Mojo Monday #291.........French Style Birthday.

Good Morning, I hope you all had a good weekend, we went Geocaching yesterday for the very first time but I'll tell you more about that later in the week, it was good fun.

Today, I'm back with a card using this week's sketch from Mojo Monday, it's been absolutely ages since I last played along with them. I decided that I'd create a card this morning before I start the housework. I know, delay tactics  but I will get it done.

This week it's the Round or Square sketch.

I went with the square.

I stamped the clock and added the Prima clock hands adding tiny pearls around the edge. A nice quick card, now to start my housework,' bleugh' !!!

Supplies

Stamps- IBS Paris, IBS Birthday Wishes

Paper- Prima Tea Thyme

Pretties- IBS Flower, Prima Clock Hands, SU Pearls, pink seam-binding ribbon.

Have a great week.

xxxxDebxxxx

FO Friday..........A Teddy Bear Baby Cardi.

Happy Friday !!!! I hope you've all had a good week. I'm back today to show you this little cardigan, that I've just finished for my soon to be born nephew.

I saw this sweet pattern in the Jenny Watson Baby Boutique Book 1, I used Patons Smoothie DK, that I had in my stash. I don't usually like the feel of acrylic yarn but this is really nice to work with, it feels very soft and it didn't make my fingers sore like most acrylic's. Even better, I've just looked on the net for it and it's less than £3 for a 100g ball so the 0-6 months has cost me less than £6 to knit.

I've also been making more tissue holders but have adapted my pattern slightly, instead of crocheting it in one and sewing the seams, I made two sides and double crocheted them together. I think I like this version better.

Another thing I've been crocheting are quick and easy wash cloths, I got the pattern from Cute & Easy Crochet by Nicki Trench. They make great gifts, together with a nice bar of soap or some shower gel.

If you'd like to take a look at other FO's check out Tami's blog.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend, my friends.

xxxxDebxxxx

My First Sewing Project.......a little girl's skirt.

Good Morning, my lovely friends. I'm back today with my first "proper" sewing project, this year on my 'To-Do' list, was to give sewing a go. I've bodged made a couple of pin cushions before but I did wing it, this time I wanted to do it properly, so I measured seams, pressed and took my time, carefully, following instructions. .

I saw this cute little girls skirt in an online copy of Northridge Publishing Sewing magazine and fell in love with it, it was perfect for my niece. I read the instructions and it looked simple enough for my first attempt  it's basically a tube. Is anybody else enjoying the new programme on BBC2 called the 'The Great British Sewing Bee'? I think that's what spurred me on to give sewing a go.

The next thing was to find some pretty fabric, we went to Shrewsbury as there is a fabulous Haberdashery shop in the town called Watson & Thornton. It is in a beautiful, old building, it's huge and sells just about everything you could ask for. Paige and I both loved this Tilda fabric, I then found some matching grosgrain ribbon for the trim. Whilst I was looking for ribbon, I found some pretty Bias Binding too, you can just about see in the top right hand corner, I've only every seen plain before.

I started it on the Sunday afternoon and had it finished by teatime, it took me three hours start to finish. Olivia wants some red shoes to go with it so we're off shopping on Tuesday to find her some.

I was really pleased how it turned out so decided to make another one for my friend's granddaughter.

This time I could only get to the local haberdashery, there wasn't as much choice but I did find this pretty fabric, I was just hoping the print wasn't too big for the skirt.

I needn't have worried, the print was fine, I found some white lace trim in my stash, which looked perfect against the floral pattern. Can you imagine how pretty she's going to look in this with some little sandals, I can't wait to see her in it.

There's something else I'll be knocking off my 'To-Do' list this year. I've always wanted to stay in a Yurt but to be honest, I wasn't sure it would happen, as it's not really my husband's thing. They aren't cheap and he said for the price he would rather stop in a nice hotel, but on Sunday, I had an email from Living Social with 68% off a two night stay in a Luxury Somerset Yurt Retreat

When I showed him he said, yes, so I'll be off to stay in this gorgeous Yurt in July, I can't tell you how excited I am. It has mains electricity, a log burner, an outside decking area with fire pit and all have their own BBQ. We have a private toilet and our own private shower in The Lodge that also has a big country kitchen, for if we want to cook. Full on Glamping !!!!!

Have a great week.
xxxxDebxxxx

Inspired by Stamping April Blog Hop........Washi Tape.

Hi, I'm back today with April's Inspired by Stamping Blog Hop, on the 20th of each month, we will be featuring a different technique, idea or colour combination. This month, it's all about the Washi Tape, we thought it would be fun to use Washi tape on your projects or the brand new IBS Washi Tape stamp set.

Two lucky winners will each win a $15 gift card for the Inspired by Stamping Store, you don't have to use Inspired by Stamping products but if you do, you could be a featured artist on the Inspired by Stamping Facebook page. You have until the 2nd May at 11pm EST to link your creations.

Here's my card, very clean and simple.

I stitched around a white card blank and stamped three different Washi tape stamps from IBS Washi Tape set, directly onto the card. On a piece of white card I stamped the Single Fancy Frame and fussy cut out and attaching the chipboard butterfly to the centre of the frame, using foam pads to attach to the card. Finally stamping the sentiment.

I'm also playing along with this week's challenge from "Less is More" which is CASE IT, they are asking you to CASE one of their cards or both, if you want. I went with this gorgeous card by Jen, as I love using labels/frames on my card.

I cased the frame and used the washi tape stamps as the banners. Very simple but sometimes "Less is More"

Supplies
Stamps-Washi Tape, Single Fancy Frame, Birthday Wishes
Other- Chipboard butterfly, rhinestones.

 Have a great weekend, everyone.

Happy Crafting

xxxxDebxxxx

FO Friday......Crochet Tissue Covers.

Happy Friday, on this beautiful, sunny, Spring day. I would like to show you what I'v been making with this gorgeous, Rowan Hand Knit Cotton.

Over the last month, I've had to make 80 wedding invitations, so haven't had much time for much else. I did need a break from the invites, occasionally, something that wasn't too taxing and that I could sit and watch television with the family, Paige and I are watching back to back "Dexter" at the moment.

Anyway, I was thinking of what I could crochet, I'd just bought a packet of Cath Kidston tissues so I thought I'd make a pretty cover to keep them in, save them getting dog-eared in my handbag.

This was my first one I made.

They are very easy to do, for a standard size packet of tissues, using a 4mm hook, I made a chain of 29 and just did double crochet (U.S. single crochet) until I got the desired length. The last row, I changed colour and crochet three DC into first stitch, slip stitch into the next one and carried on like that until the end.

I then made the flower and leaf from 500 Crochet Blocks, stitched to the front and sewed the bottom and side edge together.

I've joined a craft group at our local church hall called Crafty Sew and So's, that my friend Lyn and some of her other friends have organised. I've been twice now and it's great fun, been with like minded people, everybody takes something to do, some ladies sew, some knit, some make cards and my one friend is painting.

The organisers are having a stall, selling handmade crafts at the Spring Fayre in May and the money will be going to the church funds. They've asked if any of us would like to donate any handmade craft items, so I thought these would be ideal.

 I've even had lazy, Sunday mornings in bed making them.

The first one I made is off to the U.S., when I put a photo of it on Instagram, a lady asked if she could buy it as it looked the perfect size for her iPhone 4. I measured it and it fits the phone, perfectly, we decided to do a swap instead of exchanging money, so she is sending me something in return, I love swaps !!!!

Check out other FO's on Tami's blog.

Have a great weekend !!!
xxxxDebxxxx

Whoo Wednesday.........stamping on canvas.

Hello there, how are you all doing? Today, it's my turn to do the Whoo Hoo Wednesday tutorial over at Inspired by Stamping. I'll be showing you how I stamped on canvas and how I created this decorative embroidery hoop.

The tutorial is over on Joanna's blog, if you create a card or project this week using stamped canvas, one lucky winner will win a $15 gift card to the Inspired by Stamping Store.

You can find the Mr Linky here, with the full details.

Happy Stamping
xxxxDebxxxx

Pour Moi KAL...........plus another two Sew Canny CAL squares.

Hello, my lovelies, how is your week going? I've been busy making wedding invitations, I really need to get them finished this week. I've completed a few and really pleased how they've turned out. I will share them with you when they have been sent out.

Also this week, I've joined the new Project Stash KAL, that started on Sunday. I love the Knit-a-Longs that  Evelyn organises, she always takes you a little bit out of your comfort zone.

The new KAL is called Pour Moi, so as the name suggests, you knit something for yourself, this was the guideline that Evelyn gave us.

"Choose a pattern that you’ve been stalking and can now give yourself permission to cast on. This can be any type of project but let’s challenge ourselves and choose something a little out of our comfort zone. Lace? Cables? Entrelac? Colorwork?"

I've knit and crocheted scarves, shawls and gloves for myself but have never knit a garment, so that was my first decision made.

I'd bought Vintage Inspired Projects by Sarah Hatton, months ago and pretty much loved all the patterns in there but never found the time to cast on any of them, this KAL, gave me a kick up the bum to start one so I decided on the Aphrodite Shrug which is a very fine, lace knit.

I had some Rowan Lace in my stash in this beautiful, silver grey, so on Sunday, I cast on, that was the easy part. I've never really followed an intricate lace pattern before and the first few rows, I had to keep pulling out and starting again. No exaggeration, I must of frogged it a dozen times!!!! I've got quite a bit of patience though and persevered.

  
I've now done this much, it's not the sort of project I can watch telly and chat with people, I'm having to really concentrate, I'm still making the odd mistake but now I can just rip out the row, I've done wrong, rather than the whole thing, that's progress!!!! I'm hoping when I get to the decreases, I can still follow the pattern, wish me luck. If you fancy joining in, you've still got time to cast on.

Also this week, I've made Week 4 Canny CAL square, Beverley chose Puff Pastry by Donna Kay, you can find the U.K. term pattern here.

 I'll be adding these to my others that I've been making for the  Country Homes and Interiors Granny Square charity.

I know it's a day late for Work in Progress Wednesday but check out what everybody is up to this week over on Tami's blog.

Enjoy the rest of your week.
xxxxDebxxxx

Inspired by Stamping New Releases........Washi Tape and Big Notes.

This is my last project for this month's release from Inspired by Stamping, I'm using Washi Tape and Big Notes. I love that Joanna has designed a washi tape set !!!! Imagine been able to stamp whatever colour washi tape you fancy.

There are 10 different patterns to choose but once again the chevron is my favourite, I've obviously got a thing for chevrons at the minute.

I've made a simple unisex baby card using the sentiment from Big Notes and stamping two of the washi tapes adding a couple of buttons and a 'baby' charm.

Check out what the other DT have been creating with this month's fab releases.

Joanna

Grace

Irit

Calypso

Shani

Leah

Vicki

Kendra

Colleen

Gloria
Pam

Cindy

Joanna will be giving away a $25 gift card to the store everyday until 10th April, just leave a comment on Joanna's post, to be eligible. One comment per person, each winner will be randomly selected and announced daily.

All the stamp sets will be available to purchase tomorrow with free shipping on orders over $35 for 24 hours only, using the discount code "April". Also, all stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at this month's projects using the new releases.

Enjoy the rest of the week
xxxxDebxxxx

Inspired by Stamping New Releases.......Whimsical Banners.

I'm back today with another Inspired by Stamping new release, this set I'm using is Whimsical Banners. I love this set, it's perfect for cardmaking, scrapbooking and altered art with 10 different banners to chose from and great patterns, including the chevron, which is my favourite.

I haven't made a LO for so long so I wanted to use this set for that purpose. I got the paints out for this and painted some of the spotty paper in pink then got my chicken wire mask and added that in white paint.

I used some IBS Flowers and altered some of them too with acrylic paint and did lots of layering, cutting out little images from the papers. I stamped a selection of the banners onto different pattern papers, in a variety of coloured inks and strung them along the photo using twine.

Check out what the other DT have been creating.

Joanna

Colleen

Kendra

Leah

Shani

Cindy

Gloria

Irit

Calypso

Joanna will be giving away a $25 gift card to the store everyday until 10th April, just leave a comment on Joanna's post, to be eligible. One comment per person, each winner will be randomly selected and announced daily.

All the stamp sets will be available to purchase from the 10th April with free shipping on orders over $35 for 24 hours only, using the discount code "April". Also, all stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount.

Thanks for taking the time to look,I'll be back tomorrow with the last of the new releases.

xxxxDebxxxx

Inspired by Stamping New Releases........Creative Tags.

Hello, I'm back today with another new release from Inspired by Stamping, I've used Creative Tags for this card.

It's such a versatile set with five different tags and loads of sentiments.

I couldn't decide which tag to use but eventually went with the traditional shaped tag with the text to go with the shabby feel of my card.

Check out what the other DT have created.

Joanna

Gloria

Cindy

Calypso

Kendra

Colleen

Grace

Pam

Vicki

Shani

Irit

Joanna will be giving away a $25 gift card to the store everyday until 10th April, just leave a comment on Joanna's post, to be eligible. One comment per person, each winner will be randomly selected and announced daily.

All the stamp sets will be available to purchase from the 10th April with free shipping on orders over $35 for 24 hours only using the discount code "April". Also, all stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount.

I'm back tomorrow with another new release.
xxxxDebxxxx

Inspired by Stamping April Releases.........Fancy Frame.

It's the first day of Inspired by Stamping April releases and I'm kicking off with the Single Fancy Frame. This frame is a great size, it fits quite a large sentiment.

I decided to make a wedding card, using this set.I stamped the frame in a pretty shell pink and stamped the large 'Congratulations' sentiment from the Heartfelt Greetings set inside the frame. I added a cluster of flowers, a sheer bow and a pretty heart shape button, that I found in my stash.

Check out what the other DT have created with some of this month's releases.

Colleen

Irit

Leah

Pam

Cindy

Kendra

Grace

Vicki

Calypso

Joanna

Joanna will be giving away a $25 gift card to the store from the 6th - 10th April, just leave a comment on Joanna's post, to be eligible. One comment per person, each winner will be randomly selected and announced daily.

All the stamp sets will be available to purchase from the 10th April with free shipping on orders over $35 for 24 hours only, using the dicount code "April". Also, all stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount.

Thanks for looking, I'll be back tomorrow with another new set. Enjoy the weekend.

xxxxDebxxx

My Weekend in Brean........and an Easter Swap.

It is still freezing, cold here in the U.K.with biting winds but we decided to still go down to Brean, Somerset, for the long Easter weekend, and stay in a caravan. It sounds like we are raving mad but it's a break, Mick doesn't take much time off from work, so we have to make the most of Bank holidays.

On Good Friday we made a detour to Cardiff, as I knew Paige would love the shopping there, she will be 18 in July and my Mom & Dad said they would buy her a Vivienne Westwood necklace. There's a Vivienne Westwood store in Cardiff so after a quick Starbuck's coffee, we headed to there.

After trying on a few different necklaces she decided on the one she liked the most, it's a beauty but it's all wrapped and sealed in the bag so she's not tempted to keep peeking. She also saw some matching earrings so my sister and brother said she could get them too from them.

Mick treated me to a few things from the Cath Kidston shop.

 We then headed to Brean, boy, the caravan was cold when we got there but with all the heaters on and the fire, it soon warmed up, I brought lots of my crochet blankets from home for the bed so it wasn't too bad at all.

Once unpacked, we wrapped up and headed out for some dinner.

There are a couple of reasons we go to Brean, 1, it is the closest seaside to us so Mick doesn't have to drive for hours and 2, we always have lots of fun !!!!

After dinner we went to the Karaoke bar, where we were teasing Dan about putting his name down for a song, he very nearly did as while I was pretending to give the man the slip, he actually took it from me so I then had to ask for it back as Dan's face was pure terror.

 

 I had to share this photo, when Dan thought nobody was looking he started flexing his muscles, I love Paige's expression on this photo.

We had a lazy Saturday morning at the caravan, I did some crochet, Paige read her book and the men watched T.V.

We then headed to Weston Super Mare, the weather was kind to us and though it was cold the sun shone, maybe Spring is on it's way.

As we were walking along the Pier, we looked down and saw this in the sand, how romantic, I hope she said "yes".

Easter Sunday was another beautiful, sunny day and was even a touch warmer. Today was the day I got to open my Dawn's Easter Swap that was organised by the lovely Rising Dawn on Instagram.

My swap partner was Erin, who's IG name is Coffee Kisses, I love how she wrapped the one gift in fabric. She had seen I'd been buying sewing books so thought I would like the fabric, such a thoughtful lady.

Wow, I was overwhelmed with these beautiful gifts, I adore the bunny eggcups, I also received a Paperchase hanging bird, Hotel Chocolat chocolate, a funky notebook and a beautiful Celia Bertwill pattern scarf not forgetting the handmade crochet egg cosies.

Later, we had a look around the market, played in the amusement arcades, then went for a drink, it was so nice to be able to sit outside in the sunshine.

So, even though the weather wasn't as warm as it was, this time last year, we all had a really lovely time.

Enjoy the rest of the week.
xxxxDebxxxx