Simon Says - New Baby

This card was originally done as a "just beacuse" card. One for the collection, but I had to share it because I love it so much and so why not enter it into a challenge?! Simon says challenge says New Baby. The stamp I used is from Sugar Nellie, and I have coloured her in with distress ink pads - Tattered Rose and Tea Stain. The backing paper is MME Wild Asparagus covered with some flocked vellum I've had for an age. I had some scaps left over from the Graphic 45 paper I used for my neice's box, so I had a go at making some bunting and a small lollipop flower. The letter stickers are from Papermania, distress with distress Tea inkpad. I'm really pleased with the vintagey look of this card. Hope you like it too! Thanks for looking. Let me know you've been so I can return the favour. Kel x

Colour Create Challenge

I hope you are all having a great start to the weekend. Here is a card I have made for the colour create challenge this fortnight. Its to use the colour combo of Soft Pink, Soft Blue, White and Silver. This card was made up of using some scraps. For the background I used Lemonade paper, then added some silvery printed vellum, the pink flower is from Heidi Swapp and the silver one I picked up at the Papermill. I'm not sure what the stamp is, but isnt it gorgeous!? Thank you Georgina! The image was coloured in using my ink pads again and her hair, I used a silver Sakura Gelly Roll pen, just to make her look a bit more kooky than she already does. I hope you like it. Thanks for checking in and enjoy the rest of your weekend!! :)

The songs of Life

First off, I want to apologise for the dark photos. Its a sign that the temperature is dropping again and that the threat of snow, sleat, rain (or all of the above) is imminent! It really is such a dark and drab day. And this is going to be one looonnng post too! Anyways, All about me are challenging you to think of the soundtrack to your life. This is such a tough one for me. I mean, can you really choose one song over millions that would sum up your whole however many years in, say, 3 minutes and 41 seconds? I seriously can't. I have tried to pick a song, any song, but as soon as I picked one I thought of another with a different memory. So I decided on doing my layout in a series of layouts in a book form for each decade as I remember it. Ah, the 80's! My absolute favourite for music. Electro pop, yes. Kooky, yes. Cheesy? Definately! There was some great music to come out of the 80's. Maybe I love it so much, still because for me it sums up my innocent youth. The arguments were about who was the better looking brother from Bros (Matt Goss, of course!), Madonna vs Michael Jackson, and who could get away with singing the swear word that appreared in "Push It"- Salt N' Peppa. The boys were trying to do backflips like the London Boys and the girls just wanted to have fun... Get it? LOL. It was also the time of my first ever concert. I went to see Jason Donovan with my friend Emma, her's and my mum. He was really, really good... (I was 10!) Oh, and the Smash hits poll winners parties. They were fab!! My favourite from the 80's..... tough choice. But I have to say, Rick Astley has always been my legend. Though it now when I was introduced to the 50's by my grandma and I have to say, I do love to jive along to Bill Haley, Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly.... Then came the 90's. A new school, new people and a whole load of new music. I was introduced to R&B, so I was now listening to Joe, Mary J Blige, SWV along with some Ragga from Beenie Man. I was also listening to trance and dance, pop, rap and of course still the stuff from the decade before. There was of course the battle of the bands, Blur and Oasis. There was Take That and New kids on the Block, and who can forget the baggy pants, courtesy of MC Hammer. I remember standing on a low wall outside a classroom with my friends and we were attempting to rap the whole song of Ice, Ice Baby! It was hilarious, when I look back. But then, later on in that decade I moved on too. I started listening to more Melancholy songs, from Bjork, Smashing Pumpkins, Nick Cave, but then on the other hand there was the rock (and a lot of moshing!) from Bon Jovi, GNR, Type O negative and a lot of Prince and Simply Red thrown in. The noughties was the start of my life abroad. I started in Germany and the one song on everyones lips was Mambo #5 - Lou Bega. That song drove me nuts! It was on non stop for 6 months. I did also find some other awesome talent in Germany, Like Sascha and the Turkish singer, Tarkan. from there I went to college, where we had cheesy disco every week. We bopped til we dropped to Queen, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Bad Manners, Oasis, Shed 7 and They Might Be Giants. I also listened to alot of Eric Clapton.... I still can't figure that out. When I went to Denmark, I kind of went back a bit to the electro pop of the 80's. So, Erasure featured heavily (they still do, actually), New Order and Human League with a dash of Level 42. Then onto spain and alot of booty shaking to Shakira, Beyonce, Sean Paul and Chenoa. I was there for 5 years and I still cannot find one song to even sum up one summer! It was such an eclectic time for me, its unreal. My friends would laugh at my CD collection because it was so random! Which is a great thing I think. And of today? Well, I still listen to just about everything. In my kitchen I have Roxette, in my living room its Lenny Kravitz and when I am just singing to myself its Elvis Presley. The music of today, Keane, Florence and the Machine, Paloma Faith, Paolo Nutini, Michael Buble and Alicia Keys, N Dubz, Pixie Lott.... it's all good. So, I think we can safely say there is an awful lot of music that happens in my life. Maybe I switched CD'S to often and thats why I can't summerise in just one tune. If you are still awake (and I do hope you are) thanks for baring with me, while I sift through 27 years of music in the life that is Kelly. Before I go, does anyone else remember The Reynolds Girls?? "I'd rather Jack". Thats in my head now... its going to be one long day... Thanks for sticking with me. Why don't you check out the challenge?

Scrap whispers Challenge 53

Challenge 53 is up for Scrap whispers and there is a fantastic prize up for grabs!! This challenge, we want you show us your journalling skills. Everyone has a story to tell. My layout for this challenge is about my daughters f irst day in big school. I was a wreck taking her in, but off she went, as calm as anything and I was left fighting back tears as my baby girl turned into a little girl before my eyes. You have until next saturday to play along with this challenge. Come and tell us a story!

Truly Scrumptious Sketch and stitch

just a quick post today. There is a sketch to follow over at Truly Scrumptious with the optional extra of stitching. The sketch is fab, with so much scope for it! I wanted to do a card for my mum's birthday but I couldnt find the right stamp so I scrapped the idea of the stamp altogether and used some chipboard letters instead. I stamped the white card with a little flower from the Basic Grey Origins clear stamp pack, and I can't get enough of the Basic Grey Lemonade papers. The "mum" label is from Junkitz. I love these little fabric labels, they just give such a dimension to projects. This one says 50% Teacher, 40% peacemaker, 10% superwoman. Dry Flat, reshape when necessary. I just think its quite sweet and quirky. Of course that was stitched on. The red flower was from a stem I bought from Wilkinsons and pulled apart. Thanks for stopping by!

Photo inspiration - basic grey

Basic Grey Challenges have the most gorgeous photo inspiration this fortnight! I've been trying to upload the photo for your to see but for some reason the computer says no! Its a room full of cream, brown, blue and teal tones. A room I want in my house, just to "ooh" and "ahh" at, really. I completely forgot that I had preordered the brand new "Origins" paper pack and the clear stamps, and they arrived yesterday. So using the stamps, the backing paper from the origins and adding a scrap of Nook and Pantry and an ickle bit of lace, here is my card. These stamps are so pretty, I'm off for a play!

Just a card and a box

I am getting increasingly attracted to all things vintage, and when I went to my local LSS I couldn't help but buy this gorgeous paper from Graphic 45 - Baby to Bride collection. I only bought the one sheet of 12x12 for 99p but it has gone pretty far! My Niece was born on new years eve but I've not been able to get to see her yet. After thinking about what to buy her I came across some plain boxes in the Papermill shop, ready to be decorated as you like. So I decided on a trinket box. I painted the box vintage cream, then cut out strips of this gorgeous paper and inked the edges with Tea Dye Distress Ink. I added some lace trim around the lid and painted a chipboard "A" for Amelia and put that on the top. I haven't stuck that on yet, as I'm not it looks right... With what I had left over, I made this wedding card. With some pretty lace from John Lewis (yep I paid a crazy price for it) added a little heart charm some pearls and a rub on sentiment from Basic Grey "Two Scoops", a pretty vintage style card. I've still got one more box to decorate and still some paper left over so I am feeling another one coming on! What do you think? Does the "A" stay or do you have any other suggestions?

Scrap whispers Challenge 52 - Watermelon

It's that time again! Another week gone and another super challenge set for Scrapwhispers. This week is all about seeking the feel of summer by taking inspiration from the simple watermelon. I decided on a card, and this image from the Whiff of Joy Summer Kit was perfect for the theme. Using Lemonade and Nook and Pantry papers from Basic Grey too, add some buttons, some Sunshine and there you have it. Makes you want more sun, doesn't it? The Sun up in the corner is a badge, which I fixed on using foam pads. I bought it with a pack from Paperchase and I've been hooked on using badges ever since! So whoever you send it to can take it off and wear it or attach it somewhere else to keep. So what will the watermelon inspire you to create. There is a super prize pack up for grabs too!!

New Baby - colour create

Colour create have set the challenge of using Kraft, Blue and White on a card. At first I thought I couldnt enter this one because I don't have any Kraft card, but it just means the colour of Kraft, right? Sooo, having a deep dig around my scrap boxes (yes, I have more than one, to my shame) I found some scraps of kraft coloured paper from guess where? Yep! My Minds Eye, LOL. I also had a little bit left over from MME Signature Christmas pack with blue dots on. Bonus! Since I am trying really, really hard not to buy anything new I have been having a rummage through my stamp box and found this stork one from around 4 years ago. Its a really large image from Whipper Snapper designs, so I thought I would just use a portion of the stamp. Normally I would just use the whole image but I think this looks pretty effective and highlights the image more. I coloured it in using my inkpads and a paintbrush, added all my little scraps, including the ribbon, the sentiment is stamped on using Studio G's mini alpha stamps. Thanks for looking Kel x

Favourite Season - Butterfly Crafts

Do you have a favourite season? You must have?! Out of all four I have to say I love the summer the best. It is when I feel more alive, more happy. I am a summer baby and I just need to be warm. I love the sunshine and spending the days outdoors. Its great to get out to the beach and one of my favourite places is Brighton! Vibrant & fun... not to mention it was easy to get to! So here is my layout. Sadly my last for Butterfly crafts as a DT member :( This is DD on one of our trips to Brighton. Come and share your favourite season with us. Looking forward to seeing your work!

What makes you angry?

This is the latest challenge on All About Me. There are planty of things that get me irked, like rude people, people who don't know how to use their P's and Q's, arrogant people (can you tell I don't really like people!?) but the ONE thing that really gets my blood boiling is being ignored!!! Thats the thing I really cannot stand and drives me demented. When I talk and someone ignores me, when I am in a shop and its like I am invisible, when I am asking someone to do something.... I could scream! So you better leave me some comments ... or else... LOL!!! I did this layout without a photo because its really not too pretty when I do get angry, I did alot of masking and did the dry brush in acrylic paint thing. It was meant to look a bit like the fires of hell, but is more acme hell. The paint was too bright and pearly, but I think it says what I wanted it to say. What makes you angry? go and check out the challenge. BTW: There is also a DT call so go check that out too! Kel x

Scrapwhisper Challenge 52

Scrapwhispers challenge 52 is up over at the blog! This week we want to see the colours Purple and Turquoise on your layouts/cards/projects! Gorgeous colours and perfect for any wintry photos you more than likely have. Though I chose these colours to represent water on my "Urban Beach" layout. In August last year there was an Urban Beach in Liverpool city centre. There were hook a duck stalls, trampolines and other rides along with this little beachy "island" in the middle. The kids loved making sand castles and jumping in the sand. I made the background of this layout by painting a section of bubble wrap with pearlescent blue acrylic paint and then pressing it down lightly onto the cardstock. I then took a dry brush and dabbed the paint around the edges. The paper is Cosmo Cricket from the Snorkel line and chipboard buttons from Smirk. Come and show us what you create!

C4C19 - Birthday

I am trying to get as many cards done as I can and I am turning to all the fabulous challenges out there for inspiration. Crazy4challenges is hosting a birthday challenge. This Sugar Nellie stamp arrived yesterday. It is so sweet and a joy the colour. After all the colours of winter its been refreshing to use bright and fresh colours for this card. The "Happy Birthday" sentiment is from a pack I got from Lakeland many moons ago. Papers are Basic Grey Lemonade. Pearls, brad and flowers from stash. If you are needing to stock up on birthday cards check out the challenge! Thanks for looking.

CCT All new

Cute Card Thursday's challenge this week is "All New". This could be any thing that is new. So my card is made up of completely new things. The stamp, Daisy wth pram from Sugar Nellie, arrived yesterday morning (so, so cute!), the papers I got from the sale at the paper mill (MME bloom & grow AGAIN!) and the ribbon was given to me a while ago but I havent used it before (ok, that may be cheating just a little, lol). The card is for my sister who has just had my little Nephew, Cian, who I just cant wait to meet... once all this snow and ice decides to clear! Enjoy your weekend x

Get Geeky

I have found another new challenge blog Nerdy *Victorious* Scrapbookers, Or NVS for short. The whole site looks like a whole lot of fun and inspires you to embrace your inner nerd! LOL Here is the collage that the nerds have set for inspiration. Very chic and rock glam. I tried to pick out as many elements of it as I could for my Layout but without it being too obvious. This is my layout for the challenge. The photo is of me, my cousin Sarah and her friend Louise trying to sqeeze into a photo booth when we were all around 15-16 years old. Check out my glasses.... Harry Potter eat your heart out! LOL. As soon as I saw the huge glasses on the girl in the collage I knew I had to use this photo...(though there are many, many more... *cringe*) Even though there was a only a hint of red in the collage, I wanted to use it to make this standout. The Basic Grey Lemonade paper seemed just perfect for this photo. The title is just all about us trying to be chic when we really were just Geeks! :) Material: K&co Hopscotch girl, Basic Grey Lemonade, WeRMemory Keepers photo anchors, brads, waxed thread, Papermania alpha stickers, epoxy shapes. buttons, paperclip. Let out your inner geek and check out the challenge! Thanks for looking x

Lemon and Lime

The colour challenge over at Colour Create this fortnight is Lemon and Lime. Lovely, fresh and warm, much needed at this freezing time!! So this is the card I made for this challenge. I used Basic Grey Nook and Pantry and June Bug papers, a Whiff of Joy stamp some flowers from my stash and a Laura Ashley brad. A little glimmer of sunshine.... if only... Keep warm, wherever you are! x

Scrap whispers "Stars and Spikes"

Scrap whispers is back!! The first of the weekly challenges are up and the theme is "Stars and Spikes". You can interpret this however you want. Here is my layout for this challenge, my first as a member of the amazingly talented design team! (Said with a little squeal of excitement!) I chose to do my layout on a spikey hair do I once sported. I had gone to a spanish hairdresser armed with a photo of the singer Dido, and when I came out.. well, this is what I got. Toni insisted this suited me better. I only wished he had decided to tell me first! LOL. I actually liked it, lucky for him! :) Come on over and join us in the challenge and be in with a chance to win an awesome prize which grows over the month!! The main whisper game is also due to start soon so why not sign up to play this fabulous game? If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out the Scrap whispers blog here and you will get all the rules and info you need. Look forward to seeing you there! :)