My Favorite 5 for 2014

Almost forgot my 5 for 2014 so straight into it.

This was for one of those special birthdays early in the year.

Just love that paper

This was for my nephews wedding last March.

Loved the simplicity of this one.

Had to include one of my Penny Black animals 

This was for a birthday on Dec 24th thankfully everyone loved it.

Now it is over to you.

http://debby4000.blogspot.com.au/

Margaret M

The latecomer.

Hope you have all recovered from the Christmas feasting.

I was very careful what I ate but I did have loads of salmon yum!

This is one of those cards that didn't make it into a post this year.

Do love this stamp which is a Penny Black.

Also this woven embossing folder

so expect to see more of both.

I did lightly sponge around the edges of the card 

but can't remember what DI I used to do so.

The greeting is by Anna Griffin.

Am entering this in:

CHNC Christmas Challenge - Anything goes.

Penny Black and more at allsorts - Special occasions

Margaret M

My 5 Favorite Christmas cards

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

May you all be spending it with the people who are special to you.

I am being very careful not to over indulge

as I am still recovering from 2 weeks of a gastro bug.

Not a very happy place to have been.

Time now to pick out my 5 favorite Christmas cards

for 2014.

Not the easiest of tasks but here goes.

A quick and easy card that says it all.

As is my second choice as well.

Now no 3 this was for my grand daughter Rebecca

who as a child was so like Tilda.

What to choose for no 4?

The ever popular Mr Snowman who has been 

with me for more years than I card to remember.

And last but not least no 5.

The red against the white sets this off I think.

http://debby4000.blogspot.com.au/

Now it is over to you.

Margaret M

  

White cream and........

This is going to be a very quick post today.

Afraid it has not been a very good couple of weeks

I have just managed to get a card ready to post and the heavens opened.

thunder, lightening, hail like you wouldn't believe.

All in the space of a few minutes.

The gutters couldn't cope with the deluge and it has poured down the windows

flooded the laundry so i have been mopping up.

Looking at the clouds there is more to come.

So.......here is the card that I have to show you.

This is for 52 CCT and the previous that I chose is

Colour Combo #31 August 2014

White Cream Gold and Silver.

With the overcast weather it was hard to get a photo

without the silver foil card reflecting.

I cut 4 of the smaller die from the SB decorative labels 4

cut each in half diagonally then layered one section on top of the other

and layered them to overlap onto a square of the silver foil card.

I sponged the lacy edges of each with a gold Versa pad. 

It is one of those cards that looks better in RL.

Margaret M

Beautiful Blue

Hunting through a stack of papers in a box I found

the front of what had been a lovely writing pad.

Years old of course

A beautiful shade of Blue and thick enough to be card.

I have never been able to cut it up 

but I took a deep breath and here is what I did with it.

Oh dear the photo makes the DP look a different shade.

the DP is Maja Design.

The flowers are Memory Box Joyful Boquet

which I cut out 3 times  once in white and then 

with a scrap of green for the leaves and 

blue for the flowers.  I was luck enough to keep the petals intact

when I stuck the white frames over them.   

The stems  were white so I coloured with

a Copic marker.

I have enough of that blue card to make 3 more cards.

Am entering this in:

Penny's Paper crafty - Use your favorite colour

Sister Act cards Challenge - anything goes 

Through the Craft room Door - Always anything goes

Thanks for dropping in you are most welcome.

Margaret M

Happy Christmas

This I  hope will make up my tally of Christmas cards for this year.

But you always have to be ready for that unexpected arrival.

Today I have picked a previous sketch for

52CCT

and chose No 27 for April 2014

Here is my take

I love that paper it's from Wild Rose Studio

The snowflake embossing folder is a Cuttlebug one.

The punched lace is an EK punch and 

the greeting is by a Cheery Lyn.

I cut out 2 in white and 1 red then layered them off setting the red.

This is not easy unless you have a ballpoint Zig glue pen.

I don't so it was back to the toothpick to spread the glue for me.

Fingers crossed it wont fall to pieces.

Am entering this in:

52 CCT - Pick a previous

Penny's paper craft - Anything goes

Crafty Creations - Embossing heat or dry

Through the Craftroom door- -Always anything goes

Winter Wonderland - Dies and punches
Christmas card Challenges - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping in and I hope you enjoyed your visit.
Hope you have the time to stop and say Hello.


Margaret M

Surprise Surprise!!

It is not a Christmas card.

I thought you might like a change.
My Daughter in law asked if I would make her a 60th birthday card
and this is it.  Hope she likes it.

The deckle card base is one of some I have had for years and I am trying

to use up all the stash I have filling my cupboards.

I sponged around the edge with Versa pad called Narcissus.

Afraid it doesn't show up very well.

I did the same around the 60 which I embossed with a sparkly gold powder.

it is so old the name has faded from the label. 

Used Memory Box Willoughby Butterfly Wings.

I love them.

The leaves are from HOTP Paper Artist dies called Floral Frenzy.

The roses I made myself.

Everything has been raised with foam but I couldn't get a good picture

to show it off.

Couture creation   Grand Woven embossing folder

Spellbinders   Labels 4  Gold Labels 4  Elegant Labels 4

Memory box  Willoughby Butterfly Wings

HOTP  Paper Artist  12 Flower Frenzy

Am entering this in:

Crafty Creations - Embossing heat or dry

Inspiration Destination - Anything goes

Penny's paper-crafty - Anything goes

Through the Craftroom door - Always anything goes


Thanks for dropping in you are most welcome.




Margaret M

Paper piercing

I found this paper piercing a bit hard on my arms

and my first card was not the best.

Even with a paper piercing ruler it was all over the place.

I was very tempted to file it in the waste bin but decided to finish it

as after all it is handmade and does not need to be perfect.

For the card I am going to show you  I used 

a plastic template which I found easier to use.

Am getting to a stage where I need to renew some of my ink pads and

I have just bought myself a Versafine ink pad Majestic Blue.

Have found that you can get 2 stampings from one inking.

A dark blue that can be embossed and a pale blue like this one.

The blue card came from the bit box.

Decided to cut the snowflakes out of shiny silver card and love how they

sparkle with all the colours in them.

It is so cold today after 2 days in the 20's doubt it has got to 15 today.

At least we are not suffering like they are in NSW where it has been over 40.

Then all of you poor people in America with all that freezing snow.

So what am I grumbling about.

Am entering this :

52 CCT - Paper piercing

Penny Black and more - Anything goes

CHNC extra 2 - Anything goes

Inkspirational challenges - Christmas No Red or Green.

Thanks for dropping in.

Margaret M

Green and Gold

You would think by now that I had enough Christmas cards

but no I still need a few more

and needed some that will not be too thick.

So here is what I have made today using scraps.

It is not a good photo can't think why as it is a very bright day.

I have stamped with gold those little snowflakes stamps I have had for years

and they have been sorely neglected I'm afraid.

The die cut snowflakes are by Impression Obsession and 

they are cut out of shiny gold foil card.

Have used the sketch from Completely Christmas

Am entering this in
Completely Christmas - Sketch
Beccy's Place - A month of holiday cards
Christmas card challenges - Anything goes
CHNC extra 2 - Anything goes


Thanks for dropping in.



Margaret M

Blue and White

I have another card for you today and guess what 

Its a Christmas one too.

No that is not glitter on my desk just the reflection.

I cut out 4 of the Memory Box Madera corner dies and placed them with the 

points in the centre placing my sentiment over them.

Both the Poinsettia and the leaves from the 

Dogwood outline die that I have used are Memory Box too.

I felt the white card was too much so ran D/S tape round the edge and

used pale blue glitter to soften it.

It looks better in RL.  

Am entering this in:

 Christmas card Challenges - Anything goes or colour choice

Dies R Us - Christmas

Christmas cards all year long - No pattern paper

CHNC extra 2 - Anything goes

Now I thought Ang might like to see my Fuschia Tree.

Well I can hardly call it a shrub can I?

Ang has a great tutorial on making these flowers and you can check it here

this gets cut back to bare wood in the winter

and it is not yet in full flower.

When it is I will be sweeping up a bucket full on spent blooms 

every couple of days throughout the summer.

Should have got a close up of the flowers silly me

Well thats all folks

Margaret M

Through the Window

 Did I go into panic mode when I saw just what

52CCT had for this weeks challenge.

Making a window as a focal point is not the sort of thing

I would normally do.

After the panic settled I began to think rational about it

and this is the result.

I learnt a very valuable lesson too.

I thought I would be very clever when I cut out the paper lace

by adding double side Jac paper to the back before I cut it out.

I spent a good half an hour getting out all those tiny pieces

that then stuck to my hands and the carpet but 

refused to go into the rubbish bin.

I gave up and left the 2 top rows of dots in

but I quite like that anyway.

The picture is a freebe that I got from Completely Christmas.

Did think about putting a white Happy Christmas on it

but decided it was not a good idea

as I really like it just as it is.

Am entering this in:

52CCT - Through a window

Dies R Us - Christmas

Christmas cards all year round - No patterned paper

CHNC extra 2 - Anything goes

Christmas card challenges - Anything goes or colour choice

Thanks for dropping in you are most welcome.

Margaret M

Correct Colours

I was just about to switch off the computer for the day

when I thought I would hop over to 52CCT

and find out  what the colours were for this month.

Have just made this card today and what do know but it fits.

So this week I hope to be first in.

The evening meal can wait now until I finish this post.

This stamp was a freebe on an English craft magazine and I think she is just the 

sweetest and she has a mouth.

She has been coloured with my copics and yes I did have my glasses on.

The paper is from Wild Rose Studio and it is gorgeous.

I was very reluctant to cut it down from 6x6 to 14cm but

the 2 strips I cut off I have used on the inside.

There is no gold metallic paper but the ribbon is gold edged and

the gold bell is metal so hope that counts.

Am entering this in:

52CCT -  Colour Challenge

A Crafty Mess - Anything goes

CHNC Christmas Challenge 2 - Anything goes 

Christmas Stamping all Year Long - Anything goes

Sisters act Cards - Anything goes

Penny Black and more - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping in.

Margaret M

Black and White

The weather here has gone stark raving mad.

Snow,Gales, Rain, Hail, Thunder storms and Bright Sunshine.

And that's just one day!

Ah well that's Spring.

Something I forgot to tell you I took some of my cards with me
when I went shopping in Devonport

and my friend Bev loved my White Christmas card and 

begged it off me so it is now on show in her shop.

Today I have attempted something I have never done before

A Black and White Christmas card.

Very modern I hope!

However it was very hard to take a good photo.

Following this sketch

No glitter just a few rhinestones which I coloured with Copics.

I think this will be another one for the boys.

Am entering this in:

52 CCT - Sketch

The Ribbon Girls - Christmas card

CHNC 2 - Anything goes

Completely Christmas - Anything goes

Christmas card Challenges - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping in.

Margaret M

One for the Boys

Am getting in early this week for 52CCT

who are asking for enamel dots.

So I thought I would make a card suitable for a male,

seeing as I have 5 Grandsons to make them for.

I used one of my new embossing folders, Basket Weave.

Oh hang my head in shame though I could have 

got the greeting straighter.

I didn't have my glasses on of course!!!!!.

None of the boys will look that closely at it though.

52CCT - Enamel Dots

Christmas Card Challenges - Anything goes 

Completely Christmas - Anything goes + add a sentiment

Thanks for dropping in.

Margaret M

Running late

Oh I am so late this week but my few days away 

meant more to do when I got home.

But wow did I enjoy myself

even if I did come home with more than I intended.

I could have bought more!!!!!!!!!

but was very good and put some of it back.

There is also quite  list in the order book too for next time.

Well now onto my card.

I have had very little crafting time this week and 

52CCT wanted a single layer card.

So I decided that I would emboss with one of my dies.

Now if there is anyone in blog land with an EBosser.

Please, please, please, what is the recipe for embossing with a die.

I have tried every combination and still it cuts out.

Having wasted all my craft time on this it was a mad scramble

to come up with a card and as I did not have my glasses on

just regard any smudges etc as intentional.

After all it is handmade.

The holly stamp and greeting are from 

Penny Black Transparency called Christmas wishes

Am entering this in:

52CCT - Single layer card

Penny Black and more - Get ahead for Christmas

Crafting by Designs - Get ready for Christmas

Christmas card challenges - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping in and for all the lovely comments they make my day.

Margaret M

Pink Christmas

October 14th and the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings no less.

1066 and all that.

A big Hi to any of you out there living in 

this area of East Sussex.

I shall be away from home for the next couple of days.

Travelling north to spend a day

in my friends craft shop up in Devonport.

I am soooooo in need of a break.

 Am intending to be very good and not spend too much LOL

Am a trifle late this week getting my card ready 

for 52CCT where this week is a colour choice.


Here is my card.

I have used another piece of Bearly Mine paper another check.

This is very pastel but has pink and green running through it.

Do love this picture a freebee from Suzy Bees Completely Christmas.

It is printed out on matt photo paper and I added some colour to the fur with my copics.

Think I am getting to like pink Christmas.

Am entering this in:

52CCT - Colour choice

Completely Christmas - Anything goes

Little Claire's - Christmas theme

Christmas card challenges - Colour choice

Do have a happy day and thank you for dropping in.

Margaret M

Ornamental

When I saw the sketch over at 52CCT this week

I wondered just how I could adapt it.

So I sat down and had a wander through my dies
and then one of those WOT IF ideas hit me.
This is what I came up with.

These are from SB Add on Ornaments and they have cut out beautifully in glitter paper.

I have raised these with 1mm foam and was grateful for the 

practice I had on the tree in my last post because

this was even more difficult.

I hung them with gold chain stickers/ peel offs

and the sentiment stamp was coloured with a Tombow.

It is a better match to the red than it looks.

The whole was then put onto white textured card with 2mm foam.

I am really happy with the end result which is praise indeed from me

as I am rarely satisfied with my cards and give them

a Could do Better. 

How often did I get that on my school report?

Am entering this in:

52 CCT - Sketch 

House of Cards - Dies or Punches

Completely Christmas - Anything goes

My time to Craft - Die cuts only

Christmas card challenges - Layer it up

Thanks for dropping in you are most welcome.

Margaret M

White Christmas

It is blowing a gale outside but I don't think it will hit the 28 they forecast.

I had thought it might be nice to go to the

Orchid show that is on this weekend in Hobart

but there is no way I would drive over the Tasman bridge in this weather.

So instead I have made a card.

It was not easy to 3D the tree as it needed such tiny pieces of adhesive foam.  

This photo certainly does not do the card justice

as it twinkles with the rhinestones and the liquid pearls.

The yellow smudge in the left hand corner is the watermark on the photo.

Am entering this in:

52 CCT - Diamonds and Pearls

My time to Craft - White on White Christmas

Completely Christmas - Anything goes


Thanks for dropping in you are most welcome.



Margaret M

Back in Pink

Anyone would think it was summer not spring.

A glorious day with clear blue sky again. 

 It was 21 yesterday and looking for 23 today.

Warmer than Sydney!!!!

Am a little annoyed with this photo as the card stock is Baby Pink

not Peach as the photo would have you believe.

Yes I am back with Pink again.

Had no one in mind when I made the card but today

my next door neighbour tells me she has a very nasty cancer

on her face so this is for her.

I know she will love it so hope it cheers her up.

Am entering this in:

In the Pink - Sparkle and bling

Crafty little fairies - Sparkle and bling.

Paradise of stamps - Anything goes.

Thanks for dropping in your are most welcome.

Margaret M

Star light

Today I am chasing colours as 52CCT have a colour challenge.

Red or Blue { I'm using blue }

Black and White

Gold or Silver { Silver it is with Blue }.

Here is the card I came up with.

I have given Tilda plenty of glitter in place of fur

and the trees too but as it was still wet it doesn't show up too well.

The snow flakes are cut out of glitter card.

Am entering this in:

52CCT - Colour challenge.

Completely Christmas - Anything goes

The Sisters of Craft - Anything goes

Paradise of Stamps - Anything goes

Christmas card Challenges - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping by,

Margaret M

Pretty in Pink

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts on Copics.

Actually I was just thinking out loud

as I have invested so much money in the Copics that I really

cannot think of going to anything else.

I do have several refills but now have to buy more.  Moan! Moan!

Really I love the way they blend but have not been doing enough

colouring in and it shows, you do have to keep up with it.

So my new resolution is to try to do some colouring in everyday.

I decided to go pink today and show you the card I have made

for my grand daughter's birthday this week.

This is the first Tilda I bought and still one of my favorites.

It also reminds me so much of Rebecca when she was small.

She has a glittery tiara and gloves and patent leather shoes.

I can remember longing for patent leather shoes for myself when I was small.

Perhaps that is why I  always give shiny shoes to Tilda.

A close up of Tilda.

I do love the Detailed Scallops die.

Am entering this in:

Crafting by designs - Pretty in Pink

Suzi Bees Bloomin Challenge - Anything goes

CHNC Patterned Paper - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping in and for the lovely comments you leave.

Margaret M 

  

Sweet and simple

After the lovely weather we have had this last couple of weeks

it was hard to wake to blustery wind and showers today.

Boy am I feeling the cold.

My daughter came in this morning and took her Dad out for coffee

which gave me time for a little play in my craft room.

Here is what I came up with.

Don't know why the pearls in the flowers have gone dark

as they are Blush.

Have't played with those papers before and don't know where I got them.

The flowers and leaves are both punched out.

Am entering this in: 

House of Cards - Colour choice

Penny Black and more - Autumn colours

Suzi Bees Bloomin Challenge - Anything goes

CHNC - Pattern paper 

Thanks for dropping in you are most welcome.

Margaret M

Another sketch

I like this following a sketch means I don't have to think too hard.

Don't really have much time for designing with a disabled

husband to care for.

Not much time for crafting either.

Ah well that's life.

This is the sketch over at 52CCT.



Here is my take on it.

All the new dies seem to be the in thing these days so I thought

I would bring out one of my MS round the pages punches out for an airing,

just to be different.

I also intended for the panel to be placed across the bottom of the card,
but after sticking it down I realized I had the card round the wrong way.
More haste less speed.
The colouring is not flash as I was not wearing my glasses
and my Copics all need refilling.
I really am in 2 minds about Copics don't know if I like them or not,
but then what do I replace them with?
Don't know.

Am entering this in:
52CCT - Sketch
Completely Christmas - Anything goes
{PIN }spirational Challenge - Colour challenge



Thanks for dropping in.


Margaret M