A Crafty Kind of Truffle

A Trio of ATC's

2012-02-11T09:00:00.000Z

Well by now you will have guessed I have bought a few IndigoBlu stamps recently as this trio of ATC's uses a combination of several sets! I have used Distress Inks (Mustard Seed, Crushed Olive, Frayed Burlap), Wow embossing powder, ribbon, shrink plastic, steam punk and bling.

Dream

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000Z

This layout is 8" x 8", not normally a size I work in. The stamp is from IndigoBlu (Anenome Corner) I have used Distress Inks (Worn Lipstick and Fired Brick, Brushed Corduory) to make the background and stamp with and have added Glossy Accents to the flowers. I used Sizzix Framelits to die cut the photograph and mount, the Dream title is an Alterarions die and I added a bit of bling with pearl gems.

Thank You card

2012-02-09T09:00:00.010Z

I made this card using lilac gingham card, black card, lilac ribbon, white flower ribbon (Tim Holtz), puplre metallic brads, Distress Ink (Dusty Concord), Wow embossing powder (Violet Pearl) and the stamp is from Indigo Blu (Love Is).

WOYWW

2012-02-08T09:00:00.014Z

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Hop on over to see Julia and approximately 170 other crafty bloggers and see what everyone has been upto this week.

On my desk this week is my art journal which I have only recently started and I am loving the whole concept. I have been playing with some new stamps too from IndigoBlu, they are fabulous but I do need to kick my butt as I still havent made Mr Rum's valentine card yet so I think this will be my next project, after a journal page inspired by the recent snowy conitions!
Huge thank you to everyone who visited me last week and sincere apologies to those I didnt get around to visiting, I hope to do better this week. Have a lovely crafty week xxx

Gibraltar Layout

2012-02-07T09:00:00.011Z

I made this layout using two fabulous sets of stamps from IndigoBlu (Nature 1 and Wild Meadow). The stamps stamp beautifully and work well with embossing powder too. These photos were take by my son Tom on his trip to Gibraltar in 2009.

Recycled Tag

2012-02-06T09:00:00.009Z

I made this tag using the packaging from some Prima flowers (the main background) and the card in the light came from ideology packaging.

Tweet Tweet

2012-02-05T09:00:00.020Z

This is a tiny birdbox I have had knocking around for ages and I have finally got around to decorating it! I painted it with dabbers and stamped tiny flowers on before adding ribbon to the roof and edge.

My Journey Begins....

2012-02-04T09:00:00.009Z

This is the first page in my journal, I thought I would start with somethiing bright and these pinks fit the bill.

Charmed I'm Sure

2012-02-03T09:00:00.029Z

I used alcohol inks to brighten up the silver bracelet below. I also inked some metal leaves, a heart charm, philosphy tag, some shrink plastic (which I then stamped on) and a bird cage. I added these along with some beads to complete it.

Hello

2012-02-02T22:06:00.000Z

A quick Hello to my good friends JP and Lori

Keep Calm and......

2012-02-02T09:00:00.003Z

Check out the Keep Calm Poster website Here, there are lots of fab posters and you can even make your own for free!

WOYWW

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000Z

You can find other fabulous crafty blogs HERE at this great blog hop hosted by the lovely Julia Dunnit

Well I finally got my own little craft room! It has only taken since October to kick Mr Rum out but it is now done and its all mine yipee! I now have to try and remember where everything is! So this week I have my little house (which you can see on the desk) to do, I havent quite decided what I'm going to do but I have an idea so hopefully I will be able to show you next week.

Craft Garden February Challenge

2012-02-01T06:00:00.010Z

Hop on over to The Craft Garden for full details of this months challenge.

As I'm sure you are aware 2012 is a leap year. Your challenge this month is to use this picture as inspiration.

I'm a bit puzzled as to why I made the braclet and earring below, but this picture just conjured these up in my head (there is probably some strange connection there and if you are a therapist and know the answer please let me know!) Hope you like them.

A Gift for my Friend

2012-01-31T09:00:00.001Z

I made this for my friend Pina who hasnt been too well the past week or so, she really is a bling n sparkle girl where I am a gunk and grundgy girl! I have one to do for me which I will grundge up naturally! Below is the kit, which is good value as you get three in a pack.

Art Journaling

2012-01-31T00:21:00.002Z

This is a fabulous blog for anyone looking to take up Art Jouranling (like me!), just thought I would share x

Love Layout

2012-01-30T09:00:00.002Z

The colour isnt very good on this photograph but the background is green (DI Shabby Shutters) and the lettering is stamped onto shrink plastic. I used the movers and shapers cherubs as they were a little smaller than the standard die and I made the flower with card candy.

Card Candy Flower

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001Z

I made this flower using a 1"circle of card as a base, I used a punch for speed and ease, card candy and Glossy Accents. This was quick and easy to make and looks very effective.

Whoop!

2012-01-25T11:54:00.002Z

I have a scrapbook layout printed in Issue 61 of Scrapbook Magazine!
This is my beautiful niece on a cold day in January in Cambridge.
If you would like to join me and learn how I made this layout you can book HERE

Butterflies in the Frame

2012-01-24T20:26:00.000Z

I made this picture frame using chipboard, coloured metal sheets, an embossing folder, metal corners, white paint, Distress Ink Pads and On the Edge butterfly die. This has been made to fit a 6" x 4" photograph.

WOYWW

2012-01-19T02:12:00.000Z

Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday

New from Tim Holtz

2012-01-19T02:03:00.000Z

I cannot even begin to tell you how fab some of the new products from Tim Holtz look. All the details are available here below are a few of my favourites which I cannot wait to get my little paws on!

Green 'n' Gold

2012-01-10T09:00:00.001Z

This necklace is also available for sale. The beads used are green and cream fabric beads and gold coloured metal beads, it is strung on a faux suede thong.

Pink 'n' Blue

2012-01-09T09:00:00.001Z

This necklace is one which I am selling due to lack of space. It is made up of fabric beads and glass pearls and comes with a silver coloured metal clasp. If you would like any further information just drop me an email.

Kilt Pin

2012-01-08T18:00:00.004Z

This is a kilt pin I have decorated using steampunk, beads, ribbons and buttons.

Craft Garden January Challenge

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000Z

Hop on over to The Craft Garden for full details of this months challenge.

Welcome to our first challenge of 2012. The birth flower of January is the carnation. Carnations are generally monochrome so that is your challenge. MONOCHROME = shades of the same colour.

I used gold/mustard for this challenge.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000Z

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T00:01:00.001Z

Rosette Tree

2011-12-24T10:00:00.002Z

This is my inspiration for Christmas Day table decorations.

As some of you will know my son is out in Arizona studying and will not be home for Christmas (he will be enjoying himself in Las Vegas!) So Mr Rum and I were expecting a very quiet holiday celebration this year but we are very lucky to be sharing Christmas with my nephew (whom I last saw when he was 2 in 1988!) and his wife who have come over to the UK from Australia. They have come to spend time travelling before settling down for a while and are joining us for a few days between Spain and Scotland!

I thought it would be nice to decorate the table with something I had made and when I saw these trees I knew they would be perfect as they are simply but effective (check out my rosette tutorial if you haven't got the required die), the example above is from Tim Holtz and full details can be found on his blog. The photographs below are my versions.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Christmas Cupcake Heaven!

2011-12-22T09:00:00.005Z

Gemma over at Hidden Gem Cupcakes has three special flavours for her Christmas Cupcakes they are Mince Pie, Chocolate Orange and Gingerbread. Guess what Mr Rum is collecting tomorrow, mmmmmm cupcakes!

Floating Necklace

2011-12-20T08:00:00.003Z

I made a lovely floating necklace and a pair of matching earrings that I thought I would share with you.

Instructions for Snowflakes

2011-12-18T21:32:00.001Z

I have had a request for instructions on how to make the snowflakes so here we go!

First you need some snowflake frames, these come in two sizes and are available here. Then you need some sparkly beads (available all over but you can get some from here) The its a question of adding the beads to each arm and turning the end of the wire over in a loop, you will need pliers to do this and they are available here
Make sure when choosing beads that you have some tiny ones (seed beads) or thin tube (bugle) shaped beads to start each arm off as there is not much space at the middle of the frame. Glass beads or crystals work best as they catch the light beautifully .Finally add a loop of ribbon to hang from the tree, I have used dark green so they blend into the tree but you can use any you have hanging around.
Children love making these and its a great way to get them involved in giving your tree a really personal touch.
As time is short for me at the moment I checked out YouTube for a video to show you how to make the loops at the end of each arm of the snowflake, you can watch it here and I would recommended that you use the pliers for the first bit, the girl in this video must have very strong fingers!

*SNOWFLAKES

2011-12-17T15:29:00.000Z

I was so excited yesterday waking upto snow, it didnt last very long but I think we will be getting some more (at least I hope so!) Now I am hoping Pins is too busy to look at my blog before Friday as these Christmas Tree Snowflake decorations that I have made are her Christmas pressie! She is nuts about Christmas and I am the complete opposite (bah humbug and all that) so I decided to use my new found beading skills and make her something sparkly for her tree.

Notebook Inspired by Tim

2011-12-05T10:00:00.001Z

Front cover

Back cover

Budding Beaders

2011-12-04T22:59:00.000Z

Budding Beaders

Yesterday saw our first Budding Beaders Macmillan Fund Raiser, we raised £648!

Lots of fun was had by all and we all agreed it was an event we would repeat again next year.

For more information on Budding Beaders check out the website HERE

Card Inspired by Tim

2011-12-02T18:17:00.000Z

This is my card inspired by Tim Holtz Day 1, 12 Tags of Christmas post.

Craft Garden December Challenge

2011-12-01T06:00:00.014Z

Hop on over to The Craft Garden for full details of this months challenge.

This month, being the month of those yummy Christmas recipes, we are having a recipe challenge.

It works like this - each design team member has chosen an ingredient in the recipe and you have to use 4 of those items in your creation.

Your choices are:

Kerry - turquoise (for one of December's birthstones)
Carly - Snowflakes
Melly - Kraft
Tiffany- Office Supply

Kevin - Ribbon
Jay - Buttons
Cathy - charm
Helen - Purple

The ingredients I used were: Turquoise, purple, ribbons and a button!
Here is my chipboard tag.

MacMillan Fund Raiser

2011-11-29T09:00:00.025Z

Here are my Christmas earrings for this year, little angels made from beads. They are very easy to make but look quiet effective. Earrings like these and much much more will be available from the Budding Beaders MacMillan Fund Raiser Open House on December 3rd. You can find us at Bassingbourn Village College Community Centre, South End, Bassingbourn, Royston Hertfordshire SG8 5NJ

Street Party

2011-11-27T09:00:00.011Z

I couldn't resist scrapping these photos of the street party we had in April. We all had such a good time we have decided to have another one next year for the Queens Diamond Wedding.

440 Seagulls

2011-11-25T09:00:00.029Z

The last family holiday we took with our son was a week in Cornwall, at 17 he decided that he no longer wanted to be with us 'oldies' (hear the muffled sobs?) Anyway I said thats ok I understand, trying very hard to be brave so I gave him the task of taking photographs so we would have something to remember. At the end of the week I asked to have a look at what he'd taken and found 440 photos of Seagulls! Having just finished his AS in photography he said he had been trying for the perfect seagull shot and had comcentrated on getting it! (ggggrrrrrr) The layout above shows two of those shots.

I have used Distress Inks and lots of rubber stamps to create this layout. The metal flower in the middle of the rosette is from Prima.

WOYWW

2011-11-23T06:00:00.008Z

Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday can be found over at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/

Check out Julia's other blog 'Loved and Used' Here this is where she sells stash she no longer uses or needs. I can confirm it arrives in excellent condition and the postage is what she pays, you will find a bargin on here without a doubt!

Scrapping with buttons

2011-11-21T09:00:00.001Z

I've used buttons on this layout as part of the overall design and not just an embellishment. These buttons are all the same style just different sizes and colours but you can equally use a complete variety and get a fab result. The background has been made by blending Distress Inks (DI). I dyed the ribbon using DI Dusty Concord and pleated it, keeping the pleats in place with stitches. This took approx 2 1/4 m of ribbon but gives a beautifully full look. I added some stamped bugs and creatures for finishing off the layout.

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T09:00:00.005Z

Full information for making a donation can be found HERE

Show support for all our heros, wear a poppy.

Scrap Layouts - 19th November

2011-11-08T23:05:00.000Z

This is one of the layouts for the scrapbooking class I am taking on 19th November. If you are interested you can book Here.

Naked Notebook

2011-11-07T22:29:00.000Z

I bought this notebook and coloured it using a distress ink pad, stamped an Andy Skinner greeting on it and then using Build a Swirl, stamped the heart and wings for the middle decoration. I added a little bit of bling to brighten the corner. I added faux stitching around the edges. Butterflies were randomly stamped on the back cover.
This was a vey quick way to transform this little book.

Craft Garden November Challenge

2011-11-01T06:00:00.016Z

Hop over to The Craft Garden for full details of the November Challenge.

This month we are very lucky to be sponsored by Crafty Sentiments Designs who have provided the design team with some images to use. One lucky winner (drawn at random) will win some images of their choice from their shop. Your challenge this month is quite simply CHRISTMAS but with a twist. I don't want to see any red or green.

Here is my entry

Design Team Shout

2011-10-26T10:00:00.003+01:00

Nina over at Crafting Time is looking for a Design Team. It doesn't matter what type of craft you do or what your style, whether you are a beginner or experienced crafter, she would love to hear from you. Full details can be found Here, but basically she would like you to email three images of your craft work so she can see your style and quality of work. Don't be shy give it a try x

WOYWW

2011-10-19T12:07:00.000+01:00

JULIA over at Stamping Ground is hosting this fabulous blog hop again, pop over and pay her a visit you wont be disappointed.
Well you all warned me and you were all right!! The office looks exactly the same this as last week, however, Mr Rum has tried (!) and he has shredded lots of paper. Not wanting to carry on living in the tip of last week I had a good tidy up and below is my craft desk now and yes it really is the same room!

Creative Card Making

2011-10-16T18:00:00.000+01:00

Made it into this months Creative Card Making Magazine!

Mini Book

2011-10-14T09:00:00.002+01:00

I just wanted to share some 8" x 8" scrap pages I made using Glitz papers and embellsihments. The quality is superb and I would recommend you have a look if you find then in a local craft store.

WOYWW & Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T00:35:00.002+01:00

http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/

Hop on over and see Julia to see what other crafters have been up to this week, dont forget to check out her other blog http://www.forsakenstash.blogspot.com/ which sells unwanted craft goodies, I received some amazing things this week from her, it really is worth a visit.

Last week I reported that I was kicking Mr Rum out of his office, well not much progress has been made apart from me making even more of a mess than last week! Apparently on Friday he is taking the day off work to sort the paperwork out so that we can start moving things around!! Im trying not to get too excited as Ive heard this 'tidying up' story before! I am doing my best howeve,r to make it look like I need a whole room to myself hence the photograph below (thought if I could use every available space he might get a move on!)

PS Kerry at The Craft Garden is looking for new design team members if anyone is interested, the closing date is the 16th October but if you want to send in an entry but cant meet the deadline just email her and let her know you need a bit more time.

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

This is a lovely blog hop also on a Wednesday where you can share your favourite photograph of the week. I am sharing a photo of Louie this week who was not looking very happy when I saw him yesterday afternoon (he had just been to the vets to be er snipped!)

Flower Ball Tutorial

2011-10-07T04:07:00.001+01:00

I have posted the tutorial for the flower ball HERE

Hanging Flower Decoration

2011-10-05T23:01:00.000+01:00

This is such a lovely project and very simple too. All it takes to make is 60 pieces of 3" square paper, some glue and some patience! I will add a tutorail page in a couple of days if you fancy having a go.

WOYWW

2011-10-05T06:00:00.004+01:00

WOYWW hosted by the lovely Julia, please pay her a visit HERE

I have had a very busy week, too many fingers in too many pies! I am finally getting projects finished and getting my head straight as a result. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for my desk and I now have stuff plonked everywhere and have informed Mr Rum that I am chucking him out of the office and taking it over! All I have to do now is find the time to move everything around, oh hum!

October Blog Candy

2011-10-04T21:50:00.000+01:00

Interested in this Blog Candy? Head over to Crafting Time and add your name!

Design Team Call

2011-10-01T08:00:00.051+01:00

NEWS FROM KERRY @ THE CRAFT GARDEN

Our current Design Team term is now at an end and I am really happy that some of the team are staying. I am looking to add some more gardeners (designers) for the challenge team so October is Design Team call month.

This is how it will work:
First of all use the picture for inspiration to produce something which will SHOW ME YOUR STYLE. The picture is from the fabulous artist Carl Larsson. Take from it whatever inspires you - the tree, the lady, the buildings, something else or the whole thing to create something with SHOWS ME YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE

Second - upload your creation to your blog or other online gallery and add that link to the inlinkz tool at The Craft Garden like you would if you were submitting to a normal monthly challenge.
Entries will be open from 00:01GMT 1st October 2011 to 23:59GMT 16th October 2011.
I will make my decision during the week beginning 17th October and the new team members will be announced in time for the November challenge.
If you would like to email me with more info about other galleries etc where I can see more of your work or if you wish to tell me more about yourself then that is welcome but you MUST link your creation with the inlinkz tool below even if you are emailing me aswell. The email address is craftgardenshop@gmail.com

Entries are limited to one per person and I would ask as a matter of courtesy your creation made for the dt call not be entered in any other challenge this month.

What I ask from you
The term is from November to April (inclusive). You are required to create at least one inspirational project from the challenge I set and upload it to the blog in time for it going live on 1st of the month. There is no payment but some months will be sponsored so there may be some images/products available for you to use. Other months you will be required to use your own products to produce your inspiration. You will be given plenty of notice of the requirements for each challenge and all I ask is that you have created something to upload by the time the challenge goes live.

International applicants are very welcome. I welcome applications from any craft (knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, cardmaking, scrapbooks, altered art, fimo, etc etc etc).

I gave the design team members the choice of either having a month off, using the inspiration to show us their personal style or showing their style without the picture and here is what they created:

Helen

Woohoo New Magazine

2011-09-21T10:48:00.000+01:00

Finally a new scrapbook magazine is coming and from the publishers of Craft Stamper so the outlook is good. There is a subscription offer at the moment of the first three copies for £3, its worth taking up this offer at the very least! Im off now to make the phone call.

WOYWW

2011-09-21T08:15:00.001+01:00

Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday is a fabulous blog hosted by Julia at The Stamping Ground, it is an absolute must see for crafters of all types.
I have been getting ready for Ally Pally this week, you will find me hiding amongst the all the lovely crafting goodies around if you see me come and say hello I would love to meet you.
Anyway onto my desk, this week I have been scrapping mainly , I have done the odd Christmas card but I am struggling getting into Christmas mode to be honest. So here it is my desk as you can see I have a few bits going on, lots of fingers in many pies is a good way to describe how Ive been this week!

Christmas Card

2011-09-17T19:18:00.000+01:00

Thought I would share this Christmas card that I made using the free papers and images inside the new edition of Creative Cardmaking, I have used an 8" x 8" card.

Hidden Gem Cupcakes

2011-09-15T16:33:00.000+01:00

For the most scrummy yummy cupcakes ever check out Gemma at Hidden Gem Cupcakes.

Gemma has been making cakes ever since she was old enough to stand in her mum's kitchen to help her with her baking. Her mum is a fantastic cook and cake maker and taught Gemma so much about how to make great cakes as she was growing up. Gemma has always enjoyed making cakes for other people so decided to turn her passion into a business.

Having the support of her family and friends has made starting up her business so much easier as they are always willings to taste new creations for her! So after lots of experimenting with flavours, testing new ideas and designing, Hidden Gem Cupcakes was born.

Here is the 'Official blurb!'

Beautifully handcrafted and made to order, cupcakes made by Hidden Gem Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, as gifts, or just if you fancy a treat! Based in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire we offer scrumptious bespoke cupcakes, individually crafted to your specifications, using only the finest ingredients. We offer free delivery within 12 miles of Cambourne, with only a small mileage charge added to venues further than 12 miles. No order is too large and we are always happy to chat about flavours, colours and designs to suit your occasion.

7 Gypsies Vintage Receipt Holder

2011-09-14T22:07:00.002+01:00

In case you didn't know what I meant these are Vintage Receipt Holders, they are made by 7 Gypsies and are super items to use. I decided to use a 12 clip holder to make this great 'Birthday Reminder Tray'. Each folder (a little smaller than an ATC) opens out to reveal a folded rectangle of paper where you can add all the important birthdays and occassions you need to remember. I think it looks nicer than a calendar and its contents remain private too!

Here is my finished product, let me know what you think.

Christmas? Surely Not!

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000+01:00

There is a giveaway over at Crafting Time in Shepreth, all you need to do is click the link Here and have a guess at who you think is crazy enough to have put a Christmas countdown on the blog already!
You have a choice between Helen (me!), Nina (the boss) and Pina (ProMarker Queen). All the correct entries will be put into a hat and a winner will be chosen at random.

New Teacher Card

2011-09-10T09:00:00.001+01:00

The daughter of a friend of mine is soon taking up her first teaching post and I made the card below to congratulate her on her success, I have used stash from 7 Gypsies and Tim Holtz.

2011-09-09T09:00:00.015+01:00

Can you guess where I am going for a long weekend?

Yep off to Italy or more specifically Monza for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Ken and I celebrated 20 years of marriage this July and as big racing fans we thought there was no better way to celebrate than going to an overseas GP. As we adore Italy the choice was easy, as you read I am in mid flight!

Will be back Monday evening, see you all then x

ACT Card

2011-09-08T22:51:00.000+01:00

Well this is what I did with the ATC's!

One Stamp Three Looks

2011-09-04T14:24:00.000+01:00

I have used one stamp to make these three ATC's. I have been wondering about what to do with them and I think I am going to make a card.

This ATC was made using a mask to keep the body white.

I then used the mask to make this ATC.

And finally did some heat embossing, coloured the body using a distress stain and then doodled on the stained area.

Wedding Scrap Page

2011-09-03T14:57:00.000+01:00

I am making a wedding album for my cousin, she is getting married in October so I am making decorated pages with spaces for the photographs to go. The page below is the latest one, I just love it.

The Craft Garden

2011-09-01T00:51:00.000+01:00

A lovely collection of craft ideas are available at The Craft Garden this month. Kerry delighted the design team with some beautiful flowers as inspiration. Below is what I produced.

Cards

2011-08-29T13:27:00.000+01:00

I made the above three cards using papers and images from this months Creative Cardmaking magazine. The card below was from Kanban.

Printers Tray Workshop

2011-08-28T21:54:00.000+01:00

I had a fabulous day at Crafting Time with Jennie from The Artistic Stamper on Saturday. I spent 8 1/2 hours creating the fabulous mixed media print tray below.

This is what is started out like.

Below is my friend Lea.

We used about 12 different techniques including Encasing and guilding a butterfly, maknig faux porcelain flowers, dipping leaves into UTEE, heat emossing a fragment charm, using die cuts and embossing folders, making Glassine flowers, altering plastic leaves with alcohol inks and heat, using shrink plastic and creating a mini canvas.

UTEE flowers and leaves.

Using ink stains and stamping.

A UTEE mould was used to make this lock.

Although this was a very long day it was well worth it, I had loads of fun and tons of chocolate!

Beading Buddies

2011-08-20T12:30:00.000+01:00

I have recently ventured into beading and joined a local group called Budding Beaders. So far I have finished two projects and I am in the middle of another.
I have started off with seed beads as the intricate designs possible are amazing (not sure I will ever get to them but I am living in hope!)
Below you can see what Ive managed so far, feel free to comment Im open for any suggestions!

Printers Tray Workshop

2011-08-16T15:53:00.003+01:00

I thought I would share the next workshop I am attending with all my lovely crafting buddies as I believe there are a couple of places left. I am really excited about this one mainly because Jennie is running it and if you havent met her she is a fab lady to work with. She not only brings along her expertise but also her wicked sense of humour too. So if you are free on Saturday 27th August come along and join in the fun. I have copied all the details from the Crafting Time website and the link to the booking form too.

Jennie (The Artistic Stamper) will run this workshop at Crafting Time and it will be 'jam packed' with techniques & products. It will have an autumn theme and if we are lucky maybe use some of Tim''s new dies! The full day, including all materials will be £60.
The full day of 8.5 hours includes all materials, hot drinks, cake and chocolates (yes for those who know us there is always chocolate). You will need to bring a pair of scissors, apron, craft knife, non stick mat, an old magazine you are happy to throw away at the end - oh and don't forget your lunch.
You can book your place HERE
Crafting Time Ltd
Unit 8 Dunsbridge Business Park
A10 Road
Shepreth, Cambridgeshire
SG8 6RA

Carnival Time at The Craft Garden

2011-08-16T15:15:00.000+01:00

Hello, its good be back and in the swing of things again. I had a fabulous time in Portugal took some amazing photos which when I get around to scrapping them I will show you all!
This months theme over at The Craft Garden is carnivals, so if you have a piece of art work that fits this theme please pop over and add your name to the list!
Below is what I made with 'Carnival' in mind.

Whoops!

2011-07-15T08:11:00.000+01:00

Just realised I didn't mention I am away on holiday in Portugal!

See you all soon

Jewellery

2011-07-03T15:53:00.000+01:00

Just popped over to Aesthetic Creations Group website and found some beautiful jewellery by Jane Select here is just one example of her work. If you fancy seeing more details are HERE

The Craft Garden Challenge

2011-07-03T15:22:00.000+01:00

The Craft Garden have a new challenge this month. details can be found HERE. The challenge involves using a bird in a creation so if you fancy having a go hop on over for details.

WOYWW

2011-06-29T12:31:00.001+01:00

Well I haven't posted on here for a while as I have been so busy I just haven't had the time! I have been busy crafting at home and have attended two fabulous workshops with Jennie of The Artistic Stamper at Crafting Time. Below is what I made with Jennie at her UTEE Master Class.

Here is my disgraceful desk!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY

2011-06-29T12:16:00.002+01:00

Happy Birthday

Crafting Time

This week Crafting Time in Shepreth, Cambridgeshire are celebrating their first year of trading. The shop and website are packed full of wonderful crafting goodies and to celebrate they are offering a discount of 20% on products* in store.

If you wish to shop online please use the promotion code HAP001 which will be effective from 29th June until 2nd July.

* the sale excludes promarkers, pioneer albums & Bazzil/Prism card stock (still currently at 40p & 50p per sheet - 45p & 55p from 7th July)

June Tag Challenge Winner

2011-06-29T11:08:00.001+01:00

This months winner of the Tag Challenge is Caroline at Lace Top Designs. Many congratulations I think you will agree a very worthy winner indeed. A prize will be winging its way to you this week.

Cards!

2011-06-14T09:09:00.001+01:00

Paying It Forward Award

2011-06-13T03:31:00.000+01:00

Jo-anne at Blooming Lovely passed this lovely Blog Award onto me today. I am really touched to be honoured this way, so Thank You very much x

I now pass this award on to the following five lovely bloggers: Cooper & Lola, Lace Top Designs, Timeout Crafting, This Little Place, Crafty Kaz's Cards

The rules for accepting this award are as follows:
1. Mention the blogger who gave you the award
2. Link to their blog
3. Pay It Forward to 5 bloggers.

Cupcakes!

2011-06-12T18:02:00.001+01:00

Aesthetic Creations Group

2011-06-12T00:35:00.001+01:00

I am lucky enough to have recently become reaquainted with the lovely Sally Butler, who is an artist that lives in my home town of Royston in Hertfordshire. I just wanted to share her website details with you as some of her work might well inspire you in your craft work.
Sally runs the website Aesthetic Creations Group which showcases various artists and their work, please spend a few minutes taking a look around you wont be disappointed! There is also the opportunity to leave a comment for each artist if you feel you would like to.
The artists featured include Ana Dimitrova who lives in Bulgaria, Hanneli Stevenson and Sara Masterson from Cambridgeshire.

June Tag Challenge

2011-06-09T23:58:00.003+01:00

Junes Tag Theme is Weddings. I have tied this up with The Craft Garden whose theme this month is also weddings. My tag is below.

Tags Challenge 2011 - the rules are as follows:

1. Make a tag to fit with the monthly theme, the ideas need to be your own.

2. Add your tag via the Linky.
3. Put a photo of your tag on your blog and link it back to my blog.
4. Enjoy and have fun, any materials/suppliers can be used.

Winners will be contacted for details after the closing date. Closing date 28th of the month.

Craft Stamper Magazine

2011-06-06T10:36:00.000+01:00

I have had my ATC printed in this months Craft Stamper. The theme was 'Game Pieces', I used stamps from Creative Expressions and UTEE to make the chess piece. This is a pic before the chess piece was added, its hard to see from the pic but this is a 3d shadow box.

Hurray!

2011-06-06T10:29:00.000+01:00

I have been having huge Blogger problems hence my lack of activity.
All entrants for Mays Tag Challenge will get a prize for my inability to sort things sooner so.....
please email me with your name and address and I will post prize this week. Jen that means you will get two as i need to post last months as well.
Please email me at rumtruffle7@yahoo.co.uk

Posting Replies

2011-05-25T21:44:00.001+01:00

Sorry guys but I am unable to post replies currently!

All the tag entries are lovely, thank you for all your kind comments and emails.
Helen xx

3" x 3" Canvas

2011-05-24T21:17:00.000+01:00

Award

2011-05-24T00:41:00.000+01:00

Many thanks to Caroline at Lace Top Designs for passing this award on to me. I feel honoured as over the past 6 weeks I have been so busy that my blog is not up to it's usual standard, so many thanks again!

Card Club

2011-05-12T16:32:00.000+01:00

A new Card Club started up yesterday at Crafting Time in Cambridgeshire. There are two sessions, 10am - 12noon and then 1pm - 3pm. Each session is £2.50 includes tea, coffee and biscuits. After 10 sessions you get one session free.
We had a great time, lots of laughing and some crafting too!

MAY TAG CHALLENGE

2011-05-01T03:49:00.001+01:00

This months theme is Father's Day, anyway you want it so long as it is a tag! Below is my tag.

Here are the rules:

1. Make a tag to fit with the monthly theme, the ideas need to be your own.
2. Add your tag via the Linky.
3. Put a photo of your tag on your blog and link it back to my blog.
4. Enjoy and have fun, any materials/suppliers can be used.

Closing Day 28th May 2011. Winner will be contacted for details of where to send prize.

April Winner.....

2011-05-01T03:29:00.000+01:00

The winner of the April Tag Challenge is

Jenny Pearson with this fabulous entry.

The Craft Garden

2011-05-01T03:22:00.001+01:00

Here is the latest challenge from The Craft Garden, this one inspired by a maypole. My entries are below.

Card Ideas

2011-04-27T20:24:00.002+01:00

I made this card using stamps from The Artistic Stamper and an embossing plate from Sizzix, clocks and cogs from the Idea-ology range, Distress Ink Pads from Ranger and Bazzill card stock. All these items are available from here (the website is new if you have any problems email here)

Stamps used: Small Cogs, Girl with Clock

Embossing Plate: Sizzix Embossing Folders 2Pk - Tim H Clock and Steampunk

Clocks and Cogs: Tim Holtz Idea-ology Sprocket Gears, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Timepieces Watch faces, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Game Spinners.

Ink Pads: Distress Ink Pads

Tags Galore!

2011-04-22T13:12:00.001+01:00

Love These Two!

2011-04-17T21:36:00.000+01:00

My beautiful niece (aged 9) and nephew (aged 4) can't wait to scrapbook this photograph.

Alive!

2011-04-17T20:17:00.000+01:00

Yes, I am still alive for those of you who are regular readers! I have been very busy the past few weeks with some interesting things going on. I have been crafting and hence the lack of blogging, the tables had turned the other way and I found I was spending so much time blogging I really fell behind with my crafting so things had to change!
I have been to two workshops recently one with Jenny from The Artistic Stamper and one with Sheelagh (I will put her link in when I add my photos) so busy, busy, busy.
On Saturday I attended an amazing demo of FIMO at It's Crafting Time I never knew so much could be done with this product.

Recipe ~ Cranberry, Orange & White Chocolate Cupcakes

2011-04-10T17:16:00.003+01:00

This is a Pampered Chef recipe that is easy and very yummy!

Ingredients
175 g butter (do not substitute margarine)
40g dried cranberries
70g white chocolate
zest of 1/2 orange
1/2 tsp cinnamon
175g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
175g light soft brown sugar (150g would be better)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sifted icing sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Method

Preheat oven to 180C/fan 160C/ Gas 4.
In bowl, microwave butter, loosely covered, on HIGH 1-1 1/2 minutes or until melted, stirring after every 30-second interval. Set aside to cool slightly.
Chop white chocolate. In a bowl combine cranberries, chocolate, cinnamon, flour, baking powder and salt. Zest orange into mix; mix well and set aside. Add brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract to melted butter, whisk until smooth.
Add butter mixture to flour mixture, fold together just until combined (do not over-mix). Place one scoop of mixture into each well of Silicone Floral Cupcake Pan, dividing mixture evenly.
Bake 18-22 minutes or until edges of cakes are golden brown. Remove from oven, cool for 5 minutes in Cupcake Pan. Carefully invert cakes onto cooling rack, dust with sifted icing sugar if desired.

April- A Year in Review

2011-04-05T18:20:00.000+01:00

Christine at MBS Scrapbooking is hosting another 'Scrap Party'. The theme for this month is 'April- A Year in Review'
Each month she be hosting a themed "scrap party," complete with a month-long link party, and plenty of tutorials and layout suggestions from herself and guest bloggers.
Please note that these are themed scrap parties. A month-long link party for scrapbooks or related paper crafts will be open April 7-30. Printables and digital scrapbooking projects are welcome:) NO SHOPS please!

3" x 3" Art

2011-04-04T18:59:00.001+01:00

A Spring Time Tag

2011-04-02T21:45:00.000+01:00

A Crafty Kind of Truffle

A Trio of ATC's

Dream

Thank You card

WOYWW

Gibraltar Layout

Recycled Tag

Tweet Tweet

My Journey Begins....

Charmed I'm Sure

Hello

Keep Calm and......

WOYWW

Craft Garden February Challenge

A Gift for my Friend

Art Journaling

Love Layout

Card Candy Flower

Whoop!

Butterflies in the Frame

WOYWW

New from Tim Holtz

Green 'n' Gold

Pink 'n' Blue

Kilt Pin

Craft Garden January Challenge

HAPPY NEW YEAR

*****HAPPY CHRISTMAS*****

Rosette Tree

Christmas Cupcake Heaven!

Floating Necklace

Instructions for Snowflakes

*******SNOWFLAKES******

Notebook Inspired by Tim

Budding Beaders

Card Inspired by Tim

Craft Garden December Challenge

MacMillan Fund Raiser

Street Party

440 Seagulls

WOYWW

Scrapping with buttons

Remembrance Day

Scrap Layouts - 19th November

Naked Notebook

Craft Garden November Challenge

Design Team Shout

WOYWW

Creative Card Making

Mini Book

WOYWW & Wordless Wednesday

Flower Ball Tutorial

Hanging Flower Decoration

WOYWW

October Blog Candy

Design Team Call

Woohoo New Magazine

WOYWW

Christmas Card

Hidden Gem Cupcakes

7 Gypsies Vintage Receipt Holder

Christmas? Surely Not!

New Teacher Card

ACT Card

One Stamp Three Looks

Wedding Scrap Page

The Craft Garden

Cards

Printers Tray Workshop

Beading Buddies

Printers Tray Workshop

Carnival Time at The Craft Garden

Whoops!

Jewellery

The Craft Garden Challenge

WOYWW

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY

June Tag Challenge Winner

Cards!

Paying It Forward Award

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

*SNOWFLAKES