Garden Magic

Hi there. My goodness, the sun is shining brightly in Dublin this evening! I've even left the glare on photo as evidence of this rare event (lol).

With so many flower/garden related challenges right now I turned to Graphic 45 'Secret Garden' papers - they never disappoint.



It's a short post today!

Papers: Graphic 45 'Secret Garden', Melissa Frances 'Attic Treasures', Bazzill cardstock and doily from stash.

Dies: MFT Dienamics: 'Royal Leaves', 'Mini Royal Roses', 'Mini Rolled Roses' and 'Small Scallop Border'. Magnolia: 'Heart Flower Lace'. Spellbinders: 'Romantic Rectangles' and 'Decorative Labels 27'. Memory Box: 'Perched Reed Bird' and 'Woodland Branch'.

Embellishments: I made the flowers, leaves, birds and branch from a little bit of G45 paper! Karen Foster Charms (dabbed with Treasure Gold 'White Fire'). Pearls are by Melissa Frances and water droplets are by Hero Arts. Silk Ribbon by May Arts tied using Boweasy. The beautiful lace is from The Funkie Junkie Boutique so I wish to enter card to the Frilly and Funkie Sunday Share.

Sincere thanks to all who visit - your comments/following really are much appreciated. May the sun shine on you this weekend!

Nicola x

Thank-you to the hosts, sponsors and DTs at the following challenges that I wish to enter;
Country View Crafts - How Does Your Garden Grow
Simon Says Stamp and Show - A Little Paper
Sugar Creek Hollow - Spring Flowers
By The Cute and Girly - Flowers
Happy Camper Craft Collective - Use Lace
Simon Says Stamp - Flower Power
Crafty Bloggers' Network - Os & Xs (Die Cut, flowers, ribbon)
Love To Create - Many Pretty Flowers
Songbird Challenges - Blom and Grow - Flowers
Tuesday Throwdown - Smell the Roses
Card and Scrap - Lag på lag (Layers)

Entering Time

Hello Again! Thank-you for stopping by and a warm welcome to new followers.

I've made my card today with a number of challenges in mind. The challenge at Frilly and Funkie is 'There's no time to waste'. As this card is for someone who is sitting exams soon that challenge theme is very appropriate (although the young gentleman in question needs no reminder from anyone re his studies). The challenge at Vintage Udfordring is 'Use paint or gesso' - I've used both on my card. The challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show is 'Inspired By' - well someone I greatly admire is Anita at The Artful Maven Haven. She is one of the most creative people in blogland - please visit her blog for immense inspiration. Anita always signs off her blogposts "I hope your hands get creatively dirty soon!". My hands sure got inky and dirty on this card so I thank Anita for her inspiration. Finally I'd like to enter card to two of my favourite challenge spots Our Creative Corner (newly revamped / 'under new management') and Fashionable Stamping Challenges who both are running 'Anything Goes' at the moment.

So without further ado, here is my card.



The base layer is a cotton handmade paper. First of all I applied embossing paste to it through a Prima 6x6 stencil ('Crackle') and left to dry overnight. I next painted the stenciled paper with Paper Artsy Fresco Finish paint in 'Old Gold'. Once dry I applied a thin layer of Paper Artsy Crackle Glaze. When that was dry I again painted the sheet with Fresco Finish paint in 'Nougat'. By this stage the paper was gorgeously crackled - it's a pity that I had to cover most of it up! I dabbed the raised stenciled parts with distress inks and then some gilding wax to highlight.

Next layer up is a band of cotton paper that I aged with a wet teabag (Twinings!). On top of that is a complimentary sample of glossy card that I kindly received from Crafty Individuals. It looked much too shiny and new for this card so I diluted a little gesso with water and brushed over the card to 'age' it. I then 'aged' further with two useful stamps that I recently bought, both Kaisercraft Clear Stamps 'Crackle' and 'Distress' using Distress Inks.

The main door image is a stamp by Crafty Individuals CI-249 'Gothic Door'. I've stamped with Archival ink and embossed with Ranger Distress EP ('Vintage Photo'). Using my Tim Holtz waterbrush I coloured in the door and stone surround with various DIs. I then painted image with Inkssentials Crackle Glaze to give it a old leathery look. The door image sits atop a clock image. To make the chalky clock, I painted some CS with Paper Artsy Fresco Finish paint in 'Vintage Lace', once dry a layer of Fresco Finish Crackle Glaze and finally, when dry, a layer of Fresco Finish in 'Nougat'. Next stamped the crackled CS using Brilliance Ink with another Crafty Individuals Stamp CI-354 'Clock Face'. I then diecut the clock with a circular Spellbinder die. The clock does have a lovely crackled appearance but once again I ended up covering it up!

Using Sizzix die 'Hardware Findings', I cut some grungeboard. I painted a layer of Paper Artsy Fresco Finish paint in 'Nougat', then FF crackle glaze, then FF 'Old Gold'. Next stamped all with the aforementioned Kaisercraft stamps for further aging effects. I attached with brads that I had coated with Inkssentials Crackle Glaze so as to look a bit worn. The two clocks on the right are stamped with a 7Gypsies stamp from the 'Venice' clear set using Archival and Brilliance inks. They are also 'aged' with DIs and cut to shape with a Spellbinders circular die. I've attached them via the keyhole diecut to fit with 'Time' theme.

Prior to assembling I decorated most edges with gilding wax. The metal clockhands are by Prima and the key is by Maya Road. Finished off with two little twine bows! Phew!

I thank each and every one of you who stop by - your visits and comments are truly appreciated.
Have a lovely weekend.

Nicola x

Thank-you to the hosts, sponsors and DTs at the following challenges that I wish to enter;
Frilly and Funkie - There's No Time To Waste
Vintage Udfording - Use Paint or Gesso
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Inspired By
Our Creative Corner - Anything Goes
Fashionable Stamping Challenge - Anything Goes

The Scissors

Hello again. Thank-you so much for your visit.

I'm tight for time today so will keep post short. I needed to make a card for a lady who is setting up a new hairdressing salon. Wasn't sure what to do but the inspiration photo at The Shabby Tea Room this week gave me lots of ideas. Here is my card:



This is The Shabby Tea Room photo:

The background paper provides a mirror shape (to echo the glass jars in photo and of course perfect for a hairdressers). I've used some Spellbinders dies for the layers including one from the new Imperial Gold series. I think that using the recommended Junior Magnetic Placement Mat really does make a difference when using this die. The outer swirls are from a Memory Box die. The papers are by Melissa Frances (5th Avenue) and Maja Design (Vintage Summer) and some Bazzill cardstock. I've inked most edges with Distress Ink in 'Victorian Velvet'.

The scissors charm should suit for hairdressing! It's available at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. I've attached a little metal tag that says Congrats. I lightly sprinkled / melted some Frantage for some pretty bling and completed with some flower embellishments (available from Cottage Crafts).

Thank-you for stopping by and huge thanks in advance for any comments that I am lucky enough to receive.

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
The Shabby Tea Room - Beautiful Spring
Vintage Cafe Card Challenges - "Your Inspiration"
The Perfect Sentiment - Make It Feminine
Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes With Ribbon
Happy Campers - Use Lace
MilkCoffee Challenge - Lace and Pearls

Spring Dressforms

A cheery hello from Dublin. I appreciate your visiting.

This was one of those cards where Plan A didn't work out at all, at all! So I'm very glad that several reconfigurations later I finally have a card to post...



I've used papers from Maja Design (Vintage Summer Basics) and all the stamping is on Ranger Speciality Stamping Paper. I had thought that I would give the dressform wings so that it was like a 'flying dressform' - but no way was this working out!

I cut dressform with Tim Holtz die and mounted on chipboard. Stamped it with Distress Inks using Crafty Individuals stamp set CI-226 'Wild Flowers'. Next stamped and embossed (Ranger Queen's Gold EP) Crafty Individuls stamp CI-357 'Springtime Robin' - I think this stamp is intended as a bookmark but I'm considering it a dress! I've coloured it in with DIs using a Tim Holtz waterbrush. The bird, butterflies and text on the dress are 'paper pieced' and raised on sticky pads.

I also stamped a large sheet with a colourful range of DIs using the CI-226 'Wild Flowers' stamp set and then diecut and punched into lots of butterflies. Then stamped and embossed clothing articles from Crafty Individuals stamp set CI-306 'French Corsets' and coloured them in using Tim Holtz water brush and DIs.

I bought the water brush from The Funkie Junkie Boutique and so wish to enter card to the Frilly and Funkie Sunday Share.

Gilded most edges with gilding wax and left them to dry overnight. All elements of the card are mounted with foam to add dimension. The two circular dies are by Cheery Lynn and Noor Design. I've also embossed the outer circle with a Cheery Lynn circular stitching plate.

That's It - hope you like! Enjoy the rest of your day.

Nicola x


I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
Crafty Individuals - Spring In Fashion
Country View Crafts - Butterflies
Fashionable Stamping Challenges - Sentimental ("Song of Spring")
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Love To Create - Punches and/or Dies
Dream Valley Challenges - Things With Wings
Sweet Stamping Challenge - Anything but Birthday

Secret Garden

Hi there and welcome to another blog post! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Earlier this week when I saw the inspiration photo at The Shabby Tea Room, the gorgeous Graphic 45 'Secret Garden' papers came to mind...Here is my take on the inspiration photo:



This is the inspiration photo itself:

Paper: Graphic 45 - 'Secret Garden' and 'A Ladies' Diary', Melissa Frances - 'Countdown to Christmas', SEI Velvet Paper in 'Dandelion' and 'Mint'

Ink: For edge definition - Distress Ink 'Scattered Straw'

Dies: Cheery Lynn - 'Square Stackers', 'Sophia's Heart', 'Mini Flourish', Round 'Stitcher Plate'. Spellbinders - 'Standard Circles Large' and 'Eyelet Circles'. Sizzix Bigz - 'Bird Scroll' (with diecuts also mounted on chipboard). Marianne Design - 'Anja's Leaves'. MFT Dienamics - 'Postage Stamp Stax', 'Royal Leaves' and 'Rolled Scallop Flower'. Simon Says Stamp Die - 'Ribbon Banner'

Pearl decoration: Drawn with Viva Decor Pearl Pen in 'Ice White'

Ribbon: May Arts Silk - bow tied using boweasy. Further embellishments from stash

It's a lovely sunny day in Dublin so I'm out soon to savour the sunshine! I hope the sun shines on you this weekend.

Nicola x

I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
The Shabby Tea Room - Spring Bliss
Craft-Room Challenge - So Sentimental
Crafts 4 Eternity - Perfect Papers
Eclectic Paperie - Flowers
Card and Scrap - Use Dies
Creative Moments - Spring
Kaboodle Doodles - Spring
Love To Create: Bingo (Flowers, Diecuts, Ribbons)
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Crafting For All Seasons - No Stamps Allowed

Springtime Birdie

Greetings from Dublin! So glad to have a card once more to share. Thank-you all for your kind good wishes on my last post - my Mum is improving as each day passes. I hope to catch up with more of your blogs over the coming days.

I made this card for someone who is starting exams - hence the wise owl on the little tag. I've kept it very muted in a vintage style.



Papers: Maja Design (Vintage Summer Basics collection)
Inks: DI Victorian Velvet. May Arts white leaf trim inked with DI Bundled Sage
Dies: Sizzix Bigz - Bird Scroll (I think my favourite die so far!), Sizzix Framelits 'Majestic Labels', Magnolia 'Old Swedish Lace'. (I also diecut the bird in chipboard to have a chunky birdie)
Embellishments: Kaisercraft, Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima, Tim Holtz. Plus cheesecloth, doily, charm and twine from stash


Thanks so much for visiting,
Nicola x

I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
Live & Love Crafts - Bingo (Cheesecloth, Vintage, Flowers)
By The Cute And Girly - Vintage
Wild Orchid Challenges - Twine
Die Cuttin Divas - Flowers
Kaboodle Doodles - Spring
Creative Moments - Challenge 15 Spring
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Color
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Missing In Action

Hello! Just a quick note to explain my absence from blogland over recent weeks.

Firstly I was unwell, then briefly away, only to return to learn that my Mum had sustained a nasty fall. For last couple of weeks my time has been with Mum who thankfully is now home from hospital and I've been staying with her to help her recover and strengthen. I don't have any broadband access there. I hope to return to more of a 'normal' pattern soon - can't wait to catch up your creations - I've been missing crafting and blogland.

Warmest wishes,
Nicola x

Happy Easter! Plus another Liebster nominee

Hi there! A warm welcome to all who have signed up recently to follow and continued gratitude for lovely comments.

I've made a Springlike card for Easter although given floods, snow and gales in Ireland this week it seems Mother Nature has other plans.



I recently bought Graphic 45 'Secret Garden' papers - they are sooo pretty it seems cruel to cut them - they are fabulously Springlike! I also came across a beautiful blog The Feathered Nest where Dawn has many gorgeous vintage images and truly sublime creations - the Easter egg image is here and it matches the G45 papers to a tee. Thank-you Dawn! I've printed the egg on cotton fibre paper to keep it 'vintage'.

Papers: Graphic 45 'Secret Garden'
Stamps: Impression Obsession 'Sm Leaf Filligree', Hero Arts 'Fairy Fern', Cavallini & Co 'Birds and Nests'
Inks: Distress Inks 'Bundled Sage' and 'Dusty Concord'
Eggs: Genuine candied chocolate from my stash in kitchen press!
Dies: Spellbinders 'Romantic Rectangles', MFT Dienamics 'Small Scallop Border', Magnolia 'Heart Swirl'
Flowers, stamped doily (mostly hidden), postage stamp diecut that I've stamped, ribbon and frill for 'nest' from stash

I recently received The Liebster Award - see post here - one of my nominated blogs Redanne (not surprisingly) had already received a Liebster so my reserve Liebster Award goes to Bonnie at Artful Digits - she is a very talented artiste - do pay her fantastic blog a visit...

Hoping that your Easter brings you peace and joy plus some chocolate - purely for its beneficial endorphins of course!

Nicola x

I wish to enter card to the following challenges;
Live & Love Crafts - Easter
It's all about the Vintage - Easter
Crafting By Designs - Anything Goes with Easter/Spring
Crafty Creations Challenges - Easter
Kaboodle Doodles - Easter or Early Spring
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Inspiration Journal - Add A Little P.O.P.