A Lovely Lili Sunday

Good morning lovely peeps and a very Happy Sunday to everybody : )

Today sees the last Lovely Lili Challenge of the year over at The Ribbon Girl blog and today our theme is

Anything Goes

so you can really get creative with your Lili of The Valley products.

As usual we have two fabulous prizes from LOTV and The Ribbon Girl for the randomly chosen winner of the challenge

So …

… here is my card.

The image I used is Snow Queen and she is one of my fave LOTV Christmas images.

This was my first attempts using the brilliant Inktense Pencils and I have to say that I am smitten.
They are super easy to use and give a different look than you get with Copics.
I'm not saying I have abandoned the Copics or prefer the pencils, but I do like them and will use them lots.
They will last a lifetime as well – I cannot see how you could use them up because a little goes a very long way.

Some utterly beautimous products from The Ribbon Girl -

The bows were made using Pink Tulip Seam Binding and Ascot Grey Seam Binding. Then I topped them with a Wooden Heart Button which I’d painted using a White Snowcap Paint Dabber and finally I topped it all with off with a Pink Dewdrop.

The sentiment is from SET 75 - Christmas Wishes and the papers are from Mr & Mrs and Country Meadow paper pads.  
I really like using non Christmas papers for Christmas cards – call me strange lol!!!

The snowflakes were made using a die that was free with a magazine.

So that’s me done for today.
Enjoy the rest of  your day and I’ll be back soon.

Huggiest of hugs to all xxx

A New Thing

Hi there peeps and hope you are all OK today : )

It’s time for a new challenge over at Papertake Weekly and we have something new for you today.

As it’s the last one of the month there’s still our sketch challenge but there are also a take your pick idea so that you can choose a different one if you’d prefer, or you can combine if you’re feeling brave lol.

Nip over and check it all out if you get a sec – we hope you like the new idea xx

So …

… here’s what I did.

I used sketch #96 and also the ribbon and / or lace theme.

The image is from the Lili of The Valley  Art Pad 18 - Winter Wonderland and I just gave it a dousing in some glitter.
They are worth their weight in gold these art pads I think.

The papers are from LOTV  Frosty Christmas 8x8 paper pad.

A brace of double bows made from38mm white organza ribbon and 25mm red satin ribbon, both from The Ribbon Girl. 
I topped them with a button I found in my stash.

 

LOVING these Holly Berry Red Dewdrops from The Ribbon Girl : )

And I used Sir Tim’s Snowflake On The Edge die as well.
I’ve used it for workshops but I’m not sure I’ve used it on one of me cards!!

The two snowflakes are Marianne Design Creatables - Snowflakes Style 1 from Dies To Die For.

I also edged the central element of the card with Tim’s OTE die, covered them in glitter …. then promptly covered them up with the rest of the card.

Doh!!!

Right, on that dopey note,  that’s me done for today.

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday and stay warm and huggiest of hugs to all xxx

Time For A Hoppity Hop : )

Good morning everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Time for another Lili of The Valley design team blog hop and today we’re giving you some inspiration for using the latest stamp releases which will be available to buy on the website from midday (UK time) on Monday 24^th November or if you are coming to the shop for the last open day of the year this Saturday 22nd, then you can get your crafty mitts on them then.

There are 10 brand new images and all of them gorgeous, plus 3 brand new paper pads.

So you know how it works peeps - you just need to ‘hop’ from one blog to another following the links and leave a comment on each card. As well as being in with a shot of winning the fab prize or prizes on offer, you're bound to get oodles of inspiration while you are on your travels.

Now talking of prizes, as always there's some hidden along the way.
We don’t know where they are so do be sure to visit and comment on every blog - you have to be in it to win it me darlins :). 
But what we DO know is that there’s  a set of papers and images to win

We will let you know on Monday which were the ‘lucky’ blogs and the winners will be drawn at random from all the comments that were left on those blogs.

Here’s the hop list for you -

Ideas to Inspire
Andrea
Anne
Becky
Dawny (that'll be me then!!)
Dena 
Fleur
Gretha
Jen
Lou
Mary J
Mindy

So what did I do then?

Ta-daaaahhhh!!

The sweet image is called

…. Afternoon Stroll ….

and I coloured it with the following Copics -

Skin – E0000, E00, E13, R00, R05
Hair – E31, E35, E35, E50
The rest – E31, E35, E39, E50, R85, RV00, RV10, RV34, RV69, Y0000, Y00, Y02, Y21, Y28

The papers are from the brand new One Birdie Lane paper pad – full of pretty Spring colours which are a sight for sore eyes on a chilly, grey Autumn day.

 

 

 

From here you need to visit the  sweetness that is our lovely Dena but don't forget that if you get lost you can start again at the beginning and pick the links up from there, and don’t forget to stop by the Ideas to Inspire blog on Monday when you can find out who the lucky winners were of the prizes before the stamps go on sale.

Finally, just to let you know that there are a few spaces left on the workshop so if you are coming to the shop and fancy doing a bit of crafty stuff, give the shop a ring -  it would be lovely to see you.

Enjoy the hop everyone, good luck, and huggiest of hugs to all xxx

A Tree For Christmas Plus New LOTV Goodies

Hi there crafty peeps and hope you are all OK today.
It started off very dark and windy here in Chester but the sun is out now, even if it is a tad on the chilly side.

I’ve got a little(ish) Christmas tree to share and I just have to tell you about some fab stuff that’s coming out soon over at Lili of The Valley.

Firstly,  it’s the last open day of the year over at the shop on the 22nd November.
Our last one of the year is always a bit special and this one will be no different.
There’s a lovely Christmas atmosphere and the shop looks beeeeeeeyoutiful.

Also, there are 2 workshops that I’m doing, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and we have some lovely stuff to make.

The morning session will focus on gifts that you can make to give away (or keep your self if you can’t bear to part with them lol).
I will just say that chocolate is involved in one and everybody on that workshop will get a pack of our very special LOTV choccies!!

The afternoon session will, as always,  be the card making workshop and we will make 2 lovely Christmas cards.

I  think there may be some spaces left so if you fancy joining me for a crafty day filled with laughter and cake, then give the shop a ring (0113 257 8778) or email our Erica  - erica@liliofthevalley.co.uk

Anybody going to the shop will also be the first to get their hands on some brand new stuff which is due to be released on 24th November

Firstly …..

.. we have 3 brand new and stonkingly gorgeous paper pads.

And …

… as you know cos we have been sneakie peeking them, there’s also ….

… 10 brand new and super cute stamps.
Have you picked your faves yet from this release?

And  ……

…  if you fancy a chance at winning these brand new goodies, all you have to do is  ……

Also, don’t forget to enter the last challenge over at the Ideas To Inspire Blog.
As it is the last one, if we beat the  highest number of entries there will be a couple of  extra prizes. It’s a nice easy theme as well – it’s

Merry Christmas

so we just want to see Christmas cards or projects.
Nip over here and check it out of you get a sec and good luck to everybody who enters : )

OK now for my tree.

What do you think?

IRL it looks much nicer than on this pic (that’s right, blame the photographer!!) and it's really light, pretty and sparkly.

I just painted a paper cone with white pant then using the good old hot glue gun, I added some fab stuff from The Ribbon Girl - .

Silver Sparkle Twine 
4mm Flat Back Pearl White Bead Trim,
White Tulle,
32mm White Pure Silk ribbon

and my fave ….

… a 15mm Clear Crystal & Diamante embellishment.

The chunky glass glitter is the sort that you use in floristry – a lot of shops will sell it – and although it is a bit messy to put on (add it on small sections) it does look nice once you’re finished (and not dull like it looks on this pic).

I think it’s  a great way to use up all of the little bits and bobs that you have in our stash.

Right I better be off.
Thank you for sticking with it if you made it this far down the post (and bless your heart xx).
It’s Friday so the weekend is almost on us yayyyyy.  I have 2 little dinks in residence tonight so no doubt this time tomorrow I will have the mother of all headaches as little Thea is very loud and very shrill!! How a small child can generate so many decibels is beyond me.

Good job she is super cute!!

Have a fab weekend and hugs to all xxx 

 

A Little Old Sneaky Peekie

Howdy sweet peeps and long time no see lol.
I hope that everyone is OK

It’s been an eventful few weeks to say the least. We have completely gutted my old craft room and I now have a nice shiny new one – I’ll put some pics on here as soon as I get them done. I hurt my arm in the process but I was always going to do something daft – it’s just how it is with me!!  But who would have thought that carrying a load of wooden planks would hurt so much!!

Anyway we are back in the crafty swing of things now and today I have a little sneakie peekie for you which is also my card for this weeks Papertake Weekly and our theme is

2 or 4 Legs

So ..

… this is what I did (I have used 2 lots of 2 legs lol).

Do you like the  image?
It’s one of the brand new Lili of The Valley release and it’s called Secretly Yours. 
Although it isn't technically a Chrimbly image, I think it could double up as one.

I coloured it with the following Copics -

  Skin – E000, E00, E13, R00, R02 
Hair – E31, E35, E39, E50
The rest – B0000, B000, B00, B02, B05, B93, B95, E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, E39, E42, E50, E81

The papers are Winter Wishes and the sentiment is from SET 75 - Christmas Wishes, both of course from Lili of The Valley.

I covered the punched holly leaves with glitter and added some Holly Berry Red Dewdrops from The Ribbon Girl. 
I love how they look.

The bow is made from 38mm white organza and topped off with a Red Small Polka Dot Spotty Button.

I love her twinkly collar – very glam and Christmassy.

So that's my card done and I will be back soon as soon with some more crafty stuff plus my giveaway for my 1000th post – I haven't forgotten peeps, I m just putting it all together.

Right I better be off cos I have work to do then we are off to check out the new Waitrose – I can feel the diet slipping, nay hurling itself at great speed right out of the window!!!

Have the fabbiest of days and sending nice to be back hugs to all xxx

 

Who Wants To Be In A Mag?

Heyyyy peeps.

Would you like to be in Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine? I know it's not even Christmas yet (!) but Kirstie is looking for any cardmakers who would like to say a special thanks to their husband/wife/partner next Valentine's Day. Maybe they’ve looked after you or helped you through some tough times? Maybe this is your first Valentine’s Day as new parents or as newly-weds? Or maybe you’ve been looking after your special someone and you want to say how happy you are they’re getting better? I’d love to hear from you and see your special cards. If you'd like to find out more email her at kirstie.sleight@immediate.co.uk Every story published will win a brilliant prize of brand new crafty goodies, to say a big thanks for your time.

Why not have a go. You have to be in it to win it xxx

A VERY Special Hoppity Hop :)

 

Morning sweet peeps  and thanks for stopping by today – apols that I am bit late (techie stuff and it always happens when I don't need it to, grrr)..

It’s a very special post for me – see below – and also it’s time for another Lili of The Valley blog hop and today we’re celebrating the launch of the our new sweet girlie stamps

There are  8 new images including the Bonfire and Halloween images which you’ve seen already so today we are showcasing the remaining 6 and they are adorable.

Well you’d expect nothing less from us would you :))

They will be available to buy on the website from Monday but if you are coming over to the shop for the Open Day on Saturday then you will be able to get them then.

And speaking of the Open Day, there are still a few places left on the workshops if you fancy spending a couple of crafty hours with moi.
You can see all the details right here and it would be fab if you could join us.

There’s cake, crafting and a fair bit of laughter as well.

OK so for the hop,  you just need to go from one blog to another following the links, and  hopefully along the way you will pick up some ideas and inspiration for using these cute new images as well.

As always we have some hidden prizes along the way, we don’t know where they are so do be sure to visit and comment on every blog

We will let you know on the Ideas to Inspire blog on Friday evening which were the ‘lucky’ blogs and the prize winners  winners will be drawn at random from all the comments that were left on those blogs.

And talking about prizes ….

We have 2 full sets of the new stamps to give away, 2 lucky winners will each get all 8 new designs

Here's a list of all the blogs taking part, and remember that you will need to visit them all and leave a comment on each one to have the best chance of winning;

Ideas to Inspire
Andrea 
Anne
Becky
Dawny (that'll be me then!!)
Elise
Fleur
Gretha
Jen 
Lou
Mary J
Mindy

So what did I do then?

I made a triangle card, just for a change as I thought it echoed the image, which is the oh so sweet Annabel Camping.

The papers I used are Country Meadow – sooo pretty.

I coloured Annabel with the following Copics -

Skin – E0000, E00, E13, R00, R05
Hair – E31, E35, E35, E50
The rest – E31, E35, E39, E50. RV00, RV10, RV34, RV69, Y11, Y21, Y28, YG01, YG03, YG95

 

The tags are  SET 24 - Sentiment Tags – perfect for these images I think.

And there’s a bit of prettiness from The Ribbon Girl - 16mm Pink/Fuschia Saddlestitch ribbon and some Cream Tiny Ric Rac

Now before we get on with the hop, I did say that this was a special post and indeed it is, and not just because of the hop.

But also  I just realised that this is my 1000th post.

Wooohooo, who ever would have thought!!

So keep an eye out on here and I will put together a little celebration pack which I will give away to one of my followers over the next week or so.

So there’s my news and also my card – I hope you like it peeps.

From here you need to visit the  sweetness that is our  gorgeous sweet Elise but don't forget that if you get lost you can start again at the beginning and pick the links up from there.

Finally, don’t forget to stop by the Ideas to Inspire blog on Friday night when you can find out who the lucky winners were of the prizes before the stamps go on sale

Enjoy the hop everyone, good luck, and huggiest of hugs to all xxx

Blooming Lovely Lili

Good morning  peeps and a very happy Sunday to everybody.

It’s time for another fabulous Lovely Lili challenge over at The Ribbon Girl blog and our theme is

Add Flowers

A blooming lovely challenge methinks : )

We have 2 fab prizes as well.
There’s a

and a

so hugest of thanks to The Ribbon Girl & Lili of The Valley 

If you get a sec, nip over and check out the blog – there’s some pretty darn tootin’ fab cardage to be seen : )

So …

... this is what I did – it’s a little bit different in that I didn't use any image.
But the papers are Lili of The Valley and they are the Country Meadow design – lovely and clean and fresh aren't they.

I used some beautimous goodies from The Ribbon Girl shop and they are -

38mm Parrot Green Faux Silk ribbon,

 25mm 'Amber' White Flat Polyester Fan Pattern Lace,

7mm Pale Lime No 6 Satin Ribbon,

40mm White Mulberry Daisy,

Bubble Gum Pink Small Plain Button)

Here’s a couple more close up pics ….

I got me a Tim Holtz Word Play die a while back and this is it’s first airing.
It won’t be the last I’m sure because I LOVE it.

I did the glitter pad thing again – it’s so addictive!!!

 

 

And that's the old card done.

It’s a bit of a sad day for me today because it’s 11 years today since my beloved Mum died. I cannot believe it’s been 11 years – I wonder sometimes how I have managed without her, I really do. But of course we do manage because life does and must go on.  And life is all about balance I think. In amongst the sadness, there’s been some wonderful things that have happened in my life in those last 11 years, things that I would have loved to have shared with her. First and foremost my beautiful grandchildren whom she would have adored as much as I do. And the crafty stuff as well – she would have loved it all. 

But sadly it wasn't to be.

We are off to Emma’s for lunch shortly (yayy, no cooking for me today)  and I will raise a little toast not only to my Mum but to all the mums out there as well. We do a great job if I do say so myself lol!!

Enjoy your Sunday whatever you are up to and huggiest of hugs to all xxx

Say That Again lol!!!

Hi peeps and hope you are all OK today xx

It’s that time of the week when we catch up with the Papertake Weekly gang and this week our theme is

Repeat Repeat

and all we want you to do is to use a repeated design or words, or embellies.
Or you may have another interpretation – as always it’s up to you/

So what did I do then?

Well I went with a repeated design ie the die cut circles and also the layers in the flower.
And there’s also repeat pearls on there as well.

The papers are from LOTV Country Meadow and I just added random sized circles.
The sentiment is from the LOTV Sentiments to Fit Scroll set – love this set.

 

The flower was made using Sir Tim’s tattered Florals die (I also used his Flourish and Leaf die as well ).
I used the same pattern throughout and added some of Mary’s gorgeous White Tulle in the centre and a 14mm Acrylic Gems which I coloured.

I also used a couple of Crystal Trinket Pins.
I didn't colour these but they do colour beautifully if you needed them to match

 

 

I like how this one turned out : )

 

And that’s the old card done.

It’s a quickie today but if you get a sec, do nip over and check out the PTW cardage – it’s beautimous and there’s lots of different ideas for the challenge.

Till next time, have a fabby-tastic day and hugs to all xxx

Twinkling Away :)

Good morning  peeps and a very happy Sunday to everybody.

Yes you’re right,  I haven't been on here for a good while now but I haven’t been slacking, I promise you!!
Oh no, far from it. I’ve been busy with all sorts of exciting stuff.

I’ve also got a fair few cards which I haven't blogged so I’ll try and get that done very shortly.

But on with today and it’s time for another fabulous challenge over at The Ribbon Girl blog and our theme is

Add Ribbons

and that’s it – couldn’t be easier.

We have 2 sponsors for you …

Lili of The Valley

and

The Ribbon Girl

If you get a sec, nip over and check out the blog – there’s some pretty darn tootin’ fab cardage to be seen : )

And …

... this is what I did.

I used and image from  LOTV Art Pad Set 33 Christmas Cuties – so handy to have – and I just cut it out and added a bit of Glossy accents to the buttons and carrot nose. Then I mounted it onto a die cut oval which I'd covered with some Up Up & Away paper, swiped with a glue pad then doused it in Glamour Dust.

You can see it a bit better here.

 

Now for the ribbons.

I made a bow from  25mm Black No 10 Small Check Gingham Ribbon then topped it with another made from 25mm Red Plain Sheer Ribbon. Then I put some glue onto an Aqua Small Plain Button and dunked that in the glitter, and on that went!!

I also used some Red/White Spot Lace Edge Bias Binding which you can see better on the top pic – seriously love this.
And I added three Aqua Dewdrops cos they are so pretty and they match the papers perfectly.

And that's the old card done.

Right I’m off to get on with the next thing on the list. Enjoy your Sunday and I wont leave it quite so long next time.

Huggiest of hugs to all xxx