My Furry Friends

Hi everyone,

 

To say I am knackered is an understatement! Two Craft Fairs in one week is too much. I sold so much on Good Friday, that I have worked day and night, beavering away in my craft room, making stock for today(Saturday). I sold so much again today, that I now have to replenish again for my next fair, Wednesday week! Fairy clocks - sold, Fairy hangers - sold. Poppy candles - sold. Poppy clocks - sold. Decorated MDF hearts x 6 sold. Teal coloured clock - sold. Teal box (a couple of posts back) - sold. Large butterfly decorated, not had chance to post yet! - sold. Loads of boxes - sold. The list is endless!!!

 

I also have to make a couple of hundred cards, to replenish the outlets I have for my cards! How do people say that retirement is boring! I would love to say one day, that I am bored! :-D

 

This is a quick C&S card. I wish I could say they are quicker to do than my 'normal' cards but they are not. I seem to waste more time, faffing about looking for papers.

 

The stamp is Lili of the Valley, 'My Favourite Friends'. It reminds me of when my Granddaughter was little. I collected Teddy Bears and she loved playing with them. Even now she is eight, she knows where some of them are kept and they have to come out to be cuddled!



 

I have coloured with Distress Inks. The sentiment is a freebie from Annette's blog, where you can download loads of them all for free. Check her blog out and you won't be sorry.

 

I used a Go Create Frilly #8 die to cut out the image, card blank and the Co-Ordinations card for the background. All edged with Stickles. Just have to have a bit of bling, don't you!

 

Well I am now off to bed to dream up more designs. Does anyone else out there, design when you are supposed to be going to sleep?!! Quite often people ask me where I get my ideas from. I generally answer 'My Bed'! I sometimes get very strange looks, so I then explain that, that's the time my brain works overtime.

Well thanks for stopping by and hope you leave me a message, as I love to read them.

I will enter this little card into
                                         Crafty Little Fairies Challenge - Furry Friends
                              A Gem Of A Challenge - Cute and Cuddly

Enjoy the rest of the weekend,

Hugs,
Carol S.xx

A Very Special Wedding

Hi my blogging friends,

 

Firstly I would like to welcome my new followers. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and to join me, on our journey.

 

Hope you all had a good Easter break. I did a Craft Fair on Friday. I sold so much, that I thought I was going to have a sell out!! Now trying to replace stock for my next Fair, on this coming Saturday!

 

This card I made, was for a very special couple, that had their wedding on Good Friday. Unusual day but with good reason.

 

I won't go into all the details, but it was made for the niece, of the Manager of the charity that I fund raise for. It is a heart wrenching story.

 

When S. (the bride), was a young child, her Daddy sadly passed away from Cancer.  A few years later, her Mother remarried and S. became very close to her new Daddy. They both shared the love of words.

 

When she was in her early teens, her Father became ill with Cancer and sadly, he passed away too. She was devastated, as you can imagine.

 

A few years on and her Mother remarried. S. adored her new Father and they became very close. S. met her husband to be and they made a date for their wedding, for late summer this year. Everything was wonderful.

 

Her Father suddenly felt unwell and was soon diagnosed with terminal cancer. Words cannot describe what effect this news had on S. So, as she was determined to have her Father walk her down the aisle, the wedding was brought forward to last Friday.

 

The words on the front of the card, were written by her (now) Father, for her and her groom. It was shortened, to fit on the card. Inside, I put a quote that was written for her, by her second Father.

 

I had to have a few tissues to hand, when making this card.

 

The embossing was an Anna Griffin folder and the aperture was Opulent Ovals Nestie Die.

 

The butterflies and the hearts, I made with Martha Stewart Paper Clay and coloured with Distress Inks.

 

Flowers, lace and ribbon from my stash. The leaves are a Marianne Die.

 

 

Hopefully, my next posting will not be a sad story, although this was also a happy one too.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely messages. I will always return to your blogs too.

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

 

Dragonfly Box

Hi everyone in blogger land,

 

I had a great day at Ally Pally, where I took a friend of mine, that had never been before. We just got around all 62 stalls in 6 hours!

 

It was so nice to meet Marianne, a follower of my blog and I, of hers'. We had quite a long chat. I bought loads of goodies, as you do. I also saw quite a few friends up there. One lady used to go to the same infant school and dance classes as me! Another 2 ladies that I used to work with, at the Craft Shop where I was a Tutor.

 

I also kept bumping into a lady that I spoke to at the first stall we were looking at. It got really funny, as every time I turned around she was there with her friend. That lasted right to the end. I gave her a card with my blog address on, so will be interested to see if she visits my blog.

 

Today I had a Craft Fair to do. I was there just before 9am and it finished at 3.30pm. I'm absolutely knackered!! I was short of stock before I went and now I have loads more to make before Friday, when I have another Fair to do! Not complaining really but I have put in an order for 28 hour days, just for this week!Lol!

 

This is a box I have made to sell at a market. I fell in love with this paper pad, by Jodie Lee Designs, called Fairy Belle Collection. It is the main piece on the right.

 

The other papers are from my stash, including the tag, which I think was free with a magazine.

 

I have to admit, that I have an addiction for papers. One day I will take a photo of my boxes of papers. I have 19 boxes of 12"x 12" size, 17 boxes of A4 size, 8 boxes of A5 size and various folders A4 size! All of them are full to bursting!

 

I admit I also bought 3 more paper pads at Ally Pally. I will have to buy another box now!

The bow on this box, is from my stash, when I had a fabric addiction! I used to make all my clothes and my children's clothes. Even my sons' shirts and my daughter's winter coats. In fact, when I was made redundant for the first time ( 7 times in 5 years!) I went back to making bridesmaids dresses and flower displays. Had to put food on the table somehow. I did sell loads of fabric and haberdashery items when I moved.

The birdcage is a Memory Box die. I went looking in my Vellum drawer (forgot to put that in my list!) for a piece to make a butterfly with. I found a scrap, that I had already stamped this Kay Carley dragonfly on twice. Perfect! I coloured it from the back with a Copics pen, cut them out and stuck the bodies together.

I added flight dots with Stickles Star Dust and Stickles Cinnamon on his body.

 

 

Well I have made a list of things I have to make this week. How much of it I will get done, who knows!

 

Thank you for stopping and leaving me your treasured messages.

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

 



 

 



Happy 10th Birthday Lili of the Valley

Hi to all my lovely bloggers,

 

I don't improve with posting a bit more often, do I!! I have made loads of stuff for my market on Sunday and just don't find the time to post the pics!

 

My days never go to plan. I don't know why I bother planning my days at all. Monday was a disaster, from the start to the end of the day.

 

One day that is definitely planned, is Saturday. I am off to Ally Pally for some serious shopping! I have a great long list, as always.

 

I am going to look out for people who follow my blog, that have photos on their blogs. I haven't, as I don't want to scare anyone!Lol!

 

I have made this CAS card for Lili of the Valley's 10th birthday. The stamp is called 'A Lick Of Paint'. I have had it quite a while and this is the first time I have used it.

 

I still find it hard doing CAS cards. They just look unfinished when I do them. Yet cards that Jen and Mary J. make, look lovely!

 

For the Happy Birthday,  I used a die that was free, with Simply Card and Papercraft magazine. I inked a scrap piece of white card with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink and then cut it out. I used Distress Inks to colour the image too. The number was from some white stickers, that my daughter gave me, which I coloured with a Copics pen.

 

 

The papers are from a Papermania Border Pack for men.  I bought it so many years ago, I can't remember when! They have never been used, until this card.

 

I put some Glossy Accents on the paintbrush and the spills.

 

 

Well that's it for tonight. Hope you like my CAS card more than I do!

 

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the staff at Lili of the Valley. Please keep bringing us such wonderful products.

 

                 Challenge - Lili of The Valley - Birthday Card

 

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for you lovely comments.

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

 

What a beautiful day today. The sun was so warm, that the cooling breeze was very welcome. Husband cut the grass and I did a bit of weeding and lots of planting of bulbs. I must say that the garden looks very pretty with all the spring flowers out. My wild garden area is gorgeous.

 

I am off out for lunch tomorrow for Mother's Day, with my daughter and her mother-in-law. My daughter and her husband are treating us both. I get on with her MIL very well, so we will have a good laugh.

 

This card I made and sent to Marianne, as a thank you for my gorgeous goodies, that I won as candy on her blog.

 

The stamp is from the latest release from Lili of the Valley, called Annabel Roller Girl. I love the little dog in her back pack. She was great fun to colour, with Distress Ink and DI pens.

 

 

The flowers, leaf and dragon fly brad, are from my stash. The pink dots are Cosmic Shimmer Dusky Pink Glue.

 

I think the tag was magazine freebie, although can't confirm that. One of the joys of getting old, you memory is rubbish. I used to know all the Latin names for my garden plants.(sad I know). I still know them but need my garden fork to dig them out of my head. They are buried in my brain but the path to my mouth must be blocked!Lol!

 

 

It's now 12.55 am and I have just remembered, we have an hour less in bed tonight. So in fact, it is now 13.55 so I had better get to bed.

 

Thank you for taking time to visit my blog and leaving me such wonderful messages. I love reading them, as they make me smile.

 

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mums out there and have a wonderful day.

I have entered challenge: Crafty Little Fairies - Tags
 

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

And The Winner Is

Hi everyone,

 

It's time to announce the winner of my candy.

 

I put all the names in a box, including the comment list and got hubby to pick the winner.

 

And the winner is:

 

Louise - Home is where my craft room is

 

Please email me your details, so I can post your goodies to you to:

 

carolstaples@aol.com

 

Thanks to everyone that took the time to enter.

 

I am hoping to go to Ally Pally next month and will find some more goodies, for another candy prize.

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

Birthday Bunny

Hi blogging friends,

 

Well the sun looked nice today but the wind was freezing!  I am certainly not complaining after all the rain we have had but they did say it was going to be warm here today.

 

I must thank all of my friends out there, for all the lovely messages about my finger. I had the injection but it will take a few weeks for it to work completely. Just not to wake up in the morning with a throbbing hand is great. It's still a bit sore but it's much better. So thanks for your kind words.

 

I had a great day at my sale last week. It was a new venue for me and I was very surprised how much I sold. Even my fairy clock  went!

 

I have been to a meeting of the Inner Wheel, Oxted group today. My friend is the President this year and she asked me if I would give a talk and demo to their members.

 

They wanted to know, how through crafting, I got involved with fund raising for my chosen charity. I also demoed, how to make a chocolate mint box, (empty!) into a pretty gift box, using pages from an old book, copier paper, emulsion paint, Vaseline, a small doily and a piece of lace. Also, how to make flowers from copier paper. They seemed to be quite impressed with the end result. We had lots of fun and I got a nice cheque for my charity. And a free lunch!

 

 When I was at The Craft Barn a few weeks ago, I spotted this Crafters Companion stamp set. I couldn't resist her, so she went straight into my basket.

 

 

I coloured her with Distress Inks and I put Glossy Accents on the letters.

For the flight trail dots, I used Cosmic Shimmer pink glue. The butterfly is a Cheery Lynn die set.

 

Just a short posting tonight, as I find typing a bit difficult. I have to hold out my finger, as if I was a very posh lady, drinking a cup of tea. ( I hate tea)!!  And I'm not posh!LOl!

 

I have to make all the invitations and menus, for the charity yearly function. I am going to sketch a Poppy onto water colour card and paint them with Acrylic paints. The theme is about the first world war.

 

Well off to bed, as I am driving down to Eastbourne tomorrow. Only takes about 45-50 minutes, so not too bad.

 

My Candy finishes tomorrow, so make sure your name is on the list. If you have a problem with the link, just leave a comment on the post and all the names are going into a box and husband will pull the winner. So have a go and good luck.

 

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely messages, which I will in return, visit your blogs too.

 

Hugs,

Carol S.xx

Home Is Where The Heart Is.

Hi fellow bloggers,

 

Firstly I would like to welcome my new followers. Thank you for taking the time to join me and I hope you like what you see.

 

What a gorgeous day yesterday, Sunday. It was a really warm, 18 degrees! Yippee!!

 

So sorry I haven't posted for far too long but I do have an excuse! And it's a good one!!

 

I have a 'Trigger Finger' on my right hand. If you haven't heard of this, it means I have damaged the Tendons in the palm of my right hand. This effects my finger, so I have difficulty holding things, as it is very painful to clench my fingers. If I do clench my fingers and then release them, my effected finger will not straighten on it's own. I have to unroll it with my other hand. Ouch!!

 

So, as I have a market on Wednesday, first this year, I am trying to make stock for that. It has been a bit slow, which is so annoying. I now, at last, have got an appointment at the Docs on Saturday morning, to have an injection into my finger. I have had this twice before, so must be careful what I do for the first few days after the jab.

 

This is one of my market makes. It's an MDF heart I bought at Sandown Craft Fair.

 

I will list at the bottom of post, all the things I used on it.

 

                                        

 

The rose was the new Sizzix die I had, which I scaled down to 'card' size. Very fiddly but I had done it before finger prob.

 

I really enjoyed making this, as I had most of the elements already in my stash.

 

The leaves are made with Martha Stewart Paper Clay, my new addiction! I just love it. It is so quick to use and you get perfect results every time. I did make a couple of roses free hand and have used them already on projects.

 

The white flowers are just strips of copier paper which I feather cut and rolled.

 

I will hopefully find a couple of challenges to enter this into later!

 

Hope you like it as much I did making it. It does make a change, as normally I always find fault with what I make.

 

Here is the list of products used:

Gesso

Emulsion paints, 2 colours

PVA Glue

Paper Artsy Grunge Paste

Marianne Creatables - Clock Face Die & Swirl

Martha Stewart Paper Clay

Treasure Brass - Gilding Wax

Book pages from stash.

Distress Inks

 

Thank you for taking time to stop by and leaving your wonderful comments.

 

Don't forget to add your name to my Candy.

 

As couple of people said they are having a problem with Mr Linky, I will include all the comment people into the draw. I will put all names into a box and get husband to pull the winner.

 

Huge hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

 

 



 

 



Tick Tock Fairy Clock

Hi everyone,

 

It was a nice change to see the sun yesterday, here in West Sussex. We did brave it and ventured out for a short walk. The wind was rather chilly but it was just nice to get some fresh air. It was a bit cloudy this morning, Sunday but got brighter as the day went on.

 

I spent both Saturday and Sunday mornings, cleaning the conservatory. I washed all the window frames, shelves and even the windows! As it is 5.5 metres by 5.5metres, there are a lot of windows. I didn't do the roof windows though! They are self cleaning on the outside and have a solar screening on the inside, to keep the temperature under control. 

 

I really enjoyed making this clock a couple of weeks ago. I have been busy making Easter cards and orders for my card outlets, since making this.

 

It started life as a canvas, which I covered with papers that were torn and distressed. I then applied some Paper Artsy Grunge Paste, through a few different masks around the edges, which I bought from The Craft Barn in South Nutfield, Surrey.

 

The three larger butterflies I made with Martha Stewart Paper Clay. I think I am going to get addicted to this Clay! It is so easy to mould and can't wait to have more time to play with it. 



 

 

The numbers I did on the computer and used a flower die to cut them out. The tiny butterflies are the waste, from the Nestie that I used to cut out the centre piece of the clock. It was a scrap of Co-ordinations card, which I sanded around the edges.

 

 

The fairies are all from Lili Of The Valley. The first one is my all time favourite fairy stamp, 'Tiptoe'. I just think she is so beautiful and delicate. I have coloured all of them with Distress Markers and Inks.

This next one was from my latest purchase from LOTV. I think they are so cute and they are called 'Friends Forever'. I love the little boots, the one on the right has on.

 

Now this is Bumble Bee Fairy. I stamped her and then cut away the bumble bee and flower that she was looking at. Hence the name!

 

This fairy is 'Fairy With Dove'. I think she is going to be my second favourite fairy. She was so lovely to colour. 

 

 



Don't forget to put your name on my blog candy. There are a few metres of each, lace, ribbon and trimmings. The  3 rubber stamps, were very kindly donated from Sandy, the owner of The Craft Barn, where I also bought the Tando Mask and the Prima Flowers. The paper pad I bought at Sandown. I also forgot to put in the picture, a pack of 120 assorted colours and sizes of sticky backed jems. So have a go and good luck.

 

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments. You know that they are really appreciated.

As requested I am entering this into LOTV challenge - Song title - Rock around the Clock!

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx

Lady In The Pink

Hi everyone,

 

Firstly, I must thank all of you, that left me the lovely messages on my last posting. It lifted me, from a depressing weather week, we have just had here in the south. It would be even better, if you could become a follower, just to boost my humble number a bit higher!Lol! I think I must find out how to post some Candy to give away! Sees a bit teccy for me but will look into it.

 

Today's stamp is from a set of lady stamps from Kan Ban. They are called The Cavendish Ladies-Putting On The Ritz.  There are 3 large ladies, sentiments, small flowers, a corner and family titles in the set.

 

She was stamped onto water colour board and I used Distress markers and inks to colour her.  The backing paper has come out rather pinker than it actually is.

It was so dark and miserable when I took the picture, I had to put the light on. It is from Tim Holtz, Idea-ology Paper Pad, of DI matching papers. It is Victorian Velvet colour.  You can see the real colour on the next piccie. I also seem to have a piccie missing, one of the complete card! Dooh!!

 

I backed it with a die cut piece of dark silver card, from my stash. I also splattered a bit of Antique Ivory Frantage around the image.

 

 

 

Now you can see the real colour of the backing paper below!

 

I found this embelly in my bits box. You know what I mean, we all have one!! It was from when I used to play with Friendly Plastic. That is what it is, just heated and stamped into when hot. I think the stamp was an old Judikins cube stamp set.

 

 

I think I should of cropped this next image a bit more! I love this colour Combo. Victorian Velvet, Black Soot and Weathered Wood.

 

 

If anyone can give me a few tips on posting Candy, please email me. All will be greatly received!!

 

Hope you like my C&S offering. It's not often I truly like my makes. We are usually very self critical but I actually like this card. I think it is the colour combo for me. 

 

Well, tomorrow the weather is supposed to be much better. The sun is popping out a bit today but the wind is really blowing a gale out there. I think I must have a full crafty day today! Tough, I know!

 

Have a great weekend and stay safe.

 

Hugs,

 

Carol S.xx