Tuesday 26 February 2013

Playing with my new toy

Thank you everyone for all the lovely birthday wishes you left for my son on Sunday. We did actually manage to speak to him via Skype in the evening. We could not get a very good picture but it was great to hear his voice. They have driven down to Charleston, South Carolina for a few days and he has played some fab golf courses. Their drive down the East coast of the States continues.

It has been so cold recently that it has not been possible to get out into the garden nor out to my studio. I really miss my garden and the feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin.  At the weekend we decided to light set the fire had a roaring fire which I always enjoy.
It was also time to do some crafting indoors.
As you will remember my Hb bought me a Sizzix die cutting machine for Christmas and oh my have I been having fun with it. I have made a small start on buying some dies as they are quite expensive. I was given a Christmas bonus at work which I used. I will need to wait for my birthday before I can add some more to my collection.




As many of my blogging buddies are not card makers this is what I am talking about.
Meet my Big Shot!

I have made several new cards using my new toy and at the weekend I made a Card for the Lili of the Valley 9th birthday competition. As you all know LOTV are my favourite stamp makers and I have bought several including their wonderful sentiment stamps. I really like digital stamps but there is nothing easier than having a real live stamp to place just where you want it. No firing up the computer, sizing, re sizing etc! Just stamp and colour.

This is my card


It features one of the first stamps I bought nearly 3 years ago called Dandelion Clock and she is still one of my favourites.





 I coloured her with my Promarkers and highlighted with Prismacolor pencils. There is plenty of glitter too! You can also see my Madera Corner Memory box die cuts in the corners.  I used the round and round scallop Spellbinders to out my stamped image. The backing papers are from my stash. I have added some yellow Baker's twine and a spotty yellow button. The little tag sentiments are another favourite of mine from LOTV.  I have put it up for sale in my Etsy shop here












I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Lili of the Valley 9th Birthday blog hop There are lots of fab prizes over there.
Totally Papercrafts Hope for spring #155
Creative Card Crew Birthday #30
Inky Chicks Mother's Day or Birthday #4
Joanna Sheen Layer it up
Party Time Tuesdays Anything goes #109
Bearly Mine anything goes #75
Crafty Ribbons Button up #39
Top Tip Tuesday Tag
Cutie Pie Challenge  Pretty Pastels

In contrast to the photo of the roaring fire I have been bought several lovely bunches of my favourite daffodils which are cheering up my house.



and Billy seems to feel that it is still far too cold to go out in the garden so he has been snoozing away in
some of his favourite places indoors.

I also have some very exciting news that I have been asked to be a Guest Designer by Penny Black and More for March. I was really thrilled to be asked.  I will be back on Sunday to show you the card I made for their new challenge. Without giving anything away it took me out of my comfort zone ;0)
In the meantime why not take a leaf out of Billy's book and just try virtual hibernating until spring arrives ;0)

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x

24 comments:

  1. Are you sure Billy gets enough rest Jane ??? ;)
    Your new toy looks great fun and your little card is so pretty.
    Love all those gorgeous daffodils too.
    Great that you were able to speak Matt on his birthday.
    Keep warm it is still very chilly despite the sunshine,
    V xxx

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  2. Hello jello me lovely,hope your keeping ok, the card is so pretty, I love it, the daffodils are my fav flower too, arent they so cheery, awww the puddy tat, there is always so much beautiful stuff to look at when I visit, I wish it was summer too, I hate the dark nights of winter, take cares hug big huggies June xxxxxxxxxxxx

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  3. I'm glad to hear you got to see/hear your son on his birthday.. my he's having an adventure, isn't he? I'm envious of your daffodils! I am craving a big bouquet of them. Gorgeous car and congrats on the invitation. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  4. Gorgeous card, I love that LOTV stamp and the colours you have used.
    I too love my big shot :)
    Pialine xxx

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  5. Gorgeous card. Love image and just the perfect amount of sparkle.

    Thanks for joining us in our birthday challenge at Creative Card Crew.

    Mari

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  6. Hi Jane! Fire looks nice but the flowers nicer - so full of spring! Your card is beautiful and I think also the real stamps must be great! I have been thinking how you make all the 'pieces' for your cards and I guess this cutter makes the magic.
    Sweet dreams, Billy! Nelli can also sleep hours and hours in her sunny spot. x Teje

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  7. Such a pretty card! Love the papers and image you have used. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Creative Card Crew. Hope you have a fabulous day!

    - Jenn

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  8. Hello Jane Happy Belated Birthday wishes to your son! It sounds as if he is having a wonderful trip. Your fire looks just perfect for the temps at the moment...sooo chilly here too! Love those bright and cheerful daffodils and your sweet new card too. Congratulations on the designer invitiation, well done :)
    Keep cosy!
    Helen x

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  9. Hi Jane,

    I know you're enjoying your new toy. Congrats on being the guest designer!!

    Cheery daffodils for chilly weather. It's a bit milder here and that is a welcome change.

    Happy Wednesday to you,
    Anne
    PlumCreek22 Studio

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  10. Gorgeous card Jane :-)the image is adorable and the colours and die cuts are fab :-)

    I love my big shot too ! :-)

    Thanks fr joining us on the Craft Ribbons Challenge :-)
    luv
    Lols x x x

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  11. Hi Jane, what an adorable image (I'm a bit of LoTV fan myself and have this one as well!), lovely colour choices and the button is so cute!

    Sounds like you are having fun with the Bigshot - I've got a Cuttlebug myself and wouldn't ever be without it or my ever growing die collection!!

    Thanks for joining in with The Cutie Pies this time.

    Sarah

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  12. Hi, Jane, and welcome to the world of die cutting! I have a Big Kick (like a Big Shot, just not as pretty) and couldn't be without it! I use it for almost every card and some of the dies that are out there now are just amazing! I would love to extend my collection, but as you said, it can be expensive so I have to do it set by set!
    Your LOTV card is just lovely - great colour/paper choices and that dandelion fairy is the sweetest! I too have the Madera corner, but haven't utilised it enough yet...might have to get it back out againHugs, Lisa x

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  13. Hello dear Jane,

    I am so happy you got the Birthday-boy on line even he's a bit further this year. Your card is beautiful again, and I am so happy and proud to hear your designer-assignment, I can't wait to see your creation!

    Kiss that cute boy for me, please, he really seems to be enjoying his snooze!

    Happy March soon!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  14. Adorable card - super cute image and beautiful DP's
    Thanks for playing along with us at TPC and the Cuties this week.
    Good luck.
    Debs xx

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  15. Happy pre-Spring to you, Jane! I was just thinking about daffodils today and of course, that meant a visit to your blog to catch up on all the activity that I've missed these past weeks. Lo and behold, here are the daffodils, as pretty as can be! So enjoyed all the cards you've been making- I'm partial to the little mermaids, but each card is special and unique. As always, sending a pat for Billy and sunshine to you! :o)

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  16. Hey sweetie what a gorgeous creations, I love it...

    Thank you for joining us on our 9th Birthday challenge....

    Huggles Pops x x x

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  17. Oh Jane, I've been SO amiss at coming by and seeing your lovely work and photos..my apologies dear Jane! Happy belated birthday to your son!! I'm excited for his trek down the East coast. What an awesome area..I just hope the weather is wonderful for him. Sending you warm pre-Spring wishes from sunny California. Your daffodils are like sunlight and I do hope they and the warm fire keep you and Billy and HB warm! Your card is gorgeous and congratulations on your guest spot coming up..awesome! Sending you warm wishes, Jane and thank you for your kind friendship!

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  18. That roaring fire looks so fab, wish we had one :( I'm still waiting to re-fit ours since we ripped out the old one, although I am now told I can have a log burner, so all change (again!). I love your card, I always read the list of things you use with huge interest, they sound rather exciting, I think, I'd be a nightmare if I took up card making, imagine all the things I'd 'have' to buy - lol! Bethx

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  19. Great Card Jane, i love those little tags...think i need to get them!! Thanks for joining us at Bearly Mine, Good luck and hope you will join us again
    Hugs
    Tracey
    xxx

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  20. Hi Jane, I'm playing catch up here, so forgive me. Love your new toy , it looks like fun and look what you can do with it! Love the cards!
    Billy is so cute and will definitely be rested up come Spring. He has been on a long hibernation.
    Can't wait to see your new card Challenge.
    xoRobin❤

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  21. Just gorgeous - one of my favourite LOTV stamps.

    Thanks for joining us at The Cutie Pie Challenge.

    Helen x

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  22. Oh my gosh Jane-a beautiful card, roaring fire, sweetest kitty ever and gorgeous daffodils all in one post. You just made my day!!! Thanks for joining us at Top Tip Tuesday.
    Hugs,
    Lisa S.

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  23. Absolutely love your sparkly card with all the diecut corners, button, string and cute little tag and lovely coloured image too. Thanks for playing at Top Tip Tuesday and good luck. Hope to see you back tuesday for a new challenge. Bettina xx

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  24. lovely card, perfect paper choices :)

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Jane x