Easter Goodies

My friend at work was making some Scottish tablet (a bit like fudge) to do some fundraising and asked for me help with the display.  So I rustled up a few bag toppers using my nestabilities (labels 1 dies folded in half) and some really cheap stickers from Tesco.  And of course I couldn't resist popping them in my trug and adding a bit of Easter ribbon.  I really should have taken this picture earlier when the basket was still full! But I got there just in time as now there is only one bag left.  Good news for the fundraising though! 

Works in progress

This week has been a 'starter' not a 'finisher' week.  I have started lots of focal images but haven't yet made them up into cards.  What I really wanted to do was play around with the stamps and pro-markers/copics to see what effects I could achieve and to work on the composition until I am happy.  Then I'll consider making the best ones into cards.

Seems to be the story of my life at the moment - there are so many projects I've started at home that haven't been finished.  It's in that 'it has to get worse before it can get better' stage! But I can cope with the chaos as I know there is a plan in my head of how it will be finished, like with the cards.  I wouldn't like to compare myself with such genius, but I was bursting with excitement to see the first video post from Peter Jackson as he starts filming The Hobbit. Can you imagine having to plan out all of those details, before you can even get started? If you fancy a look at the video take a look here.

Next time my head might be in the right place to finish some projects to share!

Butterflies and flowers stepper card

This was definitely crafting 'off piste' - I'd had the idea one night when I couldn't sleep (last night it was visa regulations for work - not as exciting but probably more sleep inducing!). Anyway, the girls at the craft group had been saying about how difficult it is to do a stepper card even with a template and I foolishly just decided to go for it armed with nothing more than a paper trimmer and a bone folder! Well, I was very chuffed that is worked out, and it has turned out to be one of my favourites ever!  Here's the side view so you can see more clearly how the flowers are layered on the steps:

 All products are from Craftwork Cards, except the antenna which are a couple of head pins and crystal beads from my jewellery making stash.  I'm really enjoying revisiting some of the Goody Bags I bought from them a while ago and coming up with some fresh ideas incorporating more 3D papercrafting.

Incidentally it was great to see so many of us at the meeting this week.  Always brilliant to get ideas from each other. If anyone else is in the Banbury area and fancies joining us there are always a few spare chairs at the tables and I can put you in touch with the group leader, Karen.

Grape and Grey

I must admit I am loving these twisted easel designs, especially when combining them with 'off the page' elements like these purple flowers.  This card has been made from a Craftwork Cards goody bag in grape and grey, which takes out all the work of matching papers and embellishments.  Here's the view from the top so you can see a bit better how the card is held upright.

Hope you like it!

Also from the same kit I made the following 'basic' card to be added to the box!  Again all the items are from Craftwork Cards.

Simple Everyday Birthday Cards for the Emergency Box

You know the feeling? You suddenly remember someone's birthday at work or a family member and you need a card quick, but nothing too fancy, and the box of cards is running low. (Actually most of you are probably more organised than me and have digitised reminders beeping at you two weeks in advance so it the card actually arrives on time!) Anyway, I was having a play with some Craftwork Cards 'Card Candy' and thought I'd knock together a few of these simple cards for the box.  Here are a couple as an example:

I'm hoping to play with more Craftwork Cards bits and bobs at the craft group tonight so you might see a few more samples this week.  I really want to stock up the box and also I've promised my sister some cards as well...

Oh and I sent the first wedding card as chosen by Rochelle.  She will even get some blog candy for helping me with the decision...

Decisions, decisions - help needed ASAP!

OK I'm in a dilemma.  Got a wedding on Saturday. I've made two cards that are virtually identical but not sure which one to send.  The two are below and now is the time for you to show that you are reading this blog... please could you choose which one to send? On reflection I think I've put the ribbon on the wrong card base - which is probably why I can't make my mind up as neither of them are just right in my fussy opinion.  I'll post the results of the poll on Monday.

Card 1  (With ribbon on the 'Elegant Square' card base)

Card 2 (No ribbon on 'Notched' card base)

Please leave a comment if you have a preference - just Card 1 or Card 2 will do.  If no one responds I'll just have to hide them behind my back and get someone to choose... Thanks for being part of my interactive crafty world!  (Now to choose the outfit - won't bore you with that one or we could be here for days...)

Another 'Fascinating' Hair Clip

I'm getting quite into using my papercrafting bits and bobs to make jewellery.  This time it was a really quick and easy hairslide (or should it be 'Fascinator' seeing that they are so fancy!).  I made it out of necessity - 40th birthday party to go to, purple top and fabulous pink shoes donned ready, fringe too long and needed pinning back but had nothing suitable.  It was literally a few minutes to pop into the craft room, choose some pretty flowers and a sparkly brad and assemble it on a hair clip.  And to top it all as a result of wearing it I now have two commissions from friends for similar ones.  How cool is that?!