What Nikki Did Next..........

Owl Tutorial

2012-02-14T11:05:00.000Z

I've been making these owls for a long time now and have finally got around to making a little tutorial for them (one down and about a million more to go!)....
This is what the finished owl on a card looks like.....

I used the wonderful papers from Do Crafts, Portabello Road........
So here is how you put him together,

You can use circle dies or punches. You will also need a flower punch and a little triangle (I just cut this freehand).

So, 2 large circles (1 for the body and 1 for the wings), 2 medium circles, 2 small circles, 2 medium flowers and 1 triangle.

Use the die or punch to cut a semi circle out of one of the large circles.

Cut out 2 semi circles from the other large circle. These will be the wings.

Glue into position on the body.

Add the eyes.

Add the centers to the eyes. (I cut out a little wedge from each of the eye centers).

Now you add his little beak.

Glue on his feet (I leave the flowers whole so that there is something to glue onto the back).

I love owls, so I love to make them all different sizes. They are perfect for adding to all of your papercrafting projects.

You can even make them out of felt or funky foam!

If you make any of them, please let me know so that I can pop over to your blog and have a look.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Together....

2012-02-12T21:26:00.000Z

It was my turn to get creative with the powders from WOW today, so this is what I created.....

If you want to know the powders I used, pop on over to the WOW blog and you will see the list for all the things I used.
I love this stamp (it's one of the WOW collection). You could use it for soooo many things.

Thank you to all of the wonderful ladies who came to visit me at my demo yesterday.
It was a great day, although my sides hurt from all the laughter!
I'm looking forward to seeing them all again on the 3rd March. And as promised, I will put up the wiper tutorial this week.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

New home with a difference...

2012-02-07T06:57:00.000Z

This is one of the cards I made that you will find in the Do Crafts Creativity magazine.
I always like the challenge of a different fold or technique, although this one just about turned me grey!! lol

This is the card I made

Well actually this is just the envelope that I made for it..... this is the pop up card that comes out of the envelope.....

There is an elastic band in the middle of the house that makes the whole thing 'pop' when you take it out the envelope.
Full instructions are in the magazine and Katy made a video of it on the Do Crafts home page - so you can craft along with us,
It has been great fun to play with.....

Happy crafting
Nikki x

Final day of MTY samples

2012-02-06T06:47:00.000Z

Here are my final selection of the Me To You pick of the week on Create and Craft this week.
I created 30 cards for the shows and for those of you who have seen the shows, you will have seen the other ones that I created.
I have really enjoyed working with this kit - such good value for money.
I was amazed that for me I managed to create so many (I made them all in 12 hours!!! - bit of a tight deadline this week..... lol) and not a stamp in sight!!! - Keep an eye out for the show next Saturday though - there may well be some stamping in there!!!! lol
Back to the samples for today...

I hope you've enjoyed seeing them all. Back again soon with something different.
Whatever you are up to today.... have fun x

Nikki x

Day 2 of MTY samples

2012-02-05T06:35:00.002Z

Good morning crafters!
Up bright and breezy today - a fun filled day of cleaning today as I have to sort out my desk ready to start making samples for my demo this week (more on this later in the week - but I can tell you I will be at Mayfield Garden Centre in Kelso, soooo looking forward to it) as well as more Create and Craft tv samples.

So here are my Create and Craft samples from Do Crafts today.....

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Day 1 of MTY samples

2012-02-04T08:30:00.000Z

As promised here are some of the samples that are on this weeks, pick of the week, on Create and Craft at the moment.
It's a brilliant kit - full of Me To You goodies with a 40% saving!
Pop on over to the Create and Craft website to order it and you'll get free p&p too!

I'll be back again tomorrow with some more to show you.
Happy crafting
Nikki x

Feeling the love....

2012-02-03T09:33:00.000Z

There is a new theme over on Sarah's blog - Love is all around..... a great theme to get you inspired and creative for all those valentine's you will be making!
I am still full of the cold so am running late with this one.... sorry folks....
But here is the card I made last night using Sarah's new valentine digis... It's a fab set that can be used for lots of things....

I'll be back soon with some more samples to show you - keep an eye on Create and Craft today for the launch of Do Crafts pick of the week.
I was lucky enough to be sent the stuff to make the samples for the shows - lots of wonderful Me To You goodies... and for those of you that don't do cd or dvd crafting - this one is for you!!!!! It's a bumper kit...... I loved working with it!!!!
Jo will be on demoing it today at 12,3 and 5.... but there will be shows on all week if you miss one.
Here is a sneaky peak of the cards I made......

Over the next few days I will pop up some close ups so that you can see them in a bit more detail.
Whatever you are doing today. stay warm!!! It's very cold out there.....

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

A little birdie told me....

2012-02-01T06:34:00.001Z

Here is the card that I made to show you today.
The main topper of the card is a kanban image ( I think......)
The flowers I found in Hobbycraft.....

Here is a close up....

I love how just using a few flowers and leaves on a card, really turns it around and finished it off.
Back soon with some more.

Nikki x

Feeling inspired.....

2012-01-31T06:09:00.006Z

I am very excited about the project that I have to show you.......
I really like it!
This is an inspiration jar......

All you need is an empty jar, some cardstock, embellishments and ribbon (mine had to be in purple!)....
1. Decorate the body of your jar.
2. Decorate the lid of your jar.
3. Add 3d gloss to the lid and allow to set - this gives a lovely finish to the lid.

Now for the inside of the jar......
4. Create lots of tags.
5. On each of the tags write a technique - eg... stamping, embossing, paper folding etc etc
6. Decorate and add ribbon.

Now whenever my mojo leaves or if I am ever just having one of those days....... I shake my jar..... take out 3 tags...... and that becomes my recipe for the project I am making.
I think this has to be one of my favourite things!!!
I hope it helps you out too.....
If you make one, I would love to see it.

Happy crafting,
Nikki x

Final day of create and craft samples....

2012-01-30T06:28:00.001Z

well from this show anyway..... who knows when or if I will be asked to make some more (if I am asked I will show you then as soon as I am allowed).....
So here are my final five .....

I think the last card is my favourite from these ones.
I just like the simple fresh look of it and the colours work very well together.
I've created the doodle line around all the papers to help bring the card together and finish it off.

I hope you have liked seeing the finished projects over the past few days. I have loved sharing them with you all.
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to those of you who left comments - they are all appreciated.

Happy crafting.
Nikki x

Day 4 of the create and craft samples....

2012-01-29T06:39:00.001Z

Only 2 more days of these samples to go.... lol
Here are the cards that I wanted to share with you today.....

These are all made from elements from the Hot Diggity Dog range.
I think, for me, one of the most fun cards I made here was the stamped card where I made my own background paper with lots of coloured cupcakes.
I think the little mice in the range are very sweet - I'm also very fond of the frog!

Back tomorrow with the final set to show you.
Next week I will be putting up a couple of tutorials, so watch this space.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Day 3 of the create and craft samples.....

2012-01-28T06:27:00.001Z

Well done for sticking with me!!! And a huge thank you for coming back to see what I created.
It's nice to know that you come by and have a look....
So today I am using some of the new (and they are brand new!!!) Hot Diggity Dog range..... I just love saying the title of it!
Hot Diggity Dog........
So here are the pics for today....

The round edges were created using the xcut corner rounders - blinking brilliant little gadgets.....
I'm catching up with some DT work over the next few days.
Life has had a few interesting turns over the past few days. Never mind...... I'll get there in the end!!!
Crafting always gives me something to focus on.....

I hope you are all having a very crafty day xxx
Nikki x

Day 2 of the create and craft samples.....

2012-01-27T06:13:00.002Z

Well as promised, here is day 2 of the samples that were on Create and Craft this week.....
Let me know what you think...... (go on..... I can take it! lol)

All of these cards are from the Woodland Folk range - I love the mix of papers that this set has... and...... all double sided!!! So great for creating 3d projects with!
I have lots of bits to spare as well, as the kits have lots of extra bits in them.

Tomorrow I will show you some of the other ranges I was playing with.

Happy crafting
Nikki x

It's that time again......

2012-01-26T22:07:00.000Z

well did you watch Create and Craft / Ideal world for the pick of the day this week that was brought to you by Do Crafts?
There were of course the CDs/DVDs, but I was working with all the papercraft yummy things..... I had Woodland Folk, Tulip and Hot Diggity Dog to name but a few.... all of the ranges are jam packed with everything that a crafter could want.
I made over 50 samples in the end....
(don't worry - I am not going to put 50 cards up in the one post!!! lol).
What I thought I would do is pop up some of my favs over the next few days...... and I will put some of them into my gallery on the Do Crafts web site as well.
So here are the selection for today.....

This is a selection of some of the cards.

These two are Tulip cards....

The next three are all from Woodland Folk.....

I really enjoy getting a box of crafty goodies and just being able to design and create with it.
I'll be back again tomorrow with some more to show you.

I hope you have had a very crafty day x
Nikki x

Birthday Boy

2012-01-25T06:55:00.000Z

It's my turn to do the blog post over on the WOW blog today.
This was the card I created,

I wanted to show that even if your love is digi stamping, there is still a place for embossing powders in your crafty stash.
This is one of my favourite digi stamps from last year - I love Roger and his little kite. He is from Ellephantastic.
I printed him off and coloured him as usual, then I used the WOW embossing pen to go over sections of the stamp (work on same colour sections, one at a time).
I thought that adding the blue all around the image really helped it to pop off the page.
Here are a few close ups,

I really like these vibrant fluorescent embossing powders that WOW has brought to us all!
They are great fun to with with.
Come on over to the WOW blog and play along with the challenge that is running at the moment. There are prizes to be won! lol

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Mixed mediums....

2012-01-22T08:05:00.000Z

The project that I wanted to share with you today is slightly different than a card......... so when is a card not a card......
When it's a picture! lol
This is what I created.......

The frame was created using Do Crafts acrylic paint (dark purple then lilac). But by adding the crackle medium you get a lovely vintage look to the frame. It's so easy to do and you get an amazing effect..
I then embossed the whole frame using WOW holographic embossing powders.
The heart in the frame and the little dragon have been embossed too.

Here are a few close ups for you......

You can see the glitter on his tummy with this close up.
Pop on over to the WOW blog to see the challenge for this month - there's a fab prize on offer too.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Keep calm...... and carry on crafting

2012-01-20T13:15:00.000Z

It's been a mad couple of weeks!!
I have soooo much to show you (although some of it is under wraps at the mo, but I will show you when I can).
Things have been a bit busy here - keep an eye on Create and Craft next week and you will see some of the things I have been up to. Dawn Bibby has a show on Tuesday and then Sheila and Becks have a great pick of the day on Wednesday. Fantastic goodies from Do Crafts.
I have been making up samples for both of those shows this week.
I promise the DTs I'm on that I will be back with them soon - due to personal reasons I have been in the background with them over the last few weeks. I have been looking at everything the girls and you have been creating though.
I've not forgotten about some tutorials I promised either....... and thank you to the awards I have been sent over the past week or so, I will blog about them too!

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

A little wiper monkey

2012-01-13T12:47:00.000Z

This is a type of card that I was showing at my demo - the tutorial for it will follow.....
But first of all I thought I would share with you this card.....
I made it for the Odds and Soxlets blog, you will find that over here....
Erica created this lovely digi..... why don't you pop on over and grab it for yourself!

Come back soon for the wiper card tutorial.
Happy crafting..
Nikki x

WOW blog goes live....

2012-01-12T19:39:00.000Z

Tania from WOW has been working very hard to get the WOW blog up and running.
The day has arrived.... and here is it!!!

www.wowembossingpowder.blogspot.com
Come on over and meet the Design Team....

Looking forward to see what everyone creates!

Nikki x

No way....

2012-01-11T12:25:00.000Z

How on earth are we at the 11th January already!!! Is someone just stealing my days or what!
I have had a manic few weeks with the start of the demo programme for 2012 with Do Crafts.... lots of goodies being sent and played with from WOW (more on that later) and some exciting stuff happening on the DTs.... talk about all go.....
I have also been working with some great product for the next edition of the Creativity mag.... I can't share that with you at the moment, but when I can.... I will....

Here is a project that I created for the latest edition of the Creativity mag - you will find that on your shelves now!!!
This one is from the template challenge (see the mag for more details)....

I love this card,

Lots of lovely purpleness...........
What are you up to today - I'm colouring!!!!

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:09:00.000Z

Wow - to think that that is now 2011 all over, and what a year!!!!
The main thing I learned in 2011 was not to hang on to things that caused pain to me - be it a friendship just not working any more or a job that was making me miserable!
As all of you that know the journey I have had to take over the last few years will know, life is just too short.

Anyway, for 2012 I wish you all that is good and that you could wish for in your life.
Here is a card I made for Do Crafts Creativity.... I think it is just right for the occasion!

Here's to a lot of challenges (of the crafty kind) and lots of fun and laughter in 2012.

Happy crafting

Nikki x

To my wonderful son.....

2011-12-25T10:45:00.001Z

Happy Christmas.....
I am so very proud of my wonderful son, he is kind, loving, and just a fantastic person!
I am very lucky to have him in my life.... I hope that 2012 brings him everything that he could wish for.

This is the card I made for Kris for his Christmas....

Now for those of you that don't know, Kris is a mechanic (well I'm not allowed to call him that anymore - he is a light vehicle technician.... or something like that!!! lol).... So I thought I would create him a card with his own little garage on it...... well I know he would love that to happen eventually.....
Here are a few close ups...........

Merry Christmas to all of you too! I hope that whatever you are doing, you have a wonderful day.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Time to share 3

2011-12-22T07:59:00.001Z

Well today is the last post about these projects (I wouldn't want to bore you)..... lol
Here are some more of the projects that I wanted to share with you...

It was a nice break from making a whole heap of Christmas cards.... now I'm working on some Easter projects.... watch this space.....

My new Do Crafts kit is due to me at any time....... happy days - just wait til you see some of the things that are coming your way!!! Yum.....

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Time to share 2

2011-12-21T06:54:00.001Z

Following on from yesterdays post.... here are some more from the Create and Craft show.....

Tomorrow, I'll be back with the last set from these samples.
I hope you managed to grab a few bargins when they were on....

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Time to share

2011-12-20T21:43:00.000Z

some of the latest batch of cards that I made for the Create and Craft shows that Do Crafts have been doing recently.

All of the products I was given to use were great, but I think the spritz inks had to be a favourite of mine!
You get some stunning results from it and it can be used on so many different things.
I'll be back tomorrow to show you some more...
Til then.... happy crafting

Nikki x

Last challenge of 2011

2011-12-15T09:03:00.000Z

over on Sarah's challenge blog........ sad times........
I have had so much fun working with the ladies on the DT and of course with Sarah!
She has created some wonderful stuff for us to play with and for you to be able to buy...... Pop on over to her blog (check out my side bar for the dets) and have a look at all her goodies - perfect for a Christmas prezzie to yourself!!!! Go on, you know you are worth it!!!

Anyway for this challenge we were given a digi from Limited Runs to work with, I got the dragons nest...... loved that one!!!!......

Here is what I made with it....

I have to say, it was really nice to be working on something that wasn't Christmas themed! lol
I have added some 3d gloss onto the eyes to make them stand out a little more.

Come on over to the blog and play along with the challenge.
Here's to many more challenges with Sarah and her DT in 2012.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Coming soon to all club members.......

2011-12-14T22:54:00.000Z

Never Seen Before Downloads From Forever Friends

In honour of Creativity TV’s 100th episode which you can watch from Monday 19^th December, the docrafts Creativity Club team are celebrating in style with EXCLUSIVE downloads from Forever Friends, inspiring projects, techniques and a super craft challenge!

“Since Creativity TV went online at docrafts.com we have received so many supportive reviews, emails and letters. Katy and I have so much fun with our craft friends, showing our members interesting techniques and we always enjoy featuring members projects on the show!” says Emma Collins, Creativity Club Manager.

In 2011 the Creativity TV team have featured projects by Georgina Sweetanham (http://www.docrafts.com/Georgina075) Emma Goddard (http://www.docrafts.com/emma14) , Naomi Van Geene (http://www.docrafts.com/NaomiVanGeene) and many other fabulous Creativity Club members. Just take a look in the 'Projects' area of the Creativity Club (www.docrafts.com/creativityclub)

Creativity Club members can also join in with the celebrations by taking part in our 100th episode craft challenge for a chance to win over £50 worth of Portobello Road gorgeousness by Papermania.

Creativity Club members will need to download Sketches Of The Month Part Twenty One and the gorgeous and EXCLUSIVE Black & Gold Forever Friends printables that will be live in the Creativity Club from Monday morning!

“This collection is absolutely stunning and we are very excited to get our hands on these beautiful printables from Forever Friends. They have never been seen before!” says docrafts resident craft expert Katy Godbeer

Visit club.docrafts.com on Monday 19th December for more information about the challenge!

Happy Crafting! x

Purple Crown

2011-12-14T05:12:00.004Z

This card was another one from one of my Creativity commissions.
I love this shape of card (available from Do Crafts stockists or on the Do Crafts digital designer as a template - I love digital designer!!!! I will be blogging some samples from it later on this week, so watch this space!)

Back to my card, here it is....

As you can see, it features another favourite of mine - quilling....
I hope you like it.

I'll be back later on with some samples from the Do Crafts Create and Craft shows from this week.
Til then....... happy craftin'

Nikki x

Creativity Never-ending card

2011-12-13T00:06:00.000Z

I was lucky enough to be asked to do some more design work for the Do Crafts Creativity magazine, and one of the items I was asked to work with was the never ending card kit. (It's in the latest edition of the magazine that is available to buy now!!).
Never ending cards have been around for a long time and I have been teaching them for years.... but now the clever people over at Do Crafts have made it sooooo much easier for you.... they have created a kit that has all the bits of card in it - all scored, cut and measured for you. All you need to do is stick it together and then decorate it!
Here is one of the cards that I made with the kit....

As you can see the effects that you can get are really good. It's a really great interactive card that will keep everyone amused for hours.
People just can't help but pick up the card and have a look at all the different ways it stands.

If you have made any of these cards, be sure to let me know so that I can pop over to your blog or gallery to have a look.

Keep an eye on Create and Craft tomorrow for some Do Crafts bargins........ I have been a busy bee making up samples for the show tomorrow - I'll be able to show you once it has been on air!

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

The last set

2011-12-10T06:04:00.001Z

Here are the last set from the Create and Craft show....
I have really enjoyed working with the CDs.........

I love all the little characters, but I think this little elephant just has to be my favourite!
I can see soooo many uses for all of them!

Nikki x

Spring chic

2011-12-09T07:58:00.001Z

Here are the next set of cards from the Tatty Teddy new cd launch...

I'll show the last set tomorrow, so make sure you stop by to have a look.

Nikki x

Snowman circles

2011-12-08T21:47:00.000Z

This is a card I made at my demos over the last loop - very interactive and fun for the children to make or play with.
I was asked to put step by step pictures up here..... your wish is my command! lol

For this card you will need 3 different sized circles (I used the largest 3 nesting dies from Do Crafts), some paper, adhesive gems, brads and a couple of pens (orange and brown).

Connect the circles one at a time with the brads - follow the photos.

Check to make sure that the snowman will fold down.

Using adhesive stones, add your eyes and smile.

Create a noise by creating an orange triangle on a scrap of card. Cut this out and then round off the edges.

To make your carrot look realistic, add some little flecks of brown pen, as shown above.

Add the nose with some 3d foam pads.

Create a hat with some scraps of paper and glue into position.

Write a message on the tummy of the snowman - this will be your largest circle.

This message will be hidden when the snowman is folded down.

And that's you finished!!!
I hope you enjoy making your own family of snowmen.....

Let me see then when you have made them.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Create and craft samples

2011-12-08T06:48:00.001Z

I was very busy last week making samples for the latest launch on Create and Craft for Do Crafts - and boy was it yummy to work with!
It was the new Tatty Taddy double cd set - Spring Chic..... full of uber nice stuff to play with. And I just love love love digital designer - the amazing techy tool from Do Crafts that lets you create the most wonderful projects!

I thought I would share some of the projects that I have been busy making (I have put them into 3 posts so that you don't have too many pics to have to look through each day).

If you bought it, please let me know, as I would love to pop onto your blog and see what you are creating with it.

I'll be back tomorrow with some more.
Whatever you are doing today, stay safe and have fun!

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Creating your own banners

2011-12-07T16:52:00.001Z

This has been very popular at my demos - sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this tutorial! Life just has this habit of getting in the way sometimes.
So here it is..... a nice easy way to create banners for all your projects (and when you see how easy it is, you'll wonder why you ever bought one! lol)

So for this card I have used a collection of bits from my stash. The most important thing that you will need is a strip of paper to create your banner.

It doesn't matter how long or wide your strip is - a larger strip gives a larger banner.

I am using a 2cm x 22cm strip of paper.

The first thing we are going to do is to create the center section of the banner.

Move your fingers slightly to the left of the center section and fold the paper back (use the photograph as a guide).

Repeat this to the right hand side.

Now you will have your center section.

Go back to crease on the left hand side, move a little bit further along the paper strip and repeat your fold.

Again use the photo as a guide.

When you have done the left side, go ahead and do the same to the right side.

To finish off the banner, cut a little triangle out of each end.

This will really help finish off the banner - simple! Now all that is left, is for you decorate your card and banner!

Here is my finished card.

A little close up of the banner....

See - really simple!

Now think of all that money you are going to save by using all of your scraps to make beautiful banners!

Happy crafting

Nikki x

It's that time again...

2011-12-02T14:33:00.000Z

No - not the C word....... lol
It's time for another challenge over on Sarah's blog.
This time the challenge is a Letraset challenge.

Here is the card I made

I loved this little robin the moment I saw him. I've coloured him in with Promarkers - a big tick for the challenge there.... and then added some glitter to his tummy.
Well you just have to don't you.

Come on over and join in with us. And remember to tell us that you are playing along.

Nikki x

Odds & Soxlets

2011-11-29T16:31:00.000Z

I was very lucky to be asked to be a guest designer for the fabby Odds & Soxlets blog - wow.... I love love love the little characters that Erica makes - I now have a few of these wonderful little characters keeping me company as I craft away.
Erica also has some fab digis - there are some free ones on there too!!!

Come on over and have a look - join in the fun on the blog and join in with some of the challenges.
This is the card that I made

I thought that this card would be perfect for my niece, especially as I had Erica make her a little sock money all of her own, I just know that Bethany will love it (both the card and the monkey!).
Let me know if you join in with us, I'd love to visit your blog to see what you make.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Fun with fimo

2011-11-29T04:43:00.002Z

I love playing around with different mediums.... and for todays projects I used fimo and sculpey.....

I love the effect that you get and it's a great way to make very affordable embellishments too.
They are also very light so don't add to much weight to your card.

I added glitter to the edge of the snowflakes to give that little bit of sparkle to it all..... I just got to have some sparkle! lol

Nikki x

Urban butterflies

2011-11-28T20:54:00.000Z

Here is the card that I want to share with you today, I made it using some of the fab new stamps that Do Crafts have out at the mo.

I love the gentle look that these stamps can give. They are very elegant.
I will be demoing these this weekend in Glasgow at Millers - make sure you pop on over and say hello if you are in the area.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Cracking Christmas...

2011-11-26T06:23:00.001Z

I thought that this card was a great little card to give to anyone this year... nice quick and simple to make and one that the kids or grand-kids could have great fun with too!

So whatever you are doing today - I hope you have a cracking time! lol - ok ok.... I'll stop the silly cracker jokes now!

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

My little froggie...

2011-11-25T06:01:00.004Z

This is my latest quilling project that I made last weekend.
I love quilling and I have done it for years, normally just on cards or as an embellishment, but now I am getting into 3d projects too.

I had a lot of fun making this little chap for a friend of mine and I am now already thinking of other projects, so watch this space.
Let me know if you would like a little tutorial done on this and I can put something together for you.

He reminds me a bit of the little Smash advert alien....... ooh - I could make one of them if I have some silver quilling papers.......... lol

Have a very crafting day, whatever you are doing.

Nikki x

Using buttons challenge

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000Z

I know I have been missing in action for a few days now (well weeks..... but who's counting....) sorry - things have been a bit hectic to say the least here and there is no sign of it getting any better for a while yet.....

I was very aware that I hadn't put anything up on here though, so I wanted to sort that out!! lol Thank you for bearing with me!

Here is my project that should have gone onto Sarah's challenge blog last week - another huge sorry for that one Sarah......

The challenge over on the blog was to use buttons, this is what I came up with.......

I love this image - it's so easy to adapt to the colour scheme that you want to use this year.
I have gone for a more traditional colour range with this one.

We would love to see what you make - come on over and join in with us!

Happy craftin'

Nikki x
(I will be back to normal with posting etc soon I hope - the tutorial list is still there and I am working on new tutorials as we speak - so please make sure you pop by again soon).

The little Robin...

2011-11-13T10:58:00.000Z

I love Robins - they just make it seem really like Christmas.
Whenever I see a Robin, I think of my Grandad or of David.
This little chap just makes me smile, he's a Kanban topper that I bought a year or so ago.

I just had to add a little bling with the adhesive stones.
I've made quite a few 'blue' Christmas cards this year - that must be the colour I'm doing for my colour scheme this year - well that and purple. It just wouldn't be right if there wasn't any purple from me!

Keep an eye out next week for some tutorials coming your way. I've got an every growing list of them!!
If there is anything you would like to see a tutorial or project on then please just shout and I'll see what I can do.

Happy cratfin'

Nikki x

Always remembered

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000Z

Today is a day were I always stop and think of all the people across the world who have lost their life in battle. I think of both sides - every life that has been lost is sad, no matter which side of the war they stand on.
They have all been someones son or daughter, someones husband or wife.... someones friend.
Today I stand in silence 11.11am on the 11th of the 11th 2011 - magical moment that only we can say we were a part of.... 11 11 11 11 11......

I pray that there would be peace, but the reality is that humans are so very cruel to our own kind.
Hopefully one day.........

I have stood at the war graves in France, the most moving tour David and I ever did. I was reduced to tears at the graveside of people I never knew. It was a life changing experience.
If you ever get the chance to go, please do.
We should never forget. But we must learn from it.

I think of you all and wish you peace in your own war and battle that you will face at some point in your life.

Nikki x

From blue to brown

2011-11-11T07:52:00.001Z

More stash that I've had on my shelf for a very long time - this year I'm having great fun finding (and using) all the wonderful stash that I bought ages ago and just never got around to playing with.

These cards form part of an order that I am putting together for my Nanna. I'll be off to visit her in the next week or so, hopefully the weather stays at least dry for us.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Quackers

2011-11-10T14:52:00.000Z

All this Christmas card making is driving me exactly that.... quackers...... lol
I've had these papers and toppers for ages and just never got around to playing with them,
Here is the card that I want to share with you today......

I love paper flowers and these little beauties are new to my ever growing collection. Kris bought these for me (along with 140 odd others!). Another great deal from Ebay!!!

It feels really odd making Christmas cards today, the sun is out and it is a wonderful day.
I hope you are having fun, whatever you are doing.....

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Quilling fun...

2011-11-09T12:59:00.000Z

Part of my kit from Do Crafts this loop was a basic quilling set.
Now I love quilling! There is so much that you can do with quilling.
What I will be showing at my demos though is the basics to get people started.

Here are some of the things I have made so far.....

Have a go - there is so much that you can do.
The snowflakes look really pretty as embellishment on your cards or scrapbook page.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Elle's challenge

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000Z

This will be the last Elle challenge for this year - Helen will be taking a well earned break over the festive period to move into her new home and then hopefully have a rest!!!

So the final challenge over on the blog is a weather themed challenge.
Plenty for you to be getting inspired by at the moment then!!! The one thing we are never short of up here in Scotland is varied weather!!! lol

Here is my project that I created for the challenge,

I adore this little bear and all the adventures that he gets up to - hopefully there will be many more still to come!
In this one, Roger is out to play at kicking the fallen leaves.
I think he looks very smart in his wellies!

One of my favourite pastimes was kicking leaves.....

Hopefully you will be able to pop on over and join us in the challenge. It would be lovely to see you and I know that the DT would love to see your weather themed projects.

Happy crafting

Nikki x

Sarah's DT Challenge

2011-11-03T08:55:00.002Z

Well another fantastic challenge over on Sarah's blog this week.
This week we have all been challenged to use more than one image - very cool!!!

I used this as the chance to have a good look at Sarah's brand new Tinseltown cd..... wow oh wow is it jam packed with images, embellishments and even complete projects for you to print off and create with.
Everyone from the beginner to the very accomplished crafter will find things to do on this - and what a great Christmas prezzie to give to someone!!!

Here is the card that I made for the challenge,

The shape for the card was on the project sheet too!
I just covered it with some WOW clear sparkle embossing powder (and WOW does it sparkle!!! lol)

I think these wee characters are great fun and I've got lots left over to make some more cards.....
Come on over and play along with our challenge - we would love to see what you can create.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Keep It Simple

2011-10-31T09:00:00.001Z

This is the first challenge over on the new challenge blog for the Crafty Bloggers Network.....
And this is my card for the challenge......

The embossing folder is one of the new ones from Do Crafts - I love it!!!
The flower and violet embossing powders are all from WOW, I love them too!

The card front shimmers violet as the light hits it.

It would be great if you could come on over and join us.... you'll find us over here.....

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Pizza Box

2011-10-30T00:45:00.000+01:00

I've had a few emails over the past few weeks asking for me to create a pizza box tutorial - so here you are!
Remember that you can resize the pizza box to any size you wish - just use the template I have created as a guide.

I created this using an A4 piece of cardstock. On the long end I scored at 2.5cm - 12.5cm - 15cm - 25cm & 27.5cm.

Then turn the card around so the narrow end is at the top and score at 2.5cm - 12.5cm & 15cm.

I've used a purple pen above so that you can see my markings.

Cut out your scored shape. Again, use the photo above as a guide.

Now cut down all of the lines (only as far as the first line) on both of the long edges. I have snipped off a little extra on these sections to create little tabs.

Fold over on all of your scored edges and stick down the tabs that you created on the previous step.

This is what your box will look like when it is closed.

Now you want to create your topper for your box.

When it's finished and you are happy with it, glue it into position on your box.

You can see here, that just as a finishing touch, I created a little finger hole - this makes it much easier to open and close the box.

Well I hope this makes sense to you all - good luck with the boxes (these are great little boxes for jewellery etc).
Let me know how you get on.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

An Autumn walk

2011-10-29T08:20:00.000+01:00

I love this time of year - it reminds me of being a little girl and walking along with my Grandad (one of the most special people in the world) kicking the leaves and laughing.
Then of a time where David and I walked hand in hand kicking the leaves and watching the dog run wild through the leaves.
When was Kris was little - collecting the fallen leaves to create a picture, picking up conkers and kicking the leaves................ can you see a pattern here! lol

The colours of everything at this time of year are so pretty and I still love to kick the leaves.
This is what Daisy and Dylan (the mad pupsters) and I found on our walk yesterday - isn't it just beautiful!

These are the trees at the back of my house, the field is full of fallen leaves now.

The copper colour of the leaves as the sun hits them is amazing!

Walking through the woods there is so much to be inspired by.

Moments after I took this picture, the sky filled with ducks and geese flying in the V shape.... winter is on it' way...
I love the way that these photos have turned out - I took them with my mobile.
Hopefully the sun is shinning wherever you are today and you can get to go out and kick some leaves about too (you know you want to!)...

Enjoy your weekend.
Nikki x

Odds & Soxlets Challenge

2011-10-28T14:33:00.000+01:00

Over on the Odds & Soxlets blog they have a Halloween challenge with free digi stamps and papers for you to use. You will find them over here..

I love Erica's little characters - and even better..... she makes them into 3d sock puppets. I've bought a few of them as prezzies for this Christmas, but to be honest I don't know how I am going to give them away!!! They are sooo cute......

This is the project I made,

I decided that I would do a little treat bag.......

I embossed the pumpkin and bats to make them shine, and the bats are on little strips of acetate so that they bounce up and down.

Happy Halloween to you all - enjoy your weekend!

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

I'm a Springy Mummy.....

2011-10-23T08:34:00.002+01:00

I have 2 mad springer spaniels.... Daisy and Dylan..... they are both little rescue pupsters (rescue doggies have so much love to give).
They give wonderful cuddles and oh the secrets they could tell.
I thought that as it's Sunday, I would use today to show you some pics of them.....

Daisy is the one at the top of the picture, Dylan is the soppy lump at the bottom of the picture.

One of Dylan's favourite things is to have a ball. He will bring it to you - he won't give it to you but he does love teasing you with it. He loves to play with the ball outside - he would have you throwing it for him all day!

And this is Daisy. She is the little princess of the family.
She sits and watches the world go by at the living room window, although if I am crafting then she is upstairs with me - one of her favourite places is on a doggie cushion under my desk. Bless!
She adores Kris and will following him all around the house.
I'd love to see pics of you furbabies.... make sure you leave me a comment so that I can come on over to your blog to have a look at any pics you might have.

Have a fabby Sunday x

Nikki x

Enchanted Christmas

2011-10-22T21:26:00.000+01:00

This is a wonderful range - it's one of the newest ranges from Do Crafts that is out now!!
I love this Santa, he reminds me of Dumbledore......
The decoupage and papers are both from this range.

I added the roses and then glittered them, just to add some details.

There are stamps to go with the range too.

Happy crafting
Nikki x

Misting challenge

2011-10-22T21:19:00.000+01:00

Over on Sarah's challenge blog the challenge for the DT this time was misting.....
As we are close to Halloween I thought I would do a fun little Boo card....
This is what I created....

I created the background using different misting sprays, then when that was dry I added the cobwebs.
Just for fun I added googly eyes and then finished using the Boo element from Sarah's halloween collection....

Boo!
Nikki x

It's National Heros day....

2011-10-21T09:54:00.000+01:00

So who would be your hero?
I know there are many people in my life who I am so lucky to know and who inspire me every day, but there is one person who really is my hero.....
He has inspired me since the day he was born - he turned my life around and was my reason for living.

Whenever the going got (or gets) tough he was the reason I got up to face another day.
My wonderful son!

Kris and I are very very close. He has my mad sense of humor and is as wacky as me too.
I love how independent he is but yet he still tells me every day that he loves me. He's never afraid to give me a cuddle (and I always need a lot of cuddles!).
He has given me strength when I thought there was no more to be had.
We have so much fun together - he is one of my best friends.

So here's to you son.... I am so very proud of you.
You really are a hero to me xxx
Love you lots (like jelly tots!) lol

For two special little girls

2011-10-20T21:48:00.002+01:00

A friend of mine asked me to create name plates for her two very special grandchildren.
These are what I came up with

I really like them.
I just have to hope that my friend likes them (she will get them this weekend)..... and much more importantly - I hope her grandchildren like them!

Nikki x

** Edited bit**

To create these, I bought 2 picture frames from the local B&M store (they cost £1.30 ish) bargin!!!
Then I created the letters (freehand drawing) on a selection of papers from my stash.
These were then layered onto textured cardstock and 3d glossed over the top. Glitter was added around the edge.
While I was waiting for them to dry I created the back panels by cutting up scraps of paper and gluing them to the back plate. Pen detail was added to finish this layer off.
I fixed the letters into place and dotted some adhesive gems around them.
Once the frames were all put back together I added some little butterflies to the outside of the glass.
All finished!
Thanks for looking x

Spooktacular!!

2011-10-17T14:45:00.000+01:00

I had a wonderful demo in Howdens, Inverness this weekend. I still have a sore side from laughing so much.
One of the projects I made was this spooky card.......

What you need......
green, black, orange and white cardstock (I used Papermania textured cardstock)
white alphabet stickers (I used Me To You alphabet stickers)
a fine black pen (I used a Papermania black pen)
parenthesis nesting dies
small circle punches
3d foam pads
tacky glue

How I made it........
1. cut a medium sized parenthesis from green and black cardstock.
2. cut the black with a grass edge (use the above picture for inspiration). Add to the green parenthesis using foam pads.
3. punch out 2 white circles and one green circle.
4. cut the green circle in half and fix into position on top of the white circles. Add to your monster.
5. add detail to your monster using the pen.
6. position your monster to the top half of your card.
7.add your wording to the bottom section of the card.
8. finish your card by adding a pen doodle border to edge of the card.....

Let me know if you make any as I would just love to see them!
Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Hollywood Blog Hop

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hopefully all goes to plan and this pop will have popped up at the correct time! (I'm away at a demo in Inverness today).
Gill is hosting another fabby blog hop.
If you want to start from the beginning go on over to Gill's page - here....
If you are already in the hop you will have come over from Linda's page - here....

Our theme for the blog hop is 'Hollywood'
So this is the card I put together for it.....

I had a lot of fun making the card - it's not a topic I would have gone for normally, but it's good to stretch yourself as a crafter every now and then to see what you can come up with.
I hope you like it.

Now to continue on with the hop..... your next stop is on Rachel's page - you will find that here.....

Thanks again for joining us.
Let us know if you make a Hollywood themed card so that we can pop over and have a look.

I'm a butterfly

2011-10-14T10:06:00.000+01:00

and a very sparkly one at that!!!
Last night I was doing a demo at Dobbies for their charity evening......... they had face painting sooooo......
I just had to get mine done! lol

I have to say that I was the only 'adult' to get done, but anything like that and I'm first in the queue..... lol
I don't think Kris knew where to look - but you'd think after 21 years he would be used to me embarrassing him.....
It was a shame that I had to wash it off, although there is still glitter everywhere!!

Off to Inverness today for the demo there tomorrow.
See you there if you are around.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

A Christmas tag

2011-10-10T21:09:00.001+01:00

I had great fun creating this little tag for the latest edition of the Do Crafts Creativity magazine.

I created a triple embossed embellishment for the top of the tag.

Then to make the flowers co-ordinate with the rest of the card, I dipped them in clear ink and then embossed them in gold too.

I am really getting into creating different shaped cards.
They are all like mini pieces of art - and if you don't want to use them as a tag then you can use them as a topper for your card or scrapbook page.

Have a go - I know you'll love it!
Happy crafting
Nikki x

Spooky....

2011-10-07T17:21:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over on Sarah's challenge blog.
I made this card using some of Sarah's papers and a digi stamp. I loved this little chap.

Come on over and visit the blog and play along with us (you will find the link over on the side bar).
Happy crafting
Nikki x

World Cardmaking Day..... blog hop...

2011-10-01T09:00:00.002+01:00

Come on over and join in the blog hopping fun!!
If you started the blog at the beginning then you will have started at Gill's blog and hopped over a few blogs until you got to Pam's blog right before mine......

Here is my card to help celebrate this wonderful event!

this card is also for the new challenge over on the Elle blog....

Thank you for popping over and visiting my blog - to go on with the hop you need to pop on over to Becky's blog.

This blog hop is going on over the next week so make sure you pop by and have a look... A lot of crafting will be getting done this week.

Remember to let me know you have made a card and I will pop over to your blog for a look.
Happy crafting xxx

My very first.....

2011-09-28T22:52:00.000+01:00

I wanted to get my Mum something different for her birthday this year, so I bought her a night class in stained glass making...... and as I had never given it a try, I signed myself up too!
I am totally hooked!!
This is the first ever thing I made.............

I didn't think it was too bad for a first time!
I can now see a lot of people getting stained glass prezzies from me for their birthday or Christmas!!!

Happy crafting
Nikki x

Vintage chic

2011-09-25T22:08:00.000+01:00

Wow - what a weekend.... sorry about going a bit MIA last week - I had 3 demos one after the other so things were a tad manic! And I had no laptop with me!!!!! OMG........
Over on Sarah's blog there is a new challenge...... the theme this turn around is vintage.
This was my first card on her design team and I have to say I had soooo much fun making it.... come on over and play along with us....

Hope to see you over there to join in the fun.

Happy crafting... xxx
Nikki x

If........

2011-09-19T19:27:00.000+01:00

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it.

If you don't ask, the answer is always no.

If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.

If you get a chance, take it.

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it x

Nikki x

Mid month tutorial over on the Elle blog

2011-09-17T10:08:00.001+01:00

This is the tutorial I created for the mid month inspiration over on the Elle Challenge Blog..... Pop on over and join us in the fun!!!
I'd love to see what you create!

Here is the finished card

To make the base of this card you will need 3 6"x6" pieces of card that you have scored on the diagonal.

Cut you 2 pieces of paper 20cm x 20cm - cut them down the diagonal - ink all edges and then fix into position.

Use this picture as a guide as to how to fix the paper to your card.

Now we start to fix the base card together - this is step one

Step 2

Cut another square of paper 51/2cm x 51/2cm - cut on the diagonal and ink the edges

Fix these into position on your card as shown above.

Now it's time to decorate your card front.

I used a little magnet at the side of my card to keep it shut, but you could use a button, ribbon, velcro dots etc.

I hope you liked this tutorial, I'm looking forward to seeing all of your teepees.....
Happy craftin'

Nikki x

MIA

2011-09-15T15:08:00.000+01:00

Well not really MIA but it does feel like that every so often!!
I think I forget what the world looks like, things get so busy and it's head down and on with the work and then before you know it a week has gone by!!

Anyhooooo, very exciting news on the design front for me.... I have been asked to join the uber talented ladies over on the Sarah Hurley DT.... wow.... how fab is that!!! More on that to follow later....

Here are my cards to show you today....

Both of these cards were made using the birthday range that Do Crafts brought out last month.
It's a pretty range that will do for all ages and both sexes....

Nikki x

Calorie free chocolate bar

2011-09-05T15:15:00.000+01:00

This was very popular at my demo yesterday..... so I thought I would do a little tutorial for you!
This is my little chocolate bar.....

To make this little chocolate bar you will need.... an x-cut guillotine, an embossing tool, some kraft card, brown inks and some patterned paper.

Take your guillotine and turn it over so that the bottom of it is facing you. Lay the card over the grid on the back and emboss around your chosen amount of squares.

When you turn your card over it will look like this....

Next cover the raised squares in brown ink.

Trim your chocolate bar to size and cut a little bite out of one of the top corners.

Create a wrapper using some patterned paper (you could always use some foil here too).

A calorie free bar of chocolate!!!

I also use this technique for making Victorian style windows..... but that is a tutorial for another day.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Elle's challenge......

2011-09-05T14:27:00.000+01:00

this month is being led by me! Woo hoo....... and the theme for you to play along with is 'here comes the girls'.
Come on over and join us.
The DT have made some wonderful cards and projects - very inspiring!
This is the card I made,

The digi stamp we all used was 'Belle', designed by the uber talented Helen.
And of course I just had to bring out the promarkers to colour her in.....

Let us know if you have made a card to join in with us so that we can come over and visit you. We just love seeing what you create - you really are all a very talented bunch!

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Santa, please stop here.......

2011-08-30T16:43:00.000+01:00

I created a door sign similar to this at my latest round of demos.
It was very popular and I was asked to do a tutorial for it, so here you are!

First of all the stock you will need is - a chipboard base, some decorative paper, a stamped image, some adhesive letters, glue, embossing powder, heat gun, ribbon, adhesive stones etc....

Cover your base in your chosen paper and sand down the edges to make sure they are smooth.

I'm using some WOW embossing powders next (and boy are they WOW).

Cover your embellishment with embossing powder - I have used Gold rich ultra high for the bell and glamour green embossing glitter for the holly.

Edge your base with gold embossing powder. Stamp your image onto white card and emboss with gold too.

Tear another piece of paper and fix into position on your base.

Colour in your image and fix onto the base using 3d foam pads.

Add your wording. I chose to have 'please stop here.'

Now add your embellishment.

Add some adhesive stones - cause you can never have enough bling!!!

Finish by adding some ribbon to create the handle.

I hope you like this tutorial, I would love to see what you create using it.
Drop me a note and I will pop by your blog and have a look.

Happy craftin'
Nikki

The wonderful stamps of.....

2011-08-29T09:14:00.000+01:00

John Byars....
Now for those of you that know me or have seen me at my demos, you will know how much I LOVE the John Byars range of stamps that Do Crafts brought out.
He is a very very talented artist and it was my honour to work with these wonderful stamps.....
I bring them out to get re-inked often!!

Here is what I have created this time,

If he was to bring out another range with Do Crafts - I would love to see a vintage Christmas set!!! hint hint*** lol
I think that by using sepia and just a hint of blue, you really do get that vintage look.
Off to start work with the new Do Crafts goodies that will be hitting the shops this week!!!! I may not be out for quite a while! lol
Happy craftin'

Nikki x

A great challenge for you all......

2011-08-28T22:04:00.000+01:00

Over on Cli's blog she has a box challenge at the moment.
The template and tutorial is here....... I love love loved working with this and had a lot of fun creating the box... I think I decorated it with paper to within an inch of it's life!

This is what I did.....

I even decorated the candle.
What a great gift to give someone - they will really feel special with this interesting box.
I'd love to see what you create too.... leave me a comment and I'll pop on over to your blog to have a look.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

The wonderful world of friendly plastic

2011-08-25T12:22:00.000+01:00

I have had sooooo much fun playing with friendly plastic.
It really is a wonderful medium to work with.
Here are some of the things I have been making with it,

Snowflakes

Lots of little flowers

The flowers make a great little embellishment.

A simple little brooch

Earrings for my Nanna

I just love the effects that you can get with it. The jewellery that you make is so light and you get stunning effects right away.
Look out for a lot more projects with it coming very soon.

Happy crafting
Nikki x

Flutterbies

2011-08-17T14:45:00.000+01:00

These are some of the cards made for the Create & Craft show last week.
I loved getting inky fingers and playing with the stamps and papers.

Again these photos are not the clearest! I sooooooo got the lighting wrong, that and the fact I took the pics with my mobile phone.......
I must hunt out my camera and start using that again I think.....
So sorry about the quality of pics, I would take them again but I no longer have the cards - they are all down at Ideal World or Do Crafts head office........

Woo hoo - just founds the camera.... now were did I put that camera lead...........

Be back soon with some more to show you....
Nikki x

C & C samples

2011-08-17T06:29:00.000+01:00

These are some of the cards that Dawn Bibby was showing on the Oriental show that she did last week.
I had great fun playing with the kit that came.....

I've had some lovely emails and messages from lots of you about these cards.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me - it means a lot to me.
Sorry about some of the photos........ I think I got the lighting a bit wrong! lol

Nikki x

August - September demo cards

2011-08-16T15:28:00.000+01:00

I've been out and about traveling around Scotland for Do Crafts.... much laughter and crafting to be had!
This is just a selection of some of the samples...... more to follow....

There are some wonderful products out at the moment from Do Crafts - Christmas has started with a bang! But if the thought of creating lots of Christmas stuff sends you diving for the duvet, then fear not... they also have a wonderful birthday range out.
I'm have fun today with my John Byars stamps........ watch this space for some samples of these wonderful favs of mine.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Some more C&C samples

2011-08-10T20:55:00.000+01:00

Here are some more of the cards that I made for the Create and Crafts shows for Do Crafts.
I had a lot of fun making them.

Nikki x

Creativity mag

2011-08-09T17:34:00.000+01:00

Some of the customers at my demos have been asking me to put up some pictures of some of my projects that are in the current Creativity magazine.............. so here you are ladies!

I had great fun creating these projects and have loved showing you just how easy they are to put together.
I'll be back soon with some more to show you from the demos.....

If there are any tutorials that you would like me to put together for you (either from items I made in the mag or from my demos) then please just let me know and I'll pop it on here for you.

Happy craftin'

Nikki x

Elle Challenge

2011-08-09T13:51:00.000+01:00

Over on the Elle blog there is a new challenge this week - sorry that I am a bit late this week, but this past weekend has been very very busy!

Here is the card I made for the challenge......

The challenge this time around it use layers.... I had a lot of fun making this card...... come on over to the Elle blog and join in the fun with us.

I sent this card to a very good friend of mine who just happens to have a birthday today..... Happy birthday Cli...... Yesterday was a birthday for another very good friend of mine too!!! (sorry I forgot to take a piccy of her card but yes I did make and send her one).... Happy birthday Chris for yesterday....

Back to making more samples for this weeks demo - I'll be at Craftworld in Hillington if you happen to be passing pop in and make sure you say hello.

Happy craftin

Nikki x

How exciting....

2011-08-05T21:07:00.001+01:00

Well it is for me anyway....
This picture shows one of the little tomatoes I have growing in my garden.....

All I need to do now is to keep my two pupsters away from them.
It's been great fun growing them from seed.

I'll take some more pics as they get bigger.
Back to the sample making now....
Lots to show you next week....
Happy crafting,
Nikki x

As promised

2011-08-02T20:38:00.000+01:00

here are some of the samples in a bit more detail.....

I think one of my favourite things from this pick of the day was the ribbons..... anyone who knows me, knows how much I love ribbon!!!
I hope you like them, I'll be back tomorrow with a few more.

Nikki x

Christmas Past

2011-08-02T10:49:00.000+01:00

The new pick of the day launch on Ideal World and Create & Craft is a fab set of 3 dvd's from Do Crafts. Along with some yummy goodies at fab value....
Here are the samples that I made for the show.....

As you can see I made a few! lol.
As I made so many, what I have done is to pick out a few to show you in more detail over the next few days... I thought that was better than showing you them all as we might still have been here at Christmas!!
It was a lovely kit to work with and there was some wonderful stuff.
I was in my element with all the glittery things and the ribbon - how I love love love ribbon!!!

Be back soon with some more to show you...
Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Giant plants

2011-07-29T21:25:00.002+01:00

Out with the dogs today I came across these plants.
Now nothing new there you might think..... But I am 5ft 10th and the nettles were bigger than me!
Wow......
I'll be back soon with some crafty things to share....
Nikki x

Corner Bookmark

2011-07-24T14:03:00.000+01:00

I've had a few emails and requests for a little tutorial on the corner bookmark that I did for this months Creativity.
For those of you that wanted the step by steps, here you are......

Cut a 10cm x 10cm square from card. Mark at 5cm on 3 of the edges.

Score from both side marks to the mark at the top. Fold over the card to create a point.

Cut a 6.5cm x 6.5cm square from paper. Cut this along the diagonal and use these triangles to decorate both sides of the bookmark.

Create a decorative edge along the bottom of the bookmark with a border punch.
Cut two 3cm x 10cm strips from cardstock and two 2.5cm x 9.5cm from paper.

Layer and add ribbon.
Fix these strips onto the bookmark. (I only add ribbon to the strip that will be on the top of the bookmark).

Finish by adding your chosen topper and adhesive stones.

This is what the back of my bookmark looks like.....

I would really love to see the bookmarks that you make.
Happy craftin'

Nikki x

The last of this weeks Create and Craft samples

2011-07-22T21:42:00.000+01:00

Hi there,
Here is the last post from the cards that I made for this weeks Tatty Teddy show on Create and Craft.

Well done if you made it to the end of this post!! There were a lot of pictures to show you - oopsie!!!
Tomorrow I am off to do a demo at Letham Crafts, it's an amazing shop that is quite like a Tardis!! I love going there, friendly staff that are just a joy to be around - and Bills homebaking to tempt you all day!!!
If you are in the are, make sure you pop by to say hello!!!

Nikki x

2 posts in one day!

2011-07-21T20:32:00.000+01:00

I thought I would do 2 posts today and 2 posts tomorrow to get all the samples from this weeks show out of the way.
That way next week I can show you something else....
So here are the next lot,

I love these little bears - boy or girl, I can't just decide... what do you think?
I guess they are just adorable little bears.

Back tomorrow with some more.
Nikki x

Today's selection...

2011-07-21T16:34:00.000+01:00

of cards from the Me To You launch on Create and Craft.... (don't worry only a few more posts to go with the samples cards) lol.
Next time I promise to take a group shot and just pick out a few of my favourites - I just couldn't chose this time!

Today I am making more samples for another Create and Craft show.... there will be a couple on next week that I have made the samples for.
One of then is an Oriental selection that Dawn Bibby will be showing, the other will be 'oor Sheila'.
As soon as I know all the details, I'll let you know.

Be back soon....
Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Some more for you.....

2011-07-20T10:15:00.000+01:00

Well here are my samples to show you today, these were part of the set I made for the Me To You launch on Ideal World last night.

The images are soooo sweet. Lovely to work with.
The die cut decoupage make things soooo much easier!!! And a lot of it is already glittered too!
I find that a lot of the backing papers can be used for any time of year - a great bonus if you have any left after making your Christmas cards.

Today my challenge is to make some more samples for an upcoming pick of the day..... shhhh - I can't tell you what it is yet, or show you anything from it.... but I can tell you it will be on Ideal World/Create & Craft on the 29th....... As soon as I can, I will upload the pictures of whatever I create....

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Me To You Christmas...

2011-07-19T23:43:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to be creating with lots of the wonderful Tatty Teddy goodies for the Me To You launch show that Do Crafts have brought to Create and Craft tonight...
Here are some of the samples I made,

I don't want to over load the post with pictures!!! lol - so I will put more pics up over the next few days. I have lots and lots to show you...
I managed to make 34 cards in one day!!!! - it really was a crafting marathon!

I hope you managed to get your cd or decoupage packs.
My samples where all made with the decoupage packs or stamps but all the images will be on your cds too.

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Creativity mag

2011-07-18T17:28:00.000+01:00

Things here have been a bit mad lately.... you know what it's like... sitting around doing not a lot and then all the deadlines come at once.....
Here are some of the projects that I created for the Creativity magazine - go to your nearest stockist (or order online) for your copy...

I had great fun playing with the new nesting dies from Do Crafts.... fab shapes and a really good price (starting at £9.95) so kind to the pocket too!
I'll be back soon with some more bits to show you - keep an eye on Create and Craft tomorrow - new launch of Me to You items!!!!
Nikki x

Blog candy winners....

2011-07-18T17:09:00.000+01:00

Ok - so first of all - I am very naughty!!! I didn't get around to putting up the pics of the blog candy!! Sorry - life just ran away with me last week and before I knew it I was too late!! oopsie....

Oh well.... at least this way it will come as a lovely surprise to the winners when they get it!

Thank you all to entering and for all the wonderful messages about my blog. It's very humbling to know that you all enjoy reading my blog....

I have decided to have 3 winners (picked by the random thingy).... so here they are - in no particular order...

1. Dawn
2. Nicolajayne Saul
3. Jackid

Can you please contact me with your address details so that I can get your candy into the post for you!?!
Well done....

Happy craftin'
Nikki x

Blogoversary - blog candy! (This will stay at the top until the 15th July)

2011-07-15T08:57:00.002+01:00

Well today is my blogoversary..... woo hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate by having a blog candy....

The picture of the blog candy will follow - but it will be a biggy!!!!

So how do you enter into my celebrations.......well
1. If you are a network blog follower of mine you are entered once.
2. If you are a normal follower of my blog you are entered once.
3. If you link my blog to yours by telling your wonderful blog people about this you are entered once.
4. If you create a celebration project and tell me about it here you are entered once.
5. If you answer this question you are entered once...... where do you get your crafting inspiration from?

So you could get 5 chances at winning some candy.
Remember to comment on this post so that I can come over to your blog and say hello!
Please leave a comment on here - even if you are a follower as this will tell me that you want to be entered into the blog candy. If you do not put a comment here then I will presume that you do not want to be entered into the candy. Thanks x
If you don't have a blog you can still enter.
I will close this candy on the 15th July ....

Happy craftin
Nikki x

A first for me...

2011-07-12T15:38:00.000+01:00

Today I was blog hopping and over on the Passion for Promarkers challenge blog (you can find it here) their challenge for this week is to use gingham..... so I did....
It's a first for me because I've never entered any of their challenges before.
I loved working with the Promarkers...... here is what I came up with...

I took a picture of the card lying down flat as well as I thought it was quite hard to see it all because of the shape of the card.

I love these stamps (sorry I'm not very sure whose they are but if you want to know I can find out for you).
As my paper was green, I thought I would keep that colour as my feature colour for it all.......

Here are a few close ups....

I love this last picture because it looks like he is playing peekaboo with the camera!
I did the highlights in silver to see if it would work and I think it does.

Anyway, I hope you like it.
Why don't you pop on over the the blog and play along too - having a challenge is a good way to get the mojo working!

Happy crafting
Nikki x

Tag-o-holic

2011-07-10T07:44:00.000+01:00

This is the tag that I created for the Do Crafts Creativity mag that is out now.
I never used to really do tags, but they have become my latest obsession! I love making them. You really can turn them into mini works of art.... and if you don't want to use it as a tag - use it as the topper on your card or as an embellishment on your scrapbook.

Here are some photos from different angles.... just because I can! lol

I have used the new nesting dies, Tulip range and paper flowers, as well as ink and glitter.
Look out for some more tags from me very soon!

What a wonderful demo I had yesterday - I was at Craftworld in Hillington. Oh how we laughed!!!
The ladies who came to see me where a wonderful bunch, all very keen.
We crafted and chatted all day long - sorry ladies for the amount you all just 'had' to buy.... it is beautiful stuff though isn't it!?!
I'll be back there in a month and am already really looking forward to it..... I just need to work out how I am going to challenge them next time!

Time for another cup of tea now I think, whatever you are doing today.... have fun!!!!
Happy craftin'

Nikki x

It's Elle's birthday!!!

2011-07-02T07:49:00.001+01:00

Well if you have made it over to me from Michelle's blog then welcome!!!
If not, welcome anyway..... why don't you join in over on the Elle blog as it's our birthday..... we are having a celebration blog hop to celebrate....

July ~ {Celebrations}

Blog Hop

Start~ Challenge Blog

Finish ~ Helen

Here are my cards that I made for the hop...........

I have had sooo much fun using all the lovely digi stamps.... my problem was working out which ones I would use - I wanted to use then all....

I would love you join in the hop with us and let us know that you have been by.... if you stop and say hi then I can come on over and have a look at your blog too.

Happy birthday Elle - time to celebrate!

Nikki x

Surprise mini easel

2011-07-01T10:41:00.000+01:00

As promised (I know - sorry it's taken me a while to put it up!!!)..... here is the little surprise mini easel card that I came up with......
It's very easy to make - all from an a4 piece of card.

Sorry about the blueness of the pictures - not sure what happened there!!! I'll call it mood lighting..... lol
Take an a4 piece of card stock and score it at 9cm - turn the card round and score it again at 9cm.
Cut these 2 strips out.
On each strip score at 9cm and 18cm (this will give you 3 panels of 9cm x 9cm) On the centre panel of one of the strips score at the half way point (this will be at 13.5cm). Only do this on one of the strips.

Attach your ribbon the the centre panel of the strip that does not have the middle score. Make sure you add plenty of ribbon as this will be what keeps the card closed.

Attach your two strips like so.
You will be left with what looks like a T...

At this point cut the edges with your chosen decorative punch (if you want a fancy edge.)

I have chosen to layer my panels, if you want to do the same you will need 6 sets of 8.5cm x 8.5 cm base layer and 8cm x 8cm for the top layer. Remember that if you have used a decorative punch for the sides you will need to reduce the size of your layers for four of the panels so that you can still see the pattern of your edge.
You will also need a 2.5cm strip of paper layered onto a 3cm mat for the strip that will help the card to stand.

Fix these into postion with your chosen adhesive - I have used double sided tape.

Decorate your panels. This is my middle 'hidden' panel.

This is what my card looks like from the outside.

And this is the card standing.
If you want to make it a gatefold mini easel then just cut each of the sides on the top section of the T card shape in half - or fold back these sides before you decorate the panels.

Let me know if you make one as I would love to stop by your blog and have a look.

Happy crafting'
Nikki x

Create and craft cards

2011-06-27T14:20:00.001+01:00

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by my facebook page and left some lovely comments about my card projects that were the samples for the Do Crafts shows on Create and Craft last week.
Phill Martin was there demoing some of the wonderful crafty goodness from Do Crafts.
A lot of you have asked to see them again.... so here they are........

The first picture is what my desk looked like when I started to craft...

Not too bad for one nights work..... lol
Nikki x

An origami Christmas tree

2011-06-24T22:47:00.000+01:00

I've had a lot of people asking how I make the little origami Christmas trees that I put onto cards, so I thought I would put together this tutorial for you.....
Let me know how you get on...

This is the finished card as it was seen on Create and Craft.

Take a square of paper - the paper I am using here is a sheet of paper from the Papermania Noel 6x6 pad (it's hitting your shelves very soon!!)

Fold it over in half (corner to corner, as the picture shows).

Take the two bottom points and fold them up to the top point. This should now look like a square.

Flip the whole thing over. Now fold in the two sides to the middle to make a kite shape.

Turn over your piece of paper and open out the sides.

Fold the two points in, following the sides of the kite shape.

Fold in the bottom section of the kite shape - use the photo as a guide. Do not worry if this overlaps or does not meet.

Fold the point of this section over on itself.

Wrap the two sides over the top of the centre section - these will not meet so don't worry about it.
At this point take a bone folder or paper creaser over all your edges.

Turn over and there you have it - a little Christmas tree with a pot.... now you can decorate it!

Just to remind you - here is my finished card....

Happy craftin
Nikki x

A new way of blogging.

2011-06-23T08:19:00.001+01:00

Well this is new for me, I am blogging this from my phone. Now there will be no getting away from me!
This post is just a test to try it out..... I'll be back soon with a pc post. Lol

Nikki x