Scrap Happy

Sketch Challenge

2012-02-11T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

It's Sketch week over at Simply Stampin and here is what we came up with for you:

A really great sketch and here is my DT entry:

Now I wanted to use soft subtle colours but for some reason I had a strange desire to use Concord Crush, not exactly soft or subtle! I think Pink Pirouette is probably a bit light for this colour combo but hey ho, I think it turned out ok (ish)

Recipe:
Stamps: Precious Butterflies, Teeny Tiny Wishes
DSP: Concord Crush
Card: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Pink Pirouette
Punches: Circles, Eyelet Border
Ribbon: Lucky Limeade

I love this stamp set - a new one for me and I think it's going to be another favourite!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Heartfelt

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000Z

Well it's that time of year again when those lovely hearts make an appearance and here is my Valentine's offering and my DT entry for this week's Simply Stampin' Challenge:

I actually used this card for a workshop I did last week and the hostess wanted Valentines but in Rich Razzleberry rather than the usual reds and she didn't want it too lovey dovey, which I think I achieved!

Recipe:
Stamps: Perfect Postage, Borderlines, Confetti, En Francais, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette
Punches: Heart to Heart, Postage Stamp, Word Window, Modern Label, Eyelet border
Ribbon: Very Vanilla

Hope you like it and I hope my Husband does!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Male Colour Combo

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000Z

Hi All

I don't know about you but always seem to have a shortage of male cards to send so when I saw this colour combo over at Simply Stampin' it seemed perfect for a male card...

and here is what I came up with for my DT entry:

Quite a simple card but I was happy with the way it turned out. I struggled to get any Not Quite Navy in but I just about managed it with some DSP and the feature under the main image...

Recipe:
Stamps: French Foliage, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Early Espresso, River Rock
Card: Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, River Rock
DSP: Well Worn
Punches: Scallop Lace Border, Word Window, Modern Label, Decorative Label

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Sketch challenge

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

We have another sketch for you this week over at Simply Stampin':

I wasn't sure about this sketch but I enjoyed it in the end, even though getting the squares even was a bit frustrating!

Recipe:

Stamps: Paisley Petals, Four Frames
Card: Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade
Punches: Boho Blossoms, Scallop Edge, Decorative Label
Basic Pearls

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

To DIE for!

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

We have a great challenge for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge, it is:

To DIE for!

Which means you need to use a die on your card, in case that wasn't obvious!

Here is what I came up with for my DT entry:

I am in love with the embosslits dies as I think the embossing mixed with die cut shapes is just fab! I've used the Flower Burst here as well as the Beautiful Wings too. I also used the Top Note die as part of the background.

Recipe:
Stamps: French Filigree, Confetti, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Four Frames
Card: Wisteria Wonder, Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery
Punches: Decorative Label, Eyelet Border
Ribbon: Elegant Eggplant
Dies: Flower Burst, Beautiful Wings, Top Note

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by

Niki xxx

Everything Eleanor, so pretty!

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

We have a gorgeous colour combo for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

I think these colours are really gorgeous together and love the Simply Scrappin' kit you can get in these colours. I was tempted to use it but in the end reached for my new favourite stamp set: Everything Eleanor...

I love the variety of stamps in this set and that you can make so many lovely backgrounds with them...

Recipe:

Stamps: Everything Eleanor, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Card: Pink Pirouette, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Lucky Limeade, Staz On
Punches: Eyelet Border
Ribbon: Pool Party

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by xxx

Niki xx

Simply Stampin' Sketch Challenge

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and are all looking forward to a party tonight for New Year...

But in the meantime, we have a sketch challenge for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

and here is my Design Team entry:

I needed to make a new baby card for a friend whose friend has just had a baby and this sketch was perfect!

Recipe:
Stamps: Bundle of Joy, Pennant Parade

Card: Pink Pirouette, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Inks: Pink Pirouette, Wisteria Wonder, Blush Blossom, Staz On Ink
Papers: Pink Pirouette, Wisteria Wonder
Punches: Pennants
Ribbon: Pink Pirouette
Button: Whisper White
Other: Glitter

Hope you like it, thanks for stopping by and
HAPPY NEW YEAR
to everyone!!!
xxx

Merry Christmas Everyone...!

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

Merry Christmas Eve to you all, and a big Merry Christmas for tomorrow too!

Over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week we have another festive challenge for you, the theme is:

CHRISTMAS

(I know, very original but it had to be done!)

Here is my DT entry. These are very cute little boxes that have an acetate window inside so the recipient can see what treat lies inside for them. I'm going to use them as table favours for Christmas day...

and there's a little Christmas message inside as well...

Recipe:
Stamps: Tags til Christmas, Delightful Decorations, Season of Joy
Card: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Ribbon: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Punches: Scallop Circle, Scallop Lace border

Thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas to all

Niki xx

Christmas Colour Combo

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

It's Colour Combo week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week and we have a Christmas themed one for you this time:

and here is my DT entry:

I made this for the Stamp-a-Stack class I held on Tuesday evening

Recipe:
Stamps: Something for Christmas, Delightful Decorations
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi
Punches: Lace Border, Scallop Trim border, Circle
Ribbon: Wild Wasabi & Linen Thread
Pearls

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Doilies

2011-12-10T08:00:00.002Z

It's sketch week over at Simply Stampin' this week and we have another fab sketch designed by the lovely Kirei for you:

and here is my DT entry. I got a bit carried away with all the layers but I was quite pleased with it in the end!

I'm loving how the Doilies work so well for making backgrounds and I'm also loving the triple layer doily punch!

Recipe:
Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Wisteria Wonder
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Wisteria Wonder
Punches: Lace Ribbon Border, Word Window, Modern Label, doily triple layer, Scallop Trim border
Ribbon: Wisteria Wonder
Other: Basic Rhinestone

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Snowflake Sparkle

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Again Everyone

This week I am continuing my love of the 'Simply Soft' hostess stamp set. The theme over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week is 'Snowflake Sparkle' and here is my Design Team entry:

The sparkle hasn't shown up very well on the photos unfortunately but I promise it is really sparkly!

Recipe:
Stamps: Simply Soft, Serene Snowflakes, Season of Joy
Card: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze
Punches: Lace Border, Circle, Scallop Circle, corner notch (non SU)
Other: Dazzling Diamonds

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Colour Combo

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000Z

I LOVE this colour combo that we have for you over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week...

Here is my DT entry:

Recipe:
Stamps: Simply Soft, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Card; Concorde Crush, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Concorde Crush, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade
Punches: Small Square, Scallop Trim border
Ribbon: Lucky Limeade

Hope you like it

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Sketch challenge

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

We have a great sketch for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

I really like this one and here is my DT entry:

I mourned the loss of the Fast & Fabulous hostess stamp set when it retired in October but I think I am in love with this new hostess set Simply Soft even more!

I'm also really loving this colour scheme at the moment: Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla, yummy!

Recipe:
Stamps: Simply Soft, Happiest Birthday Wishes (both Hostess)
Card: Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Inks: Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ribbon: Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake
Brad: Lucky Limeade
Punches: Lace Ribbon

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Leafy!!

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000Z

The theme is LEAVES over at Simply Stampin this week which I think is a fab challenge!

Here is my Design Team entry:

I had to do a quick repair job on this one as I made it as a sample for a class I held last night and it got dropped into an ink pad D'oh! (This is also my excuse for my photos being so bad!)

Recipe:
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Sanded (retired) and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz
Card: Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake
Punches: Word Window, Modern Label

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Colour Combo...

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000Z

Hi Everyone

We have a fab colour combo for you this week over at Simply Stampin’ Challenge:

I really liked this combo as it could be quite autumnal. Here is what I came up with for my Design Team entry:

Love these little tags, they came out really well I thought!

Recipe:

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Oval All, Cottage Garden

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede

Ink: Peach Parfait, Soft Suede

Punches: Circles, Ovals, Tags, hole punch

Ribbon: Daffodil Delight, Gold Elastic

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Chocolate Cupcakes - yummy!

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

Well happy Saturday to everyone out there!

I have been feeling very under the weather this week but have now made a bit of a recovery and fancied some chocolate to cheer me up...!

We have a sketch for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

and here is my Design Team entry:

Now I usually do cupcakes in pink but as I felt like chocolate today I thought I'd have a go at chocolate cupcakes! I think they look good! (much better than if I had actually cooked them!)

Recipe:
Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes
Card: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Inks: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler
DSP: Mocha Morning Speciality DSP
Punches: Ovals, Scallop Lace border
Ribbon: Crumb Cake

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Simply Stampin; Halloween

2011-10-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's Halloween week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week - I know it's a little early but hey, we all need to be prepared in advance right?!

Here is my card:

I had lots of fun with this one, using all my new goodies: new Cajun Craze ribbon, scallop ribbon border punch, Frightful Sight papers - this one is a new product fest!!

The pumpkin is made out of punched ovals and stamped over with the big flourish from the Baroque Motifs stamp set

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card: Basic Black, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Whisper White
DSP: Frightful Sight
Punches: Oval, Modern Label, Word Window, Scallop Ribbon Border
Ribbon: Old Olive Cajun Craze
Ink: Old Olive, Cajun Craze

Thanks for stopping by xx

Niki x

Oooooo Halloween Sweet Treats!

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

We have another great Colour Combo for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

and given that we're coming to Halloween, I thought I'd get my treats ready for those Trick or Treaters:

So I made a few sour cream containers and filled them with choccies!

Recipe:
Frightful Sight DSP
Sticky Strip
Crimper

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Soakin' Up the Sun

2011-10-13T09:28:00.004+01:00

Something a little different today, I thought I'd share one of my scrapbook pages with you from our recent holiday to Portugal:

I really enjoyed creating this layout, especially adding all the clusters of scrappin' yumminess in the corners:

and here is a close up of my two little journalling tags - I made some little pockets behind the photos so that they could slide in and out:

These were just plain tags which I stamped a background on and then doodled stitching round the edge. I added ribbon using my Tim Holtz Tiny Attatcher stapler and journalled on one and added the place and date to the other.

The papers are Echo Park Victorian Gardens range, the alpha is AC Thickers chipboard and the flowers are Prima essentials 11

The layout I used was a sketch over at Pencil Lines.

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin; Sketch challenge

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

Sketch challenge this week over at Simply Stampin' and here is my DT entry:

I took colour inspiration from some of the new DSP that I don't have yet (but it's on its way!!)

and I'm really quite pleased with the result!

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Flight of the Butterfly, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card: Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze and Soft Suede
Ink: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette
DSP: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette
Ribbon: Soft Suede (retired)
Punches: Butterfly, Eyelet Border, Word Window, Modern Label, Circles

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Button Tree

2011-10-06T15:48:00.003+01:00

Hi Everyone

I thought I'd get into the Christmas spirit this week and have made my first Christmas Card of the season!

I got this fab stamp recently and thought it would be perfect for a Christmas card and also the perfect platform to try out some new glitters that I have also bought recently!

I followed the sketch over at Sketch Saturday.

Here is the result:

and here's a close up of some of the detail - I've glittered some buttons, raised some and added glossy accents to some others, overall I was quite pleased with it.

Recipe:
Tatty Button: Button Tree stamp
Card: Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Tempting Turquoise, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: as above(except WW)
Punches: Snowflake, Scallop Trim border

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Swilrs & Pearls

2011-10-01T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone

The challenge this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge is 'Swirls & Pearls' and here is my DT entry:

Lots of swirls in the background plus I added pearls to all the swirls...

and I made a corner bookmark to match...

People seem to have trouble working out how these bookmarks work so here is a demonstration...!

and here they are both together!

I have sent this little set to my lovely Auntie Vera for her birthday this week

Recipe:
Stamps: Cottage Garden, Season of Joy (flourish)
Card: Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Concord Crush, Whisper White
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Concord Crush
DSP: Cheerful Treat
Ribbon: Melon Mambo
Punches: Eyelet border, Decorative Label, Boho Blossoms, Word Window, Modern Label, Bird
Other: Paper piercer, Pearls, Oval nesties

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge - Colour Combo

2011-09-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

We have another great colour combo for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

I really liked this one although I wasn't quite sure about Chocolate Chip and Soft Suede...

however I really love the result!

Here is my card:

...and a close up...

...and here it is with a box I made to go with it...

...and here is the box opened out...love it!

Recipe:
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card: Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz
DSP: Elegant Soiree, Pear Pizzazz, Choc Chip and Soft Suede
Ribbon: Pear Pizzazz, Certainly Celery, Linen Thread
Buttons: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Other: Basic Pearls

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge: Sketch

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

I hope you are all having a good week - hopefully I will have - this is a scheduled post so I should be sunning myself in Portugal right now, wonderful!

I have of course made my Simply Stampin' DT entry in advance and have even been organised enough to schedule my blog post - I hope you are all very impressed (I am!!)

So, another great sketch over at Simply Stampin' this week:

and here is my DT entry:
(more baby cards, groan!!)

The blue version is to welcome little Noah into the world...

and the pink version is for baby Laura...

...and here they are both together!

Recipe:
Stamps: Bundle of Love, Polka Dot background (retired) Medallion
Card: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron
Ink: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Staz On
Punches: Eyelet Border
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink, Marina Mist
Other: Nursery Accents

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Butterflies!

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

We have another great challenge for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

FLUTTEBY BUTTERFLY

In other words we want to see butterflies on your creations this week!

Here is my Design Team entry:

I thought I'd do a scrapbook page as something a little bit different.

Recipe:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy (US), Simply Said
Punches: Tag, Small Tag, Circles, Butterfly Embosslits, Grass (Martha Stewart) and Cuttlebug Alphabet dies
Card: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz On, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Ribbon: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive
DSP: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

Hope you like it

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Colour Challenge

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

We have a great colour challenge for you this week over at Simply Stampin':

and this is what I came up with:

This card has a detachable bookmark in a small folding pocket inside - I was really pleased with the result!

Recipe:
Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, En Francais
Card: Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Perfect Plum
Ink: Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo, Perfect Plum
DSP: Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum
Punches: Eyelet Border, Round Tab, Ovals
Ribbon: Whisper White, Melon Mambo

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Thank you Cards

2011-08-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

We have a great sketch for you over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week:

and I had the need to make a fair few thank you cards to thank people for all the presents we received for Baby Sophie...

Cute aren't they!

Recipe:
Card: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink
Stamps: Bundle of Love
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Blush Blossom
Ribbon: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Punches: Eyelet border, circles
Brads: Pretty in Pink

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Sweet Peas and Pansies

2011-08-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone
This week's challenge over at Simply Stampin' Challenge is 'Punch it Up' but rather than the usual punch art I thought I'd get creative with my butterfly punch...

I learnt how to make these sweet peas here -aren't they fab! Who would know they were made using the butterfly punch?!

And these pansies are also made using the butterfly punch! Here is the tutorial.

I was very pleased with the way they turned out!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Happy Birthday Kirei!

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone!

We have another fab Colour Combo AND A PRIZE! for you this week over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge:

Now I didn't have any idea what to do with these colours...Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White - lovely, but Pacific Point?!

So Kirei suggested that it could be used as a feature. She didn't see the finished article until her birthday though (she didn't know I was making it for her birthday!!)

Here is the result:

I rather like it actually!

Recipe:
Stamps: Simply Said, Teeny Tiny Wishes (US)
Card: Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Pacific Point
DSP: Pretty in Pink
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso, StazOn
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso
Punches: Scallop Trim border punch, Modern Label, Word Window, Circles

Thanks for stopping by x

Think pink & Green!

2011-08-09T20:47:00.002+01:00

The challenge over at Colour Create this week is to use pink, green and white. Now I would usually immediately go for Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery so I was determined not to do that this time...

Instead I went for Wild Wasabi, Rose Red and Pink Pirouette. I must admit a little bit of Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink did sneak in there!

Here is my card - an accordion card

I quite like the way it turned out although I fear there is a little too much going on!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

More Babies...!

2011-08-06T08:15:00.003+01:00

Another baby card for you again today - lots of babies being born at the moment so I'm afraid there will be more baby cards to come too!

This one is for one of my NCT ladies who had a little boy...obviously!

This is my DT entry for this weeks Simply Stampin' Challenge and we have a sketch over there for you this week

I found this one quite challenging as the sentiment goes over the main image but I managed to work around it.

Recipe:
Stamps: Bundle of Love
Card: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ribbon: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery
Ink: Bashful Blue, StazOn
DSP: retired
Punches: Modern Label, Word Window
Buttons: Certainly Celery

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

More Scrapping...Sunny Dubai

2011-07-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

...a mini-album this time.

The challenge over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week is Photo Love so I thought I'd put together this little album of our recent holiday to Dubai.

Front cover:

...and it opens out into this star book!

Here of some of the pages:

Recipe:
Card: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Life's a Breeze (retired)
Ink: Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie
Ribbon: Cherry Cobbler, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie (stripy - retired)
Papers: Washington Apple (retired)
Punches: Ovals, Scallop Edge Border punch
Other: Big Shot & alphabet dies

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Getting back into Scrapping

2011-07-23T08:00:00.001+01:00

I kind of lost my mojo a bit with scrapbooking but have recently been getting back into it. It helped that I ran a scrapbooking class last Saturday and had to create 4 layouts in preparation for it!

This is one of those layouts and I am using it for my Simply Stampin' Challenge DT entry this week which is a colour combo: Certainly Celery, Real Red, Poppy Parade and Whisper White.

Recipe:
Card: Certainly Celery, Real Red, Poppy Parade, Whisper White
DSP: Poppy Parade
Stamps: Beautiful Wheel, Live your Dream
Ink: Certainly Celery, Real Red
Ribbon: Poppy Parade, Certainly Celery
Punches: Flower, Scallop Edge Border
Other: Big Shot, Top Note die, lettering dies, stapler, brads

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Happy Birthday to Julie!

2011-07-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

It was recently Julie's birthday and as she's my Stampin' Up surrogate mum, I thought I'd better make her a nice birthday card. Here is what I came up with:

...here is a close up of the pretty bits...

I really enjoyed making this card - I distressed all the flowers which took a while but I think the end result was worth it. I used the sketch over at Simply Stampin' Challenge for my DT entry.

Recipe:
Card: Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
DSP: Elegant Soiree
Stamps: Sanded, Medallion, Sincere Salutations
Ribbon: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Punches: Scallop Trim Border punch, Boho Blossoms
Brads: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Other: Fancy Flowers die, Big Shot, Distressing Tool

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Stationery Box

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

The challenge over at Simply Stampin' Challenge this week is Anything but a Card. I know I make too many cards so a challenge like this means I have to think a bit harder and put a little more effort in. Here is what I came up with:

It's a Stationery Box. I got a tutorial from Splitcoast Stampers here

Here it is all opened out. It contains cards, notelets, tags, an address book, a pocket for stamps and a pen loop.

Here you can see the address book pen loop and pocket a bit closer up

and here are the cards, notelets and tags

I really enjoyed making this project and am really pleased with the way it has turned out.

Recipe:
Card: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
DSP: Botanical Gazette, Marina Mist
Ribbon: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Linen Thread
Stamps: Medallion, Sanded, Vintage Vogue, Tiny Tags, Sincere Salutations
Inks: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Punches: Tags, Eyelet Border
Other: Cropodine, Eyelets, Cherry Cobbler button

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge #14

2011-07-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

We have another fab colour combo for you this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge:

Bit of an odd one hey?
I enjoy these colour combos even if they initially seem a bit strange - they make it a challenge to make the colours to work together and I enjoy a good challenge!

Here is my DT entry:

and a close up of the detail:

Recipe:
Stamps: Fresh Cuts
Card:Whisper White, Night of Navy, Peach Parfait, Rich Razzleberry
Punches: Word Window, Modern Label, Flower, Scallop Trip Border, Scallop Trim Corner
DSP: Peach Parfait
Other: Basic Pearls, Fresh Cuts Notes, Sewing Machine
Ribbon: Peach Parfait, Rich Razzleberry

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge - Sketch

2011-06-25T08:00:00.002+01:00

We have a great sketch for you over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week:

When I first saw this one I wasn't too sure what to do. This was certainly a challenge with all those layers. I decided in the end to rotate the sketch anticlockwise and this is what I came up with...

I thought I would also make a box in a bag to match...

and here it is with the windows open...

This turned into a really fun project in the end and I sent it to my little friend Eleanor for her birthday - I hope you like it Eleanor!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Cute by the Inch, Just Believe, Party this Way
Card: Pear Pizzazz, Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
DSP: Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizzazz
Inks: Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizzazz
Ribbon: Pear Pizzazz
Punches: Eyelet Border
Other: Water Spritzer, Stapler, Cropodile, Jumbo Eyelets

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Another New Baby

2011-06-20T21:19:00.002+01:00

Pink one this time

This one is for baby Esme -welcome to the world little one!

I used the sketch over at Sketch Saturday for this one.

Recipe:
Card: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo
DSP: Melon Mambo
Stamps: Hero Arts Baby Feet, Bundle of Love, Whimsical Words
Punches: Ovals, Scallop Trim Border
Ribbon: Melon Mambo
Other: Nesties, Big Shot

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Beware of the MONSTERS!!

2011-06-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

There's a theme over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week which is 'You've Got Male' so for my DT entry I decided to boycott the traditional Fathers' Day cards and go for a kiddies card!

Our friends' little boy is 3 in a few weeks time and he is a little monster (a lovely one!) so this is going to be for him

I really love these monsters - they are so cool!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Make a Monster, Party this Way
Card: Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
DSP: Pear Pizzazz
Inks: Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery
Ribbon: Pear Pizzazz
Punches: Scallop Edge

Thanks for Stopping by

Niki x

Baby Boy!

2011-06-15T17:04:00.002+01:00

When you have a baby, you meet lots of other people having babies and therefore require lots of new baby cards...

Here is the first in a long line to follow!

This one is for Baby Bailey - what a cute name!

I used the fabulous sketch over at Sketch Saturday this week for this card

Recipe:
Stamps: Bundle of Love
Card: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Whisper White
DSP: Bashful Blue
Inks: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Staz On, Blush Blossom
Punches: Circles, Scallop Trim border
Button: Bashful Blue
Ribbon: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Linen Thread

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Simply Stampin' Challenge Colour Combo

2011-06-11T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone

We have a fab colour combo for you over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week:

Now I really liked these colours and thought they were quite masculine and it just happened to be Ben's birthday...

I'd actually already made him a card but he needed one from Baby Sophie so here is what I came up with:

Recipe:
Stamps: A Slice of Life, Party This Way, Jumble Alphabet
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Concord Crush, Crumb Cake, Staz On Black
Card: Chocolate Chip, Concord Crush, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ribbon: Concord Crush, Crumb Cake
Punches: Word Window, Scallop Trim border
DSP: Chocolate Chip
Brads: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

He was very impressed with Sophie's card making skills!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Simply Stampin' Challenge - sketch

2011-06-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

We have a fab sketch for you this week over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge:

Here is my DT entry - I'd forgotten how much I loved these papers and this stamp set as I haven't had them out for a while but they really are gorgeous

close up arty shot of some of the pretty bits:

Recipe:
Stamps: Cottage Garden
Papers: Sunny Garden DSP
Card: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Whisper White
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
Ribbons: Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery
Punches: Word Window, Modern Label, Scallop Trim border
Other: Basic Pearls

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Floral Frenzy

2011-05-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

This week's challenge over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge is 'Floral Frenzy' - in other words we want to see flowers on your projects this week!

Here is my DT entry:

...and a close up...

I really love the two-step stamping stamps, particularly this set!

Recipe:
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Card: Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Punches: Scallop Trim border, ticket corner (US)
Ribbons: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge #8 Colour Combp

2011-05-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone

There is a great colour combo challenge over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week:

I was pleased with these colours - they are quite fresh and spring-like which is great for this time of year.

I thought I'd get out my Pocket Silhouettes stamp set as this one doesn't really get enough love from me even though it is a fab stamp set.

Here is my card:

and here is a close up of some of the detail

Recipe:
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Sincere Salutations
Card: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Old Olive
Pens: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
Ribbons: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Punches: Eyelet Border

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge #7

2011-05-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone

There is a sketch challenge this week over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge which we'd like you to join in with.

Here is the sketch:

and here is my Design Team entry:

I really enjoyed making this card and am pleased with the way it has turned out.

A close up of some of the pretty bits...

Recipe:
Stamps: A Slice of Life, Simply Said, Fast Flowers wheel
Card: Rose Red, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Rose Red, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink
Ribbons: Rich Razzleberry
Punches: Eyelet Border, Circles, Word Window, Modern Label
DSP: Springtime Vintage
Other: Basic Pearls, Aqua Painters

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Cute Picture Alert...

2011-05-09T06:17:00.003+01:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture - little Sophie is 3 days old here and is already stealing everyone's hearts!

She is so tiny - that little bunny is about 3" tall and he looks like a giant compared to her!!

This one is about to become the subject of a scrapbook page - I'm off into town to get it printed!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge: Buttons & Bows

2011-05-07T08:00:00.000+01:00

A nice easy challenge over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week: Buttons & Bows - plenty of scope there!

Here is my DT entry for this week:

with a close up of some of the detail...

Recipe:
Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Baby Blossoms
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla
Ink: Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Not Quite Navy
Punches: Photo Corners, Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Trim Corner
Ribbon: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Linen Thread
Other: Basic Pearls, Always Artichoke button

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Baby Rowland

2011-05-05T21:56:00.003+01:00

I'm having to take a break from crafting for a few days because Baby Sophie Ann Rowland made a somewhat rushed appearance into the world yesterday at 12.55am weighing 4lb 7oz, 7 weeks earlier than planned

Because she was so early she's being looked after by Special Care and she's likely to be there for a few weeks but all being well we'll be able to take her home soon

Her first portrait...

...and my first cuddle...

She's my best creation yet

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Introducing Tatty Teddy!

2011-05-02T21:00:00.002+01:00

I'm a huge fan of Tatty Teddy- I just think he is sooooooooooo cute so when I discovered a range of patterned papers, ribbons, embellishments and most importantly stamps, I just had to get myself some!

Here is a sample of what can be made using this cutie...

here is a close up of some of the detail...

...and I couldn't resist stamping the envelope!

I followed the sketch over at Sketch Saturday this week

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge #5 Colour Combo

2011-04-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

We have a colour combo on offer over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week:

I had no idea what to do with these colours at first but I am super pleased with the way my card turned out! Here is my DT entry:

Here is a close up of some of the detail:

Recipe:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Card: Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzelberry,Basic Gray, Always Artichoke
Brads: Basic Grey
Ribbon: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry
DSP: Rich Razzleberry
Punches: Two-Step Bird Punch, Eyelet Border Punch
Other: Jumbo Eyelets, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Big Shot

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Tri-Shutter card

2011-04-26T21:24:00.002+01:00

I thought I'd have a go at one of these tri-shutter cards - they look really complicated but really they are quite easy!

I also thought I'd dust off my 'Because I Care' stamp set which I've had for a while but not got around to using yet

and the daisies Big Shot die

Recipe:
Card: Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Whisper White
DSP: Sunny Garden, Springtime Vintage
Stamps: Because I Care
Punches: Ovals
Ribbon: Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive

I'm entering this one in this weeks Just Us Girls Challenge which is to create something 3D with a spring theme

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-25T21:24:00.003+01:00

When I saw this bunny on Sharon's blog, I could not resist making one and turning him into a fab Easter card!

Here he is up close - what a cutie!

and I couldn't resist making a little treat basket to match...

here are the two together...

Recipe
Stamps: Fight of the Butterfly, Occasional Greetings, Confetti
Punches: ovals, jewellery tag, circles, butterfly, boho blossoms, scallop trim border
Inks: certainly celery, melon mambo
Card: whisper white, melon mambo, certainly celery
DSP: Certainly celery
Ribbon: melon mambo, certainly celery

I followed the sketch over at Sketch Saturday this week so I'm entering this little lot in this week's challenge

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge #4

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

Fab sketch over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week and here is my Design Team entry:

I went for mega bright colours which is very unusual for me but I'm getting into the summer spirit!

I am actually quite pleased with the result, I may have to use these colours more often!

Recipe:

Stamps: Simply Said, Four Frames
Card: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Inks: Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Black staz on
Punches: Scallop Trim border, Decorative Label
Ribbon: Old Olive

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge #3 Easter

2011-04-16T08:00:00.001+01:00

This week it is an Easter theme over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge so I thought I'd have a go at a few little Easter Baskets

I've filled them all with yummy treats but who shall I give them to?

I think Ben might eat them all before Easter as he has already spotted them in my craft room!!

This one is a bit special as I had a go at weaving which was more difficult that I thought!

Recipe:
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Stamps: Cottage Garden, Flight of the Butterfly, Occasional Quotes, Sanded
Ribbon: Certainly Celery, Old Olive
Punches, Circles, Scallop Circle, Butterfly, Scallop Trim border

Thanks for stopping by x

Niki x

Get Well Wishes

2011-04-13T19:53:00.002+01:00

This is a little card to say a big 'Get Well Soon' to a member of my craft club who went in for a knee operation that hit her quite hard

Get Well Soon Kath!!

She's on the mend now which is great news

I really really love this stamp set - it's a Hostess Level 2 set and it is absolutely gorgeous

Recipe:
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous, Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Pear Pizzazz
DSP: Sunny Garden
Punches: Oval, Scallop Oval, Eyelet Border Punch, Ticket Corner (US)
Ink: Staz on, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron
Ribbon: Certainly Celery

Don't forget to head on over the the Simply Stampin' Challenge this week - there is a colour challenge there and a chance to win some CANDY!!!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

In the Pink of Things!

2011-04-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

I've been getting Scrappy recently and am currently scrapbooking my honeymoon which was last year. We went to Kenya on Safari ad also spent some time in the Seychelles

This is a scrapbook page of Lake Nakuru in Kenya which is famous for its flamingos

It is a colour challenge this week over at Simply Stampin' Challenge: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Bravo Burgundy and Pink Pirouette and this is my Design Team entry for this week

I had a go here at a ribbon rosette which for a first attempt I'm quite pleased with!

and a close up of the journalling - a rare treat in my scrapbook pages, I never do any!

Recipe:
Stamps: Medallion background
Ink: Bravo Burgundy
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
DSP: Woodland Walk
Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Frame
Ribbon: Very Vanilla

Thanks for stopping by x

Note Cards

2011-04-05T21:58:00.003+01:00

I thought I'd dust off some stamp sets that I hadn't used for a while so have gone for Garden Whimsy and Confetti, both of which I think are really lovely

This little box is just the right size to hold 4x4 notelet cards and I intend to fill it with a few of those which will create a really lovely gift for someone

I've gone for a colour combo of Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzlebury and Elegant Eggplant

Recipe:
Stamps: Garden Whimsy, Confetti
Card: Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Elegant Eggplant
Ink: Rich Razzlebury
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink
Punches: Scallop Trim border, Ticket Corner (US)

I'm entering this one in this week's Papertake Weekly Challenge which is 'Anything Goes' (a nice easy one!!)

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge

2011-04-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm really excited to say that it is the first challenge over at the Simply Stampin' Challenge today!!

Get yourselves over there and join in the fun - there is also some CANDY up for grabs and I know how everybody loves candy!!!

Here is my Design Team entry:

and a close up of some of the pretty bits...

Recipe:

Stamps: Baby Blossoms, Occasional Greetings
Card: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper white, Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery
DSP: Subtles Patterns Stack: Perfect Plum
Inks: Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose
Punches: Scallop Trim
Ribbon: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink
Button: Pear Pizzazz

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Happy Mothers' Day

2011-03-31T20:41:00.002+01:00

Well it's Mothers' Day this Sunday and I have to make two Mothers' Day cards, one for my mum and one for Ben's mum

I won't say who this one is for just in case either of them come looking at my blog!

Apologies for the pants pictures, I was having flash issues!

Recipe:
Stamps: Just Believe
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
DSP: Woodland Walk
Punches: Eyelet Border, various circles and Ticket corner (US), hole punch
Ribbon: Certainly Celery, Linen thread
Ink: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi
Button: So Saffron

I'm entering this one in this week's My Time to Craft challenge which is Mum's the Word!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Pretty in Pink

2011-03-28T19:25:00.000+01:00

I was aiming for pink and brown on this card so naturally went for Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip but I wasn't getting the subtle effect I was after, so injected a bit of Crumb Cake and hey presto, the perfect colour combo!

I also used my old favourite stamp set: Simply Said

here's a close up of some of the pretty bits...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
DSP: Chocolate Chip
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip
Punches: Eyelet Border punch, 2 step bird punch, Corner punch, Jewellery Tag punch, Photo Corner punch
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink, linen thread
Stamps: Simply Said, Tiny Tags
Other: Basic Pearls

I followed the sketch at Friday Sketchers and am also going to enter this card in the A Spoon Full of Sugar challenge this week which is Ribbon, Pearls & Flowers and also this weeks challenge at the 2 Sisters Challenge Blog which is Make Your Own Embellishments

I think that's quite enough challenges for one card!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge

2011-03-25T08:40:00.001Z

Hi Everyone!

You may have noticed a new banner to your right...? In case you were wondering what it is, it is the Simply Stampin' Challenge! This is a brand new challenge blog for those of you out there who love Stampin' Up! (and I know there are LOADS of you!!) There will be a new challenge every week, the first one being on Saturday 2 April 2011 and there will be a prize up for grabs on the first week so WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

Head on over there, start following us and grab the banner for your sidebar!

You can also meet the fabulous Design Team

Hope you join us soon at the Simply Stampin' Challenge

Niki xxx

White on white...

2011-03-18T19:51:00.000Z

OK, I decided to enter a challenge this week that was somewhat out of my comfort zone, the card has to be 'white on white' which meant a bright main image with everything else being in white. I was a bit stumped but here's what I came up with...

I think I may have cheated a bit by using pink ribbon and inking the edges of my white cardstock but hey, I did my best!

This fab challenge was set by TLT

Recipe:
Stamps: Nikki & Friends
Inks: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Soft Suede, black staz on
Ribbon: Melon Mambo
Card: whisper white
Other: Big Shot, Swiss Dots embossing folder, charm, Basic Rhinestones, nesties
Punches: Label punch, small hole punch

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Love Letter

2011-03-14T16:27:00.000Z

I really love this photo of me and Ben on our wedding day, (so much so it is blown up and on our lounge wall!) so I thought it had better be the subject of a scrapbook page...here is what I came up with:

close up of some of the pretty bits...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
DSP: Love Letter
Ribbon: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Monogram Sweet
Punches: Photo Corners, Eyelet Border
Other: Big Shot, Top Note die, Basic Rhinestones, Cricut, Printing 101 cricut cartridge

I'm going to enter this page into this week's My Time to Craft Challenge which is to use jewels

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Elegant Soiree Basket

2011-03-01T20:56:00.000Z

I love these papers as they are perfect for all sorts of projects. This is a little basket which can be filled with practically anything and is perfect for a gift

(also so easy to make which is always a bonus!)

Just a very quick post today as I'm flying off to Dubai tomorrow for 10 days in the sun!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Pretty Colours

2011-02-21T21:12:00.000Z

I really love this colour combo, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz and Daffodil Delight. I also really love the stamp set I've used on this card. It's called Fast & Fabulous which is hostess set but it really is lovely and I'm coming to the conclusion that these stamps look good in any colour!

I followed this week's sketch over at Sketch Saturday and I'm also going to enter this card in the Allsorts challenge which is Inspired by Nature, and Our Creative Corner challenge which is Getting Wordy!

Recipe:
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous, So Happy for You, Cheer & Wishes
Card: Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Pear Pizzazz Patterns
Ink: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight
Punches: Boho Blossoms, Eyelet Border
Ribbon: Peach Parfait
Other: Pearls, Certainly Celery brad

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Explosion Photo Box!

2011-02-13T17:01:00.001Z

I really love working with photos and am experimenting with different ways to display them apart from the usual scrapbook page, so this week I've created an explosion box...

Take the lid off...

...and explodes into a mini album!

...and a close up of some of the pretty bits!

Recipe:
Cardstock: Concorde Crush, Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey, Very Vanilla
DSP: Lap of Luxury
Punches: Eyelet Border punch, Corner Clipper (non SU), Small Heart, Scallop Circle
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink, Concorde Crush
Other: Basic Rhinestones

I'm going to enter this into this week's Cute Card Thursday challenge which is Hearts & Flowers and also this week's Crazy 4 Challenges challenge which is Hearts
(I have used two hearts, they are in the corner on the left hand page!)

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Quills

2011-02-10T21:57:00.000Z

I thought I'd have a go at quilling this week. It's something I used to do a lot of but I haven't done much recently, so here are my efforts...

...and a close up of the detail...
(of course I had to add a bit of bling!)

and here are some little tiny flowers...quilling in 3D!

Recipe (card):
Card: Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey, Concorde Crush
DSP: Lap of Luxury
Punches: Eylett border punch, EK Sucess corner punch, Ticket punch (US), Word Window punch, Designer label punch
Ribbon: Concorde Crush, Pretty in Pink
Stamps: Priceless (US)
Other: Basic Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds, Quilling papers

I followed the sketch over at Truly Scrumptious

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Butterfly Wallet

2011-02-06T18:51:00.001Z

I have CASED this lovey little wallet from the very talented Michelle Last and am going to use it for this week's Inspiration Project at my craft club on Saturday

It is made from one sheet of 12x12 cardstock and holds 8 little notelets inside..cute huh?

Recipe:
Card: Old Olive, Rich Razzlebury, Orchid Opulence (retired) and Whisper White
DSP:Cottage Wall (Retired)
Ink: Rich Razzlebury, Orchid Opulence (retired)
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Ribbon: Old Olive, Rich Razzlebury
Punches: Scallop border, Circles, Butterfly, Corner rounder

I'm going to enter this one in this week's CCEE Stampers challenge which is to use punches - I used many!!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xxx

Thanks...

2011-02-03T20:16:00.000Z

I wanted to say Thank You to someone this week so I made them this little card using the fabulous 'Fast & Fabulous' Level 2 hostess set that just arrived into my stash this week...

what a fab set, I love it!

Receipe:
Card: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Pretty In Pink
Ribbons: both Pretty In Pink
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous, Sincere Salutations, Whimsy jumbo wheel
Punches: Oval, Scallop Oval, Scallop Trim Border, 2 Step Bird Punch, Boho Blossoms
Other: Basic Pearls

I followed the sketch this week over at Friday Sketchers

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Sweet Baby Girl

2011-01-30T20:31:00.001Z

I've had the scan..IT'S A GIRL!!!!

I'm very pleased but Ben isn't so impressed as he wanted a footballer but hey ho, maybe next time!

I just couldn't resist a lovely pink scrapbook page...

and I really went to town on the detail!

Receipe:

Card: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Basic Grey
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo
Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Trim Corner, Heart to Heart, EK Sucess Flourish
Other: Big Shot, Swirly die, Revolutions pearl flourishes, Cricut, George & Basic Shapes cartridge, Printing 101 cartridge
Buttons: PTI

I'm going to enter this on into the Simply Create challenge this week which is Give Your Heart Away (I have certainly done that already) and the 2 Sisters Challenge which is to use a female image

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

The Next Morning

2011-01-20T20:43:00.000Z

Yet another layout for you today - I have been very busy lately!

This one captures the morning after my hen night when we were all a little worse for wear!
Being the clever one, I am not in the photo as I was the one taking it!!

a close up of some of the detail...

Recipe:
Stamps: Morning Cup (SU USA)
Card: Old Olive, So Saffron, Pink Passion (retired) and Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz On, Old Olive, So Saffron, Pink Passion and Pumpkin Pie
DSP: From Petal Party Simply Scrappin kit (now retired)
Ribbon: So Saffron
Other: Cricut George & Basic Shapes cartridge, stickers from the Petal Party Simply Scrappin kit

I'm going to enter this one in two challenges: the Sweet Stampin Challenge which is to use a photograph and also the Craft Your Days Away challenge which is a nice easy one: Anything Goes!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Another Layout

2011-01-19T19:47:00.000Z

Another layout, this time from when we were on our honeymoon last year

I really love these colours and they go so well with all the beautiful flowers and scenery we saw while we were in the Seychelles

a close up of some of the pretty bits...

Recipe:

Card: Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
DSP: In colours patterns, Sunny Garden
Ink: Pear Parfait, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz
Stamps: Cottage Garden
Ribbons: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight
Punches: Eyeless border, EK Success flourish
Other: Cricuit George & Basic shapes cartridge, pearls

I'm going to enter this one in this weeks Papertake Weekly Challenge which is Ribbons & Pearls and also the 2 Sisters Challenge which is Flowers

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

More Babies!

2011-01-17T20:58:00.000Z

Huge congratulations to my friend who has just announced she is 13 weeks pregnant!

This is a special pregnancy due to past problems so I'm absolutely delighted for them!

A little card to say Congrats using the fabulous Nikki & Friends stamps...

and a close up of the pretty bits

Receipe:

Stamps: Niki & Friends: Expecting Niki & Its Only Words 2
DSP: Sunny Garden, In Colour patterns
Card: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Ink, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Blush Bossom, Rose Red, Crumb Cake
Ribbon: Pear Pizzazz and Linen thread
Punches: various circles, ticket, and EK Success Wave
Other: pearls, buttons and brad

I'm going to enter this one in the TLT challenge this week which is 'Baby' (second entry this week!) and I also followed the Sketch Saturday sketch

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Positively Pregnant

2011-01-16T18:25:00.000Z

This is the second layout we did at my Simply Scrappin' class yesterday

I just absolutely love these papers!

This will be the first page of my pregnancy/new baby scrapbook album if I ever get around to doing it after I've finished my skiing one, cruise one, hen party one, wedding one, honeymoon one...my little one will be 21 by then!!!

Receipe:

Card: Basic Grey, Very Vanila, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Ink: Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
DSP: Elegant Soiree
Stamps: Jumple Alphabet
Punches: Eyelett Border
Embossing: Elegant Lines
Ribbon: Very Vanilla, Linen Thread
Button: Crumb Cake

I'm going to enter this one in this week's TLT challenge which is 'Baby' - although this little one won't technically be a baby until 21 June this year!!!

Thanks for stopping by x

Niki xx

Simply Scrappin'

2011-01-15T22:37:00.000Z

I held my Simply Scrappin' All Day Workshop today and here is the first layout of the day...

This photo was taken on the morning of our wedding by a friend. Ben can't remember what on earth he was doing (night fever maybe?) or why, but I love the photo!!

A close up of some of the pretty bits...

Receipe:

Card: Very Vanilla, Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey
DSP: Lap of Luxury
Ribbons: Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey, Linen thread
Punches: Eyelett Boarder, EK Sucess photo corners
Dies: Swirly, Lattice
Stamps: Jumble Alphabet
Ink: Concord Crush
Other: clips assortment

I'm going to enter this one in this week's Colour Create Challenge which is pink, blue (OK so I went a bit dark and ended up with purple!), grey and cream.

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Vintage For You

2011-01-10T20:45:00.000Z

At my craft club every week I always come up with an 'Inspiration project' to give my ladies some inspiration as to what to make and this is what we made this week...

They seemed to really enjoy making this project and went home with some beautiful creations

Recipe:
Card: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Ribbon: Night of Navy
Punches: Large Oval, 2 Step Bird Punch, Scallop Trim, Boho Blossoms
Stamps: Sanded background, Medallion Background, Bliss (SAB) and Afterthoughts (hostess)

I followed the sketch over at this weeks Truly Scrumptious challenge

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

New Home!

2010-12-23T20:13:00.000Z

Congratulations to Rusty and Gemma who have finally bought a new house!!

Yey! We are so happy for you guys

I followed the sketch over at Sketch Saturday and am also entering this one into PTW challenge which is 'Anything Goes'!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Last of my Special Christmas Cards

2010-12-22T20:24:00.000Z

I'm not going to say who this one is for in case she hasn't got it yet but I'm fairly sure she'll be happy with it!!

I've used the sketch over at Anyone For Anya this week together with a generous helping of glitter spritz and gems!

Thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas to all!

Niki x

Another Special Christmas Card

2010-12-20T20:45:00.001Z

...and this time it is for my parents! I'm guessing it will be the most wintery card on their mantlepiece as they are in Florida for the winter again this year - I wonder if they give wintery Christmas cards over there?!

We're off to join them on Friday (fingers crossed given the snow!) so I'll soon know the answer!

I based this card on last week's Sketch Saturday sketch which was absolutely fab! I'm going to enter this one in the current A Spoon Full of Sugar challenge which is a nice easy one: Christmas Cards!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Winter Wonderland Niki

2010-12-19T21:25:00.000Z

I have been working hard on my 'special' Christmas cards this week - this one is for my Auntie Vera

I love the Nikki & Friends stamps (especially as I am called Niki and my husband is called Ben!) and this Nikki looks so happy with all her presents!!

The challenge this week at TLT was Winter Wonderland and I also used the Sketch over at Sketch Saturday

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Expecting...

2010-12-08T18:51:00.001Z

No card or project to show you today, just a lovely picture of our little bundle of joy due 21st June next year - I can't wait to meet him or her!

I feel lots of scrapbook pages coming on!!!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Baby Cate

2010-12-04T22:04:00.001Z

My lovely friend Jenny just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Catherine Hana, 7lb 1oz and she is absolutley gorgeous! I met her for the first time today.

Here is the card I made to welcome little Cate

and a close up of some of the detail

I'm going to sneakily enter this one in the Truly Scrumptious challenge this fortnight which is Think Pink - strictly speaking I should have followed the sketch but I opted to ignore that and just follow the optional extra!

(DT - Don't worry about entering me for the prize if this doesn't meet the terms of the challenge!)

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

More (late) Halloween!

2010-11-19T20:24:00.001Z

Here is a little box I made for Eleanor and Samuel when they came over on Halloween (I obviously made 2 of them!) Love my Autumn Harvest Stamp Set (pumpkin)!

I of course filled them with sweeties, which they loved!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Trick or Treat!

2010-11-04T21:31:00.000Z

I know it's a bit late but I had loads of people round for dinner on Sunday and given it was Halloween I couldn't resist these lovely little pumpkins as placenames!

I also made some little treat boxes for Eleanor & Samuel but I forgot to take photos of them d'oh! Eleanor if you are reading this can you take a picture of it and email it to me!!

I'm entering this is Daring Cardmakers challenge this week which is 'Trick or Treat!'

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

LOVIN' the New In Colours!

2010-10-24T20:41:00.000+01:00

I have a new favourite colour combination: Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade, which are three of the new In Colours from Stampin' Up!

I used this week's sketch over at Sketch Saturday which is fab as always and here is what I came up with...

...arty angle...

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Saturday's Class

2010-10-11T20:33:00.000+01:00

We had a fab day on Saturday! All my ladies made 31 Christmas cards each which is a huge amount in just 6 hours

I meant to take a picture before we started but I ran out of time!

So here is an action shot!

and we had a very special guest pop by for a quick visit, the lovely Becca, who made an absolutley fabulous card! Didn't she do well!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Little Pressies

2010-10-07T20:23:00.000+01:00

My lovely husband asked me the other day "can you put together a card and some little pressies for my mum and grandma by the weekend"

Right, that meant my scrappin night last night turned into a card and box making night instead!

Here is the card - I followed this weeks Sketch Saturday sketch

arty angle...

Little box containing a face mask, body scrub and some Hotel
Chocolat chocolate drops (very yummy!)

...box together with fancy soap from Lush...

...and finally, everything together!
Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

More Christmas Crafting - Tags for All!!

2010-10-06T12:02:00.000+01:00

For my Christmas Workshop on Saturday, my ladies have a challenge: they must make as many tags as they can in order to win a fab prize - what they don't know is that they all have to be different!

Here are a few of my examples - I've taped them all up on the windowsill for inspiration!

...a few more...

...and a close up of some of my favourites...

...this one isn't quite right but hopefully my ladies will do a better job than me!

Again I'm entering this one into Charisma Cardz challenge this week which is 'Christmas Crafting'

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Christmas Crafting

2010-10-05T21:10:00.000+01:00

I'm holding an all day workshop on Saturday - we'll be making 30 (yes 30!) quick-make Christmas cards, one large card (see my post of 2nd October) and as many present tags as possible. There is going to be a prize for the person who makes the most - watch out for my samples on here!

Anyway, as a thank you to my lovely ladies for coming, they will all be getting a little box containing a few little choccies and a small packet of buttons

Here is the box with the contents

...box on it's own...

...all five together...

...and a close up of the detail!

I'm entering these in the Charisma Cardz challenge this week which is 'Christmas Crafting' - a nice easy one.

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Bold & Bright - not my thing!!!

2010-10-03T17:08:00.001+01:00

I fancied a challenge and thought I'd step outside my comfort zone and go for a really bright colour..Bermuda Bay...I clearly shouldn't have done!

I don't like this one at all!!!

I followed the fab sketch over at Friday Sketchers and also used the 'Spots & Stripes' challenge over at A Spoon Full of Sugar for extra inspiration

Hopefully my friend who is s for, who is not crafty whatsoever, might not mind the brightness!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

It's Christmas!!!! (well almost!)

2010-10-02T21:13:00.000+01:00

I love the Christmas season!!! What a great excuse to make cards!!

I've been getting ready today for my 'Get Ready for Christmas' workshop next week and this is going to be the feature card for the workshop

Love this little charm!

and I have even decorated the inside

I hope my ladies will like it!

It is World Card Making Day today and I am entering this card in the Daring Cardmakers challenge in aid of this

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xx

Sit back, relax & enjoy!

2010-10-01T21:01:00.000+01:00

It is a good friend's birthday on Monday so I have put this little card together for her

I love this image - it's a Nikki & Friends one (love them just for the name!) and I bought loads of them at ally pally last weekend!

I follwed the sketch over at Sweet Sketch Wednesday which is fab this week!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Just for Eleanor

2010-09-28T21:30:00.000+01:00

My little friend Eleanor, who was my bridesmaid, came with me to Alley Pally on Saturday and was in awe of the sheer amount of stash there (and at how much I bought!)

She was desperate for more stamps but her allowance didn't quite stretch that far so I have stamped her out some images and am going to send them to her

Of course, I had to make a card to send them in...

and I wanted to try out the charms I bought on Saturday...

...and the mini sewing machine I bought last weekend...

I used the sketch from Friday Sketchers and am also going to enter this one in this week's Charisma Cardz challenge which is 'Anything Goes'

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Having a go at Distressing

2010-09-26T19:57:00.000+01:00

My favourite auntie, Auntie Vera, turns 80 on Wednesday so such a special birthday called for a very special card! I've used a lot of my Alley Pally purchases from yesterday to create this one and thought I'd give distressing a try which is something I usually shy away from...

Here is the card

and a little box of choccies to match

both together

and an arty shot!

I used the sketch from this week's Sketch Saturday and took the colours from this weeks Our Creative Corner colour challenge: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Early Expresso

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

A Hard Day's Shopping!

2010-09-25T20:21:00.000+01:00

I just love the Stamp and Scrapbooking show at Alexandra Palace! We spent all day there today and I spent a small fortune! Had a fab day though and look at all the goodies!!!

Here is a little sentiment that just about sums me up today...

Right, I'm absolutley shattered now so should be going off to bed soon but instead I'm up to play with my new goodies!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki xxx

Spooky Invitation

2010-09-23T21:46:00.001+01:00

I know it's a little early for Halloween stuff but I'm inviting some friends round for a very un-halloweeny sunday roast, it just happens to be on Halloween, so I couldn't resist a Halloween theme!

I used the sketch over at Sketch Saturday and came up with these invitations

Watch out nearer the time for some other Halloweeney themed things!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

Hen Party Scrapbook day 2

2010-09-22T20:45:00.000+01:00

On to day two of my Hen Party scrapbook - I'm really enjoying doing this album, I can have so much fun with it and can make it extra girly and sparkly!

Page 1

Page 2

Both together

...and a couple of closeups

Thanks for stopping by!

Niki x

Hen Party Scrapbook day 1

2010-09-20T20:28:00.000+01:00

I've been working hard lately on a scrapbook of my hen weekend. We rented a cottage in Norfolk for a weekend and had lots and lots of entertainment! As you can see we had a lovely waiter to serve us drinks and nibbles!

Page 1

Page 2

Both together

...and a close up!

I didn't know where to look! It gets worse though...watch out for further pages!

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x

My Wedding Table Plan

2010-09-19T20:29:00.001+01:00

Well I've been away to Reading this weekend to visit a friend so no crafting for me so I thought I'd show you the table plan I made for my wedding

Needless to say it coordinated with all my other stationery which I shall show you another day!

Thanks for stopping by!

Niki xx

Happy New Home

2010-09-14T20:59:00.001+01:00

My lovely friend Laura has just bought a new flat so here is a little New Home card for her.

I'm off down to Reading to see her this weekend and I'm looking forward to a lovely girly Saturday night!

Card Recipe:
Cardstock: Old Olive, Kraft, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa
Ribbon: So Saffron
Stamps: Neighbourhood wheel
Punches: oval, scallop oval

Thanks for stopping by

Niki x