Kool Kitty Musings

Festive Frog Hop!

Welcome to those who've joined me from Sharmaine's fabulous blog!

I'm your next stop on this month's Banana Frog blog hop. :o)

And here's my little festive project using my most favourite ever Banana Frog font! Oh yes, it's that DeLouisville Tadpole set, and it's also twinned with my favourite colour combo - turquoise and red! Yum.

 

Stamps: Banana Frog - DeLouisville Tadpole set
Card blank: DCWV
Papers: Echo Park
Sticker: Echo Park
Dies: Nestabilities, Papertrey Ink
Twine: The Ribbon Girl
Bling: Prima
Felt: Papertrey Ink
Button: Papertrey Ink

 

I couldn't resist making a little rosette with a vintage button and some of that fabulous baker's twine.

 

And rather than just use black ink or one colour, I carried the turquoise/red theme into the greeting. I just *heart* the simplicity and clean look of this font... :sigh:

Anyway, you'd best scoot on over to Debbie's blog for some more inspiring eye candy, but before you go - don't forget to leave a comment here for your chance to win a set of Banana Frog stamps. :o)

And who can believe that tomorrow's the first of December!? Get those advent calendars at the ready!

Winter seems to be sticking around...

But at least my boiler isn't leaking any more!

However the snow seems to be a permanent feature for the next few days at least.

 

While it kept coming down I did a few things round the house and tried to catch up on my DVD rental list!

 

I finally got out my Winterland candle (fave ever Yankee Candle Christmas fragrance) - it seemed very apt!

 

Before it got dark, I went out with the camera for a walk in the park.

 

It turned out to be a bit of a short walk as the snow started coming down again.

 

Who wouldn't want to live in a Park Lodge like this?

 

The bandstand at the top of the hill looked especially nice, beyond it there were loads of kids flying down on sledges!

If it's going to be like this again tomorrow, I may stay under the duvet to finish my book!

Also today was my day for the Project of the Day on the Banana Frog blog:

 

Stamps: Banana Frog - Christmas Elegance
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Stickles

 

It's all about masking magic for this one. :o)

Another Christmas card I've not posted yet is this one:

 

Papers: My Mind's Eye
Dies: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Felt: Papertrey Ink
Bling: Doodlebug
Other: Distress Stickles

 
Right, off to have my tea and see what's on telly tonight. :o)

Festive purchases...

Alas, my weekend shopping trip with Ma to Newcastle didn't yield too much in the way of must-have items - in fact it was rather disappointing to previous years.

Especially John Lewis!

I can't believe it myself, but so disappointing was it that I took zero photos in the Christmas decorations department. And the Christmas tableware seemed to be missing the one item I wanted to purchase that they'd had on their website previously. A red plate with a white heart stencilled on that went with this range:

 

Most frustrating.

The only think I purchased in John Lewis this time round was a set of bobbins for my mini sewing machine. But I really wish they'd sold these red ones back when I bought mine - I just looooove it!

 
But back to festive purchases, Ma made good in Fenwicks where the choice of baubles was particularly fantastic this year! In fact we rather went to town and I looooove the baubles that she bought for me. I also now have a gorgeous little basket that got left at John Lewis restaurant and required me to dash back up two escalators to retrieve it!

We made a bee line for Paperchase but nothing really took my fancy. I thought I'd really like the stencilled tree range I'd seen online, but wasn't that taken in person.

In Debenhams Ma bought some coasters and a serving platter by Lisa Stickley - seriously lovely, but I am still looking for just the right nice round Christmas plate/dish.

That was about it really... Oh I did spot that the latest issue of Craft Stamper was on the stands and features two little projects I made for the Stamping Contrasts article using Banana Frog Christmas Elegance stamps:

 

 

I used Prima stick-on pearls as baubles on the tree, and added Stickles to the leaves for extra sparkle.

I also made a gift tag that could be used as a tree decoration...

 
I used the To and From stamps on the back and rather like how it turned out. :o)

Autumn is in the air

Hi and welcome to the next stop on this month's Banana Frog blog hop!

If you've not joined me via the hop, then welcome along - the theme this month is all things Autumn.

And I could not resist teaming up my favourite autumnal paper collection with some of my favourite Banana Frog stamps!

 

Stamps: Banana Frog - Sentimental Style and Hiya Chick; Waltzing Mouse (die border stamp)
Papers: Cosmo Cricket (Nutmeg collection)
Dies: Nestabilities, Papertrey Ink
Felt: Papertrey Ink
Twine: The Ribbon Girl
Brad: Lasting Impressions
Other: Copics, Distressed Stickles, Distress ink, 3D foam

 

Although this card is quite small and makes a nice little notelet, it packs in quite a lot of texture with the crumpled edges, twine and felt embellishments.

I just love the little bird houses - they're perfect for any season!

Now, remember to check out the Frog Blog for the full list of blog hoppers and make your way to Audrey's blog to see what project she's sharing. :o)

Happy Hopping!

Spooky goings on....

Well, it has been one of those week's where not much has been happening on the creative front.

Where has the time been going?

However, I have finished a book (phew the TBR pile is coming down a bit) and did share some card projects.

This week's DCM dare is my own - Trick or Treat - where you can create a Halloween card or use Halloween colours for a different theme.

I went with the Halloween theme as I only really get to send one Halloween card to a family that I know certainly celebrates the day!

 

Paper: KI Memories
Embellishment: Making Memories
Ribbon and twine: The Ribbon Girl
Glitter letter stickers: KI Memories
Dies: Nestabilities, Papertrey Ink
Felt: Papertrey Ink
Buttons: Basic Grey
Other: 3D foam, Distress ink, Goggly eyes

 

Must say I am pleasantly surprised with how it came out and I hope the recipients have experience some ghoulish glee opening the envelope!

Also this week, it was my turn to share a project of the day on the Frog blog.

Here's the rustic Christmas card I made:

 

Paper: KI Memories, Making Memories
Stamps: Banana Frog (Christmas Elegance, It's Christmas Deer)
Inks: Versafine
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Twine, button, 3D foam, black pen

 

I've now just got one more non-Christmas-related card to make and then it will be Christmas crafting all the way for a bit... I have no idea how many Christmas cards I have to hand so far, but I suspect NOT ENOUGH will be the answer...

I have a couple of yummy new things on the way to help me out though. ;o)

Wrapped up...

I have a Lilypad Lesson over on the Frog blog showing how to make cupcake wrappers à la....

 

Check it out if you're so inclined... ;o)

The Apprentice tonight and I have a few things I want to tick off my to-do list once I've had my tea. Oh and Nikita tomorrow night on Living, I really liked the season opener so hope this series will get a full season as it only started in the US in September.

Also it is not a good time for the battery to die in your kitchen scale when you are midway through weighing stuff ready for a recipe! {sigh}

Normal service will be resumed - one day!

Apologies for the technical meltdown to all those popping along on your way around the Banana Frog blog hop... it has been one of those days!

In honour of my recent rather festive mood what with yummy new stash purchases and the odd Banana Frog project...

 

I'm setting you a little challenge and giving you the chance to win a set of Banana Frog's Winter Wonderland stamps:

 

All you need to do is leave a comment letting me know what you plan to use on your Christmas cards this year! And for the challenge part, if you've started making your cards - link me up to your festive creations!

Now, on with the hop - go check out Michelle's fab project, it's a bit more seasonal... ;o)

Everybody Loves Christmas

Especially if it's that lovely Echo Park paper line....

 

Today it was my turn to post the Project of the Day over on the Frog Blog. And since this line from Echo Park uses a certain font also available in stamp form from Banana Frog well, it seemed rude not to use the two together. ;o)

 

Stamps: Banana Frog - De Louisville
Paper: Echo Park
Journaling card: Echo Park
Other: 3D glitter glue

 

That stripy paper is especially lovely, and the colour combo is lush. So I replicated it in my stamped greeting - thankfully had almost all of the right shades in my stash - and hey presto! A great way to use up a journaling card, play with my fave font, and rummage through my ink stash!

Plus I seem to have overcome a few issues I had with my sewing machine of late - operator error now resolved. :oD So basically everything is getting sewn onto these days. hehe

Some projects from last month...

Now that I've got tomorrow's project for the DCM blog done, I'd better share some old projects I did before going on holiday.

Yes, card a day has truly gone on the back burner. LOL

Here's the DCM card I made for the Peridot dare:

 

Papers: Crate Paper
Alpha stickers: Prima
Pearls: Prima
Flower: Prima
Brad: Making Memories

 

I really wish I had more of those pastel spotty flowers - not seen them in separate packs of just spotty ones like this... {sigh}

And here's the project I did for my most recent Project of the Day post on the Frog blog. Brace yourselves, it is a Christmas card.

 

Stamps: Banana Frog - It's Christmas Deer
Papers: Basic Grey
Chipboard accents: Basic Grey
Die: Nestabilities
Other: Satin ribbon, Stickles

 

Lots of Stickles fun with the prancing deer!

Long time no post...

Well I'm back again albeit briefly this afternoon to post some "recent" cards. ;o)

Today it's my dare over on the DCM blog - the dare is to make a card to celebrate Girlfriend's Day and Sister's Day (ha it's a good job July - aka National Ice Cream month - is almost over, as making a card for that would send me in search of a nice accompaniment from the freezer!).

But I digress, here's my card that will be destined for a very good friend. :o)

Papers: Girl Friday by Cosmo Cricket
Ribbon: Fancy Pants
Pearls: Prima
Other: Bazzill just the edge, Stickles, Glossy Accents

They're very Stickles-friendly these patterns, perfect for some extra pop. I also Glossy-Accented the "Queen bee" bit.

Also recently on the Banana Frog blog, this little project was posted:

Stamps: Banana Frog - De Louisville
Cardstock: Bazzill glazed
Papers: Cosmo Cricket, Echo Park
Dies: Nestabilities
Bling: SEI, Kaiserkraft
Other: 3D foam

I just love how this alpha works with ultra-zingy tropical colours - plus you can't beat a bit of layering!

And I am still addicted to using Bazzill glazed cardstock for card blanks. ;o)

Anyway, I'd best go do the washing up and get my dinner in the oven - exciting huh?

Oh I forgot to add...

Summertime hop

If you've joined me from Debbie's blog, welcome to the next stop on this month's Banana Frog blog hop!

As you know this month's theme is all things summer!

And what better excuse than to dig into some new summer stash and play with some of the stamps in the new Sentimental Style set from Banana Frog:

 

This set will definitely be an indispensable addition to any cardmaker's stash - whatever their creative style! You can go very stylish, clean and vintage, or bright, funky and very mod.

Here's my little homage to our currently unseasonal British summer weather! Very much a cause for celebration! :o)

Papers and stickers: Echo Park
Stamps: Banana Frog - Sentimental Style
Pearls: Prima
Other: 3D foam

I love the bright colours in this collection of papers, and it just shows how Sentimental Style lends itself to all types of colour schemes and patterns. For extra zing and pop I stamped onto kraft in white and red ink, and the greeting stands out even more than had I stamped in black on white. If you're going to use bright colours, you might as well go the whole hog right? :o)

And finally, the winner of the Tropical Taste stamps from my Lilypad lesson at the weekend is Julie:

 Beautiful cards - I love the shapes - theyre fab and gorgeous stamps. xxxx

Posted by: Julie | Sunday, 27 June 2010 at 02:36 AM

Thanks for stopping by - make sure to check out the other Design Team blogs that are Frog Hopping this month - remember to leave a comment on all of the blogs, as you may just win something!

Now it's over to Michelle for your new hit of Frog temptation and inspiration!

Sunday round-up

Well the day has certainly passed quickly - much of it was spent outdoors in the sun finishing up the last of the planting for the summer (well possibly), getting the hanging basket bracket up for the trailing begonia, and the wire on the wall for the climbers.

All that remains is for it to all take nicely to its new earthy home. :o)

The hot weather hasn't been so kind to my David Austin roses and they have been drooping a bit, however it has meant that any victims of the sun have been cut and brought into the cool of the lounge:

Otherwise I have been staying away from falling for more Elemis luxuries, although I finally succumbed in the late evening to one huge temptation... it was rude not to!

So I shall be looking forward to my goodies arriving this week.

Also I should post the card I made for today's Project of the Day over on the Banana Frog blog - I've had a bit of a busy Frog Blog weekend! ;o)

Paper, journaling card and sticker: October Afternoon
Stamps: Banana Frog - Hiya Chick! and Sentimental Style
Border punch: EK Success
Twine: Papertrey Ink
Other: Rock Candy Stickles

 

Now I need to go and have a soak to get rid of the layer of sunscreen and BBQ soot (not that I partook, just got caught down wind of a party) - and I have just the item - I managed to stock up on 3 bottles of the now discontinued Dream Boat Milk Bath from the Bodyshop in their in-store sale yesterday. £3 each and so worth it!

 

Today over at the Banana Frog blog...

I am sharing these card projects:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Totally Tropical, Tropical Taste, Sentimental Style
Paper: KI Memories
Bling: Prima
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Stickles and Liquid Pearls, 3D foam

The Fruit Punch Stickles went perfectly with the colours of this card. :o) 

Next up a bold and bright card:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Budmo Jiggler tadpole set
Papers: October Afternoon
Flower/fringing: Cuttlebug
Button: Doodlebug
Die: Top Note
Other: Stickles

Budmo Jiggler really pops with a bit of Stickles in the dotty accents.

And finally... a little romance:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Sentimental Style, Hiya Chick!
Papers: Bo Bunny, Making Memories
Pearls: Prima
Twine: Papertrey Ink
Button: Doodlebug
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Stickles

So there you have it - 3 little notelet projects that are pretty quick to put together and will stand out on any mantelpiece. :o)

Now, if you fancy winning a set of the Tropical Taste tadpole stamps, just leave a comment here and to double your chances, post comment over at the original post on the Frog Blog.

I'll announce the winner this coming Wednesday! :o)

Sunday round-up

Well, the weather has been very dreary and wet today, so a day for staying indoors...

Also it meant I could play with my new Nestabilities that were on special offer:

But first, here's a card that was posted on the Frog Blog the other day for the June sketch challenge:

Paper: Bo Bunny
Stamps: Banana Frog - Hiya Chick!
Die: Nestabilities
Other: Bazzill Just the Edge, Copic Ciao pens

Next up I decided to have a little play with the Labels nine set, well the smallest die in the set to make some little alpha labels. Before cutting out the label, I drew around the inside of the die to make a border I could colour in...

Prompt: "Hello Friend" - Inspiration: two-paper background, lime/pink/teal, floral elements, 3 bling accents.

 

Stamps: Banana Frog - De Louisville
Paper: Banana Frog, KI Memories
Lace cardstock: KI Memories
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Promarker pens

They look rather SEI Hippy Chick-esque - loved that line!

Next up a nice simple one...

Prompt: "Good Luck" - Inspiration: Primary colours, large font, crown, staples.

Paper: Sassafras Lass
Chipboard element: Sassafras Lass
Stickers: American Crafts

And finally time to dig into my scraps drawer...

Prompt: "Dream Big" - Inspiration: Two butterflies, multi-colour greeting, lace cardstock, journaling stamp.

Paper: Crate Paper, Making Memories
Stamps: Hero Arts, Papertrey Ink
Dies: Nestabilities, Cuttlebug
Bling/Pearls: Prima
Other: Glitter cardstock

 

And that's it for another Sunday, best get my dinner in the oven. ;o)

Happy Hop Day!!

Welcome if you've joined me from Audrey's blog on this month's Banana Frog blog hop!

If this is your first stop, be sure to check out the Frog Blog for links to all the blogs taking part!

Now in celebration of Banana Frog's 4th birthday, this month's Frog Hop is all on the theme of birthdays...

So here's my little birthday project - happy birthday Banana Frog!

If you're digging that font... well more on that later... ;o)

And what's a birthday without a little cake? The cupcakes and greetings from Cupcake Greetings are just perfect for little accents on cards.

And the font? Well, I got to play with my new BFF alphabet stamp set!

Fontaholics you are in for a treat with the soon-to-be-released De Louisville tadpole set:

This set is just the perfect size for all you fellow cardmakers out there!

Remember to leave a comment here on this blog post for your chance to win a set of Banana Frog stamps...

Now head on over to Shimelle's site for the next stop in the Frog hop!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you want to see how....

This....

Became this...

Check out my project of the day post over on the Frog Blog.

In the meantime I'd best get on with a certain card for tomorrow!

A home from home...

I totally love this new stamp set from Banana Frog:

Hiya Chick! has some of the cutest birdhouse designs ever!

And what better excuse to get using this new set, but on the May Colour Focus challenge for the Frog Blog. :o)

I cut an aperture using those fab Nestabilities labels that I can't seem to stop using at the moment, and also traced around the die before cutting it to create a little frame.

The smaller label is mounted on 3D foam for some extra pop, and of course I used Copics to colour in the little house on the branch.

Inside I used the heart stamp from the set to create a little turquoise accent and blinged it up with some Stickles. Yum!

Papers: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Banana Frog - Hiya Chick!
Dies: Nestabilities
Pearls: Prima
Other: Stickles, Copic Ciao pens

Watch out for another project this week using the Hiya Chick! stamps! ;o)  

A few snaps...

I seem to be really unlucky with taking photos in the new house as I don't get around to it until daylight is somewhat lacking.

Mind you there isn't much left to share that's new...

But here are a few snaps from the kitchen/conservatory area:

My little mat/coaster pile - the green felt ones were really cheap and from matalan and are just really handy to pick up and take up to the office.

A fab cactus donated from ma and pa - I hope to not kill it, but it should do well in the corner of the conservatory.

I already have some cherry tomatoe plants to try and keep alive long enough to produce some tomatoes.

Over the arch into the conservatory I have a painting my grandma used to have hanging in her bedroom. It is now in the perfect spot. :o)

This one was also one that belonged to my grandma, I used to love it as a child and it is currently residing in the kitchen. 

For a little retro touch, this clock from Tesco. I couldn't afford the Newgate Bullit clock (one day!) that I loved, so searched for something similarly retro.

Speaking of retro... the first fridge magnet is up - and I really think the sentiment needs a little refining. I feel like I need therapy from all the shopping!

Oh, and a little more shabby chic - my door stop. She still hasn't been put on the floor... go figure.

The pan rack has been cleaned as best as possible and is now equipped with... wait for it.... pans!

And last but not least, my hot chocolate cups - I just need to procure some hot chocolate!

Well, maybe best not as I am trying to get back on Slimming World in earnest now I'm moved in. 

Oh and on the card front... here is the card I made using the brand new tadpole stamp set from Banana Frog!

Papers: My Mind's Eye, Bo Bunny
Stamps: Banana Frog - Shake Your Tail Feathers
Other: Liquid Pearls, button, Promarker pens

 

Right, I'd best go and get back to sorting more stuff!

Happy Froggy Birthday!!

Can you believe it, Banana Frog is 4 years old today?!

We couldn't let this anniversary go by without a few celebrations - keep your eyes pealed on the frog blog to see what's going on this month - there will be some exciting new releases... and a huuuuuuuge giveaway.

But here is a sneaky peek at what you can look forward to! ;o)

  

A skip, a hop, and a jump...

Welcome if you've joined me from Katy's blog on the Banana Frog blog hop train!!

If this is your first stop and you've not checked out the rest of the blog hop creations, go visit the Frog Blog for links to everyone's work!

This month being a Spring theme, I went in search of some inspiration in the garden...

The cherry blossom is out...

The tulips are out...

And there is still the odd daffodil and hyacinth holding on!

All those lovely colours and textures inspired me to create this card using my favourite design of the moment as mentioned here - the kite tails are back!

Stamps: Banana Frog - Build a Daisy, Super Dreamy
Papers: Basic Grey
Flowers: Crafty Bitz
Die: Nestabilities
Other: Glitter cardstock, Liquid Pearls, Stickles

Looks like my love of kite tails is set to continue!

Also remember to check out the Banana Frog blog tomorrow - it's a very special Frog Day!! ;o)

But for now, go see what lovely treat Michelle has in store for you! 

Thanks for visiting!

Kite tails

Well I survived my Monday - just! Was working quite late last night so the energy levels are rather zapped!

However, today was my turn to post the project of the day over on the Frog Blog. And I showed how a teeny little stamp from the Super Dreamy set:

Can be used to create kite tails...

They may just be my favourite pattern of the moment... ;o)

Papers: October Afternoon
Stamps: Banana Frog - Super Dreamy and Retro Greetings
Sticker: October Afternoon
Punch: Fiskars
Other: Glossy Accents

And this one using this technique to create a border...

Papers: October Afternoon
Stamps: Banana Frog - Super Dreamy
Thickers: American Crafts

Well, I finally have a night off from work, so I am either going to collapse on the sofa and watch some telly or maybe see about making something... ;o)

Buh-bye weekend...

So, Monday looms... I am so not looking forward to this particular one, but while we still have a bit of what's left of the weekend, here are a couple of recent card projects.

First up a card I totally forgot to photograph and post last week:

Papers: October Afternoon
Rub-ons: Basic Grey
Die: Nestabilities
Other: Satin ribbon, bling

I wanted to play with some of those October Afternoon Thrift Shop papers... and decided to try and use up some old ribbons - in the spirit of vintage-ness!

Next my card for the sketch challenge over on the Frog Blog:

Papers: Ki Memories, Basic Grey
Stamps: Banana Frog - Matryoshka Dolls
Dies: Nestabilities
Stickers: Carolee's Creations

A little quirky, but it's an homage to the flying ducks on the wall décor... ;o)

Today after finishing the work I needed to do, I headed out in search of some curtains for the bay window in the lounge. Alas, this window has a curtain track, not a rail so I need pencil pleat curtains (as I understand it) as eyelet ones (available in all the fabrics and styles I really like) won't work on a track as it's not a pole (obviously). Grrrr......

I have only found 1 pair of ready-made ones that will do the job - these mink corded stripe ones. They are sufficiently neutral but not as yummy as the ones I'd hoped to get.

Oh well.

I can't get a rail that will work for my bay window that will cost less than these curtains so will have to go with this. Everywhere else has apparently switched to made to order curtains and Dunelm was a depressing trip. LOL

I also really fancy a voile panel for the office window as the old curtains that are up are blocking a lot more light than I wanted. Hoping that just one of these will be enough to fit the window ok.

Anyway, I may be MIA much of this week depending on the overtime situation.

Oooh lookie

I tried out all the stitches on my little machine....

I am rather taken with the scallop one... wondering how to use that on a project. But my fave is of course the large zig zag stitch.

I managed to try out my machine on a couple of card projects.

Prompt: "Elegant Anniversary" - Inspiration: Glittered cardstock/paper, frame, flourish, aged/distressed papers.

Papers: October Afternoon
Stamps: Banana Frog (Build a Daisy), Papertrey Ink
Pearls: Prima
Brad: American Crafts
Other: Glitter cardstock

 

Then I tried my hand at a more vintage look, cripes there is a reason I don't do vintage more often - it always turns out so cackhanded!

Prompt: "Matthew 17:20" - Inspiration: Journaling card/label, vintage trim, photo corners, 2 patterned papers.

Papers: October Afternoon
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Pearls: Prima
Flowers: Prima
Decorative edge: Making Memories
Other: Lace trim

 

Also, I watched a couple of rental DVDs today too:

Obligatory tear shedding in the sad bits!

Good, but not as good as I thought it would be...
 
 
 

The morning after...

Well, yesterday turned out to be quite a day what with the Polish festivities and vodka, and food... and yeah.

Feeling a bit the worse for wear today and wish I could just sleep all day! LOL

But no, I have stuff I need to make and also want to see about finally getting my little sewing machine out of the box to try it out.

However, first up a little backlog of cards!

Prompt: "Prank Me" - Inspiration: Ribbon border, spots, flat card (no 3D foam), Thickers, American Crafts.

Papers: Papertrey Ink
Thickers: American Crafts
Die cut: Nestabilities
Punch: Martha Stewart

Apart from the Thickers and background card, the rest was all in the my little scraps bowl. Which incidentally still has a lot of stuff in it!

But that meant I felt it my duty to try and use some more scraps...

Prompt: "Happy Easter" - Inspiration: Green/pink/yellow/blue, patterned ribbon, chicks, tiny alpha stickers, chipboard flower.

Papers: Papertrey Ink, Bo Bunny
Stamp: Banana Frog - Cupcake Greetings
Die cut strip: Making Memories
Edge punch: Martha Stewart
Other: Heart bling

 

The next one was a return to Basic Grey land! Who knew I'd like these Kokeshi papers so much eh?

Prompt: "Right Now" - Inspiration: Floral background, white greeting, stamped die-cut, bling, Basic Grey.

Papers: Basic Grey
Stamp: October Afternoon
Rub-on: Basic Grey
Die-cut: Nestabilities

Love that old Basic Grey rub-on on brown card, will need to use more of these white rub-ons as I have quite a few and forgot how nice they look!

Finally, cuteness abounds...

Prompt: "Snail Hello" - Inspiration: Citrus/tropical colours, graph/lined paper, polka dots, circles.

 

Papers: Luxe Designs, Narratives
Rub-ons: Prima
Die-cuts: Nestabilities
Flowers: Prima
Brad: American Crafts

Well tortoises are quite slow like snails right?

Right, best go and see if I should get the sewing machine out or just try and catch up on the stuff I need to make today.

Hippty-hop it's the next stop on the Banana Frog blog hop...

Or should that be blog leap?

Welcome to the next stop on the brand new Banana Frog blog hop! If you've not been over to the Frog Blog yet, check out what's going on - you may just win a prize!

As you know we're focusing on flowers this month.

And here's my project to share with you - where I used this little collection of ingredients to make something on a flower theme:

I cut out some circles from scrap cardstock, randomly stamped some designs from the Kawaii Kokeshi set on both sides of the circles, cut spirals from the circles and got twisting them to make spiral flowers!

There are some useful tutorials on Youtube for making spiral flowers just to get an idea of how it works.

And here's my finished project:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Kawaii Kokeshi
Papers: My Mind's Eye, Making Memories
Rub-on: Basic Grey
Other: Liquid Pearls

They look lovely in real life and it would be quite something to create a bunch of these for the table on Easter Sunday, but for now these add a nice bit of spring colour to my card basket.

Jo will be sharing the next project in our blog hop - go check it out and thanks for visiting! :o)

Back on the prompt train

 
While watching a couple of DVDs - namely Driving Aphrodite (aka My Life in Ruins):

Which was OK, still not a patch on My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

And Julie and Julia:

Which was fab! Meryl Streep is especially great in this...

I got back on track trying to follow the prompts from the Papercrafts Card a Day book. :o)

So here is yesterday's card and it's also based on CPS sketch #160.

Prompt: "Pink Floral Sympathy" - Inspiration: Detail cut from patterned paper, alpha rub-ons, fabric brads.

 

Papers: Ki Memories
Stamps: Banana Frog - Cupcake Greetings
Punches: Martha Stewart, Marvy
Other: Bling

I didn't follow the prompt too closely but I really went with the pink bit! It's been a while since I had the KI out, and hadn't realised how many papers in the Pop Culture line I'd managed to procure... so about time I used some!

I love this font in the Banana Frog Cupcake Greetings set - I wish there was a whole everyday Greetings set in it! :o)

And I rather like the Martha Stewart punched border, don't own the punch but I had a strip of this included with an order and it is very sweet. hehe

Next up today's card using a more recent purchase.

Prompt: "Thoughts & Prayers" - Inspiration: Paisley, flourishes, tag/ribbon combo, square card.

Papers: My Mind's Eye
Die cuts: My Mind's Eye
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Scrapworks
Other: Pearls, mini bag pocket

Here's the inside with a bit more Paisley.

I just love these Be Loved papers from My Mind's Eye, I really wish I had an extra sheet of all the designs in the kit because the designs on the reverse are as lovely as the designs on the front.

And there we have it for another weekend. I think I will have to aim for an early night if I have any hope of getting up at 7 a.m. now the clocks have gone forward! 

Triple Whammy!

Well, I am a bit late in posting today. I had a little lie in since I got in from last night's crop at quarter to 1 in the morning and then was too awake to sleep (it is amazing what random movies from the 80s they show on ITV in the early hours - bizarre is an understatement) so I didn't nod off until well past 2 a.m.

And I have been a doing a bit of non-stop pottering-about since I did get up - I am still in my PJs!

Caught up with Grey's Anatomy, received my lovely Elemis stuff (hope to try that out after my shower) and a copy of US April 2010 Scrapbook Trends, however now have to again chase my February and March issues. My sub is due to run out in November but I am so ticked off with the amount of chasing I am doing, plus it hasn't helped that they never sent out December's issue and it was sold out before they could resolve this oversight. What is the point of a subscription if they don't actually allocate the magazine to subscribers? I could have a real rant over this, as it has totally bleeped me off and really reduces any enjoyment I have in reading the mags that do make it this way.

But moving on...

Last night's crop was very nice and it was lovely to see everyone again and experience Gill's beautifully and artfully edible-glitter-decorated cupcakes in person! 

I didn't actually make anything substantial, I had a little spree, cashed in my loyalty card, tried to get to know my new Copic pens a bit better (Debbie I need a link to that colour chart thingy! Scratch that, I've found it and coloured in 72 little boxes) and started on a mini-album using the Paperchase stuff I bought a few weeks ago and some new Basic Grey. I still have a lot to do on that so might sit and do some today - we'll see.

But let's move on to stuff I have actually made and finished!

This was a card I originally made for this week's Daring Cardmakers' "How Egg-citing" dare, but I made a few boo-boos and the card just didn't photograph well and it looks a lot better in real life, but I wasn't happy enough with it to have it on the DCM blog, especially as it was my last card as a guest designer....

Papers: Papertrey Ink, Sassafras Lass, Bo Bunny
Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Take a Bough/Out on a Limb sets, Mega Mixed Messages)
Pearls: Prima
Die: Stampin'-up

Yep, upside down Christmas bauble decorations as Easter Eggs....

So instead I made this card - much cuter and more fun! Little Red in Spring attire with some Easter Eggs in her basket:

Papers: Papertrey Ink, Bo Bunny
Stamps: My Cute Stamps, Papertrey Ink
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Promarker pens

So many thanks to the girls over at DCM for asking me to join them in February and March - it was fun! :oD

And last but not least, today it's my turn to share a project of the day over on the Frog Blog - and here it is. For more info go on over to the blog post - and no I have no mini jelly beans left...

Papers: Papertrey Ink, Bo Bunny, My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Banana Frog - Paperchains
Dies: Nestabilities
Punch: Martha Stewart
Other: String, 3D glitter paint, mini jelly beans, clear bag

And they were very yummy...

So that's about it so far... I had best go and acquaint myself with my new little Elemis home treatment stuff, looking forward to trying out the Papaya Enzyme Peel, and I restocked on Aveda Shampure and Confixor in Fenwick's a few weeks ago so it will be like a mini spa session. Although I wouldn't mind a day in the Aqua Sana!

Then I suppose I shall get back to making something.

And I see that season 2 of The United States of Tara:

 

Has started in the US so that's great it got another season - really hope it gets shown over here. From what I saw it was a very good series, and lots of John Corbet screen time!

MIA

The last few days have gone by in a whirl... and my evening isn't over yet... I still need to try and pack for tomorrow night's crop as i don't think I'll have time when I get in from  work before heading out.

But anyway, I have been busy making a few things that I can't post yet - speaking of, here's something I can now post - it's a card for Banana Frog's colour focus challenge for this month:

Papers: Crate Paper
Stamps: Banana Frog
Rub-on: Basic Grey
Ribbon: American Crafts
Brads: Lasting Impressions
Wire thread: DCM
Button: Doodlebug

I used the Swirls and Butterflies and Matryoshka Dolls sets on this one. :o)

Anyway, I had best get the next thing on my list checked off!

Yay, it's Friday!

I thought 5 p.m. would never come round today, it has been non-stop and my poor brain is on its last legs. Phew.

But some exciting news to share today is that I was invited back to be a guest designer with the Daring Cardmakers for February and March. My first project went up with today's dare.

Paper: SEI
Flower: KI Memories
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Other: Bazzill Just the Edge, glitter cardstock, bling
Dies: Nestabilities

The green vine strip is from my favourite ever SEI paper in Ally's Wonderland. Wish I had more!

Also today on the Frog Blog, it's the return of Colour Focus and here's my creation for that:

Papers: American Crafts
Stamps: Banana Frog - Cupcake Greetings
Other: Bazzill Just the Edge, satin ribbon, glitter cardstock, bling
Dies: Nestabilities

Right, I am off for my tea now and looking forward to a relaxing weekend - with any luck!
 

Today's Banana Frog project

I've just posted this project over on the Frog blog.

 

Yes, slightly addicted to making circle cards after the card I made earlier this week!

Papers: My Little Shoebox
Stamps: Banana Frog - Cupcake Greetings
Border punch: EK Success
Other: Stickles
Dies: Nestabilities

Quite nice to have finally used some of those Little Shoebox cute-cute papers! Knew I'd bought them for a reason! ;o)

Papers: Crate paper
Stamps: Banana Frog - Build a Daisy & Swirls and Butterflies
Stickers: American Crafts
Dies: Nestabilities, Sizzix

See, I used up some leftovers from earlier this week - more on that later!

Papers: Crate paper
Stamps: Banana Frog - Swirls and Butterflies
Rub-on: Cosmo Cricket
Flower: Prima
Other: Bling, Stickles
Dies: Nestabilities, Sizzix

 

I made the last two card blanks from rigid kraft card that I received in with papers to keep them straight and uncrumpled. Well it makes for perfect use in this cards and cuts really well through the Cuttlebug - will have to hunt out more of it that I have stashed about the place.

Also in case you've not read, there is a DT search currently underway on the Banana Frog blog - here's the info!

We had a fantastic design team in 2009 with lots of amazing projects which I hope have inspired you. I want to say a huge thank you to all the team and thank everyone for the wonderful projects they shared.

2010 is going to be a great year with more new designs and exciting plans that I am dying to tell you about...but can't yet!

We have had a shake up and a switch around and are delighted to announce that we are currently looking for 4 talented lovely people to join our design team!

Each month you would complete 2-3 projects (Projects can be cardmaking, scrapbooking, altered items, home decor etc) which will include project of the day but also colour focus or sketch challenges and technique based projects for the Lilypad Lessons (which used to be called Stamping School).

To be considered please send an email to me at sales@bananafrog.co.uk and please include:

• a bit about yourself (because we are nosey!)
• examples of your projects
• links to any galleries of your work
• link to your blog if you have one
• details of any current design teams (again because we are nosey!)

Closing date is midnight (GMT) on Valentine's Day, February 14th and we will announce the winners on February 21st.

Since I'm between books

I thought I'd best try to make at least one card today. It combines the 2Peas CaD challenge and the current dare from the Daring Cardmakers, called "hole in one".

Prompt: "Happy 8th Son" - Inspiration: Space theme, large number element, and/or star embellishments

Stamps: Banana Frog
Paper: KI Memories
Bling: Jones Tones, Stickles
Other: Glitter card, Promarkers, plenty of 3D foam

So as you can see, I am really making inroads into that old QVC glitter cardstock! It shall be used!

So next book to be read, is this:

A classic...

Every Christmas I always know we will be treated to one of two films, or maybe both....

One is The Sound of Music. The other is of course:

Mary Poppins!

Off out for dinner tonight so not much chance of getting anything new made, I need to go dig out my winter boots for the walk but shall be watching and singing along to Mary Poppins in the meantime!

But I did post this card project on the Frog Blog:

It uses the new Retro Space set.

 
  

On a related note...

Well I won't bore you with too many house details now as I need to vamoose and go round and seal the decking we cleaned yesterday (4 hrs of hard washing and brushing and coating in really hot sun!) but apparently it was well worth it as it has come up much nicer now it's dried out. But have to go round in a bit to start on sealing the wood... or staining it... not decided which yet...

But, here's a little project I just uploaded to the Banana Frog blog:

It uses the "It's all about Documenting" set.

Also here's my creation for September's colour focus challenge:

The heart is stamped using the Perfect Paisley set:

Then glossy accented.

And back to the house... I looked at the painted lining paper with my turquoise paint samples... looks like I will be taking down the broken blind in the main bedroom at some point and replacing it with voile and thicker curtains, this should really bring in a lot more light.

I am going for a feature wall in Javan Dawn 2, then the other walls will be Javan Dawn 5. That should help with the illusion of light and space yet still give me some zinging turquoise to enjoy!

The bed was delivered yesterday along with my table and chairs, the conservatory looks so much more homely with them in.

Had plans to paint the bathroom today, but while the weather is good like this, best to do the outdoors stuff first.

A roofing guy is coming round next week to look at the guttering at the back that needs fixing/replacing and the roof - seems to be a cracked roof tile to replace and then the loft will need installing. Not been up there but apparently there's a lot of space for... er stuff. ;o)

Heck knows when I will actually get back to making some cards again!

Right I'm off!

Bank Holiday Weekends

I always feel you need to make the most of these - yet always end up relaxing away the time, rarely packing them with loads of manic activity!

So far I have managed to tick a few things off my more boring to-do list, had a Medium viewing marathon, read half my current re-read book, raced over to Homebase to purchase another cake stand in their 20% event (there were just 3 left), and posted my project of the day over on the Frog Blog:

If you fancy making these easy peasy notelets, check out this post.

I have some stuff to write up for a few projects, but think I will leave that until tomorrow. In the meantime I'm going to get back to my book, and at some point watch Bride Wars. I am also crossing my fingers that Next will still have the crockery I want at a reduced price - and that they will still actually have it in stock as it's not on the website! :oS

Back to life... Back to reality!

Whew, well that holiday certainly passed by quickly - almost feels like we were never away. And I shudder at the thought of going through all the photos I took and deleting the naff ones... but plenty of fodder for future pages (should I actually decide to scrapbook again!) and maybe the odd mini-book. hehe

But in the meantime, here are some card projects I made before going on holiday but couldn't yet post. First up some cards for Crafty Templates, who kindly invited me to guest for their July kit:

 

 

 

 

When it came to the ice cream template, well I just had to use those Pieces of Me papers from KI!

 

 

And last but not least....

 

 

And another project posted while I was away, was my project of the day for the frog blog - tips and instructions are here:

 

 

And that's it for now... have made a little order for some mini chipboard books but really need some more - especially BG and Cosmo ones, I have plans to actually get a holiday in a mini-book rather than gradually get pages in a normal album - and since I have only managed 1 page from my Chicago holiday last year, that might be a wise decision!

Even in the frozen north

It is TOASTY out there! :oO

If it weren't for the midgies I would still be sat out in the garden reading away it's that warm.

But there are blood-sucking midgies out there and so I am indoors trying to keep cool and think cool thoughts, but also update this here blog with the Project of the Day I posted over at the Frog Blog...

So, by now it will be obvious that I have become slightly re-addicted to Liquid Pearls, well especially red liquid pearls - who knew they were so nice...

 

Red and turquoise still my fave combo!

 

But I almost crippled my hand trying to squeeze out the Sticky Fingers equivalent of Liquid Pearls - shame their bottles are so stiff!

 

Right I think I am due for a return of the Stickles addiction!

Operation kitchen sink packing!

Well the time has come to get my stash sorted for my weekend away with some of the girls - I have zero planned, zero energy to think about planning what to make, and zero prepared...

So it will be the kitchen sink approach and I must get it done tonight as I have a very hectic two days ahead before going up to the cottage after work Friday!

But where to start... dies, cardstock... embellishments, ooer.... I may need to get some boxes at the ready to carry it all in!

Oh and I forgot to post this card for the June colour focus challenge on the Frog Blog:

 

Cute huh? I shall definitely be packing some Mommy and Me!

Banana Frog project of the day

Here's my project that I posted to the Frog Blog yesterday. :o) Stamp sets used were All about Documenting and Paper Chains:

 

Got to say I am a fan of this colour combo!

 

Also, here's my project from the May Colour Focus feature:

I have a "layout" to finish off later today that I started at Zoe's last night, but got some to-do list stuff to get off my plate first before I can sit down again to play, mind you the weather is looking promising for today it has to be said!

Just a little play

So - yesterday I was feeling all ready for a bit of creativity today - I even tried to beat the jet lag by staying awake until near midnight! A miracle in itself...

But I ended up sleeping in until almost midday, well that and catching up on some TV I'd missed!

Then I got in the mood to sort some baskets of stuff out to find room for the new stash, and that certainly took longer than expected! So roll around 6 p.m. and I finally made this for the current CPS sketch (#114).

 

Some new stash in there, the Martha doily punch (yum!), Papertrey buttons (I really needed some nice brown buttons in smallish sizes), Papertrey stamp, Martha library pocket, and a restock of that flocked MM paper, oh and at last a Kraft card blank!

 

Also while I was away, this little resist project was posted on the Frog Blog:

 

Right, well all that remains is for me to try and keep awake enough to watch Ashes to Ashes, but it's definitely time for the PJs! Back to work tomorrow... eek.

Since it's getting on a bit...

And I've still not got dried my hair after getting out the shower almost an hour ago (amazing how you can get sidetracked by e-mails etc.) I've not got time to make a card tonight (but I will be stroking my new Cosmo Cricket stash.... mmmmmm).

So I thought it fitting I share a couple of projects I posted on the Frog Blog the other week, these were using the Build a Bloom set to create your own scallop borders:

 

Amazingly the perfect blue colour match as one of those dodgy KI ink pads, can you believe they thought that blue was Boogieboard?? Never mind, it matches that 7Gypsies blue perfectly so I finally found a use for it. hehe

 

I also used the build a bloom set to create a grassy background for my likely-one-and-only Easter card:

 

I do love my Maya Road chipboard trees, they look so lovely covered in paper as well as paint! And promarkers are great for colouring in the trunk v. quickly!

 

And last but not least, here's my card for this month's colour focus challenge:

Right off to smother on the Bath and Bodyworks cream *trying to make space for new additions* then catching up on telly and knitting... maybe....

Pitter patter...

In preparation for Friday's baby shower I have made a card for the mummy to be, so Becky, if perchance you are reading this, look away now!

I will deflect slightly by posting a tag idea that was posted on today's Frog Blog - today's featured stamp set was retro squares, I used the circle stamp from the set to create this gift tag:

 

Each of the circles on the stamp was inked up with a different coloured ink dauber - finally a use for them! ha!

And also, if you've not seen - check out this month's challenge at the Frog Blog - it's all about your favourite set of Banana Frog stamps. So many to choose from! :oD

Right, I think that's enough space... so here's the card for Friday - it was also inspired by CPS sketch #106:

 

Can't beat vintage KI - and I finally made a teeny dent in the MM safety pin and alpha bead stash! Yes, a minimal dent... but it's one fewer in the storage box!

MIA

I've just finished up a number of projects for Banana Frog that I can't post just at the moment... buuuuut I have managed to chip away a little at the 209 in 2009 checklist!

 

Just a teeny tiny bit... this one was for the recent colour focus challenge over on the frog blog - stamps used were Pharmacy, Scribble Flowers, and Make a chain.

 

Also I grabbed a pack of card blanks out of a box today and decided I'd use up the rest of the pack rather than put them back!

Prepare for some very simple and er... samey cards:

 

 

 

 

So there you go, that kind of makes up for my lack of creativity this past week, and the fact I spent most of yesterday rereading Glory in Death...erm.

Also, I did have a play with my new 55mm 1.4 lens but need to try it out more - still need to load my photos to the PC for a better look, so may well do that whilst watching Lark Rise to Candleford later, it is still one of my many weaknesses! But hey, why not broadcast it to the world... :oS

Oh, and I never did manage to see that Renee Zellweger movie this week, we were supposed to go after dinner at chiquitos Wednesday night, but well, we were there for almost 2 and a half hours - food was delicious, but there was no way we're doing 3 courses again! I say this now of course... but I have finally had fried Mexican ice cream and tried the Quesedillas but am still addicted to their Chimichangas! And the margaritas ain't half bad either...

Anyway, next of the agenda - tea!

Project of the day at the frog blog

Just posted over at the frog blog, but here's my project of the day featuring those brand new Banana Frog stamps! Yuuuum!

The "It's all about... Circles" stamps are lovely for adding a bit of flourish to projects.

 

I totally love this Basic Grey collection, but I usually resist using it on cards! Well I'm resisting no more, because seriously it is just too nice for it to wait on a shelf until I finally have a layout idea!

As you can see, still addicted to turquoise, and still addicted to satin ribbon!

Then again...

I can post this card from the Feb colour focus challenge over at the Banana Frog blog:

 

Stamp set used, the one I am most partial to, Flowery Thoughts! Papers are SEI.

 

Odd how the "white" looks a bit grey in this photo, in Photoshop it was very white. Bizarre!

Early spring cleaning

I have just been doing some blog tidying, then that went into tidying up my various photo folders on my PC... Oh dear... I hate it when one thing leads to another like that, because before you know it, your Saturday has disappeared!

So I forgot to post a pic of my lovely Paper Source calendar with it's February page:

 

Oooh I just love the colours of love this month. :oD

And speaking of piiiiin, here's a card project I made using Paperchains stamps for the frog blog:

 

Sunday catch up

I just love Sundays sometimes! And especially a relaxing one finally spent reading my book from cover to cover!

After finishing that late this afternoon I got got a little card made for a certain new addition to the Banana Frog fan club, Trish's new baby boy!

 

Banana Frog stamps used are Tiny Type and Postage

 

And yesterday's crop did at least end in a layout! LOL It's week 4's Scrap Like You Mean It challenge - and Shimelle's sketch.

 

Afraid the photo isn't too great as it's quite dim lighting in the evening.

Packed and ready to rock n roll!

Well crop! There has been no logic to my packing, the only thing I have that shows some organisation in the chaos of totes is the scrap like you mean it sketch for week 4 and remembering the theme for week 5 is black and white!

Otherwise I have bunged in far too much stuff but I couldn't be bothered with the task of painstaking sorting and thinking, especially since it's such a chore to then put it all back together and in it's rightful place when you get back from a crop.

But in other news, here's a little project to share for the day:

 

It was my turn to share a project of the day on the Banana Frog blog and since it was Friday I just had to get working with those bold bright colours!

Stamp sets used are Greenwich Park and Tag It.

And joy of joys, this is one of my early attempts at Promarker colouring, I know it's nothing complicated or amazing, but it just makes the hedgehog and greeting stand out better.

Last LOs for a while!

I some how doubt I'll actually get chance to scrapbook again before I head off on holiday to Chicago in 2 weeks... so to tide me over, here are a couple from today's crop:

Finally managed to use up a few sheets of pp from my Basic Grey Phoebe stash, not to mention some of the lace and buttons from Making Memories and those huuuge MME flowers! And those chipboard Thickers go great with these papers.

Next up, I got out my new July Scarlet Lime kit, which arrived Friday.

Oh and here's a card made using some of the left-over circles I'd cut out of the Phoebe paper, combined with Banana Frog Perfect Paisley stamps:

Sprinkles...

Gosh, after all the cake yesterday I am really feeling peckish for... more cake. LOL

But this will have to do, a card made with Shimelle's cupcake stamps!

Just a little catch up with an old CAD challenge to use pink and black, well ta-da!

• KI Memories, Chatterbox and Urban Lily papers
• Banana Frog and Papertrey stamps
• Ribbon and button

And that's it so for another weekend.... Next weekend I'll really have to sort out my Gibside packing. Waah!

So the cards...

It's been a totally lovely day, but a shame I've spent the best part of it in the office... however after getting back from the sweltering gym I've been sat with the windows wide open enjoying this summery weather!

But, so that I can sit out tomorrow evening reading... I hope! Here are more of the cards from the backlog:

• Patterned paper by Mara Mi
• Stamp from Papertrey Ink

• KI papers all the way
• Plus Pink Paislee and Banana Frog stamps

• Mara Mi and KI papers
• Black Stickles
• Pink Paislee stamps

• Papers from an old Self-Addressed kit (I loved them but the manufacturer name has escaped me right now... I know it, I do... but gaaaah can't remember it right now)
• Pink Paislee and Papertrey Ink stamps
• Touch of bling crystals

This one is also my version of CPS sketch #62. :o)

• Collage Press papers
• Rhonna and Papertrey Ink stamps
• Perfect Impressions pearl brads
• Liquid pearls

This next one is also Sketch This card #48

• Sassafras Lass papers (yum!)
• Sassafras Lass cloud stamp
• Papertrey Ink greeting

This next one doubles up as my interpretation of CPS Sketch #61

• Three Bugs in a Rug papers (I think)
• Pink Paislee and Papertrey Ink stamps

Next up my version of Sketch This card #47:

• Basic Grey papers
• Papertrey Ink stamps

• Basic Grey background paper
• Cactus Pink and Papertrey Ink stamps
• Bling crystals
• May Arts ribbon

And finally, caught up on a CAD challenge at Scrapper's Daily Dose today that also doubles up with CPS Sketch #63:

• Rusty Pickle and Love Elsie papers
• Nestabilities
• Pink Paislee and Papertrey Ink stamps

The End!

for now...