DISASTER STRIKES!!

My trusty Big Shot fell apart today, all I was left with was the handle and confusion.  I had used the same sandwich as I'd used before but would it go through?! I put a bit more pressure on and the handle snapped off in my hand :( Step in trusty husband who takes it apart and finds it was not my fault after all!! the bearings had seized! so it is good it wasn't me but a shame that it was poorly manufactured, you can see where it had been slowly grinding away on itself - poor thing.

SOOOOOO I've ordered myself a Vagabond!! posts to follow

Commission!

YAY, my neighbour liked her anniversary card so much she wants me to make and engagement and a 65th!

I had immediate inspiration for the engagement using one of the folders I bought from the show - what do you think?

I am no so inspired for the 65th yet - but I'll have a look around other peoples blogs and see if something pings! (or is that cheating!!)

Playtime never ends!

Hi Guys

We picked up a new car this weekend, so some crafting time was spent driving round in it.  It is fantastic, the most beautiful powder blue and that lovely new car smell.  Chris is on half term and eating me out of house and home but it is nice to have him around, number one son is due back on Thursday just in time for Easter and I can't wait.  There is nothing in the world as nice as having the whole family round the table for dinner!

I'm still playing with the bits I got at the show.  I just LOVE this stamp, this time I used distressed ink for a more vintage affect.

At the show Eileen found the most beautiful flowers, so not to be out done I had to get some myself.  But now they have presented me with somewhat of a problem as I now need to make boxes for them to go in as they won't go in a standard envelope.  This is going to be a leap of faith as I am rubbish at measuring anything - but the card is ordered and I'm giving it a go - failing that I'll get Eileen to make them for me :)

This is a bit of cutsey fun, using a layout I saw in a mag and some lovely papers I have.

 Thanks for looking!!

Catching Up

 Although I've not been blogging - I've still been crafting! - what do you think?

This flourish is scrummy, you could put it on a card on it's own easily, but I had some nesties to play with :)

I love this Joanna Sheen stamp, and used it to play with aquamarkers.  I think that they need a little more practice, but they give a lovely soft effect.

These are my oversized dies with some new seaside stamps.

Lastly here is one of the brightest cards I've made - but it is Easter :)

Lots of love and thanks for looking


Melissa xx

Toys

Hi

Some friends and I went to the Stamp and Scrapbooking show at Alexandra Palace at the weekend and spent far too much money - I have so many toys to play with I don't know where to start - so watch this space.  I took inspiration from one of the cards I saw their to make this 40th Anniversary card for my Neighbour to give to her friend.

Now that one is out the way - onwards with playtime :)


Back soon

xx

New Skills

Hi

I've been fascinated by the parchment craft demo's on create and craft, and always wanting do have a go at something new, I bought myself some bits and a book and .....

Now I know that it is FULL of mistakes, but even so it was really good fun to do - even sewing on all those little beads - trouble is there is NO WAY I could part with it :)

I've been quite inspired  - I fancy having a go at doing some of the lacy boarders with a stamped image in the middle, if I can find a (simple!) pattern

Anyway - I thought I'd share my first attempt with you xx

Flowers and butterflies

On of my Husbands friends is leaving and he asked me to make them a card - she is on contract so she doesn't have another job to go to so it is a bit difficult.  Inside it says "we wish you luck wherever you land" - I hope she likes it!!

I have finally mastered the butterfly die - I nearly gave up on this, but if I run it through 10 times it seems to work!!!

Isn't this stamp the most adorable you have ever seen!!

I was trying to get a bit of high class elegance here :)

This one was more sploshing around with alcohol inks.  I love these clockwork bits.  It is my attempt at a man type card although my son Chris said that it failed because it had pink on it!!

I hope you are all well in crafty land xxx