Crafting Musketeers Challenge 8 - My Design Team Card...

Hello lovelies!

 

Well I can't quite believe December is upon us already. Time to think of Christmas and all the festivities that goes with it. I have been quite organised this year...for a change!

 

So, with Christmas in mind...I have made a Christmas card for my design team project over at the

 

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS CHALLENGE 

 

The theme for this month's challenge is

 

'Layer It Up'.

 

Here is the card I made...

 

 

I have used Fizzy Moon for this cute card!

 

We would love to see your entries for the challenge and you could be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize from the sponsors of this challenge

 

HUNKYDORY...

 

 

I am looking forward to seeing all your layer it up creations!

 

Don't forget to check out who the winner of the last challenge was

 

Winner and Top 3 for Pretty In Pastels

 

Thank you for stopping by today

I always appreciate your visits!

 

Merry Christmas,

Lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 



Aspire Crafts Create & Craft Show Times....

Hello lovelies!

 

Well I am really excited to be sharing the fantastic news that

 

ASPIRE CRAFTS 

 

Will be on your TV screens on

 

Thursday 21st November

 

on

 

Create & Craft Channel 671

and

Ideal World Channel 644

 

The lovely Cheremane will be demoing and showing you the stunning

 

VINTAGE BLOOM COLLECTION 

 

The Vintage Bloom collection is so beautiful and I love creating with this range.

 

You will see some of my samples on the show too!

 

Here is one of my samples...

 

 

I have also used a Dekro Mount frame too.

 

The show times are...

 

8am Create & Craft

 

11am Create & Craft

 

3pm Ideal World

 

Make sure you tune in to see the fab demos and gorgeous craft goodies available to buy. If you are going out make sure you hit that record button....believe me you won't want to miss them!

 

Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



My Making Cards Magazine Project...

Hello lovelies!

 

Well today I am very excited to be able to show you a project that I made for Making Cards Magazine.

 

I am absolutely delighted to be in the December issue of this fantastic magazine.

 

I used a stamp from Lili of the Valley 'James The Snow Angel' and coloured with Letraset Promarker's.

 

 

I love this stamp it is so cute!

 

Thanks for stopping by,

happy crafting

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 

 



Crafting Musketeers Challenge 7 ....My design team card...

Hello lovelies, and welcome to another fantastic challenge from the

 

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS 

 

 

Challenge 7 is sponsored by

 

Little Claire 

 

with a lovely prize of the

 

Tea Party Stamp Set

 

 

The theme for this months challenge is

 

'Pretty In Pastels'.

 

Here is what I have made...

 

 

I have used the butterfly stamps from the

 

Butterfly Tree Stamp Set

 

We would love to see your

 

'Pretty In Pastels'

 

entries so hop over to the challenge to see the rest of the design team inspiration!

 

Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 



Aspire Crafts Design Team Projects....A collection of my samples....

Hello lovelies!

 

Well I am very excited about this post today as I am sharing the news that I have been chosen to be on the design team for

 

ASPIRE CRAFTS 

 

 

I am really excited about making samples for this company. I am working with a fabulously talented group of designers who will also be sharing samples of their creations with you all.

 

Aspire Crafts has a page on Facebook which you can find HERE 

and also a group for you to share your creations using Aspire products.

The group is called...

 

Aspiring Crafters

 

Click on the link to join the group on Facebook.

 

I have been having a lovely time making samples using the gorgeous

 

VINTAGE BLOOM COLLECTION

 

and I have also been playing with the fabulous

 

DEKRO MOUNTS

 

I love using these. I have used Promarkers on some, gilding flakes, metal leaf,  paint, distress ink and other types of mediums. I love how you can make them look so different.

 

Here are the samples I have to show you so far...

 

 

I absolutely love the Vintage Bloom Collection.

 

Hop over to the

 

ASPIRE CRAFTS WEBSITE

 

and enjoy some crafty shopping!

 

Thanks for stopping by today I really do appreciate your visits.

 

I will be back soon to show you some more samples using this gorgeous collection!

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



Joanna Sheen - Design Team Tutorial

Hello lovelies and welcome to my Distressing Technique Tutorial.

 

This is my design team tutorial which is over on the

 

JOANNA SHEEN CHALLENGE BLOG

 First of all you will need the following materials...

7"x7" card blank ~ Sanding tool ~  DAISY & FRIENDS CD ROM AVAILABLE TO BUY ON THE JOANNA SHEEN WEBSITE ~ Distress Ink Frayed Burlap ~ Blending Tool ~ Distressing Tool ~ Ribbon ~ Buttons ~ Twine ~ Ruler.

Using your sanding tool, sand the edges of the card blank. Use your blending tool to then add the Frayed Burlap ink around the rough edges.

 

 

From the cd print off two sheets of decorative paper that co-ordinate. Also print of a Daisy Topper.

Trim the flowery paper to 6"x6". Use a ruler along each edge and tear the edge towards you to create a distressed edge.

 

 

Ink the edges with frayed burlap and use double-sided tape to attach to the card blank.

 

 

Trim a strip of check paper to fit along the left of the card.

 

 

Tear around each edge to create a distressed look.

 

 

 

Ink the edges as before and scrunch the paper into a ball.

 

 

Carefully unfold and ink lightly over some of the creases.

 

 

Attach a length of ribbon to the right of the card and tie a bow. Use silicon glue to attach the creased panel so it is slightly raised.

 

 

Trim the topper and distress the edges using the distressing tool.

 

 

Ink around the edges and use silicon glue to attach over the ribbon. To finish, thread twine through two buttons, and glue these to the card along with three other buttons as shown. Stamp a Happy Birthday greeting in the bottom right corner.

 

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed my Distressing Technique Tutorial.

 

Thank you for stopping by today.

 

Happy Crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 

 

 



Joanna Sheen Challenge - My Design Team Card...

Well time is certainly flying by, here we have another Sunday, which means another fantastic challenge over at the

 

JOANNA SHEEN CHALLENGE BLOG 

 

Challenge 44 is a fabulous theme...

 

'Button It Up'.

 

I loved working to this theme and here is my card that I made for this challenge...

I have used the

Daisy and Friends CD 

I would love you to stop by tomorrow, I have a tutorial of how I made this card, it will be over on the Joanna Sheen blog and also here too.

We would love to see your creations for the

'Button It Up' Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Have fun and happy crafting,
lots of love
Nicola
XXX
 

 



Forever Friends Cards...

Hello lovelies!

 

I hope you are enjoying the week-end so far. I have a few days off now so inbetween taking my lovely lab puppy Peggy for a walk I will be creating in my craft room!

 

Today, I have finally got round to showing you the cards I made the other day using my

 

'Forever Friends' crafty goodies.

 

I love the Forever Friends range, it is a firm favourite of mine and very popular.

 

 

I have made all of these cards A5 because I wanted a quick batch of cards to make and this size is very popular with my client's.

 

I will be back again soon with some more of my quick makes. I have a few Christmas cards to show you!

 

Thanks for stopping by today I always appreciate your visits.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



Makey Bakey Mice......

Hello lovelies!

 

Well I am having a very busy time at the moment with one thing and another so I have only just got round to showing you some cards I made last week.

 

I bought the Crafter's Companion Makey Bakey Mice Collection a couple of weeks ago. I haven't had chance to play with my stamps and cd's yet. I wanted to make some quick cards so the kit that I bought was just perfect!

 

These mice are so cute and adorable, and I really do think that they will suit all age groups.

 

I hope you like these very quick and easy makes...

 

 

Thank you for stopping by I always appreciate your visits.

 

Till next time....Happy Crafting,

 

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



The Crafting Musketeers October Challenge...My Design Team Card...

Hello lovelies!

 

Well, October already! The time is certainly flying by.

Before we know it, we will be at Christmas and looking forward to all the things the festive season brings. I must admit I do enjoy the run up to it, trying to get organised.

 

We have another fantastic challenge this month over at

 

The Crafting Musketeers 

 

It is a great theme for Challenge 6...

 

' Christmas In October'.

 

We would love to see your festive creations for this theme. We have a terrific sponsor too...( I am slightly biased as well because I am married to this month's sponsor..lol).

 

Darren Saul from Bridlington Stationer's has kindly sponsored the challenge for this month with a fabulous prize of the Letraset Promarkers Autumn/Winter Limited Edition Collection for 2013.

 



 Bridlington Stationers is owned by Darren Saul.
Established in 1986, Bridlington Stationers Limited is a company brimming with experience. We are a customer focused business supplies company delivering over 30,000 products available on a next day delivery basis on a local and national scale.

Our commitment to personal and friendly service ensures a high level of continuity. We are here to advise, recommend and supply the office products that you need to assist in the smooth running of your business. Our aim is to save you money, save you time and give you the opportunity to buy all your office needs from under one roof.

 

Bridlington Stationers also stock Promarkers and a wide selection of Artist Materials !

 

A website will be available soon.

 

This is a fabulous prize. The colours are gorgeous, I just know you will love using them if you are the lucky winner of this months challenge.

 

Here is my 'Christmas In October' card...

 

 

I have used the Crafter's Companion Makey Bakey Mice Collection.

 

I love these traditional colours together. Making this card has certainly got my Christmas Mojo going!

 

Myself and the rest of the design team would love too see your creations for the challenge. Hop over to the

 

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS

 

Challenge Blog to see the rest of the design team inspiration.

 

Thank you for stopping by today, I always appreciate your visits and your lovely comments.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 

 

 



JOANNA SHEEN CHALLENGE 42...MY DT CARD....

Hello lovelies!

 

Well time is certainly zipping along, here we have another Sunday, which means another fantastic challenge over at the

 

JOANNA SHEEN CHALLENGE BLOG 

 

Challenge 42 is a fabulous theme...

 

'Coffee & Cream'.

 

I loved working to this theme and here is my card that I made for this challenge...

 

 

I have used the

 

HOUSE MOUSE FOOD & DRINK DECOUPAGE 2

 

Click on the link to be taken directly to the decoupage pack on the fantastic

 

JOANNA SHEEN WEBSITE 

 

I couldn't resist adding some buttons, I love using them!

 

We would love to see your creation's for the challenge and would love it too if you used a Joanna Sheen product in your entries!

 

Also checkout the TUTORIALS  section while you visit the challenge blog. There are lot's of stunning tutorials for you to see.

 

Good luck with your entries, I look forward to seeing them all.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



My Crafter's Companion Embossing Challenge Entry...

Hello lovelies!

 

I am so excited to share a card with you that I have made especially to enter the

 

CRAFTER'S COMPANION UK  

 

EMBOSSING CHALLENGE 

 

and also be in with a chance of a 'Guest Design Team' position for 3 month's.

 

I would absolutely love the chance to do this, I love using Crafter's Companion product's and have a lovely collection of their gorgeous crafting goodies.

 

I ordered all of the Makey Bakey Mice Collection and it arrived really quickly, so I have used this for my entry. I have used the...

 

Makey Bakey Stamp Set ~ Stitched With Love

Makey Bakey Everyday Collection CD

 

I absolutely love this collection as soon as I saw all of the gorgeous samples being shown by the design team. I couldn't resist buying all the stamps, so I am really looking forward to sharing my creations with you using these.

 

Here is my 'Embossing' Challenge Entry...

 

 

I have embossed the pink background and doily, both from the Makey Bakey Everyday Collection CD. I have also stitched around the edges of the doily.

 

The Makey Bakey Stamp Set - Stitched With Love

I have coloured with my Spectrum Noirs in shades...

 

TN1 ~ TN2 ~ TN6 ~ IG1 ~ IG2 ~ IG4 ~ PL1 ~ PL2 ~ LV1 ~ LV2 ~ EB1 ~ HB1 ~ HB2 ~ HB3 ~ FS8 ~ CT1 ~ GB2 ~ GB7 ~ GB9

 

I hope you like my entry for the

 

CRAFTER'S COMPANION UK 

 

EMBOSSING CHALLENGE 

 

I loved making this!

 

Thank you for stopping by I always appreciate your visits and your lovely comments!

 

Happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



20th Wedding Anniversary Commissioned Card.....

Hello lovelies!

 

A quick post from me tonight to just share with you all a card I was commissioned to make for a 20th Wedding Anniversary.

 

The request was from a lovely man to make a card for his special wife using cream and burgundy which was their wedding colours.

 

I decided to die cut hearts to represent love and dressed them up with ribbon and string pearls.

 

I also added some of my gorgeous crystal flowers, I absolutely loved making this card.

 

I have already had feedback from my customer and he was really happy with it. I also have his permission to share it with you all.

 

 

 

I am entering this card into the following challenges...

 

Creata Challenge 10 - For A Special Occasion

I have used Creata Paper from one of the pads and the Vintage Border Die

Sister Act Card Challenge - Anything Goes 

Make It Monday - Anything Goes  

The Ribbon Girl September Challenge - Include a Number

Thank you for hopping by today and looking at this card.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX



The Paper Shelter Design Team Call...

Hello lovelies!

 

I hope you are all keeping well.

 

THE PAPER SHELTER 

 

are having a

 

DESIGN TEAM CALL 

 

I am entering the call with this card I have made using one of their digital images which is

 

AUTUMN IS COMING! 

 

I have also used the papers from the digital paper pack

 

IN THE 20'S 

 

 I have used Letraset Promarkers to colour in shades...

 

Skin: Almond ~ Putty ~ Sunkissed Pink ~ Coral

Hair: Ivory ~ Sandstone ~ Caramel ~ Cinnamon ~ Cocoa

Clothes and Boots: Marsh Green ~ Olive Green ~ Pear Green ~ Moss

Mustard ~ Pastel Yellow ~ Gold ~ Amber

Cinnamon ~ Caramel

Leaves: Terracotta ~ Gold ~ Pumpkin ~ Gold

Outline: Tan

 

I loved colouring this image and I think the name is just perfect for this time of year as Autumn really is just around the corner!

 

I would also like to enter this card into the following challenges...

 

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Through The Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Sarah Hurley Challenge 84 - Autumn Glow

 

Thank you for stopping by today, I always appreciate your visits and your comments.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 



 

 



Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog....My Design Team Card

Hello lovelies!

 

Well it is that time of the month where we have another fabulous challenge over at the

 

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS 

 

It is one of my favourite themes this month...

 

'Vintage'

 

As I am the sponsor too for this months challenge I just wanted to tell you a little about

 

'Pink Delight Craft'.

 

 I created my blog to share my love of crafting with everyone. I have always been creative my job as a hairstylist is creative. I have been crafting for around 8 years or so and absolutely love card making.

 How did I choose my blog name? Pink is my favourite colour and it is a Delight to Craft! I am delighted to be a part of the Crafting Musketeers Design Team and to also be the sponsor for this month's 'Vintage' Challenge.

 

Here is the prize for this month's 'Vintage' Challenge...

 

 

Make sure you enter your gorgeous creations to be in with a chance of winning these beautiful goodies!

 

Here is my 'Vintage' Card...

 

 

I love lace and anything vintage, so I think this card fits perfectly with the theme. The butterfly, leaves and ornate corners that I have used are all from

 

DAWN TILL DUSK CRAFT SUPPLIES

 

Hop over and take a look at the selection of metal embellishments!

 

Myself and the rest of the design team look forward to seeing your creations for this theme so hop over to the

 

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS CHALLENGE BLOG

 

Good luck!

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 

 

 

 



Joanna Sheen Challenge....My Design Team Card...

Hello lovelies!

 

We have another fantastic challenge over at the

 

JOANNA SHEEN CHALLENGE BLOG 

 

I love the theme for this particular challenge as it is using my favourite colour!

 

The theme this time is...

 

'Pretty In Pink'.

 

For my card I have used the

 

Shirley Barber CD 

 

which comes with a Project Book.

 

You can buy this over at the

 

JOANNA SHEEN WEBSITE

 

Here is my 'Pretty In Pink' card...

 

 

I love these flowers they are beautiful. I added extra sparkle with some Stickles Glitter Glue in Diamond.

 

We would love to see your gorgeous creations for this theme, so hop over to the

 

JOANNA SHEEN CHALLENGE BLOG

 

to see the rest of the design team inspiration.

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

 



VISIBLE IMAGE - AUGUST CHALLENGE...MY DT POST...

Hello lovelies!

Welcome to the

VISIBLE IMAGE AUGUST CHALLENGE

We have a great theme again this month...

'ANYTHING GOES WITH A VISIBLE IMAGE STAMP '

PLEASE NOTE FOR THE CHALLENGE YOU MUST USE A VISIBLE IMAGE STAMP!

I have made my card using the gorgeous

CLARA

 

 

Other materials used to make my card...

 

~ Letraset Flexmarkers in shades: Skin: Antique White ~ Dusky Pink ~ Pale Pink ~ Pastel Pink

Hair: Linen ~ Sandstone ~ Nutmeg ~ Cappuccino

Eyes: Cloud Blue ~ Sea Mist

Rest of Clara: Shocking Pink ~ Sorbet ~ Wild Orchid ~ Pink Pearl ~ Pale Blossom ~ Blue Grey 2 ~ Blue Grey 4

~ Memento Ink Tuxedo Black

~ Tim Holtz Distress Ink Dusty Concord

~ White 8"x8" scalloped card blank

~ Spellbinders Nestabilities Fleur De Lis Rectangles

~ Joy Vintage Border Die

~ Creata Paper Pad

~ Organza Ribbon

~ Sizzix Medallions Die

~ 2 purple gem brads

~ 2 word grommets

~ Purple self adhesive pearls

~ Collal glue

~ Silicon Glue

~ Double sided tape

~ foam pads

 

To make the card...

 

~ Create the easel by scoring half way across the front panel of the card blank.

~ Stamp Clara with the Tuxedo black ink and colour.

~ Use the Fleur De Lis Rectangle to die cut Clara.

~ Matt onto pink spotty paper.

~ Ink the edges of pink spotty paper and matt using Collal glue onto the easel and the base of the card.

~ Trim purple paper to fit across the spotty panel on the easel, ink edges with Dusty Concord. Wrap a length of organza ribbon across the front, securing the ends with the double sided tape. Attach this to the spotty paper with the tape. Add a bow with the silicon glue.

~ Die cut the vintage border die using purple paper and glue to the card as shown.

~ Use foam pads to attach the Clara panel to the easel front.

~ Trim purple paper matt onto the pink spotty paper on the base, ink the edges first, then attach.

~ Die cut the medallions, add a brad through each grommet, secure into the medallion centres and attach to the card as shown.

~ To finish add the purple pearls as shown.

 

I love using CLARA she looks gorgeous in many colour ways!

 

 

We would love to see your entries for the VISIBLE IMAGE AUGUST CHALLENGE you could be in with a chance of winning £10 to spend on some gorgeous VISIBLE IMAGE STAMPS  I love using them the quality is brilliant and you get clean, crisp results every time!



 

Don't forget VISIBLE IMAGE  also have a group on Facebook which you can join by clicking HERE  It's a fun group with lots of inspiration to see using the stamps, and you will also see creations from myself and the rest of the design team.

 

 

I will look forward to seeing your challenge entries...good luck you never know you might end up being the winner!

I am entering my card into the following challenges...

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge 194 - Pastel Colours 
Sister Act Card Challenge - Anything Goes 
Paper Crafting Journey - Punches and/or Die Cuts Challenge 
Sarah Hurley Challenge 83 - Texture & Dimension
Addicted To Stamps & More Challenge 56 - Anything Goes
Crafting By Designs - Anything Goes
Divas By Design - Favourite Colour Combo - Pink & Purple My Two Favourite's
 

 

Thank you for stopping by,

till next time...

 

Happy Stamping,

Lots of love

Nicola XXX

Crafting Musketeers Challenge - My DT Card & DT CALL...

Hello lovelies!

Well August has certainly arrived quickly, which means it's time for another challenge over at the

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS

Before I share the challenge theme for this month...have you checked to see if your the winner or Top 3 from the last challenge? If not hop over here to see...WINNER AND TOP THREE 
Congratulations to you all, gorgeous projects!

Exciting news too...we have a Design Team Call...to apply you must enter the August challenge and make sure you add 'DT' to your name and tell us a little about yourself on your blog post. For the full details hop over to the

CRAFTING MUSKETEERS DESIGN TEAM CALL 

We are a very friendly team who enjoy working together. If you want to be part of this friendly design team make sure you apply! You never know it could be you...Good Luck everyone!

Now, onto this month's challenge...

THE CRAFTING MUSKETEERS - CHALLENGE 4

which is sponsored by

DELICIOUS DOODLES

and you could be in with a chance of winning 4 digis.

The theme this month is to follow this  'Sketch'
 

 

 

For my card I have used the gorgeous digi from Delicious Doodles

 

KISSING BUTTERFLIES

 

 

 

I have coloured the digi with Letraset Promarkers in shades...

Skin: Almond ~ Putty ~ Sunkissed Pink ~ Coral

~ Hair: Sandstone ~ Caramel ~ Cocoa ~ Raw Sienna

~ Clothes and Butterflies: Dusky Rose ~ Antique Pink ~ Rose Pink ~ Pink Carnation ~ Cocktail Pink

Outline: Apricot

 

The papers are from Creata, the butterflies are die-cut using my Big Shot machine.

 

I love this image, butterflies are a favourite of mine so this was just perfect!

 

We look forward to seeing your entries for this month's challenge, and don't forget to add 'DT' to your entry if you want to apply for the Design Team.

 

I am entering this card into the following challenges...

 

Delicious Doodles challenge 47 - Anything Goes

Fashionista Challenge 18 - Wings

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

That Craft Place - It's A Girl Thing 

A Little Bit Crafty - Summer Sun

Through The Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge - Anything Goes

 

Thanks for stopping by today, I always appreciate your lovely visits!

 

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX