2 December 2009

One down, four to go!

Yep, thats Christmas trees I'm talking about. If I could fit more in the house I would but as it is I have to rearrange furniture in a couple of rooms to fit what I have in, the bigger the tree the better and as many decs as I can possibly fit on the branches otherwise I'm not happy.

I tend to decorate late at night as it annoys my hubby no end to watch me to and froing moving one bauble here and then there until I'm happy with it and if I threaten to attempt some tree trimming during the day well you know its funny he always manages to forget something from the hardware store down the road just so he can get out LOL!!

Well I've done the tree that goes on our wall in the porch. Now if I'm honest there are not enough decs on there for my liking but I have four other trees to trim so I don't want to use all the baubles on the first one, but if I end up with any left over thats where they will be going.


I'm listening to Christmas songs and debating which decs to attempt next. All I need now is a glass of mulled wine (or two)!!

Take care folks and festival jollities to you all.

Ann-Marie

xxx

1 December 2009

Belles'n Whistles advent candy

Happy 1st day of advent folks. I'm so excited watched my first Christmas movie last night whilst colouring lots of Christmas images. I was feeling really Christmassy and just didnt want to go to bed wanted to put my decs up but at 2.30 a.m. in the morning not sure hubby would have been too appreciative!!

Anyway, just a quick post to let you know that Summer from Belles'n Whistles is offering some delicious advent candy every day on the run up to the big event so why not pop over here and have a looksy.

Thats all for now.

Take care
Ann-Marie
xxx

30 November 2009

"Jingle Bells"

Evening everyone, I hope you all have had a fab day. Today has been good I got to finish my little project for my auntie and the weather has turned all crisp and cold just love it really feels like Christmas is on its way.

Well I wont subject you to one of my waffling posts (did you hear that - everyone sighed relief in unison!) so this is my advent calender for my auntie.
This is the top of my advent. The image is a Sugar Nellie called "Jingle Bells" and I have coloured it with copics. I eventually found some excellent card to use with my copics thanks to Elaine at Quixotic Paperie who let me know what she uses and pointed me in the right direction, thank you so much Elaine I now no longer have withdrawal symptoms and I can colour to my hearts content.
This is one of the sides. The little squares you can see with the wreath and the "Merry Christmas" are toppers from Flowersoft and I'd added green flowersoft and red stickles for the berries.
I do apologise for the picture quality, I'm definately no photographer even with a half decent camera I can still bodge the shot, but you can get the jist of it hopefully with these couple of pics. I so enjoyed doing this I just wish I has started a little sooner and made a few more, but hey I'll start in January for next Christmas and maybe I'll have enough for all my family. Best start collecting the little matchboxes now as there is no way I'm going in and asking for 100's of matchboxes as they'll think I'm an arsonist!
Right, I'm off now got some Christmas decs to put up. Got to start with the tree in the porch and then I think I'll move on to the one in the conservatory, yes we have five in our house (that includes the kiddies ones in their rooms), so best get cracking.
Take care guys, have a good evening and I'll speak to you soon.
Ann-Marie
xxx

28 November 2009

At last!

Hi folks hope you're all having a fab weekend. Hope the weather is better where you are its been dreadful here so wet and windy.

Anyway, I've finally got around to finishing of my first easel card. I've had my coloured Tilda hanging around for at least a week but I had a project I needed to finish for my mum. She wanted a 30th anniversary card she said but supplied me with a whole heap of photos and asked if I could use them, so what started off as a card turned more into a mini scrapbook, but its done now but thought I best not show it as they were private photos and I hadn't asked permission and some peeps can be a bit funny about these things, but hey I was so proud of it. Gosh there's no shutting me up is there I'm being a right old waffler. Anyway here's my little creation and for my first attempt at one of these cards I'm really quite chuffed with it.


The oval behind Tilda started off as a normal oval - didn't like that so I got out my Fiskers fancy scissors and cut around it to give it a fancy edge then thought hey I'll ink it up, well what a mistake to make - as I've said before me and distressing just don't mix and what a mess it turned out, so the border you now see around the oval is masking my mess and all I did was punch out loads of little snowflakes from pink glitter card and stick them all on, but I think it turned out quite well eventually. Added some bling and got out the old stickles (which the camera hasn't picked up) and voila. Oh its sat on its own little box too.
Well I'm off now I'm in the middle of making an advent calender out of matchboxes which I first saw on Debby's fab blog here and I just had to have a go. Check out the rest of her creations they're so beautiful and they always inspire me. So all being well that should be the next thing to show you.
Wherever you are have a great weekend. Take care all.
Hugs
Ann-Marie
xxx

26 November 2009

Fab candy and an award!

Hi folks, guess what I have an award, yes thats right little old me has an award and my first at that, all thanks to Mandy at A Sprinkling of Glitter. Thanks sweetie I'm chuffed to bits you've made my day. Mandy also has some yummy scrummy candy up for grabs so pop on over and have a look and whilst there have a little looksy at her creations she is very talented and they are gorgeous. Right now this award has lots of questions so take a deep breath and here goes:-



1. Where is your cell phone? - coat pocket

2. Hair? - brown

3. Mother? - never far away

4. Father? - not that close

5. Favourite food? - Thai

6. Dream last night? - dont know (didnt get much sleep anyway, we have poorly house this week!)

7. Favourite drink? - Jack Daniels

8. Dream goal? - 24 hr crafting!!!

9. What room are you in? - Kitchen/conservatory

10. Your hobby? - crafting OF COURSE

11. Your fear? - dying young

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years time? - my own craft room!

13. Where were you last night? - home

14. Something you aren't? - miserable

15. Muffins? - christmas ones from my local baker, yum!

16. Wishlist item? - craft room

17. Where did you grow up? Bransgore/New Milton (in the New Forest)

18. Last thing you did? hoover

19. What are you wearing? - my coat (just going down the school to pick up son)

20. Your tv? - not mine its hubby's apparently!!!! buts its a Samsung

21. Your pets? none

22. Your friends? - mad like me

23. Your life? - content

24. Your mood? - happy

25. Missing someone? - my grandad

26. Vehicle? - don't drive

27. Something you're not wearing? makeup

28. Your favourite store? - Next

29. Your favourite colour? - Red

30. Last time you laughed? - just now

31. Last time you cried? - a couple of days ago

32. Your best friend? - my hubby

33. One place you go to over and over? - my purse!

34. Person who e-mails you regularly? - my mate from where I used to work

35. Favourite place to eat? - Thai restaurant

36. Facebook? - occasionally

Phew! I've done it that got the old wheels turning. Not very exciting answers I know and I couldn't stick to the one word answers either, but you know a little more about me anyway. Right, gotta dash my son has a friend home for tea and it sounds like they're destroying the place upstairs so I'm off to rule with an iron hand (not that they listen to me!!!).

I know I'm meant to pass this on to fellow blogging buddies but as usual I'm late with posting mine and I think most of my fellow blogging buds have already had it, so if you've popped on here and it hasn't made its way to you yet then please by all means take it and post on your blog and I'll pop in to be nosey. I like being nosey he he!!!

Well take care you guys and I hope its a happy day where you are. I'm in the process of putting together a Crimbo card so should hopefully see you soon.

Take care for now.

Ann-Marie

xxx

23 November 2009

Jacque's Joie de Vivre sweet candy

Hi all, just a quick stop by to tell you all about the fab candy that Jacque is kindly offering to one lucky winner. Pop on over here to find out how to be in with a chance of winning. If you read the post carefully you will see that Belles 'n Whistles is having a blog hop to celebrate the release of the new Elisabeth Bell 2nd release christmas stamps and they are adorable. So pop on over to find out all the info and check out Jacque's blog whilst there as it is amazing.

Take care.
Ann-Marie
xxx

11 November 2009

Just a quickie

Hi everyone. Hope you are all in fine form and having a happy Wednesday so far.

I've only done a quickie card today as I've ran out of my card which I stamp on and colour with my copics, I know I know bad organisation, but hey I've never been one for being organised you just need to look at my craft stash to find that out. So its my own fault but I still don't feel any better - I'm having withdrawal symptoms from stamping and colouring!

Anyway, heres my card. I've done a bookatrix this time and I've used nice and easy die cuts from Kanban. A fellow blogger said she always feels like she's cheating if its not stamped or coloured I know where she's coming from I feel the same but when needs must and you're behind with the Crimbo cards they're a godsend.
I think I need to take photography lessons either that or get a decent camera. My piccies just never seem to be to the same standard as you fellow bloggers, so I apologise for the poor quality.
If you look very closely there is a little "Joy" charm dangling from the top ribbon and I have added some bling. The sentiment is an old one I found whilst having a rummage around in my stash it is from HOTP. I just left it plain as I thought it fitted in with the scheme of the card as is.
Anyway, thats it from me. Take care all and enjoy rest of the evening.
Take care
Ann-Marie
xxx

10 November 2009

Bev's Whiff of Joy candy

Bev has more candy on offer here. Nip on over and have a ganders she is giving away some gorgeous goodies, thank you Bev for the chance. Don't forget to have a nosey around her blog at some of her creations whilst you are there believe me she is very talented and her creations are beautiful. So pop on over and have a look and enter for a chance of winning.

Take care.
Ann-Marie
xxx

9 November 2009

Debbie's Delicious Candy

Debbie over at Passion for Crafts is celebrating the fact that she has been blogging for around 17 months now and her counter has reached over 200,000 hits what an achievement, well done Debbie. It is no surprise though as if you take the time to have a browse around her blog you will understand why. She is such a talented lady and all of her creations are simply stunning and I always come away feeling inspired. She is celebrating by giving away some amazing candy, thank you for the opportunity to enter and thank you for all the inspiration you give.

Thats it for now folks will hopefully have some things to show you soon.

Take care
Ann-Marie
xxx

5 November 2009

Any copic users I need help!!!!

Hi to all you wonderful peeps. I haven't been around much lately but I managed to grab myself a little crafty time this morning whilst my little one was at school. However a while back I realised I had used up all of my white card that I had been stamping on and colouring with my copics. Now I can't for the life of me remember where I got it or what sort it was all I know was that it was perfect for copics. I have been trying all different types of card since but to no avail. I must admit I am getting quite frustrated. My last effort was some executive card from Tesco which I've just tried and found that it bleeds. All of the card I seem to try bleeds quite badly I've even tried Bristol Board as I thought I read somewhere on some forum that it was okay, but no that bleeds too.

Now am I doing something wrong, I know that I don't really need to be put too much ink down on the paper but find when I blend with three or more colours its quite hard. Now some images I can rescue as I will cut them out and mount but I'm a lazy crafter and will soon get fed up with cutting every image out. So can anyone help me - is there something I'm doing drastically wrong or can anyone recommend some card to use that won't bleed (and is available in the UK). Any ideas would be very gratefully received.

Thank you guys for any help you may send my way. Now if you're doing bonfires and fireworks tonight I hope you have a great time and that the rain stays away for you. We're having a family get together on Saturday which should be great fun and the kiddies are so looking forward to it so fingers crossed it stays dry!!

Bye for now. Take care.
Ann-Marie

16 October 2009

Lady in Purple!

Well hello all, I can't believe it has been that long since my last post, I'm so sorry what a very bad blogger I am, and even worst I've not managed to blog hop too much either and leave all you gorgeous crafters any love so again I apologise profusely. What with new school starting, birthdays and a household with the lurgy I've just not managed to do much and to top it off my mojo decided it was going to take a walk for about a week! But hey its back and so am I, so today I've finished another Crimbo card.
I've used my favourite Whiff of Joy Christmas stamp coloured with my copics. I used an old Friday Sketchers sketch and tweaked it a little. The papers I think are from Hot off the Press but I've had them a while so don't quote me on that. The flowers were die cuts I've had for a while and just added a few gems and voila done!
Well gotta dash must pick up my little princess from preschool, I wonder what state she will be in today. Yesterday they were making some things but had used pink food colouring, well you should have seen the colour of her hands and do you think I could get the darn stuff off.
Take care and happy Friday to you all, hope you have a great weekend!
Hugs
Ann-Marie
xxx

17 September 2009

The Sugar Bowl challenge 19

Hello fellow bloggers, sorry its been a while things have been a bit hectic what with the first week of school and all, but things are settling down a little now. So I thought I would enter into the challenge at The Sugar Bowl which is a fab sketch by Marlene, thanks sweetie its a goodun and I will be using it again and again.

Anyway, here's my contribution to the challenge and I used my 'Daisy' stamp which was one of the very first stamps I bought from Sugar Nellie and I love her dearly she's so adorable and a dream to colour. The papers I used are from my one and only Basic Grey 'sugared' pad and boy oh boy did I break into a sweat cutting into these little beauties but I figured I couldn't keep and stroke them forever!!

Right, just a short post today, I'm so tired I'm nearly dropping off at the computer and I can hear my pillow calling.

Sorry I haven't left any comments this past week but I will try and get around to see everyone's gorgeous work tomorrow. Take care, hope you are all okay.

Hugs
Ann-Marie
xxx


8 September 2009

Double Trouble!

Hi my fellow bloggers, hope you all have had a good Monday. Well it has been a little quieter here today as one half of my motley crew when back to school. Here's a quick piccie of Luke before he went to school this morning. It doesnt seem possible that my little boy is now in year 3.

Well he thoroughly enjoyed his day. My other little one though is a different kettle of fish, she is in denial at the moment that she will be going back to preschool on Wednesday, so I am not looking forward to it. I can't bear the thought of having to leave her there if she doesnt want to go, but I mustn't make a scene, I will be a big girl and just get on with it. Help!

Sorry I haven't done a card today, but I will leave you with one last piccie before I go. Hope you don't mind.

They were playing cowboys here. Emilie is such a little tomboy but thats having a big brother for you!

Well I'll catch up soon. Hope you all have a good Tuesday and manage to get some crafty time in. I'll will be trying my hardest to get some time in.

Hugs

Ann-Marie

xxx


7 September 2009

"Brrrrrr, its cold outside"

Hi folks, hope you all have had a great weekend. We've had a good one trying to make the most of our time together as the kiddiwinkles go back to school on Monday, well my son goes Monday and my little baby girl goes Wednesday morning. At the beginning of the hols I was thinking oh my god seven weeks but its been great and I really dont want them to go back I wish I could have just one more week. Its going to seem so quiet. I think what makes it worse is my son is going up to junior school yr 3 he's growing up so fast into a well mannered and intelligent boy we're so lucky, but then I'm just biased. Anyway, enough of my ramblings and feeling sorry for myself I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things in no time.

As promised I've managed to finish off my first Crimbo card of the year. I used an old sketch from Friday Sketchers to help with the layout as I find it doesnt come that easily with me and I need a little help with layouts as otherwise my cards just end up looking all the same and quite flat.



Decided to decorate the inside quite simply have just added some tiny punched snowflakes to the background paper, but they don't show up that well.
The stamp used is a Sugar Nellie "Snowflake" from Funky Kits and coloured with my copics. Had to have a bit of glitter on her but I don't think my piccie shows it. I do apologise I'm no photographer. Sorry not sure what the papers are, but I know next time I will choose my papers first before I colour and not the other way round as I so had trouble matching up colours, but its a lesson learned.
Anyway, got to dash as I need to do some last minute checks just to make sure I've got everything ready for school, but knowing me I've probably forgotten something!
Thank you for dropping by it is very much appreciated and any comments are most welcome I love to know you popped in. Have a great day, see you soon.
Hugs
Ann-Marie
xxx

5 September 2009

My little friend

I love Autumn the crisp mornings and the smell of the leaves I'm just a country girl at heart. I love hedgies too so when I saw the Autumn stamps at Funky Kits I knew I had to have them in my sticky little mits (well look at me I'm adding a link in my text!!).

Well when I saw the sketch over at the Sugar Bowl (just to prove its not a fluke I've done it again!) I just had to have a go so this is going to be my entry. Had so much fun with this and its a sketch I will definately be using again. I love sketches as sometimes my mojo does a runner and they really help me out so I'm always saving them for future use.

So without further ado heres my little piece of paper art and I hope you like it. I love the look that distressing brings but when I try it it just seems to end up a dirty mess so the nearest I get to it is inking around the edges which is what I have done a little of here but not sure if you can see it.
Right, off now to put together my first Crimbo card so hopefully if all goes well I'll be back tomorrow. Take care folks and hope you all have a great Sunday. Its my little ones last day before they go back to school so we are going to do something special. Thank you for taking the time to have a peek and any comments are appreciated I love hear what you think.
Hugs Ann-Marie xxx
Papers: My Mind Eye bloom & grow
Tools: Martha Stewart doily punch, Leone Em Leaves, Retro flower punch
Stamp: Autumn kit from Funky Kits
Buttons and ribbon from stash

Magnolia candy

Yea its Saturday and what does that mean, thats right its Simon Says Stamp Saturday Surprise time over on Bevs. Every week there is a stamp up for grabs so don't forget to check it out. Anyway, its just a quick one from me at the mo, will pop back later hopefully with a card. Its just me and the kiddiwinkles today as daddy has gone a travelling to a football match!

Hugs
Ann-Marie xxx

4 September 2009

More candy!

Hello again just wanted to mention Caroline also has some gorgeous candy up for grabs. Pop on over and enter for your chance to win. Also don't forget to check out her creations whilst there as she is also one very talented lady.

Hugs
Ann-Marie
xxx

Bev's sweet candy

Just a quick one from me - just wanted to let you know about Bev's sweet candy she is offering over on her blog. Its "Elodie" one of the gorgeous new Sarah Kay stamps. Pop on over to Bev's at All the things I love and enter for a chance of winning it. Whilst there take the time to check out her blog its beautiful she makes some stunning creations I always come away feeling inspired!

Happy Friday everyone! I'll be back soon.

Hugs
Ann-Marie
xxx

30 August 2009

Me again!

So okay I said I was going, but I've just gone back on to check everything posted okay. Not sure what I am doing wrong but it looks like my line spacing is all over the place and how on earth do you include a link in your post like I see so many other peeps do. Any comments and advice on posting would be gratefully appreciated. I'm sure its very simple but I can be incredibly dense at times!!!! Bye for now.

Ann-Marie
xxx

It never rains but it pours!!

Are you ready for this extra long post. If you get bored before the end I can only apologise, but I did warn you that "it never rains but it pours!!!!"

Okay, so I apologise I haven't managed to blog everyday, but I have managed to finish off some cards I had lying around that were not quite finished. I have a very bad habit of flitting from project to project before I've finished them so at any one time I could have two or three on the go. Might explain why my craft stash is always in such a complete mess.


Anyway, first up is a card I made following a sketch challenge (I think it was a Sugar Bowl one) but I cut it way too fine and missed the deadline.

Recipe:



Stamps: Sugar Nellie "windswept" from Funky Kits coloured with copics
Paper: Paper Cellar
Tools: Martha Stewart doily border punch, nesties



This card was made with a stamp from The Greetings Farm entitled "Edward" and I think he is adorable and so versatile. I struggle with mens cards so I was quite pleased with how this turned out. He is coloured with my beloved copics. I'm not finding them as easy as I thought they would be but I do love them and the effect they give. I'm not one for giving up so will continue to practice, but I have a way to go.


Recipe:
Stamps: "Edward" from The Greetings Farm coloured with copics
Paper: Dovecraft masculine set
I'm sure all you seasoned crafters out there have realised I used peel offs a bit for sentiments. I know quite a few people don't like them, I think they are okay I am just finding them useful at the moment as a stop gap as I do not have many greetings stamps yet, but as my stash grows I am sure I will not be using them half as much.
And finally (at last I hear you sigh!)

This is my first ever Magnolia. I only have two at the moment and this was the one I chose to ink up first. I tried and I tried not to buy any but every time I looked at them and saw creations you were all making with them I caved and bought myself a couple.

Recipe:

Stamp: Magnolia "Tough Edwin" coloured with copics
Paper and buttons from stash (sorry cannot recember where the paper is from)

Okay, that is finally it from me for today. If you are still with me at this point I am so very grateful for you taking the time to hop on to my little blog. If you feel you would like to leave a comment that would be lovely and I would love to read what you think and really do appreciate it. Okay I really am off now as I've just checked the time (2.30 a.m) and I won't want to get up if I dont go get some shut eye.

Hugs to everyone.
Luv
Ann-Marie

25 August 2009

Funky Kits Autumn Kit

Ooh ooh, guess what just been over to the Sugar Nellie blog and there are some sneak peeks of the new Christmas Manga girls and also the Autumn kit is available to purchase over at Funky Kits. Love love love this site such gorgeous stamps to be had. Anyway if you pop on over to the Sugar Nellie blog http://sugarnellie.blogspot.com and scroll down a little in the current post there is a code for the Autumn kit which when you enter the code when buying the autumn kit at Funky Kits there will be a little surprise. My kit is on its way to me as we speak and I cant wait.

All that is left now is for me to stalk Funky Kits and get me a set of the seriously gorgeous Christmas Manga girls stamps when they are out!!!

Thats all from me for now gotta a lot of crafting to catch up on been too tired the past couple of days with outings with the kiddiwinkles and all. So I'll bid you goodnight and catch up soon. Hugs to all Ann-Marie xxx

23 August 2009

Has it been that long?












Yea, I have my first follower, hi its good to hear from you thank you so much.

Has it really been that long since my last post, gosh doesn't it go fast. Well, what have I been up to since I took the plunge and set up my blog? Well, I am pleased to say I did purchase those stamps I had my eye on plus quite a few others since then. I'm getting myself quite a nice collection now. Its just no good though nobody warned me how addictive it all is, seriously I do think I have all the major signs of withdrawals symptoms if I haven't purchased anything crafty for at least a week!!

Anyway, just in case you happen to come across my little patch here are some piccies of a few things I have made recently. My wonderful hubby did buy me the copic ciaos for our anniversary and I am currently trying to master them, not as easy as I thought it was going to be, but I'm perservering and I'll post something soon which I have used them on.

Note to self stop rambling and just get on with it girl!
Sorry, for the extra long post, thats it from me for today. I promise not to leave it so long next time I'm going to try and be a good blogger and update more often - not sure I'll manage every day but I'll do my best. Thank you for hopping on to mine and any comments are very much appreciated. Hugs to everyone, love Ann-Marie.













27 May 2009

Blogging newby

Hi to any peeps who may be listening out there. I've done it, I've managed to set up my own blog. Now you may well be thinking so what but believe me I'm chuffed to bits as I'm not the most computer literate person around. Anyway, I'm not going to post any of my creations today as I haven't worked out how to do that yet, but one thing at a time eh! It was just a quick post to say hi, I've done it and I'm here!! Now I'm gonna dash as I've got my eye on some stamps I think I just might have to have. TTFN.