Fairy Dust Bag

I made front cover!

2012-01-20T11:07:00.005Z

Have you got your latest copy of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine?

This months issue is filled with some inspirational projects from the designers and I happen to be ecstatic as I made front cover with not just one but 2 of my projects!

Above...my hidden message cards, using some fabulous collections of papers and embellishments.

And.......a Promarker Special, do you want to learn how to colour animals and nature? this issue shows you exactly how to achieve those professional results in easy steps....go grab your copy and let me know what you think.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Sharon xxx

Polly Pickleberry Cd NOW IN STOCK

2012-01-09T12:10:00.002Z

Our brand new Polly Pickleberry CD-Rom is NOW IN STOCK, go grab yourself one here

An empty chair

2011-12-26T21:09:00.001Z

Wow, what a mad couple of days! If I'm honest, it's been strange this year as it's the first year without my mam sitting around the table- I missed that a lot and almost a year since she died.
It's the weirdest sadest feeling which makes you remember past Christmases and especially those from being little, I remember always putting out a mince pie and sherry for Santa coming and getting so excited.
This year has been so sad yet so happy at the same time and over the past few months seen me launch Willow Designs through Create and Craft (mam would have loved to have seen it and everytime I go on air I feel a little emotional about it).
She helped me a lot when I first set up Willow Designs and especially when times got tough, she would be there encouraging me on, never to give up.
So, I raise a glass to my mam, Merry Christmas, love you alwaysxxxxxxx

Polly Pickleberry CD-ROM

2011-12-22T10:34:00.017Z

Hello!! how are we all? I must apologise firstly for not updating my blog recently but I've been a little busy :)

For those of you who don't know, we launched our brand new Polly Pickleberry CD-ROM on Create and Craft on Sunday, it's always very exciting getting to show everyone the finished item and I am thrilled we had a fabulous response from all of you.

I wanted to thank you all for tuning in and watching and for all your kind words and emails, it means a lot.

I also wanted to thank my DT who worked at very short notice to produce some wonderful card samples for the show, here's a little reminder of them.

I'm breaking up for Christmas now, putting my feet up for a few days, eating cake and drinking wine, I will return in the New Year complaining how much weight I've put on and no doubt be on a diet hahahahahah, until then,, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of our customers, thank you for your support and valued custom.xxx

Sharon xxxxxx

How RUDE

2011-10-31T14:40:00.001Z

I forgot to wish you all.........

NEC anyone?

2011-10-31T10:46:00.002Z

Morniiiing all, first things first......I'm so sorry....not had much time to blog lately and the lack of internet around here is driving me nuts. We have just moved to new offices (which makes life a lot easier don't get me wrong) but I've been without internet for around 3 weeks already! so if you are still waiting for me to reply to an email of yours...sorry I've been promised that full service will resume on the 8th November!!

So onto business...anyone see our Walter and Winnie on Create and Craft, boy oh boy...I was so nervous but have to say Dean was a pleasure to work with and put me at ease straight away. Hardly got any sleep the night before going through things in my head and then frightened I might sleep in...lol

All in all it was a great day and had some really positive feedback which always is nice to hear don't you think....so much so...they've asked me to go back onto Create and Craft......yipppppppeeee with something brand spanking new which I'm currently working on and can't wait for you all to see it....x

BUT FIRST....I'm off down to the NEC this week, are you coming? I will be doing all sorts of demos for Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine, come say hello?
I shall be obv. taking my trusty bad boy Promarkers with me and showing how to colour stamped and digi images....(some of which will be available on Cardmaking & Papercraft website in the next week or so, keep an eye out for a couple of freebies there) AND if you don't yet subscribe to the magazine, go treat yourself you won't be disappointed!

See you in Birmingham...mwah xx

Create and Craft news

2011-09-26T15:37:00.004+01:00

Afternoon all,

Sorry I've been missing for a while but life has been a little busy here. Not only working on some gorgeous stuff for Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine, I have some VERY exciting news to share.

Over the last few weeks I have been up and down the motorway visiting the fabulous folk at Ideal World and am very excited to tell you Willow Designs will be making our debut on Create and Craft on the 17th October at 8am and 2pm.

We do hope you can join us, will you? Of course I am mega nervous just thinking about live TV, yikkkkes! but |I'm hoping my crafting will take my mind off it...any hints or tips anyone has to keep nerves at bay will be appreciated...
My excitement overtakes my nerves at the moment as I have some brilliant demos planned which I hope everyone enjoys and if there's anything anyone would like to see me do...please let me know :)

More exciting news that I've just finalised today, we are moving to our very own offices which will mean a...I'm not tripping over my own feet, b...I can at last get a good nights sleep in something other than a camp bed (don't ask..lol) and c...hopefully get more organised maybe hold a few classes and hopefully free up a lot of time to do more designing.

That's my news, what's yours?

xxx

Up for a challenge?

2011-08-04T11:24:00.003+01:00

Morning, my turn to host this weeks Willow Sketchie Challenge and had to confess, I forgot to post it on the challenge blog this morning (how very rude of me) ;) I have so much whirling round my head at the moment and next week will be upon me before I know it.
This week all the DT have made some superb cards using the digi stamp, Taking a snoooooze, following the sketchie and recipe which I think makes it more fun.

Tuesday is a very special day for me and I'm desperately trying to tie up loose ends as well as creating. No excuse for me to miss out on the challenge, right?

If you are up for a challenge and fancy following an additional recipe, go take a look here here's my card. I forgot to take a picture close up of his little newspaper!, I cut some text from a magazine and stuck them onto the image for a more three dimensional effect. Of course, it would be rude not to use our gorgeous Fabric Panels so I obliged :)

I would love to see some of my followers joining in with the sketch this week...xxx

Right, better make a move, a zillion and one things to do.

678th Shade of lippy.

2011-08-02T12:25:00.002+01:00

I felt the need to blog today, no pictures to show, no news to tell...I just felt the need to write. As I sit at my desk I can here the sound of big machinery in the background demolishing their way through the greenery, making way for yet another new housing estate.
I remember being a little girl, taking a short cut through those garages, crossing over the buttercup filled fields, I remember the summers being a lot hotter back then and strangley the winters colder too.

I'm just getting over the worst case of tonsillitis...EVER! and left me with a itchy rash all over, the draw back of antibiotics, they did their job though, I'm just left feeling a little wishywashy the last few days and the heat and muggyness here isn't helping.

On a brighter note...it's pea pod season and they have been growing in abundance on our allotment, I've sat over the last few nights munching my way through probably half a carrier bag and feel the need to freeze the rest. I do tend to do that though, become obsessed with a certain things, last week it was making my homemade coleslaw using my freshly picked cabbage, the week before that it was eating my fresh beetroot which turned everything purple ....yikes! next week? well who knows.

I'm busy getting prepared for next week, a very exciting week for me and what do we all think of the new Flexmarker by Letraset, I'm intrigued I have to say being a Promarker fan.
Holiday season is fast approaching, although my body still thinks it's in Winter storing food mode, and I spent Saturday in Newcastle, a little lunch a couple of Cosmopolitan cocktails, my once a month indulgence.

We park in a secret location down the quayside, absolutely free which saves a small fortune in parking charges. A short walk over the swing bridge..( this bridge always brings back memories for me, as a student I lived in Newcastle and would walk the short walk down onto the Quayside and out would come my sketch pad and watercolours and quite happily spend time capturing the essence of Newcastle, I've probably taken photos or painted most of the beautiful buildings down there, they are dripping in history and everyone has a little tale to tell).

Over the bridge, we always pop into The Slug and Lettuce, very casual, tasty food and the barman does make wicked cocktails! From here, we catch the bus up into Monument and begin our shopping experience by first entering Fenwicks store. I did go in for a bag, something to take on the plane with me, something just to wear over my body....nothing took my fancy so I came away with a pair of sandals instead..lol of course after the lovely Dior lady experimented several shades of lipstick on me until I pouted in the mirror and liked that 678th shade she'd patiently tried on me. I love listening to people's conversation while they are trying to sell you something, she was planning a night out and dressing in a little festival style gypsy dress and cowboy boots, I did contemplate on declining that 678th shade of lippy, just to find out maybe what she was going to have for tea or maybe what colour nail varnish she would be wearing ..lol

I sometimes miss the one to one contact with people these days, the draw backs of doing my job, mostly everything is done via email these days and it's nice to get to meet other crafters.
Which brings me onto The GNPE this year...10/11th September down in good old Yorkshire, I shall be back from Ibiza only a few days but I'm excited to see what's out and about and spend a little bit of my hard earned cash on what else?.....craft stuff...are you going?

My Challenge Card

2011-07-28T13:18:00.005+01:00

Afternoon all, Thursday means it's Willow Sketchie Challenge day!!, whoo hoo. A challenge where anyone can enter using any products you have at home.

This week I thought I would try something a little different. Using the adorable "Precious" image (adore) I opted to open the image up in my graphics programme (photoshop) and enlarge it, making this the main focus on the card.
I hate making cards to rules, measurements and restrictions, I do what comes into my mind, if I don't have an envelope to fit...I make one and even then, I've seen me make very simple beautiful, creative envelopes with no fancy scoring boards or equipment, no measuring needed.

I think my rebel instincts come from having studied graphic design many years ago, lots of technical measuring, lots of rules to abide to, blaahhhhhhh...... The first thing I did after leaving art school was break all the rules I'd been told to stick to. I found them suffocating me creatively, I didn't and still don't want to fit any moulds. I like to do my own thing and I hope that shows in my work.
Obviously there are a few guidelines when it comes to creating, be it drawing or something more 3 dimensional but I would encourage you all to bend those guidelines to fit in with your own creative talents, don't try and copy anyone's style of cardmaking, it will become hard work and it will end off in the bin.
The hardest part of the creative journey is to find out what you excel in, it may be colouring, drawing, card making, painting etc and the only way you will find that out is to try it so......I hope this little eclectic card makes you want to try something new, something different, take elements of my card making and add the ideas to yours, have a go at adding fabric to your card, stamping, using Promarkers....whatever it may be, I hope it inspires :)

Use pretty corner punches (Martha Stewart) to add interest.

Image coloured using Promarkers.

Skin (in this order) Ivory, Blush, Caramel (very sparingly) and Pale Pink.
Dress/socks, crown (in this order) Baby Pink, Cocktail Pink, Rose Pink
Shoes (in this order) Warm Grey 1, Black
Hair (in this order) Sandstone, Cinnamon
Wand (in this order) Vanilla, Canary

ps...don't be frightened to leave areas of white card showing through as added highlights

Only running a week behind....

2011-07-27T16:35:00.003+01:00

...shocking!!! I do have a really good excuse though (which of course I can't tell you lol), but apart from that, I've been very poorly with toncillitis! YIKES, I can't explain to you the pain, those who suffer themselves will know exactly what I'm talking about!

Days went by without me picking up a Promarker, THAT's HOW ILL I WAS ;)
So, as it's a new Willow Sketchie Challenge tomorrow (hosted by our newest DT member, Shell) I thought I better show you quickly what I did for last weeks challenge lol, sorry it's late posting on here, hope you like.

It's using our Winnie in Earmuffs clear stamp, I <3 stamping and forget about how much you can do with them!

My Challenge BAG

2011-07-14T08:11:00.005+01:00

It's been an exciting week here at Willow Towers, what with the announcement of our addition DT members and a very important meeting scheduled, I'm just a bit excited....squeeeeeel :)

I would like to thanks everyone who applied for our latest DT Call, please pop over to the Willow Sketchie Challenge blog to see our new additional DT members.

It's been a bit of a mammoth work load this week, lots of cards made for up and coming magazine projects, I love being busy but it kinda interrupts by daily tweeting and FB gossips..lol...if you are on Twitter or FB, come look me up and say hello x

After all of the cards I made so far this week, I fancied a bit of a change and decided to recycle a bag, this bag, believe it or not, came with a lipstick in it, granted...a nice posh lipstick for my birthday last weekend but really?...a bag THAT big? anyway, I just had to do something with it and quite pleased with the results, what do you think?

Again, using the Tilda fabric panels along with the Dear Santa digi, I may make more....anybody know where I can buy nice plain bags in bulk?...I'm thinking..nice little crimbo bags filled with jars of homemade pickles, choccies etc.....but there was only ONE thing for me to fill mine with.....:)Hope you feel inspired to make a few bags and don't forget to pop over to our Willow Sketchie Challenge and show us what you can do with this weeks sketchie, hosted this week by the lovely Miria.

much love
Sharonxx

DT Call CLOSED

2011-07-07T14:28:00.002+01:00

Sharon xx

My Challenge card.

2011-07-07T12:24:00.003+01:00

Challenge is the right word this morning! You know when as soon as you open your eyes you know it's going to be one of THOSE days. We all get them, right? and they come when you just haven't got time for them...meh!

So onward with a bit of creativity, showing my Willow Sketchie Challenge card from today's challenge, do pop over and show us how creative you can be!
TODAY is the DT Call deadline so, if you are thinking about submitting an entry, do it TODAY!
You've all seen a little sneaky preview of my challenge card and here she is in all her Winnie glory!
There's something so satisfying in stamping and I do admit to getting caught up doing digi from time to time but this was made with some good old fashioned stamping involved, love it!

Again, using the Tilda fabric panels (I cut the flower from the material and used it as a motif and added a little piece of twisted raffia) My little shabby chic creations are not complete until they sport some frayed edges and bows, love!

Products used:

Fabric Panels-Willow Designs

Winnie in a Santa Suit clear stamp-Willow Designs

Promarkers (listed above)-Willow Designs

Buttons, greeting-Local craft shop.

Feel inspired?....my job is done :) xxxxxx

My Challenge card, Sneeky Peek

2011-07-06T17:58:00.004+01:00

It's that time of the week again when I can show you a little preview of my challenge card I made for tomorrows Willow Sketchie Challenge.
I had great fun making it using our yummy, delicious Tilda fabric panels!

Do pop over to the challenge blog tomorrow where Hazel will be hosting again , something a bit different this week!!

NEW Tilda Fabric Panels

2011-07-01T19:58:00.002+01:00

How are we all today?
I love to surround myself with lovely pretty things and recently discovered the stunning collection of Tilda fabrics which I thought would make a fab addition to our Fabric Panels which we currently have on our website.....I anticipate these little beauties will not last long, get them while you can xxx Have a great weekend everyone.xx

My Shabby Chic Challenge card

2011-06-30T13:13:00.005+01:00

OOOOOhhhh, had so many problems with blogger today, won't work on Internet Explorer or Google Chrome so have resorted to now having to work in Firefox (which I happen to think is the best anyway and why I didn't think of it in the first place would have saved me a few hours rage ;)

I've been trying to show you all the Christmas card I made for today's WillowSketchie Challenge card, I'm hosting the challenge today and have been secretly playing with the sketch all week, scroll down to see variations of cards using the same sketch on today's challenge.

I also set a little recipe to go along with the sketch, we wanted to see something shiny /sparkly and something red!!
What a brilliant excuse to get my embossing ink and amazing glaze out!, been a while since I've had the old heat gun out and was delighted with the results.
I was trying to achieve that shabby chic look which we all often strive for, I would have liked my sand paper to hand but I've lost it but no matter, the fabric panel slightly frayed and awkward edges gave me the look I was after!

Not forgetting of course the Winnie in Earmuffs, clear stamp from Willow Designs, <3 it lots.
The image itself was stamped using a black Memento ink pad, which I find to be the best when using Promarkers and I just ADORE the background colour, duck egg Promarker, yum yum...

And for all of you Promarker addicts, here's which ones I used.Why not have a go at a little shabby chic yourself, hope you feel inspired to.xxxx

Sneeky Peek

2011-06-29T15:54:00.003+01:00

Little bit of a strange day today, Ive mentioned on here many times, I'm a creature of habit and love routine and although I love to holiday in the party capital Ibiza, my normal working days are far from that, I am partial to the odd mojito and bombay gin though ha ha.

I gave myself the morning off to get my hair done, it was desperado and as I hit 41 years old in the nxt few weeks I'm treating myself to a few treats here and there ;)

It's been a strange 7 months infact and sometimes still think it's all a dream, dad having a heart attack last November and having to have bypass surgery and mam passing away 4 weeks later, wouldn't wish my past few months on anyone.

I love my job and what I do and that keeps me going.

So......I've been indulging in a bit of shabby chic for my Willow Sketchie Challenge card tomorrow, are you going to join us?? I will be hosting the challenge tomorrow and offering a brand new sketchie along with an added recipe to follow, come follow us on our blog , we all meet here from 9am in the morning.

Here's a little sneaky peek and guess what?, Fabric Panels....sorry, I just can't stop using them!

Hope to see you all at Willow Sketchie Challenge bright and early tomorrow xxxxx

It's all about the fabric

2011-06-28T14:10:00.009+01:00

Do you know when you are doing something but really should be doing something else? I'm sure you do :) well.....today is one of those days.

It's like getting a new piece of crafting equipment and not being able to put it down, everything else gets put on the back burner, including the ironing and housework and infact if I wasn't so greedy, I would probably not eat neither (no chance of that happening ;-P)
What have I been doing?...I've been playing with our Fabric Panels again, I just can't seem to put them down and they are flying from the website so if you want to grab the last few...BE QUICK, you've been warned..lol (until we re-stock)

I just adore our little "Colin" digi stamps, too cute!, keep an eye out for more!

I love adding quirky little details to my cards and this bit of twisted craft wire with a greeting on the end works perfectly with the image, I've created a small hoe in the plant pot, threaded the wire through, secured at the back of the image and it looks like it's actually sticking in the plant pot!

It's not often I waste anything and especially not these fabric panels, every bit is so valuable to me, so......what could I make with these?

Add a little shiny pebble, brad, piece of felt etc.....and you end up wth this little beauty...

And not forgetting our little Colin in that plant pot of his....lol. Hope you enjoyed my little fabric insight and NOW I really should get on with stuff I SHOULD be doing.xxxx

Is this HOT enough for you?

2011-06-27T13:58:00.005+01:00

BOILING!

I complain about having to sit indoors at the computer when the sun is out but I console myself in the fact that at least I don't have to run around a tennis court trying to hit a tennis ball!!!!

I don't sit like an avid fan you understand but I do like to put it on the TV when I'm trying to cool myself down sipping a ice cold glass of Pimms........I mean water ;)

But of course, Wimbeldon had fierce competition from Glastonbury this year and thank the lord it didn't rain for all of those who brave the good old British weather and go camping, to soak up the atmosphere, see all of the bands. I caught a few bands I particularly loved, one was called The Pierces, I'd never heard of them before.......go check them out on Youtube!

I of course stayed awake for as long as I could last night to watch Beyonce make her debut on stage and have to say, although I'm not a mega fan, she was utterly brilliant and brought a bit of glamour.

So, inbetween all of that, I've been playing with one of our new digi's...Taking a snoooooze

I love how this card just came together without very little ANGER involved....heehee and took the opportunity to use some of our fabby fabric panels!

For all of you who are like me, a Promarker addict....colours used.. Tan, Caramel, Leaf Green, Buttercup, Saffron, Tea Green, Almond, Grey Green, take advantage of our great prices and free worldwide shipping at Willow Designs

Right, better dash, see how Andy Murray is doing in his match...xxxxxxxx

New paper collections

2011-06-24T12:57:00.002+01:00

What a morning,well........at least the sun is shining!
It makes such a difference when that little lady is glowing in the sky, needless to say I'm working with my Ibiza tunes on in the background.

We have had a lot of enquiries regarding our latest collection of papers published in Papercraft Essentials magazine.
We have now uploaded them online in our shop

Hope everyone has a great weekend, let me know what your up to?
Lots of love xxx

My Willow Sketchie Challenge Card

2011-06-23T09:28:00.002+01:00

Good morning,
How are you today? Did you have the rain we had yesterday? Where did all that come from, thought it was going to wash my poor chickens away!

I decided to use Garden Weekly digi stamp for my Willow Sketchie Challenge Card, I love Walter owl in this pose!! and ideal for those tricky male cards!
Do pop over to the challenge blog, Hazel is hosting this week and ha a fab sketchie for you all to follow.

Here is what I did with it.

Coloured in a selection of our £1.69 !!!Promarkers, do take advantage of our FREE WORWIDE P+P....grab them here

Promarkers used: Vanilla, Cinnamon, Burnt Umber, Hot Pink, Berry Red, Burgundy, Tea Green (my fav) and Grey Green

Love little details like these glass pebbles, I have to admit, I do feel the urge to put ribbon on every card I make and have found raffia to be a great substitute which has that rustic, textured look.

Have a good crafty day.

Sharon xx

I LOVE chocolate, NEW digi stamp now available!

2011-06-22T10:57:00.002+01:00

We hope everyone is enjoying looking through our NEW WEBSITE!
We've been thrilled with the response, thank you!

Meet our newest digi stamp....I LOVE Chocolate, perfect for all of us who can't live without a little chunk of the sweet stuff :)....enjoy xx find her here
Sharon xx

NEW WEBSITE!!

2011-06-21T11:03:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone,
It's been a mad few months here to say the least and have some very exciting news!
Anyone who has been following my blog for the last few years knows how much I adore working with Promarkers, right? I get to use many many mediums in my job and have not found anything that gives me that professional look which I'm always aspiring to when using our images.
I am thrilled to say that we now offer our customer a large collection of PROMARKERS on OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE!!! yes...you heard right, we have re-launched our website with some fantastic new stuff on offer!
Come along and join in the fun, check out our galleries, tutorials, meet our design team...(we are still looking for more of you) WALTER AND WINNIE does Christmas CD, clear stamps, NEW digi stamps!
All here at Willow Designs

DT CALL

2011-06-15T13:21:00.005+01:00

DT CALL

We are looking for a bunch of enthusiastic card makers who would love to use a selection of our products in our weekly Willow Sketchie Challenge Blog.

You must have a regularly updated blog and be able to make 1 card a week. We welcome all level of crafters and applications from previous DT calls.

Intersted? Please email willowdesigns@sky.com with 3 card examples, a short paragraph about yourself along with a link to your blog.*deadline for entries 7th July*

My challenge card.

2011-05-05T13:09:00.008+01:00

It's a brand new challenge at Willow Sketchie Challenge, hosted this week by the lovely Kelly....(loved working with that sketch she designed).

This week finds us working with a collection of different images from Willow Designs but remember, you can enter the challenges using whatever stash you have at home :) but if you are looking for some adorable new images, give our shop a visit.x

This is the card I made using Kelly's sketch, I love how it turned out! Coloured using our bespoke Promarker collection of pens (adore the effects of those). I will certainly use this sketch again!

Coloured using these

A Spot of Gardening bespoke Promarker Collection found here

We also have a brand new prize this week up for grabs for a randomly generated entry.......

We NEED YOUR HELP to spread the word about our challenges, please give us a little toot on your blogs and come along and join in the fun :) Willow Sketchie ChallengeDo you like to listen to music while crafting?, my music choices vary A LOT from Neil Diamond (yes...I'm partial to a bit of Jazz Singer, Foo Fighters, Kylie, Mumford & Sons, Elbow, Adele, INFACT most things really ), but the last few days I have been getting into holiday mode and listening to a CD I bought last year after my visits to Ibiza...............................roll on September ;)

I love this pic, shows everyone dancing, having fun fun fun!!!

What music do you listen to?

My Challenge Card

2011-04-28T10:24:00.007+01:00

Morning everyone, hope everyone is well? ANOTHER bank holiday eh? great!

As Royal Fever hits us all, I sneak in my challenge card before we all spontaneously turn into union jack flags and start curtsying all day long tomorrow. I have to admit, without sounding like a party pooper, I'm not that interested....don't get me wrong, I think they are well matched, and I personally think she's perfect for him BUT other than taking a quick peek at her dress and maybe catching who's at Westminster, that's more than enough for me, I shall be out, visiting a farm and buying another two chickens to add to my pack of girls.

I of course will need another two names to accompany....Bunty, Ruffles, Willow, Winnie & Blondie, ANY IDEAS??

A brand new Thursday has broken and we have a fantabulous sketch at WILLOW SKETCHIE CHALLENGE designed by the talented LIZ. This one really did make me think and made me realize that I don't often work with circular shapes.

Go pop along and join in the fun, we have prizes up for grabs and all winners are chosen randomly so everyone who enters are in with a chance :)

We have another great prize to be won, our very own Walter download along with some of our new fabric panels

I just adore these fabric panels and have chosen to use them in my challenge card this week (love that bow)

I also wanted to show a different way to use the blender pens that we sometimes struggle to use, they are brilliant at taking colour away from your projects and a perfect for adding patterns and clouds as I have done here in my colouring. I hope to get a little video tutorial done showing this, if anyone is interested :)

Willow Designs are in the process of stocking Promarkers, we are adding to our collection all of the time. Go check out our current packs and singles! here

Colours used in this image: Cool Aqua, Pale Pink, Khaki, Leaf Green, Baby Pink, Blender

Have a great day tomorrow, are you doing anything special?, let me know :)

Dont miss your chance to win.

2011-04-25T09:13:00.004+01:00

Just a quick Holiday Monday post :)

Willow Sketchie Challenge prize is still up for grabs, go follow our sketch and enter your card for a chance to win...

A Spot of Gardening Download, black and white outlined image PLUS a beautifully coloured image using Promarkers PLUS a ten step tutorial helping you on colouring the image PLUS a six pack of Promarkers to produce the exact same results as I have done on my card a few posts below :)

What you waiting for, go check it out now :) Willow Sketchie Challenge

Enjoy the rest of your crafty day

Sharon xx

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T19:31:00.002+01:00

Are you all enjoying the sunshine? boy it's hot here :)
Just want to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

I've been spending my few days tending to my chickens, planting seeds and getting my hands dirty :) I even pulled out some small lettuce leaves from the garden to accompany some roast chicken for dinner, great!

I also received a very special Easter card from overseas from one of my design team which I must take a photo of!, so sweet and put a smile across my face :D

Thank you Saskia!

How are you enjoying your Easter break?

Sharon xx

My Challenge Card

2011-04-21T12:13:00.006+01:00

Can you believe the time already? Where has this morning gone? It was a super busy day here yesterday which found myself making my challenge card at 7am this morning! talk about leaving it until the last minute!

Yep, that's right, our all new Willow Sketchie Challenge has started today and we have a prize for our randomly generated winner, something I would love to win!

If you love her and Promarkers, get yourself over to the challenge blog to be in the chance of winning, it's a sketch challenge and you can use whatever products you have at home.

The winner will receive "A Spot of Gardening" download including a black and white outlined image, a pre-coloured image using Promarkers a 10 step tutorial on how to colour using Promarkers PLUS the pack of Promarkers used in the tutorial and which I have used on my challenge card. All of which can be seen in more detail here

I've had this little Winnie owl image hiding in the back of my portfolio for the past 6 months, I originally designed her for a cross stitch pattern which didn't happen so I dug her out, gave her a splash of colour and made her pretty.

So, what was I creating at 7am this morning??, I have to admit, I already had the image coloured and the bow already made from the video tutorial below so all I had to do was hunt out some beautiful papers, that's was easy......Stella and Rose My Mind's Eye....just an adorable collection of prettiness.

Ready to take up the Willow Sketchie Challenge, go check out the sketch!

Sharon xx

A Spot of Gardening, new download

2011-04-20T21:10:00.005+01:00

Evening everyone, what a day I've had to say the least, everything which could have gone wrong has, you get those days?

One thing that I am very excited about is bringing you our latest new download

" A Spot of Gardening"

This download sees our very own Winnie owl and includes a black and white image, a beautifully pre-coloured image using Promarkers PLUS a fantastic 10 step tutorial using our very own bespoke collection of Promarkers .

Go get yours now and don't forget to come join us at Willow Sketchie Challenge tomorrow where our design team have been busy using it and have some FABULOUS cards to inspire you.xx

See you then xxx

How to make a Raffia bow video tutorial

2011-04-19T11:22:00.003+01:00

Morning everyone, hope you find the tutorial useful and decide to have a go at making a raffia bow, think I need to get creating some flowers to match, don't you think? :)

Enjoy the rest of your day.xx

I've been making bows.

2011-04-18T11:05:00.003+01:00

Raffia is one of my favourite materials to work with, I find it gives great texture and depth to a project, you can stamp on it, add colour to it but it's favourite quality for me is the fact that it's very forgiving when making bows!

A lot of people struggle to make the perfect bow and I think that's the problem, trying to make it perfect.

Who wants a perfect bow anyway, not me, I quite like a quirky little number that has been twisted together lovingly rather than made using any sort of equipment.

So, here she is, VVVVVVVVV easy to do, I will show you just how easy in a little video tomorrow.

(Keep an eye out for this little bow in the Willow Sketchie Challenge which STARTS on THURSDAY!!!), who's joining us? pop over and give us a follow :)

A fab prize up for grabs!!!!

New Fabric Panels

2011-04-14T16:10:00.010+01:00

Here at Willow Towers I am constantly looking for different things to bring you to use in your card making!

I love looking around craft events and sourced some fabulous cotton materials that are a joy to use. I plan to extend this range over the next few weeks and show different techniques you can do with them.

The fabric panels are available in our shop NOW, go check them out!!!!

WILLOW DESIGNS

You wil notice the little Winnie Owl images which I designed for Nikky Hall and available on the

Double Sprinkles of Kraft CD

Take a look at the cards a little more closely.

I adore those little frayed ribbons, sooooo adorable! Right, I'm off to go feed my chickens, ......yes...I have chickens....Bunty, Willow, Blondie, Ruffles & Winnie...lol...I will have to remember to take some pictures of them :D

Until next time, much love xxxxx

Willow Sketchie DT announced

2011-04-12T20:45:00.002+01:00

Hello all, What a fantastic response we had to our design team call over at Willow Sketchie Challenge. I would like to thank everyone who applied for a position, I had such a great time looking through everyone's brilliant work! I just wish I could have offered everyone a position. The quality of the entrants was extrodinary and gave me a headache having to choose the talented bunch who have won that golden ticket through our doors at Willow Designs. I'm sure, those regular bloggers will be familiar with the chosen ladies and I'm sure you will agree, they are a talented bunch!

So onto our ladies.....drum roll, please give a warm Willow welcome to...................................

Please pop over to their blogs and say hello!! Onto busines...........

Our FIRST Willow Sketchie Challenge will commence

21ST APRIL (spread the word) Everyone is invited :) Randomly generated winners and prizes!!

DT members wanted.

2011-03-31T14:21:00.002+01:00

It's been a hectic time here at Willow Towers the past few months, putting together new products and Cd's ready to re-launch our challenge blog....Willow Sketchie Challenge

Thank you to our loyal customers at Willow Designs!

To re-launch our challenge blog, we are looking to fill several DT positions to creative card makers who would enjoy using our products at Willow Designs, who love to blog and someone who can commit to designing 1 card a week.

Could that be you?

If so, please send a short paragraph about yourself along with your blog link to willowdesigns@sky.com

Deadline for submissions is April 8th 2011 On sending submissions you will receive an email confirming receipt.

Made with love.

2011-03-27T16:46:00.009+01:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun this weekend, are you?

I wanted to share a few of my recent makes with you all, if any of you were at the Harrogate show, you may have spied them already ;)

I always love to look at what everyone creates on their blogs, I always do truely believe you can feel the love which someone has put into each creation just by looking at it, I hope you guys get that feelin from this collection.

The images are from the Double Sprinkles of Kraft, designed by myself and the talented Nikky Hall.

The Winnie Owl images shown are coloured using the Promarker tutorials on the CD so if you struggle with Promarkers, which colours to choose, how to blend etc, this CD is a must.

For further details, please visit Willow Designs

New CD is here...Double Sprinkles of Kraft

2011-03-24T16:34:00.004Z

New CD, Double Sprinkles of Kraft

We are delighted to bring you our latest CD rom, Double Sprinkles of Kraft.This brand new CD has been lovingly created with some wonderful hand drawn images from Sharon and the talented Nikky Hall.

Following on the owl theme from our extremley popular Walter and Winnie does Christmas CD, Sharon introduces Winnie's World to this latest CD. In some adorable sketches available in coloured / black & white options.

As well as this Sharon gives you her very own expertise in 10 Promarker tutorials showing exactly how to achieve the same colouring results as she does, not to be missed!!

We also see an absolutley stunning collection of images, digital Kraft papers along with 2 beautifully themed alphabets that match and co-ordinate throughout the whole CD.Over 300 printable pages and approx 2000 printable elements.

For full details, visit Willow Designs here

Freehand Colouring

2011-02-10T14:53:00.011Z

Sometimes, just sometimes I want to throw caution to the wind and colour direct to paper, no stamped or digi outline to follower just pure colour splashed straight on top of card....joy!
I love nothing better than to design this way, no hard and fast rules, just basically making it up as I go along, designing a picture from splodges of colour.

I used the Zig Art and Graphic twin pens, as seen below and quite randomly rolled the pens around on top of a piece of water colour paper. Once I was happy with the shapes and over all look of the piece, I used a water brush to dab over the top, blend and merge the colours together to achieve that watercolour effect, very easy indeed!

I added the finer detail with the smaller end to the pens and added this FABULOUS sparkle effect with one of the Wink of Stella pens!...love love love....*TIP* There is a Clear Wink of Stella pen which look fab just scribbled over the top of your coloured images and brilliant for fairy wings!

This is me having a little play, with Valentines day in mind, changing the colour slightly, you can't beat a bit of Photoshop :)

Below are the exact ingredients I used making the card, I have to admit to having always been a double sided tape girl....but I love the 2 way glue!!! and proved a very good point to me last night having struggled to mount the painted panel straight onto the card! Once that double sided goes down, there's no turning back but with the glue you have a little time to line things up, maybe sing a few tunes....;)

Artists out there, I have used A LOT of different drawing pens on the market, you NEED one of these!!!!

All of the above products are available from Kuretake.

Hope you enjoyed a little bit of freehand colouring, go try it for yourself.

Thanks for looking and taking the time to comment :)

Sharon x

Take ONE Pen Challenge

2011-02-08T15:50:00.006Z

There's something about the colour red which I adore, apart from having had my hair that colour and wearing the reddest of red lipsticks in the early 80's I opt for tints of the colour now in my 40's :)
Of course, in card making your chosen colours can be as loud and as bright as you want them, setting myself a little challenge for the day to .."Take ONE Pen" and create a card with it. What better colour and pen to use than the Zig Strawberry opaque writer by Kuretake UK.

I was ready to get creative, add a bit of texture to my card and what better way to do it than with my favourite of all........bubble wrap. I have to admit, my mouth waters as soon as I see bubble wrap and the urge to not pop all those little bubbles...well....let's just say the force is strong when in comes to it...lol
Before I could lapse, my pen was scribbled over the top of it and pressed down onto a piece of card.

Look...isn't it such a pretty look, i love it. You can vary the degree of the colour as I have done on the background to the lettering, just blot it a few times before you stamp it down on your card for a lighter shade.

But I didn't stop my "Take ONE Pen" challenge there!!, oh no....I inked up my greetings stamp with it and stamped my greeting...cool eh?

Then I changed the colour of my flat backed gem in the middle of the flower. I used some pretty un-coloured Prima flowers as an embellishment and used my pen on one of them.

I used my pen to colour some of the backing paper, allowing it to tie in with the colour scheme and finally, no card would be the same without a bit of scalloped edged doodling too finish........

my "Take ONE Pen Challenge" completed. :)

Go on...try the "Take ONE Pen Challenge"

Brighten up your card making.

2011-02-06T14:13:00.010Z

After my last tutorial on using Kuretake pens, all of my crafting stuff was lying on my desk. I hate to waste card so decided to make a card using the scraps from the last one.
Sometimes less is more in card making and you really don't need too many materials to produce a beautiful card.
Here is my card I made from the scraps lying around, together with a couple of Kuretake pens, embellishments, ribbon and a little imagination :)

Here's how simple it is to make.....................................................................

How simple to make a gorgeous flower eh?.....now go make yourself a few more of them to complete your card.

As not to waste the sample flower I made to show you the step by steps, I made a card from it, waste not want not as they say.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sharon xx

Getting Creative

2011-02-04T12:10:00.015Z

I start this post off with some very exciting news!!! I have started to design for Kuretake UK!!
If you are new to Kuretake heres a little bt about them.

"Renowned for manufacturing ZIG®'s vast range of pens, markers and unique writing tools, Kuretake Company Limited was founded in Nara, Japan in 1902. Valuing a strong position within the market place Kuretake UK Limited was established in Redditch, Worcestershire in 1986.
Now Kuretake provides countless products for the Sign industry, Fine Artists and Graphic Designers, Educational Sector and in particular the Memory Craft market following the success of the ZIG Memory System. Kuretake continues to develop its products by releasing its ‘KOLOURBORATION' #colour theory to correlate the ScrapBooking range.
The services provided as a company are endless and by producing quality items, are able to provide customer satisfaction to the highest levels"

I adore playing with their pen ranges and try and use them in maybe the non traditional ways :)
Here's a little project I was working on yesterday.

Love the colours on this card, check out their corner punches also!

And their ribbon ranges....I've used a piece of their fibres on this card but untwined the end of it to create this adorable curled effect......love it!

Check out all of their products here

Here's a little tutorial on how I made it......go on....have a go!

Thanks for looking.

Sharon xx

Get your copy now!

2011-01-30T13:26:00.005Z

I love flicking through my collection of monthly craft magazines. I lick and indulge in EVERY page. I quite often start from the back of he magazine and flick forward (bet there's some strange reason behind that) and I'm one of those designers who keeps EVERY SINGLE copy which I'm published in. Bearing in mind I've been doing this for quite a few years now, I have quite a collection and am running out of room....so.....anyone of my lovely readers got any advice for me?, I need a space saving way of storing all these magazines, bearing in mind I'm a flicker and love to rake trough old copies for inspiration when needed so they do need to be accessible, am I asking a lot?....lol

Anyhoo.....this months issue of the fantabulous Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine is out and I'm lucky to feature in it....whoo hoo.

One almost fainted with excitement when one of my projects made front cover!

Anyone who knows me (as the lovely editor/deputy editor of the magazine do) know I quite like to sink my teeth into the more technical projects. When I say technical, what I mean is technical for me to do as I make it easy peasy lemon squeezy for readers to copy. Check out the magazine to make this adorable little birdhouse and see what secrets lie inside!

Colour, did anyone mention colour? yup...stick most things in my hand and I will be happy to get creative. Pastels are something I played with A LOT when I was at college....(big sigh...sooooooo long ago now) I keep promising to enroll in a little fine art night class just to keep up to speed....time is my biggest enemy at the moment.....one day!

Here is a little sneaky peak of the article, go on....have a go, the magazine runs through 8 photographed, easy to follow steps to produce this beautiful card.

Hope you enjoyed a brief glimpse into my work, back to reality now....off to make Sunday lunch.

Thanks for looking, Sharon xx

Scrapbooking

2011-01-27T14:17:00.005Z

Scrapbooking using Kolourboration.If you love to scrapbook and are never quite sure on what colour choices to make or indeed just get a crafters block sometimes (we all get those at some point). The use of Kolourboration technique takes all the hard work out for you, making it quick and easy to make confident colour choices, mixing and matching, papers, card, ribbon, and accessories to achieve a beautiful layout.

I put the method into action to produce this layout of my parents and to remember my mam who sadly passed recently.

For more information on this technique and to look at all of the scrapbooking goodies by Kuretake, take a look at them here.

Thanks for looking, Sharon.xxxx

Spreading the Love

2011-01-26T18:21:00.005Z

I have consumed myself over the last couple of days in colour, something to cheer up these rainy days! I have been working with a range of products from Kuretake over the past week and have fallen in love with their range of products.
If you love to colour your stamped/digi images your mouth is going to drool, believe me.

The pens of choice are the Zig Art & Graphic twin pens, look at the watercolour effects that can be achieved with them!

A simple, stylish valentine card using our brand new Willow Valentine Bear download (as seen in this months issue of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine.

I chose to apply the colour from the pens onto a sheet of acetate first, mix with a tiny bit of water and apply to the image using a small brush, it looks like it's jumped straight out of a little watercolour book, love it!

The beauty of applying the colour direct to acetate first means that, as acetate is non porous, the colour sits on the top, if it dries it doesn't really matter as it's easily revived with a little water (just like watercolour paints) making them very cost effective.

I love how it looks a little vintage, don't you? I was lucky enough to also have a play with some brand new pens which Kuretake will be releasing very soon, A Wink of Stella, the name alone makes me wanna buy them...lol

I added the Wink of Stella pens as highlights to this image, lighting was not great today so they aren't the easiest to see in this pic.
For more information on these pens visit, http://kuretake.co.uk/

To purchase this adorable little valentines bear for your loved one visit, http://willowdesignstamps.com

Thanks for looking.

Sharon x

New Christmas Stamps

2010-11-09T10:46:00.003Z

Don't Forget......to accompany our Walter and Winnie does Christmas CD, we have a superb range of clear stamps. A perfect treat for yourself or a gift for someone else.

Go and see the rest of the collection here

*Please note* you are able to pay via credit/debit card or Paypal once at checkout.

New CD, coming soon!

2010-10-21T16:23:00.005+01:00

I am so excited to bring you a sneaky peek of our brand new Walter and Winnie Cd, these images are just the cutest and have been coloured with ♥, lots and lots of ♥.

If you would like to go onto our pre-order list, please contact me willowdesigns@sky.com

Sharon xx

CD Crafting

2010-10-12T16:01:00.010+01:00

It's been so nice to get lots of positive feedback regarding the new Walter and Winnie does Christmas CD, it has inspired me to get creative with some of the images on the CD.

I just adore this image of Walter in a pom pom hat and I know it's a firm favourite from the CD.

This particular card was made from one of the pre-coloured decoupage sheets on the CD along with the backing papers and greeting.

The mechanics of the card may look a little tricky but infact are done the exact same way as an easel card, just turned on it's side :) I also chose to print the base card, as you will see here, this as well as the papers and image were printed onto photo paper for a luxurious feel.

Of course, a card wouldn't be a card without the use of a MS punch and a luxurious piece of gold ribbon...well, that's one Christmas card out the way, how many have you made?

For more details of Winnie and Walter does Christmas CD rom please visit my web site:

Willow Designs

NEW Release, Walter and Winnie does Christmas CD Rom

2010-08-28T15:38:00.002+01:00

This papercrafting CD Rom comes to you jam packed with over 150 printable items on it!. As well as stunning artwork designed and coloured by Sharon Armstrong, you will receive a beautiful collection of: backing papers, tags, decoupage sheets, greetings, pre-coloured digi images, outline images for you to colour, quick card panels and toppers!

A gorgeous selection of the cutest images to adorn your Christmas cards, this brand new CD is very easy to use with no complicated software to install, simply load your CD and start printing!

I am here for any questions you may have, please contact me at willowdesigns@sky.com

Go grab yourself a copy of this BRAND NEW CD, Willow Designs

I'm back!

2010-08-23T21:18:00.004+01:00

What a week, just a quicky to let you all know I'm back online, yippee!
I have a new ISP along with a new email..............willowdesigns@sky.com

And.................relax!
xx

ps....in celebration, I've added a nice pink background, I kinda like it.

No Internet Connection

2010-08-17T10:42:00.002+01:00

Well, I knew it was coming but didn't think so quickly. I am changing my service provider and have been left with no connection until 24th August, arrgggh. To ease the stress, I'm pretending I'm on holiday!!
I will keep this short and sweet as I'm typing it from my mums computer and the keyboard is havng a mini breakdown...heeeehee.
Until the 24h my friends.xxxxxx

miss you already!

Promarker Tutorial

2010-08-13T14:12:00.002+01:00

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback regarding our new stamp range. They are now in stock and available on site.
I hope these two videos give you a closer look at each stamp and for all you Promarker enthusiasts, a few colouring tips which I hope will encourage you to get creative with your pens!

Enjoy,

Sharon x

Introducing our NEW Christmas Stamp range!

2010-08-03T13:05:00.006+01:00

Have you all juiced up your ink pads? eh? because you are going to be needing them!

I am so excited to bring you our brand new range of Christmas stamps. Our Walter and Winnie downloads were extremely popular last year and I got a lot of request from all you stampers to produce them in a Christmas stamp range.

I have already had my Promarkers out on these images and they are a joy to colour.

The stamps themselves are made from high quality, non-yellowing Polymer and self cling to acrylic blocks.

We predict a high demand for these little cuties which are available to pre-order on site today! You will receive FREE P+P on all of our Christmas stamps and shipping will commence from 16th August.

Be one of the first to adorn your cards with one of our fantastic new range of stamps-order today! at........ Willow Designs

Walter and Winnie does Christmas.....NEW CD ROM

2010-07-26T12:33:00.004+01:00

Ermmmmmmmmm, can you believe it? I am so excited to show you all my new paper crafting CD. I had a huge Walter and Winnie following last Christmas with my downloads, I decided to bring them to you in a fab display of them both in this Christmas CD, Walter and Winnie does Christmas.

I get some lovely people contacting me with the nicest compliments regarding my love of colouring and I thought it about time to give all you lovely people something back.

The CD consists of coloured images (all of which have been hand coloured by me, if you are wanting to make a super quick card which looks like you actually coloured it in, (and which I will be using for ALL my Christmas cards, you will heart the finishing on these images), black outlined images to colour yourself, everyone loves to colour and has their favourite medium to do so!, beautiful backing papers to adorn your cards, decoupage sheets, greeting, tags, shaped cards and more!

And of course, the CD is focused on the adorable Walter and Winnie owl. The CD is available very soon, if you would like to be one of the first to receive it, please contact me here , I'd love to hear from you!

Crafty offerings.

2010-06-24T11:00:00.007+01:00

Morning everyone, you all been enjoying the few days of sun we've had?
It makes such a difference when the sun is shining!

I've been trying to get a little fitter in preparation for the summer AND for The Great North Walk which I will be doing on Sunday, wish me luck with that. So, most nights have been spent doing some sort of exercise.

I thought today was a day to show some craftiness on here, it's the nature of what I do, it's not that I'm not crafting EVERYDAY, it just so happens I'm always working for stuff for magazines and can't show you ANY of it until it comes out in print! (I don't want to get in trouble with the craft police).

Moving on to my favourite of favourite craft magazines, Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine, I've been freelancing for them for quite a few years now.

Issue 80 is in your shops now and I'm so proud to be doing the all new "Colour Clinic" monthly feature. Every month I will be showing a different colouring technique and colouring medium, step by step instructions AND a free digital image to help you practise! This month I show you how to colour using Promarkers, along with hints and tips!

Do get in contact with the magazine with your cards using any of the images I provide in the templates, they would love to see them!

Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine have a brand new website, LOTS of things going on there, competitions, fab giveaways, challenges, a chance to get to see the faces behind the magazine and read their blogs, forums to join- come and join the fun in the Lets Get Stamping group which I run on Craftbubble, lovely bunch of ladies on there! (waves)

I can't go without giving you a peak of next month's issue (on sale 6th July), if you like making and sending cards with a bit of a difference, try these very easy to make Mechanical Cards, all come with templates for you to use over and over!

Enjoy, mwah!

loves xxxxx

Our Ibiza dream

2010-06-14T15:15:00.009+01:00

Wow.....how long have I been missing from this blog? Too long! Hope you lot are still out there! are you?

I haven't been sitting drinking tea and watching Loose Woman, honest ;)
Since Niamh passed away (and I still miss her terribly) I seem to have been catching up with work, resulting in me sadly having no or very little time to blog or visit my favourite forum, Craftbubble so thank you for all the lovely messages of concern.

After a horrible and upsetting time at the beginning of the year, we booked a holiday - boy was I ready for a break! I love my job but it is in my nature to saturate myself in work and thought of every minute of the day and even in my dreams. The only way for me to escape is to hop on a plane, the place we chose, The White Isle, better known as Ibiza.
This was our second visit, same hotel etc, etc, so we knew exactly what to expect all that's left to do-lie back and enjoy the sun.

Don't ask me what face I'm pulling here, every time I see it I chuckle.

Linzie sitting in one of our little beach bars we used to haunt, she loved their gin and tonics...hic;)

Daytime activities were spent with views like these:

..and dangling our feet here

sitting people watching after dinner (my favourite pass time) :)

you certainly can't go to Ibiza and not see that fabulous sunset...ahhhhhhhhhhh

We returned home, safe and sound, felt refreshed and ready for work. Disaster struck a week or so ago when I was making the bed, I pulled something in my back resulting in it going into spasm! All you back sufferers will know what pain I mean when I say I WAS IN PAIN! yikessssss, luckily I didn't pass out!

Good news is, it's getting stronger but I'm terrified of it happening again! fingers crossed. On that note I shall say goodbye as my back needs me to stand up out of this computer chair, you know that feeling right?

Come back tomorrow when I have some crafty news on Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine.

mwah mwah.xx

My Challenge Card.

2010-04-08T13:19:00.005+01:00

I'm back to show you my challenge card, using our fun new download Keeping fit, found here.
I have set the sketch and the recipe challenge over at Willow Sketchie Challenge, pop on over to see what the DT have done with it.

That's all folks, busy busy busy, have a great day.xxxxx

Sneaky Peek

2010-04-07T15:40:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone, I'm back to tell you that I will be hosting tomorrows Willow Sketchie Challenge, I'm sooo excited as it's been a while since I've done a sketch, hope you can join me there.

We will be using a new download available tomorrow at Willow Designs, a little bit different from my usual downloads but I love the brightness of it and the whole object of it is to be able to make a quick card when needed. I have seen the design team cards already and love their different messages on the cards..so clever!!

As the recipe along with the sketch, went down so well last week, we have another!

Here's a little peek of mine.

Challenge Card

2010-04-01T10:03:00.008+01:00

Morning all, today is a brand new sketchie challenge, set by the lovely Heidi along with a recipe to follow, love it!

This is my challenge card using the Grace download and using my new MS border punch which I heart.

I love doing this technique, does it have a name?, I don't know..I shall call it the scratchy glossy technique;)

First, print your download onto instant dry glossy photo paper.

Colour as required, I have used Promarkers.

Using sandpaper or an old nail file, scratch over the top, this gives a distressed finish.

Then, give the whole thing a coating of yummy glossy accents.

To get the full pretty effect of any border stamp, cut and fold your base card, punch along the top edge and line the inside of the card to make the outline of the border punch stand out, very pretty I think.

I did part with one of my precious ceramic buttons for this card....ahhhh....big sigh..

Willow Sketchie Challenge Blog

DT CALL
We are very sad to say goodbye to Deanne from the DT, her little quirky makes will be sadly missed, good luck hun.xxxx
I have decided to put a call out for 2 gorgeous people who love to colour and work with downloads, our downloads can be found here, if you think you could work your magic on them and commit to 1 card a week, have a blog, then please get in contact, don't be shy, I want to hear from you (all in complete confidence of course)
Don't hang about, deadline is 11th April!!

Contact me here

I'm back from under a pile of work.

2010-03-31T15:27:00.005+01:00

Yes, it's been a while and, I don't seem to have a lot of time to blog recently with all the work commitments. I hate not blogging as I know how much I love to read other peoples.

So, what have I been doing? Well.....a few new opportunities have come my way, which is slightly a different direction for me. I designed some cross stitch borders which were published as a cover gift in Cross Stitch Crazy magazine, (keep looking out for more of my work coming up in there over the next few months).

Onto Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine, whoo hoo, I made front cover!!! The masterclass looks at how to stamp and colour using distress inks, those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook will remember that I spilt some of the re-inkers on my grey cardigan!!..lol, here it is, go check it out.

We have a brand new WSC tomorrow and guess who has had time to enter this week....I'm on a roll (with NEXT WEEKS card already done as well).

Do come over and join in the fun and see what the rest of the DT have been up to..(also a DT call out)

Here's a sneak peek...see you there!

My Challenge Card

2010-03-04T09:46:00.004Z

I have had a lovely week so far, no pressure, no working to deadlines, just plain old sailing along, creating stuff for me to look at and admire.

Actually, I have to admit, I am a little bored now and want to feel those pressure beads of sweat on my forehead :), plenty of time for that next week eh?

Saying that, although my time has been plentiful this week, I still managed to just catch the deadline of my challenge card for Willow Sketchie Challenge this week, why do I leave everything last minute? I'll never learn.

This week the design team have been let loose on A walk in the park download which was featured in this months issue of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine. Here is my entry this week and I though the back image of this was perfect for a late birthday.

Introducing...Missy

2010-03-03T10:21:00.005Z

Our newest download and I adore her.

I love the way, when she's coloured, it's like a little illustration (my dream job), any publishers out there...I'm for hire ;)

Go grab yourself a little Missy.....here

New download

2010-03-02T14:21:00.003Z

After a couple of admin issues with the website, I'm please to say that Alfie flying high is now available to purchase here

The download includes the following sheets.

My Challenge Card

2010-02-25T09:20:00.004Z

For all of you colouring enthusiasts...this little image is a dream to colour, he has a nice round belly that you want to pat, eh?

I have a slightly manic day today, lots of decisions, deliveries of non crafty items..boring, and a few pearls to slap on.

I've been humming and harring if I should put a collection of my downloads onto a CD, my mind is made up and today, I'm dressing in pearls, ready for a phone call to some very important TV people....aahhhhhhhhhh, I'm frightened.

Anyway, enough about me and me dressing and doing a curtsey down the phone, do you think they'll notice that I'm doing that ;)

So..I want a job that just let's me colour ALL DAY LONG, if there is anyone out there who has such a job..CALL ME...kewel.

My little tweety pie was made using my newest download Alfie flying high, available here today!

Please pop over to the challenge blog here see what fabby creations the design team have been creating and join in the fun.

WSC Sneaky Peek

2010-02-24T16:06:00.006Z

Tomorrow is again our Willow Sketchie Challenge and you do not want to miss this one, the DT have lots of fantastic inspiration for you including boxes, notelets, cards....

Using another fab download created lovingly for Willow Designs by my own fair hands, download..Alfie flying high, available from tomorrow.

On a slighlty different note, I've been thinking a lot about Niamh lately and was hunting through my pics and came across these few...miss you Niamh.xxxxx

Birdie Stamp Offer

2010-02-21T15:38:00.004Z

I don't know about you but, when I have a few cards to make, I like to keep it simples ;)
Did I tell you I love to colour..lol..lol..just about in every post!!. Give me a stamp or a digi image and I can get lost in a puddle of colour.

So, getting away from the point...I have this little Birdie stamp on offer (for a limited time only), to encourage you all to get making your Easter cards, spring birthday cards etc.
Coloured using those "Bad Boy" Promarkers and finished with crystal lacquer as I do like a little bit of glam to my cards.

Go grab yourself a little Birdie and he'll be in your home in a few days...right here
All papers used are from Alfie & the bumble bee download right here

Have fun.

New Download and a challenge card.

2010-02-18T08:49:00.010Z

Lots of new stuff coming out at the minute and I've been playing with the new Alfie & the post box as part of my challenge at WIllow Sketchie Challenge today.

Here he is in all his glory, love the rich tones to this and gave me an excuse to use my more vibrant promarkers.

Alfie is waiting to be grabbed here

And here is my challenge card, loved using Heidi's sketch for this card, one I will use again and again.

I printed everything onto glossy card, a bit lavish maybe but I just love the expensive feel it gives to the finished card.

Takes a little bit of getting used to, using your promarkers on a quick drying inkjet glossy card, persevere..the results are worth it.

Can't stop making these flowers, just a light rub of sandpaper to create a lovely textured look......go try it.

Alfie and the birdhouse is HERE

2010-02-17T09:35:00.001Z

Sorry this has taken sooooo long to put on site, it's eventually here, go get your self a little bird or two :)

My challenge card

2010-02-11T12:50:00.006Z

I'm actually totally day dreaming this morning and not sitting with several layers on, heating on full blast.....I'm sitting on a golden beach somewhere....anywhere will do, as long as it's warm, the sea is blue and there's a glass of something nice in my hand.

It's been a week now since Niamh and it feels like a life time ago. Still waiting of her ashes, I do feel a lot stronger now but still miss her (don't suppose that will go). I even find myself still looking around my computer chair as she had a habit of lying right behind it and I was always terrified of running over her feet when I pushed my chair back!

Although I have been working all week, my challenge card was the first bit of crafting I have done "for me" and I loved using this new download as little Alfie puts a smile on my face. I coloured the image a few weeks back, you know..one of those images you print off and can't wait to colour and I assembled the card, following Deanne's sketch last night while watching the slightly confusing film Body of Lies.

If you do fancy a bit of a challenge, come join in the fun at Willow Sketchie Challenge.

Printed onto glossy photo paper, the flowers are cut out from the papers in the download with a nice splodge of liquid pearls in the middle of each. Image coloured using ProMarkers. Greeting also included in the download.

I love this happy little chappy and will be available to purchase soon right here.

A new day.

2010-02-08T08:08:00.005Z

The start of a brand new week....................................................................................................................

I was up early this morning but still managed to waste time. I feel a little stronger today and ready for the crafty day ahead..I think.

The first day in ages where looking out of the window didn't make you feel depressed, the weather has been so crap of late, I would even prefer 10 foot of snow rather than drizzly foggy dampness.

Saying that, although it's brighter, it has been sleeting already this morning and snow is forcast later in the week, Niamh used to love the snow.

Yesterday afternoon was spent at mum and dads where we sat down for Sunday dinner, nothing beats your mums dinners and I went on to spill lemonade in mine, sweet gravy.......oops.

I have lots of work to do today and hope I can keep focused on that, I leave you with my challenge card for Willow Sketchie Challenge from last Thursday (sorry, never felt the need to post it until now). If you love following sketches, you will love having a go at this challenge, use whatever stash you have at home and you have a chance of winning a fab download from Willow Designs, look forward to seeing you there!

This challenge card was made using Alfie and the bumblebee download, sooo cute eh?

Some of you may remember Niamh and her adventures with "Dave"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Day 2

2010-02-06T18:28:00.004Z

It took me 5 minutes before I started to cry this morning after I opened my eyes. It's her little empty bed that cuts through me. Even as I type this, her "other bed" lies in my office at the side of my desk, I keep looking down at it, not sure what I expect to see there, just remembering I guess.

Her toys are still dotted around the garden and around the house, they will stay there until she arrives home in her little box.

It's such a strange feeling to know you can go out, anywhere you want, stay as long as you want, no hurry and no reason to get home. And then there's the horrible heart wrenching emptiness when you open the door, no one to welcome you, jump up or greet you with a toy.

We did venture out today and we even slipped her leader in our pockets just because I felt I was leaving her behind and I just couldn't bear it. The funny part of that is, she would have hated coming for a walk around Durham with us, she wasn't keen on the hustle and bustle and much preferred to go for walks around the fields, nobody to be seen.

We walked up to the cathedral and lit a candle and wrote a few little heartfelt words, not that we are particularly religious but, just because you don't go to church every week or in fact ever!, doesn't mean to say you don't believe or hope there is some sort of greater good out there.

We then had a walk along the river and..call it a coincidence, a little black cocker spaniel came walking toward us, exact same markings as Niamh, we both just looked at each other and filled up.

It's been such a cold foggy day here today but warmed the ending of our day out, we bumped into the nurse who was there when Niamh passed away. She stopped and asked us how we were doing, it was so nice of her to stop and ask and gave me the chance to thank her properly for everything she had done, I feel happy about that.

Love you Niamh xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps..I would like to thank you all for your treasured messages which I have read over and over and have taken great comfort in each and every one.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Day 1

2010-02-05T07:25:00.004Z

I am truly heart broken, I can't stop crying for my little bundle of fluff. We made the hardest decision to have Niamh put to sleep last night.

She had deteriorated over the past 48 hrs, she'd been put on a course of steroids which we hoped would pull her through.

Wednesday night she did not sleep at all, her eyes just weren't the same as I remembered and I think in my heart of hearts I knew what was coming.

I can't stop sobbing as I am writing this but I'm hoping it will help me.

Thursday was exactly the same, she wasn't sleeping at all, pacing, and later in the afternoon, started walking funny and bumping into things. It was so sad to see her little head hanging, nothing I could do but to cuddle her and say goodbye Princess, maybe just a dog to some but to some but to me she was and always will be my little baby.

The vet reckoned there were lots of things going on (after her gallbladder removal a couple of months back), she had lost a lot of weight and her little red coat had been taken in twice to fit her. He said she would have to be admitted, put on a drip with more test and possibly more surgery and even then, nothing was certain.

There comes a time when you think enough is enough and we couldn't let her go through anymore. I can't begin to tell you the worry since her last collapse at the beginning of November and then several times after that.

It hit me hard when I woke this morning, with her little bed staring empty with her beloved Rudolph in it.

She is going to be a big miss in this house, it feels empty and quiet.

MY FOREVER PET

There's something missing in my home,

I feel it day and night,

I know it will take time and strength before things feel quite right.

But just for now, I need to mourn,

My heart -- it needs to mend.

Though some may say, "It's just a pet,"I know I've lost a friend.

You've brought such laughter to my home,and richness to my days.

A constant friend through joy or loss with gentle, loving ways.

Companion, friend, and confidante,

A friend I won't forget.

You'll live forever in my heart,

My sweet, forever pet.--

Susanne Taylor

Love you Niamh.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Willow Sketchie Challenge sneaky peek

2010-02-03T09:16:00.003Z

Today is the last day for all of those challenge entries, and a chance to win a fab download from Willow Designs, please see here

I did intend on using my new distress inks as part of this challenge, change of plan. Normally, all my cards have some sort of colouring on them and I took full advantage of these funky pre coloured images from the new "Alfie and the bumble bee" download..available from tmrw here

Until then, I tease you with a colourful little peek at it.

(look....there's those flowers again, I'm addicted to them, and such a great way to use up all them useless bits of paper)

I've fallen in lurve

2010-02-02T11:22:00.002Z

I can't believe I'm actually going to mutter these words........

"my Promarkers are taking a back seat for a little while".....there, said it!!

I have something new to play with and it's becoming a bit of an obsession. I have always loved to paint, be it watercolour or acrylics and now I can add these little ladies into my favourites.

I only have 8 bottles to my name, how many more is there to get?..lots I suspect but, for now, I swim in:

Spiced marmalade

Walnut

Scattered straw

Faded jeans

Dried marigold

Aged mahogany

Mustard seed

AND last but far from least as it's my favourite, not only in name but also in colour

Peeled paint.

I will be back tmrw to give you a sneaky peek of my WSChallenge card, new one begins Thursday, until then, peel your eyelids back and look and wonder what the hell's going on ;)

My Challenge Card

2010-01-28T10:37:00.004Z

The full reveal card, my entry for Willow Sketchie Challenge, you haven't been to see us yet?, pop over, become a follower and join in the crafty fun for a chance to win this adorable Alfie download.

This is my new favourite card (I know I say that about every card I do but it's true)!

Hope you love it and it gives you some inspiration.xx

The download itself is printed onto glossy inkjet photo paper (I love using Promarkers on that)

I even printed the backing paper onto it, it has such a luxurious feel to it. The little flowers are just the easiest to make, randomly cut out flower shapes from your left over paper, use a bit of sandpaper to take away some of the colour so you are left with little white scratches on the top which gives the yummiest effect. Glued in place with white liquid pearls in the middle.

Do pop over to the challenge blog for added inspiration from the DT.

Sneaky Peek

2010-01-27T13:08:00.003Z

It's the re-launch of Willow Sketchie Challenge tomorrow, stop by and say hello. The team are working on our brand new downloads from tomorrow which some lucky random winner will receive.

I loved doing this card, it's not often I work in cool tones, not sure why-I think I'm just automatically pulled to warm colours, but after this little card, I shall be experimenting more.

Here's my sneaky peek, with full reveal tomorrow...see you there!

Willow Design Team Call

2010-01-19T17:43:00.001Z

Willow Designs is looking for 1 creative designer to add to our talented design team at Willow Sketchie Challenge
If you love to colour, card make and use downloads then you could be who we are looking for!

Please send an email to me here with a couple of examples of your most recent work and directions to your blog (a must have). The deadline is the 27th January!

NEW..Alfie download

2010-01-13T10:34:00.009Z

Morning everyone, the snow goes and what we left with?....BLACK ICE-which nearly broke my bones this morning. Niamh keeps slipping and injuring her leg..poor thing, as if she hasn't been through enough already, she needs to keep it rested as much as possible so gets carried as much as possible..YIKES..good for the muscle toning!

In between me launching the new Alfie download this morning, I've had some uubber exciting news from Simply Cards & Papercraft magazine...I'm sooo excited-watch this space ;)

Onto my last sketch for the Promarker blog..boo hoo, it's sad really as I posted my last challenge.
Here is the sketch I did, happens to be one of my favourites, I love it as it's simple and I love "the space" it enables me to give the image...don't be frightened to leave an abundance of space on your card, if you place your image in "a pleasing position"..there's really no reason to add any fuss.

And here's my card I made, using a very pretty Fiskars daisy punch.

Another reason to be excited this cold damp morning...it's the launch of our new Alfie download and here's what you get:

1. An A4 sheet of Alfie images..1 coloured and 1 black and white. (I printed the card above onto quick drying inkjet photo paper, I love the sheen it gives and love using my Promarkers on it as it doesn't bleed at all.

1 A4 sheet of Alfie message tags..(they are great to use to write your greetings on and stick to the inside of your cards)

3 A4 sheets of daisy paper: pink, lilac and green.

All made with love and available here

Sneaky Peek

2010-01-12T17:22:00.002Z

Tomorrow is the start of a brand new challenge on the I ♥ Promarkers blog. This challenge is a little bit special for me, it happens to be a very simple and favourite of my sketches and tomorrow is my last day running the blog.

Don't despair for all of you who love the challenges......the blog is very much still up and running and being taken over by a very talented lady..(tune in tmrw for the reveal).

I have taken this decision to be able me to spend all of my spare time designing new downloads for all of you and after all, drawing is where my passion lies..(even before card making).

I have been busy over the last few days putting such a download together...Alfie, I just adore him and hope you do too. (available online tomorrow)

For now..here's a sneaky peek of tomorrow's challenge card..until then.xxx

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-31T15:23:00.002Z

I couldn't let today pass without saying goodbye to 2009. Can't say I'm too bothered to let go of it, onwards and upwards and hoping 2010 is better.

It seems ages since I've blogged..(it is). My dog (Niamh) was taken very ill a month or so ago and all my time has been taken up with her.
Her gallbladder had to be removed after swelling with nasty stuff and sticking to her liver, a horrible time!..her scar is almost healed now and I'm hoping she returns to 100% soon.

My plans for 2010?...well that would be telling ;)I have a direction, my arrow is pointed steadily at the bullseye, you wanna come along for the ride of your life ?

My resolutions?...obviously to get fit and healthy and stop the Wii board yelping when I step on it ;), to keep my eye focused and not to get distracted and.....get myself a new pair of glasses!, I'm kinda undecided if I should opt for contacts?..any advice anyone?

While I listen to Lady Ga Ga, I work and think of wine although I'm opting for a quite night in with the snow falling outside

No pictures...............just a heartfelt wish to all my readers.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

AND BEST WISHES FOR 2010

Guest designer for Fiskars

2009-12-07T15:52:00.004Z

I was thrilled to be asked to join the Fiskarettes as a guest designer for December and I get to play with some brand new products!

Here's what I made, for more details on what I used and how I made it..come say hello here

http://www.fiskarettes.co.uk/index.php/made-by-fiskarettes/christmas-stocking-card/3714

My Challenge Card

2009-11-26T08:36:00.004Z

Another brand new challenge over at Willow Sketchie Challenge and a great sketch designed by Katie and a perfect excuse to use my new topper panel...I adore this card, more in production as we speak.
My fav part of the card?...the made with love little message I made..cause all my cards are .x

Another Christmas Topper Panel

2009-11-25T15:02:00.009Z

I know...how busy have I been?..guess what a new favourite download, super easy to use and requires very little colouring..even better.

What you get for 99p?

An A4 sheet of toppers where the backgrounds are coloured giving that professional edge, the image is left un coloured so you get to be a little crafty with your colouring..go on..be a devil..get your glitter out..

And..as before, get colouring..do 4 all at once to save time (these took minutes to do )

Here's a little sneaky peek at a card I made using them, all will be revealed tomorrow as it's my challenge card for Willow Sketchie Challenge

To purchase or take a look at this little chap, please say hello here.

I hope you love him as much as what I do :)

Christmas Topper Panel

2009-11-21T11:29:00.013Z

Don't know about you but, when it comes to making my Christmas card list, I'm looking to make a quick but professional looking creation.
I came up with the ideal solution and have been busy creating a few cards to test these toppers out.
It's always nice to put a little bit of effort into your card making and makes the finished result that little bit extra special so......I decided to offer a pre-printed panel with an un coloured image, I just love the idea you get the print finish with the added extra of your creative colouring.

So..let me make it a little plainer...you get this..a sheet with 4 printed panels on..(image un coloured)

I printed mine onto instant dry photo inkjet card..(don't ask me where I got it from as my mum gave it to me and she has forgot..ha!..but you can buy it anywhere and everywhere)

I used this as it has a glossy finish which gives a luxurious look and feel to the card and believe it or not is PERFECT for ProMarkers..no bleeding at all!
I have put 4 images on one sheet as it makes it easier to colour, I would use one colour at a time and go around each image, then move onto another colour. This is a good way to get all your images looking similar and each one is finished at the same time.
I timed myself the other night..I did 20 images (5 sheets) in around 1hr 30mins (and that was just sitting watching TV)..

Once the panels are coloured, trim them up, I decided to mount them all up the same way and just mix and match sizes and backgrounds.

A little bit extra glitter for that Christmas sparkle!

You can view or purchase the Christmas Topper Panel here

Happy Christmas card making :)

ps....thanks for all the well wishes for Niamh on FB...I shall get round to blogging about it but just needed to take my mind of it and do a bit of crafting today. She is currently lying snuggled in her furry throw.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blowing the cobwebs away

2009-11-17T12:21:00.015Z

A step by step guide to a little Willow walk..(along with video of our return...haven't quite got the concept of keeping the camera one way round as you will see)

I have to be thankful it's not raining today but I just know I'm going to need these babies!

Ok..best put them on!

Niamh is uninterested and too busy sniffing for mice!

Seriously?....do I really have to come?

Hurry up then, what am I waiting for?..(tut)

Straight out of the car!

Walk up to the field..look at all the rain from yesterday!

See...told you I'd need my wellies!

Turn into this grass field here..ahhh..no mud!

Up the side of this field here..great for blackberry picking season!

Take a cut through the hedge and up this field

Back to the car.

Back home

Our return home in the garden

Hope you enjoyed!

Once upon a time........

2009-11-16T11:31:00.003Z

Once upon a time........ in a land..not too far away, lived an ordinary girl and Princess Niamh.

One day (in the red hot Summer), the ordinary girl decided to buy Princess Niamh a little coat to keep her warm on those nasty, damp, rainy, miserable days.

Princess Niamh didn't care for the coat very much, the ordinary girl made her try it on in the shop and prance up and down in front of everyone. She rest assured, as it was Summer, it wouldn't be out of the cupboard for quite some time.

Morning broke and the ordinary girl could hear the heavy rain lashing on the windows. Princess Niamh looked at her and knew today was the day.

The ordinary girl took great delight at taking the coat from the back of the cupboard and dressing Princess Niamh to look like Santa!

Whilst on their walk the ordinary girl was thinking of extraordinary things to do with her life and noticed a dog pass and snigger at Princess Niamh.."See ya..wouldn't want to be ya", muttered the raggy looking mutt!

The ordinary girl was furious and tried to encourage Princess Niamh that "mum knows best"

When they eventually arrived in from their walk, the ordinary girl took off the Santa Coat...I mean plush poochy coat and revealed a ultra dry and warm fluffy coat of hair underneath.

They both rushed in the sitting room and took great delight in watching the raggy mutt walk past soaking wet and looking very sorry for himself.

"See", said the ordinary girl, mum does know best and with this gave Princess Niamh a big warm cuddle.

Don't all faint, I've done a challenge card! ;)

2009-11-12T11:44:00.006Z

You enjoy following sketches?..using up your stash? getting and giving inspiration?, come along and say hi..Willow Sketchie Challenge

Here's my contribution this week using one of our digi images..(yes Santa, I have been good, please bring me lots.x)

I have taken a side step away from my lovely textured card and made this one using Inkjet photo card which ProMarkers seem to like, i am in love with how this card looks..I love the shininess and the blueness of it. I'm not usually a blue kind girl but teamed with a little red, I kinda like it and reminds me that Christmas is almost here.

Made using the Dear Santa digi loveliness here

Instead of the colours seeping into cardstock and becoming slightly subdued, look at the richness they give when done on this card..*note* they are super quick drying on this "Instant Dry" card so you got to be quick if you want to blend, I would rather have it like that and guess what NO BLEEDING WHAT SO EVER!!!!

I also had a lovely email yesterday inviting me to be a guest designer, I don't often get to play with other products so I am thrilled to say the least....more on that in a bit.

ttfn.x

Ssshhhhh...don't tell Niamh

2009-11-11T15:17:00.005Z

Ok...this morning I woke at 6.30am after waking at 2am for a cup of tea and a bit of the dreaded Jeremy Kyle..(I know..you can't escape him)!

Came downstairs, brekki, another cup of tea, Lorraine Kelly..blah blah blah. Let Niamh out in the garden for a tinkle, I even went to the extreme on cleaning her paws after her 2 second wander around the garden. What can I say..I thought she was clean..only to find out an hour later that they weren't and lovely muddy footprints were all over my lovely duvet..(I found her snuggled underneath in a very comfy mud pile!)

NO..mam won't let you in the bedroom, no matter how of a cutie you try and look!

Nice clean sheets to crawl into and my bargain green throw from Matalan.

And look, sshhhhh, don't tell Niamh, Santa gave these to me to give to her for Xmas..another Rudolph to destroy..she's gonna be ecstatic! (of course she thinks Santa's not coming as she's been naughty ;0)

Off to the theatre tonight to sit and look all cultural!

A few questions answered

2009-11-10T11:43:00.002Z

I got a little message this morning from the lovely Pinky asking me to join in, here you go, an insight into little old me.

Here goes;
1.Where is your cell phone? desk

2. Your hair? a mess

3. Your mother? loving

4. Your father? loving

5. Your favorite food? lots

6. Your dream last night? vampires

7. Your favorite drink? wine

8. Your dream/goal? challenging

9. What room are you in? craft

10. Your hobby? time?

11. Your fear? water

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? greedy

15. Muffins? Weight Watchers ;(

16. Wish list item? lots

17. Where did you grow up? Hetton-le-Hole

18. Last thing you did? yawn

19. What are you wearing? jeans

20. Your TV? Ghost Whisperer

21. Your Pets? dog

22. Friends? mixed

23. Your life? varied

24. Your mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? no

26. Vehicle? Audi

27. Something you’re not wearing? killer heels

28. Your favorite store? all

29. Your favorite color? green

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? can't remember

32. Your best friend? Linzie

33. One place that I go to over and over? Willow Designs

34. Facebook? Yes!

No35. Favorite place to eat? Santanas

Hints and tips....x

2009-11-05T13:34:00.008Z

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!

2009-10-27T10:36:00.005Z

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

2009-10-27T09:22:00.002Z

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.

2009-10-06T12:43:00.004+01:00

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!

2009-09-28T10:37:00.010+01:00

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

2009-09-17T09:37:00.002+01:00

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?

2009-09-10T14:19:00.004+01:00

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

Want to write for Craft Journal?

2009-09-07T09:06:00.001+01:00

"We are looking for people from all forms of craft - scrapbooking, card making, textiles, altered art - anything.

You will be joining out team of writers to write about your own crafting, as well as gathering lots of inspiration from other craft websites & blogs and sharing it with our readers.
We are only asking you to sign up for 6 months, with the option of continuing after that 6 month period. We ask that you post three times a month based on a rota and that you try and advertise our site on your own blogs or any craft forums you visit regularly.

If you would like to apply for a position on our writing team, please send an email to info@craftjournal.net including your:

1. Name
2. Location.
3. A brief description of yourself and your crafts.
4. Photographs of 2 projects you have produced recently.
5. Links to your own blog, website or any online galleries you have.
6. 3 crafting websites you would recommend to inspire others and why.

Applications need to be in by Sunday September 27th and we will email all applicants before making an announcement here at Craft Journal.
We are accepting applications from both UK & International crafters. We look forwards to hearing from you."

Letraset announce new ProMarker colours.

2009-09-05T14:23:00.002+01:00

It's no big secret how much I adore these "Bad Boys" and honestly?, I can't imagine using much else at the minute to colour my little pieces of art.

So..can you imagine what it was like in my office when I got the email from Letraset a few weeks back informing me of these new delights?.....JOY JOY JOY to say the least.

What did Letraset have to say about the matter?, what colour choices do we have...I've just published a piece on Craft Journal...go see.

I hopefully will get round to all my emails over the weekend ..until then, enjoy the rest of your weekend.xxxxx

My Challenge Card

2009-09-03T12:56:00.006+01:00

It's seems a life time since I last blogged, my creativity has taken me down a different road which has rekindled lots of good memories for me. I have always sewn, I remember watching my mum when I was younger, sitting around the table, watching her being so precise with every snip and tack she did, she learnt me how to embroider and I still treasure a few things until this day which I made when I was young.

Cross stitch and tapestry were another big favourite and visiting those memories made me want to get my long lost cross stitch piece out, a Home Sweet Home piece that I do, one day, plan to hang in the conservatory.

I downed tools yesterday to prepare for Lynsey's sketch over at WSC. Loved the simplicity of this and all the inspiration the DT came up with this week. While I still had stitching on the brain, wanted to create that feel on my card. I did look at my sewing machine but hey.....that would have been far too easy to add stitching that way so, armed with a pricking tool and 0.1 black pen, I set to work.

Another great excuse to use this little lady- Precious. I wanted to show the versatility of this digi image, look......isn't she gorgeous as a Christmas image also.

Using ProMarkers to colour:

Mustard, Olive Green, Poppy, Lime Green, Black, Rose Pink, Red, Cocoa, Blush, Warm Grey1, Vanilla, Canary, Pastel Blue.

I gave myself the added task to only use white card, any other colour you see on the card is coloured/decorated using ProMarkers.

As I mentioned before, I used my new favourite item, the pricking tool and patiently pricked away and quite happily played dot to dot with my pen. I just love this effect and think it looks more effective when roughing the edges with sand paper (reminds me more of fabric).

And.to finish of..a little hand made flower and greeting..ahhhhhhhhhhh bliss.xx

Hope you enjoyed looking as much as I did making xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Precious.....available now.

2009-08-26T14:02:00.008+01:00

What a morning I've had!, totally not what I had planned but hey..when does anything turn out how we had planned?
I had some very exciting news yesterday which is taking my work down another different avenue, I love it when things alter, change, catch me by surprise. This morning was planned to work on my new stuff!..ha..it started off with my printer playing up which resulted in me having to fix it which resulted in time wasted which resulted in me having a £25 ink cartridge WASTED..arrgh!

After all of that, I needed a little play time and what better thing to use than our new download...Precious...I adore her. I made a backing paper to go along with her and you can buy here here download includes: 1A4 sheet including 1 black and white image and 1 coloured image. 1A4 sheet of matching backing paper.

I love the colours on this card, the image was coloured in ProMarkers...(new ones coming soon..whoo hoo) colours used : Rose Pink, Amethyst, Lilac, Blossom, Lime Green, Cinnamon,Blush, Pastel Yellow, Henna, Apple, Mustard, Black, Ice Grey 3, Pastel Pink and Vanilla.

There you have it..the finished card, hope you enjoy using it as much as what I did.xx