Back from Lurgyland!!!

Well, what a fun couple of weeks I've had? Not only have I had a rotten fluey bug, which has completely knocked me off my feet but I've also had to handle problems at Lou's school. Bullies, don't you just love 'em (and their vile parents)....not!!! I've not made a single card since my last post, as I really haven't had much other than fluffy cottonwool-type clouds floating between my ears and have struggled to concentrate on anything creative. I have been trying to keep up with all of the gorgeous projects on my favourite blogs, apologies if I haven't commented on them all.

I decided that I needed to crack on with my crafty "To Do" list, so I made a few larger Hallowe'en boxes for Lou's new group of friends at school. He's now decided that he doesn't want me to make anything for the rest of his class (yippeee!!!), but wants at least another six of these for his favourite teachers too. I found the link for this box on someone's blog (sorry, my brain's still not working), it was a freebie by Monica Gale on the Stamp With Us blog. I do love these boxes and already have a few in mind for Xmas gifts for teachers and support staff.

The stash I used on the boxes is:

Papers:

Boo! to You! by My Mind's Eye.

Eerie by BasicGrey.

Boo Crew by Bo Bunny.

Tim Coffey Hallowe'en Chipboard Stickers by K&Co.

Spooky! T for Transparent Stamps by Penny Black.

Hopefully, I'll have a craftier head on by the weekend and can think about making some cards. :)

My First Xmas Card.... PFP Week 19.

And about time, too! I'm hoping that this will give me the kick up the pants I need to start making my Xmas cards early enough to be able to post them out in time for the big jolly fella's visit. Christmas has never been a terribly exciting time for me, personally I much prefer Hallowe'en (does that make me a bad person??). So, I always struggle to get all festive and worked up to make Xmassy things.

I bought this stamp from my fellow Trimmie, Jenni (cardmadfairy). She's just produced a range of Xmas themed stamps that I think are great. (Although she colours them a heck of a lot better than me!!) I've decided to make this card for the Passions for ProMarkers Week 19 challenge. The requirements were to use Apricot and Cool Aqua and to include a flower. As I'd decided on a Xmas card, I thought I'd make snowflake flowers instead of the usual ones. If this isn't okay, then apologies all round. :s

Recipe:

Stamped Image: Skating Josie by Cardmadfairy's Creations.

Clothing: Apricot & Cool Aqua.

Face: Ivory & Blush

Hair: Buttercup & Saffron

Stars: Canary

Blades: Cool Grey 1 & 2

Background Stamp: Snowfall - Stamp Duo by Papermania.

Papers: Winter Stack by DCWV and Gemstones cardstock by Core'dinations.

Pearls: Papermania.

Glitter: Diamond Stickles.

Apologies for the super-pants photo - it's probably just as well, really. :)

The Sugar Bowl Challenge 20

Can't believe I've managed to squeeze another card making session in this week. To be fair, I was up until 2am this morning - kids.....when will I ever get a full night's sleep? (I actually made 1 1/2 cards - got to finish the other one off later!)

Took advantage of being wide awake to make my entry for The Sugar Bowl Challenge 20, as I really enjoyed following the sketch for the last one. This time, as well as following Gayle's fabby sketch, you have to also paper piece. Another first for me, although I've been wanting to try it out for some time.

Recipe:

Stamped Image: Luvvie by Leanne Ellis @ Sugar Nellie.

Papers: Cherry Hill by October Afternoon.

Heart Mesh eyelet and brads: Making Memories.

Ribbon: Local Haberdashery.

Border Punch: Martha Stewart.

This lovely range of stamps was my first Sugar Nellie purchase and I love them to bits. Hope the card fits the bill. :)

Ooh, and I've just found out that I've won the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge 18 - can't believe it, even though it's a random pick, I'm chuffed to bits!!!! :))))