JessiCards

A Birthday Challenge - Sarah Hurley

2012-03-02T08:30:00.000Z

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

2012-02-17T08:28:00.000Z

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..........?????

2012-02-12T15:41:00.001Z

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

2012-02-02T15:28:00.000Z

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!!!!

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000Z

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

2012-01-17T08:43:00.000Z

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

2012-01-09T15:50:00.001Z

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

2012-01-05T21:19:00.001Z

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

2012-01-02T08:54:00.000Z

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

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-24T15:53:00.000Z

I would just like to wish all my lovely Blog Buddies (and anyone else who may be looking lol!) a really, really Merry Christmas - I hope you all find time to relax and make some lovely memories with your nearest and dearest.

It's been a productive day so far, a bit of last minute shopping, lots of prep for dinner tomorrow and even some cooking.

Here are my efforts:

A mini cake for my neighbours

A table decoration

An a cocoa fruit cake - you can't see on here but it has disco silver glitter on it!!!!!!

Have fun everyone

Jess

xxxxxx

Now A Polar Bear's Moved In!!

2011-12-23T09:05:00.000Z

Hi Folks,

Not long now - only two more sleeps!!!!!!!!

It's still a bit chilly in my kitchen, so much so a polar bear has taken up residence! I've named him Bartholomew Winterbottom as he's quite a distinguished, handsome looking fellow. Hope you like him.

There's Snow In My Kitchen!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-22T08:27:00.000Z

Hi All,

I've been doing some baking and while I was decorating my cake, suddenly it became very snowy in the kitchen so I made an igloo........................

And two little penguins moved in - they told me they are called PePe and Petula - I'm fluent in penguin lol!!!

Hope you like it peeps.

Don't foget to check out the Sarah Hurley Challenge - you've got until midnight January 1st to enter.

Catch A Snowflake

2011-12-16T08:07:00.001Z

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all well. I'm sorry for the lack of Blogging recently but we've had lots to contend with and with Christmas just around the corner too it's all a bit overwhelming!!

Now, I have good news and bad news - the bad news is that this is the last Sarah Hurley challenge of 2011 - BOO!!!!!!!!!!! But, we will all be back in the new year with lots of new and exciting things - YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The theme of this challenge is Colouring, so get your Promarkers, Pastels, Paints and Pencils at the ready!! We are being sponsored by the very lovely Limited Runs Digi Stamps and the winner of this challenge will receive four Digi stamps of their choice - and there are some amazing choices!!!!

I made my card with Catching A Snowflake and used my Promarkers to colour - the papers and card are from my stash.

Even more good news is that the deadline for entries has been extended to allow for Christmas, so you have until Midnight 1st January to participate. Head on over to the Challenge Blog for some inspiration and to submit your entry.

Thanks for looking.

Jxx

Challenge Yourself for Christmas

2011-12-03T07:24:00.000Z

Hello Everyone and Happy December - I hope your Advent Calendars are being well looked after!!!

Well it's challenge time again with Sarah Hurley and the theme is CHRISTMAS!! We are very lucky to be sponsored by Letraset - There is a super duper prize to be won and you have until Midnight on 11th December to get your entries in. Check out Sarah's Challenge Blog to check out what my fabby Teamies have created.

Here's my little creation - It's a kind of a box card with a little sleeve to keep it closed. I've used Sarah's Tinsel Town for the backing paper and poinsettia wreath, which I printed twice, coloured with Promarkers and decoupaged.

Good Luck!!

Open The Door To Tinsel Town

2011-11-29T08:03:00.000Z

Well, as it's December tomorrow I felt all inspired by Advent Calendars (I'm 32 and my Mum still buys me one and no, I'm not the least bit ashamed lol!!)

I didn't quite have the patience to do a 24'er card, but my little card has one door. It opens onto the fantastic Tinsel Town, the brilliant Christmas CD from Sarah Hurley - it's not too late to start creating now!!

Thanks for looking Peeps.

Wish me luck - I'm off to do battle with the High Street for Christmas Shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Challenging Buttons

2011-11-18T07:38:00.000Z

Hi Peeps,

Another exciting new challenge for you to have a go at over on the Sarah Hurley Challenge Blog. My fellow DT'er, the lovely Melly has set us the task of BUTTONS - you can make whatever you can think of as long as there are buttons involved. (If I could've got away with it, I would've used the chocolate variety!!!!!!)

For my card, I used Sarah's gorgeous Woodland Whimsies CD for my backing papers and image, and made by own buttons from card using a die and thread some fabby Divine Twine through.

You have until Sunday 27th November to enter the challenge and we all really look forward to seeing your button creations.

Stash Sale

2011-11-14T15:36:00.002Z

Hi All,
I've been having a rummage through my stash and I really have got to get rid of some stuff!!!

Have decided I can part with these things - most of which have never been used or only once or twice (shamefull I know!!)

Honey and Hugs Stamps £2.50+60p P&P each or all 4 for £8 +£1.25 P&P
NOW SOLD

Papermania Christmas Tree Stamp £5 + £2.50 P&P

Magic Of Christmas - Bought 2nd Hand - Never Used It - £2.50 + £2 P&P

Easter - Bought 2nd Hand - Never Used Them £3 for Both + £2.00 P&P

Rubbadubbadoo Stamps (You will need a Magnetic Block)

£3 each + £1 P&P or £5 for Both + £1 P&P

See D's - £2 each + £1.25 P&P or £5 for All 3 £2 P&P

NOW SOLD

Unmounted Rubber Stamps - Couple of Stamps Cut Out But Otherwise New

£2 + £1 P&P each

Glitter Girls Embossing Boards Christmas, Framey and Romance

£5 each + £2 P&P

Fiskars Shapecutter & 3 Templates

£7 + £3 P&P

If you are interested in anything you see here, message me and we can sort out payment (by Paypal if you can.)

Thanks for looking.

Jess

xxxx

Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T10:53:00.000Z

Are You Up To The Challenge????

2011-11-04T08:05:00.000Z

Hello Peeps,

Hope you are all well and getting creative for Christmas. It's challenge time again with Sarah Hurley and the theme is...... (drum roll please!!!) Use More Than Two Images and you have until Sunday 13th November to submit your entries.

The possibilities are endless and you can make it as fancy or simples as you wish. Here is my card:

I used papers and embellishments from Sarah's gorgeous Christmas Cheer CD.

Check out Sarah's Challenge Blog where you will find inspiration from all us DT'ers.

Staying with the Christmas theme, Sarah has just released a brand new CD called Tinsel Town (you really couldn't get more festive than that!!!!)

Here's a cute little shaker card I made using this adorable CD

Thanks for looking and I'll be back soon.

Tinsel Town

2011-10-31T09:57:00.000Z

The fantastic new Tinseltown Christmas craft CD includes over 1500 printable images including designer papers, greetings, toppers, digi-stamps (both colour and plain images for use with your Promarkers!) embellishments, buttons, ribbons, projects and much more! All beautifully illustrated by the very talented Sarah Hurley. Find the CD in Sarah's Shop.

Here's another card I've made using Tinsel Town:

It's a cool little pop-up slider card, which you can write your own little secret messages on!!

Thanks for looking.

Bit More Sneaky Peek

2011-10-29T08:16:00.000+01:00

Here's a full piccie of the card I teased you with yesterday - keep an eye out for more inspiration on my Blog and the other Sarah Hurley DT'ers over the next week.

Thanks ever so much for looking.

Sneaky Peak

2011-10-28T15:00:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

Very exciting news - the launch of Sarah Hurley's new Christmas CD Tinseltown is imminent!!!! We DT'ers are having to restrain ourselves in not revealing all just yet, but with permission from the lady herself, Sarah, here is a teeny, weeny, ickle snippit!!

I know it doesn't give much away, but believe you me, it will be worth waiting for. The CD is a charming collection of images and papers that will be great for all the family. So keep your eyes peeled for more!!

Jxx

Misting Magic!!

2011-10-21T14:02:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

It's challenge time again at the Sarah Hurley Challenge Blog and the theme this time is misting. You can create whatever you like, as long as it incorporates this fab and fun technique. My fellow Design Teamies have come up with some fabulous creations so head on over to the Blog and check them out. If you are interested (which of course you will be!!!) in Sarah's products, check out her shop.

This is my card - it's kind of a box card and I made my own misting spray with mica powder and water to make my starry sky. I used the lovely Christmas Cheer CD for the trees and adorable wee Robin. My snow scene was made by tearing some card, inking the edges and glittering.

Thanks for looking and good luck in the challenge.

Jess
xxxx

Busy Busy Busy!!

2011-10-19T14:54:00.000+01:00

Well, I always feel busy but I never really have much to show for it!!!! Although, I made two cards, 12 whoopie pies, hoovered and did three loads of washing and ironed it all so I guess that's not bad going.

It was craft club today and it all went smoothly and all our ladies really enjoyed making our cards. We have started setting challenges for the ladies to bring to the next class. Last time was using a Lili of the Valley image and this months was Festive Sparkle. These are the two cards I made for both challenges:

Next month It's A Man's World so better get the Mojo up to speed!!

Anyway Folks, thanks for looking and watch this space for the next Sarah Hurley Challenge.

Jess

xxxx

Mudpie Munch!

2011-10-13T07:31:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to share with you a little card I made for a friend, who has been a little under the weather. It's using the cutest House Mouse Stamp called "Mudpie Munch". I used some backing paper and coloured card from my stash, used my Eyelet Circle Nestie and wove some lovely ribbon through.

Hope you like it.

Also, a reminder that entries for the Sarah Hurley Halloween Horrors Challenge are to be submitted by 16th October - so hurry, hurry, hurry, quick, quick, quick!! There is a fantastic prize up for grabs so get your Halloween Thinking Caps on!!

Thanks for looking.

Jess

xxx

Halloween Horrors!!

2011-10-06T12:54:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

It's challenge time again over at the Sarah Hurley Challenge Blog. This challenge is being Sponsored by Derwent and the lucky winner of this challenge will win themselves a set of 24 Coloursoft Pencils - which come in a gorgeous wooden presentation box.

It's my second challenge as part of the Design Team and I'm loving it!!! Here's my creation - Hope you like it. Rather than a card, this time I have made a Halloween Treat Box - perfect for mini Witches, Wizards, Vampires and any other scary creatures which may come knocking on Halloween!!!

I've used the spooky spider background paper in green from the Whimsey Halloween Kit and possibly the cutest ever Vampire Dude!

Thanks for looking and we really hope you join in the Halloween Horrors Challenge.

Happy Birthday Emma!!! & Think Pink

2011-10-04T14:46:00.003+01:00

I've just come back from a lovely gathering of the Simply Handmade By... girlies, to celebrate Emma's birthday. Lots of giggles, girly chat and even some organising of our next craft classes - how very productive of us!!!!

Anyway, just wanted to wish Emma a very Happy Birthday and to share the card I made for her with you all. I used a House Mouse stamp I got for my birthday - I just love it!!. I used my new Diamond Stickles to make the sugar cubes nice and sparkly.

I'm entering my card into the Link Up For Pink Challenge as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Simply Handmade By..... are hoping to arrange a fundraiser in the coming months so keep your eyes open for details. And remember girls - TLC!!!!

Check out Yolie's Blog for deets.

Thanks for looking.

xxx

Sarah Hurley Challenge - Vintage - Final Call!

2011-10-01T12:21:00.002+01:00

Hi All,

It's another hot one - I am making the most of it and washing everything in sight - The Tigs had better not sit still for too long lol!!!
It's your last chance to get your entries in over at the Sarah Hurley Challenge Blog. The closing date is tomorrow 2nd October and winners will be announced on Wednesday. There are some fabulous prizes to be won so get your Crafty Vintage Thinking Caps on and join in!!!!

Enjoy the sun and happy crafting.

Jess
xxx

Spooky!!!

2011-09-29T14:40:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

Had a fab time at Ally Pally on Sunday with the Simply Handmade By.... girls and the ladies from our craft class. We all spent far too much but oh my...... got some lovely goodies!!!!

I've been busy working on projects for Sarah Hurley - some which will remain under wraps for the moment, but I am very pleased to show you some cards I made with her lovely, smashingly spooky Halloween Digi sets: Vintage and Whimsy. There are some 'wicked' (get it??!!) images and fantastic background papers so check them out!!

Don't forget to have a look at Sarah's vintage challenge on her Blog - we'd love you to join in - see you there!!!!

Sarah Hurley Challenge - Vintage

2011-09-23T16:48:00.001+01:00

Hi Folks,

Apologies for the lack of input this week but it's been a bit crazy what with our classes starting up again and Jules being on holiday (I love having him home but I lose my routine completely!)

This is my first Challenge as part of the Sarah Hurley Design Team and if you would like to join in you can find all the details here.

The theme of the Challenge is Vintage and we are very lucky to be sponsored by Altered Expression who very generously provided us with some beautiful images to work with. Check them out - really inexpensive to download and there is a huge range to chose from. Altered Expression will be giving gift certificates to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, so don't miss out! (There is $20 up for grabs for first place, $10 for second place and $5 for third place) - so please check out the Sarah Hurley Challenge Blog.

This is my card:

I aged the backing paper (from my stash) and my chosen image with Distress Inks and then went round the edges lightly with Versamark and embossed with gold embossing powder to give it a gilded edge. I matted and layered these on to brown and pink card to pick up the colours in the image. I added a strip of lace and gathered a small piece of the same lace to make a rosette and added some pearls.

Hope you like my what I've made and please do join in the challenge - we can't wait to see your creations.

Lots of Love,

Jess

xxx

Simply Handmade By......Classes

2011-09-20T08:21:00.001+01:00

Just to let you all know that after a lovely summer break, we are starting our classes again!! First one is tomorrow, 21st September, 10am-12pm at Cliffe Wood Community Centre, Cliffe Woods, Nr Rochester.

If anyone is interested, please contact me and I can give you further details and future class dates.

Jess
xxx

Happy Birthday Sandra!!!!!

2011-09-15T08:22:00.002+01:00

Another very good friend's birthday today and she's just told me that she has to work today!! Not fair is it??!! Happy Birthday Sandra - Hope you have a fab day regardless.

Anyway, here is the card I made for her using my very cute Puss In Boot stamp from LOTV - Hope you like it.

Thanks for looking - Your crafty time is much appreciated.

Happy Birthday Donna!!!

2011-09-13T08:12:00.000+01:00

It's my very good friend Donna's birthday today - so Happy Birthday!!!! Here's the card I made for her - It's always a bit nerve-wracking making cards for crafty friends but I think this one turned out nice.

Keep your eyes peeled for my first creations for the Sarah Hurley DT - there will be some exciting things coming soon!!!

Exciting News...................Oh And A Card!!

2011-09-08T14:50:00.000+01:00

Hello fellow Bloggers,

I have some very exciting news...I am now a member of Sarah Hurley Challenges!!!!! I am so excited about it. It will be a great new venture and I am really looking forward to getting cracking!! Keep an eye out for what's going on and I will keep you posted on the new and exciting things which Sarah has up and coming.

Anyway, inspite of coming over all unnecessary I have managed to put together a card - and quite speedily too - Mum asked me for it yesterday afternoon and I finished it off this morning. OK, so not super speedy but not bad going.

It's a Ruby Wedding card for some friends of Mum and Dad. I heat embossed the swirls and used nesties to cut the ovals - an get this - I made the flowers!!!! First attempt too. Hope you like it.

Thank you for looking and any comments you leave are much appreciated and gratefully received.

Jess

xxxx

I've Been Abandoned!!!!

2011-08-25T13:06:00.000+01:00

It's Jules' day off today and he's abandoned me to go and play golf - how rude!!!! I don't mind really (well that's what I'm telling myself anyway lol).

We've got some new neighbours two doors down so I've made them a card to say hello. Here it is:

The stamp is from Impression Obsession and I've just stamped it in black Versafine and layered on a Lacey Circle nestie. Some Papermania paper over a Martha Stewart punched border and some Cuttlebug corners. Hope you like it.

Thanks for looking.

Jess

xxx

Dusting Off The Distress Inks!!

2011-08-22T11:15:00.000+01:00

OK - So I've had them for a while, and I've looked at them, got them out of the draw even, but so far I've been a bit scared to use them. So I thought - it's time to dust them off and get going with my Distress Inks. I've kept it simples ;) and only used one colour and it may not be the most exciting project (I may need to add glitter!) but I'm quite pleased.

What do you think???

Calories?? What calories???

2011-08-21T18:00:00.000+01:00

Everyone knows birthday cake calories don't count - don't they??!! Well I hope our Brother-In-Law Stuart took that into account. This is the birthday cake that Jules and I made for him - it was a chocolate and vanilla marble cake with cream cheese and Oreo frosting - how bad could that be??!!!

Update on The Tigs

2011-08-12T17:54:00.000+01:00

Just thought I'd let you all know that the Tigs is a bit happier today. Still fairly quiet and a bit wary, but much improved on last night. I'm sure she'll be back to her old self very soon.

She's made herself comfortable under the desk in my work room and I haven't wanted to disturb her, so no crafting for me today. Hubby Jules is playing golf on Sunday afternoon, so you never know I might get something done then lol!!!

Happy Friday everyone - hope you have lovely weekends.

Jess & Tigs
xxxx

Simply Handmade By......

2011-08-11T12:56:00.001+01:00

Hi All,

Just a quick post to upload a card which my lovely neighbour Carol asked Simply Handmade By... to make for her. She was recently made redundant and wanted a little something for her friend that she job-shared with and here is what I came up with. I thought that incorporating the tealights made it more of a gift/keepsake. Carol was really pleased with it and so I am told was her friend.

I am very edgy today as I has to take my Tigs to the vets this morning - she is having some dental work done under aneasthetic (the vets bamboozled us into it when we took her for her booster last week). I should be able to pick her up at 3pm - bless her heart.

5pm and The Tigs has been home for about half an hour. She's still quite dozy and has jelly legs but I think she's OK - not sure she's forgiven me just yet though!!

Happy Birthday To My Mum Lorraine

2011-08-02T16:10:00.001+01:00

Hi All,

It's another hot one today but I couldn't let the heat get to me as it's my Mum's birthday and I've been busy making cards. I had a real dilemma because I had a few different ideas (the first and second shamelessly borrowed from Simply Handmade By - hope you don't mind girls - thank you Emma and Donna) and couldn't decide which one to use for my Mum's card - so I made all of them!!!!! Still, it's a special birthday (bet you can't guess which one lol!!!) for her and the more the merrier. I made her a cake too which I will upload piccies of later - it's on Jules' (Hubby's) phone.

Don't forget to check out our Simply Handmade By Facebook page for news and our latest creations. We will be resuming our Craft Classes in September so please contact us if you would like to come along.

Happy Birthday and Much Love to My Mummy

Jess

xxxxxx

Candy To Be Won at Crafty Emma's Store

2011-07-16T08:52:00.000+01:00

Fancy winning some candy??!!

We have this gorgeous bundle of goodies for one lucky winner in celebration of Crafty Emma's Store 1st Birthday.

**There is also a £20 voucher up for grabs over on the Challenge Blog...make sure you enter the challenge for a chance to win. New challenge starts tomorrow at 8am**

Creative Expressions Calling Card Challenge

2011-07-12T14:59:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks, Here is my entry for the Calling Card Challenge over at Creative Expressions. To keep within the challenge rules I have stamped my gorgeous little upside down house mouse and coloured him in with Promarkers. He is layered onto one of the Floral Doily Accent dies and matted and layered with patterned papers onto an ATC sized matt. I have made a centre step card and decorated this with the same patterned papers, some flower die-cuts and some yummy card candy. Hope you like my efforts - I've never made an ATC before but have really enjoyed doing it.

Thanks for looking.

Happy Sunday

2011-07-10T21:21:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post for now to say hello and to upload a couple of cards I've made recently. I made a few of these as thank you's to my lovely friends and family for my super birthday pressies.

Sunny Days are here again!!

2011-07-05T13:31:00.001+01:00

Weatherwise and craftwise!! There is a brand new stamp available from Little Claire, called Sunny Day which you can find by clicking here. It's an adorable little set with the cutest hedgehog pushing a lawnmower. Here are a couple of cards I made with it:

Glad It's Cooler - Phew!!

2011-06-29T14:43:00.000+01:00

Don't get me wrong, I like the weather to be nice but boy, Monday was just toooooo hot!! It's a lovely day outside today and I have been busy crafting with some gorgeous new stamps from Little Claire - watch this space for more details.

Simply Handmade By did a stall at Hempstead Valley's Craft Fayre on Sunday and despite the centre not being that busy (I think eveyone was mass barbequeing!!) we did very well.

Our Craft Club (In Cliffe Woods, Nr Rochester) is expanding - I think we had 12 ladies on Monday evening - the club is open to everyone, all ages, all abilities, it's fun and informal and a chance to craft and chat at the same time. If you would like to join us or would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact us at Simply Handmade By.

Anyway, here are some cards I've made - one a 25th Wedding Anniversary card for some friends and sadly a pet sympathy card.

Thanks for looking.

Tealight Card

2011-06-16T08:30:00.000+01:00

I made this card/gift for someone my Mum know - she wanted something a bit different so I decided to make a tealight card. Hope you like it - The butterflies are a Marianne Design.

Little Claire Challenge 9 - Cards for Men

2011-06-12T08:25:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

Little Claire's 9th Blog Challenge is under-way and the theme is Cards for Men. It can be a little troublesome sometimes making cards for the fella's in our lives so hopefully this Blog Challenge will give you some inspiration. Here's my effort - I used the inside image from theRWAV Garage Set.

Check out Little Claire's Blog - there is come fabulous candy to be won!!

A FEW RULES

You DO NOT need to use a Little Claire stamp to qualify for the prize draw
However, only those using Little Claire stamps will qualify for a Top 3 badge
You may enter the challenge UP TO 3 TIMES and you may combine with other challenges
You must follow the challenge theme and NO BACKLINKING please, new cards only
Please provide a link to our blog in your post
Please leave a link to your actual card, not just to your blog
The challenge will close at 2pm on Fri 24th June

GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN!

Dream A Little Dream.......

2011-06-06T14:52:00.000+01:00

I have been having a play with a stamp from Little Claire called Dream A Little Dream, which is a really pretty, whimsical, dreamy stamp that lends itself to all kinds of techniques.

Both images have been stamped with Memento and coloured with Promarkers.

You can't see from the photo but I have put Glossy Accents on the bubbles.

This one has glittery bubbles.

Thanks for looking - your time is appreciated.

Jess

xxxx

June Club Stamp

2011-06-02T15:39:00.001+01:00

Hi All,

The June Club Stamp set has been released over at Little Claire. It a lovely set of Gerbera Daisies including a corner stamp and lovely sentiment.

For this card I stamped the small Gerbera three times (top, middle and bottom flowers), then I masked them and stamped the flower inbetween to make it look as though they are behind.

New Stamps

2011-06-01T09:56:00.000+01:00

Here are some new stamps from Little Claire. Daisy Pitcher and Wheelbarrow

Happy Anniversary Mum & Dad

2011-05-31T16:24:00.000+01:00

It's my Mum and Dad's Wedding Anniversary today - they have been married for 42 years. So Congratulations and Lots of Love from me. Jxxx

I made a card for Mum to gave to Dad and of course one from me and Jules - here they are.

Super Sale!!

2011-05-19T18:34:00.000+01:00

Little Claire are having a 1 day special sale on the Spikey Flower Set. Usually £7.50 but until 4pm Friday 20th May, so hurry, hurry, hurry!!!

Brand New RWAV 4 Seasons and the Great Outdoors from Little Claire

2011-05-19T08:25:00.000+01:00

Just to give you a sneaky peak of two new stamp sets from Little Claire, here are the cards I have been making. Two fabby new sets which aren't launched properly until next week, but if you would like to get them in advance, give Little Claire a call on 0151 342 5715 - if you mention JessiCards, you'll also receive a free gift!!!!

Sparkle!!

2011-05-18T16:47:00.000+01:00

Head on over to the latest Little Claire challenge where it's all about the Sparkle!!! - There is some fab candy to be won.

Here's my design. I used Flourish and the wheelbarrow from Blooming Lovely

Bargains To Be Had From Little Claire

2011-05-10T13:31:00.003+01:00

Little Claire have a fabulous range of stamps called "In Squares". There are Elephants, Hedgehogs, Cats and Westies. These stamps can be purchased individually at £7.50 each or until 5pm Wednesday 11th May, the fantastic offer price All 4 for £20.00!

I have had the pleasure of experimenting with the Cat stamp and it's lovely.

For this card, I've used the stamp as a whole. I've actually decoupaged the three grey cat squares and the paw print square but you can't really see it here.

And you can just use elements of the stamp if you wish.

Thanks for looking and don't forget to checkout the Little Claire website.

Mum's Cards

2011-05-07T08:36:00.001+01:00

I know it's a bit late but here are the cards I made for my Mum and Mother In Law for Mother's Day.

Don't forget to checkout the Simply Handmade By........ website.

All New Little Claire Stamp Set

2011-05-03T17:32:00.000+01:00

Another new month means another new stamp set from Little Claire. Hope you like my cards - look out for these and more on Create and Craft on May 19th.

Simply Handmade By......'s Debut

2011-04-16T06:34:00.002+01:00

Just another reminder that we, the girls of Simply Handmade By...... are making our Craft Fair debut at Shorne Country Park's Spring Fair, Nr Gravesend. Gates are open from 10am till 4pm and entrance is free. Do come along and see us.

Also, here is my card for today's Little Claire DT challenge. I used the hedgehog from the Blooming Lovely set. TFL.x

Jess
xx

Shorne Country Park Spring Fair - Saturday 16th April

2011-04-11T08:53:00.000+01:00

Just to let you all know that Simply Handmade By have a stall at Shorne Country Park's Spring Fair.

Saturday 16 April, 10am-4pm

There will be lots to see and do including guided tours, demonstrations and not to mention all the lovely hand-crafted products to buy!!!

Please come along and see us, there is a link on our website to get directions - we really look forward to seeing you.

Jess

xxx

Spikey Flowers and Create and Craft

2011-04-08T16:12:00.001+01:00

Well done to Steve from Little Claire who appeared on Create and Craft yesterday. I think the show was the best one yet and Leonie did a really nice job of showing off all the DT's cards. Sadly, there wasn't enough time to show the brand new Spikey Flowers Set and Claire's Fleurs and Claire's Bistro. Here are my creations - Gill has let me know that she's not been able to upload them to the Little Claire website yet - maybe I've got Gremlins in my camera!!!! Here are my designs anyway, plus a few others from the show.

Thanks for looking. If you get chance, check out Simplyhandmadeby - mine and my buddies new venture. xxxx

Introducing............

2011-04-06T18:27:00.000+01:00

Simply Handmade By......... A new craft venture which I am very proud to be a part of. Together with my friends Donna, Emma and Pam, we have set up Simply Handmade By.... We are running some craft classes and will also be selling our wares at local craft fairs.

Details of all our outings and craft classes can be found on our website. Please feel free to have a look around - there are links to our Flickr and Facebook pages.

Please let us know what you think and maybe we'll see you soon.

Jess
xxxx

The Right Time.....

2011-04-01T16:31:00.000+01:00

The Right Time... is the new stamp set from Little Claire. Hope you like what I have done with it.

Pink & Green Challenge at Little Claire

2011-03-20T20:44:00.000Z

This is my entry for the latest Blog Challenge at Little Claire. I have used the very cute little mouse from the Big Hugs set.

My Baby Blue

2011-03-15T08:39:00.000Z

It's a year today since I lost my Baby Blue. Here's a piccie of her.

Messing About On The River

2011-03-02T11:37:00.000Z

Another new release from Little Claire - Here are my efforts with a really cute stamp set.

Sneak Peek!!!!

2011-02-22T15:35:00.001Z

Don't miss the launch of another new range of stamps from Little Claire tomorrow - the best yet!
When: Wednesday 23 February
Where: Create & Craft: Sky 671 - Freeview 36 - Freesat 813
Time: 10am

Here are a sneaky peak of some cards I have made with these fabulous new stamps. Hope you like them.....

Little Claire Blog Challenge

2011-02-21T21:04:00.000Z

Ooops - I completely forgot to put my entry on my Blog on Saturday - was so caught up in other things!! Here it is - I hope you like it. I stamped out Shep with Memento ink and coloured him with Promarkers and layered him up with some patterned papers. Thanks for looking.

Sparkly 40th Card

2011-02-14T16:50:00.000Z

It was my cousin Mark's 40th Birthday recently and I was in a real panic about making a card for him - making man cards is always a challenge. I think I did OK with it though - quite simple in design but hopefully it did the job.

Thanks for looking. xxx

Good News From Little Claire

2011-02-13T16:53:00.001Z

Hi Everyone - Hope you are all well and managing to be productive despite the very dull weather - lights needed in the middle of the day here!!!

I have some very good news about Little Claire in that they have launched a range of fantastic Digi Downloads which you can find here. They are super crisp, clear images at a fraction of the cost of stamps - plus they are instantly available which is ideal for those last minute (just in case you forget!!) kind of cards. Even better - if you look closely enough, there is a freebie hidden amongst them - so for a crafty treasure hunt - head over to Little Claire.

I have been busy making cards and working on some other little projects for our first Simply Handmade By......... venture - it's not until later on in March so I'll keep you posted on our progress and details of our first sale!!!

Bye for now,

Jess
xxx

Big Hugs from Little Claire

2011-02-01T21:18:00.000Z

Hi all - February already - can you believe it!!! January was challenging shall we say but I am looking forward to new ventures with my crafting buddies who make up Simply Handmade By......... Watch this space for further details!!!!

Well, the first of the month always means the new Club Stamp release at Little Claire and here are my creations - hope you think they are OK.

Exciting News - Brand New Little Claire Challenge Blog

2011-01-15T15:15:00.000Z

On Saturday 5th February we will be starting our new monthly Little Claire Challenges, so we just had to have some candy to celebrate!

All you need to do, for a chance to win the stamps and flowers in the pic, is add the photo and link to our candy in your sidebar and become a follower if you're not already. It would be great if you would also blog about our new challenges to help us get the word around, but it's not a requirement for the candy. Then just add a link to your blog below.

The winner will be announced on Saturday 5th February when we launch our first challenge.

Good luck!

Autumn Inspired

2010-10-12T09:59:00.000+01:00

We are lucky enough to have really lovely neighbours and they recently helped us out with trimming a huge tree which separates our gardens. I made them this card as a gesture of thanks together with a banana cake, which I've been told was very tasty.

Happy National Card Makers Day!!!

2010-10-02T13:56:00.000+01:00

It's National Card Makers Day today - so to all you crafters out there - hope you have a super day. I signed up to a card swap over on Docrafts and was paired with a lovely lady called Irene, who has sent me the most beautiful card. Here it is.....

And here is the card I made for Irene - I hope she likes it as much.......

Owl Gate

2010-10-01T12:01:00.000+01:00

The new Little Claire Club Stamp for October has just been released. Here are the cards I have made, which can also be found on the Little Claire website. Hope you like my ideas.

A Christmas Giraffe!!!

2010-09-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone. Introducing a brand new stamp from www.littleclaire.co.uk. Being as I've made the card pink, she should be called Geraldine!

Hope you like her - thanks for looking.

'P P P P Pick Up A Penguin'

2010-09-15T09:42:00.000+01:00

I have made a couple of cards for work using some new embellishments we had in - they are soooo cute!!! I just had to use the penguins.

I made a sort of step card and made snow drifts by tearing more card, inking and glittering the edges and sticking them over the steps. The trees are peel offs and I used tiny gem stars for the night sky. The moon was inked.

This one I thought would be a good idea for a gift card holder, with a sweetie down the side to make it more of a gift.

Hope you like my ideas.

Fairy Wishes

2010-09-12T17:33:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone, I'm sorry for the lack of input over the past couple of weeks, but I have been a bit poorly with a rotten cold and I've not really felt very creative. I'm feeling much better now though and I think I'm back on track. It's my friend's birthday next week and I just had to use my Lili of the Valley fairy stamp again - I love it!! Although rather than thinking pink, I've gone for a pretty blue theme. Hope you like it.

An Alternative Poinsettia

2010-09-02T18:36:00.000+01:00

I think I may have already said that I am slightly obsessed with Black and White, so this is my interpretation of a Pointsettia. I stamped the image in black and although it doesn't show up too well on the picture, I have used a glitter embossing powder so it's nice and sparkly!

Puddings and Snowflakes

2010-09-02T18:33:00.000+01:00

Pablo the Penguin

2010-09-02T18:29:00.000+01:00

Another of the All Set for Christmas stamps - for some reason I feel the Penguin is called Pablo!

All Set for Christmas?

2010-09-02T18:25:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post - I just don't know where the time goes!! I've been very busy trying to get my craft room organised now it's finished and it's much harder than I thought! Anyway, the new September Club stamp from Little Claire is now available and here are the designs I came up with - I do hope you like them.

This was my first one. It's a tealight card - I've stamped and embossed the image and painted it with Twinkling H20's.

Something Different

2010-08-23T09:32:00.001+01:00

Here's a really cool idea I came across a while ago using Test Tubes of all things!!!! I've filled it with Cake Decorating Silver Balls.

Black and White Christmas

2010-08-22T14:44:00.001+01:00

I've been trying to make some sample cards for the shop in which I work. I've completed one so far, another is work in progress and I have a few ideas for some more. I hope you like this one - I am a bit obsessed with Black and White so a lot of my cards are this way inclined!! My photography skills aren't honed enough to show up the glitter on the snow!!

Hello Cupcake

2010-08-19T15:03:00.005+01:00

Here's another quick card I made using the cute cupcake stamp from the Papermania Summer Bloom Picnic Set. I also used one of the new Papermania embossing folders - Victorian Fleur. Hope you like it.

Wellies!!!

2010-08-18T15:28:00.004+01:00

Just a quick update today. I am busy working with a new Little Claire stamp - watch this space!!!

I just love this stamp. It's from the Papermania Summer Bloom Picnic set. I have embossed in silver and used black glitter card and some angel hair layers.

Happ"Bee" Birthday??!!!

2010-08-17T12:55:00.004+01:00

I rediscovered a stamp recently that I'd forgotten all about (is that really terrible?!) Anyway, I thought I would use it on a birthday card for my Brother-In-Law. What do you think?? I used my Nesties to cut out the circles as me, scissors and neat cutting don't really work well together!!

Little Claire Peel Off Stickers

2010-08-16T09:23:00.003+01:00

As well as stamps, Little Claire has some fab peel off stickers too - I especially like the owls. I've only really ever used greetings peel offs rather than a whole image, but I really enjoyed using these. Here are my designs.

Little Claire Lazy Days Stamp Set

2010-08-14T07:28:00.000+01:00

These cards were made using another brand new new Little Claire Stamp set called "Lazy Days". It's so great to find stamps to make man cards - I always find it so difficult but these are really fun.

Star of Wonder

2010-08-13T18:29:00.001+01:00

Christmas Pals

2010-08-13T18:27:00.001+01:00

Warmest Christmas Wishes

2010-08-13T18:24:00.002+01:00

We Three Cats

2010-08-13T18:21:00.001+01:00

This is my favourite of all the Christmas stamps. I have incorporated the embossed tree too.

The Most Wonderful Time

2010-08-13T18:18:00.001+01:00

Little Claire Christmas Stamps

2010-08-13T17:25:00.000+01:00

I have had great fun working with Little Claire's new Christmas stamps, which will shortly be appearing on their website. I found each design so easy to work with and quite adaptable too. I hope you like my creations.

These cards were made using Deck the Horns!

My Very First Post

2010-08-13T15:57:00.000+01:00

Hi all and welcome to my Blog. I am Jessica (although everyone knows me as Jess) and this is my first outing into the world of Blogging. I'm learning as I go along so I hopefully I will gain as much from computerised card making as I do from the paper version!!

I have been lucky enough to be asked to join the Design Team at Little Claire. This is the card which got me my place on the team.

It's a very exciting opportunity and I very much look forward to creating with their products.

Have a look around their website and Blog - a few of my ideas can be found there too.

http://www.littleclaire.co.uk

http://www.littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/

I made this card at the same time using another of Little Claire's embossing folders.