Gardening

Hi,

I picked up the newest edition of Simply Homemade at the weekend and it had some really beautiful Nitwits papers and stamps.  The mag itself left me a little disappointed but maybe its just because nothing in it this issue really floated my boat; generally I love the mag but it wont stop me getting it again next month and hoping for a better one.

I made this card using Teddy Bea in her garden with the gorgeous freebie Nitwit papers.  The sentiment and hand tools were cut using my Silhouette.

Its a little retro and chintzy but I think its do-able for me!

Keryn x

Dustin Pike brings on the bling

Hello,

Im working on increasing my stock of male cards so when I saw that Dustin Pike was asking us to Bling up one of his images I chose this one:

 This was a freebie earlier in the month and I think he is just gorgeous!  I wanted to add some bling on a male card as its not a card I would naturally think I could bling up so I added just a touch of Glamour Dust to his little heart.

Of course, he's also got a wet shiny nose!

Id like to enter this card into Dustin's latest challenge.

Keryn x

Liebster Award

Hello,

This is something that hasn't happened in a while so I was totally surprised and thrilled to be forwarded this super award by Maria at the weekend, Thank You very  much Maria for thinking of me.

The concept behind this award is this:

"Liebster" in German means "dearest". The idea of the Liebster Blog Award is to spread the love from one small blog (under 200 followers) to other small blogs. This helps to spread knowledge and readership.

I smile as I realise that I have been awarded this once before, a long time back now and, still being a small or is it a 'bijou' blog, I like the fact that my little blog is just the same now!

To accept the award, you must:

1) Link back to the person who gave it and thank them for thinking of you.

2) Post the award to your blog.

3) Give the award to 5 bloggers (with less than 200 followers) that you appreciate and value.

4) Leave a comment on the blogs of the five people you have chosen to let them know.

The blogs I have chosen to receive this award from me, in alphabetical order, are:

Crafting Buddies - my life would be so dull without my craft and my pets

Debi - absolutely beautiful crafting, Debbi's style from down under!

Debbie - Im quite new to Debbies blog but I love my visits

Margaret - the maker of some of the loveliest cards!

Tina - gorgeous stylish cards and what a beautiful dog too!

Sue - this is an added extra for me as I have only just 'found' her blog and it is quite wonderful so I just couldn't miss her out!

Some people I went to share this with and found Id already done it first time around so this time its for some new to me talent!  Please hop on over if you fancy seeing something new and fresh!

Keryn x

Multi fold card

Hello,

This fortnight found us challenged by Lizzie to make a double fold card - not including the main fold of the card.  I received a pack of Papermania Stepper card blanks for xmas so this was the first time Id tried one.  I used the gorgeous Teddy Bo & Bea enjoying a sled ride.

Just out of shot was our little scamp Amber, here:

She's nearly 7mths and its just like having a toddler in the house!  Notice her radar is in action as someone somewhere closed a car door!

I used my Silhouette for the sentiment and the snowflakes along with scraps from last xmas of Pink Petticoats Snowflake papers in Blossom.  Its very very bright here hence the glare on the shots, sorry but just had to get them up.


Id like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Challenges - use patterned paper
The Paper Shelter - add a sentiment
Moving Along with the Times - lots of layers
Crafty Creations - crafty with our folds

Thanks for calling in, see you soon

Keryn x

Silhouette card

Hello,

I had a chance to play with my Silhouette a few days ago and here something that I made using one of their display cards as inspiration.

I used some Bazzil Basics that I ordered from QVC a few months ago as they cut beautifully in the machine.  I cut a 3d flower and used one of the new sentiments by Pink Petticoats.  I made two cards like this, the other is the reverse of this as I just couldnt waste all of the cutouts!

Hope you have a super weekend,

Kerynx

A couple of knits!

Hello,

During my internet break I was kept busy with some knitting, here are a couple of hoodies for Steve's Grandson due in May!

The top one is in cream dk wool and I prefer that it has the raglan sleeve as its less bulky.  But I love the variegated wool of the second one most, the colours are really gorgeous and make a lovely change from baby blue I think.  I added a little shot of the clear buttons too as I love the way they seem to disappear.

Hope you like my knits!

Keryn x 

Hello!

Hello ladies!

I really don't understand it but it always happens to me, whenever I have a break in blogging I always lose my confidence and become blog shy!  Its blinking daft I know and Id love to know why but hey ho, Im forcing myself to post today just to try to break my void!

Id like to share my DT card for Kathy's Waffle Sketch File, this is Februarys sketch and there is an option of square or rectangle; here are the sketches

or

I really love being on this team as there is no hassle whatsoever, just like it was at Delicious Doodles, which is just what I need.  I love that Kathy always seems to push me gently out of my comfort zone as initially I always think that I cant do it!  

I'd really love for you to come and play this month if you would.  A layout, a card, an altered piece - anything at all that you craft yourself using one of these sketches as a guide would be fantastic and Id so love to come visit you too!

This card used Jim from Digi Stamp Boutique, papers printed last year from an assortment of designers (please contact me if you'd like more detailed info), a cut of grass from my Silhouette and card candy.

Thank You all for visiting my blog, it really does make the world of difference to me knowing that somewhere out there there are people who make a visit then leave me a comment, I so appreciate it!

Have a super weekend whatever you are upto,

Keryn x

It's back!

my internet that is!

Hello!  Its been only a week but it feels soooo much longer!  I really do need the internet to keep me sane I figured!

Anyway, first up is a card I made for our little Christmas Card Club, Sylvie set the theme of 'snowflake' which was super easy, well, other than being a Libran who takes an age to decide between two things!!

This super chap comes from a super talented Australian artist called Beccy, she has just opened her own shop and I am sure it will fly!  This image was free from her blog and it came in b/w and also pre-coloured; I opted for the b/w image and then coloured it exactly the same as her coloured version?!?  Oh dont ask as I dont know why either!!

I am revving up and desperate to whizz around the internet again as I have a weeks worth to catch up with!

Just couldn't not mention the total shock I felt yesterday when I heard the very sad news about Whitney Houston - what an amazing talent that lady had and I'm sure we all remember the 80's with fondness when we hear her 'I wanna dance with somebody' song.  

Back soon with more card makes and knitties!

Keryn x

Going for Gold

Hello,

Ive been given a little list of cards to make for a colleague of Steph, they cover her whole year's requirements so Mother's Day, Father's Day have all been done and dusted!  Here is the card I made for her Dad's 60th.

I wanted something quite striking and stylish so I chose the black/gold paper from Papermania, a couple of layers using a nestie, 2 small lengths of thin black velvet and a few black bling.  I do hope the black bling will be ok, it's only after seeing it up here that I am beginning to wonder if I can get away with it for a chap's 60th - what do you think?

Id like to enter this into the following challenge

Stamptacular Sunday - diamonds or pearls - and Ive got black diamonds here!

Thanks for your visit,

Keryn

Critter Crimbo!

Hello,

Our current challenge at the CCC was set by Pinky who asked for any critter!  Critter?!  I was thinking a bug or something similar but thankfully after clarification it covered any animal - phew!

Ive had issues with my printer for some time so had to use proper papers - it was hard but I survived!  I used a Lili of the Valley topper of this cute teddy ontop of his present.  Matted onto some red glitter card, a little layer of two of silver mirri, red glitter glue, (a shaky hand) a gem and done!

If you'd like to get ahead with your xmas cards by making one every fortnight to a different challenge each time then just give me a shout; our gang is growing quickly and we are now at 18 and from all across the globe!

I will be back later with another make.
Id like to enter this into Hazel's challenge which is 'make it square'.

Keryn x

Sailing away!

Hello,

I just wanted to share a card I made for a great nephew, I finished it yesterday once the glossy accent on the hull of the yacht was dry.

I used the super 'Sailing Boat' by Lili of the Valley that I first saw Claire using and then when I was lucky enough to win a LotV voucher from Lorraine, he just happened to fall into my basket!  You know how it is!

I used a bp from a pad called 'Travel Light' that was free in Simply Cards & Papercraft and I used my Silhouette to die cut the waves, the wavy corner and the yacht.  Because the paper was already blocked and sectioned off it saved me the job of sorting a proper sketch as the hard work was already done for me, I hope you like it!

Thanks to everyone for your kind wishes for Amber, she is slowly getting there; here's a quick shot of her taken 5mins ago.  Please note, no sign of the air borne rice grains anywhere!

Id like to enter this card into the following

Totally Stampalicious - For the Men

Keryn x

Penny Black Monday

Hello!

I hope youve all had a super relaxing weekend.  

Life here at 197 has been desperate.  Amber's got a tummy bug so she's been starved as Im desperately weary of cleaning her dirty crate :( 

Ive made a stock of fish and rice for her poorly tummy - she tried her first few tablespoons and Im still desperately trying to remove rice grains from crevices in places I didnt even know she had after she hoovered it up :(

Im losing a battle between my CISS and new printer and am still desperately trying to remove yellow ink from my hands :(

So there we go, I had a super chillaxing weekend!

Here's a little card I made using an image from a Penny Black multiple sheet (I hadnt quite realised how much smaller the images are on these multi sheets) coloured with PM's, I used up scraps of Pink Petticoat bp's and a little sentiment by Craftwork Cards.

Id like to enter this card into the following challenges

Crafty Creations - Valentine

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - seeing spots

ICS - sketch
Penny Black and more - Love and hearts (thanks B for the tip!)

Keryn x

My xmas make

Hello,

I just wanted to share the Aran jacket that I made for DD1 for her xmas present.  The pattern itself was for a normal length cardigan with no hood so she added a few requests!  She and her sister and myself are all monkeys in that we have long arms so to get it made to measure was a real treat for her!

She was on her way home from work - hence the tired look!  I had to share also this second photo as she always embarrassed me in wool shops when looking for a pattern as she was always laughing at the models posing in their knitwear!!  This is her version of them!

She would kill me if I didnt balance things up so here she is as her usual self!

You can see her favourite colour!

Thanks for your visit!

Keryn x

Textured Birthdays

Hello,

Id like to share with you a birthday card I made at the weekend using one of my crocheted flowers.  I made several last year and they've sat looking at me on my desk ever since - too scared to use them for some reason!  They are quite 'in your face' due to their size but I bit the bullet and went for it!

Ive used some Papermania papers that Ive had for simply ages, a little dab of DI, a stitched seam or two, a little border punch, a silky smooth satin ribbon bow and of course my cotton flower!  The super sweet image is a new one from Lili of the Valley.

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Winter Wonderland - Birthday Wishes

ABC Challenges - 'H' Happy Birthday

Stamptacular Challenge - 2 textures

Thanks for your visit,

Keryn x

CCC 2/12

Morning!

It's a beautiful bright but cold winter's morning here, Im quite happy to be staying in all day I have to say!  It feels like ages since I had a really good session at my craft desk so today will be spent doing just that!

Here's is the card I made for my own challenge which was 'Think Thin'.  Nothing whatsoever to do with the usual January thin issues but making a card that will be slim enough so as NOT to involve the 'large' postage stamp!  I was quite flabberghasted at the cost of sending so many fat cards at xmas so I decided that with a little more careful planning I will aim for thinnies this year!

I coloured this Fizzy Moon image up before xmas but didnt use it so I felt I was being quite naughty in making the card so quickly (funny how I always enjoy something when I think Im being a bit naughty?!).  The bp is Pink Petticoat (who's last day of a fabulous sale is today so rush and grab a bargain), MS snowflake border and a big 3" snowflake that is half hidden.  I used a length of stretchy silver thin cord (99p for 10miles worth at The Range!) as a feature down the left side but thankfully as the cord is really thin, the card is still slim enough!
With are very lucky to be joined by 2 new super crafters in our xmas club so please do call in to see what Anne & Lorraine have created for this challenge also!  The links are on my sidebar.

I hope your day is filled with doing just what you want also!

Thanks for your visit today,

Keryn x

ETA:  ooh Im feeling guilty already and Ive only seen Pinkys card :(  
Hers is perfectly flat which of course if the best way of ensuring that you dont get charged for the 'large' stamp.  I will now try harder and come back with a true flat card!

Bring it on!

Hello,

Today Im sharing a card that I made ready for later this year (I cant bring myself to say the exact word so soon!).  Our little group of ladies who make cards ready for the big event are continuing again this year and we're delighted to have 2 new additions to join us!  

Anyway this current challenge was set by Carol and she was very kind to us by letting us do what we want!

I used a gorgeous little Fizzy Moon image, layered up some papers left over from last month, a little machine stitching, Martha Stewart punches, Viva perle pen and a Craftwork Card sentiment finish it off.

If you'd like to get ahead with a few cards ready for you know what then just get in touch with any of us as listed on my sidebar!


Id like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Make it Monday - anything goes
CES - anything goes
Paper Shelter - anything goes

Have a super week,

Keryn x

Clever old Bean!

Hello,

Just wanted to pop on and share with you another painting Steve made for a Christmas present.

ETA: finished image!

He was just adding a few finishing touches here.  The recipient was thrilled so we are really pleased!  I'll be adding his paintings as he finishes them throughout the year and if you're interested in having one made for someone who has everything, then please just drop me a line!

Thanks for your visit,

Keryn x

Happy New year to everyone!

Happy New Year to you all!

I hope we will all enjoy a healthy and crafty time in the year ahead!

Ive noticed a lot of people putting up some of their favourite cards from the previous year and Ive often wanted to join in so here's a couple from me!

couldnt NOT include an easel card!

Sewing & haberdashery was really big last year and I for one will be keeping it alive this year also!

Loved making this one!

and to conclude, one of my favs from my time with Delicious Doodles!

Thanks for calling in,

Keryn x

Ground Hog Day!

Hello,

This fortnight at the Christmas Card Club my teamie Clare set the challenge of making a set of cards!  Just what we all need at this time of year so it was an ingenious idea!  It coincided with my eldest asking me for some sets of festive cards for her to raise some money for the charity she works for so I was set a challenge for sure!

This set was made using Penny Black's Fir Tree with black and teal papers by Pink Petticoat and Aimee Ascher.  I make the girls a set each year and the other set was made in hot pink and black.

This is a set made with toppers from The Range, 3 sets of 6 cost £1 so they went straight into my basket obviously!  The papers are by Pink Petticoat.

These last 3 sets are all tiny 4" squares using Pink Petticoat xmas images and papers.  I wont bore you with anymore all as Ive made 200 in all!

Im now off to see what the rest of the team have made.  If you'd like to join up with us next year to help give you an incentive to make a few cards ready for xmas throughout the year then please just ask any of us that are listed on my sidebar!

Thanks for calling in and have a super week!

Keryn x

My Favourite Flower 2

Hello,

Is it me or did Blogger eat up my post from yesterday?!  I'll do it again and keep my fingers crossed this time!!

Here is my card for the current challenge over at Delicious Doodles which is called Remembrance.  I absolutely love Teri's pencil drawings so decided to leave the image untouched.  I layered it onto some Pink Petticoat Brocade in cream and matted with plain black.

Poppies are simply my most favourite flower.  I love the Californian Poppies also that pop up in the tubs in my garden every summer and I remember once planting seeds of an Oriental Poppy.  I watched and waited with baited breathe as this huge great stem grew daily to such a height.  It opened into a single huge poppy which was stunning but it only lasted one day!  The very next day the petals reach began to drop!  I mean, it took weeks to get to full height and finally opened into such beauty and then it was all gone after just one day!  Needless to say, I didnt plant anymore thereafter!

I just couldnt resist not using a little red somewhere so I made a couple more!

Please do call in with a card for our challenge using remembrance/thinking of you as the theme, I would really love you to join me!

Keryn x