Homely hues.

Hello all thanks for stopping by.
I haven't blogged for over a week - actually it's more like it 2 weeks. I don't usually get ill but I have been sooo unwell with some sort of virus.
I've been left with a horrid head cold and a hacking cough but I am def feeling alot better than I was last week.
So I am hoping to be all better in time for Christmas.

I didn't do any crafting while sick apart from finishing off this card which was all ready to be stuck down and tweaked and I actually only done that because our friends finaly moved into their new house !
So I was thrilled when I finally turned my computer back on and found that I'd got a top 3 spot at Ellephantastic in my absence and also that one of my cards had been picked as one of the favourites from the YEAR over at a crafty little place so thanks to them for brightening my day and my mood. It also kick started my crafty mojo and I set straight to work on a card which I'll show you in a couple of days - so pop back !

For this card I used some beautiful papers from Crate Paper and a digi frame from Whimsy stamps Dressed up shapes set 2 with a sentiment from Ann aka raindrop echo.
I also made a little lacy rosette by gathering up some lace and adding a button.

I love the colours of this card and it was refreshing to make something other than a Christmas project !

I would like to add this card to the following challenges;

Allsorts Challenge Blog - Anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything goes
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Your choice (# 38 Lets go digital)
CES Challenges - Anything goes

I hope you like it - thanks for looking x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

A Christmas cracker with Katie this week !

Hello yes I'm back again with my DT card for Cooking it up with Katie.
This week Katies recipe is a real Christmas cracker. Here are the ingredients you'll need ;

Make it Red
Add some Layers
Show us some Christmas!

This week we, at Cooking it up with Katie, are sponsored by Stamping Dragon Designs who very kindly provided the images which all the DT have used in this weeks challenge.
Please pop over and visit the rest of the DT girls and leave them some love - they have made some stunning samples for you this week x

For my card this week I have used papers from the super sweet gingerbread lane kit from The Creative cottage and some gorgeous gathered ribbon that I purchased from my local craft store - Capture the magic.
I also used the fab sketch over at Create 4 Fun - thanks for the inspiration ladies it is a gorgeous sketch x

I would also like to add my card to the following challenges;

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Christmas
A Spoonful Of Sugar - Christmas cards
Color Throwdown - Red, brown/kraft and green

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you'll join in with us this week at Cooking it up with Katie x

((Hugs)) Suzie xx

Creative cottage challenge - In the bag !

Good morning I hope you're all feeling better than we are in my house !
We've all got heavy colds and coughs and Aidan, my youngest son, seems to be getting one thing after another - poor little mite x
So I'm keeping everything crossed that we are all healthy for christmas.

This week's challenge at the creative cottage was set by the gorgeous lindyloo and she has asked us all to create a matching bag and card set - perfect challenge with christmas just round the corner I'm sure you all have someone special you can make a gift for x

I have to admit to struggling, again, with this challenge as I don't usually make little bags etc and felt a little out of my depth but I (eventually) came up with this sweet little set which I am really pleased with. Here is a link to the tutorial for the little bag/treat holder - thanks good ole splitcoast !
I have used the super cute jungle fun Christmas Toppers (just 80p for 6 toppers !!) for my project and also paper from the gingerbread lane kit click on the links to find out more about these fab kits and find loads more too x

This is our last challenge before christmas so we'd love you to join in with us. I would also like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a fab new year x

I would also like to add this project to the following challenges:

The Shabby Tea Room - Create a holiday gift/gift set
Pile It On - It's all in the wrapping
Creative Inspirations Challenge Blog - Christmas gifts
Paper Sundaes - Gift it !
Mami Doodles - Handmade gift item

Thanks for stopping by again x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Tagalicious recipe challenge !

Hello and first let me apologise for my extremely late post for this week's recipe challenge over at cooking it up with Katie.

This week Katie has challenged us with another fab recipe. Here are the ingredients :

Use some Green
Make a Card Set or Tag Set
Style it a little Vintage

I haven't made tags before and I'm not very good at vintage so I was a little wary of this challenge but I have thanked Katie for pushing me out of my comfort zone as I really enjoyed making these.
They were super quick to make and a fab idea to use all those little scraps of patterned paper so from now on I plan to make a gift tag to match the card when I give a gift !

This week at cooking it up with Katie we are sponsored by the fantastic Prairie Fairy who very kindly provided the DT with the fab images I have used on my tags - for more please visit my DT buddies - you will not be disapointed x

I would like to add this tag set to the following challenges;

Our Creative Corner - Tag you're it
ABC Christmas Challenge - Y for yuletide
Little Red Wagon - Christmas tag or bag
Bunny Zoes Craft Challenges - Christmas but not a card
Creative Craft Challenges - Tag it
Keep It Simple - Joy

Thanks for looking I hope you will join in with us at cooking it up with katie x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Supplies
Tag die - Sizzix Bigz, Patterned vellum - scraps from stash, Images - Prairie Fairy, Coloured with - Promarkers, copics and copic spica glitter pens, Other stamps - Holly HOTP, Circle greeting personal impressions.

Another Christmas card !!

Good morning I'm here this morning to share another Christmas card with you - actually I am not getting bored of them - I love Christmas and I have so many Christmas supplies since I never use up all my stash from one year to the next but still insist on buying more every year even tho I vow not to !
This card uses a stamp that I found in a bargain bin of a craft fair I went to - I just love it and it looks great embossed - It's a Brenda Walton stamp from Inkadinkadoo.

I've layered it on some nesties and I also made a little frame for that fab image and sentiment x

My patterned papers are from the Pink petticoat fairy lights kit - one of my fav's and I also diecut some leaves as that corner looked a little empty !

I would like to add this card to the following challenges;

Alphabet Challenge - E is for embossing
Ellephantastic Challenges - Red and green
CES Challenge Blog - Vintage Christmas
Scrappy Frogs Challenge - Christmas cards
The Corrosive Challenge Blog - Something that moves (sleigh)

Thanks for visiting me today. I hope you liked my card x
Hope you stay warm and cosy wherever you are x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Thank you Clean & Simple x

Hello thanks for popping in to see what I 've been up to - I hope that you are all well.

My youngest son has had a nasty sickness bug this week so I haven't done much crafting and I still needed to make some more Christmas cards so I found a gorgeous sketch over at Clean and simple and set aside Friday and Saturday evening to make a batch !

I have used papers from a paper stack that I had left over from last year, K & co peppermint twist and also the diecuts which came with the kit - these and the super sketch really saved me time and meant that I could make several cards.

On my father Christmas card (top) I used a thick felt snowflake which are from a set of napkin rings that I saw on sale after last Christmas - I took them apart and have been looking for the perfect card to place them on - I found it ! I think this is my fav as I love the paper too.

For the last card I used stamps from HOTP and my nesties and a sizzix die to make my "mistletoe" I don't think it looks anything like mistletoe but hey it's pretty anyway !!

Here are some challenges that I would like to enter my cards into;

Clean & Simple - Sketch (All cards)
Our Creative Corner - Tag you're it (2nd & 3rd cards)
Pile It On - Winter means ..... FATHER CHRISTMAS !!!!!! (1st,2nd & 3rd cards)
The Crafty Pad - Snowflakes (1st & 3rd cards)
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Christmas (All cards)
Crafty Calender - Winter snowflakes & DT call (1st & 3rd cards)

Thanks again for stopping by, I hope you are all keeping warm and cosy wherever you are xx
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Recipe # 39 with katie !

Hello I'm back with another post as it's time for challenge # 39 at Cooking it up with Katie and her recipe this week is to

Use some Paint
Add a Rhinestone or two
And make it Angelic (or at least for the holidays)

And above is my DT creation using a fab digi image from the fab Pixie dust studio's who are sponsoring us this week.
I really enjoyed colouring her - she is just so festive.

If you join in with us and win you will recieve 2 images, of your own choice, from pixie dust studio's - so what are you waiting for ?

Pop over to the cooking it up with Katie blog and check out the DT samples for more inspiration - they really are a super talented bunch and then join in with us.

I would like to add this card to the following challenge;

Crafty Creations Challenges - Christmas
Freshly Brewed Challenges - Winter/Christmas theme
Creative Inspirations - Red, green & gold

Thanks so stopping by - I hope to see you joining in with us over at the Cooking it up with katie this week x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Papers - K and Co peppermint twist stack and cardstock from stash
Image - Pixie dust studios
Punch - Martha Stewart
Paint - Snow marker (marvy)

Untraditional christmas colours @ creative cottage

Hello and happy Wednesday to you !

Wednesday means that it is time for another challenge at the Creative cottage challenge blog.

This week Carol has challenged us all to make a christmas card using UNtraditional christmas colours.

I have used pink and black as my colours and added plenty of sparkle - which is the law at christmas or should be !
That gorgeous paper is from the swirly cupcake mini set which is super value at just 80p !
For that you get the paper and a beautiful cupcake topper along with some great sentiments too and as with all of Tracy's kits the quality is first class - you can check it out here.

For my base card I used a piece of 8 x 8 scalloped cardstock folded in half to make a tall skinny card.
My image is from whimsie doodles - a set called Christmas greetings. I have covered the entire image with versamark and embossed it with a clear sparkle to give it a sparkly shiny finish - I've also done this with my scalloped diecut circle and snowflakes (before diecutting).
All that was left to do was add MORE sparkle with my stickles and add a ribbon bow - voila - simple !

I do hope you like it - I had fun making it as I haven't had my heat gun out for ages x

I would like to add my card to the following challenges;

2 Sisters Challenge Blog - Snowflakes
Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog - Christmas cards
Stamps R Us - Sparkles and scallops
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Cut it out
Artful Inkables - All about punches and diecuts

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you join in with us at the creative cottage challenge blog this fortnight we love stopping by to see all your creations x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Christmas with 2 sketches 4 you

I haven't played along at 2 sketches 4 you for ages and ages - and I was inspired when I saw the sketch this week so I got straight on with a card.

I used a paper pack which I bought last year but never actually got round to using - K & Co peppermint twist.
I do love it when your papers are doublesided as you always have the perfect colour/pattern to match up and when I am making lots of cards - like for Christmas - I find it saves loads of time.

I have tried another new ribbon technique today - I sewed a running stitch along the middle and ruffled it a bit - I really like the effect and I'll definitely try it again.

I used a dimensional sticker which came with the paper stack and used the packaging to diecut some leaves which I glittered with stickles and layered up to, hopefully, look like a sprig of Christmas tree.

Thanks to Kazan @ 2s4u for another fabulous sketch and the fantastic DT who always inspire me x

I hope you like it - I had fun creating it and that is one less card left to make !
Thanks for looking x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

New recipe with Katie

Good morning to you - thanks for popping in to see my creation for this weeks recipe challenge over at Cooking it up with Katie.

As with every Wednesday, Katie has supplied us with a fantastic recipe this week - here are the ingredients you'll need;

Use your punches
add a little gold
and make it for your family

I made a quick card this week as I still have lots and lots of christmas cards to make !

I used a card base and papers that came in a kit that I have left over from a christmas past - I think it is a Brenda Pinnick kit that I purchased from QVC.
All I added were the bazzill card for matting and layering, a couple of punched hearts,a little bow (made with recycled ribbon) and some shiny gold brads.
Some paper pricking and a bit of inking around the edges and it was all done !

Simple but effective I think - don't you ?

I do hope you'll hop over to the cooking it up with Katie blog to check out the other DT cards for some more inspiration and that you play along this week x

I would also like to add my card to the following challenges;

Craft Your Days Away - Christmas trees (My sentiment)
I did It Creations Challenge - Traditional Christmas colours
The Paper Players - Colour challenge
Lexi's Creations - Traditional Christmas colours
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Pretty purple cupcake !

Hello to you all I have been on a card making roll this last week ! How ? you ask - well it'simple - I haven't done the ironing or the dusting and only just the very bare minimum of housework - So the house is clean enough but I wouldn't want the queen to pop in ! Luckily I'm pretty sure that isn't going to happen so ........ !

This card was inspired by a blog that I adore Cupcake Creations. Each Saturday the uber talented Mona sets a challenge. This is the 1st week I have taken part as I am usually super intimidated by the talent of, not only Mona but the other entrants, their cards are all so cool and classy.
This week however I decided that to grow I have to play and experiment so thats what I am doing ! My card definately does not live up up to some of the others entered but I am very pleased with it.
Here is the inspiration photo and I was so happy to have a change from christmas cards.

Firstly my card base is made from a silvery pearlescent card from my A4 card folder and I cut it down to make a 5" x 7" card.

I have used papers from pink petticoat and that yummy cupcake is from them too. I gave it a liberal sprinkling of doodlebug sugar coating glitter to give it a twinkle !

The satin ribbon is from my local craft store capture the magic.

I popped up one of the clouds (top left corner) with another pink petticoat paper in the same design but a slightly darker purple shade and added lots more doodlebug sugar coating glitter to it.
This is also my 1st attempt at ribbon ruffling and, although it's not perfect, I love the lush effect is gives.
That little tag is from an old K & Co kit and I stamped "hello" onto it with a HOTP clear stamp.

So there it is I do hope you like it as much as I enjoyed making it (yes I was covered head to toe with glitter !) - thanks for stopping by x

I would also like to add this card to the following challenges;

Cupcake Creations - Color challenge
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Sparkle & shine
Stamps R Us - Sparkles and Scallops

Have a great week x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Simply Sparkling snowflakes

Here is an card that I made using this weeks sketch at Clean & simple. They want to see us use a different shape as our focal point.
I have not got a nestie this shape so I used microsoft word to manipulate the fab curvy winter frame from Whimsy stamps into a rectangular shape and shadow cut it by hand.

I do really struggle with clean and simple style although I love other peoples - I guess we are more critical of our own work !

I finally settled on a black base card so that the icy blue colour would really pop but it was a dicission that took me ages - don't quite know why it just seems so harsh - I might still add a bit more glitter around the edge to soften it a little.

There is a ton of glitter on this card (and my floor, my table and myself !) and it really twinkles beautifully. The glitter I have used is butterfly trails diamond sparkles and it is stunning - I would def reccomend it.

I would like to add this card to the following challenges;

Clean & Simple - Sketch
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Sparkle and shine
Delightful Challenges - Glitter it up
A Spoonful Of Sugar - Snow or snowflakes
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday - Use glitter
Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog - Snowflakes
Marks Finest Papers - Snowflakes

I hope you like it, thanks for looking x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Caroling Cuties !

Good morning to you all - I hope you are all well and having a great weekend x

I have finally finished a card that I have been making all week - a little bit here and a little bit there - I'm sure all of you with small children know how it is !

While browsing through blogland early this week I came across a fab digital stamp company that I had never seen before and absolutely fell in love with one of the images I found there.
Look at those little cuties all huddled up - they just warmed my heart. The company is called The doodle pantry check it out here.

While browsing the store I noticed that they also have a challenge blog so I used the excuse to put my new digi stamp to good use !
I was astonished to discover that you get treated to a (super cute) free digi just for playing along ! Very generous !

So here is my creation - I used papers from the creative Cottage kit called Robbie & Roxanne available here and I coloured that gorgeous image with my promarkers and spica glitter pens with some highlighting done with water colour pencils for a bit of depth. Then I added some fluffy glitter trims.
For the layout I was inspired by another site I found in blogland called The house that stamps built who asked us to case a card.

I would also like to add this card to the following challenges;

Crafts & Me Challenges - Glitter
Stamp Something - Digi day
Etsy Inspired Challenge - Inspiration from Happy days design store (red salsa bracelet)
2 Sisters Challenge Blog - Christmas
Crazy 4 Challenges - Christmas card or project

I do hope you like it - thanks for looking and for all your wonderful comments x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Creative cottage challenge # 27

Hello again hope you are well and keeping warm wherever you are - it's freezing here today so I'm staying in with the heating on constant !

Well wednesday means, of course, another challenge over at the creative cottage challenge blog and this weeks theme was chosen by Anne. She wants to see your christmas cards for someone special and I just know that you are all making Christmas cards like crazy ladies so there is no excuse not to join in !

My card features one of Tracy's (THE BOSS) new kits called gingerbread lane - if you haven't seen it pop over to the shop for a closer look it is super yummy.

As soon as I saw the gingerbread house with it's jelly sweets and candy canes I knew I had to use it to make a special Christmas card for my eldest son, Issac, who is an absolute sweetie fiend - I just know he'll love it and it will take pride of place in his bedroom.

I have decoupaged the gingerbread house although the photo doesn't show it that well - if I get time later I'll try and snap another closer pic for you.
And I made the sentiment with the word processor on my laptop, popped on a rub-on "son" then just added the extra sweeties to finish it off.

I would like to add this card to the following challenges;

Colour Throwdown - Soft suede, cherry cobbler and kraft.
Scrapbook Sisters - Christmas colours
Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Inspiration photo
Digital Tuesday Challenge - Use something new (brand spanking new kit !)
The ABC Challenge - H is for holidays

I hope you will join in and create with us this week at the creative cottage challenge blog, thanks for looking x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Katies 37th recipe challenge

Good morning all and welcome to my blog, I'm so pleased you dropped in x

Today I am showing you my DT card for cooking it up with Katie.

The ingredients for you to incorporate are

Food or beverages
tags
and a sentiment

This week we are sposored by Robyns fetish and all the DT were treated to a digi stamp so make sure you pop over to see all my other dt buddies and leave them some love.

For my card I used this gorgeous hot cocoa digi stamp available here and paper peiced it with some fab free papers from Summertime designs then I topped off my hot cocoa with some fluffy cream using my marvy snow marker with fluffs up when you heat set it - doesn't it look good enough to drink ?!

I added more papers from Summertime designs, which I stitched on, and some cream lace from wild orchid crafts along with some chocolatey brown bazzill card which I embossed with my sizzix texture plates and my bigshot and distressed with an emery board !
My tags were diecut (sizzix die) and I added my sentiment which came from Whimsy stamps using microsoft word processor.
I also threaded some beads on to the embroidery thread for a little extra detail x

I would like to add my card into the following challenges;

Caardvarks - Holiday card using diecuts
One Stitch At A Time - Winter wonderland
Crafty Catz - Spots and stripes
Sew Many Cards - Digi stamp & fall
Totally Papercrafts - Tag it
Delightful Challenges - Stitching

I hope you like my card and that you will come along and join in with us this week over at cooking it up with Katie.

Fresh colours at fab and funky

Good day to you - thnaks for popping in today x

I spent last night hopping around blogland looking at some challenge sites and was super inspired by the colour combo challenge over at Fab n funky challenges.

This week they want us to use kraft, lime green and pink - what a great combo and super refreshing after all those halloween and autumnal colours we've all been using recently.

I've also had these nitwit papers (digital kit) for a while and haven't really made good use of them. How perfect are they ? All the extra little elements like the sentiment, leaf and bow are also from the same kit.

The image was a freebie from the fabulous Melanie at meljens designs - I have a soft spot for bunny images as my fav childhood toy, which was trailed everywhere with me, was a little blue rabbit made for me by an auntie. I have coloured the image with my new promarkers - just lovin these they are so easy to use.

I have used the sketch over at Friday sketchers - a new site which I found on my travels thru blogland - so thanks to you for the great layout x

I would also like to add my card to the following challenges;

Creative Craft Challenges - Anniversary/congratulations - Happy 1st anniversary to you x

Thanks for looking. I hope you pop back again soon x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Cooking it up with Katie challenge # 36

Good morning, how are you today ?

I feel great at the moment there seems to be a lightness to my step and not even the long autumnal nights can dampen my spirit. I have no idea why and I'm pretty sure it won't last so I'm making the most of my mood and getting as much crafting as time (and 2 young boys !) permit.

Today I would like to show you my DT card for this weeks challenge over at cooking it up with Katie. Our recipe this week is

Give it some Texture
Add a few Swirls
Include a little Black

We are sponsored this week by Meljens images and we were treated to one of the gorgeous images. I just could not resist this cute little skating mouse and jumped at the chance to play with my new promarkers !

My papers are all from scraps and I'm not sure what any of them are - sorry !
For the textural part of card I have used pearlescent paper for a smooth shiny texture and lots of glitter.

And my prima swirls (only used on very special cards !) are black and swirly !

I am super pleased with my card and it is all thanks to that image she is definitely the star !

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Stamp Something - Stamp something with some pink
Totally Papercrafts - Bling it on
Lexi's Creations - Anything goes
City Crafter Challenges - Get your digi on
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes
I (heart) To Stamp - Sketch (super sketch - thanks Jen x)

I hope you will come and join in the fun at Cooking it up with Katie - we've got a DT call opening too so I hope to be hopping over to check out your creations soon x

Thanks for looking x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Katies girly lilac bow

Good morning I've got 2 DT cards for you today so if you stopped by to see my creative cottage card it's in the post below x

This week at Cooking it up with Katie it is challenge number 35 and our recipe this week is

Make it Girly
Add a little Lilac
Tie a Bow

and we are sponsored by the fab Robyns fetish digital stamps who kindly treated all the design team to a gorgeous digi stamp for our creations this week you can stop by here store here to view all her great stamps - you'll be spoilt for choice.

My card uses this gorg little girl looking out of the window watching the rain - something I seem to see alot of recently !
I have coloured her with my brand new promarkers and this is my 1st attempt with them so please don't judge me too harshly ! I have added some glitter (diamond sparkles - butterfly trails) for a bit of sparkle.
I used my trusty bigshot and spellbinders labels dies to cut the image and inked it up while still in the die. I only wanted a small border to layer my image onto so I drew around the edge of the die and cut it by hand rather than using the next size die in the set.

The paper is a really old sheet from my massive paper stash (I am really trying not to buy anymore papers I'm running out of room for my children !) it's called Parlor blossoms by scrapbook walls.
I've layered this up with some plain lilac A4 card and used a scrap of an old papermania sheet to make the paper ribbon which is mounted onto some bazzill.

I added some lilac satin ribbon and stitched on a button with co-ordinating thread.
The final touch was a sentiment which I made using microsoft word processor - I also printed get well soon for the inside.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges;

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Punch 'em !
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - Let's get punchy !
Crafty Cardmakers - Digital

I hope you will join in with us this week - I look forward to seeing your creations.

Thanks for looking x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Embossing for the boss !!

Another Wednesday means another challenge over at the creative cottage challenge blog.
This week it is the turn of Tracy, the creative genius and the boss, to set the challenge and she would like to see some embossing on your projects.

For my card I have used the brand spanking new kit called jungle fun and the topper set - I just couldn't resist them.
You can find out more about them and have a closer look here at the creative cottage store.

My card base was made using bazzill (of course !) and that flower is from prima - I have added loads of gold bling to it and the extra leaves are from wild orchid crafts.
For my embossing I used my bigshot and the birthday vines texture plate by sizzix and then scuffed it up with my nail file ! and some brown ink.

I added some stitching (DMC floss) to add a bit more texture - I do love to stitch onto my cards and haven't done it much recently.

Thanks for looking - I do hope you like it x

I would like to add this card to the following challenges;

Cards For Men - Anything goes (as long as it's for a male)
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Distressed
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday - Anything goes but buttons and bows

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will join in with us this week at the Creative cottage challenge blog we love visiting you to see your creations x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Twin take-off !

Good evening now x factor has finished I can post this card !

My son was invited to his friends birthday party and they happen to be twins so I needed not one but two cards - one for a boy and one for a girl.

I really didn't have time to make two cards so I had a rummage through my card box and found a card which I made way back in March (below) - you can find the post here - and I made a card using the same layout but with a male spin !


I really love this layout and I think now I have rediscovered it I will be using it again and again - it's great for a quick card.

My papers are from a DCWV stack - Nanna's kids - and I layered them up with an olivey green bazzill bling for a little extra pop !
My stamps are from my kelly panacci birthday clear stamp set - fab set great for boys or girls.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges;

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Autumn birthdays
Paperplay Challenges - Blue, orange and olive green colour combo
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge - Focus on the sentiment
Cards For Men - Happy birthday
2 Sisters Challenge - Anything goes

Thanks for looking, I hope you'll pop back again x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Creative cottage new kits

Wowsers Tracy, the creative genius, over at the creative cottage has been busy again and designed some fab paper and topper kits with these (bang on trend) owls.

They come in a variety of colours from this beautiful lavender sky kit to autumnal coloured kits and pink and black girly shades. There are actually 5 different coloured kits with the same gorgeous theme x

For my card I used the Lavendar sky owl set - just £0.80 - such great value too. I also used the lavendar sky paper pack - I just love that plaid paper and another great buy at just £1.99 for 12! printable papers.
Everything on my card except my sentiment with the butterflies are from these kits which are available here at the shop.

While I'm here I thought I'd let you know that there is a fab blog candy available at the creative cottage blog too so don't miss it - click here to check it out.

I would like to add this card to the following challenges;

Allsorts Challenge Blog - Crafty bingo (Buttons, flowers and stickles - bingo)
Crafty Catz Challenge - Black, white and one other colour (lilac)
Flutterby Wednesday's - Anything goes
The ABC Challenge - F is for flowers
Stamp Something - Digi day (all except sentiment & butterflies are digital)

Thanks for stopping by today - have a great day x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Katies new sparkly recipe

Today is wednesday which of course means a new recipe challenge over at Cooking it up with Katie.

This week the recipe is:

Make Mine a Double (use 2 of something)
Add some Letters
Finish with some Glitter

The design team were all lucky enough to get a fab digi image from Stamping dragon designs to play with and I chose this gorgeous christmas scene - I love this warm family scene and it was just perfect for all the sparkle the recipe asks for.

The image was coloured with my sons crayola pencils !!! and then I added some chalk to some areas for extra depth and shade.
I added loads of stickles glitter to the flames of the fire and also to the stockings and candles.
I also added masses of thick glossy accents to the flames to really make them the focal point of my card.

For the double aspect of my card I used 2 patterned papers, 2 types of ribbon and 2 bows so take your pick !
My use of letters is not so obvious as I wanted to use this sentiment - it says "warm tidings" and seemed just perfect - but it is quite small so I gave it the glossy accents treatment to highlight it.

The papers I used came with a magazine called Creative cardmaking - special edition winter 2009 so I must have had this one quite a while but I am trying not to declutter my craft cupboard (only to make more room for more craft goodies of course !)

I would also like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Stampin' Royalty - Ribbons, ribbons, ribbons !
Tuesday Throwdown - Anything goes
Crafty Creations Challenges - Red, brown and green
For Fun Challenges - Red, brown and cream

I do hope you will join in with us at cooking it up with Katie this week for a chance to win 4 - yes 4 - images from our sponsor stamping dragon designs.

Thanks for looking take care x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Sticky recipe with Katie this week

This week at Cooking it up with katie the recipe is to "emboss a sticky leaf !"

This week's ingredients are:

Use a Leaf (punch, image, pattern, anything with a leaf)
Add some Embossing (heat or dry)
Finish with a Sticker

We've no sponsor this week so we chose one of our own images which gave me a chance to play with this gorgeous rubber stamp from penny black - isn't he just super cute ?

I have stamped him with black stazon and coloured him with my Aquacolor crayons then added some fuzzy pearlescent stuff which I got at a craft show (not sure what you'd call this stuff !) - I really love it tho - it looks great on snowy scenes.

I created the branch using my Martha Stewart woodland branch border punch (this is my leaves element of my card) My embossed panel was created using my swiss dots embossing folder (cuttlebug) and my trusty bigshot, and my sticker is a clear sentiment sticker from a Brenda pinnick christmas kit - the papers are also from the same kit - I love the tartan.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Get Sketchy Card Challenges - Sketch (my 2nd entry - love this sketch !)
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - So long as it flies
Oldie But A Goodie - All things great and small
Stamps R Us - All nature
Ai Factory - Animals

I do hope you will join in with us again this week - we love stopping by and commenting on your cards x

Creative cottage - spooky halloween challenge

Hello and once again I must apologise for the tardiness of my post - Yesterday was Aidan's birthday (my baby was 2!) and the day just flew by without me getting time to organise myself enough to post my DT cards - so please accept my apologies x

The challenge over at the Creative cottage challenge blog this fortnight was set by the lovely Teri and she wants to see your halloween cards so I do hope you will join in with us.

My card uses the gorgeous sherbert the bear in his halloween costume - he is the october FREEBIE and you can get him here. I have also used paper from the Trick or treat paper pack an absolute bargain at £1.99 for 12 gorg papers.

Oh and don't forget that you can still get a whopping 20% off all orders at the Creative cottage shop until the end of October to find out how check out the blog here.

I would like to add this card to the following challenges:

Get Sketchy Card Challenges - Sketch (gorg sketch guys - thanks x)
Lexi's Creations - Spooky
Cupcake Craft Challenges - Scary creatures
Everybody art Challenge - Halloween
Stampin' Royalty - Spooky kooky halloween
Freshly Brewed - Purple and black
Moving Along With The Times - Halloween

Thanks for looking I hope you will join in with us at the creative cottage challenge blog we love to visit you all x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Katies recipe challenge # 32

I am soooooo sorry this is late - I will not even begin to go into the crazy week I have had please just accept my apologies and lets move on - lol !

Today my card, which should have been posted on Wednesday, is my DT card for this weeks challenge at cooking it up with Katie who this week want to see you

Start with a Quote
Use some Chipboard
Finish with a little Red

We are sponsored this week by Shellys Images and she provided us with our images this week - you can check out her site here - there's loads of great halloween images there so pop over for a look x

I have used papers from the pink petticoat old fashioned girl kit which I got in the sale and I adore.
I have also used some bazzill card for my matting and layering.

I thought my quote (made with works word processor) doubled to mean that my card card and the cake in the image were made with love !

I do hope you like my card - super sorry for the lateness and the quick post.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - gorgeous sketch this week guys - thanks x
Charisma Cardz - Autumn colours
Fab n Funky - Use a digi image

Thanks for looking I hope you can come and join in with us this week at Cooking it up with Katie x

((hugs)) Suzie x

"Bling it on !"

Good morning and welcome to my blog.

This morning I am sharing with you my DT creation for this weeks Creative cottage challenge.
I was lucky enough to choose the theme this week and I am requesting that you "bling it on! " we want to see some sparkle and bling from you.

You do not have to use creative cottage products but we love it when you do.
If you haven't got any why not head over to the brand spanking new store and pick out one of Tracy's fab kits or pick up one of the freebies - there is loads to choose from there and all are fantastic value x

Well onto my card which I made using the first kit I purchased from Tracy - Something sweet - it's choc full of yummy colours and images you can check it out for yourself here (talk about value it is only 2.99 !)

For my bling I have added a gorgeous and very blingy swirl which I purchased from capture the magic.
For more bling I added some stampendous glitter onto my cupcake (thanks scrapbook sisters for my fab prize x) and then I also added some shiny beads too for bling overload !

I have used the fantastic sketch over at waltzing mouse which does feel a little like cheating but I couldn't resist - it is such a fab sketch. So thanks to you all over there for the inspiration x

I would also like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Scrapbook Sisters - Diamonds are a girls best friend (got diamonds and friends here !)
Cupcake Craft Challenges - Pink & brown
Sentimental Sundays - Let's see some dimension
The Crazy Challenge - No ribbon or buttons
A Spoonfull Of Sugar - Spots & stripes
Creatalicious Challenges - Pink brown & green

Thanks for looking I hope you come over and join in with us at the creative cottage challenge blog we love browsing through your entries x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Blog hop finished - are you a winner ?

*For the new cooking it up with katie post please scroll down x*

Good morning to you all - thanks for joining in with us at the hop and helping us celebrate the creative cottage new shop launch - I hope you got some time to look at the gorgeous kits on sale there as one of you who commented on my blog will be winning one !!

Yes I was hiding a kit here and have used the random org thingy to choose a lucky winner - it chose comment number 14 - that is you Meera @ Craftolicious.

Congratultions please contact Tracy thecreativecottage@ymail.com with your choice - yes you get to choose which kit you want !
Congratulations to all the other winners too - I know you will enjoy using Tracy's kits they are gorgeous x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Katies recipe - sweet somethings !

Good morning to you, I hope you are well.

Well of course wednesday means that it's time for a new recipe over at cooking it up with Katie and this week we want to see something sweet from you !

Here's the recipe ingredients :

Ribbon
Metal
Something Sweet

This week we are lucky enough to be sponsored by the fantastic digital delights who have a massive amount of gorgeous digi's to choose from.
I have used birthday pippin isn't he just super cute and that cake looks so yummy.

I hope you will visit all the DT girls for more inspiration and while you are there don't forget to leave them some love x
Well what are you waiting for - go and get started creating something sweet - can't wait to visit and share it with you x

I would also like to enter this card into the following challenges;

Aly's Sunday Challenges - Sparkle & glitter
Corrosive Challenge - Use your old stash (bookplate & paper clips)
Totally Gorjuss - Animals
Raise The Bar - Something yummy
Stamp Something - Use a digi


Card details;
Base card - Bazzill bling, patterned paper - Making memories (cheeky collection), image - Digital delights coloured with Lyra aquacolor crayons and pencils, paper clips, book plate and ribbon - stash, all glitter - stickles.

If you fancy having a go at a zigzag card like this you can find a great tutorial here.

Thanks for looking I hope you like it x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Hop along !!

Hooray the day has finally arrived - for those of you who haven't been here before let me tell you what all the fuss is about !

Today is the long awaited launch of the new Creative cottage shop and to celebrate we are having a great blog hop with lots of prizes up for grabs.

So if you haven't come here from the creative cottage challenge blog go back and start again to be in with a chance to win some goodies. Make sure you leave a comment on all the DT blogs for your chance to win some "hidden" prizes and also leave a final comment at the last hop destination, the new store, to win the grand prize.
Ok so here is the hop list - good luck to you all x

Blog hop list

The creative cottage challenge blog
Sue
Donna
Suzie (you are here !)
Rebekah
Carol
Tracy
Shelly
Teri
The creative cottage blog

Thanks again for popping, or hopping, over !
Good luck to you x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Witch kit today ?!

Good morning and thanks for popping in for the last of our week of Creative cottage sneak peeks.

Tomorrow is the begining of the blog hop to celebrate the launch of the new creative cottage store so don't forget to hop over to the challenge blog in the morning where we will be hopping off from !

Todays card is made using the trick or treat paper pack and the halloween toppers.
This is a super simple card made with acetate - but it looks very effective in real life.

I do hope you like it and that you'll join us tomorrow for some hopping good fun x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Trick or treat treasures !

Good morning to you - yes you guessed it - it's another creative cottage sneaky peek for you !

And this morning all the DT are bringing you halloween treats ! Now there is more than one halloween kit so make sure you visit all the girls and the creative cottage blog to see more.

For my card I have used the trick or treat paper pack and also the trick or treat topper set.

Tracy has even given you a decoupage topper sheet too, and here I have used one of the decoupage images - not sure that I have photographed it to it's full potential - sorry x

I've added some glossy accents and some spray and sparkle to the background which really looks like a starry sky in real life !

Thanks for looking - hope you like it x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Naughty or nice - which are you ?!

Yes it's another sneak peek for you today from the creative cottage who are preparing to open the brand spanking new store on Monday.

The card I am showing you today is made using a gorgeous new kit called Naughty or nice. As with all the creative cottage kits there is loads of goodies included and all are great quality and value x

For more peeks at the kit head over to the other DT members for their lovely cards and projects and the creative cottage blog where the very generous Tracy is giving away a kit every day this week !

Thanks for stopping by see you soon x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Friendship flourishes - Another sneak peek

Well onwards and upwards and ANOTHER sneak peek for you today !
This card was made using the Jia Li friendship kit - you've got to love those pinks, greys and blacks together - they really makes those papers "pop".

The Jia Li image is super super cute and you'll find just as many fab elements in this kit as all the others including the flowers and butterflies you see here.
As with all creative cottage products this kit is super fab value for money and great quality.

I hope you are enjoying our sneak peeks week and that you've been over to both the creative cottage blog (Tracy is giving away a kit everyday this week !!!) and also the new challenge over at the creative cottage challenge blog.

Thanks for popping by x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

PS Don't forget to check out the NEW FREEBIE over at the creative cottage blog, available now.

Creative cottage challenge # 23

Hey all thanks for dropping in again. We've a break in the sneak peeks schedule today as we are bringing you a new challenge over at the creative cottage challenge blog.
This week it was Shelly's chance to pick and choose and she has chosen - Birthday boy - yes we want to see your male themed projects this week x

I usually dread the male themed challenges but how can I with these fab kits ?
I used the little monkey pirate adventure kit and the matching easel card kit these are super cute and avilable here and here if you want a closer look.
My image is Ocean quest from Pixie dust studio which I paper peiced with papers from the kit and coloured with my watercolour pencils.

I hope you will join us for this challenge - we all love browsing around your fab blogs x
((hugs)) Suzie xx

Snow fest !

Well as promised I am here with another sneek peek for you - if you didn't catch yesterday's post let me fill you in.
All week myself, and all the other super talented ladies on the Creative cottage design team, are showing you some sneek peeks of the fab new kits that will be available to buy next week in the brand spanking new Creative cottage store.
As well as all the peeking you can do - if you pop over to the creative cottage blog Tracy is giving away a kit EVERYDAY !!!!! (she is very generous you know x)

Then on Monday we've a fab blog hop planned with loads of kits and goodies to give away so make sure you keep posted why not become a follower at Creative cottage or the challenge blog so you don't miss out.

Tracy's kits are choc-o-bloc full of gorg papers, borders,toppers and images and are great value for money. The kit used in this card is called Snow much fun.

I hope you like it - don't forget to check back tomorrow for another peek x

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Sneeky Peeky

Hello and thanks for dropping in today.

This morning I have a special sneek peek of one of the many new kits that will be available at the creative cottage new store due to open on Monday Sept 20th.

Tracy (head honcho and all round artistic genius) has made some fab new kits to celebrate the store opening and the DT are all giving you some sneek peeks to tease you every day this week, so make sure you pop back or become a follower to keep posted !

Then to top it all off we've a super exciting blog hop planned on Monday 20th 'til Tuesday 21st with a great prize for one lucky hopper that completes the hop and also 4 more kits hidden amoungst the DT blogs so make sure you leave us all lovely comments to be in with extra chances to win !

So back to my card - this little beauty is called Jia Li Luck kit - isn't she gorgeous ? The colours of this kit are beautiful but I musn't tell you too much - it is only meant to be a peek !

I do hope you like my card and that you will pop back tomorrow for the next instalment, also that you visit my DT sisters for more tantalising titbits !

((hugs)) Suzie xx

Precious pink princess

Good sunday morning to ya, I hope you are well. I am feeling good - the sun is shining here and we're off to the in laws for a big sunday roast what more can a girl ask for ?!

On top of that I spent last night crafting up a storm - made loads of mess and had loads of girly fun while hubby caught himself up on all the footie - everyone's a winner !

So I was first tempted by the challenge over at scrapbook sisters - I believe this is their 1st challenge so pop on over and help them with their launch - the challenge on this occasion is to use pink and black - I couldn't resist as this colour combo always looks so flipping fab !

I chose an image I've had a while and oooed and ahhhed over loads but not actually used - thought it was just perfect - she is called little miss dress up and is available at pixie dust studio.

I knew I wanted to paper peice her as this is my most fav thing in the world at the mo and puposely chose papers that were all different so she wouldn't match perfectly. Next I coloured the rest of her with my copics then I went a bit crazy with all the stuff I added ! - flock for her feather boa (doodlebug), pearls for her necklace and a fabulous flower for her hat.

I am really pleased with the result doesn't she look just FABULOUS DAHLING !!!

Once the image was done I had a hard job finding some papers which were equally fab and finally settled on the striped paper (black tie optional - imaginisce) and the heart paper (from one of the first kits I ever bought - Dawn Bibby designs) layered up with a gorg sugary pink card stock.

The last fabulous touches was those gorg pink and black flowers (prima - I think) and a blingy gem flower for the centre with some pearl strands as my final flourish !

As well as the scrapbook sisters challenge I would also like to enter this card into the following challenges;

For Fun Challenges - Black, white and One (pink for me !)
Crafty Catz - Paper peicing
Totally Gorjuss - Flowers
One Stop Craft Challenge - Fashion thru the ages
Craft Your Days away - Girly and glitter
Bee Crafty - Fall into fashion
Stamp It Crazy - Girly girl

I do hope you like her as much as I do. Thanks so much for popping in to have a look x
((hugs)) Suzie xx