The Sarah Hurley Lookbook Debut Issue

Hi Folks,

More exciting news from the lovely and super-talented Sarah Hurley.........

Introducing the Sarah Hurley Lookbook Debut Issue!!!!!!

 

Sarah has revealed another big secret - something she and us DT'ers have been working on behind closed doors, and the biggest project Sarah has undertaken since Documented365.

The debut issue of the Sarah Hurley Lookbook brings you more information on the newest collections, projects and ideas not only from Sarah but us, the super duper Design Team too!  Plus tips, techniques and tutorials! You can read the first issue here...

 

We hope you enjoy it and as ever, Sarah really appreciates your comments and feedback and looks forward to reading them.

 

You can leave comments here or over Sarah's Facebook page.

We will be accepting submissions using my products for Volume Two, please email Sarah here with the heading 'Lookbook Submission'

 

All of Sarah's fantastic products are available here in her online store.

The Witching Hour - Make Something Magical

No - Don't worry - It's not Halloween yet but at Sarah Hurley HQ - the preparations are well underway.  To show off how fantastic Sarah's Witching Hour Digi Kit is, I've used it for our next challenge:

Make Something Magical!!

 

This is my contribution - a twirly pop out card.

As it opens, the Magic Spells turns to Witches Brew.

 

 

 

This month we have a favourite sponsor returning - Joanna Sheen! and up for grabs for the winner this month is a £10 voucher for Joannas online store!

 

You can find all of Sarah's products used in these projects here.

 

You have until Sunday 30th September to enter - go to Sarah's Challenge Blog and submit your creation.



Sarah Hurley Reveals All !!!!!

Well - in the best possible taste!!!

We, Sarah's Design Team, are delighted to introduce Sarah's brand new product range Documented365.  She has been working her little crafty socks off for months to bring you a system, rather than just a product.

Documented365 is a new way to capture the everyday moments...

I gave you a little teaser of my creation on Wednesday and here is the whole thing.......

Here's a little explanation from Sarah, in her own words, about Documented365

"The idea for Documented365 came from the realisation that the best things, the funniest things, the happiest moments are not always when they are "supposed" to be, not just on Christmas, our Birthdays, at our special occasions, often they happen in every day life and are quickly missed, moved on from, because the camera isn't to hand, we weren't expecting it, it wasn't planned for. Not any more! With this easy system and product range, you can quickly put together those memories and record everyday things you may not have before. Instagram pictures, tweets, funny things your husband / child / friend said that cracked you up - all those things you don't want to forget.

I wanted a system that was easy but didn't take away the creativity - something I could use just to write something on and stick a picture on if I wanted but something I could also use to make scrapbook layouts, mini albums, smash book pages and so much more and with this mix and match collection you choose the pieces to make your perfect collection!

The first 22 kits launched today with lots of new products coming over the next few weeks (both digital and physical products) you can see them all here in my shop.

Sneaky Peak

I have exciting news............. A fabby new product from Sarah Hurley Designs - which has it's official launch tomorrow, but we just can't wait so here is a little teaser from me.........

And one from one of my new teamies Nicole

Check out Sarah's Blog tomorrow for all the info.

And don't forget our challenge - Alter Something.  You have until Sunday 26th August to submit your entries - We look forward to you joining us.

I Have Returned to Blogland!!!!!!

Did you miss me??!!  LOL

Boy - it's been a difficult few months for me - hence the lack of Blogging.  I feel as though I've missed out on a lot, but I'm looking forward to catching up on everything and checking out all of your lovely creations - just bear with me while I find my feet again.  I hope you can forgive my absence and continue supporting JessiCards - it's very much appreciated.

I'm kicking things off with an exciting challenge from the very talented Sarah Hurley and the theme of this challenge is "Altering".  For my project, I hijacked my Mum's Note Cube (she didn't mind - honest!) and decorated it with the fabulous Retro Home Digi Kit.  It's full of brilliant images and papers - all with a retro theme, which is bang on trend right now.

From this week, our challenges will be monthly, we've made this decision for a few reasons...

1. It gives you more time to work on your projects - so many people say to me they just missed the challenge because they got caught up with work / family etc... we're here to help! :o)
2. It gives us more time to bring you fab inspiration!
3. We can offer prizes for different categories - from now on entries using or incorporating Sarah Hurley products will be eligible for another prize as well as the main top 3 (yay!)
4. We can talent spot and ask some of our winners to join us for a one month guest position contributing a project to the challenge blog

5. This is the biggie!! we are bringing you something new and fabulous launching on the 3rd September and we are working flat out to achieve this - you're going to LOVE it!! Keep a look out on Sarah's Blog or over on Sarah's Facebook Page for more news!

Everything else remains the same, you still don't have to use Sarah's products (unless you would like to be considered for the additional category) though of course we'd love to see what you can do with them! You can make any creation you like be it a tag, card, scrapbook page, altered art, ATC or even cross stitch! and we will still be having lots of fab sponsors and prizes!

Thank you all so much for entering the challenges, we just love to look at all your work and hopefully this extra time will mean we will have even more of your fabulous creations to look at!

Hugs

Jess

xxxx

Last Call For The Blog Hop

Calling all Bloggers - You only have until Midnight for the chance to win a prize in Sarah Hurley's Blog Hop.

See my previous two posts for all the info, a sneak peak of the new CD and some inspiration.

Jxx

Welcome To The Blog Hop - Day Two

It started yesterday - but panic not!!!!  There is still time to take part and start hopping!!! 

We have had a fantastic start to the Hop, which is to celebrate the release of Sarah Hurley's brand new CD.  There are some amazing prizes to be won and you have until Midnight tonight to get your answers in to Sarah Hurley.

All you need to do is visit each of the Design Teams Blogs to collect the letters to make a word (There are 9 letters in total), when you have a word, submit your answers as a comment to Sarah here and you could be a winner

Follow the Design Team to collect your letters - You can leave us comments too if you'd like!

o Jaine - http://www.craftydrake.blogspot.com/
o Melly - http://melscraftroom.blogspot.com/
o Clare - http://crafty-clare.blogspot.com/
o Elaine - http://sparklingblackrose-craftmylife.blogspot.com/
o Natalie-Jane - www.njmacs.blogspot.com
o Emma - http://stickydots.blogspot.com/
o Claireliz - http://curlylockspicsandpieces.blogspot.com/
o Lisa - http://craftingbelle.blogspot.com/
o Jess - You Are Here
o Sarah - http://www.sarahhurley.blogspot.com/

Here's another creation I made using the new CD and little sneaky peak of what else is on it:

My Letter is............ A

Happy Hopping

Welcome To The Blog Hop

**Welcome to the Blog Hop to help launch a brand new cd of digital designs by Sarah Hurley**

If you’ve just arrived at the hop, you have to visit (and follow if you would like!) all the Blogs of the Design Team where you’ll be given a letter. Make a note of it and when you’ve collected all the letters on all the Design Team Blogs, try to work out what the word is and leave your word in a comment on Sarah Hurley's Blog.

If you have guessed the word correctly, you could be one of the lucky winners of a prize from one of our fabulous sponsors.

The Blog Hop will last until Midnight on Sunday night.

Along the way you’ll be able to capture a sneak peek at the new cd as well as gather some fabulous inspiration from the team.

o Jaine - http://www.craftydrake.blogspot.com/
o Melly - http://melscraftroom.blogspot.com/
o Clare - http://crafty-clare.blogspot.com/
o Elaine - http://sparklingblackrose-craftmylife.blogspot.com/
o Natalie-Jane - www.njmacs.blogspot.com
o Emma - http://stickydots.blogspot.com/
o Claireliz - http://curlylockspicsandpieces.blogspot.com/
o Lisa - http://craftingbelle.blogspot.com/
o Jess - http://jessicards.blogspot.co.uk/
o Sarah - http://www.sarahhurley.blogspot.com/

Here’s what I made using the new cd :

And....Here's a little sneaky peak of just a fraction of the fabby designs on Sarah's new CD - just to tease..........

My letter for you is ……A

Now head on over to Sarah's Blog to see what she’s created with the new cd and to submit your answer.

Good luck and Happy Hopping.

A Circular Challenge and A Blog Hop

What more could you need for a Friday morning - the weekend starts here!!!!  First though, it's Hubby JB's birthday today  - hooray - Happy Birthday Honey!!  He's working all day though - won't be home till about 8pm - Boo!!!!  He's got tomorrow and Sunday off though so he'll have time to chill then.

Anyhoo, back to the cool challenge stuff.  It's my turn this time with the challenge over at Sarah Hurley's Challenge Blog and I chose a Circular theme.  My Teamies have done me proud and created the most fabulous paper based art!!!  (Check them out - the Blog List is down the right hand side).

This is my effort using the Woodland Whimsies CD for the Balloon Paper and the Hot Air Balloon Topper inside - Why not head over to Sarah's Challenge Blog and take part - there's prizes to be won!!!

Keep watching for the Blog Hop tomorrow - there are some fantastic previews and prizes to be won so stay tuned.

Just want to apologise for not visiting your Blogs of late - I've been a bit under the weather and I just haven't had the wherewithal to get round to you all - But rest assured I'm picking up the pace now and will be with you soon.

Thanks for looking Peeps.

Jxxx

I'm Back - With Exciting News !!!!

I haven't been able to Blog for a couple of weeks but I am back now, raring to go with some very exciting news.........

Hooray for Steampunk!! - Sarah Hurley Challenge

This weeks' challenge comes courtesy of my Teamie Clairliz, who has chosen Steampunk as our inspiration - fantastic news as Sarah has a brill new Steampunk CD which has the most amazing papers and digis, so please take a look.

Here's my creation - I have to confess that it's my first ever Steampunk effort - so bear with me!!!

Thinking Of Blue

It's 2 years today since I lost my Baby Blue, it was her birthday on the day she was killed too so she would be 8 now.  I don't want to be sad today so I am remembering her funny, well actually bonkers little ways.

So here's to my Blue

Mini Blue

"Helping" with Christmas Decs

"Helping" with moving house

"Helping" with moving house

"Helping" at the new house

Moggy DIY

A Birthday Challenge - Sarah Hurley

Hello Peeps,

I've been a bit neglectful of my Blog just recently - I do apologise.  I'm still not feeling 100% and my crafty mojo is feeling the same!!

I've still be dabbling though and as part of Sarah's (Hurley) I have some lovely CD's and Digi's to play with!!  It's time for another challenge with Sarah and our theme this time is Birthday Celebrations - there are lots among the Design Team this month so we are celebrating!!

My creation is made with an Original Alice image from Sarah's Wonderland CD - because a birthday is no better time for a tea party!, together with one of the lush backing papers.  I've stamped with clear ink and embossing powder around the edge with a swirly stamp and used Walnut Stain Distress Ink around the edges to highlight it.  I've used another piece of the backing paper to make a rolled rose.

Please join us over on the Challenge Blog - we'd love to see your Birthday Celebrations.

Sarah Hurley Challenge - Die Cuts

Time for another super, duper challenge on the Sarah Hurley Challenge Blog.  This week, we are being sponsered by Handy Hippo - a fantastic online craft shop selling all sorts of crafting goodies.  They have chosen our theme this week of Die Cuts.

I have made my card using Sarah's brand new Easter Tea Party digi kit.  On top of one of the backing papers I used one of my Sizzix flourish dies to make a stencil, and used Versamark Ink to heat emboss a pattern around the edge.  I used another of the backing papers as a layer and cut out with a Nestie.  I printed the Butterfly and Dragonfly digi stamps, coloured them in with Promarkers and glittered.  Cut them out and hey presto!!!

The winner of the challenge will receive a super prize of a Tim Holtz Easter Elements die:

There is lots of inspiration from my Teamies over on Sarah's Blog so check it out and we look forward to seeing your entries!!!

Also, be on the lookout for some sneaky peaks from Sarah of some exciting new products.

Anyone wanna buy..........?????

I made one of those silly purchases on a well know auction site, without really reading the description!! 

I thought I would let you all know that I have for sale, on said auction site this 12" die

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-Quickutz-Border-Die-Grass-/300663420288?pt=UK_Crafts_Cardmaking_Scrapbooking_DieCutting_Punches_EH&hash=item4600efb580

It's a little big for what I would need - but would be perfect for scrapbooking or other slightly larger projects.

Love Is All Around

I can almost feel a song coming on!!!

Are you up for a challenge??  Well if you are, please join myself and my fellow DT'ers for the Love Is All Around challenge on Sarah Hurley's Blog.

Sarah released a fantastic, shiny new digi kit on Monday especially for Valentine's Day - you can find it here.  There are some super cute digi stamps, pretty papers and all the embellishments you could possibly need to make your loved one the most gorgeous card.

I have made this very cute little fold out booklet to showcase some of the fab designs in Sarah's Valentine's Digi kit.

Hope this will inspire you to spread a little love and to join us in the challenge.

Love to you all,

Jess

It's All About Me Me Me Me Me!!!!

Have no fear peeps - I haven't come over all diva-ish ;) !!  It's challenge time again with Sarah Hurley and the title of the challenge is All About Me.

There's lots of inspiration over on the challenge Blog from myself and my fellow DT'ers - so why not have a mosey and a nosey!!!!

Here's what I created:

As you can tell (well I hope so anyway lol )  this is not me! but anyone who knows me will understand that my cats play and have played a huge part in my life.  This is my first cat Baby Blue (she's my profile piccie on Blogger too).  We lost her almost two years ago now and I still miss her so I made a little memory page to show her off.

Hope you like it.

Jxx

Hi Folks

I'm sorry for the lack of Blogging this past week or so but I've been feeling a bit out of sorts and my crafty mojo appears to have gone on holiday ;)!  I'm hoping it won't be away for long as I've got soooo many things to make!

It was my sister's birthday last week and I managed to make her card - just in the nick of time!

I was determined not to make a square card, and this is what evolved!!  Hope you like it.

I've had a few problems commenting on some of your Blogs - So if I've not left a message on any of your lovely creations, it's not for the want of trying - just Blogger Gremlins!!

Craft Club 2012

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that Simply Handmade By.......... are all set and ready to go for Craft Club 2012 - beginning Wednesday 18th January 10am-12pm - in the Cliffe Woods area, Kent.  The club is open to everyone of all levels of experience in crafting and we would welcome new members to join our existing gang!!  We also have an evening meet on Monday 23rd January 7-9pm.

If you would like to come along to the club, please contact me and I can give you further dates and details.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Jess

xxx

Sarah Hurley Challenge - Giving Thanks

Hope you are all well and back into the swing of things after all the festivities.  If like me, you were very lucky to receive lots of yummy pressies over Christmas, why not show someone you care by making a thank you card and joining in Sarah's first challenge of 2012.

Here's my card:

A telescope card using Sarah's fab Wonderland CD for the lovely papers, border, text and embellishment.  Why not head over to the Challenge Blog to check out what my lovely teamies have made too.

Fantastic, exciting news from Sarah too - a brand new venture:

INTRODUCING CRAFT ACADEMY AND CRAFTY KIDS ACADEMY

"We will be bringing you tons of crafty things to make and do! as well as great competitions and challenges. The projects will be at all levels of difficulty, from beginner to advanced and suitable for a wide age range from teeny weenys to teens :o)

I believe its very important to start young and encourage creativity in everyone no matter what their age. I was lucky enough to come from a creative family and am truly grateful for that experience.

This is to be an interactive experience so we encourage you to give us feedback, ask questions, show us your projects and suggest things you would like to see - we will be glad to take them on board!

We have also created Craft Academy - come along and check it out for more advanced projects.

We have some fantastic sponsors on board and there are a few more exciting additions and other things to come and we will be announcing them over the next few weeks - we hope you'll pop back next Friday for the first 'lesson'!"

A bit of news for me too - OK so I'm a bit behind in joining the Facebook revolution but it's my new year's resolution to promote mine and Simply Handmade By's products even more.  Please find links to my page on the left hand side and if you'd like see what we're up to - please have a wander.  If you want to "Like" my page too that would be lovely - I'd love it to reach as many people as possible - I'm aiming for world domination!!! ;)

Christmas Cards

Hi Folks,

Happy New Year to you all - I hope you're all geared up for a creative 2012. 

I have yet to put up the Christmas cards I made this year so here are a few - there are more but I think this will do for now.  I was in such a hurry to give some cards that I didn't take pictures either so I might have to retrieve them!!!!!

We had a lovely Christmas with Mum, Dad and my sister Jill and Jules' Mum Jenny.  I won't put the picture on here because Mum won't thank me for it, but my lovely Dad had my Mum's Teddy Bear restored at a local Bear Hospital - None of us knew that he'd had it done - well done you Dad!!!.

This is the card I made for Jules

This is Jules getting The Tigs to play and oh Dad's feet!!!!!

Happy New Year to you all and I look forward to sharing my creations in the year ahead.

Love

Jess

xxx