Snow, snow and more snow

Hi there, how is everyone? Hope you are all warm and keeping safe out of the snow. It took me 2.5 hours to get to work this morning - it normally only takes me 25 minutes!

I thought I would just share a couple of pictures I took this evening. We are having quite a heavy snow fall at the minute.

The snowman's features are now disappearing (there is a little windmill for a hat!) and the trampoline is well and truly covering again after the children had cleared some of it for a snowball fight.





The patio furniture gives you a good idea how much snow we have had over these last few days.



Will be interesting to see if I can dig the car out tomorrow!!

Keep safe and will be back soon with some crafting.

Becki
xx

I've neglected......

my blog recently, not by choice but purely by so many things happening lately.

I shall start with some really good news. You may remember a while ago I posted a baby card using the Fun & Fast Notes Set and used Pretty in Pink as the base. Well my prediction of a baby girl was correct. Baby Esther arrived this weeked, a little earlier than expected, but both mum & baby are doing really well. Can't wait to see them both.

This weekend was spent away from the snow - no not in some sunny climate but in London, where we had no snow but it was bitterly cold. A great weekend of shopping, eating, a glass or two of wine and a play. The play was Onassis, based on Aristotle's Onassis and his very colourful life. Now I am a little young to remember this era and needed a quick history lesson from my sister! Robert Lindsay played the main character and all I can say is he was A-MA-ZING :-)

Work related, I have just taken on a Level 5 Management and Leadership course and I'm now wondering whether it was a very good idea!! Think it will be heavy going for the next 9 months. Please be patient with my blog if assignment writing takes over crafting and blogging. Hoping that there will be time for both!

I keep telling myself it will all be worth it..........

It looks as though everyone has been really busy with their blogs and crafting so I am going to have a cup of tea and sit back and read through all your hard work.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to have something crafty to blog very soon.

Love
Becki
xx

In Colours - Blushing Bride

Hi everyone, hope you are all well.

I thought I would have a play about with the Hostess Level 1 Designer Papers and chose Blushing Bride. Something a little more delicate after the bright Dasher marathon.

This is one of the first times that I have ruched up the ribbon, it's not perfect, but as the saying goes... practice makes.....





Card Stock: Very Vanilla
Ink: Blushing Bride
Stamp Set: Razzle Dazzle, Sincere Sentiments
Papers: Designer Papers (Hostess Level 1)
Ribbon: Very Vanilla
Punches: Large Oval and Large Scallop Oval, own corner punch
Adhesive Pearls

I have a wonderful weekend in London planned with my sister and two friends - the annual Xmas shopping trip - hope the snow keeps away!!

Will be back after the weekend. Keep well and warm.

Thanks for stopping by.
Becki
xx

Dasher Marathon

Hi there, how's your Sunday been? The weekends go far too quickly.

With only 5 weeks to go till Christmas and having a huge family I thought it best to get on with making some cards. I needed something that could be easily produced several times over, not too complicated, but still look classy.

Inspiration came from Monica's blog. I hadn't thought of using Melon Mambo for a Christmas card, so once I used this, I decided to keep going with other colours and here they all are.......

Melon Mambo

Pacific Point

Old Olive

Cherry Cobbler

Baja Breeze

Concord Crush

All 24 together!!

A few rhinestones for bling on Dashing Dasher's antlers. After taking all these pics I forgot to show you the co-ordinating insides!! Basically a peice of Whisper White card stock stamped with the snowflake in the co-ordinating ink.

Now to decide which one is my favourite......... impossible task, I shall be here all night :-)

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Sincere Salutations and Sparkly & Bright.

A well deserved cup of tea and feet up now.

Have a fab evening and thanks for stopping by.

Becki
xx

Scary Scrapbooking

Evening everyone, hope you are all well. A quick post before Saturday night in front of the TV starts!

This afternoon was scrapbook class in Pudsey with Jules. The theme was Halloween and Fireworks. All the photos that I have I couldn't find any fireworks so I went with two Halloween pages.

Just love how these have turned out.






The afternoon flew by. I have two months to prepare to the next class. I wonder if I get my photos sorted in advance?? Probably not, it will be a trip to Asda instant photo machine two hours before class starts :-)

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Becki
xx

In Colours - Pear Pizzaz

Hi there, how is everyone tonight? All ready for the Children in Need marathon? Leanne needed something spotty to wear for school today, so I got out my 1 3/8" circle punch, a lot of coloured paper, tombow, a white tee and hey presto a spotty top was created.



I have MIA from my blog for a few days, but I haven't neglected my crafting. I have been busy preparing a tutorial for my next class. I just need one more original design then I think it is complete.

Whilst I had my craft stash out tonight I thought I ought to whip something together to show you. Unfortunately, this isn't an original idea, it is the gift card holder the my SU mum demonstrated at our training evening. As there are lots and lots of wonderful Xmas blogs out there at the minute, I thought I would change it around a bit and make it into a birthday gift card holder.

Hhhmmmmm now for some reason I ended up using Pear Pizzaz and Real Red - do you think I still have Xmas on my mind??


Sorry the next photo is a little dark


Complete with Matalan card :-)



Card Stock: Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Designer Series paper Pack - In Colour (hostess level 1)
Ink: Real Red
Stamp Sets: Punch Potpourri, Sincere Salutations
Punches:, Scallop Trim Border, Butterfly Extra Large
Ribbon: 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Real Red

Tomorrow is a Scrappy day with the lovely Jules. I have only known the topic for the layout for over a month - I haven't printed out my photos yet!! Eeek I think I ought to make a move.

Have a fab weekend, will be back very soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Becki
xx

Quick Update

Hi there, a quick post tonight (and a late one at that!). Firstly, hope you are all ok and keeping warm. It's getting colder by the day.

A busy weekend it has been and a few busy days ahead, so apologies for the pending lack of posts.

Yesterday was spent out in Lincolnshire and a visit to RAF Donna Nook. Donna Nook is an area on the Lincs coast where 38% of the worlds population of grey seals come in to give birth and now is the perfect time to go visit. I was totally amazed - we were in touching distance of these beautiful and fascinating creatures. Unfortunately it was a last minute decision to go and didn't take the camera :( I do have pics on my phone, so when I work out how to upload them I will.

Today was full day at work, then hair appointment and as you ladies know that can take a couple of hours! Also an SU delivery arrived today, so I was assembling stamps whilst hair was cooking in foil. My lovely hairdresser Michelle has now got the stamping bug too!

I just love getting deliveries and today was exciting as it was the contents for my next class. I have put a little pressure on myself to come up with a totally original class. Fingers crossed it will all come out ok.

Tomorrow is another full day at work, then a late appointment at the hospital for May's CT scan. We are hoping that will have some answers once the results are back.

Wednesday again a full work day (this working malarky is getting in the way of card making), but then I have a couple of ladies coming round to my house for the Xmas card class that I did last Saturday - really looking forward to spending time crafting with them.

Gosh the week will be nearly over!

I am hoping to be back very very soon with some posts that actually contain cards!!

Thanks for stopping by and do come back soon.

Becki
xx

Artistic Christmas

Afternoon everyone, how are you?

I have had a couple of hours out shopping this afternoon with my sister and Leanne. My sister is an avid cross stitcher and needed a few new threads. I haven't picked up my cross stitch in years and it is shame as I have a beautiful one on the go. I might get round to finish it one day. Anyway we had a trip out to Hobbycraft at Meadowhall and bumped into Caroline and Sylvia - hi ladies :-)

After Hobbycraft we popped into Toys R Us. Of course Leanne has now added the entire store onto her Xmas list! I have finally bought my first Christmas present - I really must make a good start otherwise it will be Xmas Eve before I know it.

I have rambled on enough, so on to today's card. I have been on YouTube again!! I have seen Fish from the Ornament Punch and a Vase from the same punch courtesy of the lovely Julie, now I have seen Strawberries using the Delightful Decorations set and the Ornament punch.

But what really caught my eye today is the following card. I believe the lady is Stamp with Tammi who demonstrated this one. I have adapted it a little, but the principles are the same.


I have decorated inisde the card too - I know Vicky will appreciate this :-)




Card Stock: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
(plus a brushed gold and brushed silver from my stash)
Ink: Versamark and my own silver ink pad
Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings and Delightful Decorations

The bauble itself can be punched out with 1 3/4" circle punch, I didn't have this so used the next best thing the old cuttlebug. The embossing powders are again from my own stash.

I am constantly amazed by the creative talent out there. Who would have ever thought of this stamp set being used for Xmas? Or an ornament punch for a fish??

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

Becki
xx

Girly Artistic Etchings

Evening everyone. How are you doing? It's extremely windy, and rainy, out there tonight. Hope you have everything fastened down outside, I think it's going to be a rough night.

Thursday evenings are spent with the lovely crafty ladies at Hexthorpe, where we create our own projects in good company. My son has an invite to a friend's 18th birthday party later this month and needs a card, so this was my project. The first card was inspired by the SU catalogue, and I was pleased with it, but then I had another idea.



GW are the birthday girl's initials (but you had probably worked that out anyway!)


Card Stock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Pretty In Pink
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso
Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet
Ribbon: Whisper White & Pink in Pink Satin 5/8"
Paper: Brights Designer Paper Series
Adhesive Flat Back Rhinestones

I hope the birthday girl likes it - my son does, so that's a good start :-)

That's all for tonight, keep safe and warm.

Thanks for stopping by.

Becki
xx

A little Xmas Treat Box

Hi there, sorry for the lack of posts this week. It has been a little hectic at home. My mother in law has been for some diagnostic tests and has to go back for more next week. Overall she is much improved. Thank you for your lovely wishes.

Last night was training night with my SU mum, Julie, and 4 other lovely Jems, Karen, Lynda, Gemma and Jill. This was only my 2nd attendance, but already feel part of a great team. It was fun listening to all the antics at this year's convention, plus we made a fab ribbon display and a gift card holder.

I can't wait for next year at Disney Land Paris - yep that's right Disney!!!!

Fancy it? Then why not join me on this fab venture? If you love all things card craft and scrapbooking then you will fall in love instantly with SU products. The starter kit is amazing. Simply email or phone me for more details.

Tonight's post is a little treat box, so easy to assemble.


Card Stock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Ink: Old Olilve, Early Espresso
Stamp Set: Delightful Decorations
Ribbon: from my own stash
Silver Elastic cord

Thanks for stopping by and keep warm.

Becki
xx

Concorde Crush

Morning. I think I have a crush on Concorde Crush :-)

At yesterday's class all the ladies were entered into a free prize draw. The winning gift was the Elegant Thank You stamp. The sentiment was a perfect way for me to express my appreciation. Now what could I package it in? I have to say I am a little pleased with this gift box, the colour combo is just gorgeous and is now my favourite.




Card Stock: Concorde Crush, Very Vanilla
Ink: Concorde Crush
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue
Punch: Eyelet Border Punch
Ribbon: Lilac Grosgrain from my stash

If you read my post yesterday you will know that I forgot to take photos of the cards I had planned. As it felt to me like an incomplete post, I have put them on here for you to browse.













Card Stock; Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Paper: Jolly Holidays
Punch: Large Ornament, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle

Thanks for stopping by, your visit to my blog is always very much appreciated.

Becki
xx

Jolly Holidays Class

Afternoon. Grab a cup of tea, tonight's post is longer than usual :-)

We were called late last night to say that my mother-in-law had taken poorly. Unfortunately, she needed to be taken into hospital by ambulance and be checked over. We managed to arrive at the hospital at the same time and were pleased to see that she was in good spirits considering. Late night calls of this kind are always worrying. However, May is a very spritely 83 year old and is probably fitter than most of us! A 4 hour wait to be seen, it was Bonfire night and a Friday night thrown in, makes a very busy A&E department. We finally got home at 4am and brought May with us. Thank goodness no admission required.

This afternoon was my first class and it has been a fantastic afternoon. I have to say a huge thank you to the lovely ladies that came along. Also a huge thank you for your patience with me as lack of sleep can sometimes make your brain a little fuddled!!

At the start of the afternoon a couple of the girls said they weren't creative - well I have to really disagree there were some fantastic cards being produced.

The basis of the session was part of a tutorial from Jenny Moors blog.

I hope you're ready for a slide show:-

Display table along with stamping and cutting stations


The room



Yum Yum - Fabulous Cup Cakes, courtesy of a wonderful friend - thanks Janet xx (have you noticed some are missing lol)


Hard at work

Very industrious


Sue and Lisa being very serious :-)


Some fab creations





I hope you can forgive me, but I seem to have forgotten to take a photo of the cards planned (they are on the display table, but you can't see them) - I think it's time for bed!

I can't wait for the next class - thanks again ladies for a great afternoon.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fab evening.

Becki
xx

Xmas Treat Bag

Hi there. Where has the week gone? It has just flown by! Leanne and I have spent the evening laid on my bed, in the dark, watching all the fireworks going off around us. The safest, warmest and cheapest way to do Bonfire night!

Carrying on from yesterday's post I thought I would share with you another gift bag. I have to admit I have been on You Tube again. The lady that showcased this gift bag says the inspiration came from her daughter's glasses case. I just think it is perfect for all ages, and will look great in any colour combo.




Keeping on the Xmas theme I have used:

Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Jolly Holidays
Stamp: Delightful Decorations
Ink: Old Olive
Ribbon: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain
Adhesive Flat Back Pearl

I don't think I shall sleep much tonight - I'm quite excited for my first class tomorrow. I have packed my bag - actually it has turned out to be a bag, a box, a big plastic tub and I'm sure there will be more added in the morning. You know, just in case I have forgotten anything!! Bet you can imagine how I pack for my holidays :-)

Enjoy the rest of the Fireworks and keep safe.

Thanks for stopping by

Becki
xx

Bags of Festive Fun

Evening, how is everyone? Firstly, just wanted to say to all SU demonstrators who have been lucky enough to go to Convention, have a fab time and I hope to join you next year.

A quick post tonight, as tea is cooking and it's craft night and I haven't decided on what to take or make yet!!

As I have been making Xmas cards till they are coming out of my ears, I thought I ought to start making some gift bags. So tonight's post is a Xmas version of the Tote bag that we made at Julie's all day class a few months back. I know you may have seen this many times but I just love it.





Papers: Jolly Holidays
Brads: Filigree
Silver elastic cord

Not many "ingredients" to this bag, but so effective.

Have a fab evening and thanks for stopping by.

Becki
xx

Delightful Decorations

Evening, well as I am now back at work I am back to posting in an evening.

And a busy evening it has been. Very Vanilla arrived today, so I have been finishing all my prep work for Saturday's class. This is my very first class, so I have a mixture of emotions - excited, nervous and a little anxious. But the wonderful thing is that the ladies that are coming are fantastic and have a range of crafting abilities so I am sure it will all make for a fab afternoon.

I thought I would share another Xmas card using the Delightful Decorations.


Card Stock: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla (or packing card!)
Stamp Set: Delightful Decorations
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Punches: Ornament Large, 3/4" Circle
Silver Elastic Cord

I had got carried away playing with my new purchases and ended up with loads of little circles, so created a border with them, using dimensionals to give it some depth.

Have you seen the new offer from SU? Wow, it is just ace, I'm trying to figure which bundle to go for. If you would like to get your hands on one, or more, of these sets, then email me asap as it is only available while stocks last. And to top it off SU now accept card payment (all secure of course).

Have a fab evening (not much left of it unfortunately) and thanks for stopping by.

Becki
xx