The Crafting Musketeer's Midway Reminder....

Hello lovelies! 

I hope you are all getting organised for Christmas. I can't believe it's just around the corner. This year has flown by.

As we are halfway through November this means it is time for the midway reminder over at

The Crafting Musketeer's Challenge 

This month we are sponsored by 

The prize is some digi images from the store.

The theme for this challenge is

'Anything but a card'.

I have used a digi called 'Mistletoe Kiss' and used it to decorate a gift bag.

The paper's and flowers I have used are Kanban which you can buy here from

Aspire Craft's

I coloured the digi using Letraset Promarker's.

We would love to see your creations for this challenge.

Hop over to

The Crafting Musketeer's Blog

You will see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Have fun and happy crafting,
lot's of love
Nicola
XXX

Pink Pick of the Month - Kanban DT Post...

Hello lovelies!

It's time over on the 

Kanban Blog 

for my

'Pink Pick of the Month'.

I have been working recently with the gorgeous 

Denim and Lace Papercraft Kit 

If you saw the show recently on Create and Craft TV you will have seen this kit.

It truly is gorgeous to work with, the quality is excellent. I love the design, and colour's in this kit. There are many elements to this kit including florals, owls and denim pockets. Of course owls are always a popular option.

The kit I think is great too for any age group. You can make projects that take more time, or if time is short you can whip up fast cards in no time at all. This is brilliant if you sell your cards, a fast, quick and economical way to re-stock with your beautiful creations.

My 'Pink Pick' this month is a card I made using some gorgeous florals from the kit...

I also love the lace printed effect on the background, it is beautiful.  The florals look so pretty.

I have an extra 'Pink Pick' for this month too, just so I could show you more elements of the gorgeous

Denim and Lace Collection 

I have used the denim pockets on this card...

The detail on the pocket is lovely and I couldn't resist adding some bling.

I hope you like this kit, it has been very popular.

We have lot's of exciting things coming up, so to keep up to date I would love it if you could follow the Kanban Blog 

You will also regularly see stunning projects from the rest of the design team. We have lot's of lovely things to show you. 

I will be showcasing lot's more of my creation's using so many of the gorgeous kit's.

Thanks for stopping by, we always appreciate your visit's.

Till next time, happy crafting!

Lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

Create & Craft TV - Kanban Samples...

Hello lovelies!

Well I am very excited to show you a couple of 'sneaky peek' projects that I have made for 

Kanban 

with a new gorgeous collection brought to you on 

Create & Craft TV 

on 

Wednesday 22nd October

at 

8am...

Woo hooo, you only have to wait until tomorrow to see the 

'Denim & Lace' Collection.

I absolutely loved working with this collection. 

Here are just a couple of samples I have made for the show...

To see more details about these cards hop over to the 

Kanban Blog 

While you are there I would love you to hit the follow button, we have lot's more exciting thing's to come. Myself and the rest of the design team will be showcasing new project's with lot's of different collection's.

Don't forget to see the show, you really don't want to miss out on the

'Denim and Lace' Collection!

Thanks for visiting,

Happy Crafting

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

Crafting Musketeers Midway reminder... Challenge 18

Hello lovelies!

Well we are halfway through the month, which means it's time for the

Crafting Musketeers midway reminder.

The theme for Challenge 18 is

Autumn Colours.

The sponsor this month is 

the prize is

We would love to see your creations for this challenge. 

I made a card that was actually also a request for a wedding card with a pumpkin theme.

Hop over to the

The Crafting Musketeers   Challenge Blog to see the rest of the design team inspiration and to add your entry!

Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits! 

Have fun and happy crafting,

Lots of love

 Nicola

XXX

My latest jewellery creations...

Hello lovelies!

I just wanted to show you these bracelet's I have recently made. I loved making these.

The first two are a hugs and kisses style bracelet.

This one is a tennis style bracelet.

I absolutely love making jewellery, it's beginning to get very addictive. 

I like to make random pieces of my own, but then I also love making pieces from kits. These bracelets are from kits. 

I think they look very glamorous.

Thanks for stopping by,

have fun,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

Pink Pick of The Month - Kanban DT Post...

Hello lovelies.

I am really excited to be creating a project for a new feature on the 

Kanban Blog  

'Nicola's Pink Pick of the Month'.

I absolutely love pink, it is my favourite colour. So, I thought it would be a great idea to showcase a project using mainly pink element's from the many Kanban Kit's I have collected.

I have been a fan for many years, so do have quite a collection.

Here is my project for this month...

Hop over to the 

Kanban Blog 

To see which products I've used for my card. I would love you to hit the follow button while your visiting. We have lot's of exciting things coming up. 

On Monday 13th October a penny sale starts at 9am, make sure you grab yourselves a bargain.

Thanks for stopping by today, I always appreciate your visit's.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

Countdown to Tuesday...

Hello lovelies! 

Well, this is rather exciting...a new feature on The Kanban Blog is coming to you...from me...on the first Tuesday of each month.

The name of the feature is a little secret of mine at the moment, it will be revealed next Tuesday.

I am really looking forward to sharing my creations with you using the many gorgeous kits and papers I have from Kanban and Aspire Crafts. 

Myself and the rest of the Aspire/Kanban design team have lots of gorgeous, and exciting things to show you over the coming months.

Here's a little taster from the 'Bella Italiano' Collection....

Hop over to the 

Kanban Blog 

We have lot's of exciting thing's coming your way!

  

So, hop back on Tuesday for the first installment of my little delight! 

Have fun and happy crafting,
Love Nicola
XxX

My Teddy Bo Cards...

Hello lovelies, I hope you are all well.

This is so exciting, Teddy Bo is having a design team call.

I love the Teddy Bo collection, it is so cute and adorable.

I have made three cards for my design team application.

Coloured using Polychromo pencils. 

Coloured using Promarkers.

Coloured using Polychromo pencils.

I really enjoyed creating these cards, colouring is very relaxing.

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

Happy crafting,

lots of love 

Nicola 

XXX

A Jewellery Creation....

Hello lovelies!

I just wanted to show you a necklace I made. 

I absolutely love making jewellery, it's amazing how you can get so lost in time.

The fastening of the necklace is a lobster clasp and jump ring.

I love the colour's, quite autumnal which is appropriate for the season ahead!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits!

Happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

Crafting Musketeers Challenge 17 - My DT Card....

Hello lovelies!

Wow, this year is flying past! September already, it will be the festive season before you know it. LOL

Of course the 2nd of September means the start of another fantastic challenge over at 

THE CRAFTING MUSKETEERS 

Challenge Blog.

We are very excited as we have been sponsored by the wonderfully talented

Helz Cuppleditch

Here is my creation for this challenge...

IMAGE IS COPYRIGHTED TO HELZ CUPPLEDITCH

I absolutely love this image, it's so cute!

The theme for this challenge is

'Button's'

So, dig out those buttons. 

I have used Promarker's to colour this digi.

The shades are...

Burnt sienna - Cocoa - Terracotta - Raw sienna - Cinnamon - Saffron - Oatmeal - Buttercup - Burnt orange - Mandarin - Poppy - Red - Berry red - Ruby - Meadow green - Apple - Marsh green - Leaf green - Warm grey 1, 2 & 3.

We would love to see your creations for this challenge and here is the prize you could be in with a chance of winning...

Hop over to THE CRAFTING MUSKETEERS challenge blog to see the rest of the design team inspiration.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

 

Jewellery Making...My New Passion...

Hello lovelies...

I hope you are all keeping well. It has been a few weeks since I posted any crafty creations on my blog. The reasons are I simply have not had enough time just of late!

I have been so busy with one thing and another, I decided that I needed to juggle some things around and prioritize certain things. I had to do this so I could explore my new passion!

For a long time now, I have wanted to have a go at creating jewellery. I will still be creating my handmade cards, but this is something else I wanted to do along side my passion of card-making. I hadn't really told anyone that I fancied taking this up, but I have decided now is the time to explore this creative side of me.

Well, let me just say I do wish I had started it much sooner. I absolutely love love love making jewellery. It is so relaxing and I love faffing around with all the beads, especially the sparkly ones.

So, here are just a couple of projects I have made so far. 

A bracelet for my friend...

A necklace and earring set...

I will be creating some more pieces and will show you when I do. I have also been taking my broken jewellery to bits to recycle all the beads and fastenings.

I am really looking forward to designing my own ideas and exploring this other side of my creativity..oh and also wearing some of it too!LOL

Thank you so much for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits!

Lots of sparkly love,

Nicola 

XXX

Crafting Musketeers...Challenge 15....

Hello lovelies,

well its been a while since I posted on here as I have been really busy since Easter with doing my house up and working.

I can't believe we are now in July. I have finally managed to get back into my craft room. I also had computer problems for a while too, but hopefully that is all sorted now!

So, here we are with another fantastic challenge over at 

The Crafting Musketeers Challenge 

The theme for Challenge 15 is...

'Summer time'.

We would love to see your summer time projects for this challenge.

We have a fabulous sponsor for this challenge with a fab prize of £10 worth of product from

The Hobby House 

Here is the card I have made...

The picture is just perfect for me as I live at the seaside!

Hop over to the 

Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog 

to see the rest of the design team inspiration.

Happy Summer!

Lot's of love

Nicola 

XXX

Aspire Crafts on Create & Craft TV...Show times

Hello lovelies, I am really excited to tell you that Aspire Crafts will be on your screens on Create & Craft TV for a Weekender Special this Saturday and Sunday. The show is featuring Deco Ladies, which I have had the absolute pleasure of making samples for. This collection is gorgeous and I have loved working with it. You can do so much with the collection, not only to make cards with but also gifts, tags and even altered art! It is being brought to you at a fantastic price. The show times are Saturday 9am, 12 noon, 6pm. Sunday 11am, 2pm , 6pm. Make sure you tune in and see the rest of the design team samples. Amazing! Here are three of my samples, I will show you some more over the next couple of days. I have painted a canvas, and used various techniques to show how you can make a gorgeous picture from this collection. Also perfect for decorating boxes to give as gifts. Enjoy the shows lots of love Nicola XXX

Crafting Musketeers - Challenge 12... My DT card...

Hello lovelies!

I hope you are keeping well and crafting away merrily.

April has come around so quickly. Time flies when your having fun!

So, April means we have another fantastic challenge for you again over at the

Crafting Musketeers .

The theme for this months challenge is monochrome....here is what I made...

This month's challenge is sponsored by

You could be in with a chance of winning a £10 voucher to spend on the website.

We look forward to seeing your creations for this challenge.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

A Perfect Butterfly....An Aspire Crafts Design Team Creation...

Hello lovelies. 

I hope you are all keeping well and crafting away happily!

I have an Aspire Crafts design team project to share with you all today.

My design team box full of gorgeous goodies arrived the other day, when I opened the box a gorgeous butterfly design was the first thing that jumped out at me. As soon as I saw this I knew I had to create something straight away using the gorgeous butterfly.

You see, butterflies are my favourite thing, and for a beautiful reason too. My Dear Dad knew how much I loved them and over the years he and my Mum bought me various beautiful things to do with butterflies. I have one particular, special reason too for loving butterflies, but that's a story for another day as it's personal and close to my heart to do with the passing of my Beautiful Dad. 

Butterflies fly freely...and so does the spirit!

Anyway, let me show you the project I made...

I have used the Dekromounts Creative Frames and the Creative Frames Tip Topps 20831.

I have used a patterened paper from the Ditsy Delights Paper Pad.

I used a butterfly border die at the bottom and inked the edges with Distress Ink Victorian Velvet.

I embellished with Aspire Crafts Pastel Bling .

The flowers and pink beady spirals are from my own crafty stash!

Beautiful butterflies!

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

Happy Crafting,

Lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

Crafting Musketeers Challenge 11...My Design Team Card

Hello lovelies and welcome!

I can't believe we are in March already, time does fly by!

I do love March as the nights start to get lighter and Spring is on it's way. Also it is my lovely husband's birthday in March!

Anyway, another new month see's another fantastic challenge over at 

The Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog 

We have a lovely theme which is

'Art Deco'.

The fabulous sponsor for this challenge is

Here is the lovely prize you could be in with a chance of winning...

Here is my card for the challenge...

The products I have used for this card are Gatsby Chic from Crafttime.

We would love to see your creations for this challenge, so don't forget to hop over to the

Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog 

to see the rest of the design teams gorgeous 'Art Deco' creations.

Thanks for stopping by today I always appreciate your visits.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

My favourite card...

Hello lovelies!

Well out of the projects I've been blogging with you all this evening I really do feel that I've saved the best till last. I have to say that this is one of my favourite cards that I have made.

I think it is really nice to have a favourite of your work, this is just perfect as I absolutely love vintage and I love butterflies.

The collection is the Vintage Bloom Collection from Aspire Crafts.

I have used Dekro mounts which I have coloured with distress ink. 

The die is a Joy crafts die, butterfly border.

I love the Vintage  Bloom Collection, it is so very pretty!

Well, that is me all caught up in blogland for now...I will be back very soon with some more crafty creations.

Thanks for stopping by I always appreciate your visits.

Happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

A little bit of Bebunni Baby....

Hello lovelies...

wow I'm on a roll this evening catching up with blogland.

So, a few weeks ago I made some baby cards using the Bebunni Baby Collection from Crafter's Companion.

I went to the Ross Papercraft show in Hull and picked up some really cute baby embellishments that were just perfect to go with this collection.

Here is what I made...

On the girl baby card I have used a die which is a Sizzix die and it is the Framelits Frame Heart with crown.

The boy cards have the embellishments on that I bought at the show.

Hope you like them.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy crafting!

Lots of love

Nicola

XXX

A little bit of Bebunni Love.....

Hello lovelies...here I am again...wow catching up good time!

I wanted to share with you the valentine card I made for my lovely husband.

I used the Bebunni Love collection from Crafter's Companion.

As soon as I saw this collection I knew it would be perfect for my Valentine!

Even though its a pretty card, I think the touch of red and blue ribbon and hearts add that masculine feel to it. The die is a die-namites die Heart Swirls.

My husband is the love of my life, my best friend and soul mate. I'm very blessed!

Thank you for taking the time to visit.

Happy Crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

A 30th birthday card for my lovely friend...

Hello lovelies!

I have a birthday card to show you that I made for my lovely friend.

It was her 30th birthday last week. 

A girl after my own heart her favourite colour is pink! 

Well, how could I resist using this on her card. I teamed it with black, the Kanban Bella Italiano collection and some sparkle...here is what I came up with...

I used the Joanna Sheen dies Lace Edger 1 and Butterfly Flourish.

I added some gorgeous ribbon that I bought from a lovely little shop at Barnard Castle.

The flowers and spiral are from Wild Orchid Crafts. 

I discreetly put 30 in the corner.

I think this card was just perfect for my friend.

Thanks for looking.

Have fun and happy crafting, 

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

A Little Cutie...

Hello lovelies!

Well I have to confess, time has run away with me over the last few weeks with one thing and another so I have been a little behind in my blogging. 

I have got a card to show you that I made the other day using one of my gorgeous Lili of The Valley stamps.

I love love love this one.

I wanted to make it look all cute and pretty!

I have coloured this with Letraset Promarkers in the following shades...

Ice Grey 1 ~ Ice Grey 2 ~ Ice Grey 3 ~ Ice Grey 5 ~ Cool Grey 2

Pastel Pink ~ Almond ~ Putty ~ Lavendar ~ Lilac ~ Orchid

Pastel Green ~ Soft Green ~ Grey Green 

The die I have used is the Cheery Lynn Doily Die. The edges have been inked using Tim Holtz Distress Ink Victorian Velvet.

The papers, flowers and brads are the Lillibet A Tale Of Friendship Collection.

The greeting is a Kanban die cut greeting.

I have another card to show you using another cutie Lili of The Valley Stamp. 

Again, I have coloured this using Letraset Promarkers in shades...

Tan ~ Caramel ~Raw Sienna ~ Cocoa ~ Cinnamon ~ Oatmeal

Cool Aqua ~ Duck Egg ~ Powder Blue ~ Denim Blue ~ Turquoise 

The papers are from the Lilliebet paper pad as before. I have a thing about eyelets at the moment after treating myself to the Provocraft Silent Setter. I love using this!

The die cut bunting is from LaLaLand Crafts.

I really enjoyed colouring these two images, its very relaxing having a colouring session.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, I really do always appreciate your visits.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola

XXX

The Crafting Musketeers Challenge 10...My Design Team Card...

Hello lovelies!

Wow, we are now in February which means we have another fantastic challenge for you over at 

The Crafting Musketeers Challenge 

Challenge 10 is a fab theme...

'Butterflies'

So, yes we want to see these beautiful fluttery things on your project.

Here is my card....

I used a piece of fabric for the background and the large butterfly stamp is from Dreamees.

The sponsor for this Challenge is Dreamees and this is the prize that you could be in with a chance of winning.

We would love to see your creations for the challenge, so hop over to the The Crafting Musketeers Challenge  to see the rest of the design teams wonderful creations!

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

Happy crafting,

Lots of love 

Nicola

XXX

Compartment Boxes...Designed by Kathy Mills

Hello lovelies, I hope you have all enjoyed a lovely week-end.

I want to share with you a project I have just finished. I have made this for the fabulous Kathy Mills and her daughter Cara from 

Ruby Red Crafts

The "6x"6 Compartment Box is designed by Kathy and available to buy from Ruby Red Crafts.

These boxes are lovely to decorate, then pop a gift inside and the recipient can keep the box after. A gift in itself!

The boxes are so easy to make up. I would actually make some up and keep as gorgeous boxes for my craft room to store beautiful ribbons and pretty things in. Now that's another job to add on my to do list! LOL

I have used the Femme Fatale Toppers and the Femme Fatale 6x6 Paperstack from Kraftyhands

The die-cut flower is Cheery Lynn Black Eyed Susan Strip, which I have also sprayed with Crafter's Companion Pearl Diamond Spray & Sparkle. Both available from Ruby Red Crafts.

I have also used Distress Ink Victorian Velvet around the edges of the topper and paper.

The boxes will also be available to buy from the Ruby Red Crafts Stand 

at the

National Motorcycle Museum Craft Exhibition

Saturday 1st February.

Make sure you stop by the stand and have a look at all the gorgeous goodies available to buy.

Thanks for stopping by today, I always appreciate your visits.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

A pleasant surprise...

Hello lovelies!

I  visited the Ross Papercraft show on Sunday 20th January in Hull. As it was so near my home town how could I resist! LOL

I had a very lovely day and bought lots of gorgeous new crafting goodies, including some new flower and border dies.

I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Kathy Mills and her lovely daughter Cara from Ruby Red Crafts . We had a lovely chat and I was pleasantly surprised when Kathy asked me if I would make some projects for her for samples.

I was absolutely over the moon, and so very excited too. So, here I am to show you what I have created. I have had a lovely morning decorating some "6x"6 Compartment Boxes which are designed by Kathy and available to buy from Ruby Red Crafts.

Here are two so far that I have decorated...

I have a few more boxes to decorate which I will be sharing with you all very soon!

Thank you for stopping by today,

happy crafting.

Lots of love 

Nicola 

XXX