Blog Candy and Prize of a Weekend away at a Craft Retreat for Two

Blog Candy on Offer

I have recently discovered this fab. Blog/Shop and it has the most amazing Blog Candy and a prize of a weekend away at a craft retreat - how amazing is that.

I have copied and paste this amazing prize only so that I don't miss anything out

You can find the Lovin Blog/shop  Here

Right folks time to have a Massive giveaway. This bundle has been put together for one lucky winner who will be drawn on the 28th Feb. So what do you have to do to be in with a chance to win this fabulous bundle?
Firstly - add the picture to your sidebar with a link to the Lovin'ink shop and mention the coming craft retreat 25th-27th March 2011.
Secondly add the Lovin ink button to your sidebar with a link to the shop which is here

Thirdly become a follower of the Lovin' ink shop.
and finally leave a comment here to let us know you have done this.

And now to the BRILLIANT giveaway prize.2 FREE places on the
Lovin Ink CRAFT RETREAT on 25th - 27th March 2011
at Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire You and a friend could have a weekend away for free!
To win this prize all you have to do is follow the 4 steps above and also make a blog post advertising the retreat .When you comment let us know you would like to win this prize which is worth a whopping £330!
Here is a little about the retreat

Lovin' Ink craft retreats began because of Michelle and Janet's love of crafting with friends and sharing ideas together. Having met the most amazing people at other retreats we wanted to continue building friendships with the most wonderful people out there - crafters
The March retreat is packed with workshops all using stamping and inking techniques to build your own unique embellishment box.
All dietary needs are catered for and all you need to do is come along and craft for the whole weekend with the friendly bunch of people who come to the retreat regularly.
Workshop materials are provided however you will need to bring your basic craft kit and any small projects you may like to fit in between workshops (some people like to craft into the night!)
Rooms are of shared occupancy and the whole building caters for those with disabilities.
A light and airy feel to the whole building and the surrounding area means this retreat is fun packed and yet a peaceful getaway
Arrival after 3pm on Friday and departure around 4pm on Sunday - pick ups and drop off at the train station in Skipton available. Ample Car parking at the retreat.

We would love to see you There!

Bah Humbug - Guest Designer week 4 - Oldie but Goldie -

Firstly, It has been good to hear that Max is home after her Op. - Sending Gentle {hugs} to You Max. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I very much hope soon the pain subsides. Thoughts too go over to Irene, who sadly is still not well enough to join in,  Thinking of you and Gentle {hugs} to you Irene.

The ladies at Bah Humbug have come up with another fab. challenge. We are now entering into Challenge 4

An oldie but a goldie (using something that you've had in your craft stash for a long time but that you love

I knew straight away what items I would be using - just had to decide 'how' My oldie but goldie are my Rollograph wheels, Alcohol Inks and a RS I have had in my crafty stash for a very long time and totally love. I have used the fab. sponges the lovely Max sent me  - they are great for making 'rainbow' type backgrounds using Alcohol inks - I just 'swirled' the sponge around onto the glossy card - in fact it is the plain side of a printed Ad. type postcard - I  used my 'swirl and stars' rollagraph over the alcohol inked background, added some 'cranberry' embossing powder and heat embossed.  The Rubber Stampede Santa Collage RS was stamped using Brilliance ink then clear embossing powder, again, heat embossed.

Here is my card for this weeks fab. theme 'An Oldie but a Goldie' I am not quite sure - I may at a later date add  Flourishes/photo corner/card candy -  I decided that I would add the corner adornments - No time like the present, as they say. Apologies to the Bah Humbug Ladies .. hoping that I havn't caused any problems with the   last minute 'tweeking'



I hope you will agree that the card now looks more
'Finished'




The 'Dinky buckle' is made from a set of Dies I purchased very
recently, Pinky Dinky Dies by Karen Foster, sadly now discontined.
They work wonderfully in my 'Big Shot'

 List of Supplies

6x6 Base Card
Bazzill Basics Card
Diamond Embossed Gold Card
Glossy Card ( Reverse of a Recycled Printed  Ad. type Postcard)
Alcohol Inks
Sponge Blocks (used in conjuction with above)
Brilliance Ink
Embossing Powders
Rollagraph 'Swirls and Stars'
Rubber Stampede Santa Collage RS
Satin Ribbon
Karen Foster Pinky Dinky Tag Die  (Buckle)
Nesties
Card Candy
Sizzlits Photo Corner Die

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Challenge 4

How time flies .. We are on Challenge 4 already at
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge This weeks challenge is 'let's see some bling'

Here is my offering for this weeks fab. challenge.

List of Supplies

6x6 Base Card

Bazill Basics Card

Diamond embossed gold card

Glossy Card (reverse side of recycled Postcard)

SU Reindeer RS

Elzybells Circle Sentiment RS

Alcohol Inks / Sponge Blocks to create 'rainbow' of background colour.

Karen Foster Pinky Dinky Dies (Buckle)

Nesties

Sizzlits Photocorner

Krylon Pen

GrossGrain Ribbon

Card Candy

Gems



My 1st ever Blog Award - 'Love Blog'

I have had a wonderful start to the week.  I was very kindly awarded this lovely 'Blog Award' by a very dear crafty friend Jude I am very honoured that you thought of me Jude. You are indeed very kind and thoughtful.

Now I have been tagged I have to then pass on. Here are the conditions for the award.

You have been TAGGED .Create a post where you post the 'LOVE BLOG' image.You should also blog the person link that gave you the award and inform her/him that you accept the award.You can then choose 3 to5 favourite blogs which you also link in your post, then each blogger will inform you that they have been tagged.I would like to give these awards to the following people for all their help, support and encouragement, thank you ladies, with my love and appreciation

Max

Ann

Irene

Hazel

Rachel

Peace,Love & Crafting Birthday Blog Candy

Audrey has a month of celebrations - Do Pop along and have a gander at all the wonderful new Candy she has on offer. Belated Birthday Wishes to you Andrea .. You are indeed very generous with such a stupendous array of beautiful goodies.
You will find Andrea's Blog and her New Blog Candy
Here

Bah Humbug - Guest Designer week 3 - Christmas Crackers -

 Time seems to be passing by so quickly - its Bah Humbug Day, week 3 of my guest design spot, this weeks theme is a real cracker ..
I have very much been enjoying my guest spot. I really cannot thank the ladies at Bah Humbug for asking me, it has been such a joy making the projects. I will be continuing with the guest designer spot for the month of February ..Am so glad I can be of help. Thinking both of Max and Irene {Hugs}
Here are my offerings for this weeks fabulous challenge - Christmas Crackers - I have made a card, using a Elzybells RS image. I have also made a Christmas Cracker, one that does not need a 'snap' I made it following this fabulous tutorial for a Christmas Cracker
I guess the 'cracker' type gift box can be used any time of the yr. You just need to adopt the style/theme to the occasion .... It really is an incredibly easy make. You could just have one opening at the top and make it a 'milk' carton type gift box too. You could also add an acetate window, Lots of possibilites IMHO.. Compared to the 'tutorial' pics mine does look somwhat different on the 'ends' I think maybe the 'added' cardstock was too heavy, but overall I am pleased with results.

List of Supplies

6x6 Base Card

gold mirri card

Bazzill Basics Card

White Card

pattened papers .. unfortunately cannot remember the name of either used one was is a single 12x12 DS sheet and the other A4 sheet from a pic'n'mix type card/papers

Elsybells RS

Pro Markers

Satin Ribbon

Card Candy

Computer Generated Sentiment

Fluid Chalk

Nesties

Scor-Pal

Tag RS image by 'Funstamps' - used only a small section of the RS



Cat's Whiskers - A little Candy and Pictures of Rosie

I have had a wonderful time with some blog hopping tonight .. IMHO a nice way to whileaway an hour or so before heading off to bed.
I came across the wonderful Cat's Whiskers blog .. I did so enjoy reading some of the fab. tutorials there which then lead me onto reading about the offer of some beautiful blog candy and then onto reading about the new addition to Jacqui's family, 'Rosie' a most beautiful cat, and the pictures, just adorable of her settling in at her new home.
I am now off to add my name for a chance to win the very pretty blog candy .. which you can find
Here .. ends Saturday 22nd January

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Week 3

 

It is Challenge 3 at Craftyhazelnut Christmas Challenge 'Let's see some Trees'

Here are my offerings for this weeks challnge .. I ended making two, for the 2nd I used the 'negative' from the scalloped circle and used it as a frame. I am not at all happy with the finished result  - for all sorts of reasons, here are just a few, because its too fussy, the colour,  it just could be I should of made the 'frame' less in your face or trimmed the corners, don't like the corner embellishments either - for the minute I am going to leave and see if something can be done with it so I am more happy with it.  My 1st effort - I am pleased with. I have used some new papers (new to me) from Craft Creations. I used 'weathered wood' distress ink to stamp the tree image from Crafty Individulals, added a little glitter on the cirlce nestie

   

List of Supplies

6x6 and 5x5 Base Card

Bazill Basics Card

Craft Creations 12x12 papers

Blue Card

Silver Card

Nesties

Cuttlebug Corner Embellishments

Crafty Individuals Image and Sentiment

Glamour Dust

Gems

Weathered Wood Distress Ink Pad

Pay It Forward - PIF

I have just joined in with this over at Jude's Blog
So here i am paying it forward.
I promise "Something Handmade" to the FIRST 5 people to comment on this post! However there is a catch!!! You must repost this status, offering "Something Handmade" to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be "Handmade" or "Homemade" by "YOU" and it must be sent to you 5 other people some time in 2011.

If you'd like to play please leave acomment below

A Project of days gone by - Candle Tissue Transfer

A fellow crafter and follower of my humble blog has been showing us her beautiful work with the
Candle Tissue Transfer Technique and then Rachel produces another gorgeous offering, again using the Candle Tissue Transfer Technique so love how she has embellished the candle, Love the RS transfer too.
Seeing Rachel's beautiful offerings reminded me that I had once had a go with the Candle Transfer Technique - that was back in Dec. 2008!!! I made it for a dear friend who so loves been surrounded with candles. I even made a gift box following a magazine tutorial - I so did struggle making the box - not sure if I would endeavour making one again - maybe more practice needed - it was the attaching of the acetate that proved to be the stumbling block - couldn't get it to sit square on the bottom and lid. I came across some pretty 'dangly' pearl beady bits - I seem to remember I took apart a broken necklace and squirrled it away in readiness for a project - I attached them to the lid for extra 'elegance'
I used just one stamp for the stamp/lid from a set by Basic Grey. After seeing Rachels fab. offerings I will again try to make time to have a go again with the tissue transfer technique - I have some tissue already squirrled away. I remember recently reading a tutorial about the candle tissue transfer and the author suggests that the tissue is ironed before stamping and then proceeding to attaching to candle etc. as it makes a much neater finish .. not sure how I feel about that, I certainly didn't iron the tissue for this project as I decided I quite liked the 'wrinkled' finish - for me it added more interest - but I guess it is an individual decision as to iron or not to iron - but must admit the tutorial suggesting 'ironed' tissue, her finished candle did look stunning and very professional too in its finish. When I get round to having a go again with this fab. technique I will blog the results. Apologies about the pic. it was in the days of my 1st digital camera of which was very basic - no settings etc. just basic press and hope for the best type digital camera.

Bah Humbug - Guest Designer week 2 - Stencils -

How time flies by sooo quickly. It is week 2 at Bah Humbug  - this weeks theme 'Stencils'

I have came up with 3 projects for my 2nd week as 'Guest Designer' using

'Masks' 'Brass Stencil' and finally 'Dimensional Paint' I have made a couple of 'gift boxes' The one featuring

the Tim Holtz Mask I added a stapmed gift tag which then all turned out very nicely and the box was then named as 'Old Father Time'
Before I go onto showing you my 'offerings' I wish to send my very best wishes to
Max who has sadly broken her wrist and continued get well wishes to another Bah Humbug Team Member, Irene. Thinking of you both {Hugs}



I have embossed the tag as well as the main panel on the box
both using Brass Stencils with my Big Shot



I made this criss cross card - I still need to add a sentiment
but I am sure inspiration for it will soon arrive and I will then add it.



I have used Dimensional paint with a brass stencil. This was the last drop
of my dimensional paint - I think next time round
I will be having a go with embossing paste, but 1st I need to
purchase some.

List of Supplies 

Bazzill Bacics card

Irridescent card

Glossy Card

Papermania papers

DCWV papers

Tim Holtz Masks

Brass Stencils

Heritage Dimensional Paint

Adirondack Ink Pads

Fluid Chalks  

Gems

Organza Ribbon

Satin Ribbon

Santa Rubberstampede RS 

Rollograph Wheel / RS

SU label punch

Nesties

Scor-Pal



Box Card

I was inspired to have a go with making a box card while browsing through the latest issue of 'Craft Stamper Mag.
Craft Stamper Feb. 2011 Issue


The article states, the designer, Debbie Dolphin,  was inspired by the 'tealight holder' Box Cards featured in 'blogland' I came across this beautiful blog recently featuring the tealight holder box card - I said then I would be making one and I now have .. just not added Tealights .. that is for next time round.
TeaLight Holder Box Card

The tutorial can be found here
TeaLight Box Card Tutorial

The box card featured in the Craft Stamper mag. is labeled as "A gift for him" I was needing to make something more feminine - The gift to go inside the box as featured in the Mag. article is Ferrero Rocher of which I had .. so I got cracking .. I am not really at all good at following instructions, even basic ones can flummux me at times! To say I found the tutorial hard to follow was indeed very true - I had thought I got everything right, the most important being the measurements for the box/scoring lines etc. I cannot have done so as I cannot get the Ferreo Rocher to fit in the box ..... the box is too small or the chocs too big - ever which way you look at it So I have had to rethink of which Chocs. to put in. I put in some of the chocs I used for choc. boxes. I placed the chocs in a cellophane bag and placed in the box that way. No matter that the Ferreo Rocher didn't fit the box .. I so, so enjoyed making this box card, Has taken me a couple of nights to complete. I am most definately going to be making some more - fingers crossed I can learn from my mistakes 1st time round and get the Ferrero Rocher to fit the box

This is my finished box card.

 List of Supplies

Base - White Card
Basic Grey Scarlets Letter 12x12 card
Marbled card - Totally forgotten the company's name
Cosmic Shimmer scraps
Distress ink pads
Versafine Black Ink Pad
Versafine Clear
Copper Embossing powder
Fancy Pants Flourish Clear RS
'Definition' clear RS
rubbadubbadoo 'word' rubber stamps
Scor-Pal
Marianne Designs Frame Die
Acetate
*Index Press Studs - these were a charity shop purchase - they are some sort of office supply - not sure how they are used in todays offices ?* with these I pressed into your project design area - lightweight card etc. and then press  'prongs' flat the underside side - total bargain 100 for a mere 99p
Krylon Pen
Organza Ribbon
Artistic Stamper Chipboard Wings
Sizzix Sizzlits Dies - Hearts
Boss Kutz Die - Key
Sizzix and Big Shot Tag Dies - Tags
Mulberry flowers
Pins
Martha Stewart Leaf Punch
Pearl brad
*SU  Punch
* Brad
Silver Chain
'Findings' to attach chain to tag/to add other embellishments
'Made with Love' Charm
Lace
Altered Element Paper embossed wings
and finally ..

Chocolates

Meyer Imports German Glitter Crystals Candy Give away

Meyer Imports have a truly wonderful give-away
Click here for your chance to win
German Glass Glitter Crystals Giveaway

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Week 2

It's week 2 of Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge
this weeks theme is to create a card using either a 'freebie' or something 'recycled'
I have used the 'Freebie Cover Stamp' from Craft Stamper November 2010 Issue

This month’s free cover mount stamp is an elegant Christmas Baubles stamp designed by Glenda Waterworth for Elusive Images.

For inspriation I used one of Glenda's fabulous 'Free Stamp Makes' featured in the magazine. I did not have any of the suggested supplies apart from the 'Frebbie' Elegant Christmas Baubles' and Stream Adirondack oh and the base card. I supplemented the following of suggested supplies
'stickles' for Twinkling H2O's
'Momento' Bahama Blue/Grape Jelly ink pads for Distress ink pads
Elusive images 'sentiment' RS for a sentiment by Elyzbells
Artylicious Spirit of Christmas for  Papermania Capsule collection
 

I ended up using a different 'flourish' RS for the first mat as I just did not think of
using the flourish from the beautiful RS. I used 'ink dusters' as the
belding tool for the distress inks, cannot find my usual blending tool!







 

I used 'Twinking H2O's instead of the suggested
Stickles, I then added some 'gems' to add a bit of 'life' and
dimension to the image.







  

List of Supplies  

A5 linen base card
Copper Card
Nesties
Elusive Images elegant Christmas Baubles RS
Elzybells Circle Sentiment Clear/word RS
Dusty Concord Distress InkPad
Tumbler Distress Ink Pad
Stream Adironack Ink Pad
Twinkling H20s
Flourish RS by 'Trimcraft'
Papermania 'Capsule' Patterened Papers
Gems
'Ink Dusters'
SU label punch
 Button

Quick Male 'Get Well' Pyjama Jacket Card

We were needing to make a 'Thinking of you' 'Wishing you a speedy recovery' card for my daughters Father, who is in hospital after a serious accident.  I came across the wonderfully simple idea of a 'Pyjama Shirt Card' when searching for inspiration.

The 'Lapel Collar' is simply defined by folding the top
corner of the card, then secured with 3D foam



I used a coloured paperclip to attach
the sentiment to the pocket attaching with 3D foam

List of Supplies 

6x6 Base Card

DCWV Patterend Papers

Nesties

White Gel Pen

Buttons

Coloured Paper Clip

Computer Generated Sentiment



Camera Club - Scrapbook Class

I belong to my local tenants Assoc. camera club. I am very much enjoying been with such nice,  friendly and talented people. I have learnt so much and so much more enjoy my camera, one of the members kindly set up my camera which made such a difference. We had a busy time last yr. fund raising, producing a DVD of photographs of our village, producing CD clocks using members photos and making bespoke clocks using the clients own photographs, also we made lots of greetings cards using members photos. We have even done a wedding, the clients got to hear of our club and asked if we would do their wedding pics. 2 of our talented members went to do the wedding and by all accounts it was a success and the couple were very happy with their photos/DVD.
We had our first meeting of the yr. today January 7th, and I was asked just before Christmas if I would like to do a scrapbooking class. I was indeed very nervous but was very much looking forward to introduciing scrapbooking to the members. There was 9 of us at todays class. A dear lady called Sue .. a fellow crafter and a total angel indeed .. lent me her notes/12x12 scrapbook page template. I created the 12x12 template from the original template Doc. Sue kindly sent over so members had something 'tangiable' to follow

I took along some books, mainly about creating 'mini books' a few scrapbooking mags. some finished work along also, one being my circle journal. Camera Club members took a lot of inspiration from this. I started with a brief talk using Sue's notes and then showed members the template and then it was 'off' they were a very keen bunch and not at all phased, even though none of the members had never really scrapbooked before. It was so amazing on seeing the finished pages. Members took on their own take of the original template - some ooozing with such confidence - it was truly lovely to see. One particular lady picked up a scallop punch, not having ever seen one before so was curious as to how it worked - I showed her and wow .. she just experimented and created the most beautiful church - you will see the scallops in the roof and on the opening of the other church - sheer genius! This same lady bought some Chrsitmas cards she wanted to 'scrap' as it was relavant to her theme of her 1st Christmas in her new flat.

Sheer genis .. Pauline created the beautiful churches using
scissors and the SU scalloped punch

I had the most lovely text from a member saying thankyou for the class and how it had opened up forgotten memories of her mother and her scrapbooking. How lovely is that. I have been asked if I would like to deliver another class - It really was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
This was our only chap, the other gentleman was off poorly. This chap so enjoyed his time scrapbooking, he said he was amazed at how much engrossed he got with it all and intends on carrying on doing more scrapbooking at home .. as I said, it was just a lovely afternoon with such lovely people who embraced and just got on and did their own thing ..

Here is a small sample of the work produced and one of the the members 'creating' their pages.




Inspiration for this page was drawn from the circle journal.
The creator of this wonderful page sent this lovely thank you
 "Thank you so much for a delightful afternoon, it was a glorious 2 hours of escapism. I woke up very early this morning with lots of ideas running around my head of titles and how I could scrap book them.We really must do it again.Thank you Valerie"

I was truly thrilled to receive such a nice Thank you, especially knowing that the lady concerned
cares for her elderly mother, hearing that she was able to escape in such a nice way was truly wonderful to hear.



I so loved the story behind this chaps page, he has so cleverly
placed the main 'feature' photo in the centre, Barry said the page
was all about him and his wifes Christmas Day together.

Gosh, how soon the crafty goodies take over the whole table!



The story behind this page is that the lady who
created it was telling her story of her Christmas
with her 'adopted' Granddaughter as her own Granddaughter and family live all
the way over in Cyprus so was unable to be with them. This was the same lady that  texted me to
say 'thank you' for the class and how it had opened up forgtten memories of her Mother's scrapbooking.
How lovely is that.



Bah Humbug Challenge week 1 - Guest Designer Spot

Firstly, Wishing one and all a very Happy New Yr.
 Here we are in 2011 and Yay ..  we are off .... Week one for the Bah Humbug Challenge Blog
I managed to do all of the set challenges on the Bah Humbug Challenge Blog in 2010, I am indeed very proud of that fact. I had set my mind on having a go with all of the challenges,two reasons mainly, I wanted to be more organized by having my Christmas Cards ready and not having to rush like some mad woman in the run up to Christmas and secondly I wanted to show support for the 3 ladies, Ann, Irene and Max, knowing they were putting a lot of hard work into the blog. The least I could do was make sure I took part every week. I was so pleased to have my cards made as the run up to Christmas all went a bit pear shaped when I was taken poorly. Anyway .. on the road to recovery now. Thank you again to the ladies at Bah Humbug for their beautiful award gift and for all their kind wishes. I have again set my sights on entering all of the set challenges - Here's to another great year with the Bah Humbug Challenge blog
Nearing the end of December I  received an email from the Bah Humbug ladies asking me if I would consider been the Guest Designer for the month of January. To say I was very flattered was an understatement, was very nervous also. Without further ado .. Here is my offering for week 1 theme of 'Holly'/'fairies' Before I go onto showing my entries I wish to send get well wishes to Irene, one the the Bah Humbug ladies - I was indeed very sorry to hear of Irene being poorly. I very much hope you will soon feel much better Irene xx

List of Supplies

6x6 Base Card
Papermainia Patterened papers - Various
PollyCraft Holly Wreath Clear RS
CircleNestie
Nellie Snellen circle Die
Holly Rollograph stamp wheel
Olive Green Rollograph inkpad
Red Gel Pen
Pro Markers

List of Supplies

6x6 Base Card
Red Holgraphic Card
Snowflake Patterened paper
Sizzix Flourish
Nestie Labels
Gems
White Sheer Ribbon
Fluid Chalk, Red. (Edging)
Snowflake Fairy (Pollycraft ... I think) Clear RS
Promarkers

White Gel Pen

SU Clip punch

Sakura Gel Pen Gold

SU Bird Punch - Simple Birthday Cards

I was busy yesterday with making Birthday cards. I made a total of seven. I have a fair few January Birthdays so was needing to get cracking on with getting some cards made. I haven't used my SU bird punch in a while, I got punching and created some simple Birthday cards. I am not wholly convinced the nesties label die I used to rest the bird on is the right one, as in size and colour but decided I would go with it.

I made each card slightly different with either the patterened paper used or by adding the cute stamped image by Snag 'em .. I just used the 'So tweet' part of the image.

List of Supplies

5x5 Base Card
Various Papers - DCWV. Not 100% sure of others used
Green card
Sheer ribbon
Ric Rac
Nesties Label Dies
SU Bird Punch
Circle/scalloped punch
Card Candy
Snag 'em 'So Tweet' Clear Stamp

Gems  

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Week 1

Here is my entry for the first challenge on
Crafty hazelnuts christmas challenge 'Anything Goes'
I have made a quick and simple card, using a 'Merry Christmas 'embossed image from my Secret Advent swap stash, as well a piece of  Snowflake paper  (Thank you Liz)

List of Supplies

5x5 Base Card

Silver Holographic Card

Papermania Snowflake paper (Advent swap stash)

Merry Christmas Embossed Image (Advent Swap Stash)

Nellie Dies

White Sheer Ribon