.....incidentally, 5 other friends fell in the shopping basket too!! I have coloured her with pro markers and Polychromo pencils and I am sooooo chuffed with how she turned out, especially her pinafore and hair!

I've used my MME Everyday Flair papers, an extremely simple layout and my well used letter stamps (that was included in a fantastic scrap booking kit I bought from Costco a while back).

I made this card for my sis (obviously!). Lindsay is a year and 10 months younger than I am so always had my 'hand-me-downs'. Some of these were lovely and I hated having to part with them, like the lovely orange polka dot dress with the pandas on bicycles around the hem......but others, like the acrylic stripy jumper she had to endure TWICE - her own one AND mine weren't so good and are a source of banter even now!! Originally I had intended to try to replicate this horrible jumper in the image, but the image is just too pretty!

So, I would like to enter the following challenges:

Saturated Canary - Red, White and Blue

Moving Along With The Times - Happy Birthday

Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes

Stamping' for the Weekend - Show Us Your Style (clean and simple)

Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes

Totally Gorjuss - Sweet and Simple

 

Summery Delia

Delia is sooo cute, isn't she? And she's wonderful to colour too. This time, I have coloured her with pro markers, paper pieced her dress, shoes and star and used some Stardust Stickles. I love paper piecing - its so easy and the effect is always fab, especially with the addition of a little shading.

The paper is First Edition Spring Drop and some card form The Works. I have used part of a Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish. (This has to go down as one of my best craft purchases as it is used on so many of my cards!).

My sewing of the pink ribbon isn't very straight, but maybe that adds to the hand-made-ness of the card, huh?!

I made this card for the first of a few parties that Euan has been invited to, for one of his "best friends", Mya. He had a brilliant time at the party today.

Now originally, I had intended to follow the Sugar Bowl sketch and enter that challenge, as well as the Sugar Nellie Facebook challenge of Senti-metal. But, no matter how hard I tried, and no matter what combinations of paper I used, I struggled to get it to look nice, so I gave up for now and did my own (simple) thing! but I will try the sketch again with another image.....maybe it will work with my lovely hedgehog Aviator image I have coloured up.....

But, I WOULD like to enter the following challenges:

Moving Along With the Times - Happy Birthday

Fab 'n' Funky - Cute And Girly

My Mum's Craft Shop - Favourite Stamp

Paper Shelter - Punches and/or Dies

Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes

 

Dream Valley Challenge 35 - Things With Wings

Wow, yet another fortnight has passed already and, at Dream Valley, our theme is Things With Wings. Which is a lovely easy one for everyone! We are sponsored by Digi Doodle Shop and you could win yourself a $10 voucher to spend in their shop!

 Now, we have only one week left of school and nursery here, so my creation is a Thank You card for Louise and some of her class mates to give to her teacher. The background paper has been made from scraps of Memory Box Spearmint papers, matted onto green and red papers. The felt butterfly is a Papermania Henbury Lane one that I have sewn red beads onto. The sentiment is LOTV and perfect for a teacher card, amongst others! Now, just one more to make for Euan to give to his nursery and another for a friend.

 So, what will you make for us at Dream Valley? A card, a layout, jewellery......or something else? Can't wait to see!

 Happy crafting!

Susie x

Ava Card and Bookmark

Now, Krista Smith seems to be one of the most generous artists out there: generous with her thoughts, which I find so inspiring, and generous with her fabulous artwork.

This little beauty, Ava, was a freebie and she is just soooo beautiful! I've coloured her with my Polychromo pencils and was my first success colouring blond hair with my pencils. The papers are the pretty First Edition Summer Breeze and I have used my favourite Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish die too. I have cut her using the (very easy) Out of Box technique that Bev did a tutorial for. It is really so easy, you MUST try it! I've use a scrim heart and flower to complete it. I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Saturated Canary - Anything Goes

Crafty Catz - Summertime

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

And here is the front and back of my bookmark I made for the last Saturated Canary challenge, but did not have time to blog :0(

 

Dream Valley Challenge 34 - For That Special Guy

And who could be more special to a mum than her son? Euan turned 4 on Friday and I am sure I have no idea where those 4 years have gone to!

I have coloured LOTV Astronaut (I LOVE this range of stamps, especially the boys ones!) with promarkers and gloss and used a mx of MME Everyday Flair and Bo Bunny Alora papers. Euan's favourite colours are blue and red, hence the choice.


For our Dream Valley challenge, you can make any project you like, as long as it's for A Special Guy - father's day, male birthday, etc.... The choice is yours. I can't wait to see your creations!

 

Susie x

A few photos of the birthday boy

 

 

Little Pippi

I love this little Pippi - she's cute and full of attitude and the boots are pretty cool, huh?! I've coloured her with my beloved Polychromo pencils and even managed blond hair with them (normally I end up with brown hair and need my pro markers to get blond hair!).

 

I've followed the fabulous sketch at The Sugar Bowl and used MME Everyday Flair papers. I love the fresh summery feel of these papers....and they're unfussy. I've used a part of a Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish and a simple flower. I'm leaving the sentiment until the card is needed.

 

I've also entered the Sugar Nellie Facebook page challenge, which is Wings.

 

I hope everyone is doing ok. I haven't been blogging much lately - was on holiday, then Euan has been not very well, this week it's the dancing show and Euan's birthday......so hopefully I'll drop by your blogs soon!

 

Take care, peeps,

Susie x