Stealing Other People's Work Is Not Cool...EVER!

Apologies for having to broadcast this unpleasantness on my precious blog, but it has come to my attention that these unscrupulous folks have stolen ALL of my work and are in 100% violation my copyright.

123friendshipcards.blogspot.com 

As I am sure you will understand, I cannot in all good consciousness post on my beloved blog until this matter has been settled and this blog theft has been redressed. I have reported this to Blogger/Google and am awaiting a reply and action to be taken.  Needless to say, I am so disappointed that this has happened and I look forward to being able to share my crafting musings once again with out fear of such flagrant content breeches.  Until then...much love and keep your precious content safe.

Jen x

Make A Wish Upon A Jar Of Stars!

I whipped up this card in fact for a Papertrey Ink Blog hop a few months ago, but I hadn't properly focused on the brief.  In fact, the challenge was to include sequins.  Yep, sequins.  Although, I know what sequins are and am I fairly certain I have a frock or two that are sequined and quite possibly several on my craft room floor, but for the love of me I forgot to add even a single sequin to my supposed sequinned card! I am certain that while making this blog hop card, I didn't give it a single sequinned thought.  I was off with the pixies when crafting this card for sure. LOL  It's kind of funny because, I can't even think of how sequins could have fit in with this card?  Sequinned stardust perhaps?  Dunno?  Never mind.

This is very nearly a one layered card cave the gold and white corrugated cardboard painted dunes and the wee Mason jar of stars.  Although not evident in the photo, I also die cut a bit of acetate for the jar to give it that faux glass look.  Admittedly not photographically evident, but it is rather effective in real life.  I was delighted to go with a bit of October Afternoon patterned paper, a spritz of gold Glimmer Mist, and the three star brads to increase the starry, starry night effect.  Again, not so obvious in the picture, but fairly convincing in the flesh.  Golly, I was really batting a thousand with this card, hey? Not! LOL I might just strike it lucky next time.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by.  It's always such a treat when you do.  x

Some Feel Better Soup.

In the southern hemisphere we're in Autumn and what feels like briskly heading into Winter.  And with this change of seasons comes what seems like the requisite sneezes and sniffles into my household, that's for sure.  So this year, I have decided to head the dreaded lurgy off at the pass.   My game plan is to make a vat of my favourite homemade chicken soup with pasta, beans, fresh herbs, and tomatoes and have it on tap.  Admittedly, this is a bit of an eclectic hot pot, but when served with a few shavings of parmesan cheese and a crusty bread roll, I kid you not, magic happens, and the sniffles almost instantaneously seem to fade.   Yum-O!  What's your favourite homemade soup?

Ooh, by the way, I have no idea what happened to heart on the soup can?  Looks like it didn't think much of the Stickles I tried to artistically add to the mix.  LOL  Fair enough I say. Lesson learnt.

To The Age Of Romance Or Bust.

It is getting to the point where my prolonged absences from my blog make me feel nearly too embarrassed to post.  I am still crafting, which is a great thing.  I'm just finding it so hard to get to photograph my labours of love and then blog about them.  So, please forgive my seemingly continued blogging indiscretions.  I am very much looking forward to a time when my days are once again mine.  They'll come, that I have no doubt.  Alas, I just hope that I don't become relegated to paper crafting obscurity, where no one even remembers that I, too, craft.

-x

With Heartfelt Sympathy.

I made this card with the mother of dear family friends who was thought would, most certainly, not make it through the night.  While saddened by this news and after having offered any and all assistance to our beloved friends, I just felt the need to craft.  While I am certain that I won't have to explain the therapeutic effects of this to you crafty lot, so I disappeared for a while into my own little comforting crafty bubble and worked gently on this card.

Come sunrise, although bracing for bad news, we made the call to see if the cherished mother of our family friends had made it through the night and indeed she had.  YAY!  We were so thrilled for the news.  Not only had this 90 year old miracle of a woman survived, but was much improved!  It is now 3 weeks on and she has gone from strength to strength.  All I can say is that I have never been so happy to have made a sympathy card and not needed it. Now that is something, you don't say often.  Nice.

Thank you ever so much for allowing me to share with you.  The pleasure is truly mine.  Keep well. x

Hoppy Easter!

Hoppy Easter!  Just wanted to wish you all an exceedingly Happy Easter filled to the brim with celebrations of family, friends and faith. 

Keep well & love much!

Jen x

Congrats On Your New Roost!

I must admit, this here city slicker has a real fondness for this farm inspired set from Papertrey ink.  It is so vintage with a quaint farm freshness to it that I find has such a far reaching appeal.  I am also rather smitten  with the chicken wire background stamp which is easy as pie to line up from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  And if you're anything like me...easy to line up is a massive plus.  The fun wood board/panel background stamp (also from Papertrey Ink) is a real rustic beauty.  This strip stamp even comes complete with the little wooden nails to boot!  Très cool! And what about that chook die cut?  Love!  Needless to say I found crafting this card a real hoot!  Now all I need is someone to get a new roost for me to send it to.  LOL

Thanks a big bunch for stopping by.  I appreciate your visits so. x

I Adore You.

I really do. Hence my heartfelt card made just for you, my cherished readers.  You would be forgiven for thinking otherwise as AWOL as I have been lately.  Apologies for that.  A few months ago, I started a new business called Wynn's Over Lice™.  It is a rather luxe head lice treatment of all things that is all natural and yet highly effective.  And like all new businesses, when you are head cook and bottle washer, I have been pretty much head down, tail up trying to make a go of this labour of love.  I have had my own businesses before, but not a product driven one like this. I am sure all of you other owner/operator business folks out there might say, what's the big deal?  But for this little ducky...I had no idea, not a one.  LOL

I have really been enjoying this new focus as much as this journey I am on of learning that there really is so much that I need to learn!  But the most wonderful thing I have discovered is that it is imperative that I continue to craft. Seriously, I find that continuing to be creative in paper craft has had the awesome benefit of keeping my creative in business mind running too.  Bonus!

So as for your card, I created this little number with a few Papertrey Ink dies, which include the fun circle Limitless Layers and the circular Cover Plate die/Impression Plate doohicky that's name escapes me.  Sorry. The fun background typewriter stamp is a red rubber one from Wendy Vecchi's Studio 490 line titled Art-Fully Said.  It's a good'un if you haven't come across it already.  The cutie-pie trike stamp is a precious one from Unity.  I always revel in an opportunity to use it.  It just makes me smile.  The sentiment is a Papertrey Ink one from one of their thrifty $5 sets released last year.  And of course you would have spotted the much adored PTI Polka Dot Basics strip stamp below.  Love.  Nothing like a bit of 1 inch grey satin ribbon from my stash and liberal staining with my much used, almost needs replacing, Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Tea Dye to finish off the job. I am quite pleased with the outcome of my card to you.  For without you all, I am not sure I would have had the inspiration to make any of the papercraft that I do adore so.  Big hugs and thanks to YOU.  x

You're All These Things & More.

I haven't had nearly as much time as I'd like to craft, which would be all the time if left to my own devices, but I did manage to steal away a bit of time feeding my spirit. Bliss. A shaped card always seems to bring a smile to my face and which is why I went for this design during my rather hurried crafting session.  I was also enamoured by the colours of Fuchsia, Sprout, and Canary on offer in this week's The Play Date Cafe which are so very cheery and lent themselves perfectly to the "feel good" sentiments used on my curvy card. C'est tout!

Well that's me done. Thanks for stopping by.  Here's to more crafty time for us all!  x

Fare Thee Well.

While visiting some of my long loved crafty sites, I noticed that an often participated challenge site was hosting their last challenge.  So out of my heartfelt thanks for many inspired times gone by, I whipped up this card to honour CR84FN Color Challenge for the very last time. Fare Thee Well CR84FN Design Team and many thanks for never failing to spark my creative spirit! x

A Simple Friendship Card.

I don't often make friendship cards, but I do, from time to time, think of doing so.  Hence the genesis of this particular card, was just me thinking...why not? Nothing exceptionally magical about this card, but I do feel a small sense of accomplishment at finally shifting out of my habitual shoulda, woulda, coulda stasis and having actually made a simple friendship card.  Nice.

Thanks for stopping by.  I look forward to catching you anon. x

Just A Romantic Note...

Oh the shame!  My wee blog neglected once again. Sigh.  Just thought I better at least make an attempt to kick the New Year off with a bang instead of with a whimper (which is much like I ended the last).  So, I have dusted off my crafting supplies and quasi-summoned some Dutch courage, took a deep breath and did more than stick a toe in to test the waters, but dove (well, more like belly flopped) right in.

My first card of the year is for The Play Date Cafe showcasing Champagne, Sky Blue, and Tangerine.  As I am rather fond of this color challenge, I thought why not?  Just grab the bull by the horns and off I went.  Golly, I am going a bit hard (instead of going home, I guess) with the metaphors in this post.  LOL  Best to leave it there, I think (luckily, I hear you say).  So without further ado, it's my pleasure to introduce you to my card for this inaugural 2013 challenge:

Thank you ever so much for stopping by.  Here's to another brilliant year of thoroughly enjoying what we love...Papercrafting!  

Not Too Many Sleeps Left Now...

Just wanted to pop in with a couple of cards I managed to put together towards this holiday season.  Nothing too flash but passable.  LOL

At the moment, I am trying to come up with some clever craft ideas for the kids.  We always love to have a couple of mega craft days before Christmas just to make something decorative for our home.  I sure wouldn't mind hearing any fab ideas you might have suitable for the kids including the wee ones (ages 3 to 12).  I am seriously drawing up blanks at the moment.  Rock on January!

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it tremendously! x

Slowly, Slowly Is The Way...

The title of this post must be my (not so) closet motto for this festive season which is fast approaching.  I have only made a handful of Christmas cards this month!  Eek gads! I am not so convinced that even if I were to get a wriggle on, I would have made and mailed all the cards that need doing to meet my holiday requirements.  But seeing that there are still nearly a fortnight left of sleeps before the Big Fella arrives, I might not throw in the towel just yet. *wink* 

This is just a quick little number I whipped up using mainly Papertrey Ink's holiday bits and bobs circa 2012 with the sentiment frame being the exception.  The sentiment frame stamp is a good'un from Waltzingmouse Stamps' Vintage Labels No. 18.

So best leave this a short and sweet post and get back to crafting.  Thanks a bunch for looking.  Catch ya soon!

Almost A One Layered Wonder...Maybe?

Do you think this card will count as a one layered wonder if I tell you that it is really a one layered card hiding beneath the two thoroughly glued down slopey hills?  Didn't thinks so.  Hehe.  I was trying my darnedest to do a one layered card but when the thought of those darling wee gingham and graph paper hills came to mind it was stuck there and wasn't gonna budge until I crafted them.  D'oh!

This card was crafted with Papertrey Ink goodies from across the years.  I must say, it is rather satisfying to create using some older items, and still feel they are rather current (albeit it possibly so, only within my own lunchbox).  I am entering this card into Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday challenge.  I am fairly certain it has been well over a year, if not more, since I participated in one... so I thought why not?  The challenge was to create using glitter detail.  Although, I am not a stranger to glitter, I don't use it too, too often, but enjoy it when I do.  I used some Prisma Glitter across the wire the birds have precariously perched upon and a few squirts on the petals of the flower at the base of the one tree.  C'est Tout.

Thanks a big bunch for stopping by.  Here's to a love-filled day for us all!

Just A Joy!

I know I don't have to explain to any of you about the joys of paper crafting, because I know you totally get it. This post is just me momentarily thinking out loud about the simple joy crafting can be.  Hectic days, chores galore, but nothing beats the stress release of spell of wee card making.  Nice.  I was blissfully spurred on by the current inspiration photo currently on offer at The Shabby Tea Room full of yummy neutrals and perfect pewters.  Just dreamy.  Not much time to spare today, so please accept this card as a small tribute to that which brings us joy.

Looking forward to seeing you anon. x

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop November 2012

I am just going to cut straight to the chase and let you know that the theme of this month's blog hop might as well have been from Mars as I certainly found it to be a bit off the planet and pushed me out of my comfort zone.  The theme was to make a card or project inspired by book covers/sleeves.  You're probably best to check out the link directly as I am sure my understanding of it is, more than likely, clear as mud.  But I was intrigued.  So, after a bit of head scratching, the image that came screaming to mind was the ribbon stickers that are often seen adhered to book covers to state that a book is a prize winner of some description or a finalist in some book list or awards category.  Fingers crossed you have some idea what I am rabbiting on about or I really must sound/read like a crafty loon.  Ah well, it wouldn't be the first time and more than likely not the last.  LOL  I was also in need of a birthday card for a gorgeous man in my life that we all reckon is a bit of a prize favourite to say the least, so I set out on the challenge.  Luckily, it didn't end up being as painful as I had imagined.  *wink*

So, without further ado, may I please present to you my (rather obscure) entry for this month's PTI Blog Hop:

Many thanks for hopping by.  It's always such a treat when you do.   :-)

*All supplies used in making the card are Papertrey Ink's except for the papers.  

But, But, But...

I know I have been AWOL this last fortnight, but for good reason.  I have been working furiously towards the November Mind, Body Spirit Festival in Sydney that I am a part of twice a year for four days a festival (well five if you count the day we move in).  Well, now that it is done and dusted, I can take a bit of a breather and get back to more of the paper crafting that I love.  But, I just wanted to pop in to show you what I have been working towards over the last fortnight that I have been MIA from my blog now that it has come to a close.  Here are my Before and After snaps...talk about a transformation:

Before

After

My stand was only 2 meters x 2 meters, which wasn't even enough room to swing a cat in.  And you guessed it, our entry and exit was from under the table!  What a hoot!  So between trying my best not to cop a knee to the side of the head on exiting the stand or one to the backside on entering, good fun was had by all.   

Looking forward to getting back to my regular scheduled program quick smart though, that's for sure.  Thanks for sticking with me and popping by.  I appreciate it so.  Here's to a glorious day for us all! Hugs~   

Getting Merry!

I cannot ever remember the last time I participated in a Papertrey Ink Blog Hop.  I am certain it's been donkey's years!  Even though I am not quite ready to take the leap into full steam ahead Christmas crafting just yet, I was happy enough to get a few tags on the go.  I made three, but the following wine bottle tag was the only one that fit the bill as far as being directly inspired by a specific group of colours for the blog hop, which is all about non-traditional holiday color schemes.

I suspect I have one of those wacky Papertrey Ink Sweet Blush ink pads that many folks have been talking about, as it is looking a lot less Sweet Blush/pink than advertised.  Oh well.  Lucky it still matches, I guess.  This bottle tag was further inspired by a tag I once spied ages ago from Betsy Veldman, I am pretty sure.  I am certainly having a vague moment on typing this post so forgive me if I got it wrong.  It was just one of those many offerings from the PTI DT that stuck in my mind and got me itching to craft not to mention part with a bit of my hard earned cash.  LOL

So,  that's it for me today.  Happy hopping!  

Celebrate Today In A Magnificent Rustic, Shabby-licious Way!

I've been a bit cranky of late, because I haven't had as much crafty time as I would like. Too busy with the not so fun chores of everyday life, I guess. So I had to quietly sneak in a few therapeutic and very precious moments to make a card, with the sole purpose of getting a wee crafty hit to see me through my seemingly hectic days.  I created this card inspired form the colors of the current CR84FN Color Challenge showcasing Light Pink, Tan, and Cream coupled with the gorgeous photo inspiration from The Shabby Tea Room.  Just what I needed to kick start a short, nurturing but much appreciated crafting session.  Ahhh!

My card ended up being a melange of shabby and rather rustic textures, textiles and tones.   I just aged, stamped, trussed, threaded, stained, clipped and snipped to my crafty heart's content.  Bliss.

Now back to the grindstone for me.  Thanks for stopping by.  Here's to more joyous times in our crafty havens!