Gezzyb's Jots

Book Of Days 2012

2012-01-28T08:48:00.005Z

I've never been so happy to find it's the weekend! How my life has changed this last 6 months.. weekends used to be so busy for me.. I am however, looking forward to relaxing after a difficult week and catching up with Effy Wild's fabulous Book Of Days 2012.

I haven't got much to share with you today apart from my covers!

Stamp used: Hanging Hearts

back cover

I am so looking forward to working on my altered book this weekend.

Have fun whatever your plans and KEEP WARM.

Love & hugs, Gez ♥♥

Daring Cardmakers - Wishi Washi

2012-01-27T13:10:00.000Z

Friday again! and time for a new challenge from the Daring Cardmakers. Have they got a great challenge for you this week..

Wishi Washi

Jo would like you this week to make a card using Washi or Deco Tape, you can use it to create a background, an embellishment or just use it as an accent. Please pop over to the challenge blog for Jo's great idea of how to make your own!

my card..

I stamped a script stamp onto white cardstock to make the background and used the same stamp to make my own tape.

The image is from a stamp I've had for years and coloured with Copic pens. The lovely little sentiment is from Stampotique Originals.

Thank you for calling.. I hope you can join this fun challenge.. Have a great weekend. Gez.

Gingersnap Creations ~ Glorious Greens

2012-01-26T14:04:00.006Z

Excited, excited, excited! and proud to be part of the Stampotique Designers design team sponsoring Gingersnap Creations for the whole of January.

The colour challenge for this month is Glorious Greens

Stamps used: Angel & Kitty

This tag was SO much fun to make.. lots of swooshing and inking and a bit of hand stitching.. to see more creations from the Stampotique Designers Team see HERE and also from our lovely Guest Designer this month.

Have fun joining in with the inspirational Gingersnap Creations challenges. Thank you to everyone over at Gingersnap Creations for letting me play along.. I look forward to calling back often over the coming months.

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge ~ Alter..

2012-01-25T09:49:00.001Z

It's time for an exciting new challenge from Stampotique Originals.

Kate is our new hostess this week.. here is what she had to say..

January seems to be a time when many of us decide to use what we already have so with that in mind I challenge you all to alter something! It can be anything from a matchbox to a coaster, an old CD to an empty cardboard box. Have a good hunt around, see what you can find and give it the Stampotique treatment!

Here is my altered jigsaw piece/wall hanging..

click to enlarge

Stamps used: Stella, Dragonfly, Small Moon, Giant Daisy, Tangled

& World All Her Own

The jigsaw piece was covered in Gesso and given the full treatment with Distress Inks and water. I had so much fun thinking about this piece and creating a magical evening scene.. great fun!

We hope you can join in with the Altered challenge.. one lucky random winner will win a $30 gift certificate.. so get out those gorgeous Stampotique stamps.. have fun!

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Daring Cardmakers ~ Kitchenalia!

2012-01-20T10:27:00.006Z

It's time for a fabulous new challenge over at the Daring Cardmakers challenge blog and have they got another super awesome challenge for you!

It was great seeing everyone's cards for the Social Networking challenge.. are you ready for another daring challenge?

Kitchenalia!

(click to find out more!)

Hope you can join in the fun!

Thank you for calling, have a great weekend. Gez.xx

Gingersnap Creations ~ Redhead challenge

2012-01-19T10:53:00.000Z

The fabulous Gingersnap Creations challenge blog Design Team have got a fantastic new challenge just for you! It's time for the latest Redhead challenge ~ to use your favoruite paper..

I have used my favourite Basic Grey paper to cover a metal tin box that contained fudge in it's past life.. long gone!!

click to enlarge

Stamp used: Whisker Monster with sign

want to see inside my tin box??

You will see why Kira Nichols little monster with sign was just perfect for my tin...

These water colour crayons are definately not for sharing with my little ones!!! Click to enlarge and you will see I over stamped to little sign board and mounted it onto foam pads to add a 3D feel. I think it looks great.

I hope you can join this weeks challenge.. don't forget Stampotique Originals are sponsoring the Gingersnap Creations challenge blog for the whole of January and kindly offering $30 gift certificates to the lucky winners. Good luck.xx

Haunted Design House

2012-01-16T09:47:00.003Z

Hi Bloggers everywhere.. it's Monday again, already?

I've got some exciting news to share with you this Monday.. Stampotique Originals are proudly sponsoring the Haunted Design House challenge blog.. today's Macabre Monday challenge is Chic Freaks

Here is my card for their challenge..

Stamps used: Girl with Heart Purse

Please pop over to Haunted House Designs to be inspired by their talented Design Team and for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate from Stampotique Originals.

What a great way to start the week!

Happy crafting. Gez ♥

Daring Cardmakers ~ Social Networking

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000Z

Good morning, it's Friday again, already? We have frosty sunshine and blue skies.. the perfect day to be out hill walking, it better be like this on Sunday!!

Being Friday again, means it's time for a brand NEW challenge from the fantastic Daring Cardmakers challenge blog and I feel I might well have just earned my stripes as their Guest Designer for the last couple of months.. my these ladies are SO talented! It's been a great pleasure and SO daring!

This weeks challenge is Miraculous Social Networks. Here is what Zuzana has to say..

I would like to see Facebook, Twitter, Skype, You Tube ... on your cards.

You can use funny sentiments, colour scheme, fonts, style, layout or PC image.

here is my card

Stamps used: Monster and Budgie and Happy Birthday to you!

I knew straight away I wanted to use Kira Nichols new monster stamp for this challenge and I think it works perfectly! I hope you can join us this week.. I look forward to calling and seeing your creations.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend whatever the weather. Gez ♥

Gingersnap Creations ~ spicy supply challenge

2012-01-12T09:51:00.003Z

Stampotique Originals are proudly sponsoring the Gingersnap Creations challenge blog each week for the whole of January.. how fab is that!

It's time for the spicy supply challenge and this week the theme is to use ribbon

Stamps used: Carol's Flower and Happy Birthday to you!

I can't wait to call and see everyone's creations.

Have a great week. Gez ♥

Stampotique Designers Challenge 46: handy pocket calendar

2012-01-11T07:58:00.006Z

A BIG Thank You to everyone that joined us for our Wish for the New Year challenge and CONGRATULATIONS to all our winners. We loved visiting everyone and seeing all your fantastic creations. I hope you will join us again for our brand NEW challenge set by Maria to create a handy pocket calendar or purse calendar.

Stamps used: Nerd Cat and Two Sticks

Please note the challenges are now STAMPOTIQUE ONLY. Join us for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate for Stampotique stamps.

Happy creating. Gez ♥

365 photos 2012 challenge

2012-01-08T10:24:00.002Z

..starting in 2012.. 365 photos 2012

(this post was drafted in 2011.. sorry, Suzie!)

I just love taking photographs.. not that I'm an expert or anything..

I used to love using the daily HS:MS:HS prompts before they moved over to Flickr and for a short while I had a go at challenging myself to take a photo a day!

I lasted everyday for 5 months.. printing out photographs and sticking them in a journal.. then I misplaced my journal! ... that's when I started my other blog Dandelions & Cookies.. a digital place to record my little happenings with the hope one day of having it made into a book for my children.. life as many will know has taken quite a few unsuspected twists and turns over the last 3 years and more so over the last 5 months!

I wonder when things are going to ever calm down!

Anyway!

One of my cyber buddies is turning 40 on New Years day and has come up with a marvelous plan for next year and needs all the help she can at keeping it going.. without us having to resort to calling at her place!

So, are you game for an exciting challenge in the New Year?

Please follow the link over to Suzie's new and exciting cyberspace...

365 photos 2012

See you there..

Gez.xx

Life Book

2012-01-07T10:43:00.000Z

Here's my first completed journal page for my Life Book 2012 ..

Woohoo! I finally plucked up the courage to paint her! Not sure why she is pouting so much.. will definately have to work on that! I am really pleased with the colouring ♥

Here she is as a sketch..

Thanks for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Have a great weekend. Gez.xx

Daring Cardmakers ~ Colour Combo Challenge

2012-01-06T10:15:00.005Z

Happy New Year to all the Daring Cardmakers out there.. I am delighted to be joining the talented Design Team for the month of January as their Guest Designer.. excited isn't the word!

For 2012 the First Friday of each month will feature Colour Combo Challenge. Here are the colours for this week.

my card..

Stamp used: Mela

Oooh.... I do love this colour combo it's one of my favourites!

I have used Mela from Stampotique Originals on my card. I stamped and embossed her onto coated white cardstock and then coloured her with Copic pens. The papers are Gypsy Sisters from Kaiser craft. Flowers from my craft box.

Hope you can join this weeks challenge over at the Daring Cardmakers. The Team have got lots of inspiration on offer to share with you.

Wishing you all a great weekend. Gez.

Gingersnap Creations

2012-01-05T10:10:00.004Z

This month Stampotique Originals are thrilled to be sponsoring Gingersnap Creations and the team have very kindly invited the Stampotique Designers team to play along.

This week for their Chestnut Theme Challenge they are challenging you to use a set or line of stamps and Stampotique Originals are very kindly offering you the chance to win a $30 gift certificate for Stampotique Stamps. How fabulous!

click to enlarge..
Stamps used: Queen Of Life, Kitty and Hanging Hearts

I've created a set of 3 Atc houses using mainly stamps by Daniel Torrente & Jill Penney as the main focal points..

I also couldn't resist using the lovely sentiment LOVE travels from Carol's Collection.

Also, sneaking on but complementing Daniel & Jill's stamps perfectly are a couple of stamps from the fabulous Jo Capper-Sandon's line of stamps.. Wee Owl, Swirl Stalks & Splatter Long.. dare I also mention one stamp I can't live without that I also included.. Honeycomb background by Josie Cirincione.

I hope you get the chance to play along.. what are you waiting for..

Keep warm and safe wherever you are.. Happy crafting, Gez.

What's your wish..

2012-01-04T11:59:00.000Z

.. that's the theme of the current challenge running over on the fabulous Stampotique Designers Challenge blog.

It's time for Group 1 to share their inspiration with you today which you can see HERE

Here's my card for the latest challenge.. you can check out the details on my last post here.. thanks, to everyone who left comments.x

I hope everyone has a super 2012 and all your wishes come true :-)

~♥~

Speaking of which I had a lovely parcel arrive in the post yesterday!

couldn't wait to have a play when the boys went to sleep last night!

now I'm feeling too nervous to paint my image!!

Hehe..

Hope you can join us over at Stampotique Designers Challenge.

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge 45: What's your wish..

2011-12-28T07:11:00.001Z

.. for the New Year? that's what we would like to know over at Stampotique Designers Challenge blog!

Our very own gorgeous and talented Nellie over at Dutch Stamptramp has chosen our new theme so get your thinking caps on!

Here is my card..

Stamps used: Moon Girl, Small Moon and Timeless

A clean and simple card for me and so much fun!

I hope you can join in with our new challenge, remembering from now on we WISH to see your creations using Stampotique Originals stamps.

Wishing everyone lots of love, joy and peace for the New Year & hoping all your wishes come true!

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

A little bit of this n that.. and a Christmas wish!

2011-12-22T05:45:00.001Z

Hi my dear blog friends.. my apologies for not being around quite as much as I would have liked these past few weeks.. I am hoping to get round and catch up with everyone really soon and have BIG hopes for the new year!

It's been a fair few busy months since my Father passed away with lots of adjusting and impossible things needing sorting out.. also my children and I having to adjust to our new life.. and deal with the big hole that's been left in our lives in our own way.. all these things taking me away from my dear blog and crafty friends.. I am hoping happier days lie ahead for everyone in the new year.

I have been trying to find some 'me' time every now and again and have one or two things to share with you today..

My dear friend She over at Crafty She's blog has spent one or two wonderful days visiting.. bringing home-made soup and cake.. we have had great fun chatting.. eating.. and er.. a little bit of crafting.. Sheila very kindly let me borrow her brand new pastels to play with until we meet again.. how sweet is that.. promise I have only had a little play She.xx

Here I've made an Atc using the pastels on the background... I have been dropping BIG hints to my children.. these are what a ~~want~~ NEED to keep me sane.. I mean Christmas!!

..lots of lovely embossing detail! Thanks for the tip She.xx

My apologies if the photo looks a bit blurdy.. goodness, these new cameras today.. why do they need so many different settings!!.. I am hoping to find a suitable one for the start of next year.. it's on my to-do list!!

As for Mr Blogger adding in line spaces which don't exsist on my draft! grr!

...

I've been keeping up with my sketching and while I know it's a long, long way from perfect.. it keeps my fingers busy and relaxes my mind! Hopefully, with practice I can improve.

All good fun!

I must just show you one last thing before I send you all my Christmas wishes.. my dearest Tom started school in September admist all the heartache.. needless, to say, he still isn't settled. :-( school are being fantastic tho.. Tom surprised me with a picture/calendar that he made at school the other day.. I shall hang it proudly on my crafty dresser!

♥ my bestest buddy ♥

I better show you my other two bestest buddies too! (All great company on their own.. put them together and it's another story!!!!!)

We had snow last weekend.. did you?

just look at Tom on this one!!

tired.. worn out.. but happy!

~♥~

I would like to thank everyone that has taken their time this year to call and leave a blog comment and hopefully forgiving for me not always managing to call in return straight away.

Wishing everyone a WONDERFUL Christmas

lots of love, joy and peace

now and in 2012

Stamps used: Noel Dog & Happy Everything!

Love to you all, Gez.xx

Footnote* Anyone interested in a free grey kitten??.. looks innocent.. loves to climb Christmas trees and undress them! ... speciality interest picking the sealant from brand new windows.. GGRr!

I think our dearest Smudge might well be on Santa's naughty list this year!

.. does she look like she cares! ;-)

XXXX

Daring Cardmakers ~ Spots & Stripes challenge

2011-12-16T10:18:00.001Z

I am SO excited to be joining the fabulous Daring Cardmakers again this week for their last challenge before Christmas.

This weeks challenge set by Keilly is spots & stripes.

I knew I should have worn my reading glasses when I took up the challenge! I hope I am forgiven! (no stripes any where.. ssh!)

I have used my favourite House Mouse stamp and some gorgeous Basic Grey paper.

Many thanks for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance. Do pop over and visit the Daring Cardmakers for their last challenge of the year.. and remember.. it doesn't have to be a Christmas card!

Have a great weekend. Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge 44: Shimmer, Glimmer, Glitter and Glitz

2011-12-14T06:49:00.001Z

It's that time again... time for a brand NEW challenge over at Stampotique Designers Challenge blog.

Many Congratulations to all our winners from the last challenge, it was such an honour and a pleasure to visit all our players blogs and see the amazing non traditional Christmas cards. What a talented bunch of players!

For our next challenge Val is here as our hostess. She is challenging us to break out our "Shimmer, Glimmer, Glitter and Glitz" using shimmery paper, glittery embellishments, glimmery paints/washes/spritz or any kind of glitzy bling in your creations....let your inspiration shine!

There is some important information for you to read this week over on the challenge blog..

This week is our last challenge where you can use ANY stamps.

Here is my card for our latest challenge.

Goodness, it's soooo hard to capture that Shimmer, Glimmer, Glitter and Glitz!!!

Stamp used: Gooseneck (doesn't she look the perfect party girl!)
and
Merry Everything!

If you pop over to the challenge blog HERE you can see lots more gorgeous creations and inspiration. I hope you get chance to join in the fun!

Keep warm and happy crafting, Gez.xx

Daring Cardmakers ~ A Nordic Christmas

2011-12-09T10:14:00.001Z

It's Friday again, already?

That means it's time for a fabulous new challenge from the Daring Carmakers

I am SO excited and delighted to be joining the Design Team again this week and really enjoyed looking at everyone's entries for the December flower challenge!

This week it's the turn of Fran to set the new challenge...

A Nordic Christmas

Think red,white, knitted jumpers and reindeer!

What a wonderful challenge! Please pop along over to the Daring Cardmakers challenge blog to see the gorgeous inspiration from the Design Team.. these ladies are SO clever.

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance. I used the gorgeous little reindeer stamp from the front of the Craft Stamper magazine and some too nice to cut October Afternoon papers!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Keep warm. Gez.xx

Hug Monster tag!

2011-12-08T09:48:00.000Z

A tag is a great way of using up those little left over scraps of patterned paper you just can't bare to throw away!

I've made a tag and included one of Kira Nichols gorgeous new images from Stampotique Originals called Hug Monster and the gorgeous sentiment Merry Everything! by Kristen Powers.

Stamps used: Hug Monster & Merry Everything!

also Splatter Long

The gorgeous patterned paper from cArt-Us were left over scraps from my card below!

I am entering my tag into this weeks Bloggers Challenge.. anything but a card!

Thank you for looking and taking the time to leave a comment if you get the chance.

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Ruby shoes!

2011-12-04T08:18:00.002Z

The nights are getting darker.. so are the mornings now! What better way to spend the evenings than to start making Christmas cards.. I know lots of people have been busy creating already! I do like to be traditional and try and keep Christmas in December! ;-)

I've had soooooo much fun using the FAB new robin stamp that's just flown into the UK craft shops brought to you from Stampotique Originals brand new artist Kira Nichols this lady is SO talented.. go check out her other NEW designs HERE! you won't be disappointed.

Here is my first card of the season.

Stamps used: Birdy Shoes by Kira Nichols

& Merry Everything! by Kirsten Powers

The gorgeous patterned papers are by cArt-Us.. I couldn't resist inking and distressing them! and adding some Xmas Red Stickles glitter to the robins trainers!

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Have a great weekend. Gez.xx

I had too... didn't I? ..

2011-12-03T00:09:00.004Z

Never one to resist a challenge.. here is my magazine Christmas tree!

it's covered in glitter.. only wish it showed up more!

I DID IT!!!!!!

There are some excellent links out there if you fancy a go!

try.. Martha Stewart (watch the video.. half way down.. left hand side!)
or check out this gorgeous creation
over at Bubbly Funk's blog.. Bubbly Scrumptious

.. go on.. you know you want to!!!

Have a great weekend.. Gez.xx

Daring Cardmakers ~ Guest Designer!

2011-12-02T10:28:00.006Z

Woohoo! I can't tell you how thrilled and honoured I am to be invited to join the Daring Cardmakers and be their Guest Designer of the month for December and January! I am SO excited.. their Design Team is amazing ♥

The Daring Cardmakers are a group of inspirational and talented designers mainly from the UK and mainland Europe.. and one of the first challenge blogs that got me into crafting and blogging many, many moons ago!

Every Friday around 10am, UK time, one of the talented Design Team posts a new dare or challenge to inspire you!

The first Friday of every month this year sees a new flower challenge from the Daring Cardmakers. This month the Team are using either Narcissus or Holly as their inspiration.

I've kept my card clean and simple for this challenge and used Basic Grey Figgy Pudding for the patterned squares and a gorgeous stamp from Creative Expressions.

I hope you can join in the fun this week.. please, pop over to the Daring Cardmakers to see the gorgeous creations to inspire you from the talented Design Team.

Have a great weekend. Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Colour My World ~ Bloggers Challenge

2011-11-27T12:36:00.001Z

I've had a lovely crafty Sunday morning while the children play quietly.. it's wayy to cold and windy to go out today so we are stopping in keeping warm!

It's been quite a few weeks since I've had the chance to join the Bloggers Challenge .. life has been sooooo busy.. when I saw this weeks challenge over on Lisa's blog and Kim's gorgeous creation how could I resist! Thanks girls!

This weeks Challenge is Color My World (use your Favorite Colors).

Here's my tag for this weeks challenge..

Stamps used: Winter, (wings from) Angelboy

also, Antique Description, Merry Everything! & Splatter Long

China Blue and Antique Photo.. yummy!

I so love a blue and brown combo!

I hope you are having a lovely Sunday wherever and whatever you are doing today. Enjoy!

Thanks for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance. Do pop along to see Lisa's gorgeous creation and join in the fun!

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge #43 Non traditional Christmas card

2011-11-23T06:30:00.003Z

It's time for a brand new challenge over at Stampotique Designers Challenge.

Our hostess Vicki has come up with a great challenge for you!

Vicki would like you to share your non traditionals Christmas cards with us.. no red or green allowed!

click to enlarge!
Stamps used: Global Warming and Mwah! and kiss

I really enjoyed this challenge! I hope you will too!

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

To see what group two have created to inspire you don't forget to pop over to the Stampotique Designers Challenge blog.

It's a Stampotique Originals stamps only challenge this time with a fabulous $30 gift certificate going to one lucky winner. Hope you can play along.

Good Luck. Gez.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge

2011-11-18T10:26:00.000Z

It's time for a brand new challenge over at the Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge blog. This weeks theme is Flowerful.

I'm playing catch up this week as unfortunately, I ran out of time to play last week! So, I am combining both themes for my little accordian book that I'm making for my Atc's.. last weeks theme was Angels..

Here is my Atc for this weeks challenge..

I couldn't decide whether to use Copic pens or paints.. paints won!

I've used a most fabulous digi image from Dilly Beans Stamps

I decided not to stick the wings or the flower flat to add some dimension..

Here's a shot of my little helper!

Well half a shot! I'm just relieved she didn't stand on my Atc!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Art Journal page

2011-11-17T11:38:00.000Z

It's time for another art journal prompt from the lovely talented Kaz over at Slightly Wonky Crafts who I must say has given her blog a well and truly INSPIRATIONAL make over!

Kaz is very kindly setting the girls over on the Bubbly Funk forum prompts each week and we can't seem to get enough!

This weeks wise words from Kaz..

I'm not weird, I'm limited edition.

Great words Kaz!

I've used one of the BRAND NEW stamps from Kira Nicols available HERE from Stampotique Originals called Happy Rat, Dejected Cat.. oh, how I know that feeling!

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.. don't forget there is still time for you to win some of Kira's fabulous new stamps over at the Stampotique Originals Blog Hop.

Good Luck and Happy crafting, Gez.xx

EXCITING NEWS! & a BLOG HOP!

2011-11-15T05:00:00.007Z

Woohoo! I don't have to sit on my hands any longer.. I have some very exciting news to share with you today!

Announcing new images and new artists are always exciting here at Stampotique Originals and so we are thrilled to announce our newest artist, Kira Nichols. Kira has designed some very unique monsters and kitties for her first line of stamps and our design team has had the opportunity to play with the stamps before they are released to the public.

Want a chance to win some of Kira's new images? Hop along with our designers as well as our special guest, leaving comments along the way, for your chance to win some of Kira's new images. We will randomly draw a winner from one of the blogs and announce the winner with our next challenge.

I am delighted beyond words to be able to share some of the creations I have made using Kira's new images.

Stamps used: Whisker Monster with sign, Nerd Cat and Hug Monster

Hug Monster (for baby's 1st Christmas)

Nerd Cat (for those all important weighing in appointments to let the world know!)

Whisker Monster with sign (to welcome your little one to the family!)

Stamps used: Whisker Monster with sign, Nerd Cat and Hug Monster

Make sure to leave comments along the way and a randomly chosen commenter will win some of these new stamps.

If you have landed here on my blog after visiting and leaving a comment with Jane then you are in the right place!

From here you will want to visit Valerie Wilson.

Below is a complete list in case you go off the beaten path and need some redirection.

Kira Nichols (New Artist)

Kaz Boughton

Jane Wetzel

Gez Butterworth <------- You are HERE

Valerie Wilson

Maria Sabina Raita

Lisa Somerville

Jo Capper-Sandon

Kim Howard

Nellie van Leeuwen

Vicki Garrett

Willy Anderson

Kate Crane

Monique Verbeek

Joanne Wardle

Good Luck!

Art journal challege

2011-11-11T07:10:00.001Z

I've completed an art journal page using the 2nd prompt from Kaz over on the Bubbly Funk forum.

I used to have an open mind but then my brain fell out.

I think I might have gone a bit deep with this one.. but it just kinda happened!

Great challenge! Thanks Kaz.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge ~42

2011-11-09T07:17:00.002Z

It's time for a fabulous brand new challenge over at the Stampotique Designers Challenge blog.

Lisa Somerville is kindly sharing a gorgeous sketch with us for this challenge. You can use the sketch any way up! and this challenge is open to all stamps.. we would of course, love to see your Stampotique images!

I love a good sketch.. thank you Lisa for a great inspirational jump start. I've made a birthday for this latest challenge.. I so need to catch up on quite a few birthdays I've missed just lately and can see me using this sketch again and again.. hope you can join us!

Stamps used: Marci, Happy Birthday to you!, Splatter Long

and Containers Cube #1

I had great fun hand stitching around my card and using some fabulous papers called Hocus Pocus by Pink Paislee.

Marci was stamped onto white cardstock and coloured with Copic pens along with Happy Birthday to you!

Did you spot the little can Marci is holding?? It's full of hugs and kisses for a dear friend celebrating her birthday this month! These little cans are perfect for stamping onto shrink plastic and shrinking and perfect for that special card!

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge

2011-11-07T16:21:00.005Z

I'm scraping in at the last minute this week with an ATC for the latest challenge over at the Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge blog.. that said, there is still until this Tuesday, 7pm EST.

This week challenge theme is Alice In Wonderland.. I fear I may be wayy off the mark here!!

The challenge doesn't have to be an image of Alice.. when I think of Alice in Wonderland I always think of tea parties.. here is Twinkie offering to make you a lovely cup of tea!

Thanks for calling calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.. don't forget to pop over to the Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge blog if you get the chance.. there is lots of gorgeous inspiration.

Happy crafting, Gez.

Stampotique Designers Challenge #41 ~ Reveal!

2011-11-02T06:04:00.000Z

I am so, so, so excited to be finally sharing my altered poison bottle with you today that I have made for the latest Stampotique Designers Challenge.

Group 2 are sharing their gorgeous creations with you today.

Our very own gorgeous Maria Sabina Raita has chosen the current theme and there is still another week left for you to have a play!

It's not often I am really delighted with my creations but this one I just love.. I hope you will like my altered poison bottle too!

I have used Daniel Torrente scrummy pumpkin from the Halloween Cube 2 and also Moon Girl's Crow doesn't he look cute on the lid!

I had so much fun going on a scavenger hunt around the garden for my twigs!

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

I hope you can join in the fun HERE! Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Art journal tag

2011-10-30T14:32:00.001Z

Our dear Kaz over at Slightly Wonky Crafts as come up with a great idea for an art journaling challenge over on the Bubbly Funk forum.

Here is the first fun journaling prompt to get us started!

Life is short so smile while you still have teeth

I've made a tag for the first challenge!

I've used Dylusions acrylic paints for the background in the style of the fabulous Kate Crane.. have you seen her latest DVD's?.. if not, why not! Take a peek HERE right, right now!

I stamped Weasel from Stampotique Originals also available from The Stamp Attic in the UK onto white cardstock and then coloured with Copic pens.

I'm looking forward to playing again Kaz, thank you!

Thanks for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Wicked Wednesday Atc challenge #3

2011-10-27T18:53:00.004+01:00

Hi Bloggers, I've got some exciting news to share with you today!

I was chosen to be in the Top 3 over on the Wicked Wednesday Atc blog!

It's always nice to be picked isn't it!

Thank You Wicked Wednesday Team..xx

The NEW theme is up and running and I couldn't wait to play again this week!

Here is what they had to say..

Our theme this week is:

Set of 3 ATC's

They can be 3 of the same, 3 coordinating, however you want to do it but it has to be a "set" in some way - in other words, don't just post 3 random ATC's you've made, there has to be something that ties them together. Got it? Good!

I hope I have read and understood the instructions okay.. never my strongest point!!

I've joined 3 Atc's together to make a sort of concertina book.. remember, last time when I said I had a plan!

I was planning to join each weeks challenge Atc's together to make a sort of accordian book! Great minds!

Here are my 3 Atc's... closed up! (take note of the little tabs for later!)

meet the gorgeous NEW Corie

and opened up!

My set of 3 Atc's

click to enlarge..

~♥~

Now can you see the little tabs at either side... pick one before scrolling down!

~♥~

Did you get a trick or a treat?

~♥~

.. see below!

This is what is waiting for you if you pulled the slide out tab behind Frankie!

EEEEEEEEK!

~♥~

and if you chose the pull here tab behind Corie!

a treat on me!

..everyone loves a Cupcake right?

hehe.. just for fun!

All 3 Atc's where made in the same way using white cardstock and colouring the background with Distress Inks.. I stamped the Web and Swirl Stalks on each of the 3 Atc cards using white ink.

I then chose Corie, Skullboy and Frankie to stick on my cobwebs!

Then I worked on the trick or treat cards and used the gorgeous Grace by Janet Klein for the treat tab and the spooky spider on the Birds and Bugs Cube for the trick tab!

Hope you are still awake after my mamoth post!

Don't forget to join in the fun over at the Wicked Wendesday Atc Challenge blog and visit some amazing blogs!

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Best wishes & have a wonderful weekend. Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge #41 ~ Sneak peak!

2011-10-26T07:48:00.006+01:00

I am so, so, so excited to be sharing a sneak peak with you today of the project I have made for the latest Stampotique Designers Challenge that goes live today!

Group 2 are first up this week to show you their gorgeous creations.

Our very own gorgeous Maria Sabina Raita has chosen this weeks theme! Here is what she has to say..

"I have a new fun and creative challenge for you all this week. Are you ready for Halloween? Well, guess what? My challenge for you today is an: Altered poison bottle. I have a passion for sweet/spooky bottles and I would love to see your creations using Stampotique stamps.

WARNING: Don't Drink, that's Poison! Happy Halloween Stampotique-creatures!

I can tell you this challenge nearly got the better of me!!!! I was sooooooo outside my comfort zone I need earmuffs to keep my head warm! Only joking, I loved this challenge! Brilliant! and I have to say I love my little altered bottle.. here's a sneak peak!

What I can tell you the gorgeous little pumpkin stamp I used is from Daniel Torrente's Halloween Cube 2

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

I hope you can join in the fun! Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Wicked Wednesday Atc challenge

2011-10-25T00:40:00.006+01:00

Two blog posts in two days!! and it's the school holidays to boot!!

I've found a brand new challenge blog called the Wicked Wednesday Atc challenge and I just had to play along! (sorry, for being so last minute this time!)

I am joining the challenges at week 2 and this weeks theme is Halloween..

..... here's my Atc..

a girls got to do what a girls got to do!

I used cream cardstock and Distress Inks to colour the background.. then I had a look in my scraps box for an off cut of sheet music.. I knew I had left over from another project... could I find it!!

The gorgeous little witch from Stampotique Originals is called Corie.. by Janet Klein.. isn't she just the cutest witch ever!

I also used Numeric and Swirl Stalks for the background and of course, no little respectible witch would go shopping without her favourite handbag!

This one again by Janet Klein is taken from the Tiny Handhelds stamp.. so useful!

I've also made an Atc for week one.. I have a plan! all will be revealed soon!

I know this challenge is already closed.. but I didn't want to start the challenges at week 2.. I would always know iykwim!!

Wicked Wednesday's Atc Challenge first theme was All about you!

So here I am... resigned!! .. waiting for the rains to pass!

..... hurry up..... please!!

Distress Inks for the background and doodlings around the edge and the one and only Relaxin' girlie by Jill Penney & Daniel Torrente from Stampotique Originals.

Soooooo! I am up to date and looking forward to a brand new challenge on Wednesday!

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Love Gez.xx

Butterfly Atc's

2011-10-24T06:30:00.001+01:00

Good morning.. gosh, can you believe it's Monday again, already?

This year seems to be just flying by.. I had imagined having lots of spare time when my youngest started school in September.. I guess it will come in time.. sorting out my Father's estate has turned into a full time job and I still have a long, long way to go!

I did have a little break last week to join the latest Atc swap over on the fabulous Bubbly Funk forum. This months theme is butterflies.. here are my Atc's..

These were soooooooo much fun to make! I inked white cardstock with Distress Inks and set about using a gorgeous new girlie stamp from Stampotique Originals called Grace by Janet Klein.

I used a metal butterfly charm for the theme and Splatter Long for it's trail.

Grace was coloured using Copic pens and the gorgeous sentiment.. Friends hold you up when you rest your little wings.. was just the perfect sentiment I was looking for..

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Wishing everyone a lovely week.. promise to pop by and say Hi.. asap!

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Ooooooh!

A Big! Thank You! to my new followers.. that was a lovely surprise this morning! xxx

Tag time!

2011-10-19T13:48:00.006+01:00

It's still tag time over at the Stampotique Designers Challenge this next week..

There have been lots of gorgeous entries so far.. I hope you can join us soon..xx

I'm sharing a tag with you today that went to a very special lady! I was delighted to send her something in the post that I knew she could use in her art and I can't wait to see what she comes up with!

Stamps used: Queen of Life, Swirl Stalks, Love travels... and a little sentiment Friends hold you up.. on the background to add some depth..

Soooooo have you time to make a tag?

Remember, this challenge is open to any stamps from any company and as always Stampotique Originals are very kindly giving a $30 gift certificate to one lucky winner.

If you get chance why not pop over to Stampotique Designers Challenge to see Group 2's latest creations to inspire you!

Good Luck! Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge #40 ~ Tagtime

2011-10-12T08:31:00.010+01:00

It's time for a brand new challenge over at Stampotique Designers Challenge.

Nellie is our hostess this week and here is what she says about her challenge theme..

I love to work on a tag. For me it feels like it somehow invites you to think and work in another way than when you’re making cards. So I challenge you to make a tag or some project in which you use a tag. Any size, any color as long as there’s at least one tag involved in your artwork.

I used a real king size tag for this challenge. It’s 8,5 inch long and almost 4,5 inch wide. Kate Crane’s DVD “Right from a blank page” inspired me when making the background of my tag.

You can use stamps from any company for this challenge. But even better, grab your Stampotique stamps and get stamping!

Oooh! didn't I say it was a good challenge! I love, love, love making tags.. they are always great for adding that little something extra to a gift or parcel..

I have used some of Jo Capper-Sandon's gorgeous NEW fall release stamps for my tag..

The background was made using Distress Inks and a little water.. Cosmic shimmer paints for colouring and also to add a little moonlight shine to everything!

Stamps used: Stella, Dragonfly, Giant Daisy, Dragonfly Verse, Fly, and Splatter Long

.. I was really quite please with my hand drawn moon! I mounted my tag onto some kraft card and added some ribbons from my craft box.

Thank you for calling by my blog today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.. Hope you can join us soon!

Happy crafting, Gez.

The Play Date Cafe challenge #102

2011-10-06T07:45:00.001+01:00

Stampotique Originals are proudly sponosoring The Play Date Cafe challenge #102 this week.. Here is what they have to say..

October is finally here!
It's the month that we begin to think about all facets
of the season including the
'spooky' colors of Halloween.

We thought we would get your creative juices flowing

with this terrific color story chosen by Jaclyn.

We hope you have a lot of fun with these colors!

Her suggested color palette is:

Slime Green.....Frightful Fuschia...

Putrid Purple...Black as Night

What fantastic colours! What a fantastic challenge!

Here is my card for the challenge..

Stamps used: Moon Girl's Crow, Jo Capper-Sandon's gorgeous NEW Stella & Dragonfly

also Swirl Stalks, Numeric, Gussie up, we're havin' a party!

What a fun way to travel to any party! Borrowing Moon Girl's Crow! I had so much fun making this page for my new little 6x6 chunky book.. I think I'm off to a flying start!

Hope you can join in the fun over at The Play Date Cafe this week and don't forget your chance to win a very special prize from Stampotique Originals.

Good Luck & Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Joyful Atc

2011-10-02T08:57:00.000+01:00

Stamps used: Joyful, & Splatter Long

I stamped Joyful onto white cardstock and inked around the edges adding water to make the ink run slightly and distress the background dabbing with a cloth.

Joyful was stamped once again onto more white cardstock and I then cut around the image and mounted her on foam.. the ribbon and flower are from my craftbox.. simple but so much fun.. one of my favourite stamps!

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance. I've linked my post to the Stampotique Designer's blog where the team share some of their gorgeous inspiration with you and our latest guest designer's are announced..speaking of which have you seen the latest Guest Designer line up?

Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Gez.xx

2011-09-30T12:35:00.000+01:00

Time to share a quick journaling page with you today.. I just love finding quotes and this one by Albert Einstein really appealled to me!

Everybody is a genius.. but if you judge a fish by it's ability to climb a tree.. it will live it's whole life believing it is stupid..

The background was painted using the fabulous Dylusions acrylic paints.. and something new for me.. I used NeocolorII watercolour crayons for colouring the gorgeous Twinkie and Hopscotch.

I also had great fun sponging acrylic paint through one of the Crafters Workshop templates and doodling with a black pen.. and included Jo Capper-Sandon's fabulous Swirl Stalks around the border.

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and you have a beautiful day. Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge #39 ~ Humorous Birthday

2011-09-28T09:28:00.002+01:00

It's that time again! Time for a brand new challenge over at the Stampotique Designers Challenge!

Today is a very special day for one of our gorgeous DT members..

Vicki has very kindly chosen the new theme for this fortnights challenge...

Hi, Vicki here! Since today is my Birthday, I'm excited about sharing a Birthday Challenge with you......you must send me all your cards~ (Just kidding! lol) anyway, at my age, in order to deal with deteriorating gravity, laugh lines and achy joints, humour has become a fabulous coping mechanism!!!

So here's the challenge: create a humorous Birthday Greeting! Something Funny, Sarcastic........perhaps an image that will evoke a giggle or a good belly laugh, which I particularly enjoy! What is even funnier (to me) is that it's Challenge#39......hehe.......I have some pals that have been 39 for quite some time! If the truth be known, in my experience, life begins at 40!

Didn't I say it was going to be a great challenge!

Happy Birthday Vicki x x x x

Stamps used: Dance Party Break Up, Bella, Swirl Stalks, Splatter Long and Tiny Handhelds

This card was sooooooo much fun to make! I coloured Dance Party Break Up girlie with my trusty Copic pens in the brightest colours I could find.. this girl isn't going to grow old gracefully I don't think ;-) and mounted her onto my inky background.

Here she is walking her dog (Bella) listening to her MP3 player and eating an Ice-cream. What a wonderful way to spend your birthday!

Hope you can join in the fun! Please remember this is a Stampotique only week so please remember to use those Stampotique stamps on your creations.

Have a lovely day everyone and a WONDERFUL birthday Vicki... Thank you for calling. Gez.xx

SDC38: Black & White with a hint of colour challenge

2011-09-24T08:31:00.000+01:00

Have you seen the latest challenge over at the Stampotique Designers Challenge blog?

Group 2 have been sharing some of their inspiration this week... don't forget this week is a non-Stampotique stamps week and your chance to win a $30 gift certificate for Stampotique Originals. Hope you can join us..

Here is a card I am sharing with you today..

Stamps used: Dragonfly, Dragonfly verse & Tangled

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Have a lovely day.. Gez.xx

CAS-ual Fridays meet Stampotique

2011-09-23T10:06:00.007+01:00

Today Stampotique Originals is sponsoring CAS-ual Fridays Challenge.

We are always Clean And Simple and our theme is Mostly Monochromatic, 3 + 1. Use at least 3 shades of the color of your choice monochromatically and then add Chocolate Brown.

Stampotique will be giving away a grab bag of stamps worth $30 for this challenge.

Join our team by showing off your Monochromatic 3+1 card over at CAS-ual Fridays Challenge.

What a wonderful challenge! I've used my favourite all time colour combo!

Stamps used: Tulip & The Earth Laughs in Flowers

Hope you can join us, good luck for the draw.

Wishing everyone a great weekend. Gez.xx

Facebook and me!

2011-09-20T10:08:00.002+01:00

They say curiosity killed the cat.......... I did it last night, I finally did it!! I signed up to Facebook!

THANK YOU for everyone's lovely welcome and messages.. it might take me a while to get going....... I have long resisted the urge to join FB but I was beginning to feel like I might be missing out on something!! You know how it is ;-)

I've an art journaling page to share on my blog today... it's in the little book I bought for Kate's art journaling class and sums me up right now...

I feel like a stranger in my own life..... while some bits look familiar... whole chunks are missing or gone... after a day or two of my page standing open I decided to add a little crown to my image.. suppose it was me saying I will find the strength to survive.. have I any choice!

Stamp used: Dilly Bean digi

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.. I'll hopefully see you around! Happy crafting.. Gez.xx

Inchies swap

2011-09-19T12:18:00.003+01:00

Sorry it's been a while between posting on my blog at the moment.. life is kinda hectic.. there is light at the end of the tunnel I am sure.. it's just taking longer than I thought to get there.. promise to catch up with everyone soon..

I'm part of a swap this month on the fabulous Bubbly Funk forum.. these girls have kept me going this last few weeks and I can't thank them enough for putting up with me!

Our gorgeous hostess Leigh with her beautiful handmade jewellery site here has set this months challenge..

Let's hope I've got it right this time Leigh! As it's the start of the new school year here in the UK.. this months theme is primary colours... red, yellow and blue..

Here are my inchies..

I had great fun making the backgrounds using Distress Inks and a little Dylusions acrylics for the circles and lines.

Two Sticks from Stampotique Originals was just the perfect size for my inchies... I just had to make them both little hats.. I did think about adding a 'D' to one of them!!

The inspiration sort of came from my two sons going to school..I have a big one returning and a little one just starting.. :-(

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get a chance.. Gez.xx

Stampotique Designer's Challenge ~ Black & white with a hint of one other colour..

2011-09-14T09:39:00.003+01:00

It's time for a brand new challenge over at the Stampotique Designers Challenge.

The lovely, gorgeous and talented Kaz has set a fabulous challenge for you this time.. here is what Kaz had to say..

I'm setting you another colour challenge as you all did such a good job of the last one. This time it's to use black and white and add just a hint of another colour. You can make anything you like. This week is also a non-Stampotique stamps week for your chance at a $30 gift certificate for Stampotique stamps.

I decided to make a card for this challenge.. it was so much fun to make and so different for me really..

I used a lovely stamp called Beauty Mosaic. I can see so many possibilities..

Thank you for calling today.. hope you can join in the fun.

Happy crafting, Gez.

Always remember.. art journaling page..

2011-09-13T14:25:00.008+01:00

Hi everyone, it's nice to be back on my blog!

Little did I know last week I would end up having a little unplanned blog break.. to say my life feels a little off kilter is a complete understatement...... but.... I'm working on it!

I suppose the last couple of months have finally caught up with me..

There are very few things making my mojo buzz at the moment.. apart from the BRAND NEW stamps from Stampotique Originals.. (woohoo! one of the upsides to my new life.... I will have time to stamp!!)

.. the other day while waiting at a local supermarket checkout (how do I always manage to choose the slowest moving queue).. there was only one man in front of me so surely that was in a good queue to pick? nope!! ..

.. I spotted a hairdressing magazine and thought arh! arh! models faces for collaging? and then my head started buzzing with excitment... small things! .. I couldn't get home quick enough!!

I looked through my box of left over pattered paper and picked out some scraps.. found a suitable image from the magazine... covered her in gel matte medium............................ and...................... DISASTER!

While smoothing out the bubbles when I adhered the image to my collage I accidently tore the image just under the chin.. oooooooooh!

I starred at her in disbelief!!!!!!!

I left my collage untouched for a while then decided to carry on regardless and I can't tell you how delighted I am with the results..... I hope you like her too!

My page carries an important message I want to share with everyone.Xxx

my collage page..

oops!

.... you'd never know! ... really..

Apologies for the watermark across her face...

if you would like an Atc size print I would be more than happy to send you one.. wherever you are :-)

I printed a copy out for one of my LSNED tags and was impressed!!!

So, shout up!

finished page in my large A4 watercolour folio Moleskine..

Stamps used: Journey Collage.. not sure about the swirl it's years old!..

The words read.... Always remember you are braver than you believe.. Stronger than you seem.. Smarter than you think.. and twice as Beautiful as you'd ever imagined..

Thank you for calling today and leaving a comment if you get the chance.. I really am looking forward to catching up with everyones blogs and creations really soon..... happy crafting. Gez.xxx

LSNED Day 4

2011-09-06T07:55:00.003+01:00

Day 4.. prompt 3! I'm going to get myself in a pickle if I'm not careful!! another lesson to be learnt there I think.. hehe..

Feet... Shimelle's prompt for today was feet.. it instantly made me think of kitty feet and our brand new kitten.. she has walked into our house, into lives and into our hearts! (eek.. she's off for her first jabs in the morning.. don't think I can take her!!)

Day 4 tag..

Stamps used: Hanging Heart's, BRAND NEW Lovely Wings, Paw
and crown

reverse side of tag..

Stamps used: Kitty & Paw

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance and if you are taking part in Shimelle's class let me know!

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

LSNED Day 3

2011-09-05T12:16:00.007+01:00

Day 3.. I was thinking of last Saturday when I made today's tag.. and realised it also ties in with Prompt 4.. specifics versus vague phrasing.. I've picked Clare as my specifics (hope you don't mind Clare! ;-) to represent all my lovely blog friends out there.. (am I making sense!!)

I was lucky enough to meet up with Clare (lovely, lovely friend ♥) at Art from the Heart at one of Kate's classes last weekend.. Yeah!

I know how lucky I am to have many, many friends in Blogland.. Thank You everyone....Xxxx

Lesson learned.. blog friends are real friends ♥

Stamp used: Daniel's Hearts & scrummy Dylusions paints for the background..

The reverse of my tag..

I thought it would serve as a nice reminder of our day!

Stamp used:Two Sticks

Thank You for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Happy Monday, Gez.xx

Art from the Heart's ~ 10th Birthday ~ Blog Hop!

2011-09-04T22:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome to a very exciting blog hop

in Celebration of 10 years of

Art from the Heart!

Lots of exciting things happening at Art from the Heart next weekend where the big birthday bash is happening. Want to know more then do click here to visit Dy's blog Art and Soul.

So in Celebration we are having 5 birthday blog hops.

You should have reached my blog from Julie Kirk at notes on paper and are on the Stampotique hop.

here is my project..

I used a selection of Stampotique Original stamps available here from Art from the Heart or may be ordered by Ben.

Before you move on - you will need to collect a letter from me which is

This is part of an anagram of a Stampotique product.

Once you get back to Dy's blog please email your answer to Ben.

Deadline for answers to be emailed to Ben will be 6pm Sunday 11th September

So after leaving me a comment you need to move on to

Kim Dellow at Crafty Makes

Have fun hopping!

***Comments box at top of this post... unless, you've come from Julie's..

LSNED ~ Day 2

2011-09-03T15:06:00.002+01:00

Every morning Shimelle sends a lovely email to our inbox's todays prompt was scared?

Stamps used: Girl with Heart purse & Long Splatter

I learnt an important lesson yesterday.. thank you for everyone's lovely blog comments and support..xx I learnt to just get on with it and not be scared! Easier said than done.. the unknown is very scarey sometimes.. but now I know I'm not alone..

journaling side of my tag.. I wanted to leave all the paint splatters etc., to add some interest and not cover them up!

Stamp used: 3 Girls & Flower Block

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Gez.xx

LSNED ~ Day 1

2011-09-02T11:58:00.004+01:00

Today I learnt.. it's a very important day for my Daughter as she set out for her first day of her 2nd year at sixth form studying for her 'A' levels.. am I sooooooo proud of her. I also learnt to face my fears and do it anyway.. I made a start emptying my Dad's house.. lots of first's on the 1st!

Today is the day.. I start my LSNED2011 tag book!

.. I am proud of her and naturally worry about her future.. I wished her Good Luck!

Stay safe my dearest daughter.xx

I painted my background using the fabby Dylusion paints and a fabulous NEW image from Stampotique Originals called Mela ... isn't she just GORGEOUS!

I am hoping to get painty and inky on the fronts of the tags.. and use up little bits of scraps hanging around in a box I keep for those ...... just in case moments!!

The backs of my tags are going to be for my journaling and hopefully a bit of info about the front.. I've made beautiful scrapbooks in the past for LSNED I wanted to try something different this time..

inside my tag book..

Sorry for having to blurr some of my tag.. just to be on the safe side..

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

LSNED 2011

2011-09-01T23:24:00.003+01:00

It's that time of year again! The time I dread.. as my little ones return to school.. it's going to be even worse this year with just losing my Dad.. I will be totally alone! how can I feel like an orphan at 44 but I do!

I am really not sure about taking Shimelle's class (LSNED) this time but I thought to myself this morning when the first email popped into my inbox.. why not.. so here I am! Front covers 'n' all!!!

Stamp used: Marci and Splatter Long

There is a buddy scheme running this time but I wouldn't want to 'put' myself on anyone.... I will be making observations everyday whether I will be up-to date making and blogging my pages is another matter!

Wish me luck!

Let me know if you are part of the class and I can pop over and say 'Hi'

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Stampotique Originals New Release Blog Hop!

2011-08-31T05:00:00.047+01:00

Welcome to Wednesday!

Have you been chomping at the bit waiting for Stampotique Originals to release some more of your favorite stamps? Well, you have stopped in at the right place today! We are thrilled to announce our newest releases featuring many of your favorite designers.

We've got new images from Jo Capper-Sandon, Maryse Carrier, Janet Klein and Daniel Torrente and Jill Penney. There's a great mix of Halloween images, nature images, some winter images and some cute kid images. There's an image for everyone to ink up and you are sure to find more than one that you will have to have.

Are you drooling yet? Are you wanting to see some of these creepy, crawly, cute and furry friends? Then join the design team and our special guest for our new release blog hop today starting here.

Make sure to leave a comment along the way and a randomly chosen commented will win some of these new stamps.

If you arrived here from Stampotique Designers Challenge then you are in the right place. If not, you will want to go back and start the hop at the Stampotique Designer's Challenge. From here you will want to visit Jane at Anything but... Plain Jane.

Below is a complete list in case you go off the beaten path and need some redirection.

Let us know what you think of the new stamps and which ones that you have seen are your favorite.

Here is a small mini box canvas 15cm x 15cm that I decorated for the Stampotique Originals New Release Blog Hop..

I am delighted to introduce you to Jordan With Love, Jammin' and Sweetmoves just 3 of the new releases available from today!

The background was created using Dylusions acrylic paints and sprays from Art from the Heart and some gorgeous techniques shown to me by Kate at The Kathryn Wheel at a recent class.. did you hear I went to a class!!

The balloons were made by painting Dylusion acrylic paints on to some special paper.. I can't remember it's name I'm sorry.. it's a bit like freezer paper.. the bunting was cut from pattern paper scraps..

The gorgeous NEW images (click on link to see them all..) were coloured using Copic pens.

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment.. good luck for the draw.

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

***Comments box at top of this post!

Meet Smudge!

2011-08-30T10:12:00.002+01:00

.... I can't believe we've had our beautiful kitten almost a week! She is using her litter tray, eating lots, has no trouble climbing the stairs, loves cuddles and is obsessed by a piece of string!!

our angel pie!

♥ Smudge ♥

Thank you for everyone's wonderful suggestions for names.. I still like Storm.. but not everyone agreed with me! She's still being called 'cat' altho we are trying to learn her name!!

It's wonderful to see how much joy she has brought to the whole family since she has been with us..

Special thanks to Jayne for helping me persuade the family ♥Smudge♥ is a perfect name for her altho I think Spiderman or Tink might be a more suitable name until she grows up! Smudge is into everything!!!! hehe..

I'm back blogging tomorrow with some very exciting news!! and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone's blogging when the children start school.. trying not to think about it too much at the moment.. still a couple of weeks left for my youngest! I'm dreading being on my own!!

Have a lovely week. Gez.xx

My wonderful day at AFTH!

2011-08-28T18:56:00.012+01:00

Well! I promised my next post would be crafty!

What I didn't tell you was it would be to share some art journaling pages I made at the More mini journaling inspirations workshop by Kate Crane at Art from the Heart.

What an AMAZING day.. sadly, over wayyyy too quickly!

It was lovely to finally put faces to names. I was lucky enough to spend the day in the company of lots of fantastic talented ladies..

...just the tonic I needed. Thank You lovely ladies.xxxxx

Here are 2 of my pages from Kate's workshop..

lots of texture and shimmer going on!

We used Dylusions paints and inks and Kate let us try out her dip pen :-)

The gorgeous girlie is one of Dina Wakley amazing new stamps.

Kate shared more exciting techniques with us and challenged us to use a rub-on, on our page.. the gorgeous little boy stamp is from Stampotique Originals.. Art from the Heart have an amazing range of Stampotique Original stamps :-) and what an Aladdins cave!

If you pop over to Kate's blog you will see her latest gorgeous journaling page and see the table groaning with lots of yumminess for us to play with on the day! Also, my lovely friend She celebrating her birthday!!

I've only got one photo to share with you at the moment with my lovely talented friend Clare..

Clare I've borrowed your pic.. much better than mine! eek.. I forgot to take my pinny off!!

What can I say.. I had an amazing day.. I wasn't really sure if I should go.. but I am so glad I did.. I enjoyed every single minute.. and miss you all so much already..

Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome and relaxed..

Can't believe how fast the day actually went.

Really, really hope it isn't too long before we can ALL meet up again.

Smiles, laughter, cake, fantastic company and lots and lots of paint and stamps..
..what more could a girl want!

Thank You!.. Gez.XXXXX

~♥♥~

Edited......... added another nabbed photo! (thanks, Sheila)
for the full story behind this photo pop over to Crafty She's blog!

~♥♥♥~

New furbaby!

2011-08-25T17:25:00.000+01:00

We've taken the plunge this week and adopted out first kitten! I've always been involved with cats and dogs and they have all been my Mum's.. this is my first own furbaby!

Meet Dusty, Selkie, Spyder, Ellie, Storm, Stella, Mouse... as no one can agree on her name as yet!

Cat as she is being called at the moment is 8 1/2 weeks old and about the size of 2 Distress Inks pads.. and is as light as a feather!

She's just like a little dust bunny!!

Cat has the most fluffiest baby coat ever.. which has a hint of red that the camera has captured.. I'm hoping this red will disappear as she gets older..

Gosh, it's like having a newborn baby in the house only without a nappy on!!!!

She's feeding every 4 hours and sleeping lots... and has commondeared the best seat in the house.. how did she know that? and why is no one moving her! hehe..

We've managed to get her to stay in her bed with an added cushion!

Soooooo do you have any interesting cat names that we can choose?

If we like it! I shall send a prize!

I'm hoping to be back with a crafty post next time.. today has been a difficult day to say the least.. thank you for everyone's kind wishes.. we've had blue sky and sunshine but it didn't make it any easier..

Gez.xx

Stampotique Designers Challenge

2011-08-24T09:37:00.004+01:00

It's time for a fabulous new challenge over at Stampotique Designers Challenge my apologies for not making it round to everyone.. I will be calling soon I promise.. life is a little upside down at the moment as I am arranging for my Dad's ashes to be put next to my Mum's tomorrow..

The lovely, gorgeous and talented Kate has set a brilliant challenge for you this time.. here is what Kate had to say..

I am always looking for ways to make art which is useful, something I can use in every day life so what better than a bookmark? You can never have enough of these ... I like to use them to mark pages in all of my favourite art publications! You can make any type of bookmark: A traditional straight bookmark, a corner bookmark, a swinging tag ... In any style: Vintage, funky, cute or weird. Anything goes! So go and dig out all for your favourite Stampotique stamps, it's time to get creative!

Here's my bookmark for the challenge.. doing it's job!

My bookmark is fairly flat as I didn't want anything too bulky warping the pages.. the background is a piece of old map.. showing London! so I just had to make Toby king for the day!

I've also used Jo Capper-Sandon's crown which fits perfectly on Toby's head.

Hope you can join us and play along for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate. Good luck. Gez.xx

Index Card A Day {ICAD} Challenge

2011-08-22T00:10:00.000+01:00

Wayyyy back at the start of June I joined the Index Card A Day Challenge right from the start but then my little world got turned completely upside down and inside out..

I'm still working through the challenge at my own pace but I thought I'd share what I did at the start in case you fancy joining me?

Tammy over at Daisy Yellow says it's okay to jump straight in with no need to play catch up but the prompts looked so tempting I'm starting at the begining!

.... This is what I wrote on my post but didn't get chance to blog.. way back when my life was oh, so different from the one I'm leading now.. I wanted to share this post with you on my blog as I think it really is a great challenge..

Here are my first seven cards from week 1..

1st June ~ spring flowers

Stamps used: Marci, Altered 4U, Flower Block

2nd June ~ simple pleasures

Stamp used: 3 Girls

3rd June ~ white & yellow

Stamps used: Olive Rose, Friends hold you up...

4th June ~ circles

Stamps used: Timeless

5th June ~ flying

Stamps used: Medium Bee.. and Splatter Long

6th June ~ missed opportunity

Stamps used: Queen Of Life, and Swirl Stalks

7th June ~ marguerita

Stamps used: Kitty, Hanging Hearts, and LOVE travels..

There are 10 prompts a week so you might choose something totally different.. your set of cards will be unique to you.

My index cards seemed quite flimsy so each side was given a coat of white gesso. I have mounted each card onto a plain white tag and put them onto a large ring.. the prompts last for June, July and August adding up to 90 cards! Mmmmmm... we shall see how far this little Gemini makes it!!!!

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance. Let me know if you decide to join the challenge and I can pop by!

Happy crafting. Gez ♥

Well, little did I know back then.. I didn't get very far at all!..

one day I might be able to come back to the challenge.. Gez.xx

Altered page challenge..

2011-08-19T00:55:00.006+01:00

Have you seen the current challenge over at Stampotique Designers Challenge blog?

Valerie is challenging you to try altering a page in a book - any book counts and this challenge is open to any stamps!

Group 2 of the Design Team have been busy sharing their creations this week.. why not give it a try and be in with a chance of wining a $30 gift certificate to spend at Stampotique Originals.

Here is an altered page from my journal.. it's actually pinned to my crafty dresser at the moment.. I so love the words.. I can't take credit for them but did ask their owner a while back if I could use them on my artwork.. I am now desperately trying to remember where I found them.. my mind is else where at the moment.. please forgive me..

I just love these words!

I have used Distress Ink pads for the background and some of my favourite stamps from Stampotique Originals.. Moon Girl, Medium Bee, Swirl Stalks (did you spot my little snail.. he pops up a lot on my pages! ;) also, Timeless.

Hope you can join us. Love Gez.xx

~♥~

Thanks again to everyone for your support this week.. why, did I think life would go back to being normal!! I'm off to the solicitors tomorrow.. another learning curve, wish me luck!!

... I've blogged a couple of amazing pics on my other blog.. if you fancy a peep over at Dandelions & Cookies! or why not join me and play along with The Simple Woman's Daybook..

What's next?

2011-08-17T18:15:00.005+01:00

a little art journaling?

but of course!

Thank you for everyone's condolences and kind wishes for the funeral on Monday.. goodness, what a learning curve! and not a nice one.. it's been a difficult few months for my family.. I am hoping we can spend some time together before the school holidays come to an end.. just doing normal things!

Art journaling has been a great help over the last few months as well and last night I just felt the urge to get inky.. here's a quickie page I made before bed..

All my lists are gone.. what's a girl to do?

I do love how the girlie is starring into the empty space on my page.. I did think about adding some stars.. like she's looking up to the heavens for guidance.. but I like it like this..

Oh, I did have trouble getting my black pen to write over gel matte medium :-(

sooooo I'm not totally happy with my hand writing! The gorgeous girl and other elements are from Tumble Fish Studio.. always a wonderful place for a mooch.. I just love her!

Thanks for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.. thank you to everyone for your support at this difficult time.. I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Tattie bye..

2011-08-15T00:36:00.000+01:00

..what my Dad always said to his grandchildren!

It's my Dad's funeral today.. life feels a bit surreal at the moment..

I'm worried it's going to rain, worried I won't be able to read,

I'm worried the songs won't play okay at the Crematorium..

will the flowers look okay..

worried my little one won't behave.. he's been acting out of character just lately!

I'm worried about the buffet afterwards.. did I ring everybody??

Dad

Author: Unknown

You gave no one a last farewell,
Nor ever said goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.
A million times we'll miss you.
A million times we'll cry.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else can ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.
We will meet again some day,
I know in a better place.
I thank God He made you my Dad,
While you were here on earth.

my Brave Dad..

... promise to be back blogging soon -x-

Stampotique Designer's Challenge ~ Altered page

2011-08-10T09:30:00.003+01:00

It's time for a FANTASTIC new challenge over at Stampotique Designer's Challenge.. I really hope you can join us!

Please can I say a very BIG Thank You first...... for everyone's condolences and kind wishes on my last post.. it's been a most dreadful time in my little world with a long way still to go... I have to gain some kind of peace hoping my Mother & Father are together again.. it's been a harrowing time watching my Father suffer in the months before his death and at times I have wondered how we are allowed as civilised human beings allowed to watch a kindred spirit suffer in such a way... I now face organising a funeral.. what a learning curve.. I would like to say some words at my Father's funeral but I am sure I haven't the confidence.. something I'm thinking about... in the mean time I have enjoyed getting painty for the latest Stampotique Designer's Challenge.

I decided to take photographs along the way.. so please bare with me!

sneak peak!

First of all I coated the pages in white Gesso and waited for them to dry properly..

I was so lucky to work in someone's journal.. it was a terrifying experience.. ..when it's not your own book!!

I inked up Antique Description (MUST have stamp! can't wait to show you more projects using this wonderful stamp!) using black Archival Ink.. I needed to use an ink that was permanent and an that wouldn't bleed when I applied more wet layers..

next I coloured the pages with Distress Inks..

now time for some fun!

I stamped Splatter Long and Abstract Foliage on my pages..

then I stamped Arty and lots, and lots! of Drawing Pencils

onto watercolour paper..

close ups!

lots of lovely thick blobby (technical word!) paint..

... more close ups!

my finished page..

click to enlarge

Special thanks to Val for a great challenge. Would you like to join our challenge?

Well then, Val is challenging you to try altering a page in a book, any book, even a journal. How fabby is that!

Please pop over to the Stampotique Designer's Challenge to see some gorgeous inspiration from the Design Team to whet your appetite and remember if you do decide to join us you may be in with a chance to win a $30 gift certificate for Stampotique. As its the first challenge of the month you can use any stamps at all, although it's great if you do choose to use Stampotique of course!

Good luck and enjoy the challenge!

~♥♥~

I promise to call and thank everyone personally for their lovely comments regarding my Dad.. thank you everyone for being there and for making me feel not so alone... it may be a week or two so please forgive.. Much love, Gez.Xxx

My Brave Dad..

2011-08-06T13:33:00.000+01:00

died peacefully in hospital this morning..

Forgive me if I'm not around for a day or two..
Love to you all.Xxxxx

Stampotique Designer's Challenge ~ Red, Yellow, Orange

2011-08-03T09:11:00.003+01:00

Hot! Hot! Hot! or what!!

That's the current challenge over at the Stampotique Designer's Challenge blog.

Our lovely hostess Kaz chose the theme Red, Yellow, Orange.. here is what Kaz had to say..

"When I took this week for my challenge back in the winter, I thought it would be lovely and summery so I decided to set a colour challenge using the sizzling colours of red, yellow and orange. I should have known better really as I do, after all, live in England. It's been positively Autumnal this month. Rain, wind and grey skies. Yuk. So I'd like you to help us entice the sunshine back to help warm my cold toes!!"

It's time for Group 1 to share their artwork and inspiration with you today...

Here is my tag..

Stamps used: Moth Fab, Journey Collage, Swirl Stalks, Abstract Foliage, Hanging Hearts, and Carol's Flower, (small)

Join us for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate to spend at Stampotique Originals by creating a new creation using your Stampotique stamps. Good luck ♥

I really hope the sun shines wherever you are today.. Gez.xx

A few Atc's!

2011-08-02T12:47:00.002+01:00

It feels like ages since I've had time to make some Atc's!..

I took the opportunity this morning to get painty and inky!..

I Gesso'd white cardstock and then threw lots of ink sprays and Distress Inks at the background.. I didn't realise how hard it would be to stamp onto Gesso... something new I've learned.. my Stazon pad was completely dried up.. so I had to use dye ink.. I am hoping they will be okay for a swap.. they look better IRL!

I've used another of my favourite sentiment stamps 3 Girls from Stampotique Originals.. Life is nothing without friendship..

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Happy crafting, Gez.xx

P.S..! Thank You so very much for everyone's kind wishes and comments on my last journal page.. life is throwing me lemons the size of watermelons at the moment!! THANK YOU for being there..Xxx

Bloggers Challenge ~ Embossing

2011-07-31T18:47:00.002+01:00

It's time for a brand NEW challenge this week over at the at the Bloggers Challenge and this weeks theme is..

embossing..

click to enlarge

What a gorgeous challenge thanks girls.. I had soooo much fun making this card.

I've used a couple of gorgeous stamps Olive Rose and Sunbeam from Stampotique Originals. The die-cuts are from a lovely 6" Paper Pad called Gypsy Sisters by Kaisercraft..

I got these papers for my birthday last year from my dear crafty buddy Net and haven't wanted to use them until today! Does anyone else hoard paper just for admiring or is it just me??

Thanks for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance. Happy crafting. Gez.xx

Art journal page..

2011-07-28T13:35:00.002+01:00

Hi Blog-creatures! ... don't you just love that phrase!! It's belongs to the lovely Maria.. it makes me smile everytime I visit her gorgeous artful blog ♥

Life's a bit complicated in my little world at the moment and unfortunately, I'm not commenting on blogs as much as I'd like too.. I'm around as much as I can and enjoying catching up when I get a minute to catch my breath..

.. waiting for the kettle to boil at bedtime last night.. I got a little painty!

..click to enlarge..

There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept,

Things we don't want to know but have to learn,

and people we can't live without but have to let go......

Promise to call soon..

Yours, Gez ♥

Stampotique Designer's Challenge ~ sneak peak!

2011-07-27T09:05:00.006+01:00

It's that time again! Time for a brand NEW challenge today over at the Stampotique Designer's Challenge.

Yeah! This week our fabulously talented hostess Kaz is challenging you to a red hot theme.. pop over and see the gorgeous inspiration from Group 2 of the Design Team and be inspired. Please remember this challenge is a STAMPOTIQUE ONLY stamps week.

A Special Thank You.... to everyone that joined my flower challenge! There were so many gorgeous entries.. I loved them ALL! xx

Next week Group 1 will be sharing their inspiration with you.. here's my sneak peak!

Join us for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate to spend at Stampotique Originals. How FABULOUS is that!

Thanks for calling. Have a great week. Happy crafting. Gez ♥

Blogger's Challenge ~ Summertime

2011-07-24T09:27:00.033+01:00

That's the theme this week over at the Blogger's Challenge..

Kim and Lisa are challenging us to think about what summer means.. in my family it (normally!) means taking life at a slower pace.. a break from the norm... NO school run each day or rushing about in the mornings and of course, vacations and day's out or just chilling in the garden while the children play in the sandpit or the pool..

I decided on a journal page for my entry... I have a gorgeous House Mouse stamps that sums up summer to me.... and can I find him! NO! That's my job later today... I'm on a mission! ;-)

Yesterday, my two boys signed up for a summer reading challenge at the local library and while they were choosing books I wandered over to the section where 'old' library books that have seen better days are taken out of circulation... and I caught myself a nice little selection of books that will be great for mixed media.

So.... after giving one of them a good old clean with a damp cloth I set about adding some Gesso to a couple of the pages.... and the rest just followed!

click to enlarge

I'm not sure if Moth Fab is quite as happy at the prospect of school finishing for the summer!! I just love Head! I was a bit concerned about sunburn so I gave them both paper sailor hats... I also used Hopscotch which is great game my little ones love to play!

The background stamps used are Splatter Long, Swirl Stalks, Medium Bee with Tiny Bee.. and my favourite Stampotique Originals stamp of the moment.. Flower Block.

Anyone spot the little bicycle? Summer wouldn't be complete without watching the Tour de France.. can't believe it's nearly over though!

What does summer mean to you? Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Happy crafting. Gez. ♥

Flower Power Tag

2011-07-20T10:55:00.005+01:00

I've made a tag this morning using the latest Challenge theme over at Stampotique Designer's Challenge.

The current theme is to use flowers on your design and create a project using stamps from any company.

It's time for Group 2 of the Design Team to share their wonderful artwork and inspiration with you today Here

Here is my tag...

Stamps used: Joyful and Sunbeam

Sunbeam... I used to get called that when I was little!! :-)

I am very lucky to have made friends with lots of sunbeam's through crafting and blogging. Thank You for being there..xx

Don't forget there is a chance for you to win a $30 gift certificate from Stampotique Originals by joining us for the latest challenge over at Stampotique Designer's Challenge blog .. so what are you waiting for?!

Hope you can join us. Good luck and Happy crafting, Gez.xx

Chunky book swap page..

2011-07-17T19:41:00.002+01:00

I can happily share another completed chunky book swap page that I know has been received by it's owner!

Here is the page I made for Lindsay Mason's book.. The Magic of Water.

click to enlarge

This was soooooo much fun! Great theme Lindsay :-)

The page was made on 4"x4" white mountboard. I've used Distress Inks for colouring. All the stamps used are from Crafty Individuals.

Special Thanks to She for being a Wonderful hostess and for making gorgeous covers for our books and pulling them altogether.

I look forward to sharing my book on my blog soon now the camera is back from Italy.... oooh, how I wish the settings hadn't been fiddled with!!

Thank you for calling and leaving a comment if you get the chance.

Wishing everyone a great week. Happy crafting. Gez ♥

LAST! of the Circle Journal pages!

2011-07-16T16:19:00.005+01:00

Gosh! I can't believe it's 12 months since I said good-bye to my Circle Journal.. it's due home within the next month... I am sooooo excited!

Here are the pages I've made for the last book in the swap... I KNOW it's arrived home safely... so I can blog the pages.

It was Nicky's birthday last Thursday and I tried to get her book back home to her for then.. not sure if Royal Mail delivered in time!

Nicky's theme was view from my window... here are my pages for Nicky..

(Apologies as photographs were taken the night before they were posted!)

Lots of Gesso and acrylic paint and Stickles!

view from front window!

My children love to sledge down the hill when it snows!

I used lots of Distress Inks on my pages and included a couple of gorgeous stamps from Stampotique Originals.

view from back window!

Stanley the snowman kept me company for weeks when I went to wash up at the kitchen sink.. he was right there!

Stamps used: Batty, Kitty and Web (altho I have no spider webs in my house, I promise! ;-)

Well! I feel LOST!!

What do I do now the Circle Journal is finished?

All suggestions gratefully accepted :-)

I am of course, so excited about getting my CJ home!

Thank you for calling.

Have a great weekend. Hugs, Gez.xx