Wedding Day

Hi, earlier this year I was commissioned to design Wedding Invitations and Friday was the big day, so out came my Nesties and my thinking head......

The colour palette coordinated with the wedding invites which made my project much easier as crafting and motivation is still a problem! AND, this new blogger layout is defo not helping! 

I have not been as idle as it would seem - I have also this week designed a new blog heading with Craft Artist - what do you think?

New Orleans

What a day - rain, rain, and more rain - a good day for crafting !!!!

I've been scrapping again in my corner with my back to the window so I can't see the storm and can think of warmth and fun!  This page is a reminder of the next stage of our USA Music Tour .....

Here we are in New Orleans - what a place ......we had such a good time on the Natchez river boat sailing down the Mississippi listening to a band belting out JAZZ tunes, then there was Bourbon Street ....  so many bars playing all kinds of music ..... and street artists...... and ladies on balconies (!).... I still have the beads that one threw down to Dave in the hope of catching his attention (!)  There was a very sombre side to NO in that the city suffered such devasation from Hurrican Katrina and from watching the Trevor McDonald's documentary "The Mighty Mississippi"  it would seem that many problems still exist for residents.  So cheers New Orleans - thanks for the memories and I really hope your city soon recovers.

Stay warm and safe and thanks for dropping by.

USA - Atlanta 2008

Hi, Mr. Blogger seems to have done something to my blog and the pages have changed!  Is this just me?

However, not to be thwarted......I shall continue with everything crossed!!!

As you will have gathered from my infrequent posts, crafting has been on the back burner for some time now.  I have reached a state of not knowing just what I want to do ????  Since resigning from CB, I did some beading which I enjoyed greatly and loved buying beads.  I now have a bracelet or necklace or earrings to match every piece of clothing in my cupboard!  AND, many more waiting to be strung!!  

In the hope of finding inspiration, I joined Barbara Gray's monthly club at Clarity Stamps.  Now I love and admire Barbara's work, but sadly even her newsletter and stamps have failed to produce any crafting activity from me.  I will continue to watch and wait and see if something happens in my head. 

Watching is something I seem to be good at these days!  I have been glued to the box and found C&C's programme on Serif digital crafting interesting.  After months of dithering, I decided to buy Craft Artist and have discovered an absorbing pastime.  I have thousands of pictures stored on my PC (bet you are the same) and very rarely look at them.  So I thought I would attempt to take a few of them and try to capture some of the memorable moments of our past holidays - you know the things I mean - an event, place, people that you don't want to forget for the pleasure you got from being there and meeting them.  

At the moment I'm working on a 2008 holiday in the USA.  We first flew to Atlanta - a experienced a wonderful and very enlightening three days in this vibrant city.  We arrived on a Wednesday - and it was the last of the city's Wind down Wednesday concerts.  Free in the park!  You know how the word FREE attracts - of course, we had to go and see what this was all about.   Having ventured into the arena would you believe right in  front of a stage of musicians, we practically ran down the middle aisle and found a seat on the back row.  Looking around we discovered that we had invited ourselves to a weekly concert supported by the black community of Atlanta and we were to only two white faces there.  A lady promptly got up from her chair and introduced herself and asked where we were from - she said we were welcome and that we were now her guests.  Looking round we saw that not only was it a music concert, but a party with tables covered with food and drinks.  We were to say the least embarrassed at our ordacity to invade their party, BUT we were made so welcome that the evening was a real moment to treasure and so Phyliss and friends if you should be a crafter and read this - a great big THANK YOU and this is my scrapping page so I'll never forget ....

Hope you are all warm and dry.....

ikki

Back from my hols.....

Hi I'm back from my hols

As you can see we all had a great time!

This my first attemp at scrapping - hopefully I will soon get the hang of it!

Hope you are all well, I'm feeling much better but COLD!  Thanks for all your thoughtful comments and visits, I really do appreciate your good wishes. 

Hi - it's WOYWW

Hello, I have again  been missing for a week or more - such a lot of things to do with life other than crafting that have become too important to leave on the shelf any longer. 

As I've mentioned before, I have not been feeling too well with the side effects of the medication I'm force to take and that has not help with motivation and drive so I felt it time to make some changes to my commitments so I've been busy organizing my home - the loft as been emptied, sorted and insulated - yes, boring but very satisfying and much warmer;  re-organizing my diet (good news is I've lost 7lbs and Dave's lost 12lb - bad news is my re-organizing is working better for him than me????); I sorted out lots of crafting stash that I will never use and updated various PC things and at last (hope this doesn't go pear shaped on me!) Mr. Blogger seems to be working fine.  Also in January I resigned from the CB Design Team.  I will be continuing to follow the DT and still remain a member of the CB forum - cause there's too much beautiful artwork and inspiration to miss out on!  I enjoyed my time on the DT, made some good friends and learnt a lot,  but time to move on ..... best wishes to all - it's been a pleasure working with you. 

At the moment I cannot promise regular postings, but hope you'll feel able to use the Cupboard and all the info stored - if you have any problems finding anything, just leave me a post on the comments page and I'll get back to you.

Now I realize it's WOYWW and I've not even got a piccy to show you !!!! but I'm sure you have and I'm hoping to catch up with your news over the next few days.

Thanks for dropping by.

Broken folders - what you can do with them

This is my most used and favourite folder....Stylish Flowers by Cuttlebug (Provocraft)...which was one of the first folders I bought.......but.....

alas, as you can see with constant use it is in two parts!  I have had it taped and it works like that, but it occurred to me when thinking of masks etc that it might also work using one side?!?!?  So out came my JT machine which I'm not very confident about using with folders because it is such an effort to get the folder through and this is the result....

To Deboss:

   The sandwich: White Plate/Black Mat/Paper/Back of folder/Blue plate

To Emboss

The Sandwich:White Place/ Back of folder/Paper/Black Mat/Blue Plate

 So the BACK HALF OF THE FOLDER WORKS! BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FRONT.....   

Well that does too - you just reverse the sandwich.

To Deboss:

Sandwich: White Plate/ Front of folder/Paper/Black Mat/Blue Plate

To Emboss:

Sandwich: White Plate/Black Mat/Paper/Front of Folder/Blue Plate

What's the point you may ask, well for a start I don't have to throw away my fav folder,  and also using it   this way reduces the likelihood of the JT breaking.  It also means that the folder is more versatile because you can now use is either landscape or portrait.     These examples are done on copy paper but it also works on card.  The half folder also works in the Bug, but the sandwich is slightly different.  I will post that later.  

Thank you all  for your help re dear Mr. Blogger, I seem to be okay now as I have managed to revert back to the old template which to me is so much clearer.  I also have installed Chrome, but stragnely (at the moment) I can connect with Internet Explorer as well?!?!?    The mysteries of the Web!!!!!

My way of stopping spammers!

The other day Elizabeth noticed when visiting from WOYWW that I had words about spammers on my comments box and she asked if it was effective.  The answer is Yes and No - I still get spammers occasionally leaving remarks but since I have set up all comments to come direct to me before posting -  I have control not them!.  This seems to work for me and at least this way the ..... nuisances  are denial the pleasure of advertising their rubbish to all who visit the Cupboard.

If you're having a problem and would like to try this ........ go to the Setting page.  Click on Comments....scroll down to  the Comments Form Message and type in your message.   Then set Comments Notifications as "always"  and save your alterations.  However many comments are made, the number will then appear on your Dashboard .... you click on the number and you will be redirected to the Comments Awaiting Moderation page where you can read the message and select/or not to post.

Also mentioned was setting "Word Verification".  I set mine as "No".    You  do this on the same page - just select either "Yes" or "No" whatever suits you    I personally find word verification is not necessary because of  how my comment form is set and it does save any frustration to anyone who wants to leave a comment. AND, after all we  like to receive comments, BUT NOT FROM SPAMMERS!

Hope you find this info useful.

ps:  Thanks PeeJay, you're right and I'm thankful that Blogger does sometimes intervene, BUT NOT ALWAYS because I do sometimes get some weird comments, so I would not like to trust it completely because of the great number of visitors to the Cupboard I seem to be targeted!   Not all visitors leave a comment but many do read the comments left by others so I feel I need that extra bit of assurance.  But thanks for your input  -it may be useful to others.

Tippy Thursday

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing!  Well as far as computers go!!!!  Yesterday I had a day long full of problems and thought  I'd solve everything, but I should have burnt the midnight oil and finished my work because this morning I'm back to square one, AND discovered that the little I know is not enough!

Thanks to all who tried to help - it's a good feeling to know that I'm not alone.  I had already installed Chrome and it seemed to make matters worse so I uninstalled and then this morning I have re-installed and at the moment I'm IN!  BUT, I've somehow managed to get into the new blogger template and I can't find my way out!   

Yesterday I had a message from Twiglet asking if I had any suggestions for an elongated heart die.  I have this one from Marianne Creatables which cuts nicely in both the Bug and the JT.  

If you know of any others please leave a comment here for Twiglet.

Also, Twiglet is looking for a plain flower die.  Well there are lots of flower dies about and if you want a large size the Nesties are worth looking at.  I would suggest looking at the main Spellbinder site for the complete range.  If it's a smaller type of flower, Marianne again to a nice range but I like these.....

    

Nice

They are Crealies and you get four dies on a small plate - they cut both paper and a good quality card with no problems and also layer well.  I know that CB sell them and I'm sure there will be offer available on ebay.  

Well back to trying out CHROME!  Hope to be back soonish!

WOYWW

 I'm not sure what's going on with Blogger BUT I'm having a lot of headache with it!!!!!

My blog interface has been changed without any "by your leave" and on my main PC I have suddenly become "blogger not supported by server".  Not sure what this means or how to put it right.   Is this just happening to me?

Anyway after turning to my laptop and some more messing about  I have managed to get back on my blog just  to say not much doing on on my desk (lol)....

but I have been playing around with my bug and hope to show you what you can do with damaged/old folders, that is if I can sort out my blogger  problems!  If anyone is having the same sort of thing happen to them - WOULD love to hear from you.   Thanks,

ikki

Valentine Day Pop up card

Last week I watched C&C's show and the offer they have on for the Grand Calibur machine and two sets of dies.  Very nice dies, but quite an expensive buy!

On the show the demonstrator show a design using dies to make a pop up embelllishment.  Since two years ago I did a tutorial for this card.....and you may not have seen it.....and since it is Valentines Day tomorrow.....I thought it was time to look in the back on the cupboard and find this bit of history ...... and here it is......

These are just odd pictures from the tutorial and if you are interested in learning more....this is the link

Nestabilitie Label 4 - Golden Wedding Anniversary

Today is my husband's cousin's Golden Wedding anniversary and this is the card  I've sent to them....

The stamps are from Chocolate Baroque called Floral Swirls and as well as using them to embellish the base card and label, I have also put them to good use on the insert.......

I think I'll have to add this card to my Love and Marriage showcase. I love the owls sitting together side by side -  very appropriate when celebrating 50 years of marriage!

WOYWW

A little late today for WOYWW - an early appointment at the opticians and then a blood test and the morning just disappeared!

I did, however, managed to take a piccy of my desk before I ventured out in the cold but as you can see not a lot is going on..... 

I've been playing with a new lily of the valley stamp from Clarity Stamps and think an idea is about to form- well I'm  hoping so!  I'm very impressed with Barbara Grey and her clever stamps which has you can see make pretty patterns.

I've also had my Bug in operation this week, but not for paper crafting......

I've been cutting fun foam with my Nestie Label 4 and make holders for the mounting pile of earrings that I seem to have an obsession to make!  Does anyone have other uses for their dies?

I hoping to get round to seeing some desks now (well that is when I've cut the sandwiches for tonight's bowls match).  So take care all and stay warm and safe.

Tippy Thursday - Sizzix Bigz XL dies

I have been asked by BJ 
"Ikki, couldn't find anywhere else to ask but do you know if the Sizzix Bigz XL dies will go through the Cuttlebug? I know the Bigz ones do both ways round (sandwiched with 2 'B' plates only) so am hoping the XL ones will too. Thanks BJ "

I afraid I do not have any experience using this type of die, but I've done a search and found the subject is covered by a blog called Indigoinklings - here is the  link

From what Jay says in her article the answer is yes, but you will need to make adjustments because the cutting plates are not big enough.  There is a tutorial which will show you how these adjustments can be made.

 

Stamping Ground WOYWW

Hi, old friends, I was thinking this morning surely it's not Wednesday already!!! Where does the time go?  AND, then the thought occured to me that I'd not been over to WOYWW for a long long time so to put that right I popped over to SG and immediately it felt like home seeing Julia desk sitting there as I remember it!  I just love this woman's organization skills - a crafter after my own heart!  Well done Julia for keeping WOYWW going - I'm so pleased that you're still there and that you have so many loyal followers who do visit you regularly. 

My desk is quite tidy today since my crafting mojo has gone walkabouts, but when the postie delivered a parcel the contents did get quickly unwrapped, fondled and then photographed.

These are just lovely gems - great colours - nice quality and a good buy from the sale at Beads Direct.

This is what I'm spending my pennies (read pounds) on at the moment, and I'm thinking of opening a new page in the Cupboard to feature beading which seems to be catching the attention of many.  I love my beads and I think I now have the biggest stash of necklaces, bracelets and earrings than anyone on the planet! 

Thanks for dropping by - hope you are all well - I'll try to catch up asap. 

New stamps from Chocolate Baroque

Hi from a very cold North Staffs.   I know many of you  have been visiting the CBDT blog and I'm sure you've been impressed with the artwork displayed there.  Today I have another card to show you using stamps from Wisteria Lane (flower)  and The Rose Tree (butterfly)

This is a one layer card which I felt suited this silhouette stamp.  To achieve the band I used a low tack tape and a masking technique - first colouring the broader band and then replacing the tape top and bottom to get the narrow contrasting colours.  The distress inks used:   tumbled glass, crushed olive, bundled sage. I used a black pen to make the lines between the colours and this worked out well because although it's only one layer the lines added depth. The flower was also stamped in black again using a mask. 

I can see that the new stamps are going to be a firm favourite with many because they are so versatile and useful for so many occasions.

Take care and keep warm.

Shaped Cards with Nestabilities Grand Labels 4

Hi, at last I hear you say - where have you been?  Well I do have to say sorry for being away for soooooo long - a number of events have been going on in my life - illness, reaction to medicines, a wedding commission, DT work, Christmas, New Year and to top it all a family funeral.    I have had to make a few changes and I will tell you about some of them over the week, but for now I would like to show you the new stamps that have been released this week by Chocolate Baroque.  Florals!  Always a favourite and so useful for so many occasions.  The DT have produced some stunning artwork and you will be able to view thier samples over the next couple of weeks.  You will find the link on my sidebar and I really do hope you pop over there for some fab inspirational ideas. 

 Rose Tree

Honeysuckle

Wisteria

I have been working with the stamps and this is one of my designs......

I have used stamps from the Wisteria and Rose plates.  I love the way the butterfly seems to be hovering and the shape of the flower lends itself to a vertical sentiment. The Grand Nestabilities Labels 4 are great for making shaped cards.  If this is a new technique for you check out this link from way back in March 2009!

To make this card you would need:

Cardstock: A4 white texture
Decorative paper: CB Essence of Italy
Nestabilities: Grand labels 4 (3# and 4#)
Mega rectangle (3#)
CB Stamps: Wisteria Lane, Rose Tree
CB Sentiment: Birthday words
Inkpads : DI dusty concord
Clear embossing powder

Ribbon, foam pads

Thank you all for your support whilst I've been away - I'm hoping to get back to a more structured blogging and catching up with visits to your blogs.   Although we are now way into January and it's a little late to wish you a NHY, but I'm going to say it anyway - I hope you are all well and that 2012 will be a good, health and prosperous year for you.

Back soon.