DATE: 07/31/2009 11:27:22 AM
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In and out of the hospital within a couple of hours and after I slept now for 14 hour straight you wouldn't think I had an operation.
Being under the influence of some fantastic pain killers did not stop me participating in the latest CBC Be Inspired challenge. You can see the details for challenge #42 {here]. This week the challenge is to create a gate fold card for Friendship week, using our favourite embossing folder. So, this is what I created:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up; Bazzill
Papers: Graphic 45
Embellishments: Sticker - Melissa Frances; Pearls - KatyCards; Flowers - Hero Arts; Hemp Twine; Ribbon; Pin
Tools: Tracing Wheel - Making Memories; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots
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TITLE: Kimmy's Krown Jewels
DATE: 07/29/2009 01:05:00 PM
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Most of the items are unique, I don't like the thought of making more than one of the same. However for some of the more "plain" earrings, I can offer them more than once. Generally though if you like what you see, be sure to grab it because I will not create the same again.
I am more than happy to do custom orders too - let me know what it is you are looking for, and I give you a quote.
Right now all jewelery is made from plated materials, if your have an allergy to nickel then the listed items are not for you. I can certainly create earrings for you in Sterling Silver or with surgical steel but the prices would increase. Just ask for a quote if you are interested.
I am still working my way around necklaces and bracelets, so far I wasn't too happy with what I produced that's why there is only one necklace on offer for now.
Oh and if anyone can tell me how on earth I can center the banner for the blog, that would be great. I can only select "centered" if the banner would contain text only. It does not give me the option when I select "image" for the banner - any ideas?
I will also have a random RAK - everyone who comments will be put into the draw to win a pair of earrings of your choice. You let me know what you prefer (colours, style) and I make a pair for you. Comments will close on 10 August 2009.
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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs meets Spellbinders
DATE: 07/28/2009 01:41:00 PM
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Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #ND015. Inspire (A New Day Line); #UDD0176. Grafton, #UDD0178. Kent (Man About Town I Line)
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD192. Butterfly Wishes, #UDD189. Oh Happy Day; Pearls - KatyCards
Tools: Label Die - Spellbinders; EmbossingFolder "Swiss Dots" - Cuttlebug
Don't forget that Upsy Daisy Designs have a DT call running right now - if you would like to become part of this wonderful team, check out the details >> Here <<.
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TITLE: 2S4Y - Laura's sketch #31
DATE: 07/27/2009 02:58:00 PM
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Cardstock: Papermill, Bazzill
Papers: Basic Grey
Embellishments: Buttons - SEI; Flower - Bazzill; Ribbon; Pin - Scrapitude; Stamps - Just Rite
Tools: Border Punch - Fiskars Apron Lace; Cuttlebug Embossing older - Swiss Dots
Papers: Scenic Route
Embellishments: Ribbon; Buttons; Hemp Twine
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TITLE: Be inspired #41 and TS #007
DATE: 07/26/2009 11:47:12 AM
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Well on Tuesday evening I was asked at work if I could make an emergency trip to Queen Mary 2 the next morning as we had two guests without their luggage. I was to deliver the luggage to them and then travel back on my beloved Mary to Southampton.
Have a wild guess what I said :)
Of course I was about to go and Lyndon was cool with it too. So, I got home got my overnight bag packed and back to the mainland within a couple of hours. A Taxi took me to the {sofitel}at Gatwick and I fell into bed about 03:00hrs. Having to get up at 06:30hrs again was no fun, and after I maneuvered the suitcases to the airport I was faced with mayhem. Due to a system failure BA had massive problems checking people in - thankfully I checked in online the night before so I only neded to drop the suitcases off.
Long story short - I arrived in Rotterdam about 11:40hrs was onboard the ship within the matter of hours and our guests were happy having their luggage back. I did not get to see anything of Rottterdam obviously but the next day I had the pleasure of working as Tour Escort for the excursion to the Bayeux Tapestry. It was really totally interesting and I am so annyed that I did not have a camera with me. We got back to the ship (which was docked at Cherbourg) at 15:00hrs which left me another two hours to have a look around the cute town of {cherbourg}.
On Friday morning I was back in Southampton and left the ship about 07:00hrs and went straight to the office - I was as good as dead as I think in total I had something like 5 - 6 hours sleep since Tuesday...and still a few crafty assignments to finish before end of play today.
I am totally refreshed now (and most definitely a couple of pounds heavier thanks to the wonderful food on board) and thought I share what I did for a few challenges.
First off is the most recent Cuttlebug Challenge Blog {be inspired #41} challenge. This time we were asked to go through our rrecycle bin and use something, anything that we would usually chuck away. The bonus folder is again the Textile folder (I love it!)
I was trying to be a little clever madam and used a Cuttlebug Die package to make this wee little Baby tag-thingy.
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #MT2-014. Nolan
Embellishments: Stamp - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD208. Chic Bebe; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD0077. Sweet Slumber-Boy; Brads - Upsy Daisy Designs #EMB004. Man About Town; Flowers - Prima
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folders - Textile, Swiss Dots
I have flipped the sketch to accommodate my card and I am very pleased how it turned out.
Cardstock: Papermill; Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #MT2-012. Deacon, #UDD0178. Kent
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD191. With Gratitude; Brads - Upsy Daisy Designs #EMB005. Unwritten; Flowers - Hero Arts; Paint - Jones Tones; Stamp - Papermania
Tools: Cricut Cartridge; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots
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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs meets Pencil Lines
DATE: 07/21/2009 11:27:00 AM
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I love browsing online galleries mainly to get he feel for the use of certain products, just like the Upsy Daisy Designs gallery >> here <<
And additionally I find sketches to be a wonderful kick-start to get the creative juices flowing.
So, put the gallery and the sketches together and what do you get?
Yep - >> Upsy Daisy Designs << teaming up with >> Pencil Lines <<
Pencil Lines is the number one international challenge blog for weekly layout sketches, with a world-wide and loyal following. Founded in October 2006 and hosting such well-known Guest Designers such as Ali Edwards and Cathy Zielske, the blog has gone from strength to strength.
Upsy Daisy Designs was delighted to sponsor the Pencil Lines Design Team with a selection of all our new releases and you can see >> Here << what gorgeous projects they created.
Maybe you would like to play along with Pencil Lines, because all their reader submissions will be entered into the monthly prize draw - guess what you could win this time?? Yep - a selection of some of our new papers.
Don't forget to check >> this post << for our very own Upsy Daisy Design Team Call.
I leave you with my layout for Anna's wonderful sketch
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #ND012. Dream (A New Day Line), #ED011. Charmed, #ED015. Regal (Enchanted Line), #WP015. Majestic (Walk In The Park Line)
Embellishments: Stamp - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD210. My Guy; Stickers - Rusty Pickle
Tools: Border Punch - EK Success "Swiss Cheese"; Tracing wheel - Making Memories
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TITLE: 2S4Y - Kazan's sketch #31
DATE: 07/20/2009 02:31:00 PM
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In fact, I have been playing with {ampersand's} {stamp board} for a while now impatiently counting the days until we were allowed to use their product for our sketch. And now - finally - I could get cracking.
My image below was me second attempt on the same surface. I didn't like the first one, used the wool and got all the colour off and started afresh. Cool, hu?
Cardstock: Hero Arts, Bazzill
Embellishments: Tiles - Stampboard; Flowers - Prima, Hero Arts; Stamps - Upsy Daisy Designs, Stamps Away; Pearls - Paper Cellar; Rub Ons - Rusty Pickle
Tools: Scor it
Have a look-see {here} at how the other DT girls ROCKED the stamp board - and as always, if you play along with us you have the chance of winning an amazing prize!
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TITLE: I am so fit - which calls for a celebration, really
DATE: 07/18/2009 08:09:01 PM
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I only had to wait 30 minutes to be called in which was a surprise to start with but I got an even better surprise when the nurse was totally excited about my BMI, which had gone down by four since my last assessment in January. To tell you the truth, I don't give the slightest hoot about those things and never really look at what I am or what I should be, however it was nice to learn that without me doing anything specific for it, my BMI is apparently perfect for my height and weight.
Can't wait for next month when I am booked in for the next hour - once all the old ones are touched up we will carry on with some new designs. I am so excited about it!
Cardstock: Bazzill
Embellishments: Stickers - American Crafts (brown), Rusty Pickle (beige); Pearls - Katycards, Paper Cellar; Pin - Scrapitude
Tools: Border Punch - Fiskars "Effervesence"
Cardstock: Hero Arts (card)
Papers: American Crafts
Embellishments: Rub Ons - American Crafts, Dream Street Papers (brown dots, white flowers); Chipboard shapes - American Crafts; Stickers - American Crafts; Ribbon, Twine, Pins
Tools: Border Punch - Fiskars "Effervesence", Edge Distresser - Making Memories
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TITLE: Be inspired #40
DATE: 07/16/2009 09:39:23 PM
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A little fun fact about the card: See the rub ons spelling the word ALWAYS? They were actually part of my Card of The Week Win at the Cuttlebug Challeng Blog way back in January. You can see my post {here}. One part of the prize back was a rub on alphabet booklet from American Crafts and I thought it fitting to break into it for a Cuttlebug Challenge :)
Cardstock: Bazzill, American Crafts, Papermill
Papers: American Crafts
Embellishments: Feltbird, Rub Ons, Chipboard - American Crafts; Embroidery Floss; String
Tools: Cuttlebug EMbossing Folder "Textile"; Fiskars Border Punch "Apron Lace", Scor-it!
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TITLE: 2S4Y - Laura's sketch #40 and my bonus sketch
DATE: 07/13/2009 02:31:00 PM
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Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Basic Grey (taken from the wonderful {mac mae kits} )
Embellishments: Stickers - Making Memories; Pearls - KatyCards; Glitter - Sulyn; Embroidery floss; Ribbon
Tools: Stamps - Purple Onion Designs
Fun tip: I stamped the image twice in a slight overlapping manner to give the impression of a bunch of flowers. After I hand cut the motif it was adhered to the background with foam dots for a raised effect
And here is my accompanying card, this time using the {flower definition} and my beloved {damask}, which is my most used Purple Onion stamp. I would never ever want to part with it - had if for a year and use it so much
Cardstock: Bazzill; Stampin' Up
Papers: KI Memories
Embellishments: Beads; Twine
Tools: Border Punch - EK Success "Swiss Cheese", Stamps - Purple Onion Designs
Fun Tip: I stamped the background with the definition text and raised the punched cardstock with foam pads. The damask was stamped twice in two different shades of brown and after I hand cut one deign element out of one motif, I adhered it on top of the other with foam pads.
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TITLE: Be inspired #39 - Corsets and more
DATE: 07/12/2009 11:01:50 AM
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I have been enjoying my weekend so far - even without throwing another temper tantrum, ha!
My friend Miss Mojo made a rare appearance and I even managed to get a layout done - yep, I know: kinda shocking, hu?
Cardstock: Bazzill; Stampin' Up
Embellishments: Sticker - Hambly; Chipboard shapes - Basic Grey; Journaling Strips - Fancy Pants; Rub Ons - 7Gypsies, Making Memories; Twine - local store
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing folders "Swiss Dots", "Branches"
I also used CBC Cassie's fabulous {tutorial} on how to ink your folder to stamp your image whilst embossing. Of course I inked the wrong side of my folder *slaps head* but I actually like the outcome. You can see the de-bossed branches on the cocoa colored cardstock...next time I do it the right way....
But that's not all - oh no. I treated myself to an item of clothing which I have always wanted to own, since I was a teenager. So I bought this last night:
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TITLE: Twisted Sketches #5
DATE: 07/08/2009 02:03:00 PM
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But seriously - I am already totally loving the experience as we get to work on the sketches with plenty of time, so there is not too much pressure involved. What I love is that little twist to each sketch, having to make use of something specific for your project. It certainly challenges me more and makes me think more about how I tackle the particular sketch.
But enough of the ramble - {sketch #5} and all other examples from my fellow sisters are live on the blog now, so go check it out and if you like, play along!
The twist for this week is to use fabric and here is what I came up with
Cardstock: Papermill; Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD0184. Poetry, #UDD0183. Memoirs
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD188. Unwritten; Pearlstrings, pin - Scrapitude; Alpha Stickers - Pink Paislee
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots; Creative Memories - Corner Rounder
Fun tip: The flower was created by folding a piece of fabric in accordian fashion and then sewing the ends and the middle together. Pop a sentiment on top to hide the stitches and thread.
So, hopefully I see you over there to play along with us
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TITLE: 2S4U - Kazan's Sketch #30 and a hissy fit
DATE: 07/06/2009 02:00:00 PM
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First of let's kick start this week with another wonderful sketch at {2s4y}. This week saw Kazan tempting us with a challenging sketch. Our Sponsor is {mackenzie mae designs} and each DT member was able to play with one complete card kit.
I was lucky to receive the {april 2009} kit, filled with oodles of Basic Grey and Scenic Route goodies. The Kit is seriously PACKED with stash and even after I created four cards for this weeks reveal, I still have hardly made a dent in the kit. So, if you want a card kit which is awesome value for money, look no further than MacKenzei Mae Kits
Here is Kazan's Sketch
Papers: Scenic Route; Bazzill
Embellishments: Flowers - Bazzill, Prima; Pearl Flowers - Jenni Bowlin; Ribbons; Buttons; Floss
Tools: Martha Stewart Border Punch; Cricut
Non-Kit supplies: Stamps "Happy Birthday", "Happy Everything", Pin
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Basic Grey; Scenic Route
Fun tip: the little ledger paper is actually part of the packaging for the Jenni Bowlin pearl flowers
And I am still not done...oh no. Our own DT Member {latisha} provided us with a wonderful bonus sketch and I couldn't wait to get cracking.
So, here is how my card turned out.
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Basic Grey
Embellishments: Pearl Flowers - Jenni Bowlin; Ribbon; Floss
Tools: Cuttlebug Die - Flowers, Making Memories edge distresser
Non-Kit items: Flat packed pearls - Katycards; Ticket
Oh HOW wrong I was - after ONE hour of patiently trying to fix the strings of pearls to the clasp, I lost it. I took all cotainers that held my beads, tools and metal bits and bobs and just threw them across the room - into the front room. I just didn't stop at one container I had to throw them all....poor Lyndon was covered in beads, even though I didn't aim for him.
But to tell you the truth, I needed that fit and I do not regret it. Sure, it took me four hours to pick all that crap back up, but by the time I was done I was also totally calm. It amazes me though in which nooks and crannies those beads get. Inside a book case - how the heck does that work?? Even in the kitchen were some, which means those beads have travelled twice around a corner and through two doors...too funny.
Oh and this is how my temper tantrum looks on film - note that the piece of floor you see was just about a sixth of the complete area covered in loose jewellery bits.
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TITLE: Be Inspired #38 and Upsy Daisy DT Call!!!!
DATE: 07/04/2009 10:55:13 AM
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After I have seen the DT inspo for the new Star folder, I decided to play because quite frankly that folder will become my second fave after the Swiss Dots...how freaking versatile is it and just how much would I loveeeee to win it? So, of course I have to throw my hat in the ring - besides I need some more birthday cards for this month - a good excuse to get cracking.
Challenge #38 can be found {here} and you have until Tuseday, 7 July 2009 to upload your take. This is what I came up with:
Cardstock: Hero Arts; Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #ND015. Inspire
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD190. Sweet Celebrations; Buttons; Twine; Beads
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folders "Swiss Dots"; EK Success Border Punch
The call runs until 1 September 2009 which leaves you with NO excuse whatsoever to not try out.
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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs - DT Projects July
DATE: 07/01/2009 10:28:49 PM
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To continue my {rock-album} here is another layout in the series, this time bassist Rick Savage was the object of my desire :)
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0176. Grafton, #UDD0174. Carter
Embellishments: Brads - Upsy Daisy Designs #EMB004. Man About Town; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD188. Unwritten, Luxe; Alpha Stickers - American Crafts
Stamp: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD209. Girl friends
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0131. Harmony, #UDD0146. Soar, #UDD0147. Take wing, #UDD0178. Kent, #UDD0168. Ella Bella,
Tools: Cricut, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Swiss Dots, Martha Stewart Border Punch; Making Memories Tracing Wheel
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD187. Man About Town; Brad - #EMB002. Bebe-Girl; Button; Pin; Ribbon; adhesive Rhinestones
Tools: Cricut; Cuttlebug Embossing folder Swiss Dots
Speaking of Spellbinders, did you know of {cut at home}? If not, go and sign up as a VIP as you get money off vouchers every month. I am going to get myself some more nesties and get 40% off the most exoensive item...how cool is that??