Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Hi Folks

Hope you are all well and looking forward to your weekend.  Our town is holding it's annual Raft Race this Sunday.  It is a great event where teams are encouraged to build their own rafts and paddle down the river through the town.  Lots of side stalls and entertainment is provided too.  Hopefully the weather will be kind to us when we sit on the river bank on Sunday with our refreshments.  I think a few nibbles and a glass of prosecco will go down nicely lol.

Anyway, onto crafty matters.  Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Winter Wonderland.  This will be an extended challenge and will last until the 27th August. 

Our theme for this challenge is:

Christmas Carols/Christmas Songs

Here is my inspiration project and I have chosen the song 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'.

The image is from a Lily Of The Valley Art Pad.  I matted it onto red cardstock.  The background has been embossed with a snowflake embossing folder.  Some Ho Ho Ho ribbon along the bottom and some punched snowflakes finished the card.

I am looking forward to seeing all your entries to the challenge.  Just pop over to Winter Wonderland for full challenge details.  We have four sponsors for this challenge offering some great prizes so you don't want to miss out.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Crafty Boots - Christmas
OLLCB - Christmas
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
Fab N Funky - No patterned paper
Crafting for all Seasons - Christmas
CHNC - Ho, ho, ho
613 Avenue Create - ATG
Robyns Fetish - Christmas
Eureka Stamps - ATG
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG
TTCRD - ATG
Crafting by Designs - ATG
4 Crafty Chicks - ATG
Crimbo Crackers - Santa
Brown Sugar - Animals
Crafts 4 Eternity - ATG
Simply Create Too - ATG

Personal Impressions Blog Hop

Good Morning

Today we are taking part in our first Personal Impressions blog hop.

Here is my project!

My project has been made using products from our Craftexcess website!

 A simple card and the only additions from my stash were the ribbon, pearls and die cut heart.

1st Prize is £40 voucher

2nd Prize is £25 Voucher

3rd Prize is £15 Voucher

To be in with the chance of winning one of these prizes you need to complete the following:

1. Follow the Personal Impressions blog

2. Comment on all the sample makers blogs

3. Like Craftexcess page on Facebook

4. Leave a comment here too!

There will be 3 prizes to give to 3 lucky commenter's

Two of the prizes will be picked from 2 of the sample makers blog so be sure to comment on all the blogs.

Below is the blog hop list to follow, we hope you enjoy!

Linda

Kathryn

Mags - you are here

Katie

Pandy

Sam

Sandra

Elaine

Kim

The Blog Hop will finish on Friday 7th August and the winner will be announced on Monday 10th August on the CraftExcess Facebook page.
Happy Blog Hopping!

Like A Bat Out Of Hell....

Hi Folks

Thank you for all your lovely comments and good wishes on my post yesterday.  Very nervous to be starting a new job soon as it is totally different to anything I have done before.  But I am up for a challenge and looking forward to it too.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  Our theme for this week is:

Use ribbon or twine

We have two lovely sponsors joining us this week:

Dr Digi - prize of 2 digi images to the winner

Little Blue Button Stamps - prize of a $10 gift certificate

Here is my inspiration project using a super image from Dr Digi.

When I saw this image I knew I had to use it as the song is from Meat Loaf - Like a Bat Out Of Hell.  I love Meat Loaf and have seen him 6 times in concert.  He never disappoints and would go to see him again in a flash.  Anyway, let's get back to my card.  I coloured the image using my promarkers and mounted onto kraft card.  The dotty paper is a freebie from a magazine.  I used ribbon across the front of the card together with a ribbon bow.  Some dazzlers and a couple of sentiments finished the card.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries this week.  Just pop over to Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the super creations from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Craft-Dee Bowz - ATG
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
A Gem of a Challenge - Birthday
Disdigidesigns - Hand coloured image
The Paper Shelter - ATG
Crafts 4 Eternity - Music
Sister Act - ATG
Brown Sugar - ATG
613 Avenue Create - ATG
Eureka Stamps - ATG
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG
TTCRD - ATG
Crafting by Designs - ATG

Happy Birthday

Hi Folks

Thanks for popping by today and hope you are all well.  I went for a job interview yesterday and was offered the job there and then.  Not sure when I start yet as they need to sort out references etc but looking forward to a new challenge.  Will have to get myself sorted into some sort of routine now lol.

Today I thought I would share a quick and easy birthday card that will suit both male and female recipients.

I used a large Happy Birthday stamp from Woodware for this card.  I stamped the image several times onto different patterned paper and then pieced together the letters.  The backing paper is mounted onto black card.  No further embellishments added apart from some faux stitching.  Of course you could jazz it up with buttons, flowers etc if you wished.

Would love to know what you think.  I do appreciate all the comments and support you give me.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges.
Craftyhazlenut's Patterned Paper - ATG
Not Just Cards - ATG
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
That Craft Place - Words
Creative Moments - ATG
Creative Knockouts - Paper piecing
Sister Act - ATG
Brown Sugar - ATG

Personal Impressions

Hi Folks

Hope you have all had a good weekend.  It has been very wet and dismal here.  It seems we are not destined to have a blazing hot summer in the UK lol.

Today I would like to share a project with you that I have done as part of the Personal Impressions design team.  However, I am going to tease you with just little sneaky look here.  

To see the whole project and how I completed it please pop over to the Personal Impressions blog.  I would love to know what you think by leaving me a comment there.  Would love for you to become a follower of the Personal Impressions blog too.  Design team projects are posted there daily showcasing the wide range of products available.

Bye for now

How Charming at Winter Wonderland

Hi Folks

Hope you have all had a good week and looking forward to your weekend.  Our local rugby club has a beer festival on this weekend so I suspect we will be paying them a visit on Saturday.  Would be rude not to lol.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Winter Wonderland.  Our theme for this week is:

How Charming

We would like to see you add a charm to your christmas projects.

Here is my inspiration project.

For the main image I used a stamp from Woodware which I stamped onto kraft card.  I added a bit of colour with some promarkers and then added lots of stickles for the sparkle.  The backing papers are from our sponsor, M R Designs, and they are also matted onto kraft card.  A die cut snowflake, ribbon, bow and charm completed the card.

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

M R Designs who are giving the winner a 20.00 euros voucher to their on line store.

Thanks for popping by and I am looking forward to seeing all your charming entries.  Just pop over to Winter Wonderland for full challenge details.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
One Crazy Stamper - ATG
Paper Creators - Christmas
CHNC Extra - ATG
Crafty Calendar - Christmas
Deep Ocean - Christmas
Craft-Dee Bowz - ATG
Crafty Girlz - ATG
Whimsy Stamps - Christmas
HIMCR - Layers
CHNC - Spots or stripes
Pile It On - Christmas
613 Avenue Create - ATG
Eureka Stamps - Christmas
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG
Corrosive - To die for
Crafty Boots - Christmas
OLLCB - Christmas
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
My Time to Craft - Christmas
Papertake - Build it up
Crafty Sentiments - ATG
TTCRD - ATG
Crafters Cafe - Christmas
Creative Moments - ATG
Crafting for all Seasons - Christmas
Crafty Ribbons - ATG
Creative Corner - Christmas

It's Christmas at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges

Hi Folks

How are you all?  Sorry I haven't been around much the last few days.  We spent a lovely weekend away with some friends on the Norfolk coast.  There were 14 of us sharing a large beach house and it was lovely.  We were actually sunbathing on the beach on Saturday and Sunday.  But back to reality and now trying to get myself organised again.  It is surprising how even three days away can mess up your routine.  

Anyway, today sees the start of a new challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  Our theme for this week is:

Christmas in July

We have three sponsors joining us for this challenge:

Bugaboo Stamps - prize of 7 digi images to the winner

Sunsational Stamps - prize of 5 digi images to the winner

Digital Delights - prize of a $5 gift voucher

Here is my inspiration project using a cute image and sentiment from Bugaboo Stamps called Christmas Sheep.

These days I seem to be going along the route of simple layouts and less embellishments.  This card follows that theme.  All the matting has been done onto green glitter card.  The background paper was in my christmas paper pile and I must have had it for about three years. The image has been coloured using promarkers and I did add a touch of distress ink around the edge of the image and sentiment.  A large button brad and some paper trees were the only added embellishments.  Not sure is you can see it clearly but I also added lots of glamour dust to the image for added sparkle.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries.  Just pop over to Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the super inspiration from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Paper Creators - Christmas
CHNC Extra - ATG
Crafty Calendar - Christmas
Not Just Cards - ATG
Digi Choosday - Something old (papers)
Deep Ocean - Christmas
Crafty Girlz - ATG
CRAFT - Christmas
Crimbo Crackers - Cute
Aud Sentiments - ATG
Whimsy Stamps - Christmas
Sister Act - ATG
Daring Cardmakers - Christmas
Pile It On - Christmas
613 Avenue Create - ATG
Eureka Stamps - Christmas
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG
Crafty Boots - Christmas
OLLCB - Christmas
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
My Time To Craft - Christmas
Disdigidesigns - Hand coloured image
Crafty Sentiments - ATG
TTCRD - ATG
Crafters Cafe - Christmas
Creative Moments - ATG
Crafting for all Seasons - Christmas

Anything Goes at Crafting Musketeers

Hi Folks

Hope you are all well.  I am looking forward to the weekend as we are going to Norfolk on a long weekend break with some friends.  We go tomorrow and come back on Monday.  So looking forward to a little break and spending some quality time with hubby and friends.  Not sure if there will be any wifi access so apologies if I am not about much commenting.

Today I would like to share some inspiration for our current challenge over at Crafting Musketeers.  Our theme for this month is:

Anything Goes

Our fabulous sponsor is Crafty Ribbons with a prize pack of some ribbons to the winner.

Here is my inspiration project featuring ribbons from Crafty Ribbons.

I started with the background by dabbing distress ink through a honeycomb stencil.  The birthday stamp is from Woodware and was stamped and embossed.  The matting is done on brown coloured card.  I wanted this to be quite simple so I added ribbon to two of the sides and tied a little knot on the bottom corner.  Quite effective and could be suitable for a male or female.

Thanks for popping by and would love for you to enter the challenge.  Just pop over to Crafting Musketeers for full challenge details.

Anything Goes at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges

Hi Folks

Wow, the time seems to be flying by at the moment.  Just don't know where this year is disappearing too, it will be Christmas before we know it lol.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  Our theme for this week is:

Anything Goes

We have a great sponsor joining us this week:

Pink Gem Designs - prize of 2 digi images of the winners choice

Here is my inspiration project using a lovely image from Pink Gem Designs called New Shoes which can be found here.

The image comes in both outline and pre coloured.  I decided to use the precoloured image for this project.  The image was cut out using one of my dies and I did add some distress ink through the die.  The papers are some that have been in my stash for months.  I matted onto some pink card.  To finish the card I stamped a couple of sentiments and added a ribbon bow and dazzles.  

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries for the challenge.  Just pop over to Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the super creations from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Crafts Galore Encore - Use a stamp or digi
Craftyhazlesnut's Patterned Paper - ATG
Cute Card Thursday - Ladies only
Sister Act - ATG
Wags N Whiskers - Birthday
613 Avenue Create - ATG
The Ribbon Girl - ATG with an image
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG
TTCRD - ATG
Papertake - Dont be square
Digi Choosday - Something old (papers)
Crafty Girlz - ATG

Dinkies Sale at Little Claire

Hi Folks

Just a quick post to let you all know about some bargains to be had at Little Claire.  They are having a sale of some of their older dinkie stamps to make way for some new Christmas Dinkie stamps.  Just pop over to Little Claire and take a look.  Why not grab yourself a bargain.

It's All About The Sparkle

Hi Folks

The weather has taken a bit of a turn today.  It is not cold but we have had a few showers.  Perfect day to spend a few hours in my crafty room lol.

Today I thought I would share a card that I did quite a while ago using products from Imagination Crafts.

The patterned card is from Imagination Crafts and I used a stencil and sparkle medium for the flowers and dragonflys.  The sparkly purple background card was created by brayering sparkle medium onto white card.  The addition of some ribbon, gems and small flowers finished the card.

Thanks for popping by and would love to know what you think.  I really do appreciate all the lovely comments that you leave me.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
OLLCB - All that glitters
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
Creative Moments - ATG
Sister Act - ATG
613 Avenue Create - ATG
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG

Luv 2 Txt CD from Kraftyhands

Hi Folks

Hope you are all well and had a good weekend.  We have been to our local town Carnival this afternoon.  Luckily the weather held out and we didn't get wet.  Of course hubby had to buy a lovely Victoria sponge cake from the local WI stall.  It is his favourite cake and he can't get enough of it lol.

Anyway, today I thought I would share a sample I have done for the new CD Luv 2 Txt which is being launched by Kraftyhands on 18th July.  The CD is just perfect for all those teens out there and has images and papers suitable for both male and female.  The CD is available to preorder here and you can see a video walkthrough.

I created a male card for someone celebrating a big birthday.

From the CD I printed out toppers, papers, a gift card wallet, tags and bunting.  The only addition from my stash was the twine on the removable tags in the money wallet and some card candi,  

Thanks for popping by and would love to know what you think.  I really do appreciate all the comments that you leave me.  Sorry if I don't get around to commenting on all your creations.  At the moment I am job hunting and working on a wedding project for a friend so time is limited.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Craftyhazlenut's Patterned Paper - ATG
Scrap and Craft - Celebrations
Disdigidesigns - Celebrations
Crafty Boots - Stars or stripes
Papertake - ATG
Sister Act - ATG
613 Avenue Create - ATG

In Bloom at Little Claire

Hi Folks

Today sees the start of a new stamping challenge over at Little Claire's Designs.  Our theme for this month is:

In Bloom

So let's see those creations with lots of flowers.

Here is my inspiration project using a small gerbera stamp from the Gerbera stamp set.

I stamped the gerbera stamp several times onto parchment and embossed with white embossing powder.  I then cut them out and added a purple dazzler to the centre.  For the background I used an embossing folder for the green part.  For the sky I coloured some white card with distress ink and added a border stamp for the greenery.  Some punched butterflies, a sentiment, ribbon and bow finished the card.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your creations.  Just pop over to Little Claire's Designs for full challenge details.  Here is the prize on offer to this month's winner:

'Butterfly Blossom' stamp

'You are Lovely' Flowers stamp

'Ever so Lovely' stamp

1 x 12x12 Lilac Gingham paper

1m x the following ribbons:

Green ric rac

Red ric rac

Pale blue gingham

Lilac spotty organza

Springtime flowers

Wowee, what a prize!

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Natalie and Amy - Summertime
Crafts Galore Encore - Use a stamp or digi
One Crazy Stamper - ATG
Polkadoodles - Embossing
Penny Black and More - ATG with a sentiment
Dragonfly Dreams - Midsummer Delight
Craft Your Passion - ATG
Crafting from the Heart - ATG
Not Just Cards - ATG
Artistic Inspirations - ATG
Papertake - ATG
Creative Moments - ATG
Sister Act - ATG
Wags N Whiskers - Birthday
Crafty Catz - Summertime

Have Yourself a Beary Christmas

Hi Folks

Hope everyone is okay and your week has gone well.  I have been trying to get back into a routine after the excitement of my daughters wedding.  My crafting seems to have taken a back seat at the moment but planning a crafty day today.  Hoping to get some DT work done and have a little messy play.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Winter Wonderland.  Our theme for this week is:

Have a Beary Christmas

So let's see all those christmas projects featuring a bear of some kind.

Here is my inspiration project.

I have had this decoupage image for a couple of years so decided it was about time to use it.  The background is plain white card that has been embossed with a large dotty folder and matted onto gold mirror card.  A die cut was added to each corner and the image was mounted onto a die cut scalloped oval shape.  A simple sentiment and gold bow finished the card.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries.  Our sponsor for this challenge is:

Crafty Sentiments Designs

Just pop over to Winter Wonderland for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the gorgeous inspiration from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Paper Creators - Christmas
CHNC Extra - ATG
Catch the Bug - ATG
CHNC - Include a sentiment
Polkadoodles - Embossing
Simply Create Too - Christmas
Crafty Calendar - Christmas
613 Avenue Create - ATG
Robyns Fetish - ATG
Incy Wincy - Spots/Dots
Papertake - ATG
Digi Choosday - Christmas
Creative Card Crew - Die cuts
Inky Impressions - Die cuts
4 Crafty Chicks - Christmas
Sister Act - ATG

Anything Goes at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges

Hi Folks

A quick post from me today as I will shortly be taking my daughter out to lunch for her birthday.  Can't believe she is 28 already, makes me feel old lol.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  Our theme for this week is:

Anything Goes

A popular choice I am sure.

We have two great sponsors joining us this week:

The Stamping Boutique - prize of 2 digi images of the winners choice

Deedees Digis - prize of a $15 gift certificate

Here is my inspiration project using a cute image and sentiment from Deedees Digis.

I thought this image was really cute and loved the sentiment.  I therefore decided to decorate a little gift bag.  The backing paper is from my scraps box.  For embellishments I added a heart shaped doily, some purple ribbon and a crotchet flower.  

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries.  Just pop over to Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the super inspiration from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Whimsy Stamps - Use ribbon, lace or twine
Natalie and Amy - Summertime
Crafting by Designs - Anything goes
Craftyhazlenuts Patterned Paper - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes
Catch The Bug - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes
Robyns Fetish - Anything goes
The Ribbon Girl - Anything goes
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes
Crafting from the Heart - Anything goes
Not Just Cards - Anything goes
Artistic Inspirations - Anything goes
Papertake - Anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - Sweet
TTCRD - Anything goes
Creative Moments - Anything goes/monochromatic

Dinosaur Gift Box

Hi Folks

Hope you have all been managing to make the most of the nice weather we are having in the UK at the moment.  Long may it continue.  I do love being able to sit out in the evenings with a nice cold drink.  Just a bit too hot for me during the night to get a good night's sleep lol.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Kraftyhands.  Our theme for this month is:

Wrap It Up

We would like to see you use your stash to create lovely gift boxes and packaging.

Here is my inspiration project using images and papers from the Dangerous Dinosaur CD which can be found here.

I used a popcorn box template that I have had for ages to cut out the basic box using white card.  The sides of the box are covered with papers from the CD matted onto some blue box.  I cut out one of the small toppers and attched to the handle of the box using some green ribbon.  I also put some green ribbon around the bottom of the box.

A really quick project but this would be ideal for any dinosaur loving youngster to receive a gift in.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your creations.  Just pop over to Kraftyhands for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the super inspiration from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter the following challenges:
Crafty Ribbons - Anything goes
Fussy and Fancy - Fancy folds
Crafting by Designs - Anything goes
Craftyhazlenut's Patterned Paper - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - For a child
Crafty Catz - Anything goes
Catch the Bug - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes
Robyns Fetish - Anything goes
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes
Crafting from the Heart - Anything goes
Not Just Cards - Anything goes
Papertake - Anything goes
TTCRD - Anything goes

Anything Goes at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges

Hi Folks

I am back again with my second post of the day.

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  Our theme this week is a nice easy one for you:

Anything Goes

We have three sponsors joining us this week:

Oddball Art - prize of 3 digi images to the winner

Lacy Sunshine - prize of a $20 gift certificate

Dis Digi Designs - prize of a $12 gift certificate

Here is my inspiration project using a cute Lizzy Love image from Oddball Art which is available here.

I decided to go for quite a clean look with this one.  The image has been coloured with promarkers and I went around the edges with some faux stitching.  The sentiment was stamped into the corner and I wrote the words into the speech bubble.  Some punched butterflies finished the card.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries.  Just pop over to Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges for full challenge details.  Don't forget to check out the super creations from my talented teamies.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Creative Card Crew - Clean and simple
Dream Valley - Girly
Artistic Inspirations - Anything goes
MAWTT - Stitching
Sister Act - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - Clean and simple
TTCRD - Anything goes
Inky Impressions - Pink and girlie
Creative Inspirations - Anything goes

Holidays at Little Claire Digi Challenge

Hi Folks

Hope you are all well.  Well it does seem that Summer has arrived in the UK.  It has been very hot the last couple of days.  The only trouble I have is sleeping at night when it is hot.  The fan in the bedroom has certainly been working overtime lol.

Today sees the start of a new digi challenge over at Little Claire's Designs.  Our theme for this month is:

Holidays

You can create any project you like as long as you include a digi and it is related to some kind of holiday.

Here is my inspiration project using a cute digi image called Digi Stocking Owls which can be found in the store here.

I coloured the image using my promarkers and cut out using one of my dies.  I did add a bit of colour to the edges with distress ink.  There is also some glitter added to the stockings, hat and branch.  Although this is not showing up very well in the photo.  The papers are matted onto silver mirror card and I added some Merry Christmas ribbon and card candi.

Thanks for popping by and looking forward to seeing all your entries.  Just pop over to Little Claire's Designs for full challenge details.  You could win some digi images of your choice from the store.

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
Not Just Cards - Anything goes
Whimsy Stamps - Use ribbon/lace/twine
That Craft Place - Layers
Crafty Ribbons - Anything goes
Chocolate, Coffee and Cards - Seeing red
HIMCR - Any holiday
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes
Crafting from the Heart - Anything goes
TTCRD - Anything goes
Crafting by Designs - Anything goes
Crafts Galore Encore - Stamp or digi
Paper Creators - Christmas in July
Craftyhazlenuts Patterned Paper - Anything goes