Nikki's Card Creations

Book for Sale

2011-03-08T15:09:00.000Z

I have a few Cecelia Ahern books for sale on Ebay here (auctions end Thursday) if anyone in the UK is interested.

I have more chic-lit to sell too, I could add them here if anyone is interested. Let me know.

Little Fairy card

2011-02-12T13:48:00.000Z

I made this card using the freebie Debbie Moore images and papers in the new Creative Cardmaking magazine. DS is going to a party for a classmate at the end of the month and I thought this decoupage fairy image was perfect for a 7 yr old girl. I just added a bit of plain lilac cardstock, a tiny ribbon bow and some glitter glue to the items which were with the magazine.

Card for another Friend

2011-02-10T08:13:00.000Z

This card has been made for another friend of mine whose birthday is at the end of the month, she has dogs and I think this image (which I have had for an age) is very cute. The paper is again the Green at Heart pad from Basic Grey.

My image has been coloured with my old favourites Promarkers.

Card for my Friend

2011-02-08T13:36:00.001Z

Hello Everyone.....anyone....

Very embarrassed that it has been about 9 mths since I posted anything on this blog but with all your help I would love to get it going again if anyone actually wants to see my cards still!

I have made a few cards which I could have posted on the blog in the last few months but I got out of the habit of taking photos so most of them were in the envelopes and gone before I remembered!

Anyway this is for my friend whose birthday is next week.

I have had the Penny Black image for ages and the paper is by Basic grey, the Green at Heart pad.

If you are reading it would be great if you could leave a comment so I know someone somewhere is reading LOL!

Happy Sunny day!

2010-05-18T12:07:00.001+01:00

Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful sunshine we are having at the moment?

It's my little niece's birthday on Sunday, here is the card I have made for her.

Hope you like it and that she will too!

ooops busy again!

2010-04-07T17:28:00.001+01:00

Sorry to have no new cards, I have 3 ongoing magazine commissions, a pain in my ribs and the kids off school....say no more eh!

Simple Rose Garden card

2010-03-30T07:14:00.000+01:00

This has been made using the Papermania Rose Garden 6x6 paper and diecut stack. The things added are a tiny bit of ribbon, a few adhesive gems and a small square of gold mirri card and the Craftwork cards sentiment.

This has been made for a family friend.

This signals the end of my scheduled posts, hopefully I may have made a few more cards to show you by now LOL!

Doughnuts anyone???

2010-03-29T13:28:00.000+01:00

Ha ha this is so funny!!!

I have made this to give to my niece, it is her birthday in May, I'm sure she will love it! Same free papers as before and to emulate the doughnuts I punched large circles from the purple paper and stuck them randomly over the pink paper. I coloured the sentiment circle with a Promarker to match the colours of the card.

Roses and Anya

2010-03-28T13:25:00.000+01:00

The backing paper on this is from the gorgeous Papermania Rose Garden pad. I added a little glitter glue to the rose. Stuck a row of gems on too to make the card a bit more special. This is for one of DD's best friends.

Prettying the Guinea pig.......

2010-03-27T08:19:00.000Z

Oh I love this image...so cute. Again the background is the free Scrapbook Inspirations kit. This is for me and OH to give to DD's best friend. All the sentiments on these cards are from Craftwork cards.

Blog Candy alert

2010-03-26T14:20:00.002Z

Just in case you are interested there is blog Candy on offer (of the beauty product variety) over on my nail blog Here.

Another friend card

2010-03-26T12:00:00.000Z

Using the same free papers as yesterdays card. I like this combo even more than I liked yesterdays. Butterflies are always a hit with me, this is for anither of DD's friends.

Card for DD's friend (anyone still there LOL!)

2010-03-25T13:16:00.002Z

I made this card using the free papers which come with this months Scrapbook Inspirations. I thought they were really bright and cheerful and perfect for spring cards. I have made several cards for DD's friends and will be posting them all over the next few days so pop back when you can and leave a comment if you have time. I have not posted regularly for so long I guess some have stopped looking but I will try to do better, promise!

Mothers Day card - House Mouse

2010-03-12T13:05:00.002Z

I made this card using the gorgeous House Mouse decoupage sheets from Joanna Sheen. I have made another using a different design for MIL which I will show over the weekend.

Aren't these sheets just adorable, very detailed. You have to cut them though, which I enjoy but they are very detailed which may cause a problem for some.

40th Birthday

2010-02-06T13:03:00.003Z

This was made for one of my best friends 40th, we met through our children who are now best friends!

Image is by Lili of the Vally, paper by Doodlebug.

It is her birthday next week but her hubby has taken her on holiday for her birthday so I had to give it her early.

Hope you are all well, Nikki x

For my Friend!

2010-01-11T21:08:00.002Z

Hello from a stranger! I hope everyone is well?

I have still been crafting but only for work not pleasure, but I decided to make this for my friend nextdoor who has a birthday tomorrow. The paper is Basic Grey Origins and the image is Lili of the Valley.

I committed the ultimate crafters sin over christmas and bought all of my cards as I didn't have time to make them.....first time for 4 years ......and boy had I forgot how expensive that can be!

I can still be found almost every month in Cardmaking and Papercraft and if any of you are getting married or are going to be making Wedding stationary for anyone there is a new magazine out from Origin publishing and my cards are plastered all over the front of it!...That was a frightening experience for me as I have never even attempted wedding stationary before so it is great to see them on the cover.

I do the odd commission for Papercraft Essentials too and have one in the new Creative Cardmaking special(the one from Craft shops), some Easter cards.

I hope it's not so long before I post again, I don't think it will be as I have a card for another friend to make in the next couple of weeks.

If you are still reading my blog, thanks, and I would love you to say Hi!

Ruby Wedding Card

2009-10-02T10:15:00.000+01:00

Made for MIL and FIL who's anniversary is Sunday. I am actually very happy with how this turned out.

Mum cards

2009-10-01T09:12:00.001+01:00

Again these were made for my Mum and OH Mum. Not the best cards ever but during a confidence crisis they have to take what they get LOL!

Mama Cards

2009-09-30T13:08:00.003+01:00

Made for the kids to give to my Mum and OH Mum their birthdays are 3 days apart!

Very simple cards made with 3d stickers and a scoring board but I think they are effective.

Anniversary card

2009-09-25T11:24:00.001+01:00

This is the card I made for my Mum and Dads wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago.

I have made 5 cards in the last couple of days, more than I have made in months so I will have a few posts to show you soon.

If you are still around, I thank you!

PTW - Angels and fairies

2009-09-03T12:31:00.003+01:00

This week, all the cards made by the PTW team are from the Kathe's Hear The Angels and Just A Dream stamp sets (you can see them here ).
And if you order between now and the end of September, these stamps are on offer - check it out here . This is an offer that Kathe is having and isn't an offer from The Angel Company btw. You can also check out her on line store here :)

So we would like to see your cards featuring Angels or fairys too.

I'm Back!

2009-09-01T09:31:00.002+01:00

The tower and the clouds inland in the background

Four month old Lion Cub at Blackpool Zoo

OH and DD looking out over the prom at the sea.

Well we are back from the busiest ever holiday in Blackpool, we did everything and spent horrendous amounts but we had a fab time and that is all that matters! The forecast before we went gave out attrocious weather but it was lovely most of the time actually which was a big relief!

Since we have got back though, and luckily after I had finished most of my washing the washer door fell off, one of the hinges completely sheered through, and when we removed it the valve on the tap at the back was virtually stuck so now we need to pay for a plumber and a new washer, isn't it always the case when you have just spent loads????? Never mindI am a bit behind with everything now though due to washing, ironing, shopping for a new washer and us trying to get the old one out, never mind at least it's sunny (and the kids go back to school next week ;) )

No it's not gone LOL!

2009-08-21T13:32:00.001+01:00

I haven't lost my mojo I have just been busy getting stuff ready for our hols.
See you when I get back .....xxx

Papertake weekly is 100!!!

2009-08-18T21:12:00.003+01:00

The fabby ladies at PTW have welcomed me back with open arms it seems after me sebaticle and I am very grateful to them for being so understanding while I took a break.

Now I feel ready to start over and what better week than when we are celebrating the 100th challenge. For this challenge you can choose from any of the 99 previous challenges. There will be 6 prizes available this week each donated by a member of the design team and above is a picture of mine. I have chosen the challenge from the 5th January called 'Seeing Spots' and I have used another of the fab Lili Of the Valley stamped images. The rest of the prizes can be seen on the Papertake Weekly blog along with the rest of the teams fabby cards.

Thanks girls....you're the best! xx

Balancing act!

2009-08-16T14:05:00.002+01:00

Isn't he a little stunner? Here I am with another new Lili of the Valley creation. I challenge you to resist him! He is available to pre-order here along with all his friends.

Christmas Bunnies - Tree

2009-08-14T09:36:00.004+01:00

Another Lili of the Valley card, this time one of the stamps which is available to pre-order here. This stamp is only £3.50....can you believe it? So gorgeous! There are 3 more with the bunnies too which I will try to make into cards very soon. You can order all four or mix and match any 4 of the pre-order new stamps for only £12 .

Hug Time

2009-08-13T16:15:00.002+01:00

I made this card using the largest image on the Best Friends- Hug Time Die cut sheet avaiable from Lili Of the Valley, what a gorgeous image!

This is a 6" x 6" card and shows of this size image well I think, there are lots of other sizes on the sheet too though so you can make any size card. The sheets are fab value at only 80p as there are enough images to make up to 9 cards on each sheet.

I will add a greeting to this at the top right corner at a later date I think but until I know who it is for I am going to leave it as it is.

I will be showing a christmas card made with on of the new bunny images tomorrow so be sure to come back!

Hi Everyone...you still there????

2009-08-12T14:17:00.002+01:00

Good news...I should have something to show you in the next couple of days.
I have been sent some Die-cuts and images from Lili of the Valley featuring all the new characters and they have inspired me....no mean feat at the moment. I have coloured a couple of the images and am looking forward to making them into cards later, or tomorrow.
They are beautful, if you have not been to LOTV recently you really must they have some fab new stuff out now and even more out on the 22nd which you can pre-order.
Come back soon for my samples.

Teacher's cards and gifts

2009-07-23T11:25:00.004+01:00

Hi...I'm still alive LOL!

These are the cards and gifts I created for the kids teachers. The images (from DigiStamp Boutique) on the cards were coloured by the kids and they chose the colours of the paper. I assembled the card though.

The sets of cards were made quickly yesterday using the Wild Asparagus decoupage and papers again. I made them simple and used quite simple sentiments for occasions which most people need cards throughout the year. I hope the teachers like them I have also got them a little set of luxury bubble bath and a bar of After Eight chocolate each.

Card for Grandad!

2009-07-06T10:42:00.002+01:00

This card is for kids to give to FIL!

Using a great Arthur image from Digistamp Boutique and making Memories papers which are really old.

Anyone watch the Wimbledon mens Final yesterday? I am not a huge tennis fan but that was a great match!

FIL Birthday card

2009-07-05T21:16:00.001+01:00

This card was made using a fab image from the Digistamp boutique. I coloured it with pencils and used more paper from the Wild Asparagus pad on the card.

Subdued Birthday

2009-07-04T18:34:00.000+01:00

This is a birthday card which I have made for OH's Auntie. Sadly she lost her husband to lung cancer a day before her birthday last year so I wasn't sure how she would feel about celebrating with jolly cards this year. I decided on this decoupage from the Wild Asparagus range again and deliberately left writing off the front. I added 'thinking of you on your birthday' to the inside. I am sure this will be a very difficult time for her but I didn't want to ignore her birthday so I think this is a good compromise.

Nieces Birthday card

2009-07-03T09:35:00.001+01:00

I cannot actually have claimed to make this yesterday, I made it a while ago but I did finish it off yesterday!

This is for my niece who is 15 tomorrow. I don't see her often so I am not sure what she is into, hope she likes it!

I MADE A CARD..!!!!!!!

2009-07-02T10:51:00.004+01:00

But is anyone still around to see it LOL!

This is for me SIL made using the new My Minds Eye Wild Asparagus Decoupage flowers and papers. I quite enjoyed making this as it was so easy, just press out and layer up!

....I am supposed to be making Christmas cards for CM&PC but this weather is not very helpful on the inspiration front LOL!

If you are reading this thanks and I would love to know what you think.

OH Fathers day card

2009-06-19T11:10:00.000+01:00

This is for the kids to give to their Dad for fathers day.....should really have made them one each but can't be bothered....I will give them a few bits on saturday to sit and make him one each and help the little one to put his together. I think OH will appreciate that.

Everything on the card (except the image obviously LOL!) is SEI Bridgeport again.

Not sure when I will have anything to show you again....may be the beginning of July as it is F-I-L's, S-I-L's and Niece's birthdays then.

'Til then TTFN! xxx TFL

Dads Fathers Day card

2009-06-18T15:06:00.002+01:00

My Dad's card was totally inspired by this card by Julie at Julies Japes....so thanks Jules!! I hope you don't mind.....yours is much better but at least it inspired me!

Papers again are SEI Bridgeport.....images from a swap so I don't know anything about them. I have covered the glasses in glossy accents too so they are glass-like!

F-I-L Fathers day card

2009-06-18T11:02:00.004+01:00

As promised here are all the cards I have made for fathers Days.....I will schedule the other 2 for later on and tomorrow to give you all something to come back for LOL!

Not great cards but under the circumstances and considering I hate making mens cards they are not too bad....this is my least favourite of the 3.

The papers are SEI Bridgeport....left over from a recent commission and totally gorgeous!

Thankyou!

2009-06-14T09:22:00.002+01:00

For all your support and good wishes.
I am fine, just lost the love of cardmaking at the moment. I can make if someone tells me exactly what they want...like they do for the magazines but when I look at my huge array of stash I just can't even be bothered to try.....which is really sad. I have never had this before but I'm sure a break will do me good and my fingers will be itching to craft again when the pressure is off.
I am taking a break from work too in August so maybe that will help.
I hope you will all keep following me just in case and see you all soon.
xx

Taking a break

2009-06-13T13:05:00.002+01:00

I am taking a break from this blog for a while.
I have sadly given up my DT duties and the only cards I make are for the magazines so I cannot show them.
If I manage to make Fathers Day cards then I will show these, otherwise there won't be much else to show.
If you want to get in touch feel free to comment or email and I will get them.
Quite sad but Mojo has just gone awol and I have no desire to make cards for fun anymore (which was always my worry about 'going pro')
I will update my nail blog 2-3 times a week if you are interested.
See you whenever..........
Nikki xx

Stamps for sale....bargains 4!

2009-06-07T15:50:00.006+01:00

Messy Rabbit Ballerina Extra Bits stamps sets (all but gramophon on EZ mount) £4.50
Messy Rabbit Footballer Extra bits (all on EZ mount) £4.50
Messy Rabbit Bath Tub Extra bits (3 smaller stamps on EZmount, line unmounted) £4.50 SOLD STP

All prices include P&P
Payment by cheque or PO only, email me if you are interested.
Thanks

Stamps for sale....bargains 3!

2009-06-07T15:38:00.006+01:00

Woodware Icecream Parfait Set, only 3 stamps used, slightly stained £9.50

Prices include P&P cheque or PO only
Email me if you are interested.
Thanks

Stamps for sale....bargains 2!

2009-06-06T16:26:00.007+01:00

Hero Arts Many Hearts clear stamp set , some stamps ink stained, others unused, £8

Ladybug and friends, Under the blanket , used and a little staining, £6 SOLD STP

Email me if you are interested, address on my profile, payment by cheque or PO only thanks.

Stamps for sale....bargains!

2009-06-06T16:12:00.008+01:00

Papernation

Bowls Man, used once, £5

Football Boy, used once, £5

High Hopes Bunny, large stamp 10cm approx, mounted on EZ mount £4

All prices include P&P
Email to the address on my profile if you are interested, payment by Cheque or PO only thanks.

PTW - Dawnys Sketch 16

2009-06-03T16:24:00.002+01:00

Here is my card for PTW this week...another great sketch by our new boss Dawny!

Sorry this post is short and sweet but I am on a tight deadline to finish some cards for SC&PC...they need to be posted tomorrow and I still haven't done the text.

Nikki xx

Meet Olive!

2009-06-01T11:28:00.002+01:00

This is Olive the gorgeous new creation from Sally-Ann at the DigiStamp Boutique and she will be available as the monthly special very soon.

She is such a character! I have coloured her using pencils as a change from my Promarkers was desperately needed!

I am busy today working on an urgent commission so i won't get chance to see much sun today but never mind as I think we have it most of the week so I can make up for it than!

Male birthday

2009-05-31T16:49:00.003+01:00

Made this quick card today with another great image from Digistamp boutique (link in sidebar) It is for OH's Uncle.

I hope you are all enjoying the fantastic weather we are having at the moment.

Did you see Britains got Talent?......Justice is done, go Diversity! My favourites from the first time I saw them.

It appears my comment about not liking Susan Boyle has offended one anonymous commenter. I have now removed it. I appreciate everyones opinion (as you should appreciate mine) but please, if you are going to have a go leave your name and then I will publish your comment. I am now disabling the anonymous comment option.

Another Jim card

2009-05-27T08:40:00.000+01:00

As Promised yesterday here is the second card made with the fab Jim images from Digistamp Boutique. Thought he would be perfect for a card to my Dad as he is always messing about doing something with some sort of tool or other!

PTW - Scrap This

2009-05-26T11:58:00.002+01:00

This week the challenge on Papertake is to use your scraps of paper.

I have had these pieces in my scrap box for ages and I thought they would be great for this challenge.

I used Jim available from Digistamp Boutique to make this Fathers Day card.

This will be given to FIL from the kids.

I have made another card using Jim for my Dad which I will post tomorrow.

PTW - Dawnys sketch 15

2009-05-18T22:27:00.002+01:00

Now don't all faint will you LOL! After a weeks and a half of lost mojo I have made a card, due mostly to the fab sketch by Dawny this week at PTW.

The rest of the team have made some gorgeous cards for your inspiration...I hope you will join in with us this week.

Nikki xx

P.S. I hope you are remembering to peek on my nail blog if you are interested?

Sorry MIA!

2009-05-09T15:31:00.002+01:00

Not made anything for a few days as i have been so busy with one thing and another and also shopping for our Daughters birthday which is today. She loved the cards and everything which we got for her so it makes all the chasing around worth while. We had a family day out today to the Space Centre in Leicester which was great and we will be having a 'party' tea later with sausage rolls, jelly, icecream and cake etc. She is quite tired though as it is her Best friends birthday today too and they went out iceskating, for a meal, and then for party games at her house last night and she didn't get in till 10.30pm. She is chilling listening to her new CDs now and wants to help me decorate her cake later so that should be fun LOL!
I will be back with a card on Monday I hope. Sorry I have not visited many of you recently but I have been reading all the new posts on Google Reader to keep up.
Love Nikki xx.....PS Happy Birthday for tomorrow Sally and Kim!

Rosie

2009-05-05T07:57:00.002+01:00

Here is a card made with the lovely Rosie download from DigiStamp Boutique.

Got a commission to be getting on with today, and it is OH's birthday, and DS has a friend round for tea so I may not get back on much today!

Have a good day everyone, Nikki x

Papertake Weekly

2009-05-04T20:44:00.003+01:00

A fab sketch by Dawny this week and I have used my new Papermaina Blueberry Hill paper for this one...aren't they just gorgeous? The strips of cardstock along the middle are the new Core'dinations whitewash which I also love! The image is Penny Black 'Cinammon' coloured with a mixure of Promarkers and Copics.

Olly and family

2009-05-01T17:41:00.002+01:00

Heres a card featuring another fab image from the DigiStamp Boutique this time it's Olly and his family....aren't they cute!

Back with another card tomorrow.

Nikki x

To whet your appetite!

2009-04-30T14:07:00.002+01:00

Another card made with one of Sally-Anns fab images, this time it is from the Love Birds collection - Love You .
I wanted to keep this card simple so I stamped the background this time and just coloured the leaves to match the image.

DigiStamp Boutique is now open

2009-04-30T13:57:00.003+01:00

Find it here and there is also a blog here with a monthly competition which this month is....
"To be in with a chance of winning our next offer, use any of the images from this month's offer of the month (the Love Bird collection), in your cards or projects and leave a link to it here.Our DT will choose a winner and that winner will be announced on 31st May"
Have fun! Nikki x

Sneak Peek!

2009-04-30T09:17:00.003+01:00

Not long now until you will be able to get you mitts on this fab new image drawn by the very talented Sally-Ann.

The wedding chapel image I have used on this card also comes with a Congratulations sentiment to use if you wish.

Her new web-shop Digistamp Boutique will be open for business very soon and this is just one of the gorgeous new designs which will be available (as well as all your old favourites).

All of the design team will be showing sneak peeks of new designs over the next couple of days and I will be adding one or 2 more examples too.

Todays show and tell!

2009-04-29T14:42:00.003+01:00

Another card for my Daughter to show you today.

PP and cardstock are DCWV, image Gorjuss girl coloured with Promarkers and Copics.

I am really happy with how this card turned out and I know DD will like it.

The weather is lovely again here today but it has give it out to rain again tomorrow! Never mind it is supposed to be a nice weekend.

I have decided as a few of you were interested to pop a little piccy on everytime I change my nails....I have added a picture to yesterdays post so you can see what I am wearing today.

Papertake Weekly - Spots and stripes

2009-04-27T20:36:00.000+01:00

The challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is to use spots and stripes on your creation, I really enjoyed making this card using Sally-Ann's Eric the Dinosaur stamp which is available from Dew Drop Craftz. I coloured him with Promarkers.
The papers used are Basic Grey Archaic.

Special Enough?

2009-04-27T13:17:00.003+01:00

I have made this for our daughter who's birthday it is in a few days but do you think it is special enough...I am happy with it, (I think!) but not sure if I should add to it or leave it alone?....I always struggle with cards for special people.

Just to add, I have decorated the inside too.

Still Sunny Saturday

2009-04-25T15:51:00.003+01:00

This card has been made using off-cuts of paper from a recent commission, the papers are beautiful and are the Springtime pad from Panduro Hobby.

Image has been coloured with a mixture of Promarkers and Copics.

Purrdy Kitty!

2009-04-22T09:12:00.002+01:00

Here is my Wild Rose Studio cat again. Isn't she pretty!

I have been a bit lax on the info on my recent cards and I was asked what they have been coloured with. The answer is Promarkers (and a few Copics thrown in too)

A question for all you markers users....am I the only one who prefers Promarkers to Copics? I find the brush tip on the Copics harder to control than the more solid tip of the Promarkers.....anyone who has both I would love to hear your thoughts. Also does anyone use the Letraset Tria markers? Thoughts on those would be great too as I haven't tried those. Thanks Nikki xx

Another template card

2009-04-21T08:24:00.002+01:00

Here is aother card using the same basic template as the 18th card, this time using a Wild Rose studio stamp.

Looks like it's going to be another gorgeous day today so more working in the garden for me today. We are preparing a border for planting. We live in a Victorian terrace and those of you who live in old houses will probably know that you find lots of thing buried in gardens, well we have found about half a tonne of bricks.....and no, I am not exaggerating! but they are all out now and I am going to dig the compost in today and them get some plants tomorrow. I can't wait, we have only had tubs before, never plants in the garden!

Have a good day everyone. xx

PTW - Dawnys sketch 13

2009-04-20T18:26:00.002+01:00

Here is my card for the fab sketch by Dawny this week. It is a very loose interpretation though and I'm not sure I like it!

My card is not on there yet as I was naughty and sent it in late, sorry Steph.

Had a good day gardening but my back is aching a bit now.

Todays Sunny card and my news!

2009-04-20T11:51:00.002+01:00

This card reflects how I feel today and the beautiful weather outside. I hope it is lovely where you are too!

And my fab news.......well I know a few of you have worked it out already but I am honoured to say I have been chosen by the fabulous Sally-Ann to be on the design team of her brand new, soon to be launched digital download website! Thanks Sally-Ann!

The rest of the team are...

Zoe

Denise

Beth and

Lisa......well done ladies!!

I am going to be pottering in the garden after lunch I think so have a great day everyone!

Quick card today!

2009-04-19T20:01:00.002+01:00

A card made using the same basic template as the 18th card but a much simpler version...I have made a couple of other quick cards with this template too which I will show over the next couple of days.

I have a secret too....which I am really excited about, but I can't tell just yet.

All will be revealed soon........

Suitable for 18 yr old?

2009-04-17T11:21:00.001+01:00

What do you think, is this suitable for an 18yr old or not? Opinions please as I have to give it to the customer on Monday.

Thanks, Nikki

To all the blogs I follow

2009-04-16T11:18:00.002+01:00

Please be assured I am still reading all your posts through Google Reader but I am not commenting at the moment due to a problem with blogger which is causing my computer to play up big time.
I don't know if it is a general problem or if I am the only one experiencing it but occasionally when I read a blog, then shut the window down it repeatedly keeps opening up so I have multitudes of windows of that blog open...I can close them but more open, Ctrl Alt Delete doesn't seem to help much or even escape so I just have to log myself off and log on again which is very annoying!
If anyone knows anything about this problem or how to solve it please let me know ,Thanks. Until them i will just use the reader, sorry.

PTW - Perfectly Pastels

2009-04-14T08:03:00.002+01:00

The Challenge this week over on Papertake Weekly is to make a card in pastel colours. I enjoyed this challenge as I have not used pastel colours for a while. These pieces were in my scraps box and fitted the challenge perfectly.

Here is the reciepe for this card...as if you didn't know LOL...

Paper - Making Memories, Image - Gorjuss Girl (coloured with Promarkers) , MS Doily punch, Elzybells Everyday Sentiments set, Flowers- Prima, Brad - Papermania.

Welcome to the world!

2009-04-13T08:13:00.002+01:00

This card has been made for my Cousin's Son and his girlfriend to welcome their new arrival. I make no apologies for keep using my MS punch as it is so beautiful and is making a real difference to my cards I think.

Hope you like the card! I will be back later with my PTW card.

Simple Notecards

2009-04-12T20:55:00.002+01:00

Very simple and quick to make but I like them. Very economical too as they were made using scraps left over from other projects.

As you can see I am loving my MS punch! I have made a baby card today which I will post tomorrow if I get a chance.

I hope you have all had a great day.

Nikki x

This week.....

2009-04-11T08:24:00.002+01:00

This week I have......

......made 3 little note cards (pictures to follow), toppers for 8 of 12 commission cards which need to be made, and 3/4 of an 18th Birthday card which I am finding very difficult.

.......been described as a 'vamp' by Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen......for making a card that, had I not been told to, I would not have made in a million years LOL! (See CM&PC mag for details!)

.......been driven mad by arguing children, and an OH who can act about the same age as them when he chooses!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Anyone want some stuff???? Winners now been drawn!

2009-04-07T16:42:00.003+01:00

First 3 people from the UK to comment on this post will be sent an A5 padded envelope full of perfectly useable cardmaking items.....no promises as to what these will be though but they will probably include ribbon, buttons, maybe diecuts, papers, flowers, stickers and anything else I might come across....so what are you waiting for???? LOL!
I have comment moderation on so it will be the 3 people with the earliest times on their comments who will win.
I will post the names of the winners later, who should email me with their addresses.

DAZIE, SHELL, and KATIE-LOUISE are the winners, could you all email me your addresses please, thanks Nikki

PTW - Dawnys sketch 12

2009-04-07T08:17:00.002+01:00

There is another great sketch by Dawny this week (how she thinks of them all I don't know!), as you can see I mirrored the sketch as it worked better with the paper.

The stamp is Wild Rose studio, paper is Magenta, sentiment is Elzybells.

Life gets in the way....again!

2009-04-04T12:45:00.003+01:00

I have not been able to spend much time on the computer as my old glasses were making me dizzy but now I have my new ones so should be able to spend more time on the computer.
Not got much inspiration though at the moment....not sure why, it's just up and gone again :(....I have lots of lovely stash (new and old) but can't be bothered to do anything with it.
I have a 12 card commission to do over the next couple of weeks but I am not going to take anything else on as the kids are off for 2 weeks now and OH is off until the 14th.
Hugs to you all, Nikki xx

Lushious Lavender!

2009-03-31T11:21:00.003+01:00

This has been made to send a photo of the kids to my Auntie.

As you can see I decorated the inside of this one too and I was pleased how it turned out.

I love the stamp. It is a Magenta one (sorry not Hobby Art as I said yesterday) and although it was expensive I think it was a good investment as it will be useful for so many cards and it looks very different when done in other colours.

I have been asked for the details of the stamp so here they are...

Flower Pot Trio
(product code: WO/Q0394)
Magenta rubber stamp
Approx size 13.25cm x 9cm

£12.99 from The Glitterpot

PTW - Easy as 1,2,3?

2009-03-30T18:23:00.002+01:00

This weeks challenge is another recipe challenge!

So included on your card we'd like to see:

1 - circle

2 - ribbons

3 - stamps/images

You can mix them if you like too - ie use a circular stamp as your circle and 1 of your stamps etc! 3 stamps sounds a lot but you can use the same stamp 3 times, create a scene with different ones - use background ones etc!

The 3 stamps I used are the mouse, the greeting from the Greeting Farm Cup of Smiles set, and the butterfly. The papers are Stampin' Up.

There are some fab cards from the rest of the team and we can't wait to see what you come up with!

A bit busy....

2009-03-30T11:15:00.002+01:00

...and no for once I don't mean me. I think this card is a bit busy but I also think I like it but I'm not sure! Hmmm...constructive critisism welcome, what should I have done differently?

I will be back later with my Papertake Weekly card which I do like!

Different for me....

2009-03-27T09:14:00.002Z

I bought these Papermania studded stickers when they first came out in January or February, as I thought they were so pretty, then I didn't have a clue what to do with them and this is the first one I have used!

I used a pricking stencil to create the scalloped edge and used white core cardstock so I could distress it.

I hope you like the card.....I am a little unsure as to what I think of it!

Wild Girl!

2009-03-26T10:37:00.002Z

I love this stamp from the Wild Rose Studio , I can think lots of occassions it will be great for and I also think it is great for all ages.

I feel lucky!

2009-03-26T10:10:00.002Z

Just managed to get the Martha Stewart Doily punch from Dies to Die for and the popped over to Funky Kits and they had the Miss Anya and Cup of stuff stamp sets which I have been wanting for a while but never found in stock so I had to buy them didn't I? I have an Eric the Dinosaur stamp By Sally-Ann to come soon and I had a couple of new Wild Rose Studio stamps arrive yesterday which I have been playing with. All in all I have got some great stuff to play with if I ever get the time LOL!

A Simple card

2009-03-25T12:36:00.002Z

...or at least it should have been...it took me over 2 weeks to complete!

I used the free templates in Simply Cards to make the Handbag shape and painted the Papermania flowers with Shimmerz paint (not sure if you can tell in the photo but they are beautifully sparkly)

All the papers are Basic Grey Eva, as are the brads. The stamped sentiment is from the Janes Script Woodware set which I adore.

Growing fast....

2009-03-24T20:52:00.002Z

....thats what my kids are doing!
We have today allowed my Daughter who is almost 10 an email address (with strict instructions) and she has been chatting on MSN and she just seems to be growing so fast. Other kids her age have been doing this ages and we didn't really see the need but I guess there comes a time!
It is a proud moment for me today as she has been given one of the main parts in the school play and if you knew how timid she appears out of the house this would shock you as much as it did me lol! I was shocked when she wanted to audition but she really put her heart into it and did it word perfect. She now has over 3 months to rehearse for the play but I am scared for her!
...and another proud Mummy moment today, my son was moved to level 4 reading books....not much to shout about you may think, but he was very stubborn with his reading at first but now he is coming on leaps and bounds, he is only 5 1/2 so still a baby to me but growing fast!
I know I don't talk about my life much but these little things made me proud today and I wanted to share!

Papertake weekly - Dawny's Sketch 11

2009-03-24T07:52:00.003Z

Another fab sketch from Dawny this week. I used the same downloads from Funky Fairy Papercrafts as last week but used a different colour combination. The rest of the team have made loads of other fab examples for you delectation....pop on over and have a peek won't you.

I will be back later with another card.

Pretty Kitty!

2009-03-23T16:42:00.001Z

Here is one of the cards which has been waiting weeks to be finished, not sure if it was worth it or not LOL! I will be back later with my Papertake card for this week. xx

Sorry for being a bad blogger!

2009-03-23T08:16:00.002Z

I hope to get back to normal this week after my very busy week last week with commissions.
If you are missing my cards at the moment you can find me in print in the current issues of Cardmaking and Papercraft, Papercraft Essentials, Simply Cards and Papercraft and Complete Cardmaking!
If you get to see any of the articles I would love to know what you think . I am especially proud of the paper-pieced spring article for Papercraft Essentials as I made all the templates myself.
I am going to try to get a few cards done today, hopefully one will be my Papertake card...I also have 2 cards which were started over 2 weeks ago which I would like to finish!

Papertake Weekly - Sponsored By Funky Fairy

2009-03-16T16:05:00.002Z

The challenge this week is to feature something edible on your card.

We were all given the Feeling Fruity Shabby style download to work with which is where the plain papers are from and I added to it by using elements from the free add-ons available from the inspirations blog.

The prize for the winning entry this week is the Feeling Fruity download so well worth entering.

The rest of the team have made some fab examples to inspire you.

Sorry I have been awol....I found my mojo but I am now myself buried under a pile of magazine cards which is great for my bank account but not so good for my blog!

I will be finished by the end of the week and then hopefully my blogging will get back to normal. I hope you will stick with me until then....don't dessert me will you?!

Mojo - Found it!

2009-03-13T08:28:00.002Z

It was hidden under a pile of magazine commissions, I discovered it when I was given another one to do :o.....so dispite that fact that it's back I have nothing to show you!

Lost...

2009-03-12T09:42:00.002Z

1 Mojo.......not seen since last week.
If found please return. It's very valuable to me!

My Favourite cardstock FAO Jilly!

2009-03-10T11:58:00.002Z

The 300gsm Super Smooth Bright White cardstock from The Paper Mill (not to be confused with the Papermill shop) is the card I use for stamping and colouring with Promarkers, it is also great for printing on.....not good for watercolouring though. I buy it in bulk and though it sounds horrendously expensive it lasts for ages!
I am due for ordering some more very soon so leave some for me please LOL!

Papertake weekly Dawnys sketch

2009-03-09T20:42:00.003Z

Another fab sketch by Dawny this week on Papertake....I did follow it (quite loosly I admit but it's there LOL)

This card was a bit of a rush job (don't say you can tell!) as I went out shopping this morning and got carried away! I forgot I still had to do a card so I had to cobble this together from bits I had lying around....I coloured the image a while ago and never used it and the papers are scraps.

My shopping trip was very successful though, I got 2 great pairs of jeans, one very dark blue and one very deep black and they fit great which is a miracle in itself!, 2 cardigans...a cropped short sleeve green one and a batwing browny colour one, a turquiose t-shirt with a great square neckline and a plain long sleeved black top to wear under stuff...all in all a good trip and a for £50!

And the winner is......

2009-03-09T12:04:00.002Z

Thankyou soooooo much to everyone who entered to win the blog candy but there can only be one winner and this time chosen by Random.org it is....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:26
Timestamp: 2009-03-09 12:02:13 UTC

Comment 26 was by Sue

Sue if you could email me and we can discuss the images. Thanks.

Blog Candy - Now Ended.

2009-03-09T11:51:00.002Z

I know this is not as extravagant as some I have seen but here is a little blog candy to say thankyou to everyone who reads, follows and comments on my blog.

It consists of

12 sheets of 6x6 paper (Making Memories and Basic Grey)

1 Artprint Brown Memories Dye Inkpad (Unopened)

Kaiser Adhesive Pearls in Lemon

Basic Grey Ambrosia Brads

Mambi Urban Bling 3d Stickers

Box full of various buttons and ,not shown,

Several lengths of ribbon, and

50 stamped images of the winners choice from my stamp collection. To be done in private so I can't get told off by any stamp companies LOL!

If you would like a chance to win this candy please add a comment on this post, and add a post on your blog about my candy, thats all you need to do!

The winner will be drawn on 9th March Midday GMT and posted on the blog soon after.

Grand-daughter card

2009-03-06T08:24:00.004Z

This has been made for my friends Mum to send to her Grand-daughter who lives in Australia. It is similar to the one I made a couple of weeks ago but I think I like this one better.

Paper by Pink Petticoat, Stamp from Penny Black coloured with PMs, flowers from Papermania,

Lili of the Valley Challenge 21- Bright and Beautiful

2009-03-05T09:16:00.002Z

This weeks challenge is to make a card with bright colours...well I think I rose to the challenge LOL! I used the Yasmin Chat stamp.

There is a great prize of 10 Lili of the Valley Diecuts sheets for this challenge so so get entering!

Stamp is Yasmin Chat by Lili of the Valley coloured with Promarkers, Papers by K & Co, Sentiment by Elzybells, flowers from Prima, buttons from stash.

Pretty Little Martha!

2009-03-04T11:32:00.003Z

It's a shame I have so many stamps that I love and I barely get to use them so I decided to dig around and found this stamp, I have not used her for quite a while but really like her, she's Martha Golbin from Magnolia.

I have coloured her with Promarkers (of course!) and added her to a 10x15cm card...tried to get away from square for a day LOL! Papers are Basic grey, as are the brads. Flowers are Prima, gems by Papermania and sentiment is Pink Cat Studio.

TFL, Nikki

Colour Create - Blue and brown

2009-03-03T15:56:00.002Z

I wasn't going to show this card as I'm not very happy with it but I thought I may as well, the extra option is lace and pearls I don't have any lace but added a few pearls!

Papertake Weekly - Hot Chocolate??

2009-03-02T15:49:00.002Z

At Papertake this week it's a colour combination challenge, the Pink and Orange is the 'hot' part and the brown is obviously the chocolate.

I have used a proper mix of things on this one!

The stamp is one of the new Daisy and Dandelion set, the papers are Clare Curd and Stampin' up, the sentiment is Pink Cat, the ribbons is Making Memories and the cardstock is Core'dinations. Image is ,not so greatly, coloured with Promarkers (as usual!)

Cupcake Craft Challenge 29

2009-03-02T11:24:00.002Z

For this Cupcake Craft Challenge you are to take inspiration from the above picture chosen by Jilly. I was inspired by the colours and created this card.

Sketch Saturday 40

2009-03-02T09:19:00.001Z

Another great sketch this week on Sketch Saturday and yes more gorjuss and Basic Grey from me LOL! Added lots of gems to this one for a decadent look.

Cute Candyfloss

2009-03-01T08:20:00.003Z

This card was made with the New Candyfloss and Marshmallow decoupage set which is launched today, part of the Daisy and Dandelion range.

I won this set and a set of Daisy and Dandelion stamps when I sent the card made with the free download to Erica to feature on the Daisy and Dandelion blog about a week ago but was not allowed to show you what I made until the products were officially launched.

I have a couple of the images coloured so I will be having a play with them and I will hopefully show you the results tomorrow.