Mulberry Wood Christmas

This gorgeous little fella is from the Crafter's Companion Mulberry Wood collection - I think I've developed a soft spot for racoons!  The card was very simple and used a pyramage image, spotty background card and an offcut of some foiled card.  The die cut greeting is from Hunky Dory (which was included with the Hunky Dory magazine).  For once I've made it in time to enter Sarn's Rudolph Day Challenge - anyone would think I didn't make many Christmas cards!

This is my daughter's Christmas card (obvious really!).  I bought the sheet from Crafts U Print and have to say I've been impressed with both CUP and the sheet.  The card size is 'large DL' which is basically A4 folded lengthways (instead of horizontally to make an A5 card).  I managed to source some envelopes that were the right size, although that took some time.  I think I will have to investigate making my own.  There are lots of smililar sized cards on CUP and I quite like them.  I did little more than make the card up (using a textured green cardstock to make the card blank) as per the instructions; I added a little bit of Stickles glitter glue on the penguins hats as you have to have sparkle for Christmas!

I'm going to print off some of the other designs I've purchased from CUP and get those made up too.

Engagement Card

My nephew recently got engaged and this is the card I made for him.  It uses the Fizzy Moon decoupage pad and papers with a matching Fizzy Moon chipboard (Celebration).  The sentiment is from Craftwork Cards (it reads congratulations, I struggle to get clear images of silver/gold foiling)  The hears are from the chipboard set also.

Fizzy Moon

This card uses a Fizzy Moon chipboard which was layered onto glittered card.  I punched some flowers out of the same card and added pink gems to the centres.  The butterfly sentiment is by Craftwork cards.  I threaded pink organza ribbon through the punched eyelets in the scalloped card border and tied it in a ribbon.  It takes ages to thread the ribbon but I love the effect and it's my favourite way of using these card blanks.  The card was sent to a dear friend of mine who had a birthday in the middle of August.

Cute Bears Decoupage

During my clear up and clear out session, I found some cute bear decoupage sheets.  I think my daughter chose them to make a birthday card for me as one design had been used, but several more remained.  I went for very simple cards with them.  The first 3 were just matted and layered using scraps of co-ordinating cardstock and placed onto small white square card blanks.  The 4th one (the orange one) actually used a layer from the roses card which I felt wasn't really needed and made a nice card on it's own.  Again it was simply layered up with co-ordinating cardstock and patterned paper and I added some coloured gemstones to add a little something.  Once of the cards (the first one) has now been sent off to my brother (from the children) for his birthday today.

A New Desk

Deep within the garage has been a desk that has gone unused for 11 years since my hubby stopped working for himself and rejoined the 'employed' ranks.  After we moved we had no where for the desk to fit so it just stayed in the garage.  After one hard weekend of garage sorting out, I finally found a place for it to go in the play room/dining room/conservatory/craft room and I now have a place to sit and create.  I made loads of cards when it was first moved into it's new home and I have to say that I love sitting at my desk.  When my mojo deserts me I can gaze out onto the garden.  If it gets too hot (are there any conservatories that don't?) my desk is right by the door which, when opened allows a nice breeze (and the door opens onto a shaded area so no really hot sun all day).

I have also been having a really big clear up of my stash - amazing how much better that alone can make you feel.  Some has gone onto e-bay, some went to car boot sales and some of it just went into the bin!  I can't believe I actually used to like some of the stuff I came across.  I have lots of folders each neatly holding varios topper and decoupage sheets, my Big Shot is within easy reach and the printer is just an arm stretch away.

I haven't taken a picture of my desk yet but as soon as I have one I shall post it randomly in the middle of something else.  Meanwhile, I shall enjoy sharing some of my creations over the next few days.

Little Cupcake

I made this card for my daughter's friend who will be 8 during the summer.  Although you can't see it from the photo, it's actually a stepper card (from a pre-scored card blank, I haven't mastered the art yet but I'm getting there!).  The image and papers are from the 'Fairy Cakes' decoupage pad by Helz Cuppleditch.  A simple card that will hopefully get me back into the swing of things.