Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Merry to Christmas ot you all, looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year love Sammylou xxx

Funky Inks Blog Hop

Hello :) and thank you so much for joining in the Funky Hand and Tiddly Inks Funky Inks blog hop....we have a veritable feast of inspiration using Anice's lovely papers and Christy's digis!


I am certainly incredibly excited to be involved! As a lover of all things digital this collaboration has meant you can go wherever your imagination lets you. So let’s see what I have created…



I have used the “You’ve Retired” palette from the Wishes andKisses CD-ROM from Funky Hand and the gorgeous “Always the Flower Girl” image from Tiddly Inks.

I have paper pieced the image by printing her onto the Funky Hand papers, then cutting her out and layering with foam pads. The image and the papers were a match made in heaven and I felt that the card didn’t need any further embellishment other than the simple sentiment.

You should have come via Lou Mac’s blog, but don’t worry if you haven’t. A full list of the blogs is as follows:

Anice

Asa

Allison

Alyce

Amanda

Dilyana

Debbie

Emmy

Jackie

Jodi

Kathy

Karen

Lou

Larissa

Ni

Leah

Ruth

Lou Mac

Sam

Maria

Marlena

Melissa

Tabbatha 

Christy

If you are just joining us. Just open a new window for each link (click CNTRL and the link to do this) and you can keep the main list up and navigate easily through the links.

So join in the hop as both Anice and Christy are offering a gorgeous prize from each of their stores. Too good to resist surely?! Also, you will be able to see that the only limit is your own imagination. And if you feel equally inspired to have a go, please share your gorgeous creations with us on the Funky Hand Facebook page.
And please leave me a comment before you pop on over to Maria, I’d love to know what you think of my card. Love as always. Sammylou xxx

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Hello :) long time no speak. We have been migrating to a new HR and payroll system at work so my crafting time has been squished into nothing. And, despite thinking about Christmas cards since August, I am very far behind on my makes :(

However, I have managed to make these and was very pleased with how they turned out! They were made using Funky Hand papers and a Sizzix snowman die and their Trixie Girl alphas.

I hope you like them and look forward to seeing you all soon with some more makes.
Sammylou xxx

Happy :)

Taking a break from the Christmas cards I decided to make a card that encapsulated the last days of Summer. The Daisy Day download from Funky Hand gave me all the inspiration I needed! It features alphabets in lower and upper case as well as some funky daisy templates, added to all this are some gorgeously summery papers and you're away. Plus, it's only £3.49 - what a bargain! Anyway, here's the card I made

The only thing I added were some brads from my stash and I am really pleased with it and hope the friend I made it for loves it too. See you all soon love Sammylou xXx

Long time no speak...

Firstly, big apologies for the fact that I haven't blogged in over two months, which is just wrong, so sorry. While my blogging may have stopped, life hasn't stood still. As you may remember, I had taken a short break from all things crafty to get my husband fit and well again. And, I am happy to say he is back to his old grumpy self!

Alongside this, my day job has been eating into every waking hour as we implement a new payroll system. My evenings have been filled with excel spreadsheets instead of glitter and glue :( I have mentioned it several times before but it always astonishes me how my creative mojo diminishes when life is stressful. At the one time, you could really do with the outlet, I find myself sitting at my craft (sorry, dining) table staring at my lovely stash and... nothing... not even a smidge of an idea, a glimmer that I am vaguely creative, just nothing.

Thankfully, over the last few weeks I have been working hard to get it back. Oh mojo don't think you can get away from me that easily, you're stuck with me I'm afraid, lock, stock and barrel! And the perfect way to kick start it all again was by making some samples for the Funky Hand Create and Craft shows on 17 August 2012. And what an honour it was. The design team working for Anice are phenomenal and I feel a little humble that I am lucky to be part of such an amazing team. Unlike my mojo, my self-confidence ran off a long time ago, sends me a postcard occasionally but I don't think it will ever return for good. Anyway, enough rambling, let's get to the makes shall we?

Tattoo Themed New Baby Card - backing paper from Funky Hand

A5 50th Easel Card - one of my most popular designs at the moment - using Pink Petticoat Grannies Wallpaper, embossing folder and some die-cut flowers and butterflies - girly yet elegant!

Sample for Funky Hand using the Paperwishes and Kisses cd-rom - decoupaged digistamp, papers and sentiment from the cd-rom - spellbinders die for bunting

I will see you all again shortly, I have made a promise that now life is on an even keel, I am going to make more of an effort with blogging. I miss the interaction, and sometimes it's just nice to get your thoughts down.

 

Crafting catharsis - life couldn't get any better - Love as always, Sammylou xXx

ILS by Tsunami Rose Blog Hop - Day 2

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Thank you for joining us on the second day of our June Design Team Blog Hop! This blog hops theme is using Tsunami Rose Designs Printables from Daisy's shop.

Please join us as we both show case the sketch-of-the-day and one of Daisy's wonderful creations.

Tsunami Rose Designs has created over 25 exclusive printable scrapbook papers for Scrapbook Stamp Society! They are 8.5 in. by 11 in. and can be purchased here. Please see the video for all of the designs and check back as she creates more!

Daisy is offering 2 grand prizes to 2 random commenters of any of the participating blogs!

Win $10 to spend on Tsunami Rose Designs Printable scrapbook paper @ Scrapbook Stamp Society.com

or

Win $10 to spend on Tsunami Rose Designs Printable Scrapbook paper and Ephemera @ her Zibbet Shop PLUS a copy of June 2012 Sketches!!


MY RENDITION:

   

WHAT I USED AND WHY I LIKED THIS SKETCH/TSUNAMI ROSE PAPERS

I used some of Daisy's 6x6 Kitty Family paper and the gorgeous Thursday printable image from Daisy's blog today. IInked a sentiment and some lace, added some pink ribbon from my stash and the card is done! Hope you like it xXx

The Blog Line up List:

1. Daisy- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com
2. Tanya Traywick-  http://ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com
3. Kari Sanchez- http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/
4. Hannah Perry - http://theperrylane.blogspot.com
5. Veronica Meras-http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/
6. Sam Burdett http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
7. Tina Teasdale http://touchedbyanangel-tina.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Kimberly Pate ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com

ILS Sketches by Tsunami Rose Blog Hop - Day 1

Thank you for joining us on the first day of our June Design Team Blog Hop! This blog hops theme is using Tsunami Rose Designs Printables from Daisy's shop.

Please join us today and tomorrow as we both show case the sketch-of-the-day and one of Daisy's wonderful creations.

Tsunami Rose Designs has created over 25 exclusive printable scrapbook papers for Scrapbook Stamp Society! They are 8.5 in. by 11 in. and can be purchased here. Please see the video for all of the designs and check back as she creates more!

Daisy is offering 2 grand prizes to 2 random commenters of any of the participating blogs!

Win $10 to spend on Tsunami Rose Designs Printable scrapbook paper @ Scrapbook Stamp Society.com

or

Win $10 to spend on Tsunami Rose Designs Printable Scrapbook paper and Ephemera @ her Zibbet Shop PLUS a copy of June 2012 Sketches!!


MY RENDITION:

WHAT I USED AND WHY I LIKED THIS SKETCH/TSUNAMI ROSE PAPERS
I used the Vintage Rouge White as my backing and used the Vintage Country Flowers as my focal point. I kept it simple with a bit of lace from my stash and some diamante flowers and a few tiny pearls. I think it's a very pretty card and will definitely use this sketch again - it's so versatile!

Please join us tomorrow as well!

The Blog Line up List:

1. Daisy- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com
2. Tanya Traywick-  http://ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com
3. Kari Sanchez- http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/
4. Hannah Perry - http://theperrylane.blogspot.com
5. Veronica Meras-http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/
6. Sam Burdett http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
7. Tina Teasdale http://touchedbyanangel-tina.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Kimberly Pate ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com

ILS by Tsunami Rose - Monthly Blog Hop - Day 2!

Thank you for joining us  in the I Love Sketches byTsunami Rose 3^rd monthly Blog Hop! We have all been given the last two scheduled sketches of May to work with and put our own spin on! 

Please make sure to become a follower of everyone on theblog hop and leave them a comment on both days with your email if possible so that you Daisy Collins can contact you to send you the prize!

Daisy Collins just recently premiered her new line ofVintage Printable Scrapbook Papers & Vintage Ephemera on her Zibbet shop! Make sure to stop by tosee even more of her wonderful creations that now you can create with! 2 luckyrandom selected winners are going to get her Vintage Father’s Day Printable anda $5 gift card to her shop!

Please see Daisy's new Youtube video for today's sketch! #10

So here's mine! It's only a mini card (10.5cm by 10.5cm) and I used some free papers and other things from my stash, as well as one of Daisy's printables - it's such a cute image and I love the rabbit. The sketch definitely shows that you can add texture and detail on a small card and not overwhelm it.

So, thank you for joining us, and make sure you join in the fun. Have a great day, love Sammylou xXx

Blog list:

1. Daisy Collins- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com/
2.Vanessa Almodovar Toro-http://wwwpaperkraftsunlimiteddesings.blogspot.com/
3. Hannah Perry- http://theperrylane.blogspot.com/
4.Veronica Meras- http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/
5. Debbie Taylor- http://taylor-madecards.blogspot.co.uk/
6. Sam Burdett-  http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
7.Kimberly Pate- http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com/

Make sure to join the I Love Sketches by Tsunami Rose Facebook Group!

ILS by Tsunami Rose - Monthly Blog Hop - May 30 and 31

Thank you for joining us today in the I Love Sketches byTsunami Rose 3^rd monthly Blog Hop! We have all been given the lasttwo scheduled sketches of May to work with and put our own spin on! We have onecard to present to you today and tomorrow so make sure to check back tomorrow!

Please make sure to become a follower of everyone on theblog hop and leave them a comment on both days with your email if possible sothat you Daisy Collins can contact you to send you the prize!

Daisy Collins just recently premiered her new line ofVintage Printable Scrapbook Papers & Vintage Ephemera on her Zibbet shop! Make sure to stop by tosee even more of her wonderful creations that now you can create with! 2 luckyrandom selected winners are going to get her Vintage Father’s Day Printable anda $5 gift card to her shop!

Please see Daisy's new Youtube video for today's sketch! #10

I really liked using this sketch because it's so versatile. It's the beginning of Wedding season, so I wanted to create something delicate and special. I used a free digi and papers and sentiments from Pink Petticoat. I have to say this is one of my favourite cards from the whole of May. I hope you like it!

Blog list:

1. Daisy Collins- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com/
2.Vanessa Almodovar Toro-http://wwwpaperkraftsunlimiteddesings.blogspot.com/
3. Hannah Perry- http://theperrylane.blogspot.com/
4.Veronica Meras- http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/
5. Debbie Taylor- http://taylor-madecards.blogspot.co.uk/
6. Sam Burdett- http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
7.Kimberly Pate- http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com/

Check out day 2 tomorrow! And make sure to join the I Love Sketches by Tsunami Rose Facebook Group!

Not just cards...

My blogs have been all about sketches lately, so I thought I would show you some of the other things I have been making. The pictures are of the most recent wooden letter I have decorated. It was an auction item placed to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital and the winning recipient was very pleased with it!

So here's the photos:

Name Detail - die cut heart with Quickutz letters

The finished item, drying!

Not the best pictures admittedly but I did think it came together very well. Right, back to the cardmaking! See you all soon, Sammylou xXx

ILS by Tsunami Rose - Days 26 and 27

Hi All. As I'm still playing catch up, I am going to keep this blog short.

Below you will find my cards and Daisy's sketches for May 26 and 27. If you are interested in getting involved, then please join in the fun at the facebook page. Am off to get dinner ready, then will be back with today's cards xXx

Both cards were made using papers from my stash. The first card features a Smirk stamp and the second a digi stamp from Pink Petticoat.

I'd love to know what you think about them! Thank you, Sammylou xXx

ILS by Tsunami Rose - Days 24 and 25

Hello All, I am a little late with my posts due to family difficulties this week, so have decided to showcase days 24 and 25 together. I will then be back with days 26 and 27 before the day is out.

For the month of May, I have been lucky enough to be part of the Design Team for Sketches by Tsunami Rose. The wonderful Daisy is creating one original sketch and card for each day of the year. If you would like to get involved in the fun, please come and join the facebook page!

Well here are my cards:

Day 24

Day 25

And the sketches:

 The first card was made using a sheet of Edwardian Lady 6x6 I got free from a magazine. I added on a lovely sentiment and some lace and pearls. Although simple, I'm pleased with the effect, and will be saving this card to give to a friend at work.

The second card was mainly made by my daughter Amelia. She had printed and coloured the Gorjuss image, chose the papers and I just helped to put it together. It was made for one of our friend's daughters who turned 9 this week.

Thank you, as always for looking, and I will see you all soon. Make the most of today's sunshine because it's looking like thunder tonight! Sammylou xXx

ILS Sketches by Tsunami Rose - Day 23

Apologies for the late posting, but my week seems to lurch from bad to worse as my husband was rushed to hospital yesterday with chest pains. Fortunately, albeit after a 6 hour wait at a&e, he was declared fine, but is still unwell and tucked up in bed as we speak.

So, my card for Day 23 is below, and at the moment, I'm all about men, as I am trying to make up stock for Fathers Day.

My card:

The sketch:

Given the simplicity of the sketch, I quite like the way that the busy nature of the papers I've chosen do all the talking. I think they are from Papermania, but they have been in my stash since I started in 2008. A bit of homemade bunting from my scraps and ribbon from my stash, add in a sentiment and you're done.

I promise to be back later with my card for today.

As always, you can visit Daisy's page to see her sketches first-hand and, if you're interested, I have a facebook page, which you are welcome to pop over and view.

Have a good day, and I hope the sun shines for you. Off to the day job now, Sammylou xxx

ILS Sketches by Tsunami Rose - Day 22

Thank you all for your lovely comments thus far and a big hello to all my new followers, it's so lovely to have you here x

Day 22 arrives and here is my card:


Day 22, Sketch 13

And here's the sketch:

As you can see, I rotated it to make an A5 card, then matted and layered using a stamp and some beautifully delicate papers from Pink Petticoat. I finished it with some punched flowers, some self-adhesive pearls. some pink ribbon from my stash and a computer printed sentiment.

It's rather hard to believe that until I started these sketches by Daisy, I very rarely used ribbon, and certainly didn't use lace!

If you are interested in joining in the fun, then pop over to Daisy's blog, where she is posting ane originalk card and sketch for every day of the year. And, please come and join the facebook group, where you can showcase your creations!

Make the most of the sunshine and I will see you soon xXx



ILS by Tsunami Rose - Day 21

A quick, and rather sad post for Day 21.

The card I was originally planning to do went out the window when my neighbour passed away suddenly, (and unexpectedly) yesterday, so I decided to use the sketch to make a Sympathy card for her two sons who still live with her.

My card:

Made using the Dandelion stamp and papers from Pink Petticoat. I have kept the colours muted but not too dark, then finished off with some pearls.

And the sketch:

A sad day for our road, she was a wonderful neighbour and I shall miss her greatly, Sammylou xXx

ILS Sketches by Tsunami Rose - Day 20

Well, we are two-thirds of the way through the month and I can't believe how fast the time has flown. I've loved every minute of this challenge. So much so, that the wonderful and supportive Daisy is letting me stay for another month - yey!

Ok, I know it's the card you've come to look at, so here's my creation:


Day 20, Sketch 23

And here's the sketch:

I'd already decided when I first looked at the sketches that I was going to use this for my friend's daughter's birthday - she was 6 on Thursday. The papers are from Funky Hand and I forget what the stamp is called, but she's so cute, and absolutely perfect for a little princess! I coloured her in with pro-markers and apologise to all those who have so much more skill in this area than I do. My colouring ability definitely needs work, but I do feel I am improving.

See you all tomorrow, love Sammylou xXx And don't forget, if you want to join in the fun, visit Daisy's blog and come join the facebook page :)

ILS by Tsunami Rose - Days 17, 18 and 19

Hello all :) I'm afraid I've been unwell so am going to show you 3 days worth of cards and then post today's a little later. As you know the wonderful Daisy Collins at Tsunami Rose is posting one original sketch and card for every day of the year. As part of her May design team, I am designing 31 (yes 31!) original cards to showcase her sketches!

Day 17 - My card:

Day 17, Sketch 11

 The sketch:





The card was made using freebies I received from a cardmaking magazine, card from my stash and I left out the sentiment as I wanted the rosette centre to match the paper, so made a card for any occasion - you choose!

Day 18 - My card:

Day 18, Sketch 5

 The sketch:

This card was made using one of Daisy's gorgeous free printable elements and everything else came from my stash (I have a huge amount of papers - it's quite an obsession), and I thought the paper's swirls worked perfectly with the image and the sketch.

Day 19 - My card:

Day 19, Sketch 31

The sketch:

Again, I used one of Daisy's free printables for this card, some papers from my stash (a lovely dusky pink damask sheet), some lace from my recent trip to Hobbycraft and a simple pink pearl to complement the paper.

If you are interested in joining in the fun, then come and join the facebook group. It's a wonderful group and a perfect place to share your creations.

See you later with today's card. Enjoy your Sunday, love Sammylou xXx





ILS by Tsunami Rose - Blog Hop - Day Two!!

Thanks for joining us for our I Love Sketches by Tsunami Rose DT Blog Hop! If you don't know yet, as part of the ILS DT we create a card each day following Tsunami Rose's sketches that she posts on her blog each and every day.

Please check out her blog where you can follow along with all of us. You can also joing the ILS by Tsunami Rose FB group where you can share your creations with other crafty people!

Tsunami Rose is giving away a Father's Day Vintage Printable from her Zibbet shop to 2 lucky random commenters for either day of the blog hop! So make sure to comment on everyones blog for the chance to win! And check out the Tsunami Rose Vintage Zibbet Shop  for more of her exclusive printables.

Today's daily sketch challenge is #14:

My rendition:

I used one of Daisy's printables, mounted it up with some Tim Holtz cardstock and some freebie papers from a craft magazine. I then finished it off with some lace and embellished with some homemade roses and a simple Thank You sentiment. I hope you like it and are enjoying Day 2 of the blog hop x

Please check the rest of the ILS by Tsunami Rose Design Team members. Comment with your email and enter to win a chance for some exclusive Tsunami Rose Designs Printables!

If possible, we ask that you leave your email in the comment so that way you can be emailed the print ready file.

May Design Team

1. Daisy Collins- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com/
2. Kimberly ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com
3. Hannah Perry - http://theperrylane.blogspot.com
4. Abbie Kay - http://powered-by-fairydust.blogspot.com
5. Tricia - http://mycrazybubble.blogspot.com/
6. Sam Burdett - http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
7. Debbi Taylor - http://taylor-madecards.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Eileen Sepulveda- Sanjose -www.littlecraftershow.blogspot.com
9. Veronica Meras-http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/

See you soon, love Sammylou xXx

ILS by Tsunami Rose - Blog Hop!!!

Thanks for joining us for our I Love Sketches by Tsunami Rose DT Blog Hop! If you don't know yet, as part of the ILS DT we create a card each day following Tsunami Rose's sketches that she posts on her blog each and every day.

Please check out her blog where you can follow along with all of us. You can also joing the ILS by Tsunami Rose FB group where you can share your creations with other crafty people!

Tsunami Rose is giving away a Father's Day Vintage Printable from her Zibbet shop to 2 lucky random commenters for either day of the blog hop! So make sure to comment on everyones blog for the chance to win! And check out the Tsunami Rose Vintage Zibbet Shop  for more of her exclusive printables.

Today's daily sketch challenge is #2

My rendition:

Please check the rest of the ILS by Tsunami Rose Design Team members. Comment with your email and enter to win a chance for some exclusive Tsunami Rose Designs Printables!

If possible, we ask that you leave your email in the comment so that way you can be emailed the print ready file.

May Design Team

1. Daisy Collins- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com/
2. Kimberly ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com
3. Hannah Perry - http://theperrylane.blogspot.com
4. Abbie Kay - http://powered-by-fairydust.blogspot.com
5. Tricia - http://mycrazybubble.blogspot.com/
6. Sam Burdett - http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
7. Debbi Taylor - http://taylor-madecards.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Eileen Sepulveda- Sanjose -www.littlecraftershow.blogspot.com
9. Veronica Meras-http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/
10. Ann Marie Lessner www.creativeramblings345.blogspot.com

Please check back for tomorrow's daily sketch challenge!

I Love Sketches by Tsunami Rose - Day 14

Well, we're nearly halfway through the month and I can't believe how fast May is going. I've absolutely loved every minute of being on Daisy's design team, and I hope you have enjoyed seeing what can be achieved with her gorgeous sketches.

So, I'm sure you all know by now that Daisy is making one original sketch and card for each day this year. If you would like to have a go yourself, please visit http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/ and why not join the Facebook group too?

Day 14 and I'm all about Father's Day at the moment, so here's my card:

 And here'sthe sketch:

The papers are from the Big Fella collection by Pink Petticoat and I made the origami shirt myself! I am really pleased with this card and think it's more funky than the usual style you see for Father's Day.

I will see you all later for Day 15, and it's the blog hop! How exciting! I can't wait :)
If you'd like to see what the rest of the design team have been creating, then please check out their blogs below:

1. Daisy- http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com
2. Kari - http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/
3. Kimberly ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com
4. Christina Berlanga-Mesa -- http://serendipitycreationsbychristina.blogspot.com/
5. Hannah Perry - http://theperrylane.blogspot.com
6. Abbie Kay - http://powered-by-fairydust.blogspot.com
7. Tricia - http://mycrazybubble.blogspot.com/
8. Sam Burdett - http://sammylouscraftingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
9. Debbi Taylor - http://taylor-madecards.blogspot.co.uk/
10. SuzeJo Murphy - http://CrimsonMoonCrafts.blogspot.com/
11. Eileen Sepulveda- Sanjose -www.thelittlecraftershow.com
12. Veronica Meras-http://createdbymeras.blogspot.com/
13. Ann Marie Lessner www.creativeramblings345.blogspot.com

See you soon, love Sammylou xXx And as always, I love to hear your comments xXx