House of Cards 5th Week. . . . .and Striplet Card 358 (the addiction continues)

Good afternoon one and all. Hope you are all well. My forehead still has a dent and even though there's no bruise, its still sore. I should explain, for those who thought "why didn't the daft mare put the light on?" the drawers in question are next to the bed and I must have been right on the edge and I pitched forward as I got up and no light in reach.

Now, today's card is for the House of Cards 5th week challenge (please click here to have a look) which is a photo inspiration challenge and here's the photo. . . . . . . . 

Now, typical me, I picked out the bolder colours from the photo for my creation.

The base card is white and A5. I topped this with a lovely bright blue PMD card and used a Hobbycraft flower border punch on the top and bottom edges.

I cut the Striplet (sorry, I'm still in addiction therapy) from a strip of more blue card and matted it onto lime green PMD card and then white. This was then added to the left hand side of the blue base.

Then I cut lots of the HC Delicate Asters from white card, shaped them and dusted the tips with Broken China Distress Ink and added green bling to the centres. The leaves were cut from more lime green card.

The sentiment tag is one of the SB Fancy Tags, heat embossed in white. I put this slightly above centre, then arranged the flowers above and below.

Bling added to the corners and tag ends and voila!!!

It was nice to use the bright zesty colours. Hope you didn't need sunglasses hahaha!

That's all today folks. Hope you feel inspired to enter the challenge but please pop and have a look at what my talented team mates have come up with.

TTFN

Ang x

NEC Stash. . . . . . . . .

Evening all. Just a quickie tonight (said the bishop to the actress) for those who requested a viewing of my NEC purchases. I had popped them away but it was no hardship to stroke them again.

There is. . . . .

A3 white card

A4 cream card

Royal and Langnickel Watercolour Pencils

Dovecraft Bling x 2

Mei Flower purple and teal satin ribbon

Dovecraft blue pigment ink pad

MDF Man MDF heart

3mm finger lift tape

Angled tweezers

Couture Creations Compassionate embossing folder

Card io stamp sets. . . . Rose and Daffodil

Inkylicious sentiment stamp sets x 3

That's restrained for me lol!!!

Hope your migraines are better Elaine. I have a dent in my forehead where I decided to head butt my chest of drawers at 5am this morning, going to the loo. Bizarrely, it didn't hurt at the time but as the day has gone on, its throbbing.

A big hello to PharmacyMichele. Thank you for your visit and hope that you can pop by again soon.

Offski now as I have an early start for Malaysian Qualifying tomorrow before work.

Have a great weekend all.

TTFN

Ang x

Striplet Card No 357. . . . . .The Striplet Strikes Back

Good morning my dear blogging buddies. Hope you are all well. My sniffs have subsided (much to the relief of the Dyson) and even the ribs are better.

I promise to photograph my new stash when I get a chance but it may be an anti climax lol! We did have a smashing time and I may be meeting up with Christine again in May if I'm able to swap shifts.

I can't believe its almost a year that I've been doing this blogging mularky. . . . . . and they said it wouldn't last hahaha!!! Will have to mark the occasion somehow. Our Snowqueen Sue has started her own blog so pop along if you can to see her smashing creations here

Thank you for your kind and lovely comments on my Hobbycutz debut card. I do love the stuff that Kobie makes so look forward to using the cuts on future projects.

Now, today's card is me and my pal, The Striplet. I think that this die will have to be surgically removed from me. . . . . . can't help it, I love it!!!!!

Its just over 6x6 to accommodate the cutting of the Striplet 3 times but is one piece of card folded in half. 

I cut the top and bottom first so that I could line up the middle cut easier (or not, as you will notice I was slightly out with my lining up, drat and double drat!!!)

I then glued a piece of my bargain rose vellum to the inside. . . . . . . 

and the sentiment was stamped with Versamark and dusted with mica. . . . . . .

and pink and pearl bling added to finish off.

I am seeking help for my addiction but I can't promise not to be Stripleting again in the meantime.

Be good everyone and Shirley, hope the job is going well (Well, I'm hoping it was your comment on Sue Wilson's blog and I haven't confused you with someone else).

TTFN

Ang x

Hobbycutz Challenge. . . . . .Girlie But No Pink

Good morning Duckadees. Sooooo sorry I have been MIA. I had sorted a card and thought I had scheduled it but hadn't, doh!!!

By the time I had realised, I was having to sort this one for my DT and doing extra hours at work and then the NEC. . . . . .phew!

Thank you for your smashing comments on my last card. I am particularly fond of it so it makes me happy that it is liked by you all.

Before I forget, may I extend a warm welcome to The Pond to Di and Joy. Thank you for joining us ladies. Hopefully you will feel free to leave a comment or two. . . . . .keep em clean, its a family show lol !!! I shall pop over and visit your blogs asap.

Well, its my debut as a DT member at Hobbycutz. I hope you can pop over to the challenge blog and have a look and hopefully enter the challenge. Its our Wendy's debut today too so its all go.

This challenge is "Girlie but no pink". I thought I would go to the extreme of no pink with a monochrome look, mainly black rather than white.

Now, I started with a white A5 card base and topped this with an embossed black PMD card layer. The embossing folder was Couture Creations All a Flutter and I had to extend the pattern. I wrapped some white organza ribbon around this before affixing it to the base.

I white heat embossed 3 Hobbycutz butterflies and dotted the largest one with black marker pen.

Then I cut 3 layers of the SB Decorative Labels 28 from white and black card, stamped the top layer with the sentiment, then layered them with foam pads onto the card.

I also cut some of the SB Delicate Asters in black and white, shaped them, glued them up and added them next to the labels. I had no black bling for the centres so I coloured some clear with a black marker pen and stuck them on.

The butterflies were added at jaunty angles and then I finished off with a CE white silky crush ribbon bow and some more of my coloured bling on the ribbon and top label.

I haven't attempted a monochrome before, well not on the blog I don't think, but I think it fits the bill. 

Had a wonderful time at the NEC on Friday. Met up with Christine (don't try ringing her mobile phone lol !!!) Sue (Olliesmam) and Sue (Planet Susie). The two Sue's (I think it was a BOGOF offer that day hahaha) brought hubbys with them. . . . . . .brave men. Mr Duck gave me some pennies for an early birthday pressie but I would have had to drug him to get him to a craft show again after the Disaster at Donnington (as the Hunkydory craft show 2 summers ago is known in our house). We had a chuckle and I was given some lovely gifts. We all had a nice chat with Dawn Wheeler too. What a genuinely nice lady she is.

I bought mainly sentiment stamps this time from Inkylicious as that's what I wanted and some more bling from Every Crafts a Pound, ribbon from Mei Flower and A3 and A4 card. I remembered to get my free bag from Crafty Bob this time too.

Well time to pootle off now. Have a great Sunday all and I promise not to leave it so long next time. . . . . . though you may wish I had when you get Sue Wilson Stripleted again hahaha!!!

TTFN

Ang x

House of Cards. . . . . . . . .Add a Button

Good afternoon folks. Today is the March House of Cards CAS/Classic challenge, which is add a button (or 20 if you like lol!). Click here to have a peek and hopefully you will have a go.

Also, happy St Patrick's Day to anyone who is celebrating.

Been a busy few days with work, MOT and service on Shaun (my car . . . . . passed thankfully) and sorting a leaking inlet hose on the washer dryer . . . . . Thank heavens for next door being a plumber. Would have done it myself (I did plumb our dishwasher in by myself) but our kitchen stopcock would not budge, even with Mr D's brute strength so we had to call the cavalry. Hoping this lovely warm weather lasts to dry out where its leaked.

Now, today's card is a A5 cream card base, layered in black (before I thought about the felt tip trick) and fuchsia pink PMD card.

I then took a layer in cream card and cut each edge with my Super Striplet, using only half the width of the die. 

I topped it of with some SB Delicate Asters in cream, tipped with pink ink and their leaves inked with Bundled Sage and Shabby Shutters.

Now, you all know I'm not a button or twine kinda gal so I had to go out and buy buttons. These caught my eye as they were flower shaped and had the diamante centre (brings out the magpie in me)

Just to show you they are buttons rather than embellishments, this is one on my pokey tool.

I popped the buttons onto the centres of my asters and was happy with the effect.

To finish off, I added the sentiment on one of the SB Fancy Framed Tags One and a bit of bling underneath.

Hope you feel inspired to enter the challenge.

I'm feeling a bit better but still tempted by the Dyson lol! Wasn't massively impressed with these new F1 cars. They sound like souped up lawnmowers (with a similar reliability factor by the look of them) Yes Jackie, does make for an interesting season.

Have a great week folks and be good.

TTFN

Ang x

Here's Pinky. . . . . Are You Perky?

Good morning blogging chumsters. Hope its all hanging well. I'm still sniffy and chesty (steady!!!) and feel like sticking my Dyson up my nose to clear it once and for all. . . . . . .wonder if that would invalidate the warranty? and who would clean the filter?

Thank you for your kind wishes for my health.

Shirley, I'm interested to know if that's a cold remedy or just a Saturday night at the Terretta's hahaha!

Val, whose Vick and why would he want rubbing on my chest? (hope today is a better one for you chuck).

Jackie, the vest is still on. . . I jest not. Only for work though as I like a barrier between the polyester and me lol!

Lesley, Jo is just 21 and has left as she was not a happy girl. . . . . the grass always looks greener when you're that age eh?

Now, today's card was an experiment. I have been playing with my Embroidered Striplet (oooh err) and have made a few cards using it in different ways (my post for HOC next Monday, I am particularly pleased with) so I made my cut out piece into a simple card. That's why its high on cuts and low on embellishment I'm afraid.

Its a 6x6 white card base edged with black felt tip again. I then topped this with some fuchsia pink PMD card I had left over from next Monday's card.

I had already cut the next layer as part of my playing with the die. I cut into each corner then the in between areas and it made a pretty pattern.

I stuck this flat to the pink layer then topped it with a couple of pieces cut from SB Decorative Labels One, top one stamped and blinged.

I like dies that are not one trick ponies and this one is turning into a gem so thanks Ms Wilson (not that she probably reads this hahaha!)

Anyhoo, you may have noticed the revelation on other blogs that myself and Wendy (Spanish Crafter) have been chosen for the Hobbycutz DT. We had been waiting for it to be formalised and that's all done now so happy days.

First creation due next week, so keep em peeled.

Have a great weekend and hurrah for the return of F1. . . . . was it Val who thought the Hungarian GP was my doctor last year hahaha? (Please correct me if I'm wrong).

TTFN

Ang x

Good Luck Jo. . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. A quickie today as I'm down with the lurgy and trying to blow my nose and type at the same time (this is why women can multi task).

A huge welcome to The Pond to Mrs A and Janice. So happy you could join us ladies and hope you have fun on the ride. Everyone here is super friendly so, enjoy.

Jackie D, I saw your comment on our John's post about the mica. I "fix" mine with a waft of cheap hairspray ( the value one at Tesco only costs pence per can) and that seems to do the trick.

Thank you for your comments on my orchids. I love them and when we go on holiday, they go to their Uncle David's to stay. . . . . .Nesta can't cope with the responsibility and worry in case she kills one (plus she usually comes with us for part of our hols). All I do is water them once every 3-4 weeks in Winter and every 1-2 weeks in Summer. I just put them in one of my kitchen sinks and let them soak in warm water for 45 mins and then pull the plug and let them drain before putting them back in their pots (the one thing they hate is over watering) I feed them every couple of months and they seem happy. They all live on my south facing kitchen window sills but when in flower, I bring them into the living room to enjoy.

Now, today's card is one I have made for a colleague, Jo, who is leaving work today. She is a fellow crafter but isn't into frilly ribbon and die cuts. She's more of a grunge/steampunk kinda girl, which I ain't so I decided to go down a inky/embossing route.

Its a 5x7 white card base topped with a purple PMD card layer. I then took another slightly smaller piece of white card and stamped the side with a Fiskars dragonfly/flower stamp in Versamark and heat embossed in white. Same with the "Good Luck".

I then inked the piece with Dusty Concord, Victorian Velvet and Spun Sugar Distress Inks and then ran it through the GC with the Couture Creations Bouquet embossing folder.

This layer was then foam padded to the base and topped with a couple of butterflies and bling.

I hope she likes it. . . . . . mind you, not a lot I can do if she doesn't hahaha!!!

Anyhoo, time to sneeze and wheeze again so I'm offski.

Take care all and be good.

TTFN

Ang x

Framed Lilies. . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. What a glorious day yesterday. I felt actual heat from the Sun. Just puts a spring (no pun intended) in your step.

Mr Duck was definitely chastised. He was only checking his emails (he's not technology minded at all) and caused chaos and took ages for me to put right. I got 4 packs of Happy Shopper Cheesy Poofs (my favourite snacks) by way of apology.

I'm guessing my new follower Elaine is Nattyboots who has made it official. Welcome back Elaine. It wasn't Mr Nattyboots who messed up the computer was it ?

Now, today's card I wanted to look like an ornate framed picture, hanging on a wall.

The background card I bought from the NEC last November. Its from Touch of Crafts and each pack was 10 sheets for £1.00. its 250gsm and there is this colour, a rich brown and a stone colour with the same pattern.

Its an A5 cream card base. I'm really liking the thin black layer I have been seeing on cards but being tighter than the proverbial duck's bits, I decided to use black felt tip to give the illusion of a layer and it looks okey cokey.

I then popped the "wallpaper" layer on top.

The frame is made from SB Flourish Trim cut 4 times from gold mirror card and then cream card topped with a distress inked SB Tiger Lilies and the sprig from SB Botanical Swirls and Accents.

The frame is stuck to the top of the lily picture, rather than underneath. This was then foam padded to the "wallpaper"

I took this shot to try and show you the lovely sheen on this card. It almost looks like mica.

I have left it sentiment free as that seems a good suggestion I have picked up from some of you ladies. I can then use it for any suitable occasion that arises.

Hope you like it anyhoo.

Thank you for your lovely comments on my Spring flowers. Today, I'm regaling you with some snaps of, what my friends call, my "babies". I have 17 orchids (of which there are 5 different species) and these are the ones currently in flower. I have another 5 that have got flower spikes growing nicely too. I have had most of them several years (the youngest is about 2 years old and has been in flower continuously for the 2 years and cost me 50p from Tesco). Most I bought for £1.00 or less, usually half dead in a garden centre or supermarket bargain bin. A bit of feed and TLC and they are back on their feet again.

Look how tiny these flowers are on this Dendrobium.

I hope that I haven't bored you silly but there is just something about beautiful flowers that makes me smile and if I can make you smile too, then happy days!

TTFN

Ang x

Spring is in the Air. . . . . . Everywhere I Look Around

Good morning my little Duckadees. Hope you're all full of the joys of Spring. Its been warming up in this bit of The Pond and we have been treated to some glorious sunshine. This is a picture heavy post towards the end, I'm afraid, as I wanted to share a bit of my Spring with you all.

Apologies for the delay since my last post. Mr Duck has been a very naughty boy! I let him loose on my laptop the other day and he pressed things he shouldn't have and somehow ended up installing the horrendous Internet Explorer 8 and altering all my Google and Gmail settings. Consequently, I have spent some time having to sort all this out. 

I had a little chat with him on the lines of "silly Mr Duck, don't mess with technology, especially mine" or something similar, I forget the exact phrases I used, ahem!

Anyhoo, more importantly, welcome back Maggie. Oh its so nice to see you commenting again and you are more than welcome to come and paddle whenever you like chuck. Hope sunnier days are just around the corner.

Now, today's card is a nice flat one as its for a friend's birthday next month and needs to be posted. As the Post Office are putting the postage up again (I thought robbery was still a crime in this country) its more of a consideration now.

Its an A5 cream card base matted and layered with black and lilac PMD card. I went down the black layer route as John had done it on a card recently (I think it was John) and it really made a difference.

I cut another layer in the cream card and out of this I cut the flourish from SB Fanciful Holiday on each side and 3 SB Medallion One from the centre. Sentiment heat embossed in lilac embossing powder (25p bargain from work) and a bit of bling. 

All layers stuck together flat (no foam pads at all) and voila, simple but quite pretty if I may say so.

Now, for a few Spring pics from my garden. Sorry, there's a few. . . . . 

Some of our geraniums, still alive from last Summer

Our beautifully scented Daphne

One of our pretty Bergenia's

And the epitome of Spring to me. . . . . .

The gorgeous Daffodil, sunshine on a stem!!!

Hope that you all haven't nodded off hahaha. If you made it this far, thank you and see you soon. 

TTFN

Ang x

Begorrah and All That. . . . . .

Good morning my paddling chums. Hope all is calm in your bit of The Pond. We have had some lovely sunny days of late, amidst the odd splash of rain (and teeny tiny hailstones on Thursday). So much so, that some of my daffs are out. I took a few snaps in the garden yesterday and will pop them on my next post. I still have geraniums that are still in leaf and shooting begonias so I hope they survive for another year.

No more pilates as Mr Duck was north of the border again for a couple of days. Poor soul went to a chippy for his tea Thursday evening and ordered a cheese burger supper, which he (and I too) thought would be a bun (roll/cob/bap. . . delete as appropriate for your area of The Pond) filled with a cheese slice topped beefburger, served with chips. Well, the chips were right but what passed as a cheese burger just outside Glasgow, was a beefburger, topped with a cheese slice, then dipped in batter and deep fried. He was quite crestfallen and concerned that he may have to have the paramedics on standby as he could feel his arteries contracting just looking at it lol!

Perhaps the Scottish Posse can advise if that's normal or did he just happen to stumble across a chippy with a penchant for the experimental?

Must say, before I forget, Happy Anniversary Shirley T. I saw your comment on Sue Wilson's blog yesterday. Hope you and Mr T (not that one!) had a super day.

Also, Sue (Snowqueen62) enjoy your break in Devon.

Now, today's card started as a bit of a challenge to myself. I did a swirly finger thing (technical term) over a colour chart and where my finger landed, would be the colour I had to use. Lucky me eh? Slap bang on green!

Its is just simple layering so the ingredients are. . . . . . 

Dark green PMD card

Mid green card that someone gave me a few sheets of

Lime green PMD card

SB Filigree Delight die

SB Scalloped Ovals die

Kassies Brocade embossing folder

Green satin ribbon

Green bling

Peacock Feathers DI

Sorry this pic turned out a bit washed out. Think the camera was struggling with the light a wee bit.

I have decided to give this to our Irish friends for St Patrick's Day (hence the "Begorrah" in the post title) but Happy St David's Day today to anyone of Welsh descent. 

Wonder what colour the finger will end up on next time?

TTFN

Ang x