I'm Back!!!

Emotionally battered and physically shattered but all in one piece and just getting back into my cardmaking today. What a welcome relief that was I can tell you.
There has been far too much drama and trauma this month so I am hoping that February will be a little more gentle with me.......and anyone else who hasn't had a very nice start to 2009.

This is the card I was going to post at the beginning of the week.
Just a handcut layered heart on layered papers.
The red heart is Cuttlebugged and sanded on Co'redinations cardstock.
Hope to have something a bit more artistic to post tomorrow.

I have a heap of awards that need to be sorted out so I promise the kind people who have given them to me that I will try and get that done in the morning.

Thanks so much for your visit.
Sheila-x-

I Hate 2009 Already!!!

I'm sorry I have no pictures to post tonight. I did bring stuff home with me to photograph but I haven't got it done as I was late getting home tonight.
DD fetched me back from work and on the way home we witnessed an accident involving a car and a little boy on a bike. I am so thankful that he was not badly hurt or at least as far as we know. He was taken to hospital as he had banged his head and the police did say that they didn't think he had any serious injuries.
I was fine while I was comforting the little boy and finding out where he lived so that DD could go and fetch his Mum but since I got home I can't stop shaking. It was just so shocking to see him going over the car bonnet.
In just over a week we have had the bad news about my sister in law, DD's best friend has just lost her partner to leukaemia after being diagnosed just a week ago and then this. .........gawd what a week!!!

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
Thanks for your patience.
Sheila-x-

Oriental Cards!!!

Here are some new cards that I have designed for workshops at Monks Den using another set of oriental stamps by Stamp To Your Arts Content.
The first card has a fold out front and I was very pleased with how it turned out.
The paper used is DCWV.

The stamped image for this card fits perfectly onto a 4" Sizzix circle and it has been stamped onto white and red card then cut and layered. Ithink this would make a lovely Valentine's card for something a bit different.

This is my favourite card of the three as I love the two stamped images used on it.

The colouring is done with chalks. Can't for the life of me remember who the paper is by but it has been darkened around the edges with purple chalk to tone in with that used on the image.

Sorry my blog has been neglected for a few days......just busy with work and other stuff as usual.
Hopefully I'll keep up for a few days but then we have the funeral on Thursday.

Thanks for dropping by.........also thanks to Suzanne and Christine who have given me three awards between them.......I will sort them out tomorrow.

Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

Today's Post Is.......!!!

Today's post is over at my other blog HERE

Thanks for dropping by and for the kind messages left regarding the loss of my sister in law......they are so much appreciated.

Sheila-x-

DCM-Get Someone Else To Make It!!!

I thought the idea of the dare over at Daring Cardmakers was just brilliant and couldn't resist playing along. I roped DD in to do the actual work and she had a fab time. I may have to fight her to actually get into my workroom now....lol!!!
Although I chose the card layout DD chose the stamps, papers and embellishments.

I think the paper is Dianes Daughters but I'm not 100% sure on that one.
Stamps are Stampers Anonymous and Clarity.


On a sad note....we are just awaiting a visit from my brother in law whose partner passed away last night. She has been ill for many years but would not see a doctor or have any treatment so although it is not totally unexpected it is no less of a shock.

Rest In Peace Shirl.......we love you and we'll miss you.

Sheila-x-

Black, White and Pink Oriental!!!

I know this is a rather odd choice of colours for an Oriental card but I really like it.
I have stamped images from a Stamp To Your Arts Content UM sheet onto Basic Grey paper using Ancient Page Coal Black ink.
The background has just been layered straight on to white card.
I removed a part of the face image before matting (which was just a solid black area as is at the bottom) and then trimmed the mat to follow the contour. I stamped a second face onto white card and attached with foam pads.
There is just a tiny bit of Stickles added to brighten up the finished card which needed to be a fairly quick card to go with a main project in a class.

I've had a pretty busy week this week so I am off up to my nice tidy workroom for a bit of relaxation. I may get the Cricut out or I might stamp......not made my mind up yet but I will enjoy the peace whatever I do......and hope to goodness that whatever it is that it will make some inroad into the four inch deep pile of paper I have sorted out to be used up........lol!!!

Have a fab weekend.
Bye for now
Sheila-x-

Travel Theme Card!!!

Didn't get time to post this last night as I had to bring work home with me to get ready for a class this morning. It was so busy in the shop yesterday that I didn't get a chance to do anything.

Artemio stamps again. I love this set of travel stamps but when I was doing this card I started doing it in browns and ochres and I really didn't like it so I changed the colours to Lettuce and Denim Adirondack which I think gives it a really fresh look.
The word birthday is cut from spotted Bazzill using the Cuttlebug Kids Tadpole alphabet.

Best go and get ready for work.
Bye for now
Sheila-x-

What A Difference A Day Makes!!!

So this is what yesterdays card looks like now I have changed the background paper.
I think it's a huge improvement. The gold paper was just too boring for the style of the card.
Tried the black and white check I had but the pattern was a little too big so went for my all time favourite black and white script from 7 Gypsies as I had an off cut on the desk.
I had planned to post a pic of the mans card I made at the shop today but had a senior moment and forgot to bring it home to photograph so will try and remember that tomorrow.

Just been and had a lovely hot bath and a read and I am Sanctuaried from top to toe......boy that stuff is sooooo relaxing.....so I am off to mooch around in my room for a bit.
Bye for now
Sheila-x-

Tulip!!!

Todays card looks so much better in real life......trust me......lol!!!
I have great difficulty getting decent pics even using my daylight lamp. They turn out much sharper in real daylight but unfortunately I am not home during the lighter hours at the moment.
Anyhoo....I am pleased with everything about this card except for the gold silk paper.....where was my head....lol!!! That paper is sooooo going in the bin when I get back upstairs. I think I will dismantle the card and redo it using maybe a black and white check as the background.

The tulip is Magenta and has been stamped onto green and red papers then cut and layered before being coated in Glossy Accents.
Central tile is black/turquoise Core'dinations from the Spell Caster collection which has been Cuttlebugged and sanded then layered onto gold card.
Edge trimmings are Doodlebug Paper Frills and I added brads to the side edges.

Really, really sorry about the bad photo but I will retake it at the weekend and replace it.

Nothing much exciting going on at the mo. Had a very quiet weekend just pootling about and setting up my new blog which you may have seen. Hoping to have a bit more energy this weekend and get some house jobs done that should have got done last weekend. I always seem to be playing catch up but hey........it's all part of lifes rich tapestry.........she says with tongue very firmly in cheek......lol!!!

Right.....I am off back upstairs to clear away my mess. Steptoe's rag and bone yard would look tidy compared to my room as I have been sorting out all my altered art stuff and putting it all together in one place.

Thanks for stopping by.
Sheila-x-

Quiet Sunday!!!

Hubby took us out for lunch today to our favorite canalside pub. When I got back I felt exhausted so I have just spent another quiet day doing a bit of altering work.
You can view my very first larger piece HERE
I must get some other work done tomorrow before I start getting behind with things.

Thanks for stopping by
Sheila-x-

Sooooooo Cold!!!

I have been so cold today that I have spent most of the day sitting up my workroom where it is warm and cosy. Still feeling rough so I didn't feel like doing anything remotely worklike. Instead I have been mucking about altering a little tiny pot from some Christmas smelly stuff that was so gorgeous I used it all up.
You can see it HERE on my other blog.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Mini Mag File and Cards!!!

Just had to have a go at one of these cute little mini magazine files with a selection of notelets which I saw HERE. Becky has fabulous instructions on how to make one. I did have to play about with the size as my envelopes were a little bigger but that was easy enough to do.
I used some Basic Grey Two Scoops paper and stamps from the Prima, Build A Swirl set. There are two styles of card in the folder but I am only showing one as I am a useless photographer.......lol!!!

Still feeling pretty grim so I am back off to the sofa to watch a film and be mollycoddled by DD.

Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

Summer Bright!!!

Apparently I wasn't the only one with problems uploading pics last night so I'm glad that I didn't sit trying to fiddle about to find out what was wrong.
Looks as if things are OK now but we'll see when I try to post this.

The card I am posting tonight is simply the design of the Valentine card turned on it's side with the ribbon tied across the bottom.
I have used K & Co paper with stamps by Inkadinkado (flourish) and Kars (flower image).
The background paper has been overdoodled with a fine black pen.

I was a bit restless last night and ended up sitting in my room at silly o'clock and had a bit of an idea. I have been considering buying one of those ribbon straightener thingys but decided it was not a necessary purchase when I have a travel iron in my room that I could use. However I do love gadgets and gizmos and hit on the idea of using my old curling tongs and running my ribbon through that to iron out any kinks..........well you know what.........it flippin' well works a treat. So that is one set of curling tongs saved from being binned.....yay!!! Eeeeeh I were dead chuffed.....lol!!!

Feeling very shivery and achey today with a sore throat so I expect I am coming down with something revolting. Luckily I have three days off now and don't have anything urgent to do if I need to take time out.

I am playing about with a new look for the blog. Not sure about the black and white theme so it may well change again.

Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

No Pics Tonight!!!

Can't upload any pictures tonight as I keep getting an error message. I'm feeling very off it so haven't the energy to try and find out what is wrong at the minute.
Sorry..........I'll try again tomorrow.
Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

Bitsa Card 6!!!

Flippin' 'eck.........has it been cold today or what?!!! Luckily DD has been up and about today so the fire was lit well before I got home and the house was lovely and warm when I got in.......for a change. We still don't have any snow though......hmph!!!

Today I have another 'bitsa' card for you. This one is an offcut of Blue Awning layered onto some smoky blue card and I have just glittered a swirl on the background and added some Laura Ashley flowers with Crafty Bitz sequin flower centres. The greeting is from an A2 size Cuttlebug die.

I am in agony at the moment as I am cutting up and using......shock, horror.....my 6x6 Basic Grey pads......well except for Figgy and Wassail which are untouchable, as far as I am concerned, for at least another 2 years...lol!!! I want to be good and use up some stash before we go to the trade show next month as I am sure there will be loads of stuff I will be trying to persuade Deb to buy which I then in turn will NEED to buy and I think the floor of my room will collapse if I don't get some stuff used.

Anyhoo....I am off to make a cuppa for hubby who will be home in a minute or two and then I am going to run a hot, hot bath and try to get my feet warm.

Tara for now.
Sheila-x-

Easter Card!!!

Another Easter card for todays post.......not what I was intending to make when I first put the paper onto the card blank.........I was going to make a vintage style birthday card but I found the lily diecuts in a bag and that was it.
The flower is cut from cream glitter card and given a gentle wash with some pale coral pearlised watercolour which I also added to the background paper and the greeting plaque.
As the flowers were already diecut and layered I managed to do three of these in half an hour.......super quick for me.....lol!!!

Had quite a busy day at the shop today given that there had been snow in Ashby and it was bitterly cold. I am just about getting warm now.
Poor old DD has come down with a nasty cold and is snuggled up on the sofa watching films and generally being mollycoddled. Hubby is due home any minute so I shall say hi to him and then I am off up to my room for an hour and then I am going to have soak in a Badedas bath and read my new Cathy Kelly book.
Hope you are all keeping warm.
Bye for now
Sheila-x-

Basic Grey Valentine!!!

I am a huge fan of the work of Nancy Riley and fell in love with this card HERE as soon as I saw it. It is just so pretty.
I have used it as inspiration for the card above.
Paper is Basic Grey and the heart stamp is by Woodware from a set of clear stamps.
The heart was stamped onto paper, highlighted with a white gel pen and embellished with tiny self adhesive pearls.
A very different look to Nancy's card but I am very pleased with it.

For various reasons I have had to spend the day quietly today and have had a lovely day up in my room just snuggled up and making cards. No music, no rush, just a nice relaxed last day before going back to work tomorrow.
I'm not sure I am ready to face going out into the early morning cold and not being warm again until I get home and DD being at home for three weeks is another reason I would like to be at home for longer but I need to earn my living so I'll be up and out in the morning along with anyone else going back tomorrow for the first time since Christmas.

Got to go and sort out some clothes that look as if I belong to the human race and not some sub species grotting about in ink and glue patterned trackie bottoms and baggy t shirt which is my at home work wear. Hope I don't have to get the iron out.........that would be just a push too far.......got to break myself in gently.....lol!!!

Bye for now
Sheila-x-

Bitsa Card 5!!!

.........and another 'bitsa' card.
This time I have used some offcuts of K & Co Blue Awning paper and some assorted flowers. For the flower centre I covered a brad with some of the paper and glazed with Glossy Accents.
The top looked a bit bare so I doodled the scroll and leaves then added just a tiny bit of Waterfall Stickles to pick up the blue.
The sentiment is diecut using a Cuttlebug die.

Poor old DD...what a way to spend your birthday. She was in bed until about 3pm and then back off out to work at 8pm but she just has tomorrow to do and then she is off for three weeks so we will make up for it then and maybe go out for the day.

I have actually tidied all of my workroom and can see the floor.....mmm not seen that for nearly two weeks.....lol!!!
Tomorrow I shall pack up the Expression ready to go back to the shop. Not really explored it fully yet but I do like what I've tried so far and I love the two cartridges that came with it......Plantin and Accent Essentials. I can see lots of use for those.

Now I don't usually use my blog to 'rant' but I am so fed up at the minute with spam e mails. I do have the thing that sends them straight into a folder of their own but I still have to trawl through them all to make sure nothing went in that shouldn't and I am getting between 400 and 600 a day on the family email and 50 to 60 a day on my craft e mail. Some Casino sends blocks of nine at least twice a day and if I get another one wanting to show me Angelina Jolie naked I think I shall scream. Adding them to blocked lists just doesn't work.
If I could get hold of the idiots that do this well there wouldn't be enough of them left to make a Spam fritter.....lol!!!

Not in the least bit sleepy so I am off up to my room where there is some heat......the fire has gone out down here and it's a tad nippy round me tootsies.

Bye for now
Sheila-x-

Birthday Card For A Special Girl!!!

Morning all.
Not often you see me posting at this time of the morning but I was up until the wee small hours making this card for my daughter as it's her birthday today and then I didn't sleep too well.
So for the card I used the precious stash of Cosmo Cricket that I have......which isn't much unfortunately and as DD loves the font on the Storybook cartridge I decided to do her initial and jazz it up with some flowers........they look a bit washed out in the pic but they look better IRL.
Poor girl will spend most of the day in bed as she is just in from a nightshift but we are cooking a special tea for her and I am making a trifle instead of a cake as she loves trifle.

I was going to be doing some more decorating today but unfortunately health matters have decided otherwise so I shall be spending the day snuggled up in my workroom and finishing off a few cards that I have started. I may even get in two blog posts today seeing as I have pics taken already of another couple of cards I finished yesterday.
Must make the most of this last couple of days of my holiday as I am back at work on Monday.

Catch you later.
Sheila-x-

Bitsa Card 4!!!

Just a quickie post tonight as hubby wants us to sit and watch a film. I've fetched a few down from DD's stash and I've slipped in Gladiator in the hopes that he will choose that.......lol!!!

Anyway.....another Bitsa card tonight made from bitsa stash that need using up.
Paper is K & Co. Flowers and brads are MM and ribbon is American Crafts....ooh and a Fastenater staple..........not used that for ages.

Right best go and watch this film
Bye for now
Sheila-x-