It's Christmas (and freezing cold too!)

Hey!

Celebrating the first official day of the Christmas Holidays today with a cracking temperature of minus 10 Celsius - eek!

And as it's so cold and there's a sprinkling of snow on the ground - I'll keep within the Christmas spirit and share another one of my Christmas cards designs with ya:

OK so do you notice that I used a new (to me!) kinda stamp on these? Yup. It's official. I'm a fan of Waltzingmouse Stamps! That teeny tree set made my heart skip a beat and then the Frame It set was truly game set and match for me! Love the versatility of those sets and it definitely won't be the last you see of me using them :)

Anyways, this super simple (and flat for cheaper postage *wink*) design was made in a couple more colour combos too.

Nice and festive with red and green:

And slightly more elegant and regal with this colour combo (great for the guys!):

My photos can't really capture the pretty shine from those embossed stars on the trees but they look pretty IRL!
Y'know I really am not a fan of mass production - but by changing a colour combo it certainly makes it more fun making cards for Christmas. I'm glad to say that all my cards have now been made and should hopefully be making their journeys to their new homes....fingers crossed!

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting during this super busy festive season!

Catch ya later!






Card Deets
{it's Christmas}
Stamps: Teeny Trees, Frame-It (Waltzingmouse Stamps)/Around and About Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento)/Fresh Snow, Simply Chartreuse (Papertrey Ink)/Versamark
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Kraft, Pure Poppy, Spring Rain, Scarlet Jewel (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Detail White EP, Detail Gold EP (Stampendous)/Simply Chartreuse Grosgrain Ribbon, Dark Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon (Papertrey Ink)

Same Card, Different Colours...

Hey!

Well it's the final week of school before we break up for Christmas - Woo Hoo!!! I'll definitely be looking forward to Friday this week :)

And speaking of Christmas, I'm sharing another Christmas card with ya today. OK, I know it's the same card design as my previous cards, but it still impresses me how different they can look by simply changing the colours and a few of the embellishments.

This card not only celebrates the holidays, but a new challenge on our PTI blog too!!!! For this fortnight, we wanna see creations with pearls on. C'mon you know you've got some hiding in your stash somewhere....

We'd obviously love it if you played along with us! Up for grabs for one lucky European peep is a Fillable Frames #6 stamp set!

Sorry to keep it short and sweet - this holiday season is super busy!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
x

Card Deets
{We Wish you a Merry Christmas}
Stamps: Holiday Signature Greetings, Fancy Flourishes (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fresh Snow (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Sweet Blush, White Shimmer Cardstock (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Snowflake Die (Provocraft)/Nestabilities/Fresh Snow Satin Ribbon and Spring Rain Button (Papertrey Ink)/Pearls (Hero Arts)/'Chompy' (Corner Chomper!)

Nov 2010 CARDS Publication

Hey!

It's still snowy here and I'm stuck inside, but I'm not complaining. I've never had so much inky therapy time during what should be a working week!

Today I'm not sharing a card I made during my bonus inky sessions, but a card that has become very dear to me (even though it's not with me now). My first published card - ever! Yup, that's right, I can now share my very first publication from the Nov 2010 issue of CARDS (check it out on page 49!) Thanks CARDS Magazine!


And because my photography is pretty pants in comparison to the magazine's, just check out how sweet the set up was for it:


Could you find a more perfect home for this card?! :)

And by total, freaky, pure, coincidence - do you know what came through the post today? A copy of the magazine itself! Thanks so much to my super sweet Canadian buddy, Maureen (or Diva as I like to call her after her Verve Guest Diva fame!) - you're a star (and a Diva!)!!! It was a total surprise and I still can't stop stroking the glossy pages :D

Thanks so much for stopping by! Now I've got to figure how I'm going to get to the post office to post some cards in time for Christmas....wish me luck!

Catch ya later!






Card Deets {Love You}
Stamps: Daily Design Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Simple Valentine (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Heart Buttons (Martha Stewart)/White Gel Pen/Embossed Scallop Border Punch (EK Success)/Chompy (Corner Chompy)

'tis the Season!

Hey!

My oh my does it feel like winter! We've had a good dollop of snow over the weekend which was sooooooo pretty but soooooooo scary to drive in! We're now facing lots of ice so it's definitely time for the mittens to make a more permanent appearance :)

Today we've got a new challenge over on our PTI blog and we've kept it simple. We understand how busy everyone gets around this time of year so all we wanna see is a Christmas themed project that uses at least one PTI product. Here's my example:

Recognise the layout? Yup, I CASEd myself for this one but I was also totally inspired by the Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World:This led to me smothering that snowflake with glimmer mist and stamping text all over it! Though you can't see all the pretty shimmer so you're gonna have to trust me on that one! Love the shimmer :)

So I think this maybe the design of my Christmas card this season....though damn the postage costs with those bows LOL!

Wishing you all a fabulous week - stay warm and safe! We've all got our fingers crossed for a snow day tomorrow...

Catch ya later!





Card Deets
{'Tis The Season}
Stamps: Holiday Signature Greetings, Fancy Flourishes (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Simply Chartreuse, Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fresh Snow,Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)/Versamark
Accessories: Glimmer Mist/Cuttlebug/Snowflake Die (Provocraft)/Nestabilities/Fine Linen Grosgrain Ribbon (Papertrey Ink)/Bling (Zva)/Promarker (To colour my clear bling!)/Chompy (Corner Chomper)

A Very Happy (and bright) Birthday!

Hey!

Just poppin' by quickly on this rainy Sunday to help brighten it a little with a little card :)

I've no idea what is possessing me to play with such bold, bright colours but I kinda likey! *Shhh! Don't let my neutral, muted cardstock and inks know about this....this is purely between us, OK?! LOL!*

Now it wasn't half as much of a pain to line up that background as you think thanks to the wonders of clear stamps. And just to show you that it does line up with the background (almost!) here's a head-on shot:

This card was made for the host of the fab birthday party we attended last Saturday. I eventually decided on dressing up as Daphne Blake from Scooby Doo (it's easy when you've got the red hair to start with!) I haven't got a pic to share yet, but trust me when I say my costume wasn't a patch on the space invader costume that I was in total awe of!

Happy days...well best be off now to prepare for the working week! Only four more to go before we break up for Christmas - can you believe it?! Not that I'm counting down or anything *wink*

Catch ya later!





Card Deets
{Happy Happy Birthday}
Stamps: Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)/Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Smokey Shadow, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Vintage Buttons (Papertrey Ink)/Chompy (Corner Chomper)/Cuttlebug/Nestabilities

Scrappy Power!

Hey!

Monday already - where did the weekend fly by to?!

Hope your week is off to a good start...I'm kicking mine off with a new challenge on our PTI blog. We're challenging you to turn your scraps into works of art! C'mon, 'fess up, we all hoard our scraps don't we?! I know I do anyways and in particular I hoard my tiny pieces of ribbon that I snip after tying a bow...anyone else save these scraps too?

So what to do with them....hmmmm.....well if you've checked out the new release over at Papertrey Ink, you'll have noticed those gorgeous banners. I'm totally smitten with them; especially the smaller versions to embellish cards with. So I tried to make my own banner by folding scraps of ribbon around twine:

I'm pretty happy with the result and just think, this could be used with any ribbon scraps so the colour combinations and patterns are endless!!!

We'd love it if you too could root through your scraps and play along with us. You only need to use one PTI product to qualify for entry and one lucky European player could be in with a chance of winning a Fillable Frames #4 stamp set! So I challenge you to use those scraps you've been saving - it'll totally justify any future scraps you hoard *wink*

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Catch ya later!






Card Deets
{It's a Celebration}
Stamps: Fancy Flourishes, Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Antique Linen (Distress Ink)/Rich Cocoa (Memento)
Cardstock: Fine Linen (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Library Ledger Collection (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon Scraps, Jute Ribbon Twine

Boo!

Hey!

Did I scare ya? I always think a delayed 'spook' is way more effective than when you expect to be spooked...well that's my excuse for a major delay on sharing the treats I made for my nieces and nephews for Halloween anyways *wink* I've finally found a weekend where I can catch up with things so I'm making the most of it!

Due to restricted time, and the fact that I have seven nieces and nephews to cater for, I decided to whip out a few of these treat boxes courtesy of the fabulous PTI Favor it Box 1 Die. Combine this with Halloween themed colours and a seriously cute Halloween stamp set and Voila! Halloween treats - done!

Now the only issue with the treats I had to put in the boxes (chocolate eyeballs, spiders and pumpkins of course!) was not only resisting the temptation to scoff 'em, but getting them to stay in the boxes! They kept rolling out and across my table! So I had a rethink after taking that first pic, and decided to wrap the treats up and finish them off with some ribbon (bows for the gals, knots for the boys *grin*)

*Pssst: Ignore my button jars used as props! If you're wondering, they're from IKEA and hold a bag of PTI buttons perfectly!*

It's amazing the difference a bit of clear cellophane and ribbon can make to a gift!

Needless to say, I'm sure these treats have been scoffed and are long gone now! Though I did have some left over and they're sitting here with the rest of my crafting supplies - for inspiration of course! *wink*

Catch ya later!





Box Deets
{Trick or Treat?}
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Halloween (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock: True Black, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Bitty Star Basics, Bitty Dot Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Cuttlebug/Favor It Box 1 Die (Papertrey Ink)/Nestabilities/Promarkers/Ribbons (Papertrey Ink)/Cellophane Bags

How much do I love thee? Let me count the buttons...

Hey!

What a glorious Sunny Sunday in Sheffield it is today - this is the kinda autumn that I love! Hope you've all had a super weekend so far...(it's not quite over yet so let's make the most of it!)

Excuse my twist on the famous Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem for my title today, but I just couldn't resist! Y'see if you look at the card I'm sharing with y'all today, I think you'll understand why:

Get it now?! Yup, who else could I use so many precious green buttons on one card for but my gorgeous guy! I've had this card waiting ever-so patiently to be share with y'all for nearly a month; but due to life taking a turn towards the chaotic it's had to wait until now! It was made for our 10 year anniversary. Yup, 10 years ago on Oct 14th we decided that life would be much more fun spent together and it couldn't be more true!

Although it's a kinda CAS card it still took some thinking out so if you fancy trying this yourself then here's a few design tips:

• There's method to the madness with placing those gorgeous green buttons. Chris' fave colour is green (just one of the many things we have in common) but in particular his fave shade is British Racing Green so check out the singular button in that shade at the centre of the heart to not only help to provide a focal point for your eyes to follow, but to represent where he is in my own heart (altogether now - "Awwwwww!")

• I didn't feel pressured to use a 'happy anniversary' sentiment on his card. I think these three words sum up our fabulous 10 years together so far perfectly! I don't always feel bound to use what would always be the usual sentiment for an occasion!

• For that li'l extra detail, and to balance the card I stamped a text background using Versamark. Without this, the card looked far too plain around the outside, and over-the-top busy in the centre (it hurt my eyes LOL!)

• Last but not least, if you can find a guy that doesn't have the same favourite colour as you, then it reduces your anxiety levels loads when using so many buttons up in his fave colour *wink*!

I'm off to re-stock on green buttons....

Catch ya later!





Card Deets
{Live laugh Love}
Stamps: Text Style, Round and Round (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento)/Versamark
Cardstock: Fresh Linen, Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Mixed Green Vintage Buttons (Papertrey Ink)/Cuttlebug/Concentric Hearts Die

D-Day!

Hey!

Today is the day! The day of our Make and Take Event! I've just spent a fabulous Saturday with my buddies Kate and Caryn, preparing like mad with lots of chattering too! We ended last night with a lovely meal out and a cocktail but we were responsible; the last thing we needed was a hangover today LOL!

So if you're coming to see us today, click away from this screen because I'm sharing the projects we'll be making! Go on - shoo!

So now they've gone, lemme share the three projects we've got in store today for the peeps coming to see us.

First up - a sweet number using Enjoy the Ride. Don't ya just love the use of buttons for headlights?! So sweet! Kate totally rocks at using this set and this design is of no exception!


Secondly - my love for Simply Chartreuse with a cosy chair thrown in for good measure too! How could I not use one of my all time fave sets with a splash of green *grin*

Last, but by no means least - a treat box using yet another fave stamp set, Star Prints! Now you don't think we'd let people return home with an empty treat box, would you? Nope, I'm pretty sure there will be a treat in store to sweeten that box up even more *wink*


And on top of this there's the fun of meeting up with fellow stampy peeps, having a natter and a good cuppa. I can't wait!

OK - gotta dash because we've still got lots to do and little time - I'll edit this post with the full deets of the projects when I find a spare moment!

Wish us luck!

Catch ya later!

Lovely Leaves...

Hey!

Happy Monday peeps! I have a feeling this working week is gonna flash before my eyes with the amount of things I have to do to get ready for our PTI Make and Take on Sunday! So sorry if I'm a little absent in Blogland this week, but that's why! (Speaking of which, we have a spare place! If you'd like it, then email us at apassionforpapertrey@yahoo.com)

But before I get myself surrounded with stuff to sort, I'm sharing a leafy li'l number with y'all today as well as some pretty cool news. I've been featured over on the Inspirational blog! You can check it out here!

Anyways, onto the leafy li'l number:

This card was made for our brand new challenge on the PTI blog: Awesomely Autumnal! We wanna see creations inspired by the season of autumn. I focused on the colours and the leaves that turn. Now the leaves are definitely turning around here - some trees are pretty naked after the terrible windy and wet weather we've had! I do love autumn, but it's the dry, crisp days I tend to remember fondly rather than the soggy ones! LOL!

Now this card features some of PTI's new colour - Fine Linen; lemme say I *love* this colour! It makes a fab neutral colour; great for when I want a little less contrast than using Kraft and a little more contrast than using PTI's Vintage Cream. I just know this is gonna be a staple supply of mine!

I really hope you can find a chance to play along with us too! Your creations need only one PTI product on them to qualify, so let autumn inspire you and go get inky!

Right then, back to the organising for next Sunday. Organisation was never my strong point *sigh*

Catch ya later!





Card Deets
{Thank You}
All PTI Supplies Unless Stated
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf/Round and Round
Ink: Pure Poppy/Dark Chocolate
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate
Patterned Paper: Dotty Biscotti
Accessories: Fine Linen Grosgrain Ribbon/Jute Ribbon Twine/Autumn Mix Vintage Buttons/Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch

Happy WCMD!

Hey!

Hooray not only for the weekend but also for....

Happy World Card Making Day, Peeps! I love that there's a day dedicated to this fabulous hobby! I wish it meant that I could clear my whole day to celebrate it, but alas, those pesky household jobs need doing still....well maybe they could wait for today? *wink*

I wonder if it's a happy coincidence, but I had some happy mail today all the way from Germany from my sweet (and very talented!) friend, Vanessa! You can check out the super sweet gift she sent here - what great timing eh?! She knows me so well, treating me to some sweet chocolates and some fabulous green supplies for this wonderful hobby our ours. Thanks so much, Vanessa you're a real treasure, *mwah!*

Ok so I better share a card seeing as it's WCMD today! Today I'm sharing a card I've made the curent colour cue {8} challenge. I've always wanted to play along with these challenges and squeezed this card into my inky time late last weekend and although I'm not entirely satisfied with my attempt, I still enjoyed making it nevertheless:

I know, the leaves need more contrast against the white panel, and I've kinda bodged the background stamping but it adds to the home-made look, right?! *wink*

Right, keeping it short and sweet today. I've got loads to do if I wanna squeeze in any inky time today! Wishing you all a very happy World Card Making Day and hoping you all squeeze in some inky time today too!

Catch ya later!





Card Deets
{Thank You}
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Background Basics: Text Style, Round and Round (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, Scarlet Jewel (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Scarlet Jewel, Stamper's Select White
Accessories: Prima Flower/Glittery Brad/Cuttlebug/Nestabilities

CAS - my kinda style!

Hey!

And a very happy Saturday to ya! Hooray for the weekends (makin' those working weeks just that li'l bit easier to get through *wink*)

Ok so I couldn't resist. I just had to take part in the PTI blog hop this month even though I didn't think I'd have time! Now I'm gonna keep this short and sweet for peeps who are hoppin' so firstly here's the Blog Hop Brief:

"One of the most fun things about this hobby is the people you meet, whether in person or online, and the things you learn from them. Now is your chance to show off any skills you might have learned from a fellow stamper, and perhaps even give them a little shout out to thank them for the inspiration they have provided. Create a project using one of your favorite learned skills and perhaps after a little blog hopping, we will ALL learn some new tips and tricks and continue to pass on the love of this hobby!"

Now my obvious thought was to turn to the awesomely talented PTI DT for my entry; but then I thought about how I've been inspired and learned so much from so many other talented stampers too! So I figured it'd be nice to show some appreciation for someone different to who you were probably expecting....

I didn't wanna CASE anyone, but someone who has played a large influence on my current style (and the one I'm most comfortable with) is Carly Robertson of Papers In Bloom. I adore her fabulous CAS, fun style and she might not know it, but she's taught me so much about embracing the CAS style without the need for all that 'white space' all the time!

Now if you haven't already, might I suggest you take a trip over to visit Carly because you too will be inspired!

Oooh and seeing as this card embraces the CAS style, I'll enter it for the current challenge on Caardvarks! Expect a couple more entries for that fabby challenge *wink*

And while I'm on a challenge roll, this card should hopefully qualify for the new challenge over on Wee Memories to go CAS too!

Catch ya later!







Card Deets
{friend}
Stamps: Friend's til the End (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento)/Antique Linen (Distress)/Fresh Snow (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Jute Ribbon Twine (Papertrey Ink)

Hip to be Square...

Hey!

Happy Tuesday! I've finally come down from my fame filled weekend now LOL! Still humming along to some fabulous Barenaked Ladies tunes after their awesome concert on my drives to work this week, but you'll be glad to know that I just managed to stop myself bursting into full song in front of the students so far....(I'll leave that for when I'm in my car!)

So onto a card...well I found it so hard to squeeze in any inky time this weekend but just managed sneak into my crafting corner to make a card to share with ya today:

***Sorry, I'm just on a roll with this card layout - I promise I'll try a new layout soon!***

Actually this card is for our 'Hip to be Square' challenge over on our PTI blog. We wanna see you 'square up' to this challenge (tee hee!) and feature squares on your creations - after all it's hip to be square and I'm a huge fan of the geek chic look y'know *grin*. It's pretty open to how you incorporate squares on your project; as you can see, I've gone for a square card blank (well kinda square thanks to Chompy *wink*) and squared DP.

So I'd obviously love it if you can play along with us, and you need only use one PTI product on your creation (and squares of course!) to qualify for entry. Plus, if you're a European Peep, you could win a filliable frames stamp set!

I'm also entering this card into the the current challenge on Caardvarks! I think it's a pretty CAS creation anyways.....

Catch ya later!
Aimes
x

Card Deets
{Soaring by to say Hi}
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fresh Snow (Papertrey Ink)/Rich Cocoa (Memento)/Antique Linen (Distress Ink)
Card: Kraft,Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Spring Rain Bitty Box Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Cloud Die, Spring Button Mix, Jute Ribbon Twine (Papertrey Ink)/Cuttlebug/Nestabilities

Stars-a-Plenty!

Hey!

Woo Hoo! It's the weekend!!!! Hope y'all enjoying yours so far! We've kicked ours off with a li'l bit of fun - my guy's lovely cousin has just been on TV for most of the morning acting as one of the altar servers for the Pope during his service at Westminster Cathedral! He was the guy holding the Gospel in front of the Pope for him to read from - I feel all starstruck LOL! It's the most attention I've paid to a church service on TV! And if that wasn't enough of fame, later on, my guy and I are off to Manchester to see one of our favourite bands, Barenaked Ladies! What a Saturday this is proving to be! So by the end of today, I'm gonna be a totally starstruck gal!

But enough of our starstruck antics, lemme share a card (which just so happens to feature a few stars of its own!)

I know, I know, more star prints for a guy card - what can I say? I can't resist 'em!

This is from my stash of cards I have on my computer waiting to be uploaded as I've no freshly inked creations to share! Life is busy, and ink has to wait *sob*

This star-themed card winged it's way to my youngest-but-by-no-means-littlest brother. (He might be younger than me, but he towers above me and my parents alongside my other brothers. Why didn't I get that tall gene?!?! LOL!) Anyways if you recognise the card a little, it's based from this card I made for my guy's dad's birthday! I just love that layout so don't be surprised if you see it again!

Right then, I'm off to pop on my new winter boots I got yesterday and prance around the apartment in them! I just love new boots, and it's certainly feeling like the season for them is approaching....better bed them in so they're nice and comfy!

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my li'l corner of Blogland!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
x

Card Deets
{Birthday Wishes}
Stamps: PTI (Star Prints, Daily Designs Sentiments)
Ink: PTI (Pure Poppy)/Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Card: PTI (Stamper's Select White)
Patterned Paper: PTI (Bitty Box Basics - True Black)
Accessories: PTI (Pure Poppy Grosgrain Ribbon)/Corner rounder Punch/Cuttlebug/Nestabilities/Letraset Fineline Pen

Chompy to the rescue....

Hey!

Aww, man! Is it only Tuesday?! Feels like it should be Thursday!

Thanks for your well wishes and condolences regarding my corner punch. You'll be glad to hear that I'm nearly through the grieving process thanks to a li'l something that came through the post the other day...

This baby is my hero! Oh! I'm in rounded corner Heaven! I swear that everything around me now has a rounded corner *grin* So let us not forget corner punch #1, but relish in the awesome power of, Chompy (as he's affectionately called!) LOL!

Notice the return of that holiday tree on this card?! Yup, that tree is not just for Christmas y'know!

I've found that because I have hardly any spare time on my hands now to get inky; that 3x3 cards are perfect for squeezing in a li'l inky time. I'm lucky to have some fantastic friends at work, who really helped me out this week. Obviously I owed them both a Thank You card and this one will go to Sarah who was sweet enough to make my Monday special by treating me to:

To cut a long story short, we were reminiscing over scoffing Lucky Charms when we were little. You can't get it over here anymore, apart from very posh food shops (e.g Selfridges) and sweet Sarah bought some back for me from London! Ahhh it took me back to being a kid again!

And if that wasn't sweet enough of her, she also treated me to something I've spotted and always wanted to try, but never had:
Yup, fluff! Can I just say this stuff is ♥super sweet♥ You guys across the pond are so lucky! I still can't imagine this with peanut butter like it recommended on the label...maybe that's an acquired taste?!

Before I leave for more sweetness, this card also qualifies for Papertrey Peeps Challenge #15 with it's autumnal colours. Autumn is definitely on the way now: it's been blowing a gale around here and the leaves are just on the point of turning! It'll be Christmas before we know it - eek!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
x

Card Deets
{just a note}
Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Holiday Tree, Daily Designs Sentiments)
Card: Papertrey Ink (Kraft)
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black)
Accessories: Corner Chomper/Promarkers/Fineline Pen

Goin' Digital...

Hey!

Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend so far....I've been so ready for this weekend after my busy first week back at work! Still got this icky cold and trying to shift it for next week - it was an experience to try to communicate with students whilst having no voice the other day to say the least!

So I'm sharing something a little different with y'all today - a digital creation! No stamps and no ink *gasp*


I actually made this a while ago for my niece, Ruby's birthday (hence the rounded corners - sob!). I used this set by Holly Brooke Jones which comes with some great images for birthday cards! Printed out two sets of balloons and added my own text to them and mounted them to add dimension. Oh, and totally smothered them in Glossy Accents too of course *grin*

I have to say that I don't think I could ever put down my inky stamps for too long, but there's something very appealing about going digital every so often. This card was made in a few mins - it took longer to let the Glossy Accents dry than to design and put the rest of the card together! Great for those 'emergency' cards, right?!

Right then, back to the lemon and honey for me!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
x

Punching - not the violent kind!

Hey!

Well that's it. I'm back at work. The mojo has left the building - LOL! Well all good things have to come to an end, right? So it's back to work to earn the pennies for my crafting supplies. I shouldn't complain as I do love my job, I just really value my creative time too *wink*

I kinda feel like I've ended my summer holidays on a creative high though; y'see I got an email from Paper Crafts magazine asking for two of my cards for their upcoming Stamp It! magazine! Still can't quite believe that when I think of how many cards were submitted! I was still grinning from ear to ear on that news when the next day I got an email from CARDS magazine and they want one of my cards for their Feb 2010 issue! Wow! Talk about lucky! Well that's what a holiday does for the creative mojo I guess!

Anyways, lemme show you a card! We have a new challenge on our PTI blog today, and we wanna see ya 'Punch It!' Well not literally, I'm not the violent kinda gal but I do love a good ol' paper punch! My example uses not only one paper punch, but three:


Yup, it's official. I'm addicted to creating this doily, fan, thingies!

So we'd love to see your take on 'Punching it' and remember, your creation needs only one PTI product to be eligible to enter!

Right then, get used to these short and sweet posts and my advanced apologies for my lack of appearance in Blogland until the next holidays! Though I'll be constantly keeping up to date and admiring what you all create, I just might not have the chance to comment much. Hope you can forgive me!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I really appreciate it!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
x

Card Deets {There's no one like You}
Stamps: Papertrey Ink: Friends 'til the End, Around and About Sentiments
Ink: Papertrey Ink: Pure Poppy
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink: White, Hibiscus Burst
Patterned Paper: Papertrey Ink: Simple Valentine
Accessories: Martha Stewart Scalloped Border Punch/EK Success Embossed Scallop Punch/Corner Rounder/Papertrey Ink button, twine/Cuttlebug/Nestabilities

Thanks, Nichole!

Hey!

And a late but still, happy Monday to y'all the other side of the pond as it's practically Tuesday over here!!! Now it's the last time I can say 'happy Monday' for a while because as of next Monday I'm back to school!
Anyways enough about work! I'm so happy that I get to be a part of something special today! Over on the PTI forum, we're holding a special PTI Blog Hop to show our appreciation of the one and only, Nichole Heady (my stamping idol! Seriously, this lady oozes more talent outta her pinky than I could ever dream of having!) The idea is to make a Thank You card as your way to say, well, Thanks!
So Nichole, if you're reading this, thank you so much for the inspiration you provide not only to me but to everyone. Not many people are capable of making me physically drool over my keyboard through sharing their creations but you certainly do! I admire not only how creatively talented you are, but how you successfully juggle being a Mother, a Wife, and a Business Woman too! When I grow up, (if I grow up!) I'd love to be half of what you are today!

I also tried to be super crafty and sneak in a Papertrey Peeps Challenge with this colour combo too. I'm so sorry to the Peeps that I've been a naughty blogger/stamper and although I thought I would have caught up on the challenges over summer, I still feel nowhere near up to date!

So thanks, Nichole for the job you do, and thanks, Peeps for not telling me off LOL!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
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Card Deets
{Thank You}
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Round & Round,Text Style
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Pure Poppy/Distress Ink - Antique Linen/Versamark
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Vintage Cream, Lemon Tart, Stamper's Select White
Accessories: Cuttlebug/Nestabilities/PTI Vintage Buttons/Clear Detail EP

Goin' Dotty...

Hey!

Happy Tuesady! How's your week going? I've finally persuaded my guy to take this week off work just so I have some company during the looooooong days I have alone so I'll keep this short and sweet :D

Firstly, thanks so much for your well wishes for my dad! I can report with positive news that he's due home today - yay! Fingers crossed anyways...

OK onto the card! Well this card is for our new challenge on our PTI blog. We wanna see your creations featuring dots...and before you even suggest it, no, I didn't use Polka Dot Basics II or the dotty chair from On My Couch for this challenge!


Nope, I finally broke out my Beautiful Blooms DP! This card was for Chris' parents and because it was being hand delivered I could add dimension to my heart's content - cue the foam pads and ribbon! I know it's a pretty simple design - but that paper is so bold that I felt I couldn't add much more to it before getting a headache LOL!

So as always, I'm hoping you can play along too - get dotty and use just one PTI product on your creation to enter!! If you live within Europe you could be the lucky winner of PTI's Anniversary Set, Round and Round!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
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Card Deets
{Happy Anniversary}
Stamps: Daily Designs/Round & Round
Ink: Pure poppy Cardstock: Stamper's Select White/Kraft
Paper: Beautiful Blooms DP
Accessories: Fresh Snow Twill Ribbon/Martha Stewart Border Punch/Corner Rounder/White Gel Pen

So Sweet, but Quirky-Cutesy-Clean?!

Hey!

And a happy Saturday to you today! Can't say we've got anything highly exciting planned this weekend but I kinda like the weekends when I can say that; means I get some time to chill and stamp *wink*!

So this last week my mind was totally focused on crafting but then when I sat down to craft I just didn't 'feel it'! The time I did feel it was at night and I spent a good few hours making some cards into the wee hours of the morning. This card was made for the current Embellish challenge; so happy I got to play along this time as I missed out on the last challenge:


Quirky-Cutesy-Clean style....well I can do the clean part; you probably know I don't really do cute on cards but if you saw any of my stationary for work or even my lunch-box you'd know that I ♥ cute! I get my supplies from Paperchase - oh I adore that shop and don't even get me started on the fabulous gift packaging they do LOL! And as for the quirky part, well I've been called that and more so I figured I'd give this challenge a go....

Now I dunno if my buddy, Emma is psychic, spies on me at work or just knows me so darn well, but she was sooooo sweet as to buy me this My Cute Stamps set for my birthday. I've wanted this set for ages and literally gasped and squealed as I jumped around the room when I opened it LOL! I've stamped loads of these cuties when I've been sitting at my desk just colouring them for fun so this card came together pretty quickly and that lolly was beggin' me for a good dollop of Glossy Accents for super icy shine-a-bility! :D

Couldn't you just slurp up that ice lolly?! Would I share it?! Depends who with LOL!

OK so I dunno if this qualifies for a card in a Quriky-Cutesy-Clean style but I'm happy anyways!

FYI: just some other notes for ya before I leave ya:

• My buddy Kate and I are hosting a Papertrey Ink make and take event here in Sheffield! We're so excited (and nervous) about doing this, but hope you can join us if you can! Full deets are here, though be quick because half the places have gone within 24 hours of announcing it!

• Take a visit to another bloggin' buddy's blog, Lucy's Cards to not only check out her amazing creations but also be in with a chance for some seriously delicious Blog Candy - hurry though, it ends on Sunday!

• Finally, if you've got any positive vibes send 'em this way please! My dad is back in hospital (again!) and although both he and I remain in good, positive spirits we'd much rather him recover to a stage where he can come home! Means I'm kinda busy at the moment so apologies if I seem a bit absent here in Blogland; good job I've got some projects prepared that I can schedule so I won't leave you with nothing to look at!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
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Card Deets {So Sweet}
Stamps: My Cute Stamps - sweet kawaii/Hero Arts - sentiment
Ink: Versamark/PTI -melon berry
Cardstock: PTI - vintage cream, kraft, aqua mist
Accessories: Promarkers/PTI - aqua mist ribbon, melon berry button, ribbon twine/Fiskars - apron lace border punch/Corner Rounder/Glossy Accents

Faithful Stars!

Hey!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!!! Hope you're having a fabby week so far...now I know that for some of you, it's back to school time, but I've still got 2.5 weeks of freedom left and I'm making the most of every second of it :D!

So y'know how I was sayin' that we went to see my guy's family for guy birthdays at the weekend? Well today I'm sharing the card that I made for his Dad. Now Dads are tricky customers to make cards for, I mean my guy's dad is completely different to my dad! My dad is all about the countryside and wheel barrows and Chris' dad is all about business and travelling the world for it! Totally different characters LOL!

So when in a pickle like this, I always grab my ever-so-faithful-star prints stamp set and get busy:

I'm sure one day, Chris' dad will realise that every card he's had from us features stars.....I need to get a new guy card stamp set methinks!

Right then, before I dash, I just thought I'd share a funny pic with ya. Now in my Enjoy Life post I told you about how happy I was, and how I'd just had a funny hen afternoon/night with my girlie friends. Well I've now got the pic that features yours truly in full men's ice hockey gear, no where near ice....and before you even suggest it, there wasn't a Gin and Tonic in sight as I was driving! Just the good ol' tea and fruit juice for me....


...so what does this suggest about me?! LOL! Well I'm thinking of wearing this when I go back to school. And d'ya wanna know the funny part? I'm heading back for a girly sleepover on Wednesday which means I can have a drink....so who knows what may happen if this is how I end up drinking just tea and fruit juice LOL!

Catch ya later!
Aimes
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Card Deets
{It's Your Day}
Stamps: PTI - Star Prints/Practicing Creativity Designs - For the Love of Dots
Ink: PTI - Spring Rain,Spring Moss/Versamark/Distress Ink - Antique Linen
Cardstock: PTI - Vintage Cream, Kraft
Paper: PTI - Spring Moss Bitty Box Basics
Accessories: PTI -Jute Ribbon Twine/Cuttlebug/Nestabilities /Corner Rounder