A Gorjuss giveaway!

Hi everyone, I'm back with a card today.

No surprises that it features that sweet Gorjuss image 'Untamed' again as this is such a favourite of mine at the moment!

The pretty paper is from Kaisercraft. I cut it to size, added tiny Stickles dots, stamped a Hero Arts sentiment and butterfly, and that was just about it. Job done - what a quick and simple card!

When I started colouring these images I decided to take a peek at Gorjuss creator Suzanne Woolcott's blog. I was so sorry to read about Suzanne's health problems following surgery. Suzanne's partner is caring for her full time and although Suzanne's work continues to grow in popularity you get the feeling that a little extra money in the bank wouldn't go amiss.

With this in mind I popped across to Suzanne's Etsy shop and made a few purchases. There are some great little gifts and stocking fillers available there.

Here's one of them....

This sweet little pocket mirror is my latest candy giveaway.

Please leave a comment on this post to go into the hat (or other suitable receptacle!) and I'll draw the winner next Sunday. If you take a look over at Suzanne's Etsy site and make a purchase you know that you'll be helping one of Blogland's most favourite artists and her family!

If you want to share a link to this post on your blogs that would be great.

Hugs to you all!

And the winner is....

Hi everyone, thanks for dropping back.
The winner of my little LOTV giveaway is the adorable, and VERY talented, Julie from Julie's Inkspot!

Congratulations chick, please could you email me with your address so that I can get that cute stamp in the post to you!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Making a start on Christmas!

Back in January I had grand plans of making Christmas cards throughout the whole year. The idea being that when the festive season arrived I would be cool, calm and collected and able to turn to a shoulder high pile of gorgeous cards dripping glitter and sparkle. Instead it has taken me until September to make my first Christmas card... and this is only because of those wonderful ladies over at SCSC prodding me into action with Challenge #98!

To be honest my mojo is a little low-low today due to back pain and I have to say that it does show in this card. I don't like to be a quitter but I might have to go and lie down for a little while if it doesn't ease up.

This sweet little angel isn't from the LOTV Christmas collection 2010. I bought her in about February (see told you I was full of good intentions) and it has taken until now to get her inked up.

I wanted to experiment with the gorgeous coloured pencils that my hubby bought for me earlier this year. I coloured with Promarkers and then went in to add definition with the pencils. I used baby oil and paper stubs (a bargain from Wendy's) and blended and re-coloured until I got the effect that I was looking for.

And if you want to make a start on Christmas here's a little helping hand from yours truly.

Just leave me a comment to go into the hat for a little candy in the shape of this totally cute LOTV stamp called 'Christmas candle'. I think the girls have surpassed themselves this year as their Christmas 2010 range is just adorable!

I'll draw the winner a week on Saturday so don't forget to drop by again.

Happy crafting everyone!

Blue and distressed!

The question is does this title refer to today's card or to me and my bad back?

This card is for one of the many June's that I know. This June is a dear friend to myself and my hubby and we really don't get to see her as often as we'd wish. June always has a funny story to tell and she is the only person who could make breaking her foot sound amusing!

I was on a bit of a monochrome vibe when I made this card and used Tumbled Glass, Faded Jeans and Broken China Distress inks as they are all such gorgeous complimentary shades.

There's a real mix of stamps too: Hero Arts Heart Flourish, Old French Writing and Raindrop Background. The main image is Topiary Bush from Personal Impressions and the layered swirls are created using my really old Personal Impressions stamp that is missing it's label!

This card really sparkles with all the Waterfall Stickles, but unfortunately looks slightly flat in these pictures. I think if I was making this one again I would 'ground' the image of the topiary as it appears to be floating in mid air and looks a bit odd!

I'm entering this card in the curent Sir Stampalot Challenge which is 'All distressed' (thanks for the nudge in that direction Sally). Check out the DT girl's creations as they are all totally gorgeous!

Anyhooo, must go. I need to work on my card for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge as the weekend will be here very soon!

Happy crafting everyone!

In the words of Barry Manilow...

As Mr Manilow once said, or rather once sang, 'looks like we made it!'

We re-opened the library on Monday and people from the local community have flooded in!

Here are a few pics of the interior, taken just before we opened the doors on day one.

This is the adult library... love those comfy sofas and all that oak flooring. Here's the Children's Library with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz keeping an eye on things!Yes, those are Superman's legs in the teenage area... and don't you just love those funky chairs!

This is the under fives room or 'The Rainbow Room' as it is known. It's a great place for families to chill out together and enjoy stories and fun.

The staff have worked incredibly hard to create such a beautiful library and are rightly proud of their achievements.

See you again soon with a card... happy crafting everyone and I hope you all have a great weekend!

Be bold in the dreams you dream for yourself.

Well it's the big day tomorrow as we re-open the library!

I have to admit that I am getting a wee bit nervous, but I really can't wait to see the library full of customers. Wish me luck guys!

This week at Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge the lovely Wendy has chosen a gorgeous colour combo of blue and cream for Challenge #97.

I started off thinking of making a Christmas card, but then changed my mind and went in search of a Gorjuss girl to colour.

This little beauty is called 'Untamed'. I just love her wild hair.

I've not really coloured black hair before so was very grateful for the tips that Wendy had given me a few weeks ago. I need LOTS of practice, but it's ok for a first attempt.

I distressed some cream Bazzils card with Antique Linen Distress Ink and then stamped HA Old French writing, Raindrop Background Design Block and a very old Papermania stamp to give depth and texture.

I also broke out my lovely new Crescendoh Ordinary Sparkling Sentiments clear stamp set.

I spotted this over at The Stamp Attic and knew I had to buy it because the sentiments were so sweet and I love the font that Christine Mason Miller has used.

This is a small 4x4 card so I left it pretty plain, apart from two sweet punched flowers and tiny pearl centres.

Finally, I want to thank my sweet mate Vicky for the cute 'Cherry on the Top award' that she left for me over on her blog.What a nice surprise, thank you so much Vicky and thanks for your friendship too... I am so lucky to know you!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and happy crafting everyone!