Exciting News!

Well I have incredibly exciting news - I am going to be part of the May design team for I love Sketches by Tsunami Rose! I must admit I'm a little terrified, but you can't progress if you don't rise to the challenge once in a while...

If you haven't already visited the page the link is: http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/i-love-sketches-by-tsunami-rose-day-38.html

It's full of wonderful inspiration for card sketches, and if you visit my blog and those of the other design team's throughout the month of May, you'll get an idea of the variety of cards that can be made using one of Daisy's sketches. So watch this space, because my blog is going to be busier than ever before!

And, once I've worked out how to do it, I will pop this on my sidebar to celebrate this monumentous occasion in my crafting career! Hope you are all safe inside on this wet and blustery day. See you soon, love Sammylou xXx

Ssh... It's a secret...

... but I wanted to share him with someone. This is a card I made for my sister-in-law using the gorgeous Flirty Edward stamp fromThe Greetings Farm, some Beastie papers from Wonderland Stamps and a TIm Holtz die.

Have a great weekend, Sammylou xXx

Just a quickie...

... to show you some of what I've managed to create using only my offcuts, some embossing folders and some really cute digi images from Pink Petticoat, which I adore! All for the Made in Coventry shop.

Enjoy your day, love Sammylou xXx

As I have the house to myself today, I have decided to set myself a little challenge and make some quick cards using offcuts from some of my orders. Really not sure how it will turn out but will post pics later. I will leave you with one of my favourite quick cards. Just a bit of Pink Petticoat Elegance paper in Olive, some Tim Holtz card, a flower and butterfly die and a gorgeous embossing folder. Add in a little bling and a sentiment and here's the result:

I shall hopefully see you all later with today's makes! Sammylou xXx

Increased work stress = reduced creativity

So, despite my best intentions, the blog is already being neglected. The strain of staff shortages plus  working part-time in what really is a full-time role, has had a major effect on my creative mojo.

My creative process, which usually flows easily, has been stifled by the payroll deadlines and difficult caseworks currently occupying my time in the day job. Crafting has always been my escape and I have to say I'm rather annoyed that my work life is encroaching on my safe haven.

I have been managing to complete orders, although they are taking more time than usual, but it's all the other stuff I want to do that's being stifled. My head is brimming with ideas and I have had no time to experiment. It's not good for the soul, and has made me realise how important being creative is. It's part of my make-up and this isn't something I would have recognised a few years ago. I need this to flourish as a person. Yes, work pays the bills, but it's my creativity that allows me to grow. 

So, am off to make some stock for Made in Coventry and make the most of the Easter weekend. I am going to make just a little time for me, to do what I love to do. And I encourage you all to do the same. Don't feel guilty, the only person who suffers if you don't do this, is you.

And here's a little selection of what I've been up to:

Happy Easter, Sammylou xXx