Simply Less is More # 146

Hello All!
I hope I find you well and warm. I`m slipping back into being a bad blogger again, I`m sorry to say.I haven`t set foot in my caft room for two weeks. I do have a good excuse though as I`ve been decorating daughters bedroom in between work and Christmas shopping, and then there`s the catch up with the rest of the house work. Why is it that when you decorate one room, the whole house is a tip?
Anyway it`s done now and I couldn`t wait to get crafty again. The theme for this weeks Simply Less is More challenge is to use designer paper in a CAS way. Here is my entry,

Apologies for the rubbish pic, it`s a bit blurred, I think I was still half asleep when I took it.
I made a panel card, cutting a rectangle out with a nestie die and placed some Papermania DP behind.
The poinsettia is made using a Spellbinder die set and some yellow flat back pearls.
I haven`t bothered with a sentiment as the DP says it all.

I have lots of cards made up ready to post, I hope that things have settled down enough to get some time on the PC.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 144

Good afternoon All, I hope you are all well and not suffering from yet another stormy weekend in the UK. We got away lightly both last week and this although it`s a bit blustery and very cold, the sun is shining.

It`s week 144 at Simply Less is More and the Challenge this week is FIREWORKS.
I really couldn`t come up with anything at all fireworky until I cut some stars out for a Christmas card I was making. More shooting stars than fireworks but this is what I`ve made,

I printed the sentiment on the base card from the PC then made a panel with black card.
I rounded two of the corners before placing it on the card using foam pads.
I cut some stars in different sizes from hot pink glitter paper using a X cut die set and placed those using foam pads too.

A better shot of the sparkle.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 143

Good afternoon All.
I hope I find you well. We are expecting a huge storm in the UK on Sunday night into monday morning, I really hope it`s not as bad as the weather man has threatened, and,if it is, I hope you all stay safe and well.
I`ve already told my boss that if it`s really bad, I`m not going in. Luckily I can make the time up :)
Well surprisingly I`m back with my entry for this weeks Simply Less is More challenge and it`s still only saturday woohoo!
The recipe for this weeks challenge is to use STRING orTWINE.

I was inspired to make the butterfly by a headband I put out at work last week. It had a beautiful glittered and bejewelled butterfly on it and, in true crafters style I immediately thought that it would look fab on a card.
So the next day I stamped a butterfly from Chocolate Baroque in clear ink and embossed it in silver EP then glittered it in two different silver glitters ( plain and holographic).
Once the glitter had dried I added some clear gems and Voila!

A close up of the butterfly. I should have taken a piccy of the original to compare really.
I used my Memory Box Circle Burst die on the front panel and backed it with some more of the two tone sparkly paper I found last week hidden away in a drawer, this time in pink.

This is what the paper looks like from another angle.
I was going to use pink Bakers Twine but I found some of this sparkly Craft Yarn so thought I`d use that instead. Hope that`s ok.
The sentiment is by Flourishes, stamped and embossed in Silver EP.
A quick, simple but effective card I think.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 142

Happy sunday afternoon all!

I`m back today with my entry for this weeks Simply Less is More challenge. It`s theme week and we are to make a CaS card using trees.I`m not sure if mine is quite CaS enough, I seem to have got a bt carried away, sorry.

I made a panel and cut out a large circle using a SB circle die and backed it with some two tone sparkly paper..
The tree is made from lots and lots of punched fern leaves from white glitter card and arranged in a tree shape.
I added a star from silver glitter paper.
The sentiment is Waltzing Mouse Say it loud Winter Holiday set embossed in silver EP.

Short and sweet again I`m afraid as I`m busy busy as usual. Hopefully I`ll get round to visit some of you later.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 140

Morning All!
I`m actually here to share card made for Simply Less is More. I know...it`s been way too long and I have missed it so much. ( note to self, Make more effort)

The challenge this week is to make a white on white Christmas card and as I`m still in full flow Christmas mode I thought it would be a shame to miss it.

I used a Cuttlebug Snowflake EF for the background.
The leters are cut using a Die namics Alpha Die set, mounted on foampads.
The flower is from a pack by Docrafts especially made to colour yourself but I`ve left it white and shaped to make a Christmas Rose. I added some white stamen to the middle of the flower and some punched fern leaves.

I`m determined to join in more often again no matter what so hopefully I`ll see you all again next week.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Yummy Cupcakes

Morning All!
Another flying visit to share a commisioned card I made at the weekend.

Dp is Papermania Lucy Cromwell.
Stamp is by Docrafts, coloured with Promarkers and Spectrum Noir pens and glittered with Glamour Dust. I`ve also added a bit of Glossy Accents to the cherry.
Flowers from Wild Orchid crafts and the Range.
The sentiment is PC generated.

Sorry it`s another short one, I`m working like mad on commisioned cards and still trying to build up my stash for fundraising.
Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Fairy Happy Birthday

Hi All, another flying visit from me I`m afraid to share a card I made for my managers little girl`s 3rd birthday.

I love this little fairy from Lili of the Valley, she`s gorgeous and so versatile.
I`ve colored her with Promarkers and Spectrum Noir pens and glittered her up a bit with Glamour Dust.
The DP is some more that I downloaded a long time ago and have forgotten where from.
The image is mounted onto a SB Fleur de Lis die cut in lilac and I`ve added some pretty flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and the Range.
A swirly leaf die from Marianne designs and some rose leaves with pink stamen to finish.
The sentiment is PC generated.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

The holly and the ivy...

and a poinsettia too.

Wow twice in 2 days. Just a flying visit from me to show you another Christmas card I`ve made.

I`ve used various dies on this one;
Poinsettia = Spellbinders
Ivy and Fir leaves = Joanna Sheen
Holly = Marianne Designs
Sentiment Label = Carols Crafts.

I`ve also added lots of beads and stemens for decoration.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Baby Boy

I can`t believe it`s nearly a month since I last posted anything. My poor blog has been sadly neglected.
I recently set up a seperate facebook page to showcase my cards and have generated some orders for cards from that, so that has been keeping me busy. I just need to get into some sort of routine for posting and I`ll get back to normal ( whatever that is) :)
I was asked by Alans boss to make a card for her, soon to be born grandson. What do you think,

I love this stamp from Lili of the Valley, it`s so versatile and such a bonny baby. Coloured with promarkers and Spectrum Noir pens and cut out with a nestie label 4 die.
The backing paper is some I downloaded ages ago and can`t remember where from, sorry. I made a banner using yellow card and gingham paper from Pink Petticoat using a square nestie corner for the fishtail.
The stars are cut from lemon glitter card with a X cut die and the teddies are buttons from a local store.
The sentiment is PC generated. A touch of Glamour Dust here and there finishes it off nicely.

Back soon I hope.
Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Hi All.
I know I`m still being a bad blogger. I have been crafting but haven`t had a great deal of time to post. It`s been a case of do a bit when I can.
I do have a card to share today though. I was asked by a work colleague to make a card for her daughter in law, no specifics, just pretty. I`ve already handed it over and it was well recieved so that`s all good.

The doily die is by Cheery Lynn.
Leaf dies are Marianne designs.
Large roses from The Range, Cherry Blosoms from Wild Orchid Crafts and Lilly`s from local store.
Sentiment is PC generated.

I`m still in Christmas mode so I`m off to make some more Chrissy cards.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

First Christmas card for 2013

Good evening all.
I really haven`t had a great deal of time or mojo just lately but for some reason I`ve had an urge to make a Christmas card.I treat myself to even more new dies and found a couple of hours yesterday to play with them. Here is what I came up with,

I`ve used some of my treasured Papermania Silent Night collection papers for the background.
The sentiment is Inkadinkado cut out with a fancy label die from Caroles Crafts.
The Poinsettia is Spellbinders.
The Holly Leaf flourish Is Marianne Designs
The Ivy Leaves and the Pine Leaves are from Joanna Sheen and are fabulous dies, very much like Memory Box.
I`ve added some flat back pearls for berries and some glittered red stamen under the flower.
I used glittery stuff ( cough, a technical term lol) on the flower and some of the leaves but now I`m not sure about it.

I`m really going to try and get some more crafting time in and to catch up with you all.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Pink and Flowery

Hello All,
I was asked to makea card for a friends DiL who likes pink and flowery. Well, right up my street.

The dies came out ( Memory Box Catalina Wreath and Chloe Stem) along with the flowers ( Wild Orchid Crafts) with a few finishing touches.
The Stamen that I`ve bunched in the leaves are from a cake decorating store, Cakesforyou.biz.
The DP is by Papermania and the butterfly charm I got from a craft fair.
Sentiment is PC generated,curved with a bone folder and finished with a flat back pearl.

Apart from this card and another one from the same order I haven`t done much in the craft room.  My mojo is taking a break. Can`t wait til it comes back lol.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 130

Hello All!

Yes... it`s me and I`m here on a saturday too.I decided to stuff the housework and have some me time.
The challenge over at Simply Less is More is to use this picture for inspiration,

Oh just look at those heels. What I wouldn`t give to be able to wear heels like that again.
Last sunday we had the family around and my eldest grandaughter was wearing a pair of shoes similar to these. Ofcourse I had to try them and for 2 minutes I was transported back to my teens. Only 2 minutes mind...I couldn`t wait to get them off again lol. I have to admit though that the feeling of elegance you get with high heels makes you feel so good. If only...
Anyway, enough rambling, on to my card,

For once I had a stamp to go with a challenge. I bought this Jillybean Soup stamp a few months ago and this is the first time it`s seen ink.
I stamped the image with Versafine Black ink, then cut it out with a nestie square. I cut another, larger square and adhered them using foam pads then placed both squares onto the card using more foam pads.
The sentiment is part of the same stamp set.

Right, time to look at the rest of the entries.
Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

LiM # 129

Hello All.
I`ve been a very bad blogger lately, so much to do, so little time to do it. I am, however, back today with a card I`ve made for this weeks Simply Less is More 
challenge which is to use handmade flowers on our cards. I`m a bit late but at least I`m here.

I`ve used the X cut Glorious Gerbera Dies for my flower in gorgeous bright orange held together with a black spotty brad.
On the card base I used a Memory Box Circle Burst Die and put some peach card behind the cut outs.
The sentiment is a mix of Layers of Color and Waltzingmouse stamps stamped on Versafine Black.

I`m still trying to sort out my time management and failing miserably but hopefully I`ll be back soon with more cards to share.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Dynamic Duos #61

Hello there, another quick post from me as it`s absolutely baking in the loft today. Not that I`m complaining, we`ve waited long enough for some decent weather. I hope you are all enjoying it while it lasts.

I`m joining in at Dynamic Duos this week. It`s ages since I last participated and the colours for this week are lovely, take a look.

Here is my entry,

Dp is from Kameo Cards but I think they`ve stopped trading now.
I cut out a Spellbinders Floral Oval in pale pink card and placed it using foam pads.
The Cherry Blossom flowes are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I`ve cut the leaves using a Memory Box die and some sand coloured DP from Papermania Capsule Collection.
I`ve added some pale pink stamen to some of the leaves and dotted some flat back pearls around the card.
The sentiment is PC generated and cut with a fishtail.

Right, thats me done. I`m in danger of melting into pool on the floor :)

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Silver Wedding Anniversary

Well hello there, I know ...it`s been a long time. Apart from the decorating, whch is now finished, thank goodness, and a few days away in the caravan, my only excuse is that the glorious weather has been far too good to pass up on.
I am back today though with a card. A few weeks ago I was asked by a friend, to make a silver wedding anniversary card for her to give to her husband. Now you know that me and male cards don`t make good buddies but I had to make an effort and this is what I came up with,

The DP is  Pink Petticoat Brocade printed in silver.
I used a Spellbinder Lace Doily Motif die because I didn`t think it was overly feminine.
The Stars were cut out with a X Cut die in silver and white card and the Hearts are made with a Sizzix die.
I added a heart shaped charm to the finished die cuts. The sentiment is PC generated and cut out with a nestie square die and raised with foam pads.
I got some good feedback so I think both were pleased with it :)

Right, still trying to get back into the swing of things and hopefully won`t leave it so long before the next post.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Less is More # 125

Good evening all!

I`m running late again but I wanted to pop in to post my card for this weeks Simply Less is More challenge, which is to make a card suitable for Jen who`se birthday it was yesterday. Lucky girl Jen is sunning herself in Istanbul at the moment so she wont know I`m a day late lol.

I`ve used Pink Petticoat
DP because I know how much Jen loves PP.
A Penny Black image stamped in Memento Tuxedo black ink and coloured with Promarkers and Spectrum Noir pens.
The sentiment is computer generated.

I think I`m going to be MIA this week. I`ve got two weeks off work but I`m hoping to decorate the kitchen this week and then we`re away for a few days next week. With a bit of luck I might get some crafting time in inbetween.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Less is More # 124

Good Afternoon All!

I`m back today to share my entry in this weeks Simply Less is More challenge. It`s theme week and this week we are to use HEXAGONS.
The Gods were favouring me this week because I`d just finished making my dads fathers day card and what do you know...I`ve used a hexagon die.

This is getting to be my regular style ATM. I made a panel slightly smaller than the card base and cut out an aperture with a hexagon die.
After masking off the shape on the card base I sponged different shades of green ink and then used the Elegant Weeds stamp from Hero arts stamped with Versafine Onyx black.
I used clear EP over the whole design and heat embossed it.
The sentiment is by Layers of Color stamped in Memento Tuxedo onto the panel which is placed using foam pads.
I was chuffed to bits to be showcased again yesterday for my `Colour of my Door` challenge. Thank you so much Chrissie and Jen.
I`ve had a really hectic two or three days but I`m hoping things will settle down soon.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Die Hard part 3

Good Morning All!
I`m a little earlier today with my post as I`m sneaking some crafty time in. I have a couple of cards to make for the weekend so the housework will have to wait.

I`ve gone a little bit mad with the dies on this one...

..and decided to use handmade flowers too.
The DP is by Pink Petticoat and is a very pale yellow Damask.
I used the Spellbinders Lace Doily Motifs die and put it at an angle, then used a Floral Ovals die for the sentiment and placed it over the centre of the Doily.
The rolled Roses are by Marianne designs cut out of yellow paper and I`ve used a pink ink pad along the outer edges.
The pink flowers are made of tissue paper cut out with a SB Scalloped Circles die and held together with a yellow brad.
The daisies are made with white paper using a punch and I`ve also swiped the edges witha pink ink pad before adding a tiny yellow pearl to the centre.
The leaves are from the Marianne Designs Rolled Rose set. I`ve added some pink stamen to the one one the right.

Now I have to make a 21st birthday card for a male and I haven`t a clue what to do. This should be interesting lol.

Thanks for popping in..Lynne xxx

Die Hard part 2

Good Afternoon All!

Yet another card with dies, this one is for my sister in law, Janice who`s birthday is at the end of the week.

Almost minimalist compared to some I`ve made lol.
I found some pretty pink DP from Crafty Impressions and let that inspire the rest of the card.
I used a nestie Labels 4 die and then cut out an oval, in white card.
I cut a another oval shape using the SB Floral ovals die in pink DP and cut another oval in the centre of that one and placed it over the label using foam pads.
The rose is from my stash and the leaves and grass dies are from Marianne designs in pale green card.
The sentiment is PC generated and I`ve made a banner, adding a fishtail with a square nestie die.
The butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch.
I added some pink stamen to one of the leaves and some Ivory pearls to the Oval and the butterfly.

I changed my hours at work so I do the evening shift, 5 til 9 now. This was a deliberate decision on my part as I was sure it would give me more time to do the things I wanted to do. Somehow it`s not working very well yet although I`m sure once I get into a routine it will. Cooking an evening meal straight after lunch takes some getting used to though...

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Die Hard part 1

Good Afternoon All!
Just popping in to share another card made with dies. I`m certainly getting my money`s worth out of these :)

Another delicately coloured one.
DP is Pink Petticoat.
Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts
Doily Die by Cheery Lynn designs
Grasses behind flowers from Marianne designs.
Happy Birthday die by Britannia from Pink Frog Crafts.
Butterfly is Martha Stewart punch.

I`ve another one to share tomorrow and hopefully will find some time soon to get crafty and do a proper post.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 123

Good Afternoon All!

Well it`s been another busy week here. I really must organise my time better than I am doing. The work, home, me time is a bit weighted towards work and home at the moment. I`ve managed to grab a few miniutes in the craft room to make this weeks Simply Less is More card. It`s one layer week this week with a theme of NEED FOR SPEED.
I needed a card for a girl at work who has just passed her driving test so this was a bit fortunate. Maybe not quite what Chrissie and Jen had in mind but I`m sure the need of the speed of a car far out weighs shanksies pony.

Really quick and simple. I embossed an oval with a nestie then stamped the car ( Hero Arts) in Memento Tuxedo Black before colouring with Spectrum Noir pens.
The sentiment is PC generated.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 122

Hello all. Sorry I seem to have been M.I.A. for the past week or so. It was a week of `no`s`.
No time, no mojo and, for nearly a week, no hot water when my boiler went on the blink. Not that that should have stopped me crafting but all my spare time was spent in the garden, digging and planting what seems like millions of tiny seedlings that I`ve grown in the greenhouse.
Really backbreaking but I do feel a sense of achievment :)
Anyway back to this weeks challenge at Simply Less is More which is a colour challenge and we`ve been asked to use the colour of our front door.

Terrible photo I know but I can`t get one from outside because my neighbour is having some building work done. I didn`t think buckets of half mixed plaster and piles of rubble was a good look so I`ve tried to take one from inside my dark and dingy hall. As you can see it`s a very boring white UPVC door with a gold letterbox and a bit of red stained glass in it.
I decided to use the red and gold and came up with this,

My usual panel with a rectangle cut out with a nestie.
For the background I simply swiped a clear embossing ink pad randomly across the rectangle (after masking) and added detail gold EP. After heating that, I swiped again with the pad on the bits I`d missed and embossed with red EP.
Wasn`t sure at first but as soon as I put the panel over it, it changed the look completely. I think it looks quite arty...anyway I`m pleased with it.
I`ve added some die cuts from Marrianne Designs  and the sentiment which is a mix of Waltzing Mouse and Layers of Color.

Hopefully I`ll get a bit more crafting time in now the gardens planted up.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Soft & delicate for Mum

Hi All!

This is the last of my die cut cards for now simply because I`ve run out of time. I am, however, already planning my next one so I will be back lol.

This time I`ve gone with soft, delicate colours and a bit more in the way of decoration. See what you think.

I`ve used a really pale green card for my swirl (Die_ namics) and my leaves ( Marianne Designs English Rose)
I`ve used white glitter card for the Chloe Stem ( Memory Box) which has a very slight pinky tinge.
The roses are from my stash and I`ve added some stamen from another flower.
I`ve also added a couple of stars from glitter card because all mums are stars aren`t they? A couple of teardrop pearls to some of the leaves and a gorgeous pearl heart that I picked up at the craft fair.
The sentiment is PC generated and cut out with SB Floral Oval die and I`ve finished off with a butterfly punched with a Martha Stewart punch from white card and glittered with pale pink Art Glitter.

A close up of the stamen and the pearl heart.


I think this is my best effort so far and I can`t wait to have another go.
Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Special Day

Hi All!

Yet another die cut card to show you this time in shades of purple. I`m having a ball with these dies and just hope my mojo sticks around for a while, I have lots more ideas.

Very similar to the other ones but this time I`ve used my Cheery Lynn French Pastry Doily die. I`ve been after this for ages but everytime I go to order it, it`s out of stock. I grabbed it quickly when I found it at the craft fair and I`m so glad I did.
Another thing that I`ve noticed and would never have thought to do, is using patterened paper for some of the die cuts. I`ve cut the Memory Box Prim Poppy out of scraps of patterened paper and the Chloe Stem from Glitter paper..
The butterfly is MS punch that I`ve cut from thin card and glittered. IRL it looks much closer in colour to the Chloe stem..
Enjoy the rest of your day.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 120

Happy Sunday All!

It was a bit of a shock to the system going back to CaS cards today after making cards all week with lots of layers and die cuts but as the challenge this week at Simply Less is More is to make a card with,
                                            CATS and/or DOGS and lots of white space,
I had to knuckle down and fight the urge to go die crazy. I did manage one die though lol.

I couldn`t find one cat or dog stamp among my stash so I bought this little cutie from Digistamp Boutique. Then I found a stamp among a set I bought a couple of weeks ago and haven`t put away yet ( slapped wrist for being untidy) Never mind I love this one.
I coloured the image with markers and cut it out with a nestie circle die.
The sentiment is computer generated and when the card base was cut to size I embossed a circle with a larger die. Then I simply popped my image in the circle using foam pads, job done.
Clean, simple and very cute.

Apparently Ruby explained the effects of Zero Gravity to Cheryl yesterday. She`s 4. Should we start checking out University places do you think? lol.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

More die cuts...

Good afternoon all.

Well my week off has flown by and I really should be doing some housework but what the heck...when Mr Mojo comes a calling a girl just has to go with it doesn`t she? I really think it would be rude not to :)

I`ve made another card in the style of Dorota. You would think that after making cards for as long as I have, I would be able to use my imagination and come up with something unique, but alas ,no. So I`m still taking advantage of other crafters imaginations. One day I might surprise myself...

At least this one looks a bit more balanced.
For this card I have used,
Poppy Stamps Lorelai Leaf
Memory Box Chloe Stem and Dancing Tulips.
Spellbinders Labels 4 and oval dies
Flowers from stash.
DP from Papermania Regency pk

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Die(ing) to play...

...with my new dies.

Hello All, I`m back with another card full of die cuts. After I bought a bunch of dies earlier in the week I found I needed a little push to get full use out of them so I stalked trawled through Pinterest looking for inspiration. Wow, did I find it, in bucket loads. So many fabulous ways to use your dies that I would never have thought of in a million years, especially Memory Box`s Chloe Stem. Take a look,

Never thought of using them as accents.Dorota on THIS blog using dies in the most fantastic way
You`re going to be seeing an awful lot more of these in the future.

I also want to say a very big thank you for the lovely comments on yesterdays post. I`m still a bit surprised when I get compliments from fellow crafters and especially if anyone says they want to CASE my work. I don`t have a problem with Casing at all, in fact I`m chuffed to bits and really flattered but I would like a link back to me if that`s ok.

Dies used,
Memory Box Chloe stem,
Poppy Stamps Lorelai Leaf
Cheey Lynn Fanciful Flourish
Spellbinders Floral Ovals
Roses from local dept store
DP Crafty Impressions.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

WoW Wedding

Hello again,
I`m back with my second post of the day and as promised, something totally different to my last one.
I`m really loving my dies at the moment and last sunday I went  to a papercraft show and spent far too much money on some new ones.
I made this card before my spending spree but I`m determined to get some time to experiment with the new ones this week :)

I used 2 of the Spellbinders Fleur de Lis squares, layered using foam pads.
The rolled roses are Marianne Design English Roses as are the large leaves.
The ferns are a Punched and the butterfly is a MS punch.
The sentiment is by Joanna Sheen, stamped, embossed in silver and punched with a tag punch.
I`ve added a white pearl stick pin and some tiny flat back pearls to the butterfly to finish.

I`m really pleased with the way this one turned out. So much so that I`ve made another one but with coloured flowers and leaves. Can`t show it just yet though.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 119

Hello All!

I don`t think I`ve ever been this late with my Simply Less is More entry before. I have the week off work and had full intentions of spending lots of time in thecraft room but as usual it wasn`t to be. Lots to do in the garden ( in between showers) including spending all day yesterday pricking out millions of seedlings and repotting them. My poor back was killing last night.
I did however find time to make a quick card for this weeks challenge where we are asked to use COLOURED CARD BASE.

I used a Lime green card base and stamped a Hero Arts Elegant Weeds stamp in Memento Elderberry.
I added some Glamour Dust to the heads and a sentiment from Papermania ( in black).
Then I think I ruined it by adding some gems.

Really quick update, Ruby is doing fine and is now back at school full time. Her collar bone is healing nicely.

Back later with something completely different, lots of layers and texture.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 118

Good afternoon all.
Wow, we are finally having some lovely weather, and for a bank holiday too. Now that`s almost unheard of here in the UK.
The challenge this week at Simply Less is More is a colour challenge.

We are to choose two opposite colours from the colour wheel. Not usually a problem for me with my penchant for vibrant colours but I have to admit I struggled a bit. I`ve made 3 cards but I`m not overly impressed with any of them.

 For my first card I went with yellow green and violet red.
The base card is pearlised lime green.
I used a new ( to me) Penny Black slap stick stamp called dreamy stamped in Versacolor Burgundy.
I`ve added a bit of Glamour Dust to the flower head.
The sentiment is Layers of Color stamped in Versafine Onyx.

 My second is a paler version of yellow green and violet red, more like light green and lilac really. This was actually the last card I made and I was beginning to lose the will to live lol.
I stamped Papertrey Turning a new Leaf in Fresh Green Versacolor of the edge of my base card.
Punched some butterflys from purple card and added some gems.
The sentiment is a mix of Layers of Color and Waltzing Mouse.

And finally, I used another new to me stamp, Chevrons by Lawn Fawn stamped in Versacolor Orange and Cyan.
I cut out circles with a nestie die in orange and bright blue card.
The sentiment is by Flourishes stamped onto white card and cut out with a nestie circle die.
Really not sure about this one, I think it needs something more.

Right then. Less than a week after Ruby was declared cancer free, she is back in the wars.
One of the side effects of the chemo she was on is what the doctors call, Wobbly Leg syndrome. Apparently it affects the calf muscles and the ankles and makes the kids walk a bit stiff and are prone to falling over. It`s a temporary condition but Ruby`s mum and dad decided to get her a trampoline for the garden to help build up the muscles and also to teach her to jump because she does a funny little bunny hop at the moment :)
Anyway tuesday afternoon after nattering for weeks to be able to play outside she finally got to go on the trampoline with big sister Charlotte.
And promptly fell awkwardly and broke her collar bone.
I know...you couldn`t make it up could you?
She now has her arm in a sling but is absolutely fine and turning mum and dad into nervous wrecks while she carries on as if nothing is wrong. The only downside, from Ruby`s point of view, is that she can`t have a tantrum because it hurts when she stamps her feet. Lol.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Hearts and swirls

Hi everyone.
I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful spring weather that we`ve waited so long for in the UK. I was asked to make a card for a very young couple who are about to celebrate one year of dating. Because they are so young I didn`t want to do my usual flowers and bows type card but was having trouble thinking up something that would do just as nicely.
I decided on a trawl through some of my favourite bloggers and decided on This card to CASE by the lovely Sarita. Unfortunately Sarita hasn`t posted anything for almost a year but I keep going back to her cards for inspiration. This is what I came up with,

I`ve swapped Sarita`s stars for hearts and used a different swirl stamp but kept the design.
The swirls are Papertrey Fancy Flourishes stamped in Memento London Fog.
The hearts are cut out using a Sizzix die.
The sentiment is PC generated.
Just a few matching gems to finish.


Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

LiM # 117 Take two

Hello everyone, I found a bit of time to play today so I`ve made another card for this weeks Simply Less is More challenge.
I thought I`d do something slightly out of the box this time. I just hope it fits the sketch rules.

I started by making the background paper on the pc. It was supposed to be purple but my printer decided to print it a very deep burgundy so I just went with it lol.

I cut an aperture in my card base with a nestie die and placed the bp behind.
I cut my leaf from Marianne designs in deep burgundy card but chopped some of the leaves  and stem off to make it fit.
Lastly I stamped the sentiment and cut it out with the trimmer then rounded the corners off, tucked the leaf die behind and thats it.
The aperture is a little on the large size for the sketch but the smaller die didn`t look right with the BP.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 117

Happy saturday everyone!

Before I show you my cards for this weeks Simply Less is More challenge. 
I have some news that I`m bursting to tell the world.

Ruby is Cancer Free!
Woohoo! They got the results of the CT scan yesterday and it`s gone. Lots of tests and check ups for the future but, oh wow, this is the best news ever. I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 14 months. The power of positive thinking is really immense. Thank you.

Right, back to normality.
This weeks challenge is a sketch by Jen. Lovely and simple.

 As I`m in such a sunny mood today I thought a bright sunny card was just the ticket.
I used bright yellow card for my base.
I stamped my image, from Hobbycraft, in Versacolor canary and heat embossed with clear EP.
The sentiment is by Personal Impressions.

 My second card is a bit more grown up and I think it would be a good one to send to a man.
White Linen card base. I cut a panel and sponged inks to represent grass and sky ( Memento Olive Grove and New Sprout and Versa color Baby Blue and Cyan)
I stamped my grasses in Versafine Onyx Black.
 The sentiment is PTI Autumn Abundance. 

My last card is one that I should have made months ago when Cheryl and Darren were having dark days. Instead I think I`ll keep it in the craft room as a reminder of just how strong the human spirit can be.
Sentiment done on the comp and the Gold Ribbon is for Childhood Cancer.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx
 

Thinking of you

Hi All!

A quick post from me today. I`ve spent as much time in the garden as possible this week while we`ve had the nice weather but as today is  cold and dull with the threat of rain, I thought I`d better do some housework. I did, however, find time to make a card for my friend Billie who`s husband has just been diagnosed with cancer.
Billie was such a support for me when Ruby was first ill and I really feel for her. She`s such a lovely person and I just hope things turn out ok.

I made a frame card again and used a Flourishes Orchid stamp. After masking my image I sponged some chalks on the background. I stamped a PTI Fancy Flourishes in London Fog ink in a couple of the corners then coloured my image using a mix of markers.
The sentiment is from another PTI set, Autumn Abundace.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx

Simply Less is More # 116

Good afternoon all and a very happy sunday.

Warning...very long ramble at the end of this post :)

Well I think spring has finally arrived. The sun is shining, the winds have gone but, my it`s a bit chilly. Still it`s a lovely feeling to get up to sunshine and to be able to put the washing out to dry. By heck I lead such an exciting life ;)

The challenge this week at Simply Less is More is called CASE IT and we are to take inspiration from either Chrissie`s or Jen`s cards or both if we wish.
I have cased Chrissie for now but hopefully will have the time to case Jen too as they are both fab cards.

This is Chrissie`s card,

And here is mine.
I`m still getting my thank you card stash built up so this will come in handy.
Not only am I feeling springlike but I`ve been out in the garden planting tubs up and preparing for seedlings so it`s no surprise really that I had to use a spring flower stamp. I`ve no idea of the make, it`s another I got from a craft fair but I do love it.
The alphabet dies are from Die-Namics.

A Ruby update.
Ruby had her last Chemo session last week, Yaaay!. She has to have lots of tests to see if the treatment has had any side effects and that all her organs are working correctly, and, obviously that the cancer has gone. The worse part is that it`s a nine day wait for the results but we`re all still positive.

Last monday Cheryl, Darren and Ruby had lunch with the Lord Mayor of Hull.
Our Olympic Gold Medal winning boxer Luke Campbell had donated his boxing gloves for Hull City Council to auction off to raise funds for their chosen charity. The man that bought them knows Darren and has been following Ruby`s story in the paper and so has donated one of the gloves to be auctioned again to raise funds for Candlelighters.
They were presented with the glove at a luncheon and, ofcourse the local paper was there too. Ruby is getting a bit fed up of having her photograph taken now. Poor kid, it seems that every where she goes, someone sticks a camera in her face and tells her to smile. On top of that, Lord Mayors Lunches are`nt that interesting when you`re only four and Ruby was getting a bit bored.
A very nice man, who Cheryl thinks was the Mayors assistant decided it would be a good idea to dress Ruby in the Mayors ceremonial gown.

How wonderful is that? The best bit though was when he placed the tricorn hat on her head  and Ruby said " Ooh arr I`m a pirate". ( Makes me giggle everytime I think about it)
Needless to say they all had a fabulous time and lots of wonderful memories.

Luke Campbell`s glove is nearly as big as Ruby.

Thanks for popping in...Lynne xxx