More cards ready for their owners

In what’s been a topsy turvy week, I’ve managed to create two cards for upcoming birthdays, so now all my February birthdays are covered! There’s only one more for February to make, and that’s a Valentine’s Day card for The Man. But I’m still undecided on that one.

It’s all been done backwards, as originally I sat down the other night to begin my dear friend’s card, but inspiration just didn’t strike. Does that happen with you from time to time? I knew what I wanted to do, but I just sat there with everything laid out in front of me. Then I decided to do a ‘Bikini Bear’ as part of another card. And that’s where I ended that night.

So yesterday, getting slightly frustrated at having nothing in the creative bank, I scoured Pinterest for ideas. In case I haven’t said it before, I love Pinterest!!!

Within moments, as Gru would say “Light Bulb”!! (Despicable Me has sooo much to answer for!) In less than an hour, I was done. Classy, classic and clean, just like the wonderful lady who’ll be recieving it next week. Hence the near panic at not having anything originally happening!

 

I used my wonderful Ezy-Press Flower die to cut out the flowers in a range of colourful scraps, great way to use those little bits that are left overs. And after attacking a sheet of ‘bling’ numbers, I managed to attach a single rhinestone in the middle of each flower for some dimension. I try to make the most of the limited tools I currently have. My collection is expanding, little bits at a time.

Ok, the yellow flower isn’t aligned correctly, it kinda ‘slipped’ out of my fingers and stuck…fast. I do love using the Kaszazz range of products, so easy, and normally I celebrate my glues sticking so well…just not when flowers slip. I think it makes it unique. I’m in love with embossing too, in case a few of the new cards haven’t given that away.

The Man was very impressed when I showed him this afternoon. And I’m actually quite chuffed. My skill set is certainly climbing…according to Mother Dear I’m not giving myself enough credit. Ah ha, she did see my some of my first attempts at Rolled Roses. Apparently I’m too much of a perfectionist, and impatient. Well, I’ve always admitted to having no patience….lol. I’ll get there one of these days. Still having too much fun to really be upset with my sacrifices to the Craft Gods.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

Now the Tree is up, the lights are on, decorations abound and as of today, presents have started to appear beneath the glorious, black branches of our Tree. Yes, I did say black. A few years ago we had to replace our Tree due to some water damage to our older, more traditional Tree. So, being the awesome Aunt/Nanna that I am, I offered up for one of our Niece’s & our Granddaughter to pick the colour of our new Tree, as well as the deocrations that would be going on it that year. And for the past few years, different family members have chosen our colours…except for this year. But I transgress.

Last night, and this morning, saw me creating boxes to wrap the DIY Bath Gifts I made up a few weeks ago. The jars are a little tricky as they are a bit taller and have a slight bulge to the body. Plus I was a tad worried about the weight of them. But having been recommended a great site that helps you work out measurements, I was able to start making custom size boxes to fit the gifts on my Envelope Punch Board!! So, so happy!! (http://www.thecraftyowl.co.uk/boxbuster/)

It’s also a great way to use up those bits of card that I just haven’t found any other use for, to be honest. Win/win.

Today I managed to find some cute, affordable Christmas ribbon in one of our local cheapie shops (The Reject Shop). Their range was pretty extensive, and at $2.50 for a roll of imprinted ribbon, I was a happy little lady. The options open to me with these ribbons is mind blowing. The moment I walked in the door (The Man was still at work!) I cut off a strip of my Christmas Tree ribbon and coloured it in with my new Alcohol Ink Marker! Ta-da!! From white to a gorgeous rouge colour in minutes!

nearly ready to go under the Tree

I have found by colouring in the ribbon it does stiffen up a little, which when wrapping boxes isn’t a bad thing in my ever so humble opinion.

So tonight, once I log off, I’m back to making up some more Christmas goodies. Oh and a Birthday Card for one of The Man’s co-workers we’re invading tomorrow. ‘Spose I should make them up a Christmas card as well while I’m at it. Ah I see a night filled with a few more papercuts ahead.