For A Special Lady Challenge

Hello lovelies...hope all is well with you and you've had a crafty fortnight :-D Thank you to everyone who entered Sue's One For The Boys challenge...I don't believe men's cards are that hard because your entries were fabtastic! Check our Challenge Blog to see if you were one of the winners :-D

This fortnight's challenge is brought to you by QOB (Queen of Bunting) otherwise known as Julie ;-D She's chosen For a Special Lady so we'd like to see what you can do. It can be for a birthday, get well, friendship or just because.

The Ladybugs have used Nikki and Friends digital images. Nikki holds a special place in my heart as she was the first collection from LCI. Originally she was only available as a stamp but you can now purchase her in digi format. 

The image I've used is Slobbing Nikki....I wish I could spend at least one day a week in this position lol.

I thought paper piecing was the way to go but after seeing the pictures when I was writing the post I'm thinking maybe colouring would have been better lol. Och well everything in hindsight ;-D I've paper pieced the couch and pillows from the same Bo Bunny paper pad and coloured the rest with my Copics. I added the text using a text box so I could move it freely to where I wanted it under the couch. If you're wondering, DIL stands for daughter in law...it was a commission...and on the inside it's from MIL, FIL, SIL, BIL, BIL & NIL...I'm sure you can work those out lol. 

I've added glitter to her slippers and WOS to the pillows though you can't see it in the photo. I didn't like it for a long while but I stepped away, went to bed and when I looked at it again in the morning I didn't not like it lol. TBH it looks better irl. The main thing is DIL loved it so job done!

We had 2 gorgeous days last week and I took Coen to the park. We walked around the duck pond, had a bit of lunch at the Boat House then went to the playground area...it was a fab day. Can you see those blue skies??!!! Just as well I got photographic evidence because we haven't seen them since hmph!

I found this picture of Coen eating Uncle Ryan's nose...I guess he was trying to tell him he was hungry lol

That's it from me for today. I hope you'll pop over to the challenge blog and see the gorgeous cards the DT have made for you.

Thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x

Piercing, Stitching or Inky Stitch Challenge

Ok...all together...How the heck did we get to October so fast??!!!! It's incredibly scary how fast this year has flown by...can someone please stop the clock for a little while!

Anywho...morning and welcome to a shiny new challenge here at LCI lol! Thank you to everyone who entered our Anything But Square challenge...to see if you're one of the winner's check out our Challenge Blog. 

Today's challenge has been brought to you buy the letter J....Julie...I'm practicing my Sesame Street chat for Coen lol. 

Now to be honest Julie confused a couple of the Ladybugs...me included. We thought it was Paper PIECING....one of my favourite techniques. Paper PIERCING however is NOT lol. Thank goodness she added stitching ;-D

It's my niece's birthday on the 7th and decided that although I love Billie I didn't want to use her. If you haven't noticed I've kinda used her a lot lately lol. The image that instantly came to mind was digi Handbag Nikki. Ciara LOVES handbags...she's got quite a collection of posh ones lol. Here's my card...let me know what you think....

I wanted to do something different from my usual square (although I think I might have mentioned recently that a rectangle is a square that has been stretched lol) so did a bit of surfing and combined elements I liked from different layouts I saw.

I printed Handbag Nikki, coloured her with my Copics and fussy cut her. I hand drew a wave onto cardstock and traced it on 2 different Bazzill pp's (one is double sided). I matched the waves and tacked them together onto the white cardstock before stitching along the edge. So far so good??? 

Ummmm no....I meant to put a computer generated sentiment directly onto the white cs BEFORE I did the stitching :-S Not to be beaten I typed and printed Happy Birthday, attached the white panel with removable tape and ran it through the computer again and Voila! Arrgggghhhhhhhhh!!! I really didn't want to start over so I just traced the wave again and stitched it over the inked piece and it looks fine ... phew lol!

Once the panic was over I stuck Handbag Nikki to the front of the card with foam pads, added Rose and Light Rose 2mm Swarovski crystals for a bit of bling and a Wink of Stella to Nikki's top and cow print bag for a subtle sparkle.

What do you think??? I think it's one of my favourites for a long while :-D

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Lacy Sunshine Challenge - Stitching Real or Faux

The Squirrel and the Fox - Happy Birthday

Craftin Desert Diva's - Anything With Sentiment

Paper Makeup Stamps - Pretty In Pink/Pink Awareness

Kaboodle Doodles - Your Special Day

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Nicole, Ben and Coen went up north to visit Ben's parents for 4 days. Although I missed Coen terribly (he's 19 weeks tomorrow!) I managed to catch up on a few things lol.

This is a fab picture of the 3 of them...

and look what the little rascal was up to....

underage drinking lol. Bad Uncle Sam lol

I just had to show you this picture  Nic took it yesterday... 

Then I did my little thing with my PS Express app....fun!

My favourite picture of me and the little guy...

We look forward to seeing what you come up with for this challenge. We'd love to see more entries using LCI images and the best thing is you get an extra prize if you do!!

I'm working on something that the Ladybugs are going to share with you VERY soon...I think you're going to like it. Just keep the 15th free...that's all I'm saying ;-D

Thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x

The Road Trip Continues....

I love this card of Gossip Nikki....I think it was the first time I was happy with the way I colored the hair.

You can get Gossip Nikki in the cling stamp sale for only £1.95...what a bargain!!

Happy Saturday :-D

Catch ya later x

TLT - Sparklicious!

Good morning Lovely Ladybug Followers! Hope your week as started well...I'm sure you're busy with all things Christmas. Me? Haven't bought a present, haven't started my cards (apart from the ones for challenges) and most importantly...haven't started my Christmas baking!!!! This was actually on purpose as last year I started baking at the beginning of November and ended up eating most of it and felt like the size of of a house :-S I plan on going to Costco this week to get the pecans for my Turtles (also waiting for my shipment of Kraft caramels from DLS) and Craisins for my Rocky Road :-D Everyone waits impatiently for my Turtles...they are just so yummy :-D

Thanks to everyone who entered our Snowflake challenge a fortnight ago...apologies for those that haven't received a comment from a Ladybug. We are short staffed at the moment but we're trying to get to everyone  :-D Make sure you check the Challenge Blog to see if you were one of the winners.

Today's Sparklicious challenge has been brought to you by the gorgeous....ummm, well, I don't know lol! But it was one of our gorgeous Ladybugs and whoever it was picked the perfect challenge for me....I LOVE sparkle! Along with the Sparklicious challenge we've all used Nikki Running With Buttercup which you can still get in the 70% off cling stamp sale!

Here's my efforts...let me know what you think...

I stamped NRWB and colored her in with my Copics and paper pieced hers and Buttercup's scarves. I used my fabulicous Echo Park Winter Wishes paper pad. Believe it or not the colors blend perfectly IRL...I think the lighting has changed the tone of the colors a bit :-(

I've really sparkled Nikki up...her hat, boots, fur trim and pocket as well as the falling snow and the snow on the trees. You can't see it but I've added some Wink Of Stella to the scarves for a more subtle sparkle.

Here's a closeup of all the flaws...sack the hairdresser, the colorist and the paper piecer lol.

Now this stunning snowflake came from my BFF. It's made from acrylic and I've added an amethyst Swarovski crystal to the center. I can't remember who their from but I'll find out for you. 

I finished the inside off by adding a piece of pp to the left edge of the purple cs and zig zagged it in place.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Christmas at Sweet Stampin - Anything Goes

Divas by Design - Snow

Freshly Brewed - Christmas

Ruby's Rainbow - Christmas non traditional colors

Copic Marker Europe - A Christmas Card

Delightful Challenges - All about Christmas

Apart from being TLT it's also Doggy Daycare day which means total peace and quiet and all day to craft without interruption! The plan is to start on my Christmas cards...I saw a card on Inking Idaho's blog which I love and can mass produce pretty quickly...I hope!

Have a great Tuesday

Catch ya later x

Floral Delight Too take 2 and a new product

Good morning afternoon. I'm a bit late but hopefully it will be worth it as I've got a card to show you for the Flower and Embossing challenge and a new product :-D 

As I kinda got the challenge wrong last week (thanks for all that pointed it out hmph!) I thought I'd better get back into my sweatshop workshop and put it right!  I received another commission...this time for a 91st birthday card and I knew one of the Floral Delight Too images would be perfect :-D

 I was inspired by Julie's card last week so I got down to business and printed and colored Tulip Watering Can with my Copics. I love all the flourishes that are about and own two or three but never seem to be able to add them to a card with total satisfaction...until now ;-D I embossed part of the white card stock with a swirly folder (think it's Sizzix) and stitched a border. A bit of mounting, ribbon and a sentiment and Bob's your uncle...job done! Oh...bet you thought I forgot the sparkle...no chance lol. I added Glamour Dust to the flowers and Glossy Accents to the Ladybugs.

You can see the GD and just about make out the GA on the ladybug

I added a double felt heart and pearl to the inside and I've been told the girl who ordered the card loved it...just hope her grandma does too :-D

I'd like to enter my card in the following challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes

Card Mania - Happy Birthday

House of Gilli - Anything Goes

Lollipop Crafts - Happy Birthday

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

My Craft Spot - Embossing

My Grafico - Anything Goes

I mentioned a new product...well here they are...fabulicious nailheads! I've been threatening to put these on the website for a while now but Julie posted a gorgeous card today you can see here using them so had to get my skates on. Believe it or not Julie had NEVER heard of nailheads before ... go figure????

There are 5 gorgeous colors...pale turquoise, pale pink, gunmetal, green and red. You get 7.5 ml in each bag and they sell for £1.50 each. I don't know the exact amount but there are hundreds to keep you busy :-D They are hot fix so you can use your Kandi Kane or glue to stick them.

I've used the pale pink nailheads on this card for my sister

That's it from me for today...thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x

Give a pint...

of blood. That's what I did this morning. There is a blood campaign on at the moment...perhaps they are anticipating the need over the festive season. I was reading the paper during the week and was reading a story of an accident victim needing transfusions and the number to contact if you wanted to donate. It had been about 5 or 6 years, or so I thought, since I last donated and figured it was long overdue. I had to fill in a form and to my surprise or perhaps horror it had actually 12 years since I last donated tsk tsk. My blood group is one of if not the rarest of all the groups...8% of the world population I always knew I was special lol)...A- so I feel it's extra important to donate. After my cup of tea and biscuit I made an appointment for my next donation in January and I'm going to make sure I donate at least 3 times a year :-D I inquired about donating my platelets but because I get a bit light headed afterward and my veins are quite narrow which means it takes longer to fill my bag (a guy got set up 5 minutes after I'd started and finished before me lol) I was told they probably wouldn't accept me :-(

Hubby and I were invited to an evening wedding reception last night. The bride Lauren read a reading at Nicole and Ben's wedding and the groom Chris and a friend of Nic and Ryan's sang their first song Delilah so it was nice to be included. Hubby's not one for these things...especially when Scotland were playing Wales but he sacrificed his night in front of the tell for me....awww lol.

I made Lauren and Chris a card using Bride Nikki. I know I've used  her a lot lately and I hope you're not bored of her but I LOVE her a) because she's so fabulicious and b) there's very little coloring which makes for a quick card :-D

Here's what I came up with...

It's all pretty straight forward...lots of stitching, embossing, glittering and a tiny bit of coloring. I added light pink Swarovski crystals to Nikki's hair and GA to her flowers. Glamour dust on her sleeves and ribbon add to the bling.

I cut hearts out of white felt and added a Swarovski pearl to finish it off

I hope they like it :-D The happy couple are off to Mexico via Las Vegas...bliss!

I'd like to enter my card in the following challenges:

Craftymess Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

Joyful Stamper - Anything Goes

My Heart Pieces Digital Stamp Challenge - Monochromatic

Simply Create - Anything Goes

2 Sisters - Anything Goes

Your comments for the Floral Delight Too release have been fab, thank you. I thought all the DT and GD's did an amazing job (although some of us can't read lol) and I hope gave you plenty of inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x

Back...just!

Greetings peeps...hope you've had a good week while I've been away :-D I had a lovely time in Tossa de Mar with Sadie but I'll tell you all about that tomorrow and show you some of the pictures. I have one or two stories that might just make you chuckle lol.

I had planned on pre-posting a couple of cards before I went but ran out of time so I downloaded the pictures onto my ipad to do while I was away but for some reason the pictures wouldn't upload ...does anyone else have this problem with their ipads?

I do have a card for you today using another one of the Nikki digi's. This time I've used Slobbing Nikki...I would love a day of slobbing around in my pj's, watching movies, eating popcorn (salted of course) but I can't see that happening any time soon lol. The card is for my niece whose birthday is on Sunday...whaddya thunk?

It's kinda busy huh lol. I had the mojo blues so just kept adding...wish I had faux stitched around the larger floral circle to keep it matching the bunting but hey ho...next time. I got a bit carried away with the glitter too...which isn't a bad thing really...the more sparklicious the better ;-D

Why I insist showing closeups with my over the line colouring I don't know ... looks like Nikki smokes 60 a day lol!!!

A little peek at the inside

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

The Crafty Bloggers Network - Anything Goes

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

My Grafico Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog - Use a Digi

The Pink Elephant - Use a Banner (I hope bunting counts!)

Totally Stampalicious - Anything Goes

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes with optional Celebrate (birthday for mine)

Through The Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

There was a little technical hitch with the website while I was away so to make up for it I'm going to extend the sale for another week!!! If you missed out here's your chance to grab a bargain 

or 2 ... why not start your {ahem} Christmas shopping?!

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you'll pop in tomorrow cuz I might just have a little something to tell you ;-D

Catch ya later x

Here Comes The Bride

Well happy Saturday Peeps. Hubby and I are off to a wedding in Berwickshire today...it will be nice to be on the other side this time lol. It's a few hours drive away so we're staying the night leaving the boys in charge of Rocky and Ruby. Or maybe it's the other way around ;-D

I've spent the last 3 days running around getting preened, buffed and tanned. I had another mad moment when I was getting a spray tan. Those darn paper pants got the better of me again lol. I got them on the right way eventually but I had them on and off I don't know how many times!! 

I finished the card late last night and this is what I came up with...

I was inspired by a card Ladybug Laurie made. Normally my wedding cards are WOW but I thought it was time for a change and I think grey (not 50 shades lol) and white are quite stunning together. 

I love Bride Nikki....all you need is a bit of colour and a lot of glitter and your done!  

I added a bit of Glossy Accents to her bouquet and the flowers in her hair. Unfortunately I glittered the flowers in her hair and you can't see they're pink.

Gorgeous flowers made from felt

And a peek at the inside.

I'd like to enter the following Challenges please:

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Handmade Flowers

Shelly's Images - Anything Goes

Craft Punked - Tying the Knot

Delicious Doodles Challenges - Celebration

Did you see my post the other day about the new release and blog hop??? You will not want to miss it. We have cute new images and 4 fabulicious Guest Designers joining in the fun. Make sure you check in on Tuesday for a chance to win some prizes :-D

Have a great weekend

Catch ya later x

TLT - Pami's Challenge - Paper Piecing

Happy TLT everyone...it's so great to be back!! Well, we actually haven't been away but back to normal IYKWIM lol. The summer...if you want to call it that...has been a wash out. Yesterday was just hideous...it didn't stop raining until dinner

 :-(

Enough of my whining...I hope you all had a great summer and are ready to roll up your sleeves and get back into crafting big time! The Summer Fun Challenge was a hit with a lot of you and your entries were fabulicious. Make sure you check out the Challenge Blog to see if you were the winner of the overall challenge (£10 spend in the LCI store), winner using an LCI image (£10 spend in the LCI store) or a Top 3 (winner of a badge lol)

This fortnight's challenge has been chosen by our super talented Ladybug Pam. She has chosen one of my favourite things to do....Paper Piecing! The first image that came to mind was Nikki Walking With Buttercup. This is what I came up with...

I stamped NRWB onto white cs then stamped her again twice on 2 different Nitwits Mr and Mrs digital pp. I coloured in everything but Nikki's coat, scarf and gloves and Buttercup's scarf then cut these out of the pp and glued them onto the stamped image. I then cut her out with my Nesties and stitched her onto a fancy mount (think it might be called Eyelet Circle??) 

I added LOTS of Glamour Dust for mega sparkle

Closeup of Nikki's Jacket, scarf and gloves. I added nailheads for buttons

Buttercup's scarf

Softalicious snowflake

A peek at the inside

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Amusing Challenges - Anything Goes

Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes

Craft A Scene - Anything in the Great Outdoors

Great Impressions - Anything With an Animal

Kenny K's Krafty Krew - Anything Goes

Made Especially For You - Paper Piecing

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge - Anything Goes

The good news is you can get Nikki Running With Buttercup or any of the stamps for 1/2 price until August 31st :-D 

Thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x