New Year's Resolutions??

Morning all - see I told you I love having time off from work...here I am again....and yes I have been crafting again!! First of all though I've been thinking about resolutions....New Year Resolutions to be precise. At this time of year magazines, telly, friends and family are all asking what resolutions we'll be making for the coming year....I always rack my brain and come up with the same old ones that I never keep....stop biting my nails, get fit etc, etc!

This year I've decided to make a couple that I can keep.....I want to go to places that I've never been to, those places that I always think I'd like to visit but that I never have time to go to....I want to go to the Tate Modern and see what all the fuss is about and I want to experience a ballet (Becca would you like to join me on this one??). There are loads more places, but thats a good start. Its not necessarily about me-time, I'm happy to enjoy my experiences with others, its more about actually making time to do the things that I enjoy.

My final resolution is a big one - I'm going to start believeing in myself and my abilities.....I enjoy card making and love sharing my makes with everyone and I've always said I want to set up a small business selling them, but I've never actually got around to doing it - there is always something holding me back. Hopefully this resolution will help me with this little dream....watch this space!

Right, I'll stop rambling now and show you my latest makes...thats if you're still reading and didn't switch off in the last two paragraphs!!

I've really enjoyed making these cards, and have turned to my collection of old craft magazines for inspiration. My favourite magazine and the one I subscribe to is PaperCraft Inspirations - always full of great ideas!

The first card features a guitar, crafted out of blue and yellow paper. I created my sentiment on the computer, highlighted it using more yellow paper and I added music notes as a backing.

The second card is another one that could be given to boys as well as girls (no pink paper or glitter for a change!). I've created a game console controller from white and grey paper, along with some coloured dots for the buttons. Again, I used my trusty computer to create the sentiment.

The final two are directly inspired by the pages of PaperCraft Inspirations (Jan 2010 issue). The flowers are created from pink and green paper and I've added a little glitter to this one (couldn't resist!). Mum thinks these aren't delicate enough, but I like them!

I've created a London scene for the last one - my imitation Big Ben is again made out of coloured paper and lots of glue! The bus has been attached using 3D adhesive pads, giving a little depth to the card.

I enjoy creating cards like this, using paper to create images rather than using pre-made embellishments. There is something very satisfying about the process. You may not get it right first time, but try again, as when you get it right you'll be really pleased with yourself!

Anyway, this is probably my last blog of 2009 - thanks for joining me and I hope to see you again in 2010!

Happy New Year!

Wedgie xxx

Thank You!

Evening all. thanks for dropping by. If you're a regular reader you'll know that I got pretty spolit this Christmas with loads of fab presents. I am pleased to say that I've been using my time off really well and I have already made my thank you cards...now I just have to remember to send them! Ha, ha!

I wanted to show you a selection of the cards that I have created......

....first off is my favourite one, which features my embellishment of the moment...BUTTONS! I really like using buttons as they add a new dimension to the cards and make them more touchy feely.

On this card I have used a beautiful piece of backing paper and complemented it with rose coloured lacey ribbon and three buttons (chosen from my new Cath Kidston button box - thanks mum!). I like the number three for embellishments, not sure why, but I think it looks better. I've chosen three different colours to add interest and I have hand sewn them onto the paper.

I've finished off with another of my favourites - sparkly glitter glue!

A very pretty card I'm sure you'll agree!

My next two cards show off a new technique that I've been experiementing with....stamping...well to be honest I am rubbish at stamping, so I've been a little decadent and bought the images from EBay......

......I still think its a new technique however because I colour them in myself. I use pens called Whispers Strokes from Sugarloaf Productions. They come in vibrant colours and have a thick and thin nib, which means they are great for general colour and for more delicate work.

Buttons, ribbon and glitter glue all make an appearance again!

Finally I'd like to show you a very colourful card, I've kept this one simple using a pretty backing paper, co-ordinating papers on top and a cute little paper flower...topped off with another button (I told you I like buttons at the moment!).

Again the button is hand stitched onto the card, and I've used glitter glue to add sparkle.

There are others too....but I don't want to bore you! I'm enjoying not being at work, its nice to be able to relax when crafting instead of trying to cram a whole load of cards into one evening.

As well as crafting I have been to the cinema with my sister, done a little antique shopping (sis bought the most amazing tea cup trio from the 1830s) and I've even coloured my hair again! Shame that work is calling....still I have till the 4th Jan to enjoy and indulge!

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed these cards.........Wedgie xxx

Meet Dave the Alien!

So, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.....I certainly did...I was spoilt rotten, which was lovely. A big thank you to all my friends and family.  I got a lot of crafty bits and pieces and a lot of much needed storage....I promise to be neater in 2010...ha, ha...who am I kidding??

Anyway, I've been busy crafting as usual and I'd like to introduce you to my newest little creation.....

Dave the Alien

Dave is made out of scrap felt, I used green for his body and a gorgeous purple for his eyes and arms. He has a little purple sequin on his belly and a hand stitched smile. He is stuffed and I used a simple over-stitch to hold him together.


As you'll see from a picture below I have turned this one into a fridge magnet, but I also intend to make Dave into brooches and little handing ornaments...he'll appear in my MISI shop one day!


I can see you wondering about the name....thats easily answered....Dave is the name you'll get for a cute little alien if you ask your boyfriend what he should be called! We also have Simon the Elephant in the making!!

Dave didn't appear easily...no, it took several attempts to get him right...my first attempt just didn't look right.....plus he had a separate body and head and I didn't like how it looked.....not cute enough really....

My second attempt got much cuter...his smile is much more appealing and I cut his head and body out as one piece....but in my excitment I only gave him one arm!! Ha, ha!! Take three is definitly the best!

Finally here is the view from the back, I've used crafters magnet which is self adhesive. It comes in a long roll and you can easily cut it to the size you require using scissors.



I'm really pleased with how Dave has turned out....I hope you like him too!

Enjoy,
Wedgie xx

Merry Christmas!

So, its Christmas Eve...it's 11am....and I'm still sat on my sister's sofa in my PJs! Ha, ha! For once I've got Christmas Eve off work and I'm not running around making last minute purchases! There is no wrapping to be done...well maybe one of two pressies need a little attention...but on the whole I'm done! Last night I had a fab evening with my sister Lorna and her hubbie Jim, and my two friends Becca and Anika - we ate lots of really naughty food, drank bellinis and watched Elf (a wheeler sister tradition!). I'm now waiting for my boyfriend to pick me up....so in the meantime I thought I'd share one of my last pressies that I made.....

......I can't tell you who this is for because she might click on and see it before she opens it and that would not be good! All I can say is this gift will result in a mini shopping spree.....

On the outside I have used some pretty Papermania paper, and a lovely new stamp I've bought. I've never been that good with stamps, but I've been practicing and I think I'm getting the hang of it. I've coloured the image and added some buttons to the outside as well. I love buttons at the moment, they are appearing on a lot of my cards. I love all the colours and different shapes they come in, and I think they give a fab new dimension to the cards.

When you open the card you find the actual pressie...in this case a lovely £20 note....but you could put anything in the little pocket really. I've used the same plain papers from the front to make the pocket and added a little glamour with some black glitter glue (weird purchase I made one day, but I love it!).

This last minute make actually manages to fit in with the Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge.....as they are asking for last minute gift projects! I love the varied designs from the DT, all so gorgeous....take a peek here:


http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/2009/12/challenge-63.html

Anyway, hopefully the lucky person who finds this under their tree will be very happy! 

I want to wish everyone who stops by my blog a very Happy Christmas wherever you are, I hope you have a 
wonderful time. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings and I hope you like my cards!

Enjoy,
Wedgie xx

Help - I'm obsessed!!!

Oh dear...I have a confession to make...it appears that I have become slightly obessed with a certain fluffy little animal. I've been busy crafting again...thank you cards this time....and I think I got a bit carried away.....take a look at this little lot.......

......I have to admit they are cute...but there are rather a lot of them!

The cute little sheep topper is from a Crafters Companion CD Rom, there is also a cow, a pig and some cute little ducks to choose from. This sheep is part of a decoupage set and her head is given a lift by using 3D adhesive pads. There are other layers that you can add, but I like to keep her simple and only use two layers.

Don't tell the others, but I think my favourite one is the light pink one with buttons. I started using ribbon on cards a little while ago, but this time I decided to try out some buttons instead. I chose three different sized buttons, in three different shades of pink. I sewed them onto the backing paper using pink embroidery thread, before sticking the backing paper to the card blank. Et Volia!

I may be addicted...but I think its worth it...I have a lovely collection of cards ready to send to people after Christmas!

Enjoy,

Wedgie xx

Introducing Hattie.....

....Now I'm hoping that my mum hasn't suddenly got all technical and manages to find my blog this week, because the little lady that I'm about to introduce you to actually appears on her Birthday card.....her Birthday isn't until Saturday and so she hasn't seen this card yet! Hee, hee!

I'd love you to meet Hattie...she's my new cute little sheep friend who will be appearing on my cards in the future......

...she's white, fluffy, loves her jewellery and is very girlie!

Hattie is made from basic white and black card, with fluffy white fabric for her hair and tail. Her features are hand drawn, to give her a cute finish and she has a necklace and a bracelet made out of tiny seed beads. To give Hattie more character I have given her a 3D head.

I've kept the card simple with coloured backing paper, and a piece of pretty ribbon placed down the side. I wanted to type the greeting, but mum was on the computer when I was making the card so I opted for a personal hand written message instead!

I hope you like Hattie as much as I do, I've had fun sketching designs for her and I'm pleased how she finally turned out.

I've been blog surfing again and although I'm a little bit late (again), Hattie is perfect for Cute Card Thursday's most recent challenge "Sew Beady". The ladies over there want to see projects that involve beads and they have come up with some lovely designs: http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/2009/12/challenge-90-sew-beady.html

Hopefully Hattie fits the bill too with her sparkly jewellery!

Thanks for stopping by!
Wedgie xx

Let it snow!

Well, it is frosty outside at the moment.....I have to say that I really don't like all this cold weather...I'm much happier in the sunshine! One good thing about the cold weather I suppose is that it makes you want to snuggle up in a big fluffy cover with a mug of hot chocolate and either a film or a good book! Everyone enjoys a good snuggle!! Have you seen those new blankets that have been designed? They have sleeves for your arms, so you can be under a blanket and read a book without your arms and shoulders getting cold! Genius idea! Was thinking of investing in one for my craft desk!

Anyway, this week's challenge over at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge is all about...you guessed it...snow! They want to see any project containing snow. The DT have come up with some lovely designs this week, all so cute...take a peek here: http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/2009/12/challenge-62.html

Introducing - Frosty the very pink snowlady!

For my entry I decided to use an old design which I came up with last year......not being a fan of the cold Iwanted to make my frosty card cute and appealing...and what better way is there.....lets add lots of pink!

I've used a lovely pink spotty backing paper, with little punched out snowflakes on top as the background to my unconvential snow card. My cute little snowman topper is wrapped up warm in a hat and scarf made out of scraps of pink patterned paper. To complete my snowman I have given him sticks for arms, a carrot nose and googly eyes!

Right, I'm off to play with some fabric this morning I think....I want to try making some more of those little fabric dresses that I showed you in my last blog...been to my local fabric shop and have lots of pretty fabrics and embellishments to play with!

Enjoy,
Wedgie xxx

Ohhhh...pretty dress!!

Evening all! Another late one for me, but its been worth it!

When I Twittered earlier this evening I said that my Christmas cards were calling again...and that I wanted an army of mini penguins tonight...well I'm not too sure what happened, but I haven't got my mini army!!

Instead I made a load of Birthday cards....a bit like this one......I was very pleased with myself as tonight I used up lots of little odds and ends of paper. Its very satisfying...turning something little and cast aside probably destined for the bin (shock horror...anyone who knows me knows that I never through paper out....even the tiny bits!) into a pretty card that will make someone smile!

FABRIC TIME!

After that I decided that I wanted to get a fabric fix as well....so I started looking through a new book I've just bought which shows you how to make mini toys....and I got all excited!!

After a flurry of material, ribbon and glue (yes I used fabric glue for the first time!)...I was left with this little beauty.....

......can you tell that I am a little bit pleased with myself?? This cute little dress has a front and a back (althought the front is much prettier!!), it is stuffed to give the skirt fullness and is embellished with a felt flower and a button belt! I've used fabric glue at the top and the bottom, and I've used a blanket stitch down the sides.

Its not perfect....but not bad for my first go!! Practice makes perfect as the saying goes and I'm going to have great fun making more of these!

Anyway, I just wanted to share my latest makes with you - thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy,

Wedgie xxxx

A very productive evening!

Well, I back in the swing of things....even if my knee is still not working properly! Stupid thing!

Anyway, where to start?? I've had a fab evening...crafting my little heart out! I've been listening to christmas music and making sooo many Christmas cards! Made two for a lady in work which she requested today, plus most of the cards I need to send....there was a little production line of Christmas trees and snowmen in my room!! Hee, hee!

I also made the following card which I thought would be brillaint for this week's Cute Card Thursday challenge (Challenge 89 - Swirly Girly!), where the ladies asked to see our girlie creations...now we all know I like my girlie cards and so when i saw the challenge I jumped at the chance of creating another one!!

Tis the season....to go shopping! I hope you like it as much as I do! You can see all the DT designs at http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/2009/12/challenge-89-swirly-girly.html  .....they have some really lovely cards there I'm sure you'll agree!

I kept my card simple...using small pieces of pink patterened papers for the parcels, and a plain blue background which i added some sparkle to.

Any regular readers out there may notice a slight difference to my blog....and this is the next exciting thing....I've finally added some of my cards onto my MISI page! There are some girlie ones and some Christmas ones over there...to take a peek just use the link on the toolbar!

One other really lovely thing that has happened recently is that I've found the most gorgeous felt designer...not sure if thats what she'd call herself, but its late and words are escaping me right now! I was wandering through blogland recently and came across the delightful paper-and-string blog. Its run by a lady called Sarah and she creates the cutest felt items I've ever seen....I placed an order straight away for some of her fab kits and they arrived today (so quick!!). Sarah had packaged them up really nicely, they were wrapped in tissue and came with the cutest little thank you card! Such great customer service! If you're looking for any gifts for Christmas take a peek at her site.... http://paper-and-string.blogspot.com/ 
Thanks Sarah!

Anyway, looking at the clock I think its time I logged off...still got to tidy up the mess I made earlier!!

Enjoy,
Wedgie xxx