This Week's ISMAKI Challenge

RIMG5006, originally uploaded by Bio-hazar.

Wow it's been ages since I've made a card, but with a special birthday around the corner I just had to make one. I also have some nice new Penny Black Hedgehog stamps to use. So I headed on over to ISMAKI and was pleased to see it was my friend Isa who did the sketch for this week. I first coloured one of my new Cuttlebug Embossing border folders with Nick Bantock ink using a brayer. Then embossed onto my card. I've used my new Promarker to colour in the stamps and built it up with 3D foam. The papers are some left over pieces of My Minds Eye and Sasserfrass papers. I finished off the card by stamping the sentiment using Studio G alpha stamps.

Scrap Like You Mean It Week 17

RIMG4993, originally uploaded by Bio-hazar.

It's been awhile since I've done any scrapbooking and I've missed about 2 or 3 weeks of the Scrap Like You Mean it challenge. So this morning on my day off I took the plunge. this is my LO for this weeks challenge to use layers and lace. I also did it this morning, so it also works for last week challenge which I didn't get done in time to scrap in the morning. The LO is based on PageMaps Apr sketch and was done using My Mind's Eye Wild Asparagus Grandpa Plaid and Grandpa Floral papers. Also used MME paper establishments. To give the LO depth and layers, I first started by using Tim Holtz new masks on the background paper and inking with Ranger Antique Linen. I also added layers by using 3d foam to raise bits of the patterned paper that I cut and layered in the corner of the LO. More layers of two buttons on top of each other were also added. I added grunge board elements painted with Ranger dabbers to add texture. I used a piece of lace at the top also inked with Ranger distress ink Antique Linen. Other embellishments used were staples, brads and shimmer dots.

Another Year, Another Ally Pally!

Yes, it's that time of year again. The Big Stamp and Scrapbooking show was on at Alexander Palace which ment more stash shopping. Although I didn't really need much, there is always lots of things there to tempt you. I was very good this year, and mostly stick to items on my list and manage to walk away without spending all the money I had budgeted for the event. I even managed to pick up a few bargains. Like 3 new Penny Black hedgehog stamps all from their bargain bin for just under £15. I also got a new Chatter Box album which I thought I was getting a good deal on, but then found out another supplier was sell it for £5 cheaper. Oh well, I still got a deal on it and also got some extra page protectors to go with it. I also picked up a few multipacks of much needed Bazzill card stock. I also got a few sheets of the new Polka Dot Embossed Bazzill card stock. What good is card stock though, if you don't have some beautiful papers to use with it, so I picked up a few sheet of Cosmo Cricket from the Girl Friday and Lil man ranges as well as some My Minds Eye Bloom & Grow kit, Penny Lane shaped card stock, Bella Bella and a few old Wild Asparagus pack with paper, die cuts and alphas. I also found some cute Sassafras paper with hedgehogs on it, can't wait to use them for a layout about my pet hedgehog "Tiggy" who I use to have. Of course I wouldn't be me if I didn't get some Basic Grey. I bought a wonderful Wisteria collection pack along with some matching glazed brads. Some of the other things I got was, a couple of Nick Bantock inks, Tim Holtz timeworks mask, Tim Holtz Grundgeboard dots elements shapes, Cuttlebug Just My Type embossing border folders, Fancy Pants rub-ons, new acrylic blocks (because I still can't find where mine when to), a set of Promarkers plus a blender pen, two small Studio G alphabet stamp sets, thin ultra adhesive tape, self adhesive shimmer dots, felt & button embellishment pack, crochet flowers, Prima artful collage flowers (because I'm a Prima Diva), card envelops (of which I was right out of) and Hero Arts Arigato Sparkle Clear stamp set.

It was a great day, and I was happy to share it with my hubby aka my scrapbook roadie! I hope that all this new stash will help me get some inspiration back and do some more crafting. Watch this space!

Another Kipling Bag

RIMG4822, originally uploaded by Bio-hazar.

Couldn't resist this little Kipling bag. Last week after our trip to the seaside, we stopped off in Ashford at the Outlet Mall. We had just about an hour to do any shopping and the first shop I ran into, while Peter was still paying for the parking, was of course KIPLING. I had a good look around, but this little bag stood out the most and at a great deal of only £14, who could resist. It's a bit small for my everyday use type of bag, but I thought it would make a great handbag for when we go on holiday or just days out when I want something light or that could fit under a jacket. They also had it in blue, but I thought the greens and browns were more my colours. In the hour we also managed to get Peter some new Reebok trainers. Two pairs in fact, as they were buy one get one free at an already marked down price. Got to love a bargain!

Scrap Like You Mean it Week 12

RIMG4827b, originally uploaded by Bio-hazar.

As you know from my other post, I've not been too well this month. This has meant that I've not been able to keep up with the Scrap Like You Mean it challenges on UKS. Some of the ones that I have missed have been, "cut a photo", "use paper punches" and "use fabric". I will keep these ideas in the back of my mind and try to fit use them at some point. This weeks challenge however was to use a sketch. I always love a sketch and find them a great place to start for inspiration. Shimelle's sketch was a nice simple one, which I've expanded on slightly. Papers and die cuts used are from Crate Paper Mia Collection. The title was done using Basic Grey letters stickers and letters cut with a CraftRobo using "Storybook" font. Also used velvet ribbon and Ranger paint dabber in Jasper. The photo is of my sister feeding a horse oranges in Florida while we were there visiting my Grandparents one winter. I will never forget how messy a horse eats oranges and it's a memory that will always bring back such joy.

Convalescing At the Sea Side

RIMG4757, originally uploaded by Bio-hazar.

Well after a week of being at home in bed sick, I was starting to get a bit tired of staring at four blue walls. So suggested to Peter we go to the sea side for some fresh air to blow out the cob webs. So on Saturday morning Peter put me in the car with my blankets and pillows and we headed off. I had no idea where we were heading, only that the sea would at some point make an appearance. We stopped off part way at a services and had a nice cooked breakfast and were soon on our way again. By mid morning we ended up at the maritime cinque port of Rye. I'd never been to Rye, so it was exciting to explore a new place. We walked the cobbled streets, shopped in the unique little shops and visited the historic Ypres Castle and Landgate.

By mid afternoon I was starting to get very tired from all the walking and also hungry. We found a delicatessen and got some take away sandwiches, quiche, salads and lemon sodas before we headed back to the car. We then left Rye and headed towards the beach at Camber Sands. I was surprised to find that we weren't the only ones with the idea of going to the sea side. The car park was full, and we had to wait awhile before we could get a spot. We then climbed over the dunes and onto the beach, where Peter purchased a wind break and we started to set up camp. We first put down some underlay mats to keep any moisture and cold from coming through. Then lay down the car blanket. I then wrapped up in another blanket and used a jumper for a pillow. We ate our lunch with the view of the sea and the sun at our backs. Then Peter did the crossword while I rested and wrote postcards. After a couple of hours as the sun was going down and our fingers were getting very cold, we packed up and headed back to the car. As we were packing up Peter noticed some friends of ours walk by who we hadn't seen in years. So we all went into the cafe and caught up over a cup of hot chocolate. By the time we left Camber the sun was starting to set and the sheep in the field were laying down for the evening. It was the end to a wonderful day by the sea side.

Cupcake Card - CPS 107

Cupcake Card, originally uploaded by Bio-hazar.

This is my first attempt at using Letraset Promarkers to colour in a stamp. I just got these markers last weekend from Hobbycraft, but haven't tried them out. I needed to make sure I had the right type of stamping ink before I could proceed. Luckily I already had the ink I needed so I didn't need to get any extra supplies before I started. I decided to finally use my wonderful Shimelle Banana Frog "That Takes the Cake" stamps that In won from UKS. I stamped the images on Stampin' Up white card stock with Impress Jet Black Ink. Then I coloured them in using the Promarkers in Apricot, Terracotta, Blush, Pastel Pink, Ruby, Maroon, Sky Blue, Gold, and Grass. The finished result was better than I thought my first attempt would be and even thought that I could get away with making it into a card. For the card I followed the CPS sketch 107 and printed out some Rhonna Farrer Magic Rainbow digital papers, which were free downloads from Two Peas in a Bucket. I finished the card off with some free ribbons I got from a magazine, Flowers, Basic Grey glazed brad and a Crate paper rub on.