Try Something New!

Hi there,

I hope you all had a fabby Christmas with lots of prezzies and goodies. I think I have eaten my own body weight in chocolate over the holiday - diet! What diet!!

I'm a little late with my post today, but it's time for new challenge over at 'My Besties UK' and this week we are looking for you to 'TRY SOMETHING NEW'. Right, there are not many things that I haven't tried crafty wise, but I did receive a lovely book of teabag papers as a Christmas gift - so not having used that technique for ages, I decided to play. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration - can you spot the teabag folding? ...

I used 'My Bestie' image 734 (Garden Child) and paper pieced the flowers to match the background papers, which are from my stash.  The pretty butterfly at the bottom is made using two 5cm teabag folding squares - I was quite pleased with the result. I hope you can come along and join us with your 'new techniques'.

Hugz, Jan xx 

W for Whatever You Wish

Happy Friday,

It's time for our final challenge of the year over at the Alphabet Challenge and Roxx has set an easy one this week. We would love to see your projects showcasing 'WHATEVER YOU WISH' for the letter 'W'. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I made a pretty Engagement card and gift for my daughter's friend - all she asked for was something pink! Well how hard could that be! I made a 6x6" card using backing papers and image from LOTV. The gift is a chipboard heart covered with matching papers, a little Fizzy Moon stamped image and some handmade flowers. The wording was created on my pc, torn and then inked with distress ink.

I hope you can join us and we all look forward to bringing you more exciting challenges in 2014.

Hugz, Jan xx

Fantasy Stampers DT Sketch Challenge

Good morning,

This post was scheduled earlier in the week, but I know I will be feeling just a little excited today as it's my last day at school before the Christmas break! It's been a very long term and I am more than ready for a rest, although I'm not sure Christmas is the time for rest! Lol.

Anyway, onto all things crafty - over at my new Challenge Blog (Fantasy Stampers) I set my new design team a 'sketch challenge' so you could see some of their beautiful work before the challenges go live in January. Over the last couple of weeks I have showcased some gorgeous projects from my design team and today it's my turn to show you my interpretation of the sketch. Here's a little peek at the sketch I designed ...

And here's my card following the sketch ...

I used a 6x6" white card blank and layered up some gorgeous blue frosty papers from 'The Snowman Collection'. I also added an embossed section for some texture. The gorgeous little stamped image is from Lil of the Valley and is called 'Snow Cute', which I coloured with my Promarkers. I added a sentiment, some die-cut snowflakes, a piece of silver Christmas ribbon and a few adhesive gems to finish.

If you have the time, why not pop over to the new blog HERE and leave us a comment.

Big hugz, Jan xx

Clean and Simple for Christmas

Hello again,

I'm back with my second post of the day with a brand new challenge over at Make My Monday. This week Suzi has chosen a great theme to finish off our year. We would love to see your 'CLEAN AND SIMPLE' Christmas projects this week - nice and easy just before the big celebrations begin.  Here's my DT inspiration ...

This one was really easy and only took about 15 minutes to make. I stamped the 'Three Wise Men' and the little star in black archival ink and quickly added clear embossing powder before heating. I used 'Scattered Straw' distress ink around the star and to create a few hills, before adding the text. Hope you like it.

If you have a minute, pop on over to the main blog and check out what my teamies did for their CAS Christmas!

Hugz, Jan xx

Jingle Bells Blog Hop

Good morning everyone,

It's another special Monday over at the 'My Besties UK Challenge Blog' - not only do we have a brand new challenge, we are HOPPING again for the last time this year. The theme this week is very seasonal ...

'JINGLE BELLS'

So you can enter the challenge as normal with a crafty project that showcases the theme and have the chance to win a some of Sherri's 'My Besties' digi images from our selection.  Here's what I made for my DT inspiration using image A2 which you can buy in Sherri's on-line store HERE ...

I used an 6 x 6" card blank and layered it with Christmas papers from my stash.  I added my gorgeous Christmas Bestie which I coloured with my Promarkers and added some glitter for a little extra sparkle. Embellishments include a stamped sentiment, a piece of festive red ribbon and a little 'jingle' bell.

************

You can also come and HOP with us for the chance of winning extra candy by visiting all the participating blogs, following and leaving us a comment. Here's the order of the hop:

Gill (DT co-ordinator) - http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.co.uk/

Donna - http://kraftyscot.blogspot.co.uk/

Jan - http://jaybescraftybitz.blogspot.co.uk

Anita - http://ab5474-8kidsandstillfindtimetocraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Carol - http://silverpaws1957.blogspot.co.uk

Pixie - http://pixieflutterbycreates.blogspot.co.uk/

Michelle - http://zmumzcreates.blogspot.co.uk/

Wendy - http://lollydollycrafts.blogspot.co.uk

Caroline - http://carolinesspicecrafty-bits.blogspot.co.uk/

Home - http://mybestiesuk.blogspot.co.uk/

So, if you've arrived at my blog from DONNA then you are on the right track.

Now hop on over to ANITA who will show you some more fab inspiration on the theme.

I shall look forward to reading your comments and don't forget to check back on the main blog in a few days where we will be announcing one lucky winner.

Hope you have fun,
Good Luck,
Jan xx

A little something for the table ...

Hey there folks,

How are the Christmas preparations coming along - I'm still behind with my shopping and haven't written a single card yet! Think I need a few extra hours in my week!

It's time for our next challenge over at Polkadoodles and this week the design team were challenged to make something for the 'Christmas Table' - so here goes with my DT inspiration ...

I made a couple of things using papers and a sentiment from the 'Angelberry Christmas CD' which is currently on offer for just £7.00 at our on-line store HERE. 

The first is a little Christmas Tree made using the Tim Holtz rosette die - I cut several pieces in two different papers and adjusted the width before simply stacking them up.

The second is a cute little cracker which I made using a template I found on the internet. 

Hope you can join us this week,

Hugz, Jan xx

A Frosty Scene

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of blogging this week - it's such a busy time at school that I have been shattered when I get home. We are knee deep in rehearsals for our Christmas production which is on Wednesday and we also had our Christmas market last week. Still have lots to do for the children to make this a special time of year for them.

Right onto crafty things - we have new challenge for you over at Make My Monday and this week Rosie has chosen a very seasonal theme:

' A FROSTY SCENE'

So we would love to see your projects getting all frosted up this week - here's my DT inspiration for you ...

I loved making this one - I used a masking technique to create a space inside the large bauble to stamp my 'frosty scene' using lots of little stamps.  I added some pale blue Promarker and lots of glitter to create a frosty look. Hope you like it.

Have a great week,

Hugz, Jan xx

Christmas Flowers & Foliage

Good morning,

It's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and this week Jacqueline has chosen a great theme for us in our lead up to Christmas. We would love to see your projects showcasing

'CHRISTMAS FLOWERS & FOLIAGE'

Here's my DT inspiration ...

My background paper and sentiment is from Kaisercraft - I love the old Victorian look of these papers. I made a border by stamping a little holly stamp and colouring it with Promarkers. Then I added some extra leaves and poinsettias to decorate my sentiment focal point.

Why not check out the main blog and see what my teamies have made too.

Hugz, Jan xx

It's a Sketch at Polkadoodles

Hi there everyone,

I hope you're all having a good week as we head quickly towards Christmas.

It's Friday challenge time over at Polkadoodles and this week we are having a Sketch Challenge - here's the design we would like you to play with ...

These are a great idea if you are having a 'crafters block' and can be manipulated to suit your design. Here's what I came up with for my DT inspiration ...

I used papers and a sentiment from the 'Angelberry Christmas CD' to make my Christmas design and all other embellishments are from the 'A Home for Christmas CD'. I layered most of the images digitally, then printed out the little house again and decoupaged it and added some glitter for the snow. I finished off with a pretty little organza bow and a few aqua adhesive gems for a bit of sparkle.

Come along and join us with your own interpretations of our sketch this week - there is a great Polkadoodles goodie bag on offer for the winner!

Hugz, Jan xx

Midweek Motivation at MMM

Hello again,

I'm back today to show you a little bit more inspiration for our current challenge over at Make My Monday. I hope you are all enjoying our theme this week - if you have entered already, then good luck - but if you haven't there is still plenty of time to join us.

So, here's a different take on my Contemporary Christmas theme ...

I have kept this one nice and simple - it only took about 15 minutes to make. Exactly what we need when we have a huge pile of christmas cards to make.

I hope you can come along and join us and don't forget to pop back to the main blog on Sunday for our next set of winners.

Hugz, Jan xx

Contemporary Christmas

Happy Monday everyone,

Hope you all had a great weekend - mine has been a case of 'out with the old' and 'in with the new'! My poor old pc has finally given up the ghost and has been laid to rest in the pooter graveyard. I now have a snazzy new laptop all up and running which my gorgeous hubby had bought be for Christmas - and yes, he let me have it early. I feel suitably spoiled!

So, as it's Monday it's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and this week was my turn to choose a theme. As Christmas is approaching fast, we are staying on a 'christmassy' theme and this week we would love to see your projects showcasing

'A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS'

So, out with the traditional red, gold and green and in with something different. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I decided to go for lilac and silver for my contemporary colours and I used a stamped image by LOTV called 'Teddy and Penguin', which I coloured with my Promarkers.  I also added a Christmas sentiment, together with some ribbon and a few die-cut snowflakes.

Please pop over to the main blog if you have a minute and check out the work of my teamies. I shall look forward to visiting your blogs throughout the week to see what you do with the new theme.

Hugz, Jan xx

U for Umbrella

Good morning everyone,

Exciting times ahead - the DT call for my new challenge blog has now closed and I will be announcing my new design team members very soon (should they choose to accept!) Lol.

Now on to today's post - it's time for the next letter over at the Alphabet Challenge and this week it was my turn to choose the theme. So the letter is 'U' and the new theme is

'USE AN UMBRELLA' 

very appropriate for all this wet weather don't you think! Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

It's a quick and simple one this time - a little 'Forest Moss' distress ink, my cute little umbrella stamp and one of my favourite quotes, which was printed on my pc (which is now on it's last legs!!) I really hope Santa has listened to my pleas!

I hope you have fun with the theme this time and I shall look forward to seeing your entries over on the challenge blog.

Hugz, Jan xx

The Big Guy Santa

Hi there,

I'm back again with my second post today with the next challenge over at Make My Monday.  This week Fliss has chosen the theme of

'THE BIG GUY' 

Now this one posed me quite a problem - would you believe that amongst all my stash of stamps, I didn't have one of Santa - how rude! So, I have had to use a printed image which I made into a topper to create my simple christmas card. Here's what I ended up with ...

I simply added some christmas paper and a piece of christmas ribbon, together with three red dew drops to finish off. A nice quick and simple card.

Hugz, Jan xx

Spots and Stripes

Happy Monday,

I hope everyone had a great weekend, despite the falling temperatures.

It's time for our next challenge over at My Besties UK and this time we would love to see your projects using

 

'SPOTS AND STRIPES'.

Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I used spotty paper and stripey paper from my 'Sweet Owl' First Edition paper pad. I added a piece of pink polkadot organza ribbon, together with my main image which is mounted on a Decorative Labels Eight nestie cut from co-ordinating cardstock. The image (no 061) is by Sherri Baldy and is coloured with my Promarkers. The stamped sentiment is by LOTV.

Click HERE for more inspiration from the design team over at the challenge blog.

Hugz, Jan xx

In Shape for Christmas

Hello there,

Well, it's been a very tough week here with a bit of a health scare for me, but I'm glad to say that everything is all ok now. It's my youngest daughter's graduation today, so a good day all round for us - she is so excited having waited since July for this day.

Anyway, back to the crafting and it's time for another challenge over at Polkadoodles and this week our theme is to make

'A SHAPED CARD - WITH NO DIE CUTS'.

So here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

Everything you need to make this card can be found on the fabulous 'A Home for Christmas CD'. Simply print out all the elements, cut them out and stick away - how easy is that! It doesn't really show very well on my photo, but lots of the holly and poinsettia elements are cut out and decoupaged too, together with the quirky little church in the centre. I added a little bit of stamping along the bottom and some glitter on the snow to finish - not a single die-cut in sight!

Hugz, Jan xx

Christmas at MMM

Good morning,

Well, that's another weekend over and another week closer to Christmas and I haven't even started my shopping yet.

As it's Monday, it's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and this week Laura has chosen the theme of

'ANYTHING BUT A CARD - CHRISTMAS THEMED'

So, we would love to see your Christmas themed projects this week - but remember it has to be something other than a card. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I love making Tags so this was an obvious choice for me. I used some 'freebie' stash that came with the 'Simply Cards & Papercrafts' magazine that I bought this week - I must say it's a great freebie if you haven't seen it yet!  The papers and 'Merry Christmas' sentiment are Kaisercraft and you even get a packet of the little tags too. So all I did was did my own tag template out and get sticking, plus a few embellishments of course!

I shall look forward to seeing your entries this week over at the challenge blog.

Good luck, Jan xx

New Design Team Member at Fantasy Stampers

Hello crafty friends and followers,

I have more exciting news today regarding my new challenge blog - Fantasy Stampers, but first just wanted to say a massive 'Thank You' to all of you that are supporting my new venture and are helping to promote it on your blogs - I am one very grateful gal!

So, today the new blog is introducing the very first member of our Design Team - a great crafty friend of mine, which some of you may already know and have seen around blogland. Here's a little peek ...

If you would like to read more about Caz, pop over to the new blog HERE.

And don't forget our DT call is still open and if you would like to join us full details can be found HERE.

Hugz, Jan xx

Brand New Challenge Blog

Good morning crafty friends and followers,

I hope you like my new look blog - I decided it was time for a makeover to celebrate my exciting news.

After much thought and deliberation I am taking the next step in my crafty journey and have decided to start my own Challenge blog.  I have been polishing the final details all week (that will teach me to have a week off work) and the blog went live yesterday.

It is called the 

'FANTASY STAMPERS CHALLENGE BLOG'

and will host a paper crafting challenge for ANY kind of stamping
on alternate Saturdays beginning on 4th January 2014.

I am now looking for a Design Team to be a part of this venture and you can find all the details on the new blog HERE.

I would love it if you could pop along and leave a comment at http://fantasystampers.blospot.co.uk and maybe share the details and spread the word with your own crafty friends.

I would also like to say a huge thanx to you all for your support of my work - without you I don't think I would have made this next step. I hope you will all come along and play and if anyone is interested in joining my design team, I would love to hear from you.

Big hugz, Jan xx

Autumn Flowers

Good morning,

I hope you all had a great weekend, despite the awful weather and all the bangs and fizzes from the fireworks - and it's not even Bonfire Night yet!!

It's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and this week Fliss has chosen a lovely seasonal theme of

'AUTUMN FLOWERS'.

So here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I think you can tell that I have been watching Clarity Stamps on the tele all weekend - this one seems to be heavily influenced by Barbara Gray's style, although sadly they aren't Clarity stamps.

I began by dusting the edge of the card with Scattered Straw distress ink to create an airbrushed look, then used one of my Stampin Up 'Serene Silhouettes' stamps to create the images in different shades of distress inks. I used Scattered Straw, Rusty Hinge, Peeled Paint and Gathered Twigs - then added a final layer and embossed them with gold detail powder. I stamped the little quote with black archival ink and added the birds. A piece of twine and little button finishes off the card, which is layered on brown and gold card.

I hope you like my version of 'Autumn Flowers' - I shall look forward to seeing your interpretations on the challenge blog.

Just before I go, and incase you didn't see my earlier post - please pop along and take a peek at my new challenge blog http://fantasystampers.blogspot.co.uk/ which is due to launch on 4th January 2014.  I am looking for DT members to join my new venture and details of the DT call can be found HERE.

Hugz, Jan xx

Lottie Lionheart

Happy Sunday,

Well, my half term break is nearly over and I must return to school tomorrow, so not as much time for crafting.

It's time to post over at Sherri Baldy Art and I have my fourth instalment of 'My Besties of Oz' project to show you today.  Last week I showed you 'Tilda Tin Girl' and this time I have used image 645 - 'Lottie Lionheart', which you can buy from Sherri's on-line store HERE.

I think this one is my favourite and I love the autumn colours - the image is coloured with my Promarkers and all embellishments are from my stash.

Hope you can join me next week for the final instalment.

Hugz, Jan xx

Make a Box for Christmas

Hello to all my crafty friends and followers,

It's time for our next challenge over at Polkadoodles and this week we are 'MAKING BOXES'. It was my choice of theme this time and I love making projects that aren't always cards.  My DT inspiration this week uses the 'A Home for Christmas CD', together with a template from the 'Paper Boutique - Volume 1 CD' and includes a tutorial on how to make my gift box, so here goes ...

Step One

Print out your chosen paper twice 

and then put the two sheets back into the printer 

and print the templates onto the reverse.

Step Two

Cut out the box outlines, then score along the dotted lines 

using the template as a guide.

Step Three

Fold along all the score lines and burnish with a bone folder.

Ink all the edges with your chosen ink (optional).

Step Four

Cut a piece of white scrap card to make a 8.7cm square 

(these measurements are for the A4 template).

Stick this to the inside of one of the box sides to reinforce it

before cutting out an aperture using a Circle die.

Step Five

Using a matching Scalloped Circle die and the next size down Circle die,

cut a frame from co-ordinating cardstock.

Cut a piece of acetate to fit the back of the aperture 

and stick down on the inside.

Stick the die-cut frame to the front of the aperture.

Step Six

Stick the flaps together on both sides to make the box whole.

(I use wet glue for this as it allows time to get the edges lined up).

Step Seven

Glue the flaps together to close the bottom of the box.

(Use a long handled paint brush to reach inside and flatten the flaps).

Add another 8.7cm square of scrap cardstock inside 

to reinforce the bottom of the box.

Fold the top sections together, 

pushing gently on the diagonal score lines 

to create the 'milk carton' effect top.

Measure even spaces and punch two holes in the top of the carton. 

Thread ribbon through the holes and tie to fasten.

Now your box is ready to decorate and fill!

Here's my finished sample with added embellishments from the CD,

all ready to fill with goodies for Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and found it easy to follow - I would love any feedback that you may have.

I shall look forward to seeing your projects over at the challenge blog.

Hugz, Jan xx

Clean and Simple at Studio 12

Hi there crafters,

It's my turn to post over at Studio 12 for Polkadoodles today, so I thought I would show you a really quick 'Clean and Simple' card using two stamps from the fabulous Studio 12 range.  I do tend to spend forever on my cards, but occasionally we all need to make a 'quickie' at the last minute - so here's what I made ...

I used the leaf stamp from the 'Shabby Owl Blossom' set and stamped the image three times in black ink, inverting the middle image.  I added a little colour to the leaves with my Promarkers and drew a doodled border to frame them.  I stamped out the sentiment from the 'Leave a Little Sparkle' set and added a few adhesive gems.  I mounted the whole thing on green pearlised cardstock before adding to my card base.

Quick and simple! What do you think?

Hugz, Jan xx

Steampunk Style

Good morning,

Well, today is the first day of my half term break from school and it's going to be a tough one! I have taken my little fur baby to the vets this morning to have his teeth cleaned and some taken out. For those of you who know me, my little doggies are my world and I will be a nervous wreck until we bring him back home later today and I know he will need lots of cuddles.

Anyway, on with business and it is time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and this week Suzi has chosen the theme of 'STEAMPUNK'. I have never found this an easy one, but here's what I came up with for your inspiration ...

It all started out as a piece of milk cardstock which I have stencilled on, stamped on and added my Steampunk design.  I used Gathered Twigs distress ink for all of this project - first dusting over the stencil with my ink dusters, then I added some stamped cogs around the edges for more definition.  I stamped the wings and crown, cut them out, inked them and added them to the design before securing the brass clockface in position.  I produced the lettering on my pc, cut them out, inked them and added them to the bottom of the project - adding a little stamped top hat for fun.  I also sprinkled on some frantage powder to add a little texture.

Hope you like it - I shall look forward to seeing your interpretations of our theme this week.

Hugz, Jan xx

Tilda Tin Girl

Hello again,

Well, I hope you all remembered to turn back your clocks and enjoyed the extra hour this morning!

As it's Sunday again already it's time for my post over at Sherri Baldy Art and I am continuing with the third instalment of my 'Besties of Oz' project. Last week I showed you 'Lil Scarecrow' and today I have used image 640 - 'Tilda Tin Girl', which you can buy from Sherri's on-line store HERE.

I used my Promarkers again to colour the image and all papers and embellies are from my stash. I have tried to include some metal items on this one to keep in with the theme, including an ornate metal corner and a strip of metal tape (which I passed through my script embossing folder and then coloured with alcohol inks).

I hope you will join me again next week for the next chapter.

Hugz, Jan xx

Happy Birthday Sherri

Happy Saturday,

I have a special post today to wish someone a very 'Happy Birthday' over in the States - hope you have a fantastic day, hun.

Here's my card that I made to send my best wishes ...

RECIPE

Image - Sherri Baldy 'My Little Dimples' (image 934)

Colouring Medium - Promarkers

Papers - LOTV Always and Forever

Sentiments - LOTV, stash

Dies - Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight

Flowers - Dreamees

Embellishments

Pink organza polkadot ribbon, silver heart charm, 

green adhesive gems

Hugz, Jan xx

S is for Scary!

Happy Friday,

Hope you've all had a great week - not only is it Friday (my day off) but it's half term next week. Yay! So lots of crafting planned.

It's time for the next letter over at the Alphabet Challenge and this time Sheena has chosen the theme 'SCARY' for the letter 'S'.  Now as the end of October looms, Halloween springs to mind - but since I have had a week of Halloween projects, I decided to do something a little different for this one and kept it 'Clean and Simple'. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I always take ages designing and making my projects, but decided to do something 'Clean and Simple' for this one to show that it doesn't always have to be something fussy to make the point. This one only took me about twenty minutes to make and I think it fits the theme nicely.  

I used a 'scary' ghostie image from the internet and added the lettering 'BOO' using my Clarity Stamp 'Letterbox' kit. I also added a little shading under the lettering with some Black Soot distress ink and a little bit of shading with my Promarkers around the edge of the image.  A hand drawn border to finish and then I mounted it on black card. Simples!

I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of the theme this time - so come and join us with your 'scary' projects.

Hugz, Jan xx

Midweek Motivation at MMM

Hi there,

I'm back again with the next in my series of Halloween projects this week - this time for a little midweek motivation over at Make My Monday.  There is still plenty of time to play along with your spooky creations and here's a little more inspiration from me ...

This time I made a Tag to go with my Halloween collection using paper and sentiment from Polkadoodles Halloween download bundle and a cute digi image from QKR Stampede which I coloured with a combination of Promarkers and Graph 'It markers. I added a few other oddments from my stash and couldn't resist drawing a little spider hanging from the 'Trick or Treat' sign!

I hope you are having fun with our challenge this week.

Hugz, Jan xx

Halloween

Hi there,

I'm back with my second post today and I can see already that it's going to be a week of all things Halloween.  It's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and yes, you guessed, we would love to see your spooky projects this week with a theme of

'HALLOWEEN'

Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

The card is 6x6" in size including the die-cut edge.  The main focal point started out as a piece of white card which I inked using my ink dusters with Spiced Marmalade and Rusty Hinge distress inks.  I then stamped out the images which are from Lavinia Stamps using a black archival ink pad.  I added a few little hills with a touch of Black Soot distress ink and mounted the whole piece on a black die-cut Lacey Square.  I stamped the sentiment on a piece of scrap inked card to match.

I am looking forward to seeing all your spooky projects this week, so good luck with your entries.

Hugz, Jan xx

Too Cute to Spook Blog Hop

Good morning everyone,

It's the beginning of a new week and it's another special Monday over at the 'My Besties UK Challenge Blog' - not only do we have a brand new challenge, we are HOPPING again too. The theme this week is very seasonal ...

'TOO CUTE TO SPOOK'

So you can enter the challenge as normal with a crafty project that showcases the theme and have the chance to win a some of Sherri's 'My Besties' digi images from our selection.  Here's what I made for my DT inspiration using 'Trixie and her Kitty' which you can buy in Sherri's Etsy store HERE ...

I used an 6 x 6" card blank and layered it with papers from my stash.  I added my Halloween Bestie which I coloured with a combination of Promarkers and Graph 'It markers.  Embellishments include a stamped sentiment, orange polkadot ribbon, a die-cut fence, some foam pumpkins and a couple of foam bats.

************

You can also come and HOP with us for the chance of winning extra candy by visiting all the participating blogs, following and leaving us a comment. Here's the order of the hop:

Gill - http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.co.uk/

Kerrie - http://cardsbykerrie.blogspot.co.uk/

Caroline -http://carolinesspicecrafty-bits.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Donna - http://kraftyscot.blogspot.co.uk/

Jan - http://jaybescraftybitz.blogspot.co.uk/

Susan - http://rosebudsnribbons.blogspot.co.uk/

Home - http://mybestiesuk.blogspot.co.uk/

So, if you've arrived at my blog from DONNA then you are on the right track.

Now hop on over to SUSAN who will show you some more fab inspiration on the theme.

I shall look forward to reading your comments and don't forget to check back on the main blog in a few days where we will be announcing one lucky winner.

Hope you have fun,
Good Luck,
Jan xx

Lil Scarecrow

Happy Sunday to you,

First of all, can I just say hello and welcome to my new followers - the numbers are slowly increasing and I appreciate each and every one. Thank you for all your kind comments, I do hope my blog provides some inspiration for you.

It's time for my Sunday post over at Sherri Baldy Art and I am continuing with my 'Besties of Oz' project. So today I have the next instalment - last week I showed you little 'Dottie and her Dog' and today I have used image 642 - 'Lil Scarecrow', which you can buy from Sherri's on-line store HERE.

Isn't she fab! Sherri's artwork is always such a pleasure to colour and of course, I used my trusty Promarkers. All papers and embellies are from my stash (which I am trying to use, but it never seems to go down!)

I hope you will join me again next week for the next chapter.

Right, I'm off to a local craft show today with my shopping list, which includes the fab Gelli plate - so wish me luck and watch this space!

Hugz, Jan xx

Christmas is Coming!

Good morning,

Well, it's Friday again already - so it must be time for another challenge over at Polkadoodles and this week we are all preparing for Christmas with the theme 'CHRISTMAS IS COMING'! I can believe it's almost that time of year again.  This time the design team were challenged to make a card using more than one fold, so here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I used a 'Three Panel Screen Card' and covered it with papers from the fab 'A Home for Christmas CD'. Each piece is layered on gold mirri card, then a complimentary coloured card and I added the cute little border (also from the CD).  The greeting was printed from the sentiments section of the CD and mounted on a die-cut scalloped circle. The baubles are from the embellishments section of the CD - I printed each one three times, cut them and then stuck them together to create another folded 3D element to my card. A few bits of holly to decorate and some fab Polkadoodles dew drops to finish.

I hope you can join us this time in our lead up to Christmas - I shall look forward to seeing your entries.

Hugz, Jan xx

My Besties of Oz - Dottie

Well hello again,

I'm back with my second post today, which I must admit should have been posted yesterday - so apologies from me.  

I have my card for Sherri Baldy Art today using one of the fabulous images from Sherri's 'Besties of Oz' range. I have started with 'Dottie and her little Dog' which you can buy from Sherri's on-line store HERE.

I have used backing papers from my stash and added the image, which is coloured with my Promarkers. Other embellishments include some die-cut flowers, blue polkadot organza ribbon, some blue twine and silver heart charm, a cute little 'Love' tag and a stamped sentiment which I cut into a little banner shape.

I am planning to work on the other three images over the next few weeks, and finish by incorporating them all into a final project. So, I hope you will join me and follow my progress.

Have a great day,

Hugz, Jan xx

Texture

Good morning,

Well, we have had a very wet and windy weekend here, and a very busy one too.

It's time for our next challenge over at Make My Monday and this week Rosie has chosen the theme of 'TEXTURE'. The possibilities here are endless - anything that gives that little extra tactile feel to your projects. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

Well, I started rummaging and came up with lots of different textures for my 6x6" card, including a piece of woodgrain textured paper, torn mulberry paper which is really feathery, corrugated card, seam binding, feathers, curled wires and frantage embossing powder. Hope you like it.

I shall look forward to seeing your projects over the coming week.

Hugz, Jan xx

R for Roses

Good morning,

Or not so good here - I woke to the sound of pounding rain on my bedroom window this morning, so it's not looking good. My eldest daughter is doing a sponsored walk with her school kids today - think she might get wet!!

As it's Friday, it's time for our next letter over at the Alphabet Challenge and this week Shaz has chosen 'ROSES' for the letter 'R'. I must admit I have gatecrashed Team B this week because I love roses and couldn't resist joining in. Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I absolutely love this stamp and have had it for ages - I can't even remember who it's from! But as soon as I saw the theme, it was an easy choice for me. I tried to keep it fairly simple to showcase the stamp and think it has a bit of a vintage feel to it - I stamped in versamark ink and coloured the image with my pastel chalks, then tore around the edges before layering. All I added was a script backing paper, some twine a stamped sentiment tag with little button and a few pink pearls - pretty simple for me! Lol.

I hope you will join us this time with your versions of our theme.

Hugz, Jan xx

Halloween Tag

Hello there,

Well, I have been dying to get crafty for Halloween, but this is the first chance I've had. So, when I saw the new theme over at the 'Graph'It Marker Colour Challenge' I decided it was time I got started! Lol.

Here's what I made for my entry ...

I have used a collection of things to make my tag, starting with a basic shape cut from a piece of recycled card. This was covered with some scraps of paper from my stash in green, orange and rust and then mounted on black card.  

The main image is made of three separate images overlayed to make a little Halloween scene and are from the 'Witchie Witchie download bundle' available from Polkadoodles. I coloured the pumpkin with my Graph'It markers - I used four different shades from the skintones set (4115, 4125, 4155 and 4170) and blended them from light to dark. The green and yellow was added with my Promarkers.  

The 'Happy Halloween' sentiment and the little bats are printed from the same download bundle and cut out and added to the tag with some dimensional glue (although this doesn't show very well in the picture).  The 'October' calendar is from the sentiments section of the 'Home for Christmas CD', also from Polkadoodles and I added a little spider web (from the download bundle) and highlighted the 31 with markers. 

I added a few extra embellishments, including a little hand drawn spider, some tiny bunting with 'boo' lettering stamped on it, a die-cut gate and a couple of little metal pumpkins which I coloured with my pens too. And lastly, a piece of black ribbon to finish off.

Right, I'm off to enter this into the challenge - wish me luck!

Hugz, Jan xx

Elegant Ladies

Hello again,

I'm back with my second post today for Make My Monday - this week Suzi has chosen the theme of

'ELEGANT LADIES'

So, we would love to see your interpretation of the theme.  Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I decided to use this gorgeous stamp which I received free on a magazine a while ago - isn't she just fab! I stamped her onto my cardstock, then stamped again onto a scrap of the backing paper and cut out her fabulous dress.  I used my Promarkers for her skin and her wrap and also added a little Promarker shading to the dress layer before adding to the image.  The finishing touch was a little frantage powder to add some glitz.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set together with a few added embellishments from my stash.

If you have the time, maybe pop over to the main blog and check out the other elegant ladies from my teamies.

Hugz, Jan xx

Paper Piecing

Good morning,

I hope you all had a great weekend - mine was fairly quiet, with lots of crafting of course!

Well, it's time for our next theme at the 'My Besties UK Challenge' and this time we would love to see your projects showcasing

'PAPER PIECING' 

which simply means 'filling in your image with pieces of paper', instead of the traditional colouring.

Now, I did all mine digitally using these gorgeous papers from Raspberry Road.

Here's what I made for my DT inspiration ...

I chose the very trendy 'Positively Penelope' image 773 - which can be purchased from Sherri's on-line store HERE.  I printed her onto my cardstock, together with a simple sentiment, then printed her again a few times with the relevant papers behind the image. I coloured her face and hair with my Promarkers, then added all the little pieces after cutting them out. I love this way of 'colouring' and image and it's perfect for matching to your backing papers. Added embellishments are from my stash.

Please pop over to the main blog HERE if you have the time - my teamies are waiting with some more fab inspiration for you.