Note Pad Set

I have had the best day yesterday. I travelled all the way to Rochester in Kent for a Pazzles gathering. I met some lovely crafty people all of who own a Pazzles Inspiration die cutting machine. We learnt some fantastic new features from our demonstrators Tracy and Anne who have inspired us all to get crafting with our Pazzles!

I met some wonderful people, we swapped e-mail and blog addresses so the family of Pazzle owners in the UK is growing.

Well, a few weeks ago my 6 year old son came out of plaster when he broke his leg landing badly on our trampoline. Now, my 10 year old daughter has a broken arm and is in plaster up to her shoulder having had an accident at a local sporting event. She is very proud of her fluorescent pink plaster cast which is a fashion item! All I can say is that all the swimming, tennis and other activities planned for the summer holidays are on hold till mid summer!

So, to stop Alice getting bored we crafted together today which was great fun. You should have seen the mess in my craft room, papers everywhere!!! We each made a lined paper note pad set which comes as a template and cutting file from The Cutting Cafe. It is so easy to put together even a 10 year old can make it!

The lined paper comes as a .pdf which is printable on your printer and comes in 5 different colours to coordinate with your projects. The envelopes are super cute and can be dressed up how you like.

Great project for the girlies (large and small) and I can see that we shall be making more of these super note pad sets.

Teapot Shaped Card

I visited my best friend in Bristol a few weeks ago and we had a FABULOUS day together basically chatting over a cuppa. She asked me if I had any teapot shaped cards because she wanted to send one to her sister. Well, what perfect timing because Regina Easter from The Cutting Cafe has brought out the most adorable Teapot Shaped Card set which features two different teapots with matching envelopes. I used some lovely paper from my local papercraft shop that I have been saving for a special girlie card!

For the greeting I have used one of the printable stamps from the Tea Time printable stamp set which features 31 images! All I did was to print the greeting on my laser jet printer in .pdf format and then used my heart shaped nestabilities to layer it onto the card.

I used an abundance of pearls to give that extra bling.

I am sending this card to my best friend Nina.

I have entered this card into the following challenge:-

Creative Card Crew Challenge - Die Cuts

Pool Party Invitation Shaped Card

My 10yr old daughter gave me inspiration for this Pool Party Invitation Shaped Card. Last weekend she attended her school fete and she made a wonderful poster for her stall which was shooting water at several bottles. Enjoyed by lots of children due to the fact that they were able to use super soakers (water pistols) with lots of water!!!!!!

Anyhow, the poster that she made had a background with bubbles and water image that she found in Microsoft Powerpoint. Alice is a real whizz on the computer, so she showed me where to find it (in fill and textures) which I thought would be perfect as the background for my invitation.

I then printed the printable Pool Party Invite from the Cutting Cafe using my laser jet. I printed a second invitation on plain white paper, coloured my flip flops, cut them out and adhered them onto the bubbles/water background with foam pads.

I then took a scalloped card from the Assorted Scallop Set 1 and cut it out on my Pazzles Inspiration. I ran it through my Cuttlebug to give a bubbles background finishing off with a ribbon.

Then reading the invitation it said "Don't forget your towel" so I thought it would be fun to roll up some pink felt and tie it with coordinated ribbon.

I showed it to Alice (my biggest critic) and she laughed saying she liked the towel!!!!

I am entering this card into several challenges this week:-

The Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge - Water
My Sheri Crafts Challenge - Summer
Speedy the Cat's Friends' Challenge - Die Cuts
Wee Memories - Free for All (WMC13)

Lollipop Shaped Card

Lollipop Shaped Card

I am soooooooooo excited today and have been running around the house singing "I been picked, oh yeh" the children think I am mad (poor old mum she has really lost it today!) but YES I have been chosen to join Regina Easter at The Cutting Cafe as a Design Team member. Unfortunately, I then came back to earth with a bump when I saw the list of talented design team members and gulped! So, bear with me on my journey as this is the 1st time I have ever done this type of thing and hope you will enjoy my creations.

For those of you that haven't heard of The Cutting Cafe why not take a look here. Some of you may recognise the name Regina Easter as a very talented lady who ran BBTB (Bitten By The Bug) a challenge site for many years for Cricut owners. I sought my inspiration from following her design team and challenges. Regina stepped down at the end of 2009 from BBTB to concentrate on her own site, The Cutting Cafe.

Since I now own a Pazzles Inspiration die cutting machine I have contributed a few projects to the Customer Gallery and now I am so honoured that Regina has asked me to be a Design Team member.

As an announcement of all the NEW Design Team ladies Regina has decided to celebrate ... so from today until midnight Monday (June 28th, 2010) for every set you purchase, you can get another for free of equal or lessor value...there is no limit on this special...Wow!

So, those of you who would like to know more about The Cutting Cafe why not click here and see the wonderful printable stamps (digi stamps) and templates that you could use on your projects.

Here is my 1st project as a Design Team member using the Lollipop Shaped Card template from The Cutting Cafe. To make this project I have used Coredinations cardstock which has been embossed, sanded then glittered for a bit of bling! The base card uses Kraft card and Crafty Bitz paper from my local papercraft shop. The template has been cut on my Pazzles Inspiration Die Cutting machine and I love it!

The sun is shining in the UK and I couldn't help making this Lollipop Shaped Card while the rest of the family are watching the World Cup!

Challenges entered with this card:-

Crafty Creations Challenge - Ice cream and cakes

My Sheri Crafts Challenge - Summer

Digital Tuesday Challenge - Summertime

Speedy the Cat's Friends' Challenge - Die Cuts

Wee Memories - Free for All (WMC13)

England Themed Cake Shaped Card

I keep hesitating to whether I should put this Cake Shaped Card on my blog but England won their match yesterday so the card is still relevant (till Sunday!) I am not a great follower of football but my 6 yr old son is football mad. In fact he is playing with his football and friends in the driveway as I type!

I thought I would use this cake shaped template from The Cutting Cafe, add a few England colours and there I have a birthday card for an England Football Fan!

Unfortunately, there are not many challenges to enter this card into but I hope you like anyhow.

Polka Doodles Challenge - Father's Day/Male Theme
AiFactory - Shape it up!
Charisma Cardz - One for the boys!

Sun Shaped Card

Hooray, the sun is shining today in the UK!!!!!!

I love this unusual Sun Shaped Card which I have made using the Sun Shaped template from The Cutting Cafe. I have used my Three Bugs in a Rug summer themed papers from my local papercraft shop, which cuts beautifully on my Pazzles Inspiration.

I have entered this Sun Shaped Card into the following challenges:-

Cute Card Thursday - Anything But Square
ABC - challenge - Weather

Dietrich Dare - Summer inspiration piece

Fab'n Funky - Summer in colour

Must dash as I have to go and watch my youngest son's sport day!

American Football Shaped Card

The kids are now back at school so I can get crafting again......such joy! I am loving this shaped card template that I have just made from The Cutting Cafe which has some great files....just hop over and take a look.

It was such fun assembling this Shaped Football card as I could add soooo much dimension to it, and for a change it was great to make a card for a man!

I cut the template on my Pazzles Inspiration which I am having a love hate relationship with but I am enjoying the challenge!

This card is dedicated to DAD's who are followers of American Football!

I have entered this shaped card into several challenges:-

The Shabby Tea Room - Just for Dad

Cards For Men - Fathers' Day

Double Dutch - Dad's Treat

Simple Doodles - Just 4 You Dad

One Stitch At A Time - Boys To Men

Creative Craft Challenge - For The Man In Your Life

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Father's Day/Men' Cards

Banners!

This morning was quite hectic after the school run with a visit to the Hospital. My 6yr old son had his plaster removed from his ankle which he damaged in the Easter Holidays, very bad timing! Well today a very handsome, young Doctor removed the plaster and we had to return his little crutches. Then Matthew was given strict instructions not to play football or go on a trampoline for at least a week! Glad he didn't see Matthew running around the playground after school being chased by his class mates....there is no hope!

Well later today, I had a window of opportunity to play at my crafting desk, oh, if only I had more time. Anyhow, I made this little box with the All Occasion Banner printable stamp set and Large Box template from The Cutting Cafe by Regina Easter.

I had no particular reason for making it but sometimes it's nice just to play. I am slowly getting to know my Pazzles Inspiration and saving a fortune from not buying cartridges for my other machine.

I would love to hear from some other crafters who have the Pazzles Inspiration and hear what they think.

Challenges entered this week :-

Digidoodles - Anything goes
AiFactory #34 - Use Buttons
Crafty Catz - Spots
Stamps R Us challenge #6 - Anything other that a card!
One Stop Craft Challenge #78 - Anything but a card!
The Crafty Pad Challenge #69 - Let us see some Ribbons

I won the Polkadoodles challenge!

Oh, I am so excited I won the Polkadoodles challenge - Week 14 Challenge - Wedding Celebration. I was just looking through all the challenges this week and just noticed my name on the Polkadoodles blog and to my surprise I won with this Wedding Bell shaped card.

For a prize Nikky has given me some downloads for backing papers which I shall have fun trying out and this blinkie to put on my blog.......thanks Nikky.

I can't take all the credit as the adorable Wedding Bell shaped template is from The Cutting Cafe and the gorgeous paper is from my local papercraft shop Flutterby Crafts.

Strawberry Shaped Card

I think this is one of my all time favourite cards, a combination of the lovely shaped template and papers make me want to shout "hurry up summer so we can go strawberry picking."

I have used the Strawberry Shaped template from The Cutting Cafe with my Pazzles Inspiration. The Strawberry paper is from Nana's Nursery - for Girls. When I bought the paper last year I loved this particular print and new it could be used one day.......today is that day. The green gingham check is from Craft Creations Ltd (UK company) but also available from Flutterby Crafts.

The greeting is also from The Cutting Cafe and I am now getting the hang of downloading the .pdf images. The greeting has come out a bit fuzzy but that's down to my photography not the image, I assure you.

The ribbon and gorgeous strawberry button are from my local fabric shop in Newbury, UK.

I am entering this Strawberry Shaped card into the following challenges :

Creative Belli Blog - #89 Die cut shapes
Daring Cardmakers - Die Cut Crazy
C.R.A.F.T #48 - Shaped Card

G is for Girl!

The kids are on holiday at the moment so I have not had much time to craft!! Thought I would make this quick card for a friends little girl birthday.

I have made it using my Pazzles Inspiration machine. The little tag and template are both from the Cutting Cafe. It was so quick and easy to make. I used basic linen cardstock and my favourite Craft Creations paper from my local papercraft shop, Flutterby Crafts.

After I printed out the little tag I coloured it with my ProMarkers. My 10 year old daughter watched over me and then started raiding my punches and pens. It was a lovely moment crafting together!

I have entered this card into the following challenges:-

One Stop Craft Challenge #76 - Things with Wings
Our Creative Corner - Beautiful Butterflies
Totally Papercrafts Challenge #12 - Spring
My time to Craft #87 - Pretty Pearls

Thanks for looking.

Wedding Bell Shaped Card

Last week I bought this gorgeous cardstock from Flutterby Crafts and thought it would be lovely for a wedding card. Teamed up with the Bell shaped template from The Cutting Cafe and all systems go with my Pazzles Die Cut machine. I looked through my stash for some flowers and found these which made the perfect match with my dotty ribbon.

I have entered this Wedding Bell Shaped card into the Polkadoodles card challenge - Wedding Celebrations.

I only wish I had a wedding to go to!

It's a girl!

I have been itching to put this card on here waiting for the arrival of Freyja Elsie to Catherine, Rob and Max. Catherine works at my favourite local papercraft shop Flutterby Crafts and we can't wait for her to bring Freyja into the shop for cuddle. As you know I love all things pink especially when they come with 10 little toes!

I have used my Cricut to make this card with the New Arrivals and Storybook cartridge. The paper is one of my favourites from Craft Creations (pink gingham) and I am addicted to the Kraft card at the moment.

I am entering this Shaped Baby card into this weeks :-

Caardvarks challenge - New Baby card

Bitten By The Bug2 - New Arrival/Delivery challenge

Thanks for looking.

Flip Flop Shaped Card

It's my daughter's 10th Birthday tomorrow and I have left it till the last minute to make her this Flip Flop Shaped card.

I have had to make this card secretly tonight as Alice likes to cast her eye and give her opinion on every card I make, fortunately usually complimentary!

She is having a birthday party as I write. We have been to the cinema, eaten pizza, had the ceremonial birthday cake to be followed by an all girls sleepover!!! Please think of me, they are all in their sleeping bags and haven't stopped chatting. There is rumour of more snacks......I think it's going to be a late night. I didn't organise it well as I have realised the clocks change tonight for British Summer time, bad planning on my behalf. But they are having such girlie fun!!

I have made this card using the Shaped Flip Flop cutting file from The Cutting Cafe, embellishments and paper from Flutterby Crafts. I'm so pleased with myself for getting my sewing machine out and using it on a card for the 1st time. I thought it would be fun to stitch around the computer generated shoe label .....what do you think?

Easter Basket Shaped Card

Last night my 10 year old daughter helped me put together this gorgeous Easter Basket Shaped Card. We had great fun together working out the papers and how to decorate the eggs. She enjoyed loading the paper into my new Pazzles which I am having great fun with at the moment.

However, I can't take all the credit because the cut file for the Easter Basket came from The Cutting Cafe by Regina Easter. All the papers and the embellishments used were from my local papercrafting shop Flutterby Crafts. Rumour has it that Lynn is getting a delivery very soon of lots of yummy papers......can't wait!

And, here is a close up of the eggs that I have embossed and stickled.

I have entered this card in the Colour Create Challenge#41 - Your choice of pastels with an Easter or Spring theme.

Thanks for looking.

Coffee Cup Shaped Card

I am so excited!! For Christmas my dear husband bought me a Pazzles die cutting machine as the Cricut cartridges were getting a bit expensive. I have been learning the software for the Pazzles machine, some bits are easy like the Cricut Design Studio but some is quite challenging. I have been looking at loads of video's and I can see there will be a huge learning curve mastering the software!!!!

I was getting a bit frustrated as I just wanted to create so I went to the Cutting Cafe and purchased some cutting files to get me started. I just love them and can't wait to try some more. I made the Coffee Cup Shaped Card which was really easy to use and perfect for my first project. I then used some of my lovely papers and embellishments purchased from my local papercraft shop Flutterby Crafts. Did I say I was so excited?

I hope you like my first project created using my Pazzles machine and stay tuned for more projects.

This week I have entered my card in the Creative Card Crew Challenge "Going Dotty".

I've been playing with my Blog

Thought I would have a play around with my blog. Do you like the new background colours and layout? Hope so, still needs a bit of tweaking with the signature. If anyone knows how to make the background of my signature the same colour as the blog background I would appreciate some help.

Flower Shaped Cards

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in the UK and sadly my dear mother died when I was young. I think about her lots and even more as I now have a family she has never seen. So, this year I decided to make a card in her memory.

I don't know which card I like best but the best thing was the sun shining down on them as I took the photo!

I have just entered these cards into the Cricut Cardz Challenge, C.R.A.F.T. challenge, Cupcake Craft Challenges.

LOVE

Here is a card that I have entered into various challenges this week with a love theme:

Charisma Cardz Challenges - I Love You
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Valentines or Love
The Corrosive Challenge Blog - Love
SophistiCat Challenges - Love
Creative Card Crew - Valentine's

I have used the lovely Craft Creations Paper with the Cricut Design Studio. The Craft Creations Paper used are:- Hearts - white on red, Hearts - red on white and Gingham - red.

In fact you don't need the Design Studio to make this card as I only used it to make the base scalloped card. If you have scalloped Nestabilities this card could be simply made with the same effect and then die cut your letters!

Hope you LOVE it!

Birthday Present Shaped Card - Male

Do you may remember a few weeks ago I posted a GIRLIE Happy Birthday Present shaped card? I thought I would make a similar one for those "oh so difficult men"!

It was very hard not to dress it up with ribbon but I am pleased how it came out. As I have designed it in my CDS all I need to do is change the paper which I have in my papercraft supply.

The cartridges I used were Joys of the Season for the present and George for the star. The paper I have used is by Three Bugs in a Rug - Snips and Snails and Brown Kraft card by Woodware. All supplies are available from my local papercraft shop, Flutterby Crafts.

I have not entered this card for any ongoing challenges but just thought it would be fun to make.....it was!

Birthday Present Shaped Card - Girl

I made this card for Pauline who is a fellow crafting friend whom I met up with last night. We had a great evening together celebrating her birthday with the girlies!

I made the base of this card with Brown Kraft card by Woodware. I am in LOVE with this card but rather disappointed that it only comes in A4 size and not 12" by 12". I cut the present shape in my Cricut Design Studio and layered it with Three Bugs in a Rug paper called Home Grown. I computer generated the greeting using Microsoft Word for the personal touch. The cartridges used were Joys of the Season and Plantin Schoolbook. I decorated the present with this gorgeous pink ribbon which I am also in LOVE with and need more! I added a pink button on top of the flower cut out on my Cricut, a slither of the Brown Kraft card though the button hole, some pearls and detail with my white pen.

This was so fun to make and can easily be repeated in different coloured paper for a masculine card.

I have entered this card in the following challenges:-

craftycatzweeklychallenge - A Birthday Card

papertake weekly - Pretty Pink

SSDSchallenge - Girly