Boys and their Toys

I thought I would have my first go at the Papertake Weekly Challenge. I really like the sketch that Katharina has set for the challenge, this is what I came up with. I decided on something different to my norm and used the Clarity Stamp I got from the NEC in March for the first time. The other stamps I just had in my box (don't know where from). The papers are from DCWV and I used the computer for the sentiment.

'Hello' Tilda

I had a go at masking with this one. I stamped the Tilda image on a post it note, cut it out and this was my mask. I then stamped the image on a piece of card, placed my mask over it and then stamped the bench. I used Prisma pencils to colour. I have really got to like these, even better than watercolouring.

The background paper is from HOTP and just to finish off added some Prima flowers.

Buzz in the Air

The other Penny Black stamp I bought at the NEC in March called 'Buzz in the Air'.

I used DCWV background paper and coloured with Prisma pencils. I'm still experimenting with them. The colours can be very strong so I find it best to apply a small amount and add more if needed. I finished off with a sentiment done on the computer and a few Prima flowers and crystals.

Sugar Nellies

Today I decided I must use the Sugar Nellies I've had for weeks, and not had time to use.

This one I decided to use some HOTP papers that I've had for ages (QVC TSV some time ago). I decided on green, not my usual choice of colour at all. I watercoloured the image. A bit heavy on the colour, but overall quite happy with the result.

The second one I used Prisma pencils to colour the stamped image, but the colour was a bit strong and I don't think blended well on watercolour paper. Not really very happy with this one, but we learn from our mistakes.

Chic

I really like this background paper from Pink Petticoat (Lola's Boudoir) but couldn't think what to use it with. I then remembered the lady with the big hat stamp. I have never used it before and thought it would be perfect. I made the rose using a small daisy punch and instructions from a do-craft member.

The Garden

We even had some visitors to the pond last week.

Our House

This is 'The Granary', our lovely old cottage. It's 250 years old, and has lots of character. We've lived here for nearly two years and love it. The garden is beautiful (not my doing I'm afraid, we inherited it from the former owner).

Penny Black

Just got my first Penny Black stamps. Took ages but had a go with creating this Happy Birthday block on the computer. It turned out ok. The flower is decoupaged, you may not be able to see it very well on the picture

Lavinia Stamps

I bought a few Lavinia Stamps at the NEC in March. They're fab stamps to use. The sun is created by cutting a circle in a piece of paper and then using a brayer and Adirondack ink pad.

Bitten by the Tilda Bug

Ok, I know Tilda is'nt everyone's cup of tea, because she hasn't got a mouth and looks like a Moomin (for those of us old enough to remember them). I have to admit I didn't like her to begin with, but she's grown on me.(Got five now).

I managed to order a few when Joanna Sheen had them on her website, before they were snapped up. Here's my attempts so far.

This is coloured using Prisma colour pencils and Sansador. The colour from these pencils is a much stronger pigment than ordinary watercolour pencils. Will have to practise more.

The sort of flower thing in the corner is a Bigz die cut. Not sure about it yet. Papers are K&Co and Sizziz photocorners. I paperpricked around the edges of the image and made my own whatever it's called with a sizzlits button attached (you can buy a Quickutz die for the whatsitsname, but why pay for one when you can easily make your own?

Isn't she cute? This card was for my 7 year old niece. I can imagine her in this pose. Again the background card is cut from a Do-Craft card. They are really lovely cards.

This is yesterday's creation. It was a really quick card to do. Watercoloured with pencils, background paper is Anna Griffin and a Nestabilities die cut, computer sentiment and I felt it just needed the Prima flower to finish off.

Bella and Pink Petticoat

Here are a couple more Bella cards and some I made from Pink Petticoat images.

I love the Bella stamps. They give a great impression and being unmounted don't create a storage problem. I have ordered direct from Canada a couple of times with no problems. Delivery is really fast and with a strong pound they are really good value. Postage is also reasonable.

I usually order the downloads from Pink Petticoat, you get them straight away (I'm too impatient to wait for them to arrive in the post). It's easy to do and I have found it to be good value. Great background papers and images.

This is Cosmobella. The spotty background paper is cut from a do-craft card. I bought the box from QVC. Although I think they're a bit small and flimsy to use as a card they are great.

This is Winobella, the card was made for my friend's 50th. She wanted to quietly ignore this birthday, don't know why she still knows how to party and really is 50 and gorgeous.

This one is Mwhahbella, again used do-craft card for a background. Think she is fab too, ooh have so many favourites.. have a couple more that I haven't tried yet, and still want more.

Now on to Pink Petticoat, again fab images and you can just print them out whenever you want, no need to get out your stamping stuff.

One of my first Pink Petticoat, just a simple layout and I used my computer for the sentiment. Really easy to do and cheaper than buying lots of sentiment stamps. You can download, free, loads of different fonts.

Used more of the background papers for this one and again a computer generated sentiment.

Well, just had to have Henrietta when she came out. I think she is so cute. Big dots papers really suit her I think.

More Snowbella

Well, now I have done the introduction, here's another card using Snowbella, and Pink Petticoat paper again. They really are great stamps to use.

My Family

Well I really am getting the hang of this. Not as difficult as I first thought, you just have to keep playing around and the penny suddenly drops. Well I thought maybe I would add a photo of my family and myself. It's always nice to put a face to a name. Here we are.

This is our daughter, Joanne, at her 21st Birthday Party, I think she's making her 'thank you for coming' speech, after a few glasses of champagne.

And this is our youngest daughter, Lauren. She had her 18th Birthday

a few weeks ago.

Blimey, makes me feel old.

My First Post

Whoa I've managed to create a blog and to do my first post.

Thought I'd have a go as it seems to be the thing that everyone is into. Took a bit of getting into, but think I have got the hang of it.

This is one of my first attempts with Snowbella. I love all the Bella stamps, they're such great stamps to use. The background papers are by Pink Petticoat, which I also love.