Joanna Sheen Challenge

Spring is in the air

2012-03-01T09:00:00.020Z

Hiya everyone,

We had a phenomenal amount of entries last month to our Love is in the air challenge. Thanks so much to each and every one of you who took part. Also a big thanks to Lindsay who was our Guest designer.
Unfortunately, there can be only one winner and this month drawn by random.org is:-

Izzwizz

Congratulations Izzwizz!!! - If you contact me on cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com I will sort out your prize!!!

Our Guest Designer as picked by out DT Jane is Lyndsey - If you contact me on the above e-mail I will send you out the GDT blinkie and the challenge info.

In no particular order the top 3 favourites also picked by Jane are:-

Erin

Sharon

Ellie

Congratulations to you all!!! Feel free to snatch our "I made the top 3 blinkie" off our sidebar!

Well, it's the 1st March and I have a definate spring in my step! You just can't beat the lighter evenings and the little green shoots popping up all over the place!

This goes hand in hand with our new challenge which is:-

Spring/Easter

We want to see all of your springy creations! I'm thinking pastels/ginghams/daffodils/easter eggs/bunnies - you get the idea! They can be any sentiment at all as long as they have a springy feel to them!

The prize up for grabs to the random winner is a £30 gift voucher to spend in the on-line shop.

Suzi will also be picking one of the entries to join us as a guest designer for one of our forthcoming challenges as well as their favourite top 3!

Our DT has come up trumps this month with some great designs as well as some more fab tutorials for you. Please click on the DT members name to go to their blog for more info on their cards. If it says that there is a tutorial, then please click on the piccie to be taken to that tutorial.

Jane
(Tutorial)

Teresa
(Tutorial)

Sandra

Natalie

Our March Guest Designer Lexie

Please add your name to the Linky - Make sure you link your specific blog post to the Linky and not your whole blog as it can take a while to find your entry if you blog a lot!

Thanks for looking!

Making decoupage from stamped images

2012-03-01T08:55:00.007Z

Hiya everyone,

Our DT member Jane has put together a little tutorial explaining how you can make your own decoupage from stamped images. I will leave the explaination to Jane!

I am addicted to stamps, I NEED them all.

Some are just too cute for words or the latest thing, I gotta have them!

When I have my sensible head on I do like to justify the use it will get.

For example, what occasions will it be suitable for, genre,

masking or decoupage potential.

The more uses a stamp could have the better the value for money but if I am honest

it doesn't mean I actually fulfill that potential but they have it all the same.

Crafters logic me thinks!

I am going to show you how to make your own decoupage using stamps,

You can do this at your own level and abillity.

Three simple layers can be just as effective as something more intricate.

If you cut the wrong bit off, just stamp another!

For this tutorial I will be using this Favourite Flowers stamp but you can follow me using any stamp, the principals are the same.

Lets get started, first of all stamp out several of the stamped image onto your chosen cardstock.

Next you need to cut out the entire image, this will be the base and your first layer.

Secondly, cut out the image again but this time cut away the parts furthest away from you,

in this case I have cut off the flowers behind the basket handle, this will be the second layer.

Continue to cut your image removing more from the background until you are left

with your most foreground piece.

I don't decide beforehand how many layers I want, I just start cutting away bit by bit

until I am done. In this case I finished with seven layers.

It is also worth considering at this point how deep your card will be espcially if you

intend to post it, size is money?

Now it is time to colour your images.

You do not need to colour the entire pieces several times over

as some will be hidden by another layer.

I find it better to cut then colour so you are not left with any harsh white edges.

(As you can see I have coloured some of my flowers that will be covered up but I was

just deciding on my colour choices!)

I do also advise to colour some edges on the previous layer so when looked upon

at a side ways glance it all appears to have been coloured!

---

Now we are ready to assemble, I like to use Collall glue but you can

also use 3d foam pads, just personal preference.

I also like to shape my pieces for extra effect either with scissors, bone folder

or even my fingers.

---

Here is the finished result, a beautiful Spring flower basket.

Thanks so much to Jane for taking the time to write and prepare this tutorial for us!

Thanks for looking!

Machine sewing on cards

2012-03-01T08:55:00.006Z

Hiya everyone,

Our DT member Teresa has put together this little tutorial on sewing techniques on cards using a sewing machine. It is very popular right now and gives a lovely effect to the finished card.

First I coloured my image the lovely Giordano Baby Bunny GI0725 Stamp

I chose my papers which are off the Jane Shasky CD, mycard and a doily.

I've used a small piece of double sided tape to secure the paper & doily to the card so it doesn't move about whilst sewing.

I've used my standard sewing machine, no special needle required and I

didn't have to adjust the tension.

I chose straight stitch but if you are practicing it's good to start with the zigzag as this doesn't show so much if you go off the line a little.

You can keep the sewing line straight by using the foot of the machine close to the edge of the card as a guide

I then sew the doily in place

If you are trying this for the first time and if you do make a mistake (wobbly lines etc) you could always pop a flower over that area to disguise it.

Here is the finished card.

Thanks so much to Teresa for taking the time to write up this tutorial for us!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-29T09:00:00.003Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this little vintage card made by

Irene

from Irene's card spot blog.

I love the vintage feel to the card and the lovely glittery heart is lovely! To see more of Irene's cards you can view her blog here.

I'm still ploughing through all the wonderful DT applicants - we have had a staggering 219 entries so far and there's still 2 weeks to go! It's going to be a tough decision as there's so many talented crafters out there!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-28T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured creation is this heart wall hanging that has been made with a Jane Shasky topper - isn't it pretty? This has been made by

Bobbie Leese who is one of our blogless entries and who is joining us for the first time!

We have had a MASSIVE 27 entries so far via the Joanna Sheen non-blog blog which proves that people do want to participate in challenges even if they don't want to have a blog of their own!

I honestly can't remember what I did with my time before I blogged.....Oh Yeah, I remember - I actually made a LOT more cards! Lol

I hope you're all looking forward to our new challenge starting on Thursday!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-27T09:00:00.005Z

Hiya everyone,

Today's featured card is this little cutie made by

Scatty Jan

from her Scrappy Scatty Jan blog

Such alovely image and I love the lacy doily! To see more of Scrappy Jan's cards you can view her blog here.

To all House Mouse fans - there is a new challenge starting today at the House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge at 12 noon (GMT) - Check it out here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-26T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

I hope you're all having a great weekend so far! I'm looking forward to a night of the mentalist as I've not watched it for a few weeks!

Todays featured card is this gorgeous fun card made by

Anita

from her just a pigment of my imagination blog

Such a sweet image and I love the backing papers and felt hearts! To see more of Anita's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Blog Candy!!!

2012-02-25T12:00:00.003Z

Hiya everyone,

This week's blog candy is this fab

Set of 10 spring coloured ribbons

I love ribbon and fibres and tend to use them on most of my cards and these are going to be just gorgeous for the upcoming season!!!

As usual, to be in with a chance to win this fab candy all you need to do is become a follower and make a comment on this post. It would be nice if you could pop a link and piccie on your sidebar but you don't have to. This means our candy is open to anyone - even if you don't have a blog!

It will run till thurs 8pm 1st March and I will post the winner on friday 2nd. New candy will be posted Saturday 3rd. The winner, once announced will have 7 days in which to contact me to claim their prize so be sure to pop back and check!

Good luck to everyone

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-25T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

Don't forget Joanna on Create and Craft TV a lot today - I'm gutted as I'm working so I'll miss it especially House Mouse saturday which is my favourite (4-5pm) Lot of new little cuties available!!! :))

Anyhoo, todays featured card made by

Catherine

from Catherine's handmade cards blog

This is a simple, yet very striking design and it works so well! I love the red colour and the glossy heart is fab!

To see more of Catherine's cards you can go to her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

2012-02-19T09:00:00.004Z

Hiya everyone,

I'm very excited as I've just booked my first family holiday. It's only a week in Windermere but it's a gorgeous little stone built cottage and I do love the Lakes as there's so much to do and see. Don't worry everyone - it has free wi-fi so you're not getting rid of me that easily! :))

Today's featured creation is this gorgeous bookmark made by

Maria

from her Pandi land blog

This is lovely and I hope it was appreciated by it's recipient! To see more of Maria's card you can go to her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Blog Candy!!!

2012-02-18T12:00:00.005Z

Hiya everyone,

Up for grabs this week is this fab

Marianne Creatables butterfly die

If you're anything like me - I love butterflies and can stick them on anything! Lol

As usual, to be in with a chance to win this fab candy all you need to do is become a follower of this blog and make a comment on this post. It would be nice if you could pop a link and piccie on your sidebar but you don't have to. This means our candy is open to anyone - even if you don't have a blog!

It will run till thurs 8pm 23rd February and I will post the winner on friday 24th. New candy will be posted Saturday 25th. The winner, once announced will have 7 days in which to contact me to claim their prize so be sure to pop back and check!

Good luck to everyone

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-18T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya Everyone,

Today featured card is this unusual pink and grey birdie card made by

Mary J

from her Where's my creativity? blog

Such a lovely use of pretty papers and dies - this is lovely!

To see more of Mary J's cards you can view her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Mega Valentines Day Blog Candy Winner!!!

2012-02-17T12:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

I hope you're all having a great week so far. Mine has mainly comsisted of work and trying to sort through my craft room which is a right state so I've barely made anything. :(

Anyhoo, the winner of the Mega Valentine's candy is:-

Lindyloo

I have popped a piccie here to as I think we have more than one Lindyloo and I cannot link to her blog as she is one of our blogless followers!

BIG Congratulations Lindyloo! - If you send an e-mail to cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com I will pass your details to Joanna and her team to sort out your fab prize!

Don't forget to pop back on saturday to check out our fabulous new candy!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this lovely card made by

Crafty Chris

from her Crafty Chris blog

It is very stylish and a bit more grown up looking than the usual pink and red valentines card. A very sophisticated card - I do love purple!

To see more of Chris's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-15T23:48:00.000Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this gorgeous card made by

Gro

from her Gros hobby blog

I love the image of the dreamy love lovestruck girl and the policeman in the heart! Such fun!

To see more of Gro's cards you can view her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-15T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

I hope that you all had a good Valentines day yesterday. The hubby and I went out for a bite to eat and watched the Woman in black at the cinema. It was totally awesome and scary in a very understated way as it leaves everything to the imagination. I have a very vivid imagination and scared myself stupid! Lol It was a toss up between that and the muppets but I decided that as we very rarely get to go to the cinema that the Woman in black would be the best on a big screen.

Anyhoo, back to the featured card which is this little cutie made by

Kim

from kraftyk's krafty kards blog

I do love these little hedgies and have quite a few myself! Just a lovely simple, stylish card Kim.

To see more of Kim's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thank for looking!

DT - Reminder!!!

2012-02-14T23:24:00.000Z

Hiya everyone,

I just thought I'd shout about our DT call that is open until 15th March as we need 1 new DT member as part of theupcoming changes to the blog on 1st April.

If you are interested in putting your name forward then please go to the original post here and make a comment leaving your blog details so we can check out your work!

DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS POST FOR THE DT CALL - THIS POST IS A REMINDER ONLY

If you want to read about the changes to the blog you can view the original announcement here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-14T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is by

Jan

from her Lovestocraft blog

It has been made with the fab new Daisy and Friends CD rom brought to you by Joanna Sheen. It is a fab CD - full to the brim with fab images and papers for a bargain £9.99! For any of you that are interested you can find it here.

This was one of my favourite images on the CD and one I used myself when I made samples for launch of the CD on Create and Craft. Jan has made a super job with this and I love the striking red colour! To see more of Jan's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-13T10:51:00.000Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this little cutie made by

Missy G

from her Missy G Designs Blog

Lovely soft colours and just a little distressing makes such a pretty card!

To see more of Missy G's lovely designs you can view her blog here.

I hope your daughter has a lovely wedding on Valentines Day!

Thanks for looking!

Changes to the Challenge blog!!!

2012-02-12T16:57:00.000Z

Hiya everyone,

I just thought I'd keep you updated on upcoming changes to the Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog. From 1st April we will be changing to a bi-weekly challenge that will change to a new challenge every other sunday. This means there will be far more challenges for you to enter. The monthly prize will be split from a £30 monthly prize to a £15 prize for every challenge but there will be far more chances to win!

The design team will be split into 2 teams so that team A will make something for the first challenge and team B will make something for the 2nd challenge and will alternate every other challenge.

We will still be posting the daily featured cards that you all love so much and will still be doing the weekly candy.

We are also going to adding to our information section and the step-by-step tutorials.

I hope you are as excited about the fab changes as we all are and that you'll continue to join in the fun!

If any of you can think of anything else that would improve our blog then please don't hesitate to add a comment and let us know!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-12T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured creation is by one of my fellow House Mouse and Friends Challenge blog teamies

Dorte

from her Hos Dorte blog

This is a gorgeous little gift box filled with heart shaped chocolates and is so sweet! To see more of Dorte's card you can visit her blog here.

For all you House Mouse fans there is a new challenge starting monday at the House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge.

Thanks for looking!

Mega Valentines Day Blog Candy!!!

2012-02-11T12:00:00.005Z

Hiya everyone,

As Valentines day is just around the corner, we have some mega candy for you all this week!

Set of 12 promarkers - Vivid blending set

Pack of elegance card

12 fine tip nibs

I'm sure you'll agree - this is one super lot of candy!!!

As usual, to be in with a chance to win this fab candy all you need to do is become a follower of the blog and make a comment on this post. It would be nice if you could pop a link and piccie on your sidebar but you don't have to. This means our candy is open to anyone - even if you don't have a blog!

It will run till thurs 8pm 16th February and I will post the winner on friday 17th. New candy will be posted Saturday 18th. The winner, once announced will have 7 days in which to contact me to claim their prize so be sure to pop back and check!

Good luck to everyone

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-11T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is very girly pink card made by

Lorraine

from Mrs B's blog

This is such a typical valentine's card and there's nowt wrong with that! It's utterly adorable!

To see more of Lorraine's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Blog candy Winner!!!!

2012-02-10T12:00:00.002Z

Hiya Everyone,

We have a winner for last weeks blog candy which was this gorgeous set of House Mouse stamps! - our lucky winner is:-

Casper

Congratulations Casper! E-mail me on cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com to claim your prize. You have 7 days to get in touch - if not I will do a re-draw!

Don't forget to pop back on saturday to put your name down for our new MEGA Valentine's PROMARKER candy! Ooooohhhhh!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-10T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this lovely clean and simple House Mouse card made by

Karin

from Trollkatta's Scrapping blog

I love the use of the spellbinders dies - it really draws you in! To see more of Karin's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Project - DL Jane Shasky Wedding Card tutorial

2012-02-08T23:39:00.002Z

Hiya Everyone,

The following project has been put together by DT member Wendy and is one of many that we hope to share with you throughout the year. I hope you are all inspired by this different fold enough to try this or something similar for yourself! (This will replace the usual daily talent spot for today).

I asked Wendy to put together a card project featuring a different fold. She decided on this Tri Fold DL card because they are relatively quick and easy and always manage to look elegant with minimal effort

To begin with you need to print off the Wedding cake Topper sheet and a sheet of patterned paper from the Rose Garden section of the Jane Shasky CD

Take an A4 sheet of card and trim lengthwise to 11.25". This sheet then needs to be scored at 3.75" and 7.5". I have used my score board but you can also use a ruler and a bone folder.

The first fold will be a mountain fold and the second a valley fold. I have also used a corner rounder to round off the corners, punching through two layers on the folds.

Cut three strips of patterned paper to measure 3.25" wide by 7.75" long. I have positioned the wedding cake on the backing paper so that it is on the right hand side of one of my strips. Next cut three strips of contrasting card stock to measure 3.5" wide by 8" long. Round the corners on all pieces.

Pop the two pieces of patterned paper (without the wedding cake image) onto the contrasting card stock layers using double sided tape and adhere them to the front and centre panels of the Tri Fold card base.

Before attaching the piece of patterned paper with the wedding cake image in the corner to the contrasting card stock, attach a piece of Ivory organza ribbon down the centre of the strip. Now add the patterned paper to the card stock and attach to the final panel of the Tri Fold card base.

Trim one of the toppers from the topper sheet to size and cut a layer of the contrasting card stock 0.25" larger than your topper. Attach the topper to the card stock using double sided tape.

Embellish the topper with pearls using Aeeleen's Quick Dry Tacky Glue and put to one side to allow the glue to dry.

Once the glue is dry mount your topper centrally on the front panel of the Tri Fold card base using 3D foam pads or silicone glue.

Cut a piece of card for your sentiment, I have used a Nestability shape. Stamp with the required text and sponge the edges with inks that compliment the colours in your topper and patterned paper.

Attach this centrally to the centre panel of the Tri Fold card base.

Attach a bow/floral decoration of your choice to the strip of organza ribbon that runs down the centre of the back panel with a pop dot or silicone glue. I have used the mini Bowdabra to make a bow with the Ivory Organza ribbon and I have added some string pearls to the bow.

Finally add any further embellishments to the front panel of your Tri Fold. I have added a small Ivory organza ribbon bow to the cake and a couple of co-ordinating pieces of card candi to the bottom left hand corner.

Thanks to Wendy McGlinchey for this fab project

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-08T09:00:00.003Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is ths gorgeous card by

Gemma

from Gems's little creations blog

The design is very crisp and clean and the digi is so cute without being too cute if cute just ain't your thing! I love cute so I love my rapidly expanding house mouse collection! To see more of Gemma's cards you can view her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-07T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

I will remember to actually post the daily talent spot today Lol after saving it to drafts instead! Doh!

Todays featured card is this lovely one by

Ann Whitfield

from her Spirit of creativity blog

This is very different but still so very beautiful so I just had to share it with you all. I love the open locket - it is so personal to pop the little piccies in there. Lovely neutral colour so ideal for a mans card.

To see more of Ann's cards you can visit her blog here.

Also, the new spring Limited Edtion promarkers are now available on the website for £9.99 with free P+P - Bargain!!! Get them quick as once they're gone, they're gone! HERE - I just got mine! ***Happy dance*** :D x

Thanks so much for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-06T21:06:00.000Z

Hiya everyone,

Ooops! I did it again - I saved this to draft and did not publish it!!!

Todays featured card is this stunner by

Donna

from her Craftheadcase blog

Apparently, it's a bendy fold card which goes flat to fit in an envelope but slots together to form a more 3D style card. Whatever it is - it's very pretty! For a much better description and a better look at Donna's card you can visit her blog here. It is soooo pretty and something I might try if I get a spare few minutes!

Thanks for looking!!!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-05T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya Everyone,

I'm sooo busy as I'm up to my eyes with DT work at the moment. Once my little Tayla goes to bed I'll be off to my craft room to finish my many samples - some of which may be new little house meeces but you didn't hear that from me! I am sure a tease! Lol

I hope you're all having a fab weekend so far and the weather isn't too bad. A few minutes of snow and the UK grinds to a halt. I'm sure other places aren't so badly prepared!

Ah well. Todays featured card is by

Alison

from The Great Leveller blog

I normally start with what I like but what's not to like? Soft, shabby colours, vintage photo, lovely dies etc. It's ever so pretty and really caught my eye.

I do enjoy randomly picking different cards for the daily talent spot. It's all about highlighting your talents and creations and providing inspiration for others from beginners to experienced crafters. I don't care how many years some people have been crafting - they can all be inspired by something or someone. I sometimes see a punch being used differently or a colour scheme that I would never normally use. You really are a fabulously talented bunch!

I just wanted to thank all of you who take the time to show these showcased people a little love and comment on their fab creations. Something that seems so small can mean such a lot.

Thanks for looking!

Blog Candy!!!

2012-02-04T12:00:00.004Z

Hiya everyone,

This week's blog candy is this fab set of

Snuggle Up House Mouse Stamps

This set is just gorgeous and they will be perfect for Valentines day coming up!!!

As usual, to be in with a chance to win this fab candy all you need to do is make a comment on this post. It would be nice if you could pop a link and piccie on your sidebar but you don't have to. This means our candy is open to anyone - even if you don't have a blog!

It will run till thurs 8pm 9th February and I will post the winner on friday 10th. New candy will be posted Saturday 11th. The winner, once announced will have 7 days in which to contact me to claim their prize so be sure to pop back and check!

Good luck to everyone

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-04T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Today featured card is this lovely card by

Lisa Georgiou

which is one of our blogless entries which means she doesn't have a blog of her own and enters via the Joanna Sheen non-blog entries. You can see other non-blog entries here.

I love the colour, layout and the use of the fab dies. Stunning card Lisa I'm sure you'll all agree!

Thanks for looking!!!

Blog candy Winner!!!!

2012-02-03T12:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Wow! Hasn't the last week just flown by? Time for a brand new winner on the blog candy from last week which was this fab set of Kort and Godt pearls.

This weeks winner is:-

Jaymor

If I remember rightly Jaymor is one of our blogless followers so a massive congratulations!!!

Please e-mail me on cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com and I will pass your details onto Joanna and her team.

Be sure to pop back tomorrow for some gorgeous mousey candy!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-03T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this lovely one made by

coldwaters2

from her Coldwaters2 blog

I love the cute image and the use of all the pretty dies are lovely! To see more of Coldwaters2 cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-02-02T09:00:00.005Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card of the month is our very first entry into our new "Love is in the air" challenge. It is made by

Whimsical Whisper

from her Whimsical Whisper designs blog

I love the cute image and it makes an ideal shaker card - so pretty!

To see more of Whimsical Whisper's design you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Love is in the air Challenge

2012-02-01T09:00:00.069Z

Hiya everyone,

I just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone who took part in our "celebrations" challenge last month. We had a whopping 365 entries which is even more than our "christmas wishes" challenge for december so we're all well chuffed!

The random winner of the £30 gift voucher generously donated by Joanna Sheen for her on-line shop is:-

Carol Jenks

BIG congratulations Carol! If you e-mail me on cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com with your details I will sort out your prize!

Our lovely DT member Wendy has picked her favourite Top 3 which are:-

278 - Crafty C

45 - Dora

106 - Sylvia B

Congratulations to all of the Top 3! - Please feel free to snatch our Top 3 blinkie off our sidebar!

Wendy has also picked a Guest Designer for our March Challenge which is:-

191 - Lexie

Congratulations Lexie! Please e-mail me on cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com to get the challenge info and the GDT blinkie.

For February we have a brand spanking new challenge which is

"Love is in the air"

I know it's cheesy but I couldn't resist! Lol We want to see all of your Valentine's, wedding, engagement, anniversary and general with love/sending love cards.

Again, lots of scope for multiple entries so we can't wait to see what what you all come up with.

Don't forget if you don't have a blog you can still enter - see sidebar (left) for details!

We are currently holding a DT call for 1 new DT member - you can view the original post here, just in case you missed it originally - deadline for entry is Thursday 15th March.

We have some fab DT inspiration this month and have Lindsay CraftyMonster joining us as our GDT.
You can get further details of all the DT's work by clicking on their name to be taken to their individual blogs!

We also have a fab step by step tutorial this month by Suzanne

Suzanne

(click on the piccie to be taken to the tutorial)

Wendy

Carol

GDT Lindsay CraftyMonster

Add your cards to our thumnail linky below and don't forget to add GDT to your name if you would like to be considered for our coveted guest designer spot.

Thanks for looking!

Step-by-step decorated plaque by Suzanne

2012-02-01T08:55:00.004Z

I have been asked to do a workshop I thought I`d use the wooden MDF Plaques that I had just ordered. They are stunning & a lot larger than I expected them to be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So for this workshop I have used the following:-

( click on the item to take you to the product )

Products Used for the Workshop

Jane Shasky Double Cd Rom

Wooden MDF Plaques

One Stop Crackle

Vintage Photo Distress Ink Pad

Acrylic Paint - Green

1 - Place the MDF plaque on the non stick craft mat & paint a layer of acrylic paint over the surface. Set the plaque aside to dry or speed up the process by using a heat tool.

2 - Apply a good amount of the one stop crackle.

3 - Now using the paint brush spread the crackle evenly over the acrylic paint.

Make sure you clear the brush & mat straight after use.

Now dry the glaze using a heat tool & watch the crackles appear.

4 - Swipe the vintage photo ink pad over the whole surface of the piece

5 - & then wipe away the excess ink. This will ensure the ink has gone into the cracks.

6 - Loop a length of the string through the holes in the plaque.

7 - Tie the ends with 2 large knots so they don`t come back through the holes.

8 - Print off the decoupage set of the roses in a tin holder onto gentle gloss photo paper.

9 - Use the decoupage snips to cut out all the pieces on the sheet. Glue all the pieces onto the

2nd largest heart leaving the base layer free for the moment.

10 - Once the piece is dry glue just around the outer edge of the piece leaving the top edge free.

11 - Place the base panel onto the plaque & then add the prepared layer onto the base.

TOP TIP. Leave the decoupage snips in the centre

of the panel to allow a small pocket for a note to be added.

Using this technique will stop the decoupage from falling down due to the weight of the glue.

12 - Place a sentiment on the top of the piece to finish the design off.

Optional: Make a small card to fit inside of the heart pocket. The embossed heart has been made using the EZ Mount board.

Here is the completed project.

Thanks for stopping by to view this challenge piece

Suzanne x

2012-01-28T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya Everyone,

Today featured card is this gorgeous baby boy card made by

Doreen

from her Doreen's Dream blog

The images and papers work so well together - I bet whoever received it loved it!

To see more of Doreen's cards you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

2012-01-25T09:00:00.003Z

Hiya everyone,

The featured card for today is this lovely card made by

from Fi's cards and crafts blog

The image is sooo sweet and I love the colourscheme as it's a little different! To see more of Fi's designs you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-24T09:00:00.001Z

Todays featured card is this little Penny Black cutie made by

Sharon

from her ewe 2 can craft blog

Such a gorgeous image and lovely soft shades - what a delight! To see more of Sharon's cards you can visit her blog here.

For details of our DT Call click here.

Thanks for looking!!!

DT Call!!!

2012-01-23T21:59:00.000Z

Hiya Everyone,

I have some very exciting news for you all. There are going to be some slight changes to the challenge blog so we need to take on 1 (and only 1) new permanent DT member!

Ideally, the perfect candidate will be a versatile, talented crafter who will have a blog that they update on a pretty regular basis. You will be required to make and blog approx 1 card per month using Joanna's wonderful products.

How does that sound?!? Too good to be true? Well, it isn't. You could join our amazing DT simply by adding your name and blog URL to the comments to this post. It isn't going to be an easy decision as we only need 1 person and we expect to get a LOT of interest but if you are interested please enter. I know only too well that if you don't enter something - you just never know!

I will keep this DT call open until Thursday 15th March and will hopefully announce the lucky person on Saturday 31st March.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-23T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya Everybody,

Todays featured card is this too cute baby card made by

Kelly

from her Kelsmakes blog.

I love the gorgeous image and the simplicity of the design proving once again, that we don't need to throw everything we own at a card to get a stunning make!

To see more of Kelly's designs you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-22T09:00:00.002Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this lovebirds card made by

NanaConnie

from My Grammy's Attic blog

The image is cute and the soft peachy colours are lovely too! To see more of NanaConnie's creations you can go to her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Blog Candy!!! ENDED

2012-01-21T12:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

This week's blog candy is this gorgeous

Cheery Lynn

"Victorian Romance Flourish"

You really can't beat these dies - they are so intricate yet they cut so beautifully.

As usual, to be in with a chance to win this fab candy all you need to do is make a comment on this post. It would be nice if you could pop a link and piccie on your sidebar but you don't have to. This means our candy is open to anyone - even if you don't have a blog!

It will run till thurs 8pm 26th January and I will post the winner on friday 27th. New candy will be posted Saturday 28th. The winner, once announced will have 7 days in which to contact me to claim their prize so be sure to pop back and check!

Good luck to everyone

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-21T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this gorgeous butterfly card by

Ereti

from her Ereti Kaarimaania blog

I love the wordy backing paper and those butterflies are just beautiful! To see more or Ereti's cards you can go to her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Blog candy Winner!!!!

2012-01-20T12:00:00.001Z

Hiya Everyone,

We have a winner for last weeks blogs candy which was 10 promarkers of your own choice which is:-

Shazza

Congratulations Shazza! E-mail me on cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com to claim your prize. You have 7 days to get in touch - if not I will do a re-draw!

Don't forget to pop back on staurday to put your name down for our new candy!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-20T09:00:00.005Z

Hiya Everyone,

Todays featured card is this LOTV cutie made by

Lorraine

from her Lorraine's Creations blog

I love the image and the more unusual colourscheme - it's nice to get out of our comfort zone every now and again!

To see more of Lorraine's creations you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-19T09:00:00.003Z

Hiya Everyone,

Todays featured card is this gorgeous baby card made by

Katie

at her Midnight pixy blog.

I love the embossed background and the cute elephant. It really makes a change to not have any patterned papers on a card. To see more of designs you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

2012-01-14T12:00:00.004Z

Hiya everyone,

This week's blog candy is

your choice of any 10 single promarkers

(excl. metallic and subject to being in stock)

This is a great candy - ideal for anyone building up their promarker collection!

As usual, to be in with a chance to win this fab candy all you need to do is make a comment on this post. It would be nice if you could pop a link and piccie on your sidebar but you don't have to. This means our candy is open to anyone - even if you don't have a blog!

It will run till thurs 8pm 19th January and I will post the winner on friday 20th. New candy will be posted Saturday 21st. The winner, once announced will have 7 days in which to contact me to claim their prize so be sure to pop back and check!

Good luck to everyone

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-14T09:00:00.003Z

Hiya Everyone,

Todays featured card is this gorgeous Gruffies card that I just had to share with you. I have to say that personally I still prefer the little mice but this is just so cute and is such a lovely design!

This card was made by

Petra

from her Petracreaties blog

To see more of Petra's designs you can visit her blog here.

Don't forget to check back later to see our new promarker candy!

Thanks for looking!

Blog candy Winner!!!! - claimed

2012-01-13T12:00:00.002Z

Hiya Everyone,

I have some fab news! - Do you remember I told you I was asked to be guest designer at the House Mouse and Friends Monday challenge? Well, they have invited me to join their normal DT! I'm sooo excited as it gives me an excuse to buy loads more House Mouse stamps (not that I need any! Lol)

Anyhoo, it's that time again to announce the winner of last weeks blog candy which is the new Jane Shasky papercrafting CD.

Drum roll please...........Our winner is

Hazel

from Hazel's Happy House Blog

Congratulations Hazel! - If you e-mail me at cheeky_monkey_24@hotmail.com I will get your details to Joanna and her team!

We have lush promarker candy up for grabs tomorrow so be sure to check back!

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-13T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya Everyone,

Todays featured tag is by

Mina

at her Pinkpuds blog

Mina is a super talented designer and is on a number of design teams. Her work really is second to none so you really should go and check out the fabulous designs on her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-12T09:00:00.001Z

Hiya everyone,

Todays featured card is this little cutie made by

Lalkygirl

at her My creative space blog

I really love cute images hence my obsession with House Mouse! Lol

To see more of Lalkygirl's creations you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-11T09:00:00.003Z

Hiya Everyone,

Today's featured creation is this lovely card made by

Pauline C

from her Passion for Paper blog

The image, papers and embellishments have all been well chosen so everything works so well together. I really love that lace too - I've not got that one!

To see more details of Pauline's card you can visit her blog here.

Thanks for looking!

Daily talent spot!!!

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000Z

Hiya Everyone,

Todays featured card is by

Luanne

from The Crafter's Reference blog

I think most crafters hate making mens cards (I know I do) and I think she has made a fab card with some fab papers and a lovely image.

To see more of Luanne's cards you can go to her blog here.

Joanna has some fab new stamps at the moment which are so versatile and are just great for mens cards!

(Click on the image to see more info on the website)

http://www.joannasheen.com/craft-supplies/joanna-sheen-unmounted-rubber-stamps/misc-unmounted-rubber-stamps/joanna-sheen-stamps-diy-old-toolbox-js334/

Thanks for looking!