My stationery box for charity

I hope you're all well.  My day did not start off as planned - 7.45am the power went out and stayed off for 2 hours!  Then, just as I settle into my craft room to create I get a phone call from school saying my little guy is not feeling well.  I pick him up and he prompty starts throwing up :(   The up-side is that he slept all day so I managed to craft aferall!

I've been busy creating another stationery box - this time for a charity event I volunteer for.  We always hold a silent auction during the event so instead of doing just cards, I thought I'd do this box for something different.

The set of animal stamps is from SU! and inked with Memento Rich Cocoa.  The paper is from a Costco stash.  I used different nestie label sets on the cards, embossing folders, MS zigzag punch and lots of raffia!

The tags are stamped with each animal design then distress inked around the edges with Tea Dye.

Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit.  I love when you're able to come by and leave a comment - I enjoy reading them so much!  I hope I'm able to sit down and catch up on some commenting tonight - I just haven't had time to blog hop today!

Hugs,

Danielle x

Edit:  I have posted a link to this tutorial before but here it is again for those who want it.  It is in 2 parts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Vvk3T-puI&feature=PlayList&p=C11390C88547BEC5&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmlHCOBhxqw&feature=PlayList&p=C11390C88547BEC5&index=2&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL

My second Stationery Box Set

Hello my friends!

With 2 days left before Christmas I hope you are all ready to go and not stressing about anything! I am off to have physiotherapy this morning so hopefully my knee won't be giving me too many issues over the holidays. My solution to that could be to just keep drinking wine then I won't feel any pain, lol!!!

Anyways, here is my second Stationery Box set that I made. I went with my favourite colour, aqua. The tutorial link for this is on my previous post (I found it in YouTube). Again, I included 6 all occasion cards (see below) & envelopes, 6 tags, gift ribbon, 2010 calendar, stamps & pen.

Here's a quick view of the 6 cards I made. The sentiments come from The Stamp Barn, the bird is a Hero Arts stamp and the willow is Sunshine Designs. I paired the aqua with pink in this set to make it fresh and spring-like!

Well, thanks for stopping by today and sharing your precious time with me and my little blog! I will take the opportunity now for those who won't be able to make it back for the next few days to wish you all A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & MANY BLESSINGS FOR 2010. A huge thank you for being such awesome blogging friends, following my blog and leaving such inspiring and uplifting comments for me. I truly appreciate every one of you and my life is so much richer for the beautiful friends I've found on here!

Hugs,

Danielle x

Stationery Box Gift Set

Hi there!

I got down to some serious crafting today. I wanted to find a tutorial for a Stationery Box Set and I came across this fabulous one on YouTube. I was a little intimidated when I first saw it thinking it would be quite challenging, but the opposite was true - it is SUPER easy and quick!! So easy in fact I made two!

I used a cardstock with a colour co-ordinating dp from my stash. I also used the same papers in making up the 6 matching cards that fit into the back pocket.

View of the Stationery Box set open displaying all its components

Here are the 6 cards I put together for this set. I essentially made 2 each of 3 designs. I wanted something quick and easy so there are no coloured images in here at all. I went for very simple and elegant. The cute bird stamp is Hero Arts. Border punch is Fleur de Lys from EK Success. I added a calendar for 2010 (my mum sent me a bunch from WHSmith) instead of a little address book. A nice way to keep note of birthdays & occasions throughout the coming year.

Well, that's it. I will show you my second set either later today or tomorrow. As much as I don't want to do it, my house cleaning has been put on the back-burner to my crafting recently so a good clean-up is needed today before Christmas! I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful day and are wrapping things up (literally, lol) before Christmas!

Thanks for your visit and the time to leave a much appreciated comment. On an extra note before I leave, I am thrilled to have reached 200 followers so I think I will be spreading the joy in the New Year with some candy! So be sure to watch out!

Hugs,

Danielle x

A Hostess Gift

Hi there!

Wow - it's Friday already! I hope you've had a productive week and have been able to finish up all your Christmas cards and projects.

My husband and I have been invited out tonight to a Wine & Cheese party so I've put together this little hostess gift. The bottle is 'Epicure' Mulling Spices and the tin is a sugar Fireside Rimmer. I will include a bottle of red wine too.

I focused my colours on the Bo Bunny paper and coloured Tilda accordingly with my copics. I cut out a large circle nestie and punched out snowflakes on some glitter cardstock. Tilda is cut out and popped up on dimensional squares.

For the hexagonal jar, I measured each panel and scored. Be sure to measure enough to have a tab at the end to tape together ('cos I made this mistake, lol)!!! I placed a snowflake die cut (cuttlebug) on the lid which is covered with Twinklets (Diamond Dust) and tied a bow around the jar.

A close-up of Tilda on the tin

These gifts were relatively inexpensive but with the extra handmade detail can be made into beautifully personalised gifts. I know our friends will love them as she is very artsy herself.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by today. I have a few things to finish off and then I think I'm pretty much done. The boys finish school today and so does my husband so everyone starts their holidays together - yippee!!!

I wish you all a fabulous day and for those in England although experiencing snow I hope you enjoy it!!!

Hugs,

Danielle x

Some Christmas Gifts

Hi there!

I hope this post finds you all well. We are suffering deep freeze temps today (-20oc & -30oc with wind chill) so it's a good excuse to stay put in my warm craft room for the rest of the day! I'm just back in from my sons' Kindergarten Christmas Sing-a-Long - so cute!!

The journal I'm showing is an altered project I did for Josh's Secret Santa gift. I picked the journal up in Dollarama for $2 and then got to work on it with the sweet Anya image. Some embossing, ribbon, bling embellishments and Prima flowers pull everything together. I sure hope she likes it!

Well, that's me for today. A quick posting as I have some other stuff I still need to get done! I'll be showing you another gift I've put together tomorrow, so please come back if you can! I hope you all enjoy a fabulous day and stay warm wherever you are!

Hugs,

Danielle x

Another Sweet Birdhouse!

Hi there!

Wow - it's Wednesday already - this week sure is flying by fast!! I managed to get a load of handmade gifts done yesterday for my sons' teachers. I made another attempt at the Magnolia birdhouse and have to say I'm SO much happier with this one - I love how it turned out!

I printed the template directly onto kraft paper and cut it out, then using white pigment ink stamped a snowflake design all over. It's very subtle (and you may need to click on the picture for a closer view) but IRL it looks gorgeous. I used some Magnolia paper for the roof - I wanted to get the feel of a gingerbread creation for the house.

This side angle picture gives a clearer view on the roof, sentiment and embellishment. I also added a cream silk bow with a red button and twine to the front. Inside is stuffed full of chocolate truffles, mmmm!! I also placed a small velcro fastening on the opening side of the roof so it sits flat when closed.

Well, there you have it! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to look and leave a comment - it's much appreciated! I'm excited for the boys' teachers to see their gifts!! I hope you all have a fabulous day - it's getting really cold here at the moment - highs of -15oc!!!

Hugs,

Danielle x

A Magnolia Ink inspired project

Hello!

Wow - it's the 2nd Sunday of Advent already! The boys are getting super excited so we decided to get our Christmas tree today. So the house has been bustling with twinkling lights and my boys singing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" whilst decorating! I love this time of year!!

Anyways, I was flicking through my most precious Magnolia Ink magazine and decided to give this little birdhouse project a go! The template is provided so I photocopied it onto cardstock and away I went. With it being my first attempt I would want to improve on it but I have to say I like the way it turned out. It really does make a sweet little project. My middle son, Joel, just loved it and has decided he wants this for his teacher gift. So we'll likely fill it with goodies and give it to his very artsy teacher who I'm sure will love and appreciate it.

The dp is a double-sided 12x12 from a buy at Costco. It's really pretty. The bird is a Sunshine Designs stamp and the branches are from the MS punch. The circle sentiment on the roof is Magnolia - that side of the roof opens up so you can place goodies inside.

Thanks for coming over for a visit today - I always appreciate you taking the time to stop by and say hi! I know how busy it is at this time of year so any comments left are even more greatly appreciated!!

Take care and I hope you all enjoy the last bit of weekend! It looks like we're gearing up for the first big snow storm of the year on Wednesday - apparently 20cm is coming our way!!

Hugs,
Danielle x

A sweet money purse!

Hi there!

My posts are being somewhat sporadic right now as I have christmas card orders to fill and am busy doing lots of 'seasonal' stuff, so the next couple of weeks I'll be reducing my blogging time! I came across this cute money holder today when I was visiting my friends in The Stamp Barn(sorry, I don't know who to give the credit to for the template & idea) but I came home and made one up. It's a super cute purse shape and is really easy to do. This is my first one and the next time I would definitely use a sheet of double-sided dp so it gives a nicer finish on the inside. I will still gift this one to my niece though for christmas!

Tilda with Candy is coloured with my copics and then trimmed. Paper and ribbon are from stash. If I perfect this a little better then I will post a template with instructions. Below is a pic of the inside and the little pouch for either money or a gift card. Circular magnets keep the purse closed. I will most likely finish off the middle panel and put a nestie label on there to write my message. This is why I think a double-sided dp sheet will work much better!

Anyways, thanks for stopping by and taking a peek! I love to read your comments so please leave one if you have the time!

Take care all and I'll post again when I next get a chance - can't promise when it'll be!!

Hugs,

Danielle x

So busy ..... with so little time!

Hello my friends!

I just wanted to let you know that I've been busy with visitors and also preparing for a birthday party that I'm doing tomorrow. This is my first birthday party comission for 10 9/10 yr old girls - I'm very excited but it has meant lots of preparation, on top of having to entertain visitors at the same time! My middle son too is dealing with some medical issues and we're having him tested for celiac disease. It has been a trying time.

Hopefully next week I will get back in the swing of things and spend some more quality time in my craft room. I have been quite sporadic leaving comments etc. on all your blogs - I've viewed your beautiful work, I just haven't had the time to leave a comment - my sincere apologies! I'm desperately missing not doing my usual challenges too.

I created another concertina pocket file and I'll be teaching this class at Heather's on October 17th. Check out her schedule here if you're in the area and want to participate! I'd love to see you there!
Well, I wish you all a beautiful weekend whatever you're doing. We have sunshine here today before the forecast of 4 days of rain!

Hugs,

Danielle x

A Treat for you All!

THIS CANDY IS NOW CLOSED!!

Hello my crafty friends!!

I found this fab tutorial yesterday and couldn't resist trying it! This gorgeous and very easy concertina pocket holder is such a sweet and awesome little gift to make - I had soooo much fun doing this! I used the new Tilda image from the Fall Kit and coloured her with the copics. I've used beautiful fall colours to match the designer paper I used. The MS border punch and some flowers from stash finish the front panel off. I will also enter this into the Magnolia-licious HighLites challenge. I'm adding an edit in here to include the Cute Card Thursday challenge this week - Hidden Treasure. I think this project fits the bill perfectly! I've just seen the Magnolia Down Under Challenge too and it's for "Anything but a Card" - so I'm entering this into it too!

Side view showing the concertina pockets.
View from the top showing the pockets.

So here comes the fun part - can you guess what's in the pockets? Yes, that's right - some candy!! I am giving away this sweet holder filled with yummy bits of candy. Included are adhesive pearls, prima flowers, 6 unmounted Alota stamps, ribbon, stamped Magnolia Fall Kit images, 12 spacers.

All you have to do is leave a comment and spread the word about my candy. If you like my work and would like to be a follower that would be awesome but it's not a requirement. I will close the candy next Friday September 25th.

Thanks for stopping by today - I love having you visit!
Hugs,
Danielle x

My cupcake holder

Hi there!

Thanks to those who helped me yesterday in my quest to find a tutorial for a cupcake holder! I did find what I was looking for and it helped me create my own template! Yes, can you believe it, I made my own template!!!! I've never been particularly brilliant at math and numbers etc. so when I managed to figure out my own dimensions and layout, I made this one. Actually, I made a couple and the first one was shallower and longer but I prefer this one. (Apologies for the wonky picture!!)

And my need for a cupcake holder, well I'm doing a birthday party for my neighbour's 10 yr old daughter! And we're making cupcake holders and a card. I was inspired after having received my new Magnolia Fall kit and seeing all the new baking themed Tilda & Edwins!

I am at Heather's today doing a Make & Take using Smooch. I haven't used this product before so I'm looking forward to having some play time! It's raining so it's a perfect day to be hanging around with my craft stuff!!

Hope you all enjoy a wonderful day! And for my fellow Brits, have a fun Bank Holiday weekend!

Hugs,

Danielle x

Edit:

This is my Smooch slider card which I made this afternoon at Heathers. We had so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with Smooch! This is a very fun little slider card - super easy to do!

Photo Album

Hi!

Well, as promised I'm back with my post. This is a project I've been working on these past few days for a friend's birthday. I was lucky enough to have received one of these from my beautiful blogging friend Linda so I decided to give one a try. I absolutely loved doing it and I really hope my friend will like it. It is so very easy to do, especially when you have co-ordinating papers, lol!!!

I used Prima flowers, border & retro flower punches, metal embellishments, tulle, ribbon and adhesive pearls to embellish the pages.
I hope the photos show well - they still don't really do the album justice though, it's so much nicer in real life!

That's it for today! I'm out enjoying the gorgeous sunshine later today with friends at their pool. Tomorrow I think will involve some more back-to-school shopping for the boys. Boys and shopping don't really ever mix well together so I know it will be as short a trip as possible! Hopefully that means there'll be some crafting time for me as I hear there is supposed to be rain tomorrow!

I hope you're all enjoying a fabulous day!

Hugs,

Danielle x

Another Notepad Project

Happy day to you all!

I know a sweet girl who is turning 12 tomorrow and wanted to make her a little gift. So I pulled out one of my notepads and got down to altering it with this sweet Tilda image. I used some handmade mulberry paper this time to cover the notepad with - I love the look of it! I decided to go with quite a vintage/distressed look this time. I coloured Tilda with my prisma pencils and OMS. I found this gorgeous brown lace in the dollar store this morning - I bought all the colours they had (only $1 each)!! The corner flourish is a Bosskut die. The paper is from MME Wild Asparagus pack. Here's a close-up picture. I glimmer misted and glamour dusted the flower but it doesn't show up very well in the photo.

And here's how I finished the inside. I used this gorgeous sentiment and distressed the edges of the kraft paper with my distresser and Frayed Burlap ink. I'm going to put this into the Simon Says Stamp challenge 'Anything but a card' - I think I'm cutting it fine with the deadline!!
Thanks for coming by for a visit! If you haven't done it already, be sure to sign up for the cute Santa stamp - you have until tomorrow evening before I pull a name! Thanks again for all your encouraging and uplifting comments - they continually inspire me to continue crafting!
Hugs,
Danielle x

Winter Wonderland Challenge - Christmas Crackers!

Hi there!

Just a quick posting this evening as I managed to have a little more play time and found this sweet party favour/cracker tutorial over on SCS. You can find it here.

The Winter Wonderland challenge this past week has been to create a christmas cracker so this fits into it perfectly! It was really quick and easy to do and I just finished it up by using the cb snowflake die cut and embossed it through the swiss dots folder. A pearl and some stickles, with some ribbon, finish the project off nicely. Phew, just getting this into the challenge by the skin of my teeth, lol!

Hope you enjoyed this and be sure to check out the tutorial - it's very fun to do! Hope you all enjoy a wonderful evening.

Hugs,

Danielle x

Working with Prismacolour Pencils

Good Monday morning all!

Wow, what an extremely busy weekend we've had at the Softball Diamond with my eldest son - he made it to the finals in his tournament play-offs and although they played really well were the runners-up! No stamping time for me at all these past few days.

However, I'm posting up the images I coloured on the notepads I did for the boys' teachers. I've recently expanded my collection of Prisma pencils so have been playing around with them a lot on my last few images. I love working with them and am starting to get the feel of blending and shading! The work I see on other blogs with these pencils is so inspiring to me and I love just being able to play around with so many different types of colouring mediums!

I hope you're all enjoying a fabulous day. Thanks for popping over today and taking the time to look at my post and leave a comment - your words are always so much appreciated! Until next time .....!

Hugs,

More altered note pads ....

Hi there!

It's been a busy couple of days .....unfortunately not too much time to make any challenge cards as I've been fulfilling some card orders and requests for these note pads! They've been really popular with my friends and I've been making LOTS, besides what I still have yet to do for my own kids' teachers gifts, lol!!!

So, this is just a quick post to show you what I've been up to - each one is totally different from the next. I coloured both these Tildas with copics.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by today! I hope I can get some challenge cards done and be able to post up within the next day or so. We have been enjoying glorious sunshine but the weather man is saying rain for the next 4 days - I so hope he's wrong, lol!!!

Hugs,

Edit: I'm posting a view of the inside of the notepads as requested by my mother!!

A butterfly flies beside us .....

Good Saturday morning all!

Well, I am feeling worlds better and back to my normal self.  Thank you so much to everyone who left such sweet wishes - your messages really touched me!

I was asked to make another one of these butterfly wall hangings for a friend.  I used a blank artist canvas and covered it with scrapbook paper.  I was told purple was a favourite colour so I went with that.  I coloured the butterfly with my Tombow markers and airbrushed the background. (Apologies for the wonky photo!!).

Here's a close-up of the butterfly.  I used a gemstone swirl for the butterfly trail which I really love!  The random butterflies are from my MS punch - the plain pink ones I ran through the swiss dots cb embossing folder to add some detail.  Paper flowers, MS branch punch and ribbon finish off the piece.  Here's a close-up of the verse - I just love these words.

Thanks for stopping by today and visiting me!  Your comments are always so much appreciated. I'm off to blog-hop for a bit and catch up on some commenting and see what wonderful things all you crafting friends have been up to!  Hope you all enjoy a fabulous day!

Hugs,

Altered Notebooks - And an Award!

Hello all!

I have a quick posting just to share some of the other altered notebooks I finished.  I have had people interested in buying these for their teacher gifts so I guess I will be making more for my own sons' teachers!  It's a good thing they're fun to do!

I will try and be back later with another posting if possible!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

EDIT:

I received this beautiful award from my sweet and very talented blogging friend, Cheryl. Thanks so much for this Cheryl - it's such an inspiring award to receive!  It is for one who shows great attitude and gratitude! 

The rules of the Lemonade Stand Awards are

comment on this blog

*cut and paste the award logo and use it on your own blog

*nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude

*link to your nominees within your blog post

*comment on their blogs to let them know they received the award

*link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation

So now I will pass it on to the following great bloggers who are always inspiring me…

Joey

Judy

Christine

Riet

Nikki