Saturday's Secrets

Sizzix Big Cut machine for sale

2010-10-31T20:43:00.001Z

Hi guys,
Due to the fact that I have just started a two-year university course and haven't got time for crafting, I am selling my Sizzix Big Cut machine. It has been used a few times but is in good working order, and so is the cutting mat - even though the latter does show signs of use (please see photos below).
The price is £40 + £10 for P&P, or you could pick it up in person if you leave near Rye, East Sussex.
The machine will come in its original box with instructions and all the necessary accessories like cutting mats.

I will accept payment by cheque or PayPal and will send the items within 2 working days of receiving the payment.

Please leave a comment here if you're interested.

Thanks for stopping by!

2010-10-14T22:49:00.000+01:00

Hi guys! Hope you are all well. I just thought I need to write this in case you think I am dead.
I am, in fact, very much alive - more alive than in the last few years, actually!
The reason I am no longer an active participant of the crafting scene is that I am now a student, and studies are taking a lot of my time... And when I say "a lot", I mean that I am finding it hard to get enough sleep and keep in touch with the family.
What am I studying? Graphic design. Well, the official name of the course is Graphic Communication, but essentially, it's the same thing.
And I am loving it. Really, really am. The people are just great, the projects are interesting and challenging enough, the building and facilities are state-of-the-art, and I am finally doing what I enjoy the most.
So if you need me, look in the library... :)

Take care!

Surprise, surprise!

2010-07-15T23:59:00.000+01:00

Hey guys! I bet you've already forgotten all about me, but I'm still alive and actually quite well - hope you are, too! :)
Hopefully, I'll be back shortly with some great news, but for now, I only have two things to share: a card that I've recently made (first one in two months!) and an announcement for all bargain hunters.

So, here is the card I made a couple of weeks ago for my husband's best friend (who, incidentally, was the best man at our wedding - the best best man ever, I have to say):

As for he announcement, I just thought you might like to know that I'm having a big clearout and selling quite a few new and used stamps, paper packs and other items on eBay at bargain prices. Click here to see all of the items.

And here is a list of what's up for sale:
Papermania V&A 12x12 paper pack
Papermania V&A 6x6 paper pack
Papermania Christmas clear stamp duo (candles, carol)
Papermania Christmas clear stamp duo (reindeer, tree)
Papermania Christmas clear stamp duo (holly, mistletoe)
Papermania Christmas clear stamp duo (Christmas tree, Christmas stockings)
Fleur brass stencils by Papermania
Papermania mini glazed brads, Assorted brights, 30 pack
Large wooden Marie Curie daffodil stamp by Papermania
Studio G wooden snowflake stamp
Studio G wooden stamp - Merry Christmas
V&A 5x7 inch clear stamps - Potpourri
V&A 5x7inch clear stamps - Cornfield
V&A large wooden rubber stamp - Wildflower background
3 sets of rubber stamps: Born to Shop, Daisy, V&A borders

The listings will be active until Sunday 25th July.

I'm happy to combine postage on multiple items, just send me a message before paying, and I will send you an invoice with the combined P&P cost.

That's it for now -— take care!

Anniversary card

2010-04-19T18:45:00.001+01:00

Hi guys, hope all is well with you.

Here is an anniversary card I've made for my friends. I used Quickutz nesting dies, Core'Dinations pearlescent card stock, Papermania alphabet stickers, Glitterations border stickers, Papermania adhesive pearls, K&Co patterned paper and Anita's die-cut greeting tag.

Thanks for stopping by, and take care!

Lucky clover

2010-04-15T17:24:00.002+01:00

Hey there! Having a busy week here, but I've made some time to make a card. Not sure who to give it to yet, but I'm sure there will be an opportunity for this kind of card some time soon. After all, we could all do with a little more luck, eh?

Bye for now!

Spring clean

2010-04-12T17:56:00.000+01:00

Hi guys, hope you are all well!
Sorry for having disappeared again. I'm going through a bit of a spring clean, and as a result I'm selling a few things on eBay, and some of those are crafting goodies. Please take a look!

Here are some of the things I'm selling - please note that I'll be adding more craft supplies soon, including stamps!

Robert Frederick scrapbook album (RRP £12.99)
£2.99

ColorBox Fluid Chalk inkpad in Lipstick Red (RRP £3.50)
£0.99

Pink mini scrapbook album 6x6
£0.99

5 pots of Personal Impressions embossing powder
£1.99

Heat It Up! heat tool
£0.99

Thanks for stopping by, and happy bidding!

Vintage birthday card

2010-03-28T13:39:00.021+01:00

Anyone for another Victoria and Albert card? Well, here you are.
Apart from the beautiful V&A papers, I used Quickutz dies, some Core'Dinations Chocolate Box card stock, a Papermania scalloped card blank, Anita's ribbon, PM brads, a Colorbox fluid chalk inkpad and a free greeting stamp from 'Creativity!'

Thanks for stopping by!

Slightly scary treat :)

2010-03-27T18:39:00.000Z

Hu guys, hope you're having a great weekend. I'm still getting over this stupid cold which I have by now successfully passed on to my husband :(
And here is a little gift I've made for a friend who loves liquorice. The label reads "Just for you", and I was even going to add "...because no one else would want this!"

I used a Quickutz nesting label die, DCWV paper, Papermania vinyl sticker, Doodlebug mini rub-ons, PM Alphamini stickers and a PM brush marker.
Hope she likes it!

Have fun

2010-03-25T16:23:00.016Z

Hi there!
Here's an unbearably pink acetate card I've made using the free cupcake stamp from one of the recent issues of 'Creativity!'. If you know me, you'll know my attitude to the colour pink, but as you can see, I'm trying to be more tolerant :)

Credits:
Acetate: Papermania.
Paper and card stock: K&Co, Bazzill.
Inks and markers: Colorbox, Whispers.
Alphabet stickers: Papermania AlphaMinis.
Dies: Quickutz Cookie Cutter - Nesting Flowers.

Take care!

Victoria and Albert - any occasion card

2010-03-24T17:23:00.000Z

Hi guys, sorry for disappearing again. I should be back soon wit some good news, but for now I just wanted to show you something I've made last night using my new die-cutting machine - yes, that's right, I've finally bought one!

Credits:
Card stock: Core'Dinations (Whitewash and Chocolate Box collections), Papermania.
Stamps: Victoria and Albert.
Dies: Quickutz Cookie Cutter dies.
Ink pads: ColorBox.

Have a lovely evening.

Welcome, baby

2010-03-16T20:04:00.000Z

Hi guys. Just a quick post to share this card I made for a good frend in St. Petersburg who has just had a beautiful baby daughter.
And now we're gonna have some curry and watch The Mighty Boosh, woohoo! Perfect night in.

Credits:
Paper: Doodlebug;
Card stock: Bazzill, Core`Dinations Whitewash;
Alphabet stickers and die-cuts: Alphamania, Basic Grey;
Adhesive pearls: Papermania.

Thank you

2010-03-14T17:14:00.000Z

Hi there! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend, especially those of you who are celebrating Mother's day.

Today, I couldn't get up for ages, because the dream I was having was so good... I dreamt of having a cat.
I never thought it could be so hard to find a kitten, but here in the UK it seems to be a real problem! All you can get is either pedigree kittens or grown-up cats. And all the kittens are neutered! My goodness, can't I just get a Heinz 57-type female kitten that will be capable of childbirth in the future? And for less than 50 quid? Honestly, back in Russia my cat had 16 kittens in total (4 kittens times 4), and we gave them all away for free, and never had a problem finding families who wanted one!
This just makes me sad.

Anyway, here is a card I made yesterday. Hope you like!

I used a blue DL Papermania card blank, Core'dinations card stock from the Chocolate Box pack, DCWV and MME paper, Papermania ribbon, Papermania swirl stamp, Prima flowers and with a PM brad and a couple of flower-shaped buttons, an X-Cut scallop border punch, and a computer-generated greeting printed onto Bazzill Kraft card.

Take care!

Victoria & Albert card

2010-03-10T18:23:00.000Z

Hi guys! Things are not going well for me employment-wise, but I know I'll get there soon.
Instead of sharing my concerns, I'll share a card I've made quite recently, using the beautiful new Victoria and Albert collection.

I used Victoria & Albert paper and stamp and a free greeting stamp from the 'Creativity!' magazine. I also used some mosaic gems and Anita's ribbon.

That's it for now... Take care!

Feeling blue

2010-03-03T20:21:00.002Z

This February has been a difficult month for me, so here is a card that matches my mood.
I used Papermania vinyl stickers, Anita`s die-cut tag, Bazzill card stock and some blue argyll-patterned paper. The stalks and leaves were drawn with a black gel pen.

Take care!

Quick and simple

2010-03-02T18:18:00.004Z

This card takes literally minutes to put together. It's kind of unisex and can also be used for many different occasions.

The die-cut branch is by Basic Grey, and the stamp came free with `Creativity!`. Can`t remember where I got that blue paper - sorry!

All you need is...

2010-03-01T20:18:00.000Z

Oh boy, I didn't realise it's been so long since I last posted a card here! Well, here's one of the recent ones.
I'll probably use it as a wedding anniversary card for my friends who are as much into The Beatles as I am. The doodles on the heart shape were drawn with a white gel pen.

Credits:
K&Co: paper.
Papermania: handmade paper, eyelets, gem brad, small flower, Alphaminis stickers.
Doodlebug: mini rub-ons.
Bazzill: Kraft card stock.
Prima: paper flowers.

Thanks for stopping by!

A card for a music fanatic

2010-02-08T12:34:00.000Z

You may or may not know that my husband is really into music, and so am I; in fact, we met through a common interest in a band called Radiohead.
Hope this foreword makes this card less puzzling :) I made it for his birthday a few days ago.

I used a white gel pen, as well as Bazzill card stock in Kraft and black.
Hope you like!

:)

2010-02-06T10:11:00.000Z

Morning, guys!
I just HAVE to show you this.
A smiling dog. Awww.
Can't wait for Jon to wake up, so I can show it to him, too!

See more funny videos and Cute Animals Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Have a lovely day!

Award time

2010-02-04T12:44:00.001Z

I've received an award from two lovely fellow crafters, Sam and Sarpreet.

As far as I understand, I now have to name ten things that make me happy. Having to pick only ten items from an almost endless list is pretty hard, but I'll try. Okay, here are ten things, in no particular order:

1.Summer
2. The moment when the lights go out at the cinema before the film starts
3. Cats' purring
4. Holding hands
5. Giving presents
6. Saturday mornings
7. Being in Murmansk (my hometown)
8. New places
9. Learning
10. Music

I'm also supposed to give this award to ten more people, but I'd much rather just share it with all of you. So if you like it, please feel free to put it on your blog.

Thank you once again, Sam and Sarpreet - that was very sweet of you!

Anniversary card

2010-02-03T17:55:00.033Z

My mum and dad got divorced when I was 12, and I never got to congratulate them on any anniversaries — I don't even know whether they used to celebrate those at all. That's not to say they aren't the best parents in the world, of course!
My in-laws, on the other hand, have been together for a very long time — last Sunday was their 40th anniversary! I know they aren't into all that coral/emerald/leather/titanium stuff, and neither am I, so I went for the number in my greeting, rather than calling it Ruby Anniversary.
The greeting was made in Photoshop and printed onto off-white Bazzill card stock. The patterned paper is from one of the old My Mind's Eye collections.
Gosh, forty years is a lot of time. Imagining us in 37 years' time just makes me dizzy.

Take care!

Home is where the art is

2010-02-02T14:41:00.036Z

Hi guys, hope you're all well.
I've just realised that I've never shown you where I make all those paper thingies, you know, the ones that cost five times more to make at home than to buy. Yes, greeting cards.

This is what my desk looks like on a good day, e.g. when I can be bothered to clean it up a bit. I've made some notes on the pics using my awesome Bamboo graphic tablet (a present from Jon) - actually, this IS the first time I've used it.

I really like the fact that it's easy to organise all my stash here. All the papers, card stock, tools and stickers are in the three drawers on the right, and that's very convenient. I just need to find a way to store all the ribbons (and I've got over a hundred of those) — any ideas would be welcome! At the moment, they are all in that bag on the floor, and that's not cool at all.

It would be really cool if you could show me your crafting spaces in return, or maybe post the photos on your blog.
Cheers!

Slowpoke is my middle name

2010-02-01T15:32:00.000Z

Do you know what? It's Jon's birthday tomorrow, and I haven't even started on his card yet! What kind of wife is that?
I'd better come up with something pretty good pretty soon.

Orange is the new yellow!

2010-02-01T15:25:00.000Z

The second brightly coloured card in a row — what's wrong with me? I know this isn't gonna make spring come any sooner :(

Here, I used Motifations stickers, Papermania flocking powder and... erm... oh yes, scalloped scissors, Anita's gems and See D's greeting stamp.

Not saying goodbye, cause I'll be back soon.

triple thanks

2010-02-01T11:00:00.000Z

Me again! I've been productive lately - have you noticed? Here are three simple 'thank you' cards from last night - I'm rather happy with the white one, but I think the other two aren't so bad, either. Jon agreed with both points :)
Anyway, here they are.

Products used:
Anita's stamps; Papermania brush markers; papers by PM and DCWV; ribbons by PM and Doodlebug; PM adhesive pearls; card stock by Bazzill and Core'dinations.

Have a lovely day!

As yellow is it gets

2010-01-31T01:40:00.000Z

Hi guys,

Happy Caturday to you all! (no, that's not a typo — check this out if you've never heard of Caturday)

I've made my first ever yellow card (well, at least I can't remember any others as yellow as this). Here it is:

First I used a scalloped Papermania card blank as a template to cut out my base card from Bazzill card stock and decorated it using PM Motifations stickers and PM flocking powder in yellow and white. Then I just layered up a few squares in the centre (the top one is Doodlebug La-Di-Dot flocked card stock), added a flower made with several paper and fabric flowers (Prima and Papermania), and finished off with a greeting and a few PM adhesive shimmering dots.

Enjoy your weekend! I'm off to my crafting cave.

No stamps!

2010-01-29T01:00:00.000Z

I have a friend whom I haven't seen since last year, but I know whe's extremely busy, so I just wanted to remind her that I do miss her. Here's a card I've made for her.

I used a scalloped Papermania card blank, some Basic Grey and DCWV papers, Papermania Alphaminis and vinyl stickers and some ribbon and lace from stash. And I wish Tesco hadn't discontinued those wonderful brown paper notebooks - what am I gonna do when mine has been used up? :(
Well, anyway, I hope you like it, and thank you for visiting my blog and leaving lovely comments; they're all much appreciated.

A purple gift

2010-01-27T19:22:00.000Z

Hello, hello!

As promised, here is another thingy I made last weekend.
It's a gift box for my dear friend Sheila. I really wanted the box to match the colour of the gift - please see pictures below.
I used this template, but had to change the proportions to match the size of the bag contents.
I used Papermania purple card stock, Doodlebug flocked card stock, as well as Doodlebug Boutique brads and ribbon, Anita's tag and some felt flowers that came free with one of the issues of the Papercraft Inspirations magazine.

That's it for now. Thank you for stopping by!

Flower card

2010-01-26T22:41:00.000Z

Hi guys, hope you're all well.

Did I sy I'd try and make a feew things during the weekend? Well, I have. It's just that I haven't had enough time to take pictures of them until now. You know what it's like, don't you: first you take pics, then you need to transfer them to the computer, then you need to edit them in Photoshop, then you need to upload them to the storage website... Uhhh. Anyway, here is the card I have made for Bella's first birthday.
I used Anita's flower shaped card blank, MME paper, white Glitterations dots, Alphamania stickers and Doodlebug mini rub-ons.

I'll show you the other two things shortly, I promise.

Bye for now!

stressed out

2010-01-20T17:49:00.000Z

Sorry for not keeping in touch, guys. the thing is, I've started volunteering for an incredible charity called Global Hand for 15 hours a week, mostly doing research and summarising information, and I'm finding it quite hard to do anything at all in the evenings after doing my two part-time jobs. As for my paid job, I'm having a really stressful time right now, but I'll be fine, I just need to find a new job ASAP, because at the moment the tension in the office is tangible. I have to say, my new unpaid job is much more rewarding and pleasant, but I'll probably have to leave it soon, because this time I'm looking for a full-time position.
I'll try my best to get some crafting time during the weekend.
Hope you're all well!
Take care.

Tree hugging

2010-01-07T01:14:00.000Z

Hi there! It turns out that there are two more cards I made last year and forgot to show you. Here they are:

Products used: Papermania card stock; PM adhesive pearls; PM tree stamp; PM Glitterations, Alphamania and vinyl stickers; PM handmade paper; Ancient Page ink and Whispers markers.

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy new everything

2010-01-05T00:39:00.000Z

Hello to you all, I hope you had a fantastic holiday and feel optimistic about the new year. I sure do! Thank you so much for all your lovely comments and greetings. I really hope that 2010 brings you everything you wish for. Or, should I say, that you manage to do everything you plan to do.
I've been quite busy working on a couple of projects for the next issue of 'Creativity!', so I have already made a few things this year, but unfortunately I can't show you them... Instead, I'll show you a card I made in December, but forgot to share with you.
I used teal-coloured textured card stock, Papermania vinyl stickers (I love those!), Glitterations dots and greeting, PM adhesive pearls, a PM silver trim, and PM paper from the Christmas Carol collection.

That's it for now, but I'll be back soon!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T17:14:00.000Z

Hi! I hope you are all having a wonderful time with your families. We had a lovely peaceful Christmas and spent most of the past few days watching Twin Peaks (for the first time, believe it or not). Now, before it's next year, I'm posting the card I made for my husband, a big fan of polar bears:

The bears were cut out from a sheet of felt. It wasn't easy, but both Jon and I are quite happy with the result :)

And here are some homemade gifts that we gave to our neighbours, aunts and uncles this year. The biscuits were so good, I didn't want to part with them, hehe.

That's it for 2009... Here's to a very happy year 2010, and let it be better than the last one.

Love,

Kreativ Blogger award

2009-12-14T20:00:00.000Z

The lovely Sarpreet has kindly awarded me with this:

Thank you so much, Sarpreet! I really appreciate this, and I enjoyed reading your 7 facts. Also, I'd like to use this opportunity to congratulate you on your engagement. That's fantastic news!

There are some rules for this award, which are:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award;
2. Copy the award to your blog with a link to the person's blog;
3. Share 7 interesting facts about yourself;
4. Nominate 7 other bloggers, posting links to their blogs;
5. Leave messages on their blogs to let them know about this award.

Okay, here are 7 potentially interesting facts about me.
1. I don't like butterflies. Actually, I'm rather scared of them, especially the large and/or fluffy ones, like moths. When I was a kid, I couldn't force myself to even touch pictures of moths in my encyclopaedia. I don't, however, have any problem with spiders, snakes, toads and worms.
2. Some of the best things in my life would never have happened if it hadn't been for my love of music. When I was eight, I asked my mum what The Beatles' songs were about. She replied with 'Why don't you find out for yourself?' and sent me to an English school that had just opened in our town. At the age of twenty, I met the love of my life through common interest in Radiohead. We met on ICQ (instant messaging program) at 5AM on an August night in 2004. The chances of that happening were approximately 1:10,000,000. We have now been happily married for three years and share a collection of around 600 CDs and over 60 gigabytes of music in MP3, too. That's a lot of songs :)
3. I don't care for silver, gold and diamonds. All the jewellery I like costs no more than £20, and H.Samuel shop windows leave me cold. Lucky Jon! (my husband)
4. I've never had my ears pierced. I'm actually against all piercings and tattoos, although I will never impose that view on anyone else. Well, maybe my children.
5. I'm mad about cats, and I'm so good at imitating cat sounds that cats actually respond to my meowing/hissing. I've also fooled a few people this way, and my mum still can't tell whether it's me or the cat meowing under the kitchen door.
6. My favourite food is mangoes. I sometimes tell people that if they're stuck for gift ideas, they can just give me a mango or two, and I'll be happy — which is true.
7. I don't believe in shouting. It just doesn't work (I wish my neighbours knew that). In the three years of marriage, me and Jon have not raised our voices at each other once, and we plan to keep it that way.

Ahh, I enjoyed that!
And now, here a list of seven very creative ladies I'd like to pass the award on to:
Sam May
Kirsty
Janeen
Alison Manning
Sandra
Leanne
Jenni

Take care! And once again, thank you, Sarpreet.

Fi-i-i-ini-i-i-ished!

2009-12-14T10:42:00.000Z

Hi guys, sorry I haven't done much blogging lately, but this time I actually have a valid excuse! I was busy making these:

The reindeer/Christmas tree ones are ours, and the landscape ones are for my parents-in-law. They think they're gonna pay me for these... As if! I can't charge them, it just doesn't feel right.

Anyway, I'll be back soon to post the award I've received from my friend Sarpreet.

A test in laconism

2009-11-29T16:00:00.000Z

Sarpreet has kindly passed me the Over The Top award. I now have to answer the following questions with just one word. Well, here we go!

Where is your cell phone?
Here.

Hair?
Dark.

Mother?
Amazing.

Father?
Amazing.

Favourite Food?
Mango.

Dream Last Night?
Bizarre.

Favourite Drink?
Smoothie.

Dream Goal?
Secret.

What room are you in?
Lounge.

Your Hobby?
Numerous.

Your fear?
Loss.

Where do you want to be in 6 years?
Here.

Where were you last night?
Embrace.

Something you aren't?
Boring.

Muffins?
Blueberry.

Wishlist Item?
Cuttlebug.

Where did you grow up?
Russia.

Last thing you did?
Bath.

What are you wearing?
Gown.

Your TV?
None.

Your pets?
Imaginary.

Your friends?
Best.

Your life?
Happy.

Your mood?
Contented.

Missing someone?
Always.

Vehicle?
Bicycle.

Something you are not wearing?
Make-up.

Your favourite store?
Watestone's.

Your favourite colour?
Purple.

Last time you laughed?
Today.

Your best friend?
Two.

Last time you cried?
Forgot.

One place you go to over and over?
Beach.

Person who emails you regularly?
Brother.

Favourite place to eat?
Picnic.

Hey, I really enjoyed that! I only struggled with two or three answers.

I pass the award to these wonderful people:
Janeen
Jenni
Lisa
Mandy
Christine

Back to crafting

2009-11-25T09:26:00.000Z

Yesterday I was reminded by my dear friend Christine aka Craftling that it's time I posted some cards at last. True, I've been neglecting my crafting desk lately... But I'm back! Boy, does it feel good! What was I thinking? I can't live without stitching, inking, trimmimng, stamping and sticking!
So here's my first Christmas card this year (apart from the ones I made for 'Creativity!' a few months ago). And if you don't like it... well, my biggest fan has already given me an "It's amazing. Realy good" and a big hug for it, so I won't cry :) (that was Jon, of course)

Credits:
Paper: 'A Christmas Carol' by Papermania
Card: Papermania, Bazzill
Reindeer stamp: Christmas Stamp Duos by Papermania, greeting stamp: Dovecraft
Ink: Ancient Page, Distress Ink in Antique Linen
Ribbon, hemp twine, lace and buttons from stash

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog candy winner!

2009-11-23T09:44:00.000Z

Morning! Hope you all had a great weekend. It's hard not to love these late autumn days when it rains all the time and we all have a perfect excuse to stay in and be cosy :)
Many thanks to everyone who entered the draw for the blog candy. Now it's time to announce the winner!

A-a-a-and it's Lisa! By all means do check out her lovely blog. Lisa, Im going to write to you in a moment.
As for my wonderful new blog followers, this week I'll make sure to get to know you better!
Once again, thank you all so much.

Take care!

Blog candy!

2009-11-11T09:24:00.000Z

This post will stay on top until the draw. Please scroll down for new projects.

If you are like me and never finish your Christmas cards until Christmas Eve, you might like the blog candy I'm offering.

Here is what the winner will get:
-exclusive Forever Friends bear stamp
-two different packs of green Papermania Sparkling Trims
-two Ink It Up ink pads (green and red)
-some brads (glitter coated and holly)
-four tubs of glitter (gold, blue, green, red)
-Anita's outline stickers (Gold Wave Borders)
-two rolls of Anita's Christmas ribbon (gold, green)
-five sheets of 3D pads

What you have to do:
1. Become a follower of my blog;
2. Put a note on your blog to let others know about my blog candy (it's up to you whether or not to post the photo of the prize);
3. Leave a comment here before 23:00 GMT, 22nd November.

Hope this is not too much to ask!

I will pick one comment on 23rd November using random.org and announce the name of the winner straight away.
I'm sorry, but in order to enter the draw, you have to be a resident of the UK or Ireland. Sorry about this.

Good luck to all!

me again!

2009-10-30T12:01:00.000Z

You know what? I've realized I've got a few Christmas goodies that I'd like to share, so when I return here next week, it will be to annonce a blog candy giveaway! Something to look forward to, eh?

Until then, be good and take care!

Aqua card

2009-10-30T09:38:00.000Z

Long time no see, hehe. I just thought, since I'm not going to be able to post anything until next Wednesday or so (got to make a few bits for January's 'Creativity'), I might as well post another card I made this week.

Papers: Basic Grey (Offbeat) and DCWV (A Pocketful of Posies), cardstock: Bazzill.
Flower: Prima
Stamps: Studio G.

Have a great weekend! Me, I'll be working rather than resting, but it's a dream job, I'm telling you!

Offbeat thanks

2009-10-30T09:31:00.000Z

Just a quick post to show you a 'thank you' card I made two days ago. The papers are by Basic Grey (Offbeat collection), the tag is by Papermania, and the greeting stamp is by Studio G.

Take care, and thanks for looking!

Best friend's birthday

2009-10-26T20:42:00.000Z

Hello hello, hope you are enjoying your evening. I've just come back from the gym, and I'm finding it hard to type, thanks to that rowing machine :) I'm not really into the whole sports thing, and never have been: my parents encouraged me and my brother to read books and create things, rather than play football or climb ropes. But if I don't work out regularly, my constantly low blood pressure gets the better of me, and I feel like a zombie all day, every day. So I haven't really got any choice: it's either the gym or living my life in an anabiotic state.
Anyway, this is a craft blog, so here's an unbearably girly card I've made for my dear friend Natasha who has just turned 26. Guess what the colour scheme was inspired by... I was on the treadmill, staring at my legs out of boredom, and it struck me how good my bright pink socks looked next to the grey sports trousers. Seriously!

The images are clickable.

Thank you for stopping by! I'll be back soon xx

Quick photo cards

2009-10-22T10:14:00.000+01:00

Did I say I'd be back before Christmas? Well, here I am.

Last week I had to make a card for my wonderful father-in-law who loves golf, but because I'm no good at male cards, I decided to use a photo in my design.

Then my cousin Mark asked me to make a card for his friend, who I haven't met yet. And since I didn't really know much about her, except that she likes sweets (come on... who doesn't?!) and sports (and I've never made a sports card for a lady), once again I went for an easy solution in the shape of a photo of some lovely cupcakes.

Both photos are from a free stock pgotography site called stock.xchng. Papers used in Nikki's card are by Basic Grey and Bo Bunny.

Have a good day! Another unfinished card awaits me at home, so I'll be back very soon...

2009-10-14T10:48:00.000+01:00

Hi guys, hope everyone is well. Sorry for not keeping in touch, I just couldn't find the time. And I haven't made a single card since... well, since our third anniversary, which was on the 16th September! The good news is, I've been asked to contribute to the next issue of 'Creativity!' - woohoo! As for the bad news, well, that's just my business, right? Nothing serious, anyway. As long as I'm with my angel of a husband, I'll be fine.

Have a good day! I'll be back with new cards before Christmas, I promise.

2009-08-20T20:34:00.000+01:00

In 9 hours' time my plane will take off, taking me to Saint Petersburg. Then, on the 26th August, after a 30-hour train journey, I'll be in Murmansk, the place where I was born and spent the first 21 years of my life, the town that I still love more than any other. It will probably look exactly the same as it did last year:

I'm going to be back on 12th September. Until then, take care!

An unusually girly card

2009-08-11T09:37:00.000+01:00

Good morning! Hope it's a good one.

There'll be no blabbering today, I just want to share a card that I was recently asked to make for a very good lady. My first ever card featuring a dress. What's next, handbags and shoes? :) Well, actually, I'd rather stick to my favourite subjects such as leaves, plants, animals and cupcakes. Fashion has never been my thing - and never will be (something I never fail to remind Jon when telling him how lucky he is to have me, economically at least, hehe). No, really, I never slow my pace when we are walking past a jewellery shop window - I couldn't care less for silver, gold and gems, and I will never have my ears pierced (I see that tradition as primeval, to be honest; but I'd love to hear your views on ear piercing). I do spend a lot of time in the stationery section, though. Staplers, paperclips, notebooks and pencils mesmerise me.
Whoops! Did I say 'no blabbering'? :)
Anyway, here's the card. It's an A5 one, the largest one I've ever made. The picture is clickable.

Thank you for stopping by!

Thinking of you

2009-08-10T10:24:00.000+01:00

I nearly forgot to post the card I've somehow managed to make last week, whilst sorting things out at work and at home. Click on the pic to see a full size version.

Have a lovely day!

someone to look up to

2009-08-10T09:42:00.000+01:00

Aaargh, I haven't got time for anything! I'm going on holiday next Friday, you see, and there are quite a few things that need finishing before I leave. Take the "Circle of friends" award, for instance. Did I say I would soon post the names of the bloggers who inspire me most? I know I did. So I've decided to use this opportunity to further promote my favourite card designers - even though they already are quite famous. This doesn't mean they are the only ones who inspire me. I just want to share my view of cardmaking perfection =)

So here are my crafting role models, in no particular order:

Laurie Schmidlin

Debbie Olson

Alison Manning

Heather Nichols

Teri Anderson

Thank you for stopping by!

2009-08-01T03:34:00.000+01:00

Isn't it fantastic to learn that someone you admire finds your work inspiring? Lovely Chris has kindly handed me this Circle of Friends award, and just in time for my twenty-fifth birthday! Thank you so much Chris, it really means a lot to me. Oh, and Jon says 'thank you', too - yes, yes, I let him read your comment, my cheeky friend! - do you reckon we should establish an 'I fancy your husband' award? Seems innovative =)

In return, I'm going to award five inspiring bloggers, too, I promise; but first I need to cope with yet another birthday and the fact that I'm half way through to 50!

Saturday is a great day for a birthday, isn't it? Hope you all have a lovely weekend, too!

Flowers and leaves

2009-07-22T09:10:00.000+01:00

Good morning to all! Lovely weather we're having today.
With the local fête approaching fast, I'm trying to make as many cards as I can, which is tricky when you can't stand the idea of repeating yourself. Here are three cards I made in the past three days. I'm now posting previews instead of full-size pics, so they are clickable.

The leaves here were stamped using transparent embossing ink, after which the whole panel was coloured using Papermania shimmer chalks and an applicator. I really like the effect. The leaf stamps are by Clear Choice, and the Just For You stamp came free with the 'Creativity!' magazine (you probably know by now, hehe).

Stamp by Inkadinkado, paper by DCWV, card stock by Core'Dinations, brads by DoveCraft, lace trim by Doodlebug.

I bought this stamp on eBay, and I don't know the manufacturer. I coloured it in with my new Papermania brush stroke markers (got all 36 of them at a discount price, wohoo!). The paper is by The English Paper Company, the purple card stock is by Core'Dinations, and the lace border punch is by Fiskars.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!

little joys

2009-07-18T14:22:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, while doing our usual late night shopping, me and my husband came across some Scottish strawberries that had gone from £3.00 a pack to £0.20 a pack - they're fine, just won't keep too long.
So now we've got over 2kg of strawberries which cost us just a quid, and we need to eat them all before Monday in case they go off.
Life is good.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend, too!

Just a note

2009-07-10T13:49:00.000+01:00

Since I won't be here for a couple of days, I think I might as well post another card today. It's a very quick and simple one, but isn't that exactly what you'd expect from a card that reads "Just a note"?

Credits:
Card: Bazzill
Paper: Shabby Princess
Flower sticker: K&Co
Eyelets: Papermania

Have a lovely weekend!

2009-07-10T09:55:00.000+01:00

Hello, hope everyone is fine. I won't be around this wekend, as we're going to a fancy dress birthday party in Oxford. The theme is pairs, and Jon and me are going as
John and Yoko. We finally tried on our complete outfits last night, it's going to be fun =)

And here's the card I made for the birthday boy:

Thank you for stopping by!

perfectionism as a vice

2009-07-08T09:21:00.000+01:00

If you're like me, you are rarely happy with your creations. I do enjoy the process a lot, but as soon as the card (gift tag, scrapbook page, photo frame, you name it) is finished, I start seeing its numerous flaws. I sit and look at it and think about how I could have done things differently and how imperfect it is. The good thing is, next time I do better (but still not well enough, of course). Also, I do believe self-criticism is a lot healthier than self-admiration. It's one thing to be grateful for God (or whatever you believe in) for giving you a talent to create things that make other people smile, and another thing to feel superior because of what you can do.
Would you ever say "I make beautiful cards", even to yourself?
Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I just can't.
But that makes the rare moments when I'm content with a newly-made card even more enjoyable, so it's fine, really. And after all, there is no limit to perfection, is there?

And here is one of my recent cards. I'm not happy with it, you know, but after this confession you'll know that's normal =)

Thank you for reading this. Bye for now!
P.S. Three days and three posts! Looks like I'm becoming a better blogger! =)

2009-07-07T09:08:00.000+01:00

When it rains all night and all morning, being home is even better than usual. At 8.50, in a warmly lit living room, it was extremely hard to put aside the book I'm reading now, "Geek Love" by Katherine Dunn (it's brilliant, by the way), and walk to work.
Today's card is a little more sophisticated than yesterday's one, and it's one of those cards that I will feel sorry to part with, even though I know it sounds rather immodest.
I sponged a little Antique Linen distressing ink over this K&Co manuscript paper and stamped a few leaf and plant images over it (sorry, but I've thrown away the packaging and can't tell you the manufacturer's name). The other patterned paper is Breathe from the Infuse collection by Basic Grey. The card is Bazzill's Kraft. The leaves are... well, bay leaves =) Hope you like!

Hope you have a good day!

Sunny and bright

2009-07-06T10:18:00.000+01:00

Good morning all!
Hope you had a good weekend.
I've finished my projects for September's issue of 'Creativity!' and can now continue making cards for my August stall. Trouble is, I can't stand repeating same designs... It has to be something new every time, and that doesn't help when you need to make as many cards as you possibly can, does it? But it's always like this with me. When me and Jon go for a walk, I'll rather make a huge detour (or get lost in a forest) than walk back the same way as we came there! Thank God my husband is an angel (I mean it!) and doesn't mind my weird habits and beliefs.
Anyway, here is an unusually brightly coloured card I made yesterday (yeah, right after it stopped being so sunny).

Thanks for stopping by!

Distress inks: first attempt

2009-06-19T09:12:00.000+01:00

I was rather terrified when my Tim Holtz Distress Inks arrived. What on Earth am I going to do with them? Have I just wasted £8 on something I don't need?
Well, no, as it turns out, that money wasn't wasted, and it's not all that hard to use distress inks. Three video tutorials, and I was ready to begin. Here's the result. Hope you like it!
The colours I used here are Antique Linen and Walnut Stain. I still find it hard to believe that simple white cardstock can be transformed like this =)

Ciao!

Love note

2009-06-17T09:20:00.000+01:00

Good morning, good morning! A very good one, indeed.
Had a great time yesterday, when I went to see a horror film only to find myself the only person in the cinema hall. Oh, it was such fun! I do like to go to the movies on my own, I have to say. Oh, and then I found out that my boss had decided to reward me for all the hard work and paid for a 10-month gym membership for me - well, that was a gift to his wife, as well, for me and Sheila are good friends, and we both have been longing to start going to the sports centre together again, like we used to do - only I couldn't afford it. Well, we're going to start this week, wohoo!

On a different note, I've made a card - this time in red, which I don't often use (well, according to my husband, anyway). The background paper is wrapping paper with some lyrics printed onto it on my home printer, The flowers are from Prima, the pearls and flower foam stamp from Papermania, and the lace punch from Fiskars.

Have a good day!

Glittery and girly

2009-06-15T13:00:00.000+01:00

Hello, hope everyone is well. I had a great weekend, most of it spent with my best friend Natasha. We went to a new church on Sunday together and really enjoyed it, too, and then had a wonderful picnic in our friend Sheila's garden... Pure bliss of a weekend, to put it plainly =)

I'm trying to catch up with the cards I've made recently. Here's another very simple one (would be even quicker without the stitching). Hope you like!

5-minute thank you card

2009-06-11T09:55:00.000+01:00

A quick and simple 'thank you' card for those who are always in a rush.

Have a good day!

Birthday leaf

2009-06-10T18:05:00.000+01:00

Jon's very busy with his drawings today, so I've only got a minute. Hope everyone is well and not too upset about the not-so-summery weather.

Here is a card I made last night, looks quite autumnal to me - must be all this rain...

Credits:
Paper: K&Co;
Card stock: Bazzill;
Stamp from stash (bought on eBay with no manufacturer info, sorry);
Striped ribbon: Papermania;
Brads: Papermania;
Ink: ColorBox;
Embossing powder: Heat It Up!

Bye for now!

Blue flowers just for you

2009-06-02T21:04:00.000+01:00

Came back at 8PM after interviewing two people in London, absolutely knackered. So no stories today, only a new card. Wishing everyone a very relaxing evening.

Credits:
Flowers, embossing powder, card blank: Papermania;
Stamp: Creativity! magazine;
Brads: Doodlebug;
Paper and ribbon from stash.

Thank you for stopping by!

Cupcakes just for you

2009-05-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

Hello! Haven't got much time today, so no blabbering =)
Just wanted to show you a very quick card made with the cupcake and greeting stamps that came free with the latest issue of Creativity! magazine.

Bye!

Denim consolation

2009-05-21T09:54:00.000+01:00

Hi, how are you today? Me, I'm hoping to finally go to bed early tonight to, erm, de-zombify myself, but something tells me it's just not meant to happen. Is it just me who needs at least 9 hours of sleep in order not to feel drowsy all day?

Ahh, all this talk is making me even sleepier, and I wanted to show you a card =)

I made it for someone who has just turned 40 and isn't all too happy about it. I chose denim, because it's pretty much the most youthful fabric there is, hoping that it might make him feel just a little bit better.
The stars were made with the use of silver embossing powder. The key here is not to heat it for too long, otherwise it just sinks into the fabric and looks bleak and dull.
In order to stitch the pieces of denim together, I attached them to a square piece of paper trimmed just a little at the edges, so that it wouldn't show.
The alphabet/number stickers, ribbon and embossing powder are from Papermania.
The fabric is... well, it's just my old jeans =)

Thank you for stopping by, and have a lovely day!

Me and my dubious drawing skills

2009-05-15T09:06:00.000+01:00

I made this card for our nephew James, who is turning two tomorrow. My husband, who is incredibly good at drawing, categorically refused to even try to draw African animals, so I had to do it all by myself (*sigh*).
As a result, they look like they were drawn by a 5-year-old, but hey, at least James... erm, I mean James's parents will know that I'd put some time and effort into this =)

pink and grey

2009-05-13T10:21:00.000+01:00

Hey hey, hope everyone is well and not as cold as I am... It's a cool morning, rather grey and hazey, but I love the way it smells after it has rained, so I don't really mind, especially since I am in the office and not outside.

Made another card using the free stamp from the Creativity magazine and an Inkadinkado set of stamps that I bought recently, hoping to use it in quite a few of the cards I'm going to make for my stall in August. The paper is from the Papermania Retro collection.

I also got myself 5 sets of ColorBox Q pigment ink pads. There are 6 colours in each queue, so that makes 30 new colours in my collection, wohoo! And all for just £7 from eBay, what a bargain!

And what was your last crafty buy?

2009-05-10T16:11:00.000+01:00

This free stamp from issue 15 of Creativity is priceless!
I also used DCWV paper and Hobbycraft ribbon. The stitching was done using a Janome Mini, as usual.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

2009-05-06T11:57:00.000+01:00

I've decided to take part in the local summer fête, and now I need to make lots and lots of cards for my stall. I've got till August, but still I'm not sure I'll find enough time to make as many as I'd want to, what with all the films and books and cooking and walks and cycling and cuddling, not to mention work...
It's really exciting, as I've never done anything like that before.

Here is a recent card, made with Basic Grey papers and Studio G stamps.

Hope you like it, and thank you for stopping by!

2009-05-03T14:40:00.000+01:00

Hi, hope everyone is enjoying their Bank Holiday weekend. As for me, the best thing about it is goin to bed late and not having to get up early... Having to wake up at 8 has always been a tragedy for me, so I suffer Monday to Friday every week, haha.

Here is a very simple lilac card I made last week.
The paper is by Doodlebug, and the stamps are by Studio G.

Bye for now!

Frosties and flowers

2009-04-29T09:24:00.000+01:00

Good morning, good morning! Hope everyone is well.
Will you believe me if I say I had never watched "Pride and Prejudice" until yesterday? Yes, yes, the one with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth.
Well, it's true.
And yes, it is as good as everyone had told me =) Though my husband was actually laughing at me and calling me a silly cat for watching it... He also called me that when I bought some Frosties for my office lunches, hehe. 'Immature? Moi?! How dare you!'
Care to tell me what immature things you have been doing recently? =)

And here is another card, this time a very bright and colourful one, made using Prima flowers. Gosh, I could never have enough of them.

2009-04-28T09:43:00.000+01:00

Morning!
a lot sunnier today, though still too cold for my liking (although it's really warm, compared to the 0 degrees in my hometown today... brrrr).

Here's yet another card I made last week, this time using PaperMania patterned paper and a butterfly embellishment.

Thank you for stopping by!

Tell me why I don't like Mondays

2009-04-27T11:04:00.000+01:00

Morning to you all... It's quite a gloomy Monday here today, rainy and windy. I'd rather be home, cuddled up with Jon under a cosy throw, watching the new South Park episodes, but I have an office to look after, uhhh.

Here are two more creations from last week, both very simple 'thank you' cards made with Basic Grey papers from the Offbeat collection.

Have a nice day, and thanks for stopping by!

Two cards, one layout

2009-04-25T14:35:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone, hope you are having a good weekend. I'm using Photoshop again, which is great, because I have been quite productive this week (at least craft-wise) and have even been seen sitting down at my crafting desk straight after work, before even getting changed! Must be the spring and all the good weather, and being in love helps, too =)
I've put all of my recent cards on Trimcraft and Do Crafts galleries, but completely forgot to update this blog... I'll try to catch up next week.

So, last week I came up with a rather simple but effective layout and have used it in two cards, here they are.

Credits:
Paper and card stock: Basic Grey, K&Co, Bazzill
Eyelets: Papermania, ProvoCraft
Stamp and ink: See D`s, Ancient Page

Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the weekend!

technical problems

2009-04-18T16:05:00.000+01:00

So sorry for not posting at all lately... The laptop is playing up, and I can't use Photoshop to edit photos. I've made a few cards this week, so it's quite frustrating not to be able to share them with you.
I promise I'll sort it out and will be back soon =)

2009-04-08T16:01:00.000+01:00

Hi! Hope everyone's okay.
Thought I'd have five days off this Easter, but then I was asked to come in tomoroow for some training... Well, four days is still great! I'll try to make as many cards as I can, but if the weather is going to be as lovely as it is today, I can't promise anything =)
Jon will be working all weekend, he is behind with his project as he spent the last four days fixing our poor Nissan instead of doing his drawings... Such a shame.
Anyway, I've just realised I haven't uploaded my latest card here.
I made it for my friend Sheila, who keeps giving me wonderful (and very practical!) presents for my new home.

Credits:
Paper: Shabby Princess;
Stamps: Studio G;
Ink: VersaMark, Ancient Page, ColorBox.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog candy draw

2009-04-07T08:39:00.000+01:00

I woke up today and realised that the day when I was supposed to announce the winner is 11th April, which means that the winner would not get their Easter stickers until after Easter! How silly is that?!
So I rushed to random.org and will announce the winner now...
It's comment number 2! Congratulations, Sam!
Many thanks to everyone who took part. You're sweet.
And sorry for messing it up a little.

Spring blog candy (Sorry, UK & Ireland only)

2009-03-26T16:08:00.000Z

This post will stay on top until the draw. Please scroll down for new projects.

I'm giving away some blog candy to celebrate 2,000 hits to my blog and, more importantly, a new spring! (cold as it is, it's still great)

A big 'thank you' goes to everyone who has stopped by to take a look at my blog.

Here is what the winner will get:

That is:
-Some card blanks in bright colours and two pearlescent card blanks and envelopes - just what you need for taking part in Marie Curie's Create a Card for Cancer Care campaign!
-Lovely Papermania Easter stickers and butterfly embellishments
-Papermania alphabet stickers
-The fantastic new double-sided Papermania Motifations stickers. They work great with flocking powder or glitter. Check out the Do Crafts Creativity! magazine for ideas and ways to use.

And all you have to do is:
1. Put a note on your blog to let others know about my blog candy (it's up to you whether or not to post the photo of the prize);
2. Leave a comment here before 23:00 GMT, 10th April.

I will pick one comment on 11th April using random.org and announce the name of the winner straight away!
I'm sorry, but in order to enter the draw, you have to be a resident of the UK or Ireland. Sorry about this.

Good luck! =)

Let's Celebrate

2009-03-26T14:53:00.000Z

Oops. Forgot to upload this recently made card to my blog.
Handwriting has never been my strong point... =)

Thanks for looking!

Flowers and lace

2009-03-25T18:20:00.000Z

Made this card yesterday. I think it was the first card in DL format that I'd made in 6 months!
(click to see a larger version)

Credits:
Paper: K&Co
Card stock: Papermania, Bazzill
Stamp: See D's
Ink: Ancient Page
Flowers: Prima
Adhesive pearls: Papermania (I LOVE those!)

Take care!

Mother's day card

2009-03-17T13:48:00.000Z

I had to make a card for my mother-in-law, but didn't have any stmps or rub-ons with Mother's day greetings, so I came up with a card that could actually be used for a number of occasions. I really hope she likes it...

Credits:
Paper: K&Co
Stamps: Studio G
Adhesive gems: Papermania
Ribbon and lace: local haberdashery shop =)

Have a nice day!

Just because

2009-03-17T13:38:00.000Z

I know I haven't updated this blog for ages, bit now it won't be long till we have an Internet connection in our new home.

So, this is the first card made in my new home! That was the first time in two years that I spent a month without making a single card... Felt so strange. But now we`re pretty much settled down, and my craft stash is organised better than ever before... Yay!

For this card I used Bazzill card stock, DCWV paper, Prima and Papermania Flowers, Doodlebug sugar coated brads, Hobbycraft ribbon and Papermania Alphamania stickers.

Thank you for stopping by!

We've moved!!

2009-02-13T13:35:00.000Z

Oh yes, we have indeed! I made these before we even signed the contract with the agency, but i didn`t want to show them to anyone until we were absolutely sure...
So now I am no longer living with my husband`s parents, and couldn`t be happier.
We don't have an Internet connection there yet, so unfortunately, I won't be seen here too often...

The house is hand-drawn. Papers used in these cards include My Mind`s Eye, Papermania and K&Co.

Thanks for stopping by!

St. Valentine's

2009-02-03T21:19:00.000Z

This one is so pink, I`m not sure if my husband is going to believe that it`s actually from me =)

Credits:
Acetate: Papermania (Scrumptious collection);
Flocking powder: Papermania (Pretty Pastels)
Card: Bazzill;
Ink: Colorbox fluid chalk;
Ribbon and button: Papermania;
Plus... white gel pen, handmade patterned paper, scalloped scissors.

Thank you for looking!

Birthday card for him

2009-02-02T19:21:00.000Z

Hey hey, hope everyone's alright.
It's my husband's birthday today. My goodness, I am now married to a thirty year old man! =)
Here's the card I gave him. He said how much he liked it, and I blushed, unexpectedly and inexplicably.

Credits:
Card and paper: Bazzill, K&Co;
Die-cut: Basic Grey;
Inks: ColorBox Cat`s Eye;
Eyelets and ribbon: Papermania;
Stamp: See D`s.

Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by.

Thinking of you

2009-01-25T19:38:00.000Z

Good evening everyone, hope you've had a lovely weekend.
Saturday was goooood, as I finally managed to get enough sleep.
But Sunday evenings... Oh, honestly, they are the worst time of the week for me, and I've felt this way ever since I was a kid.

Qhat have ou been up to? I haven't done that much, just some work and some reading and some medical translation I had to do for my GP. And a card, of course. Here it is.
I really love that tree stamp by Papermania!

Credits:
Card and paper: Bazzill, Basic Grey Offbeat, Tesco recycled note pad
Stamps: Studio G, Papermania
Buttons: Basic Grey Offbeat
Inks: Clearsnap fluid chalk, Ancient Page
Plus... White gel pen, hemp twine, pokey tool.

Thank you for stopping by!

Floral birthday card

2009-01-21T17:37:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Sorry I don't appear here too often. I come home from work so knackered that all I'm capable of is to read, or sleep, or take bubble baths... I know it sounds good, but I'd prefer to do those enjoyable things by choice, not out of necessity =)

I'm working on a series of cards at the moment, and for a very happy occasion! well, hopefully. Please keep your fingers crossed for me! Anyway, I've only got one card to show you now, made it last week. Hope you like!

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Have a nice evening.

It's a girl!

2009-01-18T13:03:00.000Z

A good friend of mine gave birth to a baby girl Isabella yesterday. Congratulations to Sheila and her husband, it`s their first child!

The dress was hand-drawn by me, which is why it looks nothing like a dress =)

In this card I used:

White gel pen
Bazzill cardstock
My Mind`s Eye paper
Studio G swirl stamp
Papermania pink polka dot ribbon (the other two came from a haberdashery shop)
Papermania adhesive pearl
Papermania mulberry flowers
Papermania Alphamania stickers
Doodlebug simply sweet rub-on alphabet
Clearsnap Cat`s Eye fluid chalk pads and ink brush pads

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Wondering if you still remember me...

2009-01-10T15:38:00.000Z

I don't even want to think of HOW long I haven't updated this blog for!
Shame on you, Mrs Pope...

Anyway, now that I've finished with my projects for issue 14 of the Creativity magazine, I can start blogging again... hopefully.
I hope your Christmas was better than mine, because here it was absolutely catastrophic, and I mean it.
The good thing is, because of everything that happened, me and Jon simply HAVE to move out of his parents' house, which we should have done long ago... But now we don't have a choice. So, we've been looking at flats for rent within our tight budget, and we've nearly made our choice, yay!
I just hope they will let us have a cat. I've been dreaming of one for two and a half years, ever since I moved to the UK... My husband's parents have a dog and don't seem to like cats at all. Thank God Jon is different...
Anyway, I'm wishing you all a very happy New Year with lots of inspiration and good times.
And here is a card that I made yesterday - and still like it, which is rare! =)

I used the amazing new Papemania tree stamp. They come in sets of two, I got myself the one with this tree and a floral swirl (will show you later). At £1.99 for a set of two, they're incredible value for money! And stunning, too. I'd buy the whole collection, but now I have to be VERY careful with what I spend... But for the best reason possible!

Other materials and instruments include:
Basic Grey Offbeat papers
Hemp twine
Tesco recycled note pad
Studio G stams
Ancient Page ink pad
Colorbox fluid chalk
White thread and a Janome Mini sewing machine
X-cut pokey tool

A Stack of Presents

2008-12-08T15:00:00.000Z

I don't usually place flowers on winter cards, but I guess with the right colour combination they can work even on a Christmas card, what do you think?

Thank you for stopping by!

Girly Birthday card

2008-11-25T12:22:00.000Z

I bet everyone likes the combination of pink and brown, Well, at least all women do, and I am no exception.
Here's what I came up with yesterday.

Thank you for stopping by!

Janome Sew Mini

2008-11-24T11:51:00.000Z

Have I mentieoned that I've got myself a sewing machine?
It's very small, it only cost me £27, and looks like this:

Here's the first card I made with it.

"

Thank you for stopping by!

The big news

2008-11-24T09:56:00.000Z

Okay, I promised to tell you the big news, so here it is.
I've signed a contract, and I am now designing cards for the 'Creativity!' magazine! Well, maybe it's too early to brag about this like I am (sorry, but I was never good at keeping my joy to myself), but I've already taken part in their designer challenge, and in the January issue there will be a whole page of my projects. Oh, and I've been asked to contribute to the next issue as well...
Well, what can I say... I'M SO HAPPY! And ever so grateful to the people who made it possible. To be published on the same pages with incredibly designers like Clare Curd, Katy Godbeer, Becky James, Beckie Dreyer, Carolyn Draper and many others... If this isn't a dream job, then I don' know what is :)

"Creativity!" online talent spot

2008-11-18T10:32:00.000Z

Sorry about the sudden disappearance. Me and Jon have spent over a week trying to figure out what was wrong with our computer... At last, we've fixed it, so I can continue blogging =)
Now, I know this isn't very modest, but I just have to share my joy with you... My cards have been published in a magazine! Okay, it was just 1/3 of a page, and I didn't do it as a designer — just as a member of docrafts.co.uk, but that's just the beginning, right? And to appear in Clare Curd's feature, Clare's Corner, is an honour, anyway! She asked me if I could make three projects using only Do Crafts products, I agreed (who wouldn't?), she sent me some lovely goodies, and I made some cards and sent them to the publishing company, and then saw myself, along with the other two participants, in November issue of "Creativity!"... Simple as that =)
I've actually got bigger news, but I'm going to tell you all later. Gosh, I'm so excited!

(click for larger view)

Thank you for stopping by!

Candy winner!

2008-11-07T08:28:00.000Z

Today's the 7th... Hmm, was I supposed to do something special today?
Oh yes.
I said I would announce the winner of my blog candy!
OK, here we go.
The winner is...
Comment #2 by Jude! Congratulations, darling, I will email you =)
Thank you to everyone who took part!
In case anyone wants to make sure that Jude was chosen randomly, here is the proof.

2008-10-25T19:36:00.000+01:00

Good evening! Hope everyone is enjoying their Friday evening.
I just popped in to show you the card I made last night...

Enjoy the rest of the evening, and I will be enjoying the third series of House MD! :)

Definition of Beauty

2008-10-24T18:12:00.000+01:00

A digiscrap page I made about a friend of mine called Valya.

Photographs by Dina Ryabchich.
Paper and elements by Shabby Princess.

My first Blog Candy! (Sorry, UK & Ireland only)

2008-10-22T21:00:00.000+01:00

This post will stay on top until the draw. Please scroll down for new projects.
Hooray! I've got 1,000 hits, and I want to celebrate it with some blog candy.
It's my first ever... Boy, am I excited!
A big 'thank you' goes to everyone who has stopped by to take a look at my blog.
Here is what the winner will get:

And all you have to do is:
1. Put a note on your blog to let others know about my blog candy (it's up to you whether or not to post the photo of the prize);
2. Leave a comment here before 23:00 GMT, 6th November.
Easy!

I will pick one comment on 7th November using random.org and announce the name of the lucky winner straight away!
Ahh, I'm afraid there is one condition: you have to be a resident of the UK or Ireland to take part. Sorry...
Good luck to you all =)

More blog candy!

2008-10-22T20:55:00.000+01:00

Diane aka Pink Sunflower is nearing 20,000 hits to her blog, and she's celebrating with some blog candy! You've got to see what lovely goodies Diane is giving away, and don't forget to have a look at her wonderful creations, too.

2008-10-22T20:17:00.000+01:00

Bev is giving away some lovely blog candy to celebrate 50,000 hits and to thank all her visitors. Go have a look!

The C word

2008-10-21T10:21:00.000+01:00

Don't know if you're into making cupcakes (mind you, I'm not asking whether you're into eating them), but I am. I can't say "and always have been", for it has only been a month since I first tried it, but now I'm addicted :)
Here is my third attempt.

And here is the recipe.

Ingredients (for 24 cupcakes):
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cup self raising flour
1 1/4 cup flour
2 cups sugar
4 eggs at room temperature
1 cup milk at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line cup cakes/muffin tin with cupcake papers. Preheat the oven to 175 C/350 F. Add the eggs, one by one, beating well after each one has been added.Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Mix the two types of flour together. Then add the flour in four additions, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Fill the cupcake liners to three-quarters with batter, then bake for 20-25 minutes. Leave to cool completely before frosting.

And when it comes to frosting and decorating, the possibilities are virtually endless, and that's what attracts me so much to this type of pastry... Well, this and the fact that cupcakes are SO CUTE! :)