Pocket Silhouettes

Hi All,

It's been a long time..........don't worry; I haven't fallen off the planet...........I certainly haven't stopped crafting; just finding time to blog difficult to fit in.

Computers are my nightmare, and now made even worse as blogger has changed it's look........I'm trying to type and add photos in a tiny box which is hiding half the icons, so I'm afraid........it's going to be more jumbled than ever.........you've been warned!!

It's not letting me change the centre alignment, which is driving me........even more crazy than usual!

Last time I met with my 'Buddies' we made a selection of 4 cards using 'Pocket Silhouettes'.............

........and of course embossed butterflies (I just love those, don't you?) 

The main colours are Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz and Early Espresso

All kept together neatly in a wallet box

Hope you've enjoyed dropping by,

I'll try and sort the computer problems out..........after all it's the 1st May tomorrow and Stampin'Up has some lovely 'NEW' Goodies for me to share with you!

Happy Crafting

Jane x

More French Foliage!

Hi All,

It has to be one of my all time favourite stamp sets. It seems so right to be stamping leaves at the moment as the weather is turning colder.

I've made up several packs of these recently as little gifts for neighbours and hostesses as a way of saying 'thank you'. Another friend had a hip operation last week, so I popped in a book of stamps and it made a prefect present.
It's made as a one sheet wonder; the style of the bag requires no cutting........

.....and the cards are simply strips of the stamped image layered onto coloured card stock

Hope you've enjoyed popping by,

Jane x

The Scrapbook

Hi all,

Well, the 'rain dance' definitely worked yesterday!! (I got my crafting done..........but unfortunately I didn't think of others, as I was dancing.........I only remembered them when it was pouring down, but by then it was just too late......LOL!!)

So I apologise to my sister and Merlin her dog, who were competing in agility...........and also..........to Val's sister and her family; who were packing up their tent throughout it all!

Anyway, here the pictures of the re-make........it might not be 100% true to the original, but it will give you an idea of what we got up to.

Throughout the album the base layers were the same size. I gave various designs ideas for each size so that everyone could pick and choose one if they wished to copy. The butterfly above........

........and this tandem could fit on the front cover and in the middle of the book.

You'll see from the following photos, different design ideas for the small and large pages.........

The bridesmaid dresses are Cherry Cobbler in colour, but I was aware not everyone might what to use this album to hold wedding pictures, so that's why I have given so must diversity in my design.

The left hand page below was blank for either the wedding date, journaling or photos

I used the 'Big Shot' embossing folders and dies as well as rollers, stamps and punches

The pages alternate, opening from left and right

I even included a pocket, for any extras (seen below on the right)

It's been difficult to photograph, but I hope you get the idea

Thanks for dropping by today

Jane x

Mini Scrapbook

Hi All,

Earlier in the week, I met up with my 'Crafting Buddies'..........(or if your Avis and Pam's kids, the 'Rehab Group'!!).......all I can say is, we have a lot of fun and laughter on our Monday mornings.

This is what we produced, a delightful mini scrapbook.

It is 4" high and the three main pages inside, are all created from one piece of 12" x 12" cardstock. The colours were taken from the 'Elegant Soiree' DSP: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Basic Gray. The stamp set is 'Always Elegant' and complimented by the 'Elegance' wheel.

The book has various folding pages; we decorated these by adding DSP, simple stamping, adding punched flowers or little pockets.

I think this make a perfect little gift to give someone, you could either give it as it is.........or personalise it by adding the photos and journaling.

Hope you've enjoyed dropping by,

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Convention 2010 - Team Swaps

Hi All,

Finally, I've got around to photographing our 'Team 'Swaps. We each made a card, tag and 3D item and boy.........who'd have thought we could be so diverse in our creations.

From note books, mini albums, toiletries and chocolates..........even a Christmas wall hanging........I am amazed at the wonderful gifts I've received, I love each and every item.

I belong to such a wonderful and special group of people..........who all have one thing in common; we love to laugh, create (well that's technically 2 reasons!!), but most of all I value the friendship it has created between us, that I know will last and mature..........Thanks 'Team' it's great to have friends like you...........

Happy Crafting

Jane x

More Convention Goodies

Hi All,

I know I promised to upload pictures of the Team swaps I'd received, but unfortunately the light wasn't any good when I went to take the photos........I'll try over the next few days, but I don't seem to have any free time at the present.........you know that feeling, don't you?

So instead.....this is the gift I gave my upliner, we were sharing a room...........it's a small boxed scrapbook, so she can have a memory of her time away

It opens like a concertina, so both sides can be decorated.

As it was a personal gift, I didn't worry that a few of the items used are now retired.

Whilst at Convention, I wore these hair bands made out of the extra large fancy flower and

5 petal flower punches. It was a last minute decision and a necessity..........all my clips had either broken or gone missing

This purple one was still in pieces when I first arrived at the hotel.......it's amazing what a bit of double sided sticky tape can do.....LOL!!

Infact, I love them so much, I'm thinking of expanding my collection..............and making them in lots of different colours

Hope you've enjoyed

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Boxes, Boxes & More Boxes!!

Hi All,

Sorry, it's been a while..........but I've been busy trying to get myself organised.
The holidays are in full swing and sometimes I find it extremely difficult to find the time, to hide myself away, to craft. I've sorted out my next project - for my crafting buddies, using the 'Trendy Trees set; but it's too early to reveal that, at the moment.

So..........I thought I'd show you what else I've been up to.

Making boxes, for Christmas gifts (I told you I was getting organised!!)
Earlier in the year, when work was at a standstill (for my hubbie) - he decided to make things to stop himself going crazy. (See, he's more organised than I am!!) This at least, gave me an excuse to craft...............craft, that I knew he wouldn't mind me doing!! See, I'm not so daft now, am I? Don't answer that Val!!

A simple straight forward box using 'Snow Burst' stamps with gold shimmer paint.

It needs some ribbon, but I need to order some more........afraid, I can't reveal what's in the box. That's got you thinking hasn't it!!

This box I adore, the 'Groom DSP' just shouts class, and the ribbon is just gorgeous. Don't you agree? I can reveal what's in this one (as I know the recipient doesn't craft or blog hop!)

It's a set of coasters (numbered like dice)

All the boxes, large and small were adapted especially to fit the contents.

Just as well I like making 3D projects!!

Happy crafting

Jane x

Bird on a Branch

Good morning,

Sorry it's been a while, but I've had a lovely half-term in 'sunny old Bournemouth' with the kids.
Today I'm getting together with a few friends and we're making this.

It's using the 'Bird on a Branch' from the mini catalogue, the gorgeous 'Melon Mambo' and I've even splashed out incorporating the 'Groom' speciality papers

This is the box, you can just see the shinny inlay on the black paper.

The cover slides off to reveal the 3 cards.

The 1st is an easel card, I coloured in the 'serenity wheel' image on the insert (I'm not sure whether I'd do that again though). I made a false button by punching out five 3/4" circles, sticking them together and then threading through some embroidery cotton before attaching.

The 2nd is cased from the mini catalogue, (their photo is in focus!!). This time I've used a clear button and glue coloured card stock behind it.

Finally for the last one, (I cased this from Jenny), I just changed the DSP and added SP instead to match the box cover.

Well if the truth was known..........I did it the other way around, the box just looked a bit boring and flat in 'Basic Black' and I thought it needed a lift..........so I made another one!!

Hope you've enjoyed.

I'm looking forward to a fun morning with friends, hope you have a great day also

Jane x

Happy Anniversary - Dear Hubbie!!

Hi All,

Well today I've been married for 27 years; can't believe it, doesn't time fly!!
I thought I'd better make him a little something........and as my 'UPS' delivery of 'Melon Mambo' arrived yesterday..........need I say more, I just had to use it, LOL!!

The bag is made out of black 12" x 12" and the gorgeous 'Melon Mambo'. I decorated it using the 'I {Heart} Hearts' stamp set and platinum shimmer paint. It houses a favourite tipple of his.

This is the inside of his card/chocolate bar cover. I punched out the hearts and stamped the shimmer paint hearts on the black C/S underneath. The sentiment is from 'Love You Much'
stamp set.

And matching tag.....of course!
I can't believe how well the shimmer paint worked; clearly showing the ornate design of this stamp.

Give it a try,

Happy Crafting,

Jane x

Hostess Gift Challenge

Hi All,

Last Saturday I attended a SU training day, where Amanda showed us how to make a box of 4 cards.

A challenge was set within out team to make one, and this is what I came up with




If you like what you see and are interested in how it was made......... it's simple.

All you have to do is book a party with me.
I'll demonstrate how quick and easy projects like this can come together, to make lovely gifts.

The new 'Mini' catalogue is launched on the 1st April; the delightful butterfly I've used, is one of the new single stamps you can buy.

Pop back again in the next few days, and I'll show you some 'sneaky peaks' of what's on offer!!

Till the next time,

Jane x

Christmas Gift Ideas

Hi All,

Christmas is on it's way and approaching fast !!....... A few friends called around today; we decorated candles made boxes boxes to suit them.

A great time was had by all.

What I really love about crafting - is that, although an idea is put forward, everyone has their own ideas and ends up with an unique project. Today each person chose their own design for the candle, but the final result was fantastic!!


This is a close up for the lid of the box.
(It is an adapted template from Jenny, in which a box can be created from 1 piece of A4 cardstock)

We then made a cracker. Which can either be used as a table decoration or as a wrapping for a special gift. The idea came from Dawn Griffith's twist Box (Nov 26th) - I added on 2" to each end to make up the ends of the cracker. I found it helpful to add a piece of kitchen roll tube to the centre of the cracker, this helps to stabilize it when you try to twist the ends.

The added flower was made out of the new 'Bridesmaid' papers. The smaller layer being coloured with Night of Navy to mach the cardstock. It takes on colour so well don't you think? A large half pearl was added from the 'pretties kit'.

Hope you've enjoyed,

Happy crafting,

Jane x

Christmas is Starting!

Well, I thought I'd better start on Christmas preparations - a bit late I know; but I'm always running round like a headless chicken, I seem to work better under pressure!!


This stocking gift card idea came from Andrea Walford's 12 weeks of Christmas. I think the red one, in the retired Christmas papers is my favourite. It has such a clever hinge design - which hides the gift card and is so easy to make when you know how!

I was experimenting, and although it's not very clear in the photo , the one one the left has been embossed with a snowflake design and the other I have used the sanded background stamp in Night of Navy.

Happy crafting

Jane x

Gift Bag

Today, is my niece's 6th birthday.
She loves cooking and I have bought her a selection goodies, so that she can decorate her creations.

I decided to decorate a bag using the retired Wild About You set; (just because it's retired, doesn't mean it's not going to be used!) It's a shame, the set doesn't have a monkey in it - because she is on a teacher training day and has gone to Monkey World for the day.

As you can tell from the picture she loves pink and orange!!



I also made her a little box of chocolates to match, because she's going to be peckish whilst she's waiting for her cakes to cook.

Of course, it has to come with matching card and envelope.

Happy crafting

Jane x

Wow, What A Night!!

GOOD MORNING LADIES

and thank you so much, for such lovely evening last night. I hope you enjoyed it, as much as I did.

I have a few individuals to mention, because without them, I'm sure it wouldn't have been such a success.

Firstly Pam, who invited some of her church group to a craft night - with a difference. She was interested in making as many different items as possible, either for a 'Shoe Box Appeal' or things that could be sold to raise money towards helping post the boxes over seas.

Secondly, a BIG THANK YOU to my upliner Val and my downliner Di, who I roped in to help........well you did offer girls!!

It was actually my first 'live demo/workshop' - I was a bit daunted, as I wasn't expecting 18 of you lovely ladies, when Pam first approached me!!

These are some of the ideas I put forward. We actually split into 3 groups. Val's group made magnets, pocket calendars and book marks. Di's made a pizza box with 4 cards and I covered bag-a-lopes, cheese boxes, sour cream containers and a no cutting box.

I'm off to sort out all my stuff, it just got dumped on the dinning room table, when I got back last night!!

Happy crafting

Jane x

Card Organiser

Cor, that was a close call - thought I'd lost my camera!!

I'd made a card organiser some time ago; and earlier this week (as hols are now over), a few 'crafty' friends dropped by, to catch up with the gossip - and boy can we talk!!

We all decided to make one (it's based on a design, I had originally seen by Dannie). We all chose different DSP and card stock. These were the results......don't they look fabulous all together?

Happy crafting

Jane x