2013 Favourite Five

Debby is holding her annual top five competition where you choose your favourite five cards from the past year - so here are mine -

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WOYWWW is the weekly visit to lots of workdesks courtesy of Julia, so to take part, please visit her blog HERE.

I have a messy desk this week as I haven't cleared it up yet after making lots of things for our craft fair last Saturday. In the middle of the mess is a cross stitch that has been commissioned for a Christmas present (so I can't show you much of it - just in case!)  I will need to get it finished this week so that the customer can get it framed in time - he did leave it very late to order it (typical man!) The craft fair was very busy and we sold lots of stuff - both before, during and since, and the grand total raised (including a few donations) has now reached over £1000 - wow! It was a great venue, being in a part of the town where some of the large supermarkets and the shopping centre is located, so lots of people came in.  At first we thought that our table was a bit small as we couldn't fit everything on, but we just put out a bit of everything and topped it up as it sold.  It looked a bit cramped, but lots of people stopped to see everything and usually ended up buying something! The building itself was very suitable as it used to be the county jail and had lots of alcoves around the outside which used to be the cells - though we were just at a table in the centre - if they have it again next year, we'll have to ask for a 'cell!'

Hot chocolate treat mug

A couple of weeks ago Monica posted a video tutorial HERE and it thought they would be a good idea for our craft sale.  I modified mine and made them up using SU old olive and cherry cobbler card, paper and ribbon.

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This week I am really busy getting things ready for a craft fair on Saturday.  What you can see on my desk is one of a number of different coloured versions of a desk calendar.  I didn't realise I used so many different types of sticking on one project, until I looked at this photo - I see double-sided tape (two types - normal and very sticky), glue dots, foam squares, micro sticky dots runner, Tombow glue and a glue pen (some have been cut off the side of the photo).  I have also been making some oilcloth bags this week, using a lovely Scottie dog print PVC coated fabric - now I wish I'd bought more of it! To visit all the other desks this week, go to Julia's blog HERE.

Cottage calendar

I found this cute cottage die at the craft fair in the NEC - I'd been looking out for it for ages.  I really like the way the windows and door open up! I've used it here with SU paper and a kraft card to make a desk calendar for an upcoming craft fair - I think I'll make a few in different colours.  The leafy die is a Magnolia Doohickey one and the tiny wee flowers were made using a punch. I bought the mini fence die ages ago, (not sure which company) knowing it would come in useful.  The 2014 was die cut using one of the first sets of dies I ever bought, by Quickutz (they have been very well used and still cut cleanly).  I will enter the Simon Says and Cute Card Thursday challenges this week, as they are both 'Anything Goes.'
Oh, I've just noticed my blog header has moved back to its normal place on the page - for the past few weeks it has been half off the top of the page and nothing I tried would shift it - hopefully it will behave now and stay where its supposed to be!

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On my work desk this week you will see lots of mini crackers I'm preparing for a table at a cakes and crafts fair.  Each one contains a large after dinner mint cream - so I thought they might do for putting on the Christmas dinner table.  I have used the Tonic studio cracker die, but trimmed it down a bit and used a SU border punch on the ends.  The ones you can see on my desk were made using SU pool party card and paper, but I have made lots more in the traditional reds and greens.  To visit everyone else, go to Julia's blog HERE.

Wink of Stella

While at the craft fair in the NEC, I watched one of the demonstrators using the Wink of Stella brush pens and just had to buy some!! This card was made using a SU stamp, dies, ruffled ribbon (baked brown sugar) and card, but I coloured it using the new brush pens to give a lovely glittery effect - unfortunately it doesn't show up all that well in my photo.

Gardening

A 70th birthday card I was asked to make recently.  The image is from one of the LOTV art pads and the sentiment was computer generated.  The garden twine has been sitting on my desk for ages and the leaves were bought a few years ago now - I have a little jar of them, but rarely ever use them as they are too nice to use up!!  I used a 'wood' embossing folder on the crumb cake card (from SU).

Mini crackers

These crackers were made using the Tonic studios cracker die - I just trimmed off the tabs at one edge and cut off the last section of the other edge, then scored the centre of each alternate 'diamond' cut out.  Then I used a border punch to decorate the ends and a strip of paper to go around the centre.  I folded all the scored lines then used the red very sticky double sided tape to join it together and tied it at each end with contrasting ribbon. The holly was made using the Seasons  Greetings die that came with the cracker one.  I will enter them into this weeks Allsorts challenge - 'Make a Gift.'

Tilly Daydream

Yet another of my Tilly Daydreams decoupage cards - and I bought some more sets at the NEC last week!! They are quick to put together and make a lovely card in next to no time! This one used some cream flowery chiffon ribbon and a die cut '6'.  The sentiment is from SU, cut out with one of their oval punches.  The shaped orange panel was cut using a large Go Kreate die.

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A little more messy than usual today - I still have some of my stash from the NEC to sort and put away.  The black folder thingy is great for storing lots of dies - there were 10 pockets came inside it and I bought another refill pack, so it really holds quite a lot! I also used some of my other magnetic sheets to put in dies back to back in some of the folders and even then there's room for more! The cottage die is a new purchase as well - I've been looking out for that one for ages.  The buttons were great value -£1 per pack, but I still need to sort them into my containers - I have one for each colour.  The cute hessian bags were bought plain and so I've been decorating them with felt flowers to sell at our craft stall.  There were only a few of the LOTV art pads left, but I managed to find two I wanted. Visit Julia's blog HERE to see what everyone else is doing this week.

Spots and stripes

I think I'll have to look out for more of these decoupage designs at the NEC tomorrow - I've used them nearly all now! This one was made following the layout on this weeks Sketch and Stash challenge - the sentiment stamp is my old stash as it was one of the very first sets I bought from SU! The paper and card are also from SU - Not Quite Navy and Real Red and the decoupage design is by Docrafts and is my new stash.  The die used to cut the central panel is from a set by SU and the circles were made using punches.  It's turned out a bit like the American flag only with spots and stripes instead of stars and stripes!  I will also enter the Papertake Weekly challenge as its 'Anything Goes' this week.

Splashing in the puddles!

Another decoupage card following the layout on this weeks Friday Sketch Challenge.  The card is from SU, as is the clouds embossing folder and the little umbrella is a die cut.  I had the ribbon in my stash and the sentiment stamp is a retired on from SU, cut out with a circle punch and a Nestibilities die.

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Not much by way of crafting on my desk this week - just a decoupage image waiting to be made up into a card and my wee notebook/diary where I keep a record of current challenges I think I might enter.  The exciting reason for the passports/boarding passes/tickets etc is that my daughter, my friend and I are all flying over to Birmingham for the big craft fair at the NEC on Friday! Mind you, the flight leaves at 7:10 and we need to leave home around 4am, so we'll probably be half asleep by the time we get there!! (These big pages are covering up an ever increasing pile of inky stamps, needing to be cleaned and put away!) To find out if everyone else has some proper crafty things ongoing this week, pop over to Julia's blog HERE and join in!

Birthday girl

Here is a card I made recently using a LOTV image from one of their artpads - so handy for quick cards.  The 'happy birthday' is a SU stamp and the punch used to cut it out is also from SU.  The little banner was made using a die and I have had a big roll of that baby pink ric-rac for years!  Simon Says challenge is Anything Goes this week so I'll enter it there.

Autumn birthday

I made this card using the layout on this weeks Sketch and Stash challenge.  The decoupage image is by Docrafts, the cardstock is from SU (Raspberry Ripple), as is the designer paper and sentiment stamp (though now discontinued) and the hemp cord is from Crafts U Love.  The leaves were die cut using a 'Joys' die which I've had for years and my other really old stash is the sentiment stamp - they were my very first SU purchase! The die cut decoupage sheets are quite new and as there is a tree in the design, I think I can enter this weeks Allsorts challenge - 'Treemendous!'

Winter fun

Another Christmas card today, using the Docrafts decoupage designs, and following the layout on this weeks Mojo Monday challenge.  The blue card (Marina Mist) and ribbon is from SU, the sentiment stamp from LOTV and the snowflake was made using a punch.  The broad lace has been in my stash for so long now I'm not sure where it came from, but it was probably from a local gift/craft shop. I will also enter the Simon Says challenge as it's 'Anything Goes' this week.

Let it snow

Recently I made up a couple of packs of Docrafts diecut decoupage sheets and I'm only getting round to making them up into cards now.  For the layout on this one I followed the Friday Sketch Challenge and as the Simon Says challenge is 'Anything Goes' this week, I will enter it there as well.  The paper is from a First Edition pad, the organza ribbon from my stash, the snowflake was made using a couple of punches and a die, the sentiment is from Craftwork Cards and the oval punch and lilac card from SU.  I've just realised that I can enter it in this weeks Stampavie challenge (Bear) as well as there is a little bear sitting on the fence!

Simply sketched

This card was made using some of the new 'in colours' from SU - baked brown sugar and crisp cantaloupe - paper, card, ruffle ribbon and stampin' write markers.  The stamps are from one of the hostess sets - 'simply sketched.' This weeks Simon Says challenge is to use a rubber stamp or clear stamp, so I can enter it there.

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At last I have made a start on the scrapbook for my Mum's 70th.  This is the first page showing my Grandparents wedding and Mum as a child with her older sister and her Mummy.  I have another page completed and a few more bits and pieces done, but Mum has decided to come up to visit on Thursday, so I don't think it will be anywhere near finished! Maybe I'll just give it to her anyway and add the other pages later.  I have spent ages looking through old photos but don't have any of myself as a baby - being the oldest, I seem to have lots of my younger brother and sister but none of myself, so I'll probably have to get some from Mum anyway.
I got my first 12 Christmas cards made on Saturday (see previous post) so I've really been busy this week.  Check out Julia's blog HERE to find out what everyone else has been up to.

Sketch and stash thank you

Another card made using one of the LOTV art pad images.  For  the layout, I followed this weeks Sketch and Stash challenge.  The paper and card has been in my stash for ages so I don't know where its from.  The paintbrush is a sizzlet die and the sentiment stamp and oval punch are both from SU.
Speaking of SU, I've just had a lovely day out at a SU extravaganza at Gina's house.  We made a Christmas decoration in a decorated tin, a decorated box containing four mini cards and 12 Christmas cards! We also had a lovely lunch and came home with a whole bag of goodies - stamps, a co-ordinating punch, a pad of Christmas paper, snowflake decorations and even a wee bag of Lindor chocolates!

Peach and green anniversary

Another recent anniversary card, using a topper I bought at one of the craft shows (I think) - not sure which company made it though.  The paper and card are from SU - two of this years new 'In colours' - crisp cantaloupe and pistachio pudding.  The sentiment stamp and label stamp and punch are also from SU.  The flower was made using a punch.  SU have lovely ruffled ribbon in these new colours, but I haven't bought them YET, so found this other wee one that matched perfectly!  I will enter the Papertake Weekly challenge (Anything Goes) and the Stampavie challenge (flowers).

Going Dotty

An anniversary card today, using SU card (Wisteria wonder and Pear Pizzazz) and paper from the 'Afternoon Picnic' designer pack.  The little lilac 'dots' are also from SU - I really love how all their stuff co-ordinates.  Mind you, I was disappointed that they only had a very broad chevron style ribbon in this colour in the current catalogue, but lo and behold when the 'clearance rack' stuff came out, they had a nice roll of narrow wisteria wonder ribbon, for the special price of £3.59!!  For the layout, I followed this weeks Sketch and Stash challenge and I can also enter the Papertake Weekly challenge (Anything Goes) and the Simon Says challenge (Going Dotty).  The image is a LOTV die cut square and the sentiment stamp is also from LOTV. 

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You'll never believe it - yes that is actually a wee clear area on the left hand side of my desk! Take note of it, as its not all that likely that you will see it like this again for a while!! I have been trying to free up some space to work on a scrapbook album for Mum's 70th in a couple of weeks time, so I really need to get organised - unfortunately you will see the top of my desk is now completely covered, but I need to put the stuff somewhere!!
On my desk there are a few of the LOTV art pads - they are so handy when you need to make a number of cards quickly and they have designs suitable for all sorts of occasions - the image on the card is one of the designs. 
Lets hope the weather where you are is not like it is here at the moment - very wet and windy.  To make things even worse we have bats living in the roof above my craft room and they seem to be shuffling about, making a lot of noise! - its really getting like Halloween!
Visit Julia's blog HERE to see all the other desks this week.

Lilac birthday bear

Another of the recent birthday cards using the free 'Milton & Co' decoupage set.  The sentiment stamp and punch are from SU and the ribbon is by 'Fizzy Moon.'  I am entering the CCT challenge - Pretty ribbons, the Allsorts challenge - How does your garden grow?' and the Simon Says challenge - Anything Goes.

How does your garden grow?

Another of the birthday cards - I have used a free set of decoupage designs that came with a recent magazine - they are 'Milton and Co' by Wild Rose Studio.  The pink card is a discontinued SU one and the paper is from a 6 x 6 'Me to You' pack.  The hanging heart was die cut and the pink circle and flower were made using punches. The sentiment and card blank are both from Craftwork Cards.  This weeks Allsorts challenge is 'How does your garden grow?' so I can enter it there. and the Simon Says challenge - Anything Goes.

Girly birthday card

I have made quite a few birthday cards for the shop recently, but I'm only getting round to putting them up on my blog now.  This one was made using one of the LOTV art pad images and pink card and ribbon (Rose Red) from SU.  The paper is from one of the Nitwits pads, also from LOTV.  The pale pink 'dots' are 'card candy' by Craftwork cards.  The sentiment stamp is from a retired SU set.  I have roughly followed the layout on the Friday Sketch Challenge.  I also will enter it into the CCT challenge as this week its 'Pretty Ribbons' and the Simon Says challenge - Anything Goes.

LOTV anniversary

A quick anniversary card I made recently, using one of the LOTV die cut squares.  The flowers and oval labels were made using punches and the hanging heart is a die cut.  The red card and the little aqua buttons are from SU, as is the sentiment stamp.  The paper is from a free pack that came with a magazine (supposed to be Christmas papers!) I will enter the Simon Says challenge as its 'Anything Goes' this week.

Crafting Magnolia

This is the wee card I made to let the ladies know that my needlework class was starting up again last night.  The image was coloured with Promarkers. The polka dot paper is from SU (baked brown sugar) as is the ribbon (pretty in pink, now sadly discontinued).  The doily, scissors, needle and thread are all die cuts.  I am entering the Simply Magnolia challenge (use dies or punches), the Simon Says challenge (anything goes) and CCT challenge (pretty ribbons). The kraft card blank is from Anna Maria designs.

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I'm back at last after a long break from blogging.  Just a build up of 'stuff' that sometimes gets in the way of crafting - like redecorating, joinery work and getting back to school, with all of the preparation of schemes of work etc, that that entails! Anyhow, I have been making a little card to send out to my craft class ladies, to let them know the class will be starting again next week - I love Magnolia stamps and this one was just perfect, especially when used with the needle and thread and embroidery scissors dies.  The pink card is a long overdue thank you card I need to send and it has been made with some of the new stamping up card and papers.  The sides of the desk have gathered up lots of random bits and pieces - like the wee packs of calendar tabs I intend to use to make items for a Christmas craft fair in December and my new pack of SU markers.
To have a nosey at lots of other desks and see what everyone else around the world has been making this week, visit Julia's blog HERE.

Prize winners!

This week was our local County Agricultural Show and Hannah entered some of the craft and baking categories.  She won a first prize for her jewellery and a get well card, and second for her decorated cupcakes - although she was very annoyed that the judges had cut one of them up to taste it and destroyed all her hard work! Nathan also won a first prize for his shortbread!

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I nearly missed out on this weeks WOYWW due to a very sick laptop! Sorry I was unable to visit everyone last week as I had to leave it with the computer 'doctor' last Wednesday and only got it back today - I'd been told to collect it last Friday, but it wasn't any better, so he kept it over the weekend and when I went back on Monday, it was even worse than before! But all is well now and I can get back to blogging at last! My desk has just got even more untidy since last week, but I have been die cutting some felt and have made a wee doggy key ring, using one of my very first sizzix dies!  Of course it was necessary to pull out lots of ribbon, beads, etc, to find out what worked best, and then I also found some bits and pieces I thought might come in useful for another project.  The Raspberry Road paper was a free gift with this months Quick Cards magazine.  The three new rolls of ribbon were purchased from Dunelm Mill, when we had a trip up to Belfast on Saturday - and guess what else I bought? - yet another piece of oilcloth for making bags! - this one has scottie dogs all over it.
To join in the WOYWW fun this week, visit Julia HERE.

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Not so much what's on my desk this week, as what's on my chair!! Whiskers has taken over but is not making much of an attempt at crafting!  My desk is a mess as I've been tidying my craft room and I've just piled up all the stuff still to be sorted, on the sides of my desk.  In the centre are a few decoupage toppers I've been putting together and the shaped card to the left was when I was just trying out a new large die from Go Kreate - I have discovered I can now make my own shaped cards on my Big Kick machine!  Julia has posted early this week - so to see all the other desks, look HERE!
PS - Thanks to all those who gave advice on my sewing machine troubles last week - I tried all the advice - cleaned out the fluff, oiled it, changed the needle, adjusted the tension etc and it does seem to be working a bit better now!

Sweetie jars bag - 2nd version!

 I made the second sweetie jars tote bag with an aqua lining, instead of pink - I'm not sure now which one I prefer! I would like to keep them all!

By the Sea

The Simon Says challenge this week is 'By the sea' and it reminded me of some paper etc, I had bought when we were on holiday last summer and hadn't used yet.  I had these really old sizzlet dies of lighthouse, pilings, seagulls, etc and so I decided to get them out and give them an airing!  the sentiment is from Craftwork cards, layered up on ovals made using my SU punches.

Easel birthday card

I finished off the easel card I started on Tuesday night, to try out my new extra large dies.  The pink card is SU Rose Red and the image is a free stamp, coloured with Promarkers.  So I can enter this weeks PFP challenge (Create a scene) and also the I Love Promarkers challenge  (Anything Goes).  I'm not sure who the patterned paper was made by as its only a piece I have used from my scraps box (I'm still working from it!!) and there are only a couple of small pieces left.  The ribbon is also from SU - Rose Red seam  binding.  The flowers were made using punches and the leafy bit is a Doohickey die.  The label at the bottom was made using a Spellbinders die and the message stamp is by Stampendous.  I think it could also be entered for the Allsorts challenge as its Fur and Feathers this week - as the dog has fur and the birds have feathers!!

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Quite a tidy desk today as I've been sewing again dowstairs on the dining table - I've finished the first of my 'sweetie jar' bags (see small photo). If anyone has any idea as to why my sewing machine has suddenly started 'missing' stitches, could you please let me know - it appears to be sewing normally but when you look closely there are places where the top and bottom threads are not linking together, but just sitting on top of the fabric. 
The workdesk photo shows the start of an easel card I've been making, to try out the large Nestabilities dies I bought recently when they were reduced by Craft Superstore.  The stamp came free with Quick Cards magazine and is called Annabelle's Meadow, by Wild Rose Studio - still waiting to be inked up!  Visit all the other desks this week, by going to Julia's blog HERE.

Birthday bear

A change from all the golf cards at last! The image is from LOTV and I've coloured it with Promarkers.  For the layout I followed this weeks sketch on the I love Promarkers challenge.  The patterned paper is from SU and the pink card
is from my scraps pile.  A couple of punches were used to make the flowers and the happy birthday label is from LOTV - so I can enter this weeks 'Happy Birthday' challenge.  The pink pearl heart is from MeiFlower.  The colours are a bit brighter than this IRL - just the usual bad photographer!

Just found out this card has been chosen by the LOTV challenge as one of their top three!