In The Pink (DT) Winter

Morning all, hope your day is full of Pinkness because it's a new challenge from IN THE PINK.  The theme this time is WINTER.

It's up to you how you interpret this but I read it as winter, the season, rather than Christmas.

Anyhoo, this is my make:

As this challenge is being sponsored by BUGABOO I thought I would try something a little different with one of their images.

This is Sunbonnet Fireman Fire Hose - I bought mine in the rubber version from Little Miss Muffet

It was a lightbulb moment for the shower of snowflakes

The snowflakes are made with a Lawn Fawn die set cut from BoBunny double dots paper

Image has been painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment from My Favorite Things

Custom sized card base

As I mentioned, the sponsor is BUGABOO STAMPS

Wintery hugs

Squirrel xx

Mugs And Kisses

Afternoon crafty peeps, hope this finds you well, or certainly getting better!  When Toad suggested a casserole for the weekend, it was 20C and sunny, and I thought he was nuts.  However, this morning is cold, wet and yucky, so maybe he's not so daft at all.  There is now a HUGE chicken casserole simmering away in the oven, I've got Rosie curled up on the sofa beside me, and I've got the Japanese F1 quali highlights on.  Almost a perfect day (grin).

Anyhoo, this little make is a first reminder for the Squirrel's Not So Random Challenge where the theme is ONE COLOUR (plus skin/hair/fur).  I've spotted several cards in blogland this morning that would fit the theme so we know it's not that scaring you away - maybe it is just lack of awareness of the challenge.

This one started as a bit of an experiment, but me being me, I made it into a card anyway.  Just a shame that one of the dies moved going through the Calibur.  More sticky tape next time!!

This is Cocoa Nancy by Roberto's Rascals from CC Designs (love Nancy)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers) and Polychromos Pencils

Papers are Crafts Too

Sentiment from My Favorite Things

Lawn Fawn stitched border die

Die-Namics stitched scalloped border die

X-Cut small square punch

Scalloped edged card base

So, the experiment was stamping the image in Memento London Fog (grey) rather than my usual Tuxedo Black.  The thing with the paler Memento colours is they absorb the colour of the Distress Ink painted over them, which is why the image has different coloured areas of outline.  Her hair was the hardest as the Scattered Straw base just went an icky green colour, so I went over those lines again with Brushed Corduroy,  Her features were also a challenge - the grey was too pale and she looked ill so I inked over those with a dilute Black Soot.

I would also like to enter Nancy into a couple of other challenges

Allsorts Challenge Blog - #384 Colours of Autumn

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Autumn

So, there you have it, your first nudge that your one colour makes can be entered

at SNSRC!

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

Ramona Loves Cake (don't we all)

It seems really odd posting this on the same day that the challenge I made it for is posting, on my own blog, but otherwise I wouldn't be able to tell you anything about the card!

Today is the launch of Squirrel's Not-So-Random Challenge.  Regular readers will know about Squirrel's Random Challenges, and they have become quite popular so we're going to be regular now, once every two months, and today's the day.  The challenge post will appear at 8.00am so do come back for it!

Anyhoo, here is my first DT card for my own challenge (I can't tell you how weird this feels).

I just lurrrrrrrve these Ramona stamps from Stamping Bella

This one is Ramona Loves Cake

Painted entirely with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

I've used the Lawn Fawn Puffy Clouds die for the top border

and some luscious red paper from Nitwits for the matting layers

The totally appropriate sentiment is from My Favourite Things

Thanks for popping over - don't forget to come back in a bit for the challenge launch

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

And more elephants

There's a bit of a joke with a certain friend over a customer who wanted an elephant card.  Said customer is, fair enough, quite particular but not very forthcoming with information, so for her daughter in law's birthday I ended up with a surplus of elephant cards.......it took a few makes for her to choose one she really liked (which was nothing like the original brief!).

So when said certain friend's husband emailed me asked me to make his anniversary card to said friend, and he mentioned the elephants, it was a challenge I could not refuse.

I used the MFT Adorable Elephants stamp set, aren't they just the cutest?

The little twiddly heart between them is in the set too

Coloured with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment from Paper Smooches

Martha Stewart border punches, top and bottom

Purple papers are Nitwits and the pink is Dovecraft I think (but might not be)

I think said friend was happy, her husband certainly was

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

End of May Weather

Morning all.  How are we?  We seem to be suffering from typical end of May weather.  It's a Bank Holiday in the UK, the kind of day where everyone expects to be able to get out and about with the family in the sunshine.  However, England doesn't always play by the rules.  It may be sunny for some parts, but here in the east it is cold, grey, and starting to rain.  The forecast isn't exactly encouraging either!  Toad and I are still planning a little outing, even if it is only to our favourite garden centre for a cuppa and a fresh scone!

Rosie has demanded entry into the conservatory where she normally spends the day basking.  I have to say that she looked a little puzzled this morning by the waft of cold air when I opened the door.  But she's an optimist, she has taken up position in her chair, ready and waiting.  

So, what can I bring you with a touch of sunshine about it ......  how about this?

I love this Caped Cuties stamp set from Clearly Besotted

There are dies available, but I fussy cut this little chap instead

The sunshine is the Sunny Skies die from MFT

Cloud paper is from Nitwits/LOTV (now retired)

and the lettering is Marker Micro alphabet from Die-Versions

The arched die is also MFT from one of their Stax sets

Image painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

I suppose, if we are going out, I really ought to try and make myself presentable.  I'm not sure nightie and slippers is the accepted look for garden centres.

Have a happy Monday all

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Need A Hug?

Well, would you look at this - two posts in a row, ha ha!  I have just successfully managed to transfer all my picture files from Toad's desktop, via a USB, to my laptop (don't worry, I didn't delete the original files) so I am all ready to blog from my craft space again!

Let's start with a card that I made for a friend who has been an absolute rock to me over the past couple of years.  I ought to say that she is a distance friend, as we haven't met yet, but she knows more about me than most of my local friends, and she still likes me, so how cool is that?!  I'm not going to name her, for fear of embarrassment, but if she is reading this she will know who she is and how much I treasure her.

So, the stamped image is Heidi Needs a Hug from Stamping Bella

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers) and a scribble of Polychromos for her hair

Sentiments are from My Favorite Things

The stitched cloud die is from Lil' Inkers

and the papers are from a retired LOTV/Raspberry Road pad

What shall I do with the rest of my Sunday then?  I need to finish my Father's Day card, a couple of birthday cards, cook dinner and, most importantly, park myself in front of the TV in time for the Monaco Grand Prix!

Hope you are having a wonderful day

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

(bet you have missed this little chap too)

In The Pink (DT) Pearls

Happy Pink Thursday everyone!  It's time for a new challenge from IN THE PINK and this time our theme is Pearls.

We have another super sponsor too, but more of that further down.  Firstly, here is my DT card.

So, what have I used then:

Stamped image is a clear set from Tiddly Inks featuring Ellie Says Be Happy

She's painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers) and Polychromos Pencils but I have

paper pieced her dress.

Papers are all from the Wild Rose Papermania Capsule Collection

That fabulous sentiment is by My Favourite Things

Pearls are from my stash

Ta-dah!

As if pink and pearls weren't enough to tempt you, there is a prize for the winner from

LIVE & LOVE CRAFTS

You know the rules by now, you have two weeks to enter, please use predominantly pink

and follow the theme.  Easy peasy!

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

Bit of a Beast

Hello peeps.  Sorry that I haven't been around much lately, there's a lot going on in my life at the moment and my mojo is missing again, presumed dead this time.  Even new stash isn't really lighting my fire that much, which is always bad news, especially taking into account the volume that's been plopping onto the doormat lately.

Anyhoo, I managed to slap this little chap onto Facebook yesterday before work but didn't have time to blog him, so here he is.

I "may" have fallen in love with a new-to-me stamp designer

This critter and the cake sentiment are from the Monster Party stamp set by the lovely Gerda Steiner

If you haven't been over to her site, and you like cute, then you really should pay a visit.

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Wood effect paper from Craftwork Cards Potting Shed pad

Happy Birthday sentiment by Hero Arts

Green gingham candy from Craftwork Cards

Goopy border punch from Martha Stewart

Stitched edge die from My Favourite Things

Now that surprised me, quite a list of ingredients for such a simple card!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

PS.  I won't even begin to start ranting about Google blocking followers who don't have a Google account.  Remember, you can still keep up to date with me by Bloglovin' or signing up for emails

AYLI (DT) One or Multi Layers

Yoo-hoo folks, it's Thursday, so that means a new challenge over at AS YOU LIKE IT

For this challenge we would like you to tell us about your preference of 

ONE LAYER OR MULTI LAYERS

This was a tough choice really as I quite like to play with both, but as my style is principally CAS I have gone with the one layer to show off the image more.

I've used LOTV's James with Umbrella stamp (retired)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

and a sentiment stamp from My Favourite Things Blue Skies Ahead set

and that's all there is to it!

Our sponsor for this challenge with a £10 voucher is

Crafts U Love

You have two weeks to enter the challenge, but you must tell us why you chose one or multi layers for your make!

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

I'm not Lion

Honestly, I'm not Lion.  Would I fib to you?

I've used the lion from the LOTV Faraway Friends mini stamps

The little tag is from LOTV Sentiment Tags - Set 24

(there's a nelliphant and a monkey too)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Memory Box Corner Bow die

Martha Stewart leaf punch

My Favourite Things Wonky Windows die

Papers are an allsorts mixture of old Basic Grey and ancient Papermania

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Come on baby, light my fire

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!  November has arrived at last.  I'm hoping this snap of cold will knock some of those pesky germs on the head good and proper!  I might be slightly perverted but I actually love days like this, blustery and squally showers of sleet, but only when I am tucked up safe and warm indoors, lol.  It just makes me feel even cosier.

Speaking of cosy, there is nothing quite like it for making you feel cosy than a real fire.  That is something I miss in a modern house - the gas fake fire doesn't do it for me, and it certainly isn't the same kind of warmth.  We are popping over to the Oldies this afternoon where it is guaranteed for there to be a real fire in the kitchen, and I'm not talking about mum burning the dinner!

Did you get your fill of the recent release from Lili of the Valley, the Little Folk and Little Critters?  

This simple little card was made using the Little Heroes stamp (fireman and soldier)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment from My Favourite Things

Really straightforward matting with black art card

Custom sized card base

Don't forget there is also the LAST CHANCE TO BUY offer going on at Lili - many stamps reduced to £2.50 each!  They are going fast so be quick if you want to snaffle a bargain.

That's it from me today, I need to get a chicken in the oven, load the washing machine and get myself sorted for the Oldies visit.

Catch ya laters!

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

Feelin' Purple

It's Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidaaaaaaaaay!  Whoop whoop!

Morning all, and Friday at last, hurrah, the weekend starts in nine hours, and can't get here soon enough.  This horrid shingles virus hasn't gone completely yet and I am absolutely shattered by the end of each working day, so you can imagine how tired I am by the end of the week.  A lot of sleep is on the menu for Saturday and Sunday!

Anyhoo, I am bobbing by with my second outing for October for Lili Of The Valley Design Collective.  You might have noticed a lot of purple featuring in my cards of late, and this one is no different.  I blame that Mr Holtz and his new Wilted Violet Distress Ink, it is just so yummy.

Of all the Odd Dog characters from LOTV, I think this one, Mug Of Tea, is my favourite

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers (more purple) from LOTV/Nitwits Promises pad (patterned and solids)

Sentiment is LOTV Happy Circular Sentiments Set 8

Papermania enamel dots (purple, lol), MFT double stitched rectangle die, and the twiddly bits poking out from under the sentiment are two cuts of a Whimsy corner die back-to-back

So, that's me for today.  Keep an eye on this space for some exciting Lili news coming soon.  Also, if you weren't already aware, Lili have recently moved (same site, different address) and will shortly be opening a COFFEE SHOP!  Oh how I wish I could pop upto Leeds and back in a couple of hours, lol.

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

I Hate Red!!

Hello chaps!  It's official, I hate red ink!  I have been making the unmentionables this weekend - and they have involved a lot of red (Cola Cola has a lot to answer for).  For my next one I shall be going back to the traditional pre-advertising green, so there!

I received some very happy Happy Mail on Saturday and just had to get stamping.......

Sorry for the poor quality photo - there's not been a lot of sunshine!

Thank you to the wonderful Tracy at Dies to Die For for pulling out the stops on this for me.

Image stamps and sentiment are from the MFT Jingle All The Way set

(yes, I know it's like hens teeth, still can't find the dies so had to fussy cut - was at risk of turning reindeer into a labrador late Saturday afternoon)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Circle die from CC Designs to create the aperture

Tree papers from LOTV/Nitwits but now discontinued (sad face)

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

Psst:  Rosie news!  She sat on my lap for the very first time at the weekend.  Voluntarily!

SRC Purple Friends - Reminder

Morning everyone - just popping by with a reminder of the current Squirrel's Random Challenge where the theme is 

FRIENDSHIP (please include something PURPLE)

Another CC Designs stamp - this cutie is called Rosie

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are various LOTV/Nitwits from different pads

Sentiment by My Favourite Things

The challenge runs until 9.00pm (UK) on 30 September, and you can enter up to three times.

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx

Pressing The Embelly Button

Now, you know me and embellys - they don't naturally go together, so you can imagine how I must have been feeling when I had the sudden and desperate urge to use some flowers.  This is a direct side effect of inhaling too much of the steam from cooking cabbage apparently!

 

 

This Uptown Girl is Fiona Loves Flowers from Stamping Bella

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers) with a few Polychromos for her hair

Dies are from MFT (oval) and Tonic (scalloped rectangle)

Sentiment is Personal Impressions

Wood effect paper from Joy Craft

Flower from Wild Orchid Crafts

Pearls from stash

 

See, I even sat and fiddled with curling the wires on the flower stems,

I feel all lightheaded now.

 

Have a super day

Hugs to all

Squirrel xx