Old Typepad Posts - June 2009

TITLE: 2S4U - Laura's Sketch #29
DATE: 06/29/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Happy Monday everyone and welcome to another fantastic challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You The sponsor this week is {scor it!}, a tool no serious cardmaker should be without.

Scor it! were very generous and sponsored the DT with a board each and we all got creating like mad. Not only will you score neat and perfect lines every time, you can create wonderful embossed patterns. There a so many uses for the Scor-it! and I urge you to check out their website for many fantastic ideas and tutorials.

Have a look at today's {2s4y challenge} and see how you can win a wonderful prize from Scor-it.

This is the sketch Laura provided for us this week

And this is what I created with the help of the Scor it!

** click on images to enlarge **

I wanted to showcase the many uses without it getting too difficult so I decided on a gatefold card. Now, don't expect that I can give you exact measurements because that is just not how I work (and besides I still cannot get my head around all this weird inches-stuff. I was born and bred a metric girl and you will never ever get that out of me). I simply marked with pencil on the top of the edge of my piece of cardstock, where I wanted to gates to fold - one swipe with the Scor it! tool and the card was done within the matter of seconds.

I also used the tool to create the embossed lines along the edges of the card and additionally on the bottom of the punched border. So easy, yet so very effective.

Cardstock: Papermill, Bazzill, Core'dinations
Papers: Teresa Collins; My Minds Eye
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Luxe; Pin; Sticker - 7Gypsies
Tools: Scor it!; Stampin' Up - Scalloped Circle, Circle Punch; Fiskars Border Punch - Effervesence; Cuttlebug Die & Enboss - Butterfly

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TITLE: New Obsessions
DATE: 06/28/2009 11:23:36 AM
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Yes, I am still alive - trying to get back into the swing of things after my short trip to Germany. Funny how only five days away from home can throw you so much. But I think I got it all covered now, apart from some email's I am due to a few friends...

Over the last couple of days I have been browsing the net a bit as I was so uninspired to create anything and now I am in more trouble than before...because I have found some bits and bobs that I REALLY REALLY would like to call my own. Let's start with the big-one, the "should I really spend that money?" kinda product.

This baby here makes my heart go pitter-patter and I keep going back, comparing prices, thinking, sighing, thinking some more and not coming to a conclusive decision

The Nikon 55-200MM F4.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX Black Lens has been on my wish-list for some time as I could really do with a better range, in particular thinking about the landscape pictures I usually take on our holidays. I do have the money in my savings account but I am still thinking, not sure if I should indulge or not.

In order to get over my indecision, I had a little shopping spree at {beadsunlimited}. Yep, another new obsession of mine. Lately I have been looking at all the costume jewellery I have purchased over the years and thought "hey I am sure, I can do that myself!".  Last Saturday, when {nat}, {christiane} and myself were having a walk around some shops at the {schanzenviertel}, we stopped off at an awesome shop that stocked fabulous costume jewellery. But the prices were kinda steep and as much as I loved those necklaces, there was no way I was going to spend €29 on a piece of leather thong with a few beads attached. The visit to that shop really gave me the incentive to create my own personal bracelets and necklaces.

And the good thing is that you can include beading in your cards and other projects too. I just finished a card for one of my {twisted sketches} assignments and added some beads to it, I totally love the effect!

Anyhoo, I digress - check back tomorrow for the newest {2s4y} challenge with yet another brilliant Sponsor. Trust me when I say, if you are a cardmaker you do NOT want to miss it ;)

I leave you with the picture of a painting my Dad did. He is an awesome painter and over the years I have been able to snag a few of his pictures from him. When I stayed last week and set foot in the guestroom, this picture totally stuck out and I fell in love. My Dad gave it to me but it didn't fit in my suitcase, so I have to make sure I take a bigger one next time - because I miss the friendly faces of Ali and Ahmed, they make me smile every time I looked at them.

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TITLE: I am so Twisted - and RAK winner
DATE: 06/23/2009 01:20:00 PM
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I am so thrilled to be part of Anam's {twisted sketches} challenge blog and that I can call myself a Twisted Sister...because, let's be frank I am somewhat twisted. Thankfully though none of us look like the Metal Band {twisted sister} - remember them?

I am even more excited being on the same team with my girl {christiane}, it's gonna be so cool to work together again

{sketch #2} is already live, so if you fancy - play along with us!


I had a marvelous time in Germany - it was short but then again that's how I like it. I rather go home thinking "I could have stayed longer" than being bored and wishing the days away, know what I mean?

 

My new niece is such a cutie but also a very stubborn little madam, pretty much like her Auntie Kim...and she likes her food - again so much like me. No wonder I took her into my heart straight away. Jantje doesn't really like strangers, she's quite content looking at them from a distance while on Mom's or Grandma's arm and she might even grant you a smile. But come close and try to touch and she wails as if you try take her life. For me, that is not such a problem but she was also not so hot on my Dad. She didn't like being picked up by Grampa or even play with him. As soon as I arrived, that attitude changed. One day it was just Jantje, Grampa and me in the room and she decided she's take the lesser of two evils "I know Grampa but that strange woman creeps me out...so Grampa it is". So, my Dad was even more delighted I was there because now he can pick up his granddaughter and cuddle her without her throwing a fit.

 

It was really great at my parents and those kidlets are such cuties - I always love seeing them (and of course my brother and sister in law).

Then it was off to {nat's} where I also met up with {christiane}, {petra}, Drea and {liz}. As usual we had a blast - lot's of laughs, lot's of food and lot's of fun. I couldn't pass Hamburg without seeing Nat and any of the other girls, it just wouldn't be right.

** click on images to enlarge **

Last but by no means least - I have to announce my {upsy daisy designs} RAK winner from {this post}. The collection of papers, rubs and a few other UDD bits and bobs goes to..... TA DAH!!!!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2009-06-22 10:55:13 UTC

first off, love love that LO!! i so wish i could scrap like you when i grow up :)

i would say my favorite of the peeks would be A New Day. i really
love the patterns shown and of course the color combo of RWB is one of
my faves, as my birthday is Independence Day here in the states (July
4). a close second though would be Walk in the Park. i really have a
thing for greens lately...maybe because i have a son named Sage?

regardless, they're all lovely!! and i can't wait to see what you do with them :)

Posted by:
Stinker |
June 13, 2009 at 01:18 PM

Congratulations! Leave a comment under this post so I can contact you to arrange for the package to be mailed to you soon.
Thanks everyone else for playing and I am also excited to say that a number of German Scrapbook shops have already added the new Upsy Daisy Papers to their inventory, so here's hoping we will see the same for the UK and across Europe too!



Oh and I nearly forgot - Looksey {here} I made the top 5 this week at Card Patterns...i am excited!

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AUTHOR: Kim Sonksen
DATE: 06/22/2009 01:34:00 PM
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Good morning everyone - another Monday means another wonderful sketch going live at {2s4y}.

This week, the Design Team was sponsored again by the awesome {starving artistamps} - I can't get enough of their rubber and clear stamps and this cute pear image has to be one of my faves at the moment.

As Teresa Collins and Scor-It! are secondary Sponsors this week for the Ultimate Card Showdown, we were encouraged to include their products as well for Kazan's wonderful sketch

When you look closely at the scalloped circle (click on the picture to enlarge) you may notice the background pattern, right? That was done by using the Scor-It! tool - it is not only perfect for scoring perfectly aligned cards but can be used to emboss/deboss surfaces. Clever, hu?

 

Cardstock: Papermill; Bazzill
Papers, Overlay: Teresa Collins
Embellishments: Ribbon; Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Pin; Stickers - Making Memories
Stamp: Starving Artistamps - Pear and Leaf
Tools: Scor-it!, Scalloped circle punch, Ad markers

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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs - New Releases
DATE: 06/20/2009 03:25:00 PM
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Here they are, the wonderful four new releases from {upsy daisy designs}. If your LSS or preferred online retailer does not stock UDD yet, nag them until they do - trust me, these papers ROCK...

All descriptions courtesy of Upsy Daisy Designs:

Enchanted will surely enchant you! This line takes the color of the upcoming fall/winter season, purple, and creates a beautiful canvas for your creativity. An Upsy Daisy first, this line has been printed on a textured cardstock giving it an impressive feel as well as look!

Autumn is a favorite season of us here at Upsy Daisy so we are thrilled to bring you this fall inspired line, A Walk in the Park. So pull out all your back to school, pumpkin patch and apple picking photos, and take A Walk in the Park with Upsy Daisy! The great earth tones mean this line has a lot of flexibility and its use is only limited by your imagination!

A New Day is a fresh, fun, unisex line that would lend itself well to almost any occasion. It also has a patriotic feel, so one can easily imagine Canada Day or Independence Day pages!

Man About Town II extends our wildly popular Man About Town line; keeping three of the most popular designs from the original line with the spice of nine new designs!

As usual all are double sided. We hope you all enjoy creating memorable layouts with Upsy Daisy papers.

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TITLE: Quick card
DATE: 06/17/2009 03:49:00 PM
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I just had to do another card for the recent {2s4y} sketch, using the {festive} jumbo roller image from Clearsnaps. Yeah, so it IS a Christmas Card but when you think about it  - there are only six months left till we see the big red fella with the white beard again. Better be prepared, right?

Only a few more days left to get your names in the hat to win a plethora of {upsy daisy designs} papers in my post {here}

** Click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Bazzill, Papermill
Papers: KI Memories
Stamps: Clearsnaps - Festive Jumbo Roller
Embellishments: Buttons - SEI; Ribbon, Twine

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TITLE: 2S4U - Laura's Sketch #28
DATE: 06/15/2009 02:33:00 PM
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I am so so so in love with this week's Sponsor over at {2s4y}. {clearsnap} developed the Rollagraph roller stamp system way back in 1986 and I am totally all over this like a rash. Easy peasy to get awesome backgrounds on your cards and layouts and the best part is the variety of the rolls and how inexpensive they are. That way you build up a good selection of backgrounds in no time.

Here is the sketch that {laura} provided for us this week:

And below is what I created.
I needed a Father's Day card and the stamps were absolutely prefect for this. See the sunflower? That image is part of the Four Flower Jumbo Roll, I handcut it from the stamped background and coloured it with my ad markers. See the background flourish? That is done with the Ornate Border.

** click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Bazzill, Papermill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD0040. Right On Track
Stamps: Clearsnaps Rollergraph - Jumbo Rolls "Ornate Border", "4 Flowers"
Embellishments: Ribbon, Buttons, Twine; Flat backed pearls - KatyCards

Did you notice something on this card? Did ya?
NO butterflies....I know, I almost keeled over when I realised it...he he

Don't forget my Upsy Daisy Paperpack Giveaway {here}

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TITLE: CP #19 and Gallery Idol #2
DATE: 06/14/2009 01:49:00 PM
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My last weekend at home before I am off next week to Germany, to see my folks and my lovely friend {nat}. Oh how I look forward to eat proper sausages, rolls, rich creamy sauces and drink proper beer and coffee...yum.

Of course that meant, crafting as much as possible and wouldn't you know it -> Scrapper's block hit me hard. Why is it when I give myself time to create as much as a like I get nothing done?? Sure, in the end I got there but I just wish I could have done more *pouts*

But enough with the pity party, let me show you what I did manage to whizz together. First of, is my take on the recent Card patterns {sketch #19}. I love their sponsor for this week {my grafico} - their printables look divine and I have already bookmarked the shop, I can feel some retail therapy coming on there... but I digress.

Here is Michelle's sketch

And this is what my brain and hands cooked up - looks nothing like the sketch but I generally work like that. Very rarely will my end project look like a carbon copy of the sketch but that is the beauty of it. As you can probably see, my main inspo for this card was the scalloped top. When I saw the sketch I knew I had to break out my new love, scalloped cards from Papermania...yum-mo! They come in a 12 pack with envelopes for only £3.99 (three different colours) - what a good deal.

The sentiment "cheer up" is another new love of mine - stamps from {just rite}. I have three sets and the best bit is that all frames and sentiments are interchangeable. Love them!

** click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Papermania (card base); Bazzill; Papermill
Papers: My Minds Eye; Daisy D
Embellishments: Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Pin, Ribbon  - Scrapitude
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder "Swiss Dots"; Fiskars Border Punch "Apron Lace"; Just Rite Stamp "Tiny Words"; Sewing Machine

I made the card for a friend who is not too well at the moment and I hope this may cheer her up a wee bit.

Now, as for {gallery idol} - I created another card for the auditions and again did the whole card from scratch. The present base is a Cricut cut from the {strech your imagination} cartridge, which I cut twice and then glued it together at the top bit (the bow). That way I can flap the card open and write a message inside. I really love how much both the Cricut and the Cuttlebug enable me to enjoy creating cards again. Not only is it fun and I always have some cards available, I also sell quite a lot of them to my co-workers.

** click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Bazzill; Stampin' Up; Papernill
Papers: KI Memories; Upsy Daisy Designs
Embellishments: Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Button - Sassafras Lass; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs; Ribbons; Pin
Tools: Cricut - Cartridge "Stretch your Imagination"; Quickutz  - Die "Tags"; Cuttlebug  - Embossing Folder "Swiss Dots"; Making Memories - Tracing Wheel

Well, I guess that's it for today. Tonight will see the reveal of the Top 20 finalists at {2s4y} for the Ultimate Card Showdown, as well as the Card of the Week and the Top 5.
Check back tomorrow when the newest Sketch goes live on 2 Sketches 4 You with yet another awesome Sponsor...

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TITLE: Punch Offer and cool DT Call
DATE: 06/13/2009 01:23:00 PM
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My good buddy {anam} is looking for a DT for her fab new challenge blog. Trust me when I say that working with Anam is fantastic and so much fun. Not only has she a wicked sense of humor but her ideas and projects are always fantastic.

So, if you fancy becoming part of {twisted sketches} then get your submission in soon because the deadline is 16 June 2009 (coming Tuesday). You may ask, do we need another Sketch Challenge blog and the answer is HECK YEAH... this is not just any ole Sketch Challenge blog - this is TWISTED *giggles*

I have also started clearing my tool section and found another two punches that I no longer use. Actually one of them I never used in the first place *blush*. There is again nothing wrong with the punches I have just fallen out of love with them.

The first one being the Whale of a Punch Retro flower. I had it for about two years now and never used it as much as I thought I would initially. I bought it for £12.95 and would like £7.95 plus postage for the baby.

Then there is the Stampin' Up Boho Blossoms punch, which I never used. Ok, tell a lie I tried it once to see if it works, something I do with every new punch I get. But since then it has been casted aside. Why did I buy it in the first place you may wonder? In all honesty, I have no idea...when I started getting the SU stuff I had this obsession with getting every punch there is - regardless if I would have a use for it or not. Anyhoo, I bought this for £12.50 and I would like £9.50 plus postage.

Leave a comment under this post if you are interested in the punches and I will email you with the neccessary details.

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TITLE: CP #18 and BBTB #Contest
DATE: 06/11/2009 01:32:00 PM
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I was in such a mood to participate in a couple of challenges over the last couple of days and both {card patterns} and {bitten by the bug} were totally up my alley.

First of let's start with {cp #18}. The sketch actually intimidated me in the beginning. Whilst I had a clear idea what I wanted to create when I first saw it, it seemed to be incredibly difficult get my hands to do what my brain had in mind. It took me three days to finish this card as I kept adding stuff, taking it off again until I was finally pleased with the result.

This is Michelle's sketch

And here's what took me forever to create. I really like it but for the life of me I cannot figure out why it would take me so long to get it done?? What can I say, I think I am a little anal about how my cards have to look before they get my seal of approval :)

** Click to enlarge**

Cardstock: Papermill
Papers: Daisy D; My Minds Eye; Making Memories
Embellishments: Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Butterfly Die - K&Co; Rub Ons - 7 Gypsies (Alpha), Making Memories (Swirls); Embroidery floss
Tools: Cricut Cartridge "Celebrations", Cuttlebug Embossing Folder "Swiss Dots"

And when I saw Regina's newest challenge on {bbtb} I skipped with excitement, literally. Call me easily pleased but as soon as I saw the words "George" and "Shortcuts" I was delighted! The {george} cartridge is my most used one; possibly due to the fact that the shapes and letters can be used for about anything. And the flower cut on the cartridge is my all-time favourite. Team that with the amazing card blanks from {shortcuts} and you have a very happy Kimmy on your hands

This card was made in one evening - if you don't count the time for cutting the sentiment and the flowers I think it only took me something like 30 minutes. One of my favourite clear cards I have made so far.

** Click to enlarge**

Cardbase: Shortcuts
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs; Daisy D; My Minds Eye
Embellishments: Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Swirl - Prima; Ribbon
Tools: Scor it!; Cricut Cartridge "George", Cuttlebug Embossing Folder "Swiss Dots"

Now, where's the next challenge??

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TITLE: Upsy Daisy - Sneaky Peaks, RAK and more
DATE: 06/10/2009 01:22:00 PM

I think you may have noticed by now that layout-wise I hardly ever use any other manufacturer apart from {upsy daisy designs}. Many of you will know just how awesome their new lines are but did you know that there are some REAL gems amongst their older lines?

But before I show you some older paper lovin' let's whet your appetite for the brand spanking new releases. You know that their papers are of double-sided cardstock quality, right? Well now they are introducing textured cardstock quality paper...I know, I know - > it's like manna from heaven. And I am so not kidding when I tell you that right now I am loving UDD more than Wild Asparagus/My Mind's Eye. Yah...the quality of the UDD paper is THAT great.

** all sneaks can be enlarged by clicking onto them **

So far there will be only one line being textured, this being the Enchanted line. Rich regal tones make this such a joy to work with. And if the customers take to it then future lines will be textured too (so PLEASE go and buy TONS of the Enchanted line...I am being selfish here coz I want all UDD papers textured from now on..so help a sister out, k?)

 

Then there is the A New Day Line, with the focus on the traditional and very timeless colour combination of red, blue and white. 

My second favourite after Enchanted has to be Walk In The Park. It does what it says on the tin and I bet this is going to be another best seller.

Last but by no means least there is Man About Town II. After the overwhelming success of the first Man About Town line, Teri and Nicole have come up with more designs to add to this wonderful line.

So, whatcha think? Have you got any favourites from the sneaks already? If so, make a mental note and check out the rest of this post, because there is a RAK up for grabs!

Without further ado, let me introduce you to the UDD back catalogue.

During their latest {sale} I took note of the wonderful papers from the {modello}, {sweet slumber}and {everlasting beauty} lines. How on earth did I never notice them before???
Last weekend I got busy and dived into my stash of the older lines to create the following layout.

** click on image to enlarge **

Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0040. Right On Track (Fantastic Freeway Line), Catania (Modello Line), #UDD0135. Sprinkles (Cupcake Line)
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD188. Unwritten; Stamps - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD209. Girl friends; Stamps Away (Summertime)
Tools: Border Punch - Woodware Diamond Pattern; EK Success Swiss Cheese

You would not think that these papers would now be generally classed as being "old", would you? And they work together so well with any of the newer lines too. The good news is that you can still get some of these designs directly from UDD at 50 - 70% off (and coordinating Rub Ons are at 50% off). Don't say I never tell you anything.. :). Just click on the above link for the Sale to get you there.

The picture was taken almost a year to the date when I last visited my parents and {nat} and I am so excited that there is only one more week to go before I am seeing my parents again. A few days after I will be around Nat's and CANNOT wait!!!

Now on to the RAK - I have a package of Upsy Daisy Designs papers to give away. This will be a combination of the brand spanking new releases (that means yo will get them before anyone else!!!) as well as some older ones. The RAK winner will receive a selection of approx 20 - 30 6 x 6 sheets, just to give you a taster of UDD. I will also throw in some Rubs, Brads and maybe even a stamp or two...you just have wait and see.

All I ask you to do in return is leave a comment telling me which of the sneaks appeals most to you and why. This will give you one virtual token. Tell your friends about my RAK and have them commenting on their fave sneak telling me who sent them will earn you another virtual token. If you have twenty friends commenting and mentioning your name - good for you because that would earn you twenty tokens! Easy hu?

Commenting is open until June 21, 2009 and a winner will be drawn latest by June 25, 2009.
Good luck

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TITLE: 2S4U - Kazan's Sketch #28
DATE: 06/08/2009 03:30:00 PM
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Just HOW difficult was it for me to narrow all those wonderful entries for the Ultimate Card Showdown down to only 30...I bookmarked every card I liked of the entries only to end up with twice as many as I could vote for. But in the end I managed to whittle them down - somehow - under protest - whilst tsomping my feet and holding my breath :)

I am very happy for our Top 30 and cannot wait to see how they are going to wow us this week. It would not surprise me for one moment if narrowing these amazing 30 card makers to 20 will be more difficult than deciding on the first Top 30.

Anyway, I ramble - we have a new sketch up and running {here}

This week's Sponsor is {sakura of america} and I have to admit that I do not own one single product of theirs...guess I need to change that soonest because looking at their website I can tell that I need to have some of their stuff.
As {teresa collins} is a secondary sponsor for the UCS weekly challenge,s I have decided to use some of her goregous paper and overlays from the crush line to create my card.

Here is Kazan's Sketch #28

And here is Kim's card for #28 ;). Yes, yes I DO know that I have a thing for butterflies on top of my border punch obsession. But those little blighters are the perfect embellie for every card and layout, don't you think?

** click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Papermill
Paper, Overlay: Teresa Collins
Embellishments: Ribbon; Pin - Scrapitude; Flat backed pearls - KatysCard; Rub Ons - Dream Street Paper
Tools: Border Punch - Woodware Scalloped Stars

So, it is YOUR turn now. Even if you are not amongst our Top 30, you can still play along for the Card of the Week/Top 5. So whatcha waiting for - c'mon, get cracking!

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TITLE: Gallery Idol Card #1 and RAK update
DATE: 06/07/2009 01:54:00 PM
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I finished my first entry for {gallery idol 2009} and I have to say that I am really thrilled with how this card turned out. Well, I should be seeing that it took me TWO days to complete it...sheesh. It did not start out too great - I was deeply unhappy with what I started, working with different {cricut} cartridges but for some reason, it just did not flow.
Friday night I stayed up until 3:30 am just going through all my old files, looking at previous Birthday cards I made in the hope for some much needed inspiration but nah, nothing happened.

Then Saturday morning everything fell into place - I discarded all the die cuts I made the night before and started from scratch. Am I ever glad I did not go with my first idea. Even if I say so myself but I think this is one of the finest birthday cards I have ever created. One of my favourite cuts right now is this super cute present from the {celebrations} cartridge.

If you fancy taking a peek at all entries so far, you can have a peek {here}.
And this is my full card reveal - I think I might be hooked on turqouise kinda colours right now :). The printable "Happy Birthday" seal was created by myself. I got fed up sourcing the net for some digital stamps to buy because none of them was available with a sinple message, they all came with some cutesy images.

** click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Bazzill, Papermill
Papers: My Minds Eye; Graphic 45
Embellishments: Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Rub Ons - 7Gypsies (letters), Dream Street Papers (Flower, Stars)
Tools: Cricut - Celebrations cartridge; Border Punch - EK Success; Cuttlebug - Embossing folder Swiss Dots; Punches - Woodware

I also created a card just for fun the other day but forgot to upload it - another one that I am pleased with. Can you also spot my obsession for the different border punches? I cannot get enough of them, especially the {ek sucess} ones. But if you are looking for a REAL bargain, you want to get yourself some Woodware ones. I got two supercool border punches for a mere £3.75 each from {this} uk seller. Have been after the diamond one for over a year now but never wanted to pay more than a fiver for it...how lucky was I? And yes, these cheapo ones also have a guideline to line the pattern up :)

** click on image to enlarge **

Cardstock: Papermill, Bazzill
Paper: Teresa Collins
Embellishments: Chipboard Flower - Frances Meyer; Button, Ribbons - Scrapitude; Flowers - Prima; Flat backed pearls - KatyCards; Sticker - Melissa Frances
Tools: EK Success Swiss Chose Border Punch

Check back later tonight when the first 30 finalists for the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4y} are being revealed together with the Fab 5 and Card of the Week. And tomorrow will see another stunning sketch and another amazing Sponsor!


Well, seeing that Sue never claimed her RAK prize, I have decided to pass it on to the next person who came closest to my actual number of created layouts in 2008.

Gorgeous LO and card!!

I'll guess at 123 layouts - I managed 122 LOL!!

Posted by:
jo |
May 08, 2009 at 11:56 PM

Jo, will you please contact me by posting a comment under this post so I can make sure the prize goes out to you as soon as possible?

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TITLE: Psssst - wanna be an Idol?
DATE: 06/05/2009 11:13:45 PM
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It's back! It's back!

If you are an avid card maker you should really consider entering this awesome competition from {paper crafts}. It was more by accident that I learned about this competition last year, when some of my favourite card makers like {shanna}, {danielle}, {dani} and {carla} posted on their blogs about their submissions.

At that time I just started getting back into the joy of making cards and thought "darn, I wish I would have know about this earlier to play along"

Well this year I am gonna enter - no question about it. Auditions are open until 22 June 2009 and you can see the full requirements {here}. C'mon and join in - what have you got to lose?

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TITLE: Umpfh...
DATE: 06/04/2009 12:47:48 PM
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Ok so you may have noticed that you will not find any political statements on my blog ever, or any comments with regard to politics. This is mainly due to the fact that politics and religion are the two topics which will ultimately result in discussions that go out of hand. My political and religious thoughts are no ones business but mine but today I just have to let rip.

See, today was the day to vote in the European elections and I was pleased to see that after having lived and worked in this country for ten years, I finally for the first time ever received my invite to vote. Great, so I made my way to the town hall to be told that "you can only vote for these here but not for those there".

Pardon?

So where has the democratic bit gone? I am welcome to pay taxes, I am welcome to contribute to the overall economy of this country but I am not welcome to choose who to vote for?

Needless to say I did not vote - and before anyone gets on their high horse and gives me all that yadda yadda crap about wasting a vote, don't even go there. Why should I vote when I cannot even choose WHO I want to vote for? I am a European yet I am not allowed to participate in the European Election? There is something seriously wrong with that picture.

England is my country by choice, I love it here but right now I feel like a second class citizen. Why should I be made to pay tax if I cannot even vote for those who are responsible for setting the tax? I am seriously pissed off right now.

Maybe I should have tried entering this country illegal and, whilst dealing with drugs to make money, bought myself a British Identity, then I would have no problems being allowed to vote. I would be probably also living in a nice council flat and get benefits blown up my backside. But no, silly me is a law abiding citizen, working hard, paying my dues and what to I get? A big fat smack in the face.

Thanks England, for nothing....

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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs DT Work - June 2009
DATE: 06/02/2009 01:38:00 PM
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It is  my turn at the {upsy daisy blog} today - so please stop by and have a peek at my creations :)


Good morning and welcome to the first day of June.
Can you believe we are calling half-time on 2009 already....crazy!

Today I have a few projects to share with you and I would like to start with a very summery themed card.

** If you wish to see any images larger, please click directly onto them **


For this card, I have used the following Upsy Daisy Designs Products:

>> #UDD0137. Scrumptious <<

>> #UDD0136. Sweet <<
>> #UDD0133. Delectable <<
>>

#UDD192. Butterfly Wishes <<





Have you cast your eyes over the wonderful >> BRADS << and >> RUB ONS << yet? If not, you should really go and check them out because they are truly divine.
The following layout showcases just how effective the placement of a single brad and rub on can be, to bring the whole design of the page together. See how I raised the "Hopelessly Devoted" Rub on to add some depth? And the single brad at the bottom right hand side just pulls the page together - without it there would have been a big blank spot.





Upsy Daisy Designs Products used:



>> #UDD0178. Kent <<
 >> #UDD0184. Poetry <<
>> #EMB004. Man About Town <<
>>

#UDD187. Man About Town <<




And last, but by no means least - with Father's Day around the corner, what about a little something you can create for Dad, which is quickly done but very personalized? I decided to make a candy bar wrapper from some scraps. It should not take you longer than 5 - 10 minutes to create a wrapper like this. Oh and as a side note - I have used four different paper lines for this project: Man About Town, Circle Of Friends, Vroom and Tweet. It shows just how perfect all lines work together, and that you don't have to specifically use masculine papers to create a gift for Dad.





Upsy Daisy Designs Products used:



>> #UDD0174. Carter <<
 >> #UDD0168. Ella Bella <<
 >> #UDD0141. Steer this way <<

>> #UDD0131. Harmony <<
 >> #EMB004. Man About Town <<



Thank you for stopping by and happy creating.

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TITLE: 2S4Y - Laura's Sketch #27
DATE: 06/01/2009 02:30:00 PM
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Finally!!! The day is here, the long awaited kick-off to the month long birthday celebration at {2s4y}. Laura's Sketch #27 is also the first one for the Ultimate Card Showdown.

We hope that you will all give this a go and celebrate with us, because

a) it is such fun
b) a card always comes in handy
c) the winners prizes are out of this world

Check out more information on how this Showdown works on {this} post - it really couldn't be easier.

This week, the prize for the Card of the Week is sponsored by {zutter} and Laura provided this wonderful sketch

And here is what I did. To create this ring-bound card I first ran the white (thin) chipboard covers through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. The corners were rounded with my beloved {round-it-all}. I also adhered some pink cardstock on the inside of the covers, which will hold the message for the recipient. With the help of my {bind-it-all} and a small section of 1/2" blue wire (which incidentally you can buy at my shop {here} ) I bound the different parts together, turning it into a cute little card.

** Click on image to enlarge**

Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: My Minds Eye
Embellishments: Stickers - 3Bugs; Buttons - Sassafras Lass; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs; Chipboard flower - Basic Grey; Pin, Ribbon - Scrapitude
Tools: Border Punch - Martha Stewart; Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug Swiss Dots; Corner Rounder, Binding Tools - Zutter

So, did I whet your appetite to play along at the Ultimate Card Showdown?? I hope to see your creations pop up in our 2S4Y gallery - you never know: YOUR card may the be one of the chosen ones to proceed to the next round. You gotta be in it to win it :)

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