Hints and tips....x

I get a lot of emails asking me what type of card & inks etc I use in my card making so I though I would share with all my blogging chums.

If I am using digi images which are printed from the printer straight onto card stock, I use Core'dinations Great White 12x12 textured card, it comes in 12x12 sheets (which I find more economical to buy and cut down into my required card size (which is normally 145mmsq)..250gsm pk 20 sheets.

Please remember that this cardstock is a bit unpredictable to stamp onto, some stamps work better than others so test it on a scrap piece of card first!
If I'm colouring using ProMarkers: I stamp any images using a black Memento ink pad, it's fast drying and doesn't smudge the colours and doesn't blur the outline of your image.

Stamped image on textured card

Stamped image on smooth card

If I'm using anything water based: I use StaZon, do be careful if you are using clear stamps as Stazon can melt the relief over a period of time if not cleaned..(don't use stazon cleaner on clear stamps..just a bit of soapy warm water, being careful to rinse, rinse, rinse , if there is any residue left on the stamp (especially the back, it will stop it adhering to your acrylic block).

Images stamped onto smooth cardstock and coloured using H2O's

A card and a tag!

As I have quite a few Christmas cards to make, I'm opting for "the simpler the better" option.

Although you don't need a graphics programme to print any of our digi images, if you do have one it means you can re-size your images as I have done on the card (tag is original size of image).

Card coloured with my new selection of ProMarkers and tag is made using the pre-coloured image which comes along with the download and is handy for that extra quick make.

Enjoy!

New Download

At last I've had time to draw another Christmas download. I have made a card but where is the light?, it's almost 9.30am and it's so dark and grey here I almost feel I should be still in bed!

I hope you enjoy using it...Happy Christmas to yoo hoo can be found here

I will be back later to show a card or two.

Catching Up.

I'm still not caught up with everything and I have to say I hate it!..I hate running behind.

I'm just managing to post my latest two challenge cards one for Craftbubble and the other for Willow Sketchie Challenge which I still have to post on the blog yet!

It was a great excuse to play with my new coloured ProMarkers though..big hit there I think.

My first card made using scraps of paper which I think is very effective and shall be doing this again.

The second card I was going to show you..I have just realised..isn't uploaded yet..another job on the list...catch ya laters.xxx

It's Monday and I'm back!

Morning everyone, thanks for all your lovely comments and well wishes for my Grandmar-who is doing brilliant thanks.

She is back home and has been armed with a handful of daily meds to take to keep her fit and healthy. We still aren't 100% sure what happened, the docs think she has had a mild heart attack which could have been as long as a couple of years ago!. She went into hospital not being able to breath and has come out with water, cholesterol, heart and thyroid meds!

Apart from being a little tired, she is doing great which is a hugh relief to us all.

I am desperate to get some normality back to my little crafty life and today is the start of it. I am a creature of habit and I happen to be one of those sad people who just LOVE routine so I'm glad to get back to it.

I was ecstatic when my brand new Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine flopped through the letter box a few days ago.

One of the best card making mags out there, in my opinion. Always loads going on and different ideas that can be easily transferred from the magazine pages..straight onto your craft desk!

These little owls have just been so popular over the last few weeks and it was lovely to see them in print..waving at their mum when I opened the page ;)

All I want for Christmas, Dear Santa & Keeping Warm digi images.

My contributions this month are the essential guide to flock-P76 (If you haven't tried these pots of wonder, go invest in some!

Xmas on a budget P26 (lots of money saving ideas)

Fairy Bella digi image

Yummy Christmas Pud stamp

Bonus Papers P48 (I designed this months bonus papers, very versatile-something to suit everyone)

I just had to share these with you. Some of you may have heard me mention that I was busy with some exciting stuff in the summer. I can eventually share my news, I was lucky enough to be asked again to design another Christmas paper stack which comes FREE with Issue 72 of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine.

Do make sure you don't miss out on it as it's filled with 36 sheets of papers, adorable characters & festive greetings. I just love this little collection, I can still remember every idea and brush stroke that went into these little babies.

Remember, they are exclusive to the magazine and are not available through Willow Designs.

Here's a peek!-on sale 27th October

Last but not least.....here's Miss Naughty! :)

Have a good crafty day!xx

Rushed into hospital

Just a quick post to let you all know what's going on.
My Grandmar was rushed into hospital over the weekend unable to breathe. She has had fluid on the lungs and the doctors think she may have had a slight heart attack.
She has always been super fit and puts my excercise regime to shame so this really has hit everyone in the family.

We hope she will be discharged soon as...... there's no place like home .xx

What's in your top 5 shopping list?

I can just about make a card from anything, it comes from my student days, and I painted an exhibition picture with several sized make-up brushes...(turned out great as well)!.ha

I wouldn't say I spend a lot on crafting goodies and have had A LOT -ALL really of the expensive machines etc bought for me..(love ya mum/dadxx)

I do..occassionaly..want to go do a big crafty spend and because I don't do it that often my bank card faints when I take it from my purse ;). As I sit here..wanting to spend, feeling the need, I ask myself- what is it that I need?

Trouble is..I know what I need- white card, silicone glue, blah blah BORING..I want to spend my money on exciting things, things which will wave at me from my desk, inviting me over.

I've talked myself out of everything, WHY?..I have my careful head on and I don't want it on, I want my shop til you drop head on but it's gone..has someone got it?

I've visited many online shops today, I've got punches, 12x12 yummy paper packs, flowers, buttons, ribbons, tools, and I've talked myself out of everything and come to blog instead...I'm obviously starting to go crazy, a little bit insane, that's all I can put it down to...maybe I should try again tomorrow? :P

I leave you with a challenge card I did over at I ♥ ProMarkers blog...come along and join in the monthly challenges!

I love my pricking tool at the moment.x