BlueBertie

New CMLI Challenge

2011-10-29T03:00:00.001-07:00

Rosie's challenge this week is to use the first stamp you ever bought to create a card. What a great idea. Remembering the first images that tempted me to try card making always makes me come over all misty eye'd. For me, it was Penny Black that first captured my imagination and I still think you'd have to go a long way to beat them for sheer "ahhhhh" factor. They're just adorable and I love them.

Anyhoo, as it happens, both Rosie and I had the gorgeous set of freebie papers from this month's Quick Cards so we decided to use the same three papers and see what we could come up with. As it happened, Rosie and I had very similar PB images as well. Those hedgies have a lot to answer for...

Here's my card

Right, I'm off to clean out my chickens. Have a fab day everybody. What was the first stamp you ever bought? Why not dig it out and re-live the lurrrrrve.

Lx

CMLI Themed Challenge - Sew Crafty

2011-10-23T03:57:00.001-07:00

Shamelessly self indulgent themed challenge this week but I HAD to find a way to play with these fabulous House Mouse stamps. They're just adorable.

I used my Prisma's to colour the mice

The papers are by Basic Grey and I've had them in my stash for a while. This seemed like the perfect occasion to break them out of their box and play. I love the clashing pinks and oranges. Scrummy....

Lx

CMLI Challenge - Blue Christmas

2011-10-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge was set by Our Rosie as Karen is living it up in sunny Florida at the moment :o)

The challenge is BLUE CHRISTMAS

and I couldn't resist this cute LOTV image

My current fave Christmas papers are from the gorgeous Bo Bunny Blitzen stack. I lurve them. Here is the finished card.

Lx

Well that's not a good start is it....

2011-10-08T03:10:00.000-07:00

I can't get into Craftbubble AGAIN... What's going on

My turn to set the sketch for this week's challenge and here it is

I love this Christmas Crafting image from Penny Black and I've been dying to use it for a while. very quick to colour in, which is great if you've got lots of cards to make. I wrestled with whether to glitter the bits of paper on the floor but decided not to in the end in case it distracted from the little paper star.

Have a good weekend all.

Lx

We've all gone nuts at CMLI

2011-10-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

Rosie has set us a picture challenge this week and despite the glorious summer sunshine outside, the DT are clearly feeling ready for autumn in all its glory.

Here is my card. I inked the background with distress inks before stamping on some swirls and acorns and then layering on some papertrey ink acorns which I crackle glazed before inking over the top with walnut stain DI. The leaves aren't oak leaves but in the autumn everything gets all blown about together doesn't it. That's what I love about it. There's so much to see.

Lx

WOYWDW

2011-09-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

Hubby's at home and is working at my desk today so I'll show you what I've been making instead.

Just a couple of very quick tags made with the odds and ends left over from cards I've made recently. I kinda like 'em and I was thinking it would be a good idea to keep going with this just using leftovers from any cards I make. That way I'll have some co-ordinating tags to go with my cards. Clever huh!

I may have to take refuge at the dining room table (formerly known as The Table of Craftiness) later....

Isn't the weather GORGEOUS! Apparently its set to last the weekend too. Whoopee!

Luscious LOTV

2011-09-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

Morning all

I'm enjoying making a few Christmas cards at the moment and while I'm in the zone I'm doing as many as possible to help avoid the inevitable last minute rush when the Christmas season hits us full on.

Here's a card I made for my lovely Mother in Law. Its just her style. I think she'll love the flowers and the sweet little girl in her Christmas bonnet. I've used traditional colours and my lovely Copics to colour her in.

I love those papers

Here is a close up of my flowers, which I must say, I was particularly pleased with. I'm not a great embellisher (because I'm RRRRRUBBISH at it).

Have a good day everybody. Its proper autumn weather here.

Lx

Christmas Card Recipe

2011-09-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

With Christmas rushing towards us at a pace a Christmas Card recipe every other Wednesday was decided upon to help us all catch up. This weeks' recipe was to include

a Christmas Mouse
a pinch of glitter
two traditional Christmas colours
a bit of dreaming

Well I'm certainly dreaming of a white Christmas so here's my card

and here is a close-up of those gorgeous House Mice

As ever, I coloured my mouse image with Prisma Pencils and inked the sky with Distress Inks. I made the snow using a pencil eraser and some white ink which I then embossed. I added a touch of glitter with stickles; red for the reindeer nose and berries and clear for the snow.

Tiny jingle bells and some chipboard letters from my stash (wanted to use dream but didn't have the right letters OF COURSE) to finish and there you are.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you like it.

Lx

Christmas Tree Challenge at CMLI

2011-09-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

We are back and raring to go again at CMLI and this week's challenge has been set by the lovely Karen. Karen's challenge is to use a Christmas Tree (or two) on your card.

Here is what I came up with

I embossed the trees with my Tim Holtz embossing file and then inked them with distress inks. I then clear embossed the snowflakes so that when I ink over the backing it acts as a resist and the snowflakes stand out against the background. A bit of paper tearing, a splash of distress stickles and my card is ready for its close up :o)

Sunflowers

2011-09-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

Morning all

Its a beautiful day here in Essex and I've just been down the garden to feed the chickens. My sunflowers just look beautiful in the sunlight and one of them measures 8 feet tall!!!

Anyway, they look so cheerful and jolly against the sunlit sky that I thought I'd share them with you.

So pretty aren't they...and filled with lovely food too. They still manage to look beautiful when they die back and the seeds ripen. It's so lovely picking out all the seeds knowing they will make a tasty snack and I get to keep some for more sunflowers next year. Gardening perfection in my eyes. A tasty snack for us; a treat for the chickens AND food for the garden birds that visit. I'll share them out so we all get some and next year I plan to plant as many as I possibly can.

Lx

Overdosing on LOTV

2011-09-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Talk about fickle! I've just splurged on this year's LOTV Christmas releases and yet I love this adorable LOTV bear too much to leave him in the stamp box. I'm trying to use up some of my odds and ends and although these aren't really what you'd call Christmas papers, I really think they work with this image.

and here's a close up of the little cub...

I've used my copics on this occasion. They are perfect for these beautiful LOTV images. If memory serves, the papers are a combination of DCWV and Basic Grey. I think they're scrummy together.

Another card in the box for Christmas. I'm on a roll.

Lx

Ho Ho Ho - Three of a Kind

2011-09-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Had to be done didn't it. Just look at these three cuties with their sugar canes

...and here is a close up....

I used my Prisma's to colour the image. I prefer them to my Copics for the House Mouse images. They just seem to work better for the sort of effect I want. It's a gorgeous image anyway but I think the glossy accents on the sugar canes and Christmas lights just make it. I've kept everything else simple so the image can shine. I may add some gems but I want time to think about it.

Thanks for dropping by.

Lx

CMLI Themed Challenge - Three of a Kind

2011-09-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

Clare's themed challenge at CMLI is Three of a Kind so I decided I'd better do a batch of Christmas cards. I just love these cute little LOTV bears and it was no hardship at all to bling them up a bit and rummage through my Christmas papers to make these sweet little cards in my fave colours.

Hope you like 'em

Lx

I'm back!

2011-09-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit of a full on year and I decided I was due a bit of a break. It's been lovely but I'm ready to climb back into the crafty saddle now and what a great way to start. Clare has set the challenge over at CMLI this week with a very clean sketch

Clare's theme this week was THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

The old Bluebertie brain was ticking away instantly and these gorgeous stamps by Paula Pasqual leapt instantly to mind

So quick and easy to make, I splashed out and did three. Just a few co-ordinating scraps of paper and some narrow card blanks and there you have it. I embossed the 'o' with clear embossing powder. I'm pleased with them. Each one is slightly different because I fiddled with the frames a bit. I'm thinking tags would also be pretty scrummy....

Lx

Hippywitch has an awesome giveaway

2011-09-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

I can honestly vouch for the first class work of this very talented lady. I have paid cash money for her beautiful work on more than one occasion and can say, hand on heart, that the quality is second to none.

It would be criminal to miss out on this fantastic giveaway so hop on over to the lovely Lori's bloggy for a chance to win this gorgeous amigurami

You won't be disappointed (well, you will if you don't win it but she does have any etsy shop you know....

Lx

GDT Spot at CMLI - Special Friends

2011-08-20T01:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Well as you can see, it is our GDT week this week at CMLI and the lovely Wynneth is our guest designer. Her theme is Special friends and this was the sketch she gave us to work with.

I had a lovely chat on the telephone with Wynneth yesterday and she mentioned that her cup runneth over slightly with all the things she's got to do. With this in mind, you can see where my inspiration came from for my card.

I've used a kraft card for the base and gone mad with red, blue, gingham and polkadots. Bliss!

Off to put the kettle on....

Have a great weekend everybody.

Lx

CMLI Themed Challenge - Totally Tropical

2011-08-17T06:21:00.001-07:00

It was my turn to set the themed challenge at CMLI this week and I got totally carried away with the lovely weekend weather and chose Totally Tropical as my theme. Fine and dandy BUT it slipped my mind that I don't actually have anything remotely tropical in my stash. THEN I remembered that my good pal Kathy had let me stamp this wonderful Changito image at our last craftathon and I was saved... Hoorah! Thanks Kathy.

It won't have escaped your notice that it is also WOYWDW today so without further ado, here is my rather sedate work desk today.

As you can see, I'm searching for stamps for various projects... Next comes the fun bit; stamping them and colouring them in.

Happy Wednesday everybody

Lx

Saturday Sketchie No 56 at CMLI

2011-08-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

It's my turn to set our sketchie challenge this week and the theme is "HELLO".

Here is the sketch

Here is my card

I made a real effort to use things I've been saving. I bought the doilies in Florida last year and haven't used a single one yet. The cute Penny Black chickie was an acquisition from a trip to Blade Rubber earlier in the year with my pal KathyK and the pretty paper was a freebie I had tucked away a couple of years ago. The flowers and brads were still sealed in their original packaging and I'm pretty sure I've had them for a couple of years too.

As ever, Karen's and Rosie's DT cards are fabulous and our gang of crafters will, I know do us proud. Please do drop by CMLI to check out their crafty offerings.

WOYWDW

2011-08-10T02:21:00.001-07:00

Well, what can I say? Not two weeks after acquiring my very own craftroom of requirement it's all crept back downstairs. I blame my crafty pal KathyK (mainly because she's not here to argue (mwah ha ha harrrr)). It all started as a little play session and snowballed from there. I'm under instructions to clear it all away today. I'm hanging my head in shame... ;oD

SAY CHEESE

2011-08-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at House Mouse & Friends is a real challenge for me because I DON'T DO ATC's. HOWEVER, on this occasion, it was well worth making an exception. Having checked out the fab inspiration from the design team and lots of the fabulous entries from other bloggers I came up with this very simple design.

Recipe: Take one nestability and check it's the right size for an ATC. Punch the resulting die cut with various sized holes at random. Ink edges with chalk inks. Add cute little House Mouse image and colour with Copics. Embellish with red ribbon.

Job done.... I think.

Lx

Saturday Sketchie at CMLI - Cuddles

2011-08-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Not so much a cuddle, more like hanging on for dear life... But it made me laugh so I hope it fits. I used my Copics to colour the image and highlighted the shiny bits with Glossy Accents.

This card is for my pals Kathy and Steve for their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Hope they like it.

Lx

Saturday Sketchie at CMLI

2011-07-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well good morning. It's Karen's turn to set the challenge at CMLI this week and her theme is TREES

Here's the sketch she gave us

and here is my card. SO not my usual style and somehow came out all CAS.

I love this Penny Black stamp and it really doesn't need a whole lot else than the gorgeous Hero Arts Dog Tooth Check to set it off. It is actually quite a lot crisper than it looks, particularly as I used Archival Ink for a nice finish. Sadly, the flash has lifted a lot of the colour out in the photograph. Ho hum. You get the idea. A splash of burgundy ribbon, a couple of diamante corsage pins and a metal snowflake to finish and Bob's your uncle...job done

Why not drop by and join in the challenge.

Lx

WOYWDW

2011-07-27T02:49:00.001-07:00

Morning fellow crafters

Today is Work Desk Wednesday and, following a takeover bid last week, I do now HAVE a work desk (and my very own Craft Room....whoop! whoop!). Yes; it's true. I have no scruples and I have sunk to an all time low. I'm a crafty squatter! Hubby left for work and the room was "a study". He returned to find it had become a crafty Room of Requirement (thanks to KathyK for coining that particular phrase...spot on Your Purpleness. Henceforth it SHALL be known as The Crafty Room of Requirement. So let it be written...). Fortunately, on seeing my shining countenance sitting a-top a pile of ribbon, beaming happily at him, he decided to err on the side of caution and let me stay there along with all my staaaaash.... Oh joy!

This week I've added a few essentials; ergo, a jar of sweeties, a tube of my fave Kath Kidson rose handcream and a pretty box of tissues. Not to mention some very pretty bunting(an essential, I think you'll agree).

Anyhoo, I digress.

Here is my work desk looking just about as tidy as it's ever been. Well, its early days yet.

Unfortunately, Bert is not QUITE as pleased with our new location as I am. This is mainly because I've still got a couple of boxes to sort out and, given the bijoux qualities of my new space, I've had to place these under the Table of Craftiness. Needless to say, this has displeased the Clumbersome Crusader greatly.

She's having a laugh; I'll never get in there

Wonder if I could squeeze in here

Nope! I'm out of here.....

Have a great day everybody. Best I go and clear those boxes before The Bad Bertster decides I need to be taught a lesson.

Lx

CMLI GDT Spot - Balloons

2011-07-23T11:43:00.001-07:00

Today was Debbie's GDT spot at CMLI and she gave us this lovely sketch to work with

Debbie's theme was balloons (I happen to love balloons - who doesnt?)

Here is my card and I really REALLY enjoyed making it. I'm ashamed to say I can't remember who these beautiful papers are by. I used a balloon image from the papers and the co-ordinating papers for the backing. I EVEN put thread in the sewing machine....I don't usually risk it because my sewing is so awful

House Mouse Challenge - Make a Splash

2011-07-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is the first time I've done this and I've got moments to spare so fingers crossed. The challenge is Make a Splash and I've had to rush out and buy a load of gorgeous House Mouse Stamps to enter (purely for the sake of art you understand...it's not greed...honest!)

Here is my entry. I really hope it's okay.

I coloured my image with Prisma Pencils and the papers were freebies from a magazine. The ribbon is binding tape coloured with alcohol inks.

Hope I'm in time.

Lauren x

Apple-y Birthday to You

2011-07-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

I have to confess that I splurged on gorgeous House Mouse stamps at the recent Artstamps Show and couldn't wait to whip out my Prisma Pencils (oo-er missus!?) and play.

Here's one of my favourite images made into an easel card. I'm not a great one for chipboard shapes but I couldn't resist the gorgeous free chipboards in this month's Cardmaking and Papercraft and my pal KathyK very generously donated hers to the cause as well. Woohoo!

Don't you just love apples....

Lx

CMLI Sketchie Challenge #51

2011-07-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Posting this challenge super early as we have guests staying over and I've rashly promised to get up and make pancakes in the morning.

Here is this week's sketch

The theme is SHABBY CHIC. I love mixing checks and dots and flowers and I was desperate to whip out my much neglected sewing machine until I remember the reason it is much neglected.... I can't bloomin' well sew. That'd be it then.

Hey ho. I'm deeply, deeply in love with House Mouse images at the moment and this one is soooo sweet. I've got three beautiful nieces with birthdays coming up soon and I just know little Katie will love this one. She's already a demon cardmaker herself so I think she will like the cute bunnies, the flowers and gems and the sewing. Hope so anyway. I usually like to use Prisma Pencils to colour in my HM piccies but this one is coloured with my Copics. I'm really pleased with the result.

The flowery paper is from a set of Pink Petticoat freebies in a recent Quick Cards Magazine. They're so pretty.

Oh, don't I go on... Here, without further ado, is my card...

Have a great weekend all.

Lauren x

A little bit of cake....

2011-07-04T02:15:00.001-07:00

Morning all, I'm back from a fun packed jaunt to meet some crafty pals in Bristol and at the Stamp Show at Newbury Racetrack yesterday. I staggered through the door yesterday evening to be greeted by the welcome sight of this gorgeous cake and a piping hot cup of my favourite Twinings Everyday tea....slurp. If anybody wants the recipe for the cake it is the one on the front cover of this month's Good Food magazine and you can find it on line at www.bbcgoodfood.com

Right oh, I'm off to do some housework before I hit the table of craftiness to play with my new toys, acquired at the weekend... Woohoo!

Lauren x

Themed Challenge at CMLI

2011-06-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

This week's themed challenge at CMLI is "A Jar of Jam"

I do love jam jars and confess I hoard them obsessively. They're great for making candle holders, gift pots and storage jars. Here's what I did with this week's challenge.

I bought these uber cute wooden hearts recently and decided to make a gift for my friend. I kept things really simple and stamped a sentiment on each heart, threaded a piece of pretty ribbon through to make a tag and then presented them in a decorated jam jar. Job done.

Lx

Dovecraft Time for Tea - a crafting frenzy

2011-06-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

I happened across these gorgeous papers yesterday and, what can I say? I think I'm in lurve...

Lx

Not your average Pet

2011-06-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

The lovely Kathy has set our themed challenge at CMLI this week and it was Not Your Average Pet. Well, notwithstanding the presence of The Bad Bertster, my favourite fantasy pet would have to be a dragon.

I love these High Hopes dragons and this one is just perfect to be holding a nice banner or cake. I made some bunting using some string and some East of India ribbon and my dragon is all ready to Partayyyyyyy

Lx

In all the excitement I forgot to post this week's

2011-05-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Sketchie Challenge. Our challenge this week was set by the lovely Karen and the twist was that it had to be a Christmas card so it was out with the Penny Blacks and the Christmas papers for some holiday fun.

Here is Karen's sketch (which I love to bits; such a great combination.

I used my Copics to colour my gorgeous little Penny Black mouse and papers from one of my most favourite Christmas stacks: Rose Tinted Christmas by DCWV. I finished off with some beautiful snowflake buttons from Hobbycraft.

Cake of the Day

2011-05-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

This week's cake is a Sticky Date and Ginger Cake with pears and pecan nuts and a brandy syrup glaze.... It is absolutely scrumptious. We've tried it warm with ice cream - sublime - and cold with a cup of tea - deeeeelish! An all round hum dinger of a cake.

Also, must share with you this MONSTER egg laid by our Brahama, Elsie, this afternoon. I've put it next to two normal sized eggs so you can see the difference. It quite makes your eyes water doesn't it. I bet it's a double yolker....

Enjoy your virtual cake.

Lx

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Sunflower Slayings and Other Stories

2011-05-29T04:46:00.001-07:00

Good morning everybody. Apologies for my absence last week but we were having a rip roaring time sampling all the local NHS Hospital has to offer. Quite frankly I could fill a diary but I’ll spare you and fill you in on what’s been occurring at the House of Blue these past weeks.

Bert continues his vigil for the missing chickie and I’m afraid Les Girls are not impressed with his daily pilgrimages. Hostilities between the BB (Bad Bertster) and the ENM (Evil Ninja Myrtle) have commenced a –fresh. It seems Myrtle has taken exception to having the fat furry one peering through the fence at every opportunity and the BB has, in turn, taken offence at her offence (if you see what I mean). It has not been pretty. Abuse has been hurled from both camps and threats have clearly been made. I have had to gallop down to intervene on several occasions when the noise levels have reached epic proportions with a combination of outraged Whoo Whoo-ing and indignant Buck-buck-buckawwwwing. It’s enough to drive your average crafter to drink (and frequently does – hic!).

In desperation, the BB has been issued with his very own surrogate chicken (of the stuffed toy variety before you all race for the phones to dial the RSPCA). This one crows convincingly if you tug it (a feature young Bert finds very appealing) and hangs impressively from the clamped jaws of said fat Clumber in a way that says “I’ve been savaged and suitably cowed by a vicious beastie”. This greatly appeals to Bert’s ego and he has taken to strutting around the house, head and tail held high, with his “kill” dangling pathetically from his lips. The subject is occasionally presented for inspection before being whisked away for another victory lap around the house and garden.

It will not surprise you at all, dear reader, to hear that His Bad Bertiness absolutely delights; DELIGHTS, I tell you; in taking his pathetic looking victim and shoving his little fat nose through the gaps in the fence at the bottom of the garden so that the ENM and her cohorts can see what fate awaits them should they dare to poke their beaks (or anything else for that matter) beyond the confines of The Chickadero. This unfailingly causes a great wave of protest and consternation as the chickens retaliate with details of what could happen to a certain fat spaniel should they get the opportunity. In short, it’s BEDLAM!

But on to more sedate things. The garden is coming along nicely and we had our first produce from the allotment this week (let joy be unconfined…). Having spent weeks carefully inspecting our broad beans, fending off predators and judiciously feeding, watering and cosseting said bounty, careful examination has been necessary these past few weeks to ensure our beans were plucked at the optimum moment for maximum sweetness. Imagine my delight when I prised open a tender pod last week to discover a perfectly ripe, perfectly sweet and tender little broad bean and five of its little broad bean brothers nestling in the spongy eiderdown inside. A small whoop of joy escaped my lips and was instantly regretted as it brought a gaggle of on-lookers wanting to TASTE my beans. Hmph! It was generally agreed they were, indeed ready to harvest and congratulations were offered. Given the state of the allotment when we took it on in November it has to be said, we have done rather well if I do say so myself. Best broad beans I’ve ever tasted and very satisfying to know we grew them ourselves and they are completely organic. A few extra beans were lovingly offered to our chickies and they were snapped up with suitable enthusiasm and relish. A job well done I’m thinking.

This week, we should be able to enjoy some of our oriental salad leaves with a nice Asian style dressing. I can hardly wait.I just hope the bunnies don’t beat me to it.

A lightning raid on my supposedly secure greenhouse was launched in the week and The Evil One pranced around the house with one of my plastic pots to let me know he had breached my defences and learned how to open the greenhouse door. My main concern was what had happened to the innocent Sunflower which had previously resided in the aforementioned pot. I found it, carefully deposited on the greenhouse floor but with all life crushed out of it where the idiot dog had obviously trodden on it in his haste to show me his prize.

My poor sunflowers have been singularly unlucky this year. In another recent tragic turn of events, my other half somehow managed to put a MAHOOOSIVE bag of rubbish on three or four which were big enough to be planted out into the garden. What can I say? I took it well and spent an enjoyable day sending rude texts such as “Sunflower Slayer!”, “Plant Persecutor” and “MURDERER!” to show him how well I was taking it….

Following the success of the flourless pear and chocolate cake (and the need to make amends for the recent sunflower slaying incident), a pear and ginger cake is promised later today. I shall of course be posting photographs but, given my unexpected absence last week, I’ve decided not to hold up the diary for it today.

Lots of digging to be done this afternoon if I can manage it. I spent a very enjoyable evening yesterday at The Bloomsbury Theatre enjoying the wisdom of fellow Grumpy Old Woman, Jenny Éclair. I’ve not seen her live before and I can honestly say I haven’t laughed so much in AGES. By the time we got home my sides were still aching and my feet were smarting just a tad from the effort of walking all the way from Lincoln’s Inn Fields to Bloomsbury in, it has to be said, ridiculously high heels. At least I managed to stay upright, which is a mercy, but Jenny has pointed out to me in no uncertain terms that hoisting your fat another 4 inches off the floor doesn’t diminish it in any way whatsoever. A lesson learned there then. If only she’d mentioned it before I schlepped across London holding my fat aloft, as it were, she’d have saved me a lot of trouble and aching feet into the bargain. The trouble is they really are GREAT SHOES. It would be criminal not to let them out in public occasionally and quite frankly I revel in showing the world that despite my advancing years, I can still mince along with the best of them in my scarily high heels. Don’t ask me why but it needs to be done and I’m the girl to do it. If at some point in the future you should hear tell of my unexpected and tragic demise having fallen from a great height as a result of wearing ridiculously high heels, don’t be sad; know that I died happy in a pair of FABULOUS shoes. Who could ask for more?

Well it’s been fun. Thanks so much for dropping by to read my drivel. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and it has been worth ten minutes of your time.

Drop by later if you can spare a minute to check out this week’s cake. Guaranteed virtually calorie free….

Have a great week everybody.
Lauren x

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER - Just Chicken In On You

2011-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

A bit of a subdued Diary this week as one of our chickies died in the week (sniff!). Bert has been keeping us entertained searching for her though. He's convinced she's escaped and we haven't noticed.

Watch the Birdie at CMLI

2011-05-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's this week's sketchie challenge and was inspired by a birthday giftie from my good pal, The Purple Princess.

Here is this week's sketch

and here is my card

I love these funky chicks. Aren't they great. They're from Sparkle & Sprinkle in the US. Well worth a visit as they have some great images and their sparkly embossing powder is an absolute delight. The girls are great too; really friendly and helpful.

Anyhoo. Thanks for dropping by. Please pop over to CMLI if you haven't already and check out everybody's cards.

Lx

Chrysanthemum Box

2011-05-09T12:46:00.001-07:00

I made this using a Sizzix Bigz Daisy Die and the Bigz XL Square Box Die.

Lx

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER - Clumbersome Customs

2011-05-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon all. After an epic struggle with Craftbubble this afternoon, I have finally managed to upload this week's Diary. It's been three steps forward and two steps back this week with the Evil Beakies giving me hell.

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER - Pistols at Dawn

2011-05-02T14:54:00.001-07:00

After a fornight of mystery computer problems, I'm finally back on line. This week I've thrown myself down the stairs AND undertaken hand to hand combat with disgruntled chickens armed only with a plastic spade and some washing up gloves.....

Lauren x

Candy at Ribbon Dreams

2011-04-12T02:39:00.001-07:00

The lovely Debs is offering some scrummy candy to celebrate a new DT post (what a clever girl she is). There are a few simple rules to follow. Click here for details.

Lauren x

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER - Another One Bites the Dust...

2011-04-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hasn't the weather been glorious this week. We've all been out in the garden enjoying the sunshine so The Bad Bertster has been at his evil bestest...

CMLI Sketchie Challenge #37 - Birthday Bling

2011-04-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

Another sketchie challenge over at Craft Mad & Lovin It and my turn to set the challenge, so here goesBirthday Bling

Now, as far as Birthday Bling goes, I don't think you can beat the party balloon so I couldn't resist these cute little Penny Black Hedgies, which I coloured with my Prisma Pencils. I have to say, I'm not overly thrilled with how the card turned out but thank goodness, the gorgeous image saves it. I loved the sketch and just failed to execute it well enough to make this card really shine. Hey ho. May have to have another go. That said, I do love the birthday gift paper I've used. How cute is that?

Lx

LESS IS MORE - One Layer Focus on Sentiment Challenge

2011-04-09T03:05:00.000-07:00

This week's one layer challenge over at Less is More is to focus on the sentiment. Hmmmmmmm.....challenge is the word, but in for a penny in for a pound so here goes with the first card of the day. I know there will be more as I feel my way along this challenge but you have to start somewhere soooooooo.

As you can see, we are still loved up in the house of BlueBertie so I hope you can forgive the relentless clinging to the red, black and white colour scheme AND the slightly sloppy sentiment.

Lx

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER - Bertie Goat Gruff

2011-04-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

The dog is part Goat...

Love a Splash More Red...

2011-04-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is getting quite addictive.

Couldn't resist making this one too.

Less Is More - A Splash of Red

2011-04-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed last week's Less is More challenge so I couldn't wait to see what this week's challenge is. Oh joy! It's "a splash of red" and, as my Anniversary is fast approaching, I thought I would make my hubby a manly Anniversary card.

Lx

Drip, Drip, Drop Little April Shower......

2011-04-02T02:35:00.000-07:00

Yup, Rosie's been watching Bambi this week and her theme over at CMLI's sketchie challenge is April Showers. I have to say I absolutely loved the sketch and the challenge and I feel we'll be getting some really lovely cards this week.

Here is my effort. A beautiful Tilda image, gorgeous Pink Petticoat papers AND the NOBLE sacrifice of a precious heart button....hope you like it.

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Spring has Sprung!

2011-03-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've been virtually living in the garden and Bert has been almost permanently excluded from it given his taste for my seedlings and his tendency to lie down in my flower beds. He has sought solace in the love of his new toy - Mr Ducky...

First go at the Less is More challenge

2011-03-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Can't seem to get a decent photo of it but this week's challenge at Less is More is a sketch challenge and requires a tall slim card. My friend Mary gave me some of these gorgeous flower buttons yesterday and I want to send her a thank you card so what could be better than to create a clean and simple card featuring one of the little beauties and a few little button friends.

CMLI SKETCHIE CHALLENGE #36

2011-03-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Hope the week has been kind to you and yours. Its been a bit of a rollercoaster ride here but we won't dwell on that.

Its my turn to set the sketchie challenge over at CMLI this week and here is my sketch

The theme this week is HOME SWEET HOME and here is my card

I've used the sublime DCWV Crafty Stack and tried to echo the colours in the beautiful Anya image. I used my Copics to colour her in and my favourite brown gingham ribbon from my stash. The little brown button is from Maya Road.

Don't forget to swing by and check out the other cards made by our Crafty Gang at CMLI. Be great to see you.
Lx

Don't you love a Dandelion...

2011-03-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've neglected this little beauty. The pretty pink embossing powder is from Sparkle n Sprinkle in the US and this is it's first outing. The papers are Regency by Papermania.

This could be an anything (ok, maybe not a man's card..but) card really so a great standby for my card box.

Baby Baby

2011-03-22T01:27:00.001-07:00

Today's project was made with one of the first stamps I ever bought. This cute little baby rattle has been tucked in a drawer for so long and it's been really nice to redisover it. Once again, I've gone for quite a clean look but, as you can see, old habits die hard and I just couldn't resist the pink gingham paper....sigh.... How I love gingham.

Have a good day all...

Lx

A change is as good as a rest...

2011-03-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

While my computer has been out of action, I've been having a serious sort out of my crafty stash and dug out a shamefully huge box full of crafty toys I'd forgotten I had. I've decided that, time permitting, I'll try to use one thing from the box each day to create various projects in the coming weeks in an effort to re-stock my dwindling card supplies.

Today I've used this gorgeous little telephone stamp by Sizzix. How could I have forgotten this little beauty. I stamped it onto some pretty paper from my offcuts box, grabbed some lengths of pretty ribbon and Bingo! I'm really pleased with these and they took minutes to make. Just goes to show doesn't it.

I think these may even come under the CAS heading, though I'm not sure the ribbon would be allowed. Think I need a lie down..... Wonder what to play with tomorrow...

Lx

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER

2011-03-21T03:47:00.000-07:00

This week I've been battling the Bad Bertster, the Beaky Battalion AND Bad Bunnies. Its been a full time job protection my precious seedlings from the onslaught but I fight on....

If Music Be the Food of Love....

2011-03-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

...Why don't rabbits play the banjo?

I know, I know, but it's not me - honest! This was Kathy's inspiration for her Themed Challenge over at CMLI so I picked up on "rabbits" and "food" and made a very simple easter basket for some chocolate treats.

I used a piece of double sided 12x12 paper and decorated with this gorgeous Messy Rabbit image, coloured with Copics. I'm fairly sure the "Friend with Chocolate" sentiment is by Hero Arts but the packaging bit the dust a long time ago because I use this sentiment a lot.

Blimey! Nearly forgot to post this week's Sketchie Challenge

2011-03-21T03:17:00.001-07:00

...which was set by the lovely KathyK

Kathy's theme was Beside the Seaside and you can see her lovely sketch and what we came up with here

Having moaned for weeks that I can't get my head round the current trend for Clean and Simple and I just "can't do it", this card kind of ended up that way without me really thinking about it. Clearly I was over-thinking and should chill out and have a go....

Wee Beasties over at CMLI

2011-03-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge has been set by the lovely Rosie and her theme for this week was Bugs

You can find the sketch and our cards here. I'm sure they will delight and inspire you.

Here is my card

I love this Tilda image, with her cute little Ladybird. They are such friendly little critters aren't they, and so pretty too. I die cut the ladybirds using one of my fave Sizzix dies and added a touch of Glossy Accents to make those shiny little bodies (and Tilda's lovely red wellies) pop.

Have a great week everybody.

Lx

DIARY OF A HAPLESS CRAFTER - BERTIOUS BIRTHDAY

2011-03-13T12:48:00.001-07:00

It's taken an AGE to upload my diary today so apologies for the late posting. First I couldn't upload any pictures, then I got pinged out before I'd saved the Diary. Finally managed to upload and all the words squished together so I had to go back in and add spaces. What's that all about?

Anyhoo, the Bertster doesn't like to share which makes his Birthday a challenge and a half to say the least..... You can read about it Here. I hope you enjoy it. Lx

STRIPES AT CMLI

2011-03-05T02:52:00.000-08:00

Morning all. This week's challenge at CMLI was set by Our Karen and her theme this week is STRIPES. Oh, we like stripes. Stripes go with ANYTHING. Yay for Stripes!

Here is Karen's sketch (which, for the record, I also love...)

Well I'm still in love with my Grumpies so this little Grumpie Bunny seemed just perfect for the challenge this week. I coloured him in with my Copics and added dimension to his eyes and the pads on his feet with glossy accents. Annoyingly, this has given his eyes a slightly crazed look in the photograph because the flash has bounced off the gloss but they actually look pretty good (if I do say so myself).

As ever, Karen and Rosie's cards are A-MAZING so don't miss out on those... PLUS, of course, our band of talented crafters will add their own fabulous creations throughout the week. Why not drop by and be inspired. Have a great weekend everybody.

Lauren x

AT LAST! I'm back AGAIN....

2011-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

The lovely man at DELL sorted me out and I'm back on line and a virus free zone. Phew!

This week's Themed Challenge at CMLI is Indulgence and Opulence.

Well, given the trials of the weekend (and the not insignificant dent in hubby's bank balance) I thought I would indulge in a bit of Grumpie-ness. Not as bad as it seems. Just look at these cuties from Smeared Ink. As soon as I laid eyes on them I HAD to have them. They are SO ME!!!!

Here's my first little Grumpie all ready for a party. I've coloured her with Copics and used Glossy Accents to highlight the glass and Grumpie's eyes. To be honest, I toyed with lots of backing papers but decided in the end that she didn't really need a whole lot else so I've left her reasonably unadulterated.

WELL THAT WAS SHORT LIVED

2011-02-27T06:29:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning to find my computer has a virus and Dell Support are not open on a Sunday... My diary is trapped inside my laptop and every time I power I'm pinged out by McAfee which is clearly not happy with the virus but doesn't seem to know what to do with it. Arrrrgh!

Sincere apologies but it looks like Diary of a Hapless Crafter will have to wait until next week. I do apologise for the appauling service but I simply do not have the time or the will to do it all again, PLUS all my photo's are trapped in cyberspace too. The diary just wouldn't be the same without the photographs so it looks like BlueBertie was only briefly allowed back in the building and is now banging on the big glass doors having lost her pass. Hmph!

Have a great Sunday everybody. I plan to use my time constructively and make some cards. Lx

BLUEBERTIE IS BACK IN THE BUILDING....

2011-02-26T03:54:00.000-08:00

after a somewhat longer than expected, and unscheduled absence, I finally managed to climb back into the crafty hotseat and this week heralds my return to the DT at CMLI. I have REALLY missed my pals at CMLI and I really can't thank the lovely Kathy K enough for filling in and keeping the Hot Seat HOT in my absence. It is SO appreciated.

Anyhoo, we have a GDT slot at CMLI this week and the lovely Cherry has provided us with this week's sketch. The theme is All that Glisters and Glistens so there is a Glittery Haze hovering over the CMLI clubhouse this week for which we make no apology.

Here is Cherry's sketch

and here is my card. I literally glittered everything in sight for this card and challenged myself to work on as small a surface as possible just to give the sketch a different perspective. I used quite a large Penny Black image, but one of my favourites, so I made that the focus and grouped everything else around the image, trying not to let anything overtake or detract from it. I coloured the image with my Copics and used Stickles to bring out the bubbles.

Gee its good to be back. Rosie, Karen and Cherry have made beautiful cards that you won't want to miss, and we are waiting excitedly for the first challenge entry. Please drop by and enjoy a vertiable feast for the eyes, or maybe join in the challenge. We'd love to see you.

Lx

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Beware the Bertatious Boa Biter

2011-01-09T04:53:00.001-08:00

Hello everybody. Happy Sunday. If you're here to find my diary for the week (well, Bert's....clearly) then I thank you. Allow me to point you in the right direction. This week Bert battles an EVIL Feather Boa. You can find the sorry tale here

Thanks for dropping by.

CMLI Sketchie Challenge - Pearls

2011-01-08T04:01:00.001-08:00

Morning all. Hope I find you all well this morning. It's Karen's turn to set our sketch today and she's breaking us in gently with this lovely sketch and the theme Pearls.

Here's my card. I love this LOTV image and its great with the beautiful Basic Grey papers.

CMLI Themed Challenge - Renew, Restore, Recycle

2011-01-04T03:43:00.000-08:00

This week's Themed Challenge at Craft Mad & Loving It is to Renew, Restore or Recycle

We've been getting gorgeous blue eggs for a few weeks now and it seems such a terrible waste to crack open the little beauties and discard the pretty shell. With this in mind I decided to create some Easter Decorations (I INSIST ON extra brownie points for being SOOOOO organised. Valentines Day is not even here yet). I blew the egg and let The Bad Bertster have the middle (don't worry, the dogs will each get one as I get round to making more). Anyhoo, then I glittered the shell, glued in some string and foraged a downy feather from the nesting material (one of Ninja Myrtle's I believe) and tied it carefully round the top. Et Voila! that's all it needed and I think it's really pretty. I'm going to be making more as I go and hope to display them on a painted branch for Easter.

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Please Sir, I want more!

2011-01-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Partied Out!

Bert wishes you a happy New Year and sets the scene for the coming weeks' diaries here

Lx

First CMLI Sketchie Challenge for 2011

2010-12-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

I'm honoured to present the very first CMLI sketchie challenge for the new year. The Theme, of COURSE is "Thank You" and here is my sketch

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

Here is my card. I used Basic Grey papers and this sweet little Tilda to make a thank you card for my friend. Initially I added loads of embellishments and then I thought "hey, let the beautiful papers speak for themselves and took them all off again. This is meant to be a simple thank you.

Happy New Year One and ALL. I wish you all you wish yourselves.

Lauren x

Sketchie Challenge at CMLI

2010-12-20T01:57:00.001-08:00

Here is this week's Sketchie Challenge at Craft Mad & Loving It

This week's challenge has been set by the lovely Karen and the theme is KEEP IT SIMPLE

Here is the Sketch

and here is my card. I love this sweet little snowman image

Only a few days to go to THE BIG DAY. I hope you're all ready..... Have a good week everybody.

Lx

This week's Diary of a Hapless Crafter is

2010-12-20T01:52:00.001-08:00

Here. Bert has discovered the joys of the humble cardboard tube....as well as his own hoard of Christmas Gifts.

Sketchie Challenge #22 at CMLI

2010-12-11T01:36:00.000-08:00

Morning all. Well the week has passed in a flurry of activity and I can hardly believe its the weekend again already. WHERE does the time go.

Here is my sketch for this week

and here is my card. I used this gorgeous LOTV tedbear. He's soooo cute!

With some people sick of the sight of christmas cards and others still slaving away (that would be Moi, then) I've left the theme open. Please do drop by at CMLI and see what our talented gang come up with. Maybe even join in.... Lx

Make a Little Birdhouse in your Soul

2010-12-05T15:01:00.001-08:00

These beautiful little birdhouses are freebies on the fabulous Papertrey Ink Inspirations bloggy here

Aren't they tweet!

Lauren x

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - A Proper Doughnut!

2010-12-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

Like much of the nation, we've been confined to barracks this week. Bert has not let this cramp his style....

A Bit of Free Play at CMLI

2010-12-04T02:27:00.001-08:00

Karen has set our challenge this week over at Craft Made & Lovin' It and we have no theme or twist; just a beautiful sketch.

Here is the sketch

I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Its a beauty! Here is my card. Disappointingly the prezzie looks green in the picture but its actually gold. Looks like my little LOTV bear has been good doesn't it...

What a great sketch eh. Drop by and see what our little gang of crafters makes of it.

Lx

An Award!

2010-12-01T15:44:00.001-08:00

My dear friend, KathyK has nominated me for this award. Thanks Kathy.

I need to give it to 5 friends and tell you three things about myself so here goes

I'd like to share this award with

Clare
Debs
JackieD
Georgie
Scrappyjacky

Thanks girls. You are a great inspiration to me.

Here are the three things about myself

1. I once had all my shoulder length hair cropped to about an inch long all over (think Annie Lennox in the 80's)
2. I'm virtualy blind without my contact lenses
3. I'm double jointed and can put my foot on my shoulder (I can hear you all saying yuk! Sorry)

Lx

Beary Merry Christmas

2010-12-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

Morning everybody. Just thought I would share this little bear I made for friends in New York who recently had a new baby (as opposed to an old one!). Over the years, they've each had one of my bears so it seemed only right that Charlotte have one too.

The bear is adapted slightly from a Jean Greenhowe (knitting Goddess) pattern and I've added a little dress, some knickers (well it IS a little chilly!) and a little bow for the little lady.

Lauren x

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Doing Porridge!

2010-11-28T08:45:00.001-08:00

I'm ALWAYS on a diet (not!) and this week my zoo has decided to give me a push in the right direction. Are they trying to tell me something?

Lx

CMLI Sketchie Challenge - One colour plus black

2010-11-27T06:14:00.001-08:00

No snow here yet but its bloomin cold I can tell you.

The lovely KathyK has set our challenge this week and what a humdinger it is too.

Kathy's tricky twist this week is to use only one colour and black.

Here is her sketch

and here is my card. I couldn't resist this lovely PaperArtsy image and it' fine just as it is in my opinion... No colouring in required.

Pop over to CMLI to see what Kathy and Karen made of the sketch. You won't be disappointed.

Lx

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Wish Me Cluck As You Wave Me Goodbye...

2010-11-21T10:45:00.001-08:00

Sincere apologies for the delay today. Its been SO BUSY but we did manage to squeeze in a trip to the Cinema to take in the latest Harry Potter. I'm off to see it again tomorrow... Woohoo!

Bert is most displeased this week as he has had to take second place to a flurry of crafting and a minor Chicken Shaped drama....

This week's diary is HERE.

Thanks so much for dropping by.

The Night Before Christmas - Sketchie Challenge at CMLI

2010-11-20T02:19:00.000-08:00

This week's sketchie challenge at Craft Mad & Loving It was set by Moi and my theme is The Night Before Christmas

Here is the sketch

and here is my card

The papers are from a freebie stack in Quick Cards (How I love them...) and the image is by Penny Black (one of the first stamps I ever bought. I still love it). I used Copics to colour my image.

Thanks for dropping by and please do come and see us at Craft Mad & Loving It

Festive Bottle Bag

2010-11-19T13:42:00.001-08:00

I'm on a roll. Must be the wine!

Here's a little bottle bag I whipped up this evening. I've used my Dovecraft papers again, a bit of ribbon and some diecut holly. Ba Da Bing...

This bag is made with one and one third pieces of 12x12 paper and will fit a bottle of Hardy's red in it. They are SO EASY and I can't wait to make another one now.

Lauren x

Gift Tube

2010-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Surprise, surprise, MORE BLUE!!!! But I love it so. I think this gift/bottle tube looks soooo pretty. I haven't decided what to put in it yet but there is plenty of room for a bottle of something or a candle, round soaps...or LOTS of choccies.... We'll see...

I hope you like it.

Lauren x

Mary's Birthday Card

2010-11-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Like me, my friend Mary absolutely loves Duck Egg Blue so I made this birthday card for her and hope I've hit the mark.

Lauren x

Jolly Holly

2010-11-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

More boxes!

I love these Sizzix Take Out Boxes. The Holly is also a Sizzix die. I love these Dovecraft papers. Jolly Festive....

Embossed Snowflakes

2010-11-18T03:31:00.001-08:00

I used bright white card for this one and embossed with silver snowflakes. Another LOTV sentiment matted onto silver card and a touch of sparkly silver ribbon (thank you KathyK) to finish.

Okay, here's a slightly more sophisticated one for my MIL.

Lx

So Sweet!

2010-11-17T15:53:00.000-08:00

Couldn't resist making another one. These little gable boxes are perfect for a piece of A4 card and the possibilities for decoration are endless. I'm hooked. Head on over to Splitcoast Stampers for the instructions.

(oops! I thought I'd put in a link but Jackie has very kindly reminded me I didn't. Sorry about that. Its there now). Lx

Don't Eat The Yellow Snow!

2010-11-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

This is perfect for a few jokey presents for friends' children or some friends who are still in touch with their inner child.... This one says "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" and contains Lemon Sherbet. Clever huh!

CMLI Themed Challenge - Shaped Tags

2010-11-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well shaped tags is the challenge so a shaped tag it is....

This may just be the cutest little snowman ever!

I feel more tags coming on.....

Watch this space...

Lauren x

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Christmas Is Coming; Look Busy!

2010-11-14T15:03:00.001-08:00

Don't faint but The Bertster has been really GOOD this week so I've had nothing to write about. He, on the other hand decided to vent his spleen about a few things.

You can find Bert's diary here

A Day for Play

2010-11-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

Here are a few projects I've been playing with today. I thought they would be nice little gift ideas.

I found this brilliant (and spectacularly easy) triangle box over at Splitcoast Stampers (curtsey's). I LOVE it. How I wish I'd found it before. Anyhoo. Here are just a couple of very simple ones in readiness for little gifts.

Aren't they cute!

Then I decided I needed to use this cute little Tilda image for something. I'm always losing my post-it notes so here's my solution

Lauren x

Sketchie Challenge #19 - SPARKLE

2010-11-13T03:42:00.000-08:00

Morning everybody. This week's sketch at Craft Mad & Loving It has been set by the lovely Karen and the theme this week is SPARKLE

I really enjoyed making this card and how lucky that that I got a gorgeous free stack of papers with Quick Cards this month which heavily influenced my choice of colours.

Here's the sketch

and here is my card

There's loads more inspiration and lots of great cards over at CMLI so why not drop by and maybe even join in the challenge. We'd love to see you there.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Lauren x

Themed Challenge - Gingerbread

2010-11-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Well, somebody had to do it didn't they. I've made these little take-out box houses before but I thought these would make great little sweet boxes for my nieces for Christmas. I've kept it simple because I've got three to make but the card candy looks just like smarties and my Martha Stewart Punches make great icing. I can fill them with chocolate treats for Christmas day. So much nicer than those nets you get don't you think. They could probably put a little dolly inside as well if they felt that way inclined.

Hope you like it.

Lx

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - A Cautionary Tale

2010-11-07T02:16:00.000-08:00

Its been an Eggstravaganza of Egg Suicides in The House of Bluebertie this week.

Why not grab a cuppa and swing by to hear my tale of woe. This week's diary is here

Thanks for dropping by. Lx

CMLI Sketchie Challenge - Fake It!

2010-11-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

Its another sunny, sketchie Saturday and this week's sketch has been set by the lovely Rosie. Her twist this week is FAKE IT

and here is the sketch

and here is my card

See if you can spot those fakes

Lx

CMLI Themed Challenge - Communication

2010-11-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

This little brain teaser was set by the lovely Debbie and I don't think she realised just how testing it would be.

After much thought, I came up with this......SAY IT with flowers...Sadly, not earth shatteringly brilliant, but I do love this LOTV kitty. He's SO cute!

Fancy a walk?

2010-11-03T10:27:00.001-07:00

Grab your coat and Wellies then and join me here for a lovely autumn walk with me and my doggy pals.

All this gorgeous countryside is 100 yards from where I live. How lucky am I?

Bertie x

We Will Fight Them On The Beaches.....

2010-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Bert doing a little impromptu Churchill impression with one of my precious bottles...

Talk about "rub it in"...

Diary of a Hapless Crafter - Let There Be Light....

2010-11-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Bert's been having a bit of a rest and its the Power Supply that's been giving us trouble this week.

Read about my trials and tribulations here, with a healthy dose of Bertatiousness thrown in for good measure. He's never one to miss an opportunity...

Those of a nervous disposition should avoid reading on as I'm afraid there have been casualties this week. Many innocent plastic bottles lost their lives this week when Bert discovered our secret stash hidden in the cupboard under the stairs. It wasn't pretty. Fortunately, due to lack of power, it was too dark to get any photographs so you will be spared the sight of the "dead and dying" in their last throes...sniff...sob!

Craft Mad & Loving It Sketchie Challenge #17

2010-10-30T02:46:00.000-07:00

This week we have a Guest Designer slot over at Craft Mad & Loving It and the lovely Debbie has stepped up to the plate with this sketch

Can you believe we're on challenge number 17 ALREADY?

The twist is GOING POSTAL
and, after a bit of a false start, here is what I came up with

The papers were from a really nice selection of vintage themed papers. I matted and layered onto red card and used some lovely textured brown card from my stash which I die cut to give a scalloped edge before inking around the edge with Vintage Photo Distress Inks. The lovely Postcard stamp is by Penny Black. I stamped it in Vintage Photo and then inked around the edges with Old Paper DI. Tilda is coloured with Copics and the edges are inked with Old Paper. I cut out two circles with my Big Shot and quickly drew a little envelope, inked the edges and slipped it under Tilda's hand to continue the theme. The little flowers are made with my current fave Martha Stewart Hydrangea stamp and some of the last of my lovely twinkly brown brads (My absolute tip, top faves). And there you have it...job done! Hope you like it.

Lauren x

CMLI Sketchie Saturday - BERRY BRIGHTS

2010-10-23T01:58:00.001-07:00

Good morning. Its my turn to set this week's challenge and in order to give people a chance to make something other than a Christmas card if they're just sick of the sight of them but to encourage stash building for people like myself who have lots of Crimble Cards still to make (tsk tsk!) I've got for a Very Berry theme. This can be berries themselves or berry bright colours. Don't you just love em.

Here is the sketch

and here is my card

I've used Art Institute glue and some of my fave Glamour Dust to give dimension to the berries. The top two are dry and the bottom three are still drying. I put a reasonable sized blob on to give a bit of height and then add the glitter. It dries clear so you still get definition but you get a nice juicy looking berry. You could also use glossy accents for this technique.

Please drop by Craft Mad & Loving It on CraftBubble. We'd love to see you there.

Have a great weekend y'all

Lauren x

Diary of a Hapless Crafter delayed due to Drive-by-Bouncing of the Bertious Kind

2010-10-17T08:25:00.001-07:00

Yup he's back in my bad books after bouncing me at JUST the wrong moment this morning and deleting 3 hours' work. I won't tell you what I called him.... I had to start again from scratch but the Diary is now here

There are also some Bertious piccies here if you need another Clumber Fix

Hope you enjoy it and thanks so much, as ever, for your support and encouragement. Lx