The Roaring 20's

Morning everyone, a new challenge at Allsorts and Ellie has selected the theme 'Blast from the Past', a real fun one. We have prizes from Stampendous.

I decided the MCS Art Deco ladies would be perfect for the theme and used three along with a border stencil from Sweet Poppy which has a distinct feel of that era. Looking back at fashions over the years, it's this period that I most admire and would love to have sported some of those outfits.

Each image printed out, die cut and mounted onto the base and an envelope to match each of the three cards.

Had a little interlude in hospital on an IV this week due to Crohn's/Diverticulitis issues, scans and tests ongoing.....I like to add variety to life, but no migraine on two days (yahhhhh)! Did manage a little crafting and tried out some of my new Versafine Clair colours, so far my favs have to be Hawthorn Rose which is just gorgeous, not pink, not lilac, somewhere in-between and Artic, I'm not a blue person but it's nice for Christmas cards

Rudolph Days challenge kicks off again today and I was prepared for a change and have this to share. A mixture of Penny Black and Lavinia stamps and I reverted right back to PB days, inked the fence and trees with DI's, cleaned the stamps whilst still in place on the platform, inked with Versafine and heat embossed with detail clear EP. This allowed me to add the Pan Pastels without muting the colours of the stamping. 

Happy weekend all, if your in the UK a nice long one.

Celebrations all round

Morning everyone, today is our 15th Birthday at Allsorts and it's sobering to realise that's 871 challenges and don't think I've missed one which makes me very ancient I guess!

So of course we have very special prizes up for grabs from the generous guys at AALL and Create, oh my goodness just take a look. As Allsorts is 15 we had to have 15 winners.

Those who are into their A&C products will know recent releases have included some fabulous washi tapes, rub on's and DP's so being a lucky girl who gets to play with their goodies I've used some for my samples this week. The AALL and Create washi tape used on the above collection is called Free the Birds (75) and also one of their new die sets called Tag it Yourself (27). If you've not used these new layering washi tapes yet then you really need to give them a try as they are such fun.

I've used some of the new rub on's from AALL and Create on this one, Acid Blends (5) along with Textured Florals stamps (531) and Tick Tock ephemera (26). The sentiment from my Moments stamp set, link in the name and it's also back in stock at Create and Craft. In the months waiting for my treatment and unable to stamp I found the washi tapes and rub on's invaluable so be warned there are more to come. 

I am popping to the Path of Positivity challenge with this one, their optional twist is Art/Creativity, the words Art and Inspire are on background.

It's also mid month inspiration time at We Love Stamping and Stamping Sensations and at the first June sees another celebration.  

My shares for the mid months posts, the one below following the mood board at Stamping Sensations with an inky background and distress crackle paste to create the sun rays. Stamps are AALL and Create Anemone (980), Fully Fledged (751) and Watering Can (438), some washi tape and a few TRR flowers tucked in as well. The words above and below a sneak peek from of one of my new stamps sets coming shortly.

The one below was (after a change of word replacing Vintage with Rose) a Birthday card for our ex DIL whose name is Rose so perfect for her. Some recycled corrugate, gold Tilson dusted over, Rosy Posey stencil (138) in the background and Rose from Sent with Love (831). The word Rose I used to replace is on the same stamp set.

The challenges run until 29th May so still plenty of time to join in. 

After some hope last week there's been a bit of a downturn with a migraine every day, on a couple they only lasted a few hours but others 24/7 so at moment looking like the Albation failed. But the spinal and cervical nerve blocks seem to have kicked in and pain in the left hand/arm and lower back much better, so if I get a decent day migraine wise will get stamping to test the water.

A note about the new colours of Versafine Clair, I know lots are still trying to get hold of them and First Stop Stationers are expecting new stocks in the next couple of weeks. They told me their first allocation of 600 sold out in under 24 hours, but you can advance order if you call them to reserve and make payment. They are so reliable and their prices are pretty competitive as well! I've not used any of mine yet but some of the colours look really lovely.

Spots and Stripes and amazing skies

Morning everyone, a new challenge at Allsorts and Lorraine would like to see some 'Spots and Strips'. We have prizes from Stampendous.

Allsorts celebrates it's 15th Birthday next week and there are awesome prizes, so please help us spread the word........and talking of words, theres a play on them in the logo to give you a hint of what's to come!

A stencilled spotty background and flowers from AALL and Create Hellebore (1063) which were stamped onto inky offcuts, cut out and arranged onto the base. Words from the same set and quote form my Believe stamp set. I would also like to share this at The Path of Positivity challenge.

Many thanks for your visits, know I've been a tardy blogger with all that's been going on but a glimmer of hope following the Albation, I've had two days this week with only a few hours of migraine.

Addendum: Amazing North Lights/Aurora Borealis skies in our parts last night....

Magnolias and Palace visit

Morning everyone, time for new challenges at We Love Stamping and Stamping Sensations where our themes are Vintage as selected by Lynn and a Mood Board to celebrate Pinky's birth month, along with the usual option of A/G with your stamped element.

Further down an insight into the weeks activities!

Above a page from an old book, some inky treatment then stamped the Penny Black Magnolia using my stamp platform to build up the colour. Butterfly, words from AALL and Create (754) and the word Vintage computer generated. Plus an envie to match. 

More AALL and Create, this time Watering Can (437), flowers from Hexapetalistic (978) Woody the Woodpecker from Follow your own Path (563), all cut out on the Scan and Cut and washi tape which I coloured in parts to carry the colours. When I use the S&C to cut elements most are stamped into snippets, it's a great way to use them all up, so I'm off to the Snippets Playground with this one.

The Palace visit was amazing, although not many photos to share as phones and belongings had to be handed in after walking through the Grand Entrance (where we see carriages arrive on TV footage). A limited number of photos were allowed in the central courtyard after the ceremony, but most of the photos were official ones which will be available shortly.

The Princess Royal officiated and displayed her usual sense of humour when Owen replied to a question and mentioned details of one of his meetings where the Queen, her Mother was present. The actual ceremony took place in the Throne Room and it was sobering realising how many Monarchs had been seated there over the centuries.

We were treated to a mini tour of some rooms, the Music Room with an amazing domed ceiling where many Royal Christenings have taken place including the (then) Princess Royal and Prince of Wales. The Blue Room is a huge galleried room of ornate furniture and fine china pieces, The White Room houses the Erard grand piano, a gift to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, a beautiful gold piece with inlaid carvings in shades of pink. We were seated alongside it on a huge chaise lounge and gold embroidered chairs for a time and I would so love to have taken a photo of all. 

That room also has the late Queens secret door leading to her private quarter's, disguised as a huge ornate mirror. The Equerry who escorted our party explaining everything in great detail said it's original purpose was to ensure the Queen could leave one gathering without doubling up on distance and move on refreshed to attend the next.

The room which had a great impact on me was the Queens Gallery (recently re-named by her eldest Son as the Picture Gallery), it houses the Worlds largest display of works by Venetian artist Canaletto. Being a lover of Venice, the artwork really appealed.

Just a few photos, the best I can offer at the moment, taken over the shoulders of one of the official photographers....

After the ceremony we had a champagne dinner at the Oxo Tower, Harvey Nichols restaurant, which by coincidence is where my outfit came from! We met up with Owen's daughters (two of our elder Granddaughters) and all was delicious especially my chocolate and cherry creation.

Added bonus of the day, you'll need to be a sport enthusiast to appreciate this one, Jeff Settling late of Sky TV was there to receive an MBE, we had a long chat with him and his wife and got an update on Hartlepool United.....again you'll need to know who he is to get that one!

Finally, I went into hospital first thing the morning after the Palace excitement, had both spinal and head procedures done, the latter required 48 hours rest as I opted for spinal anesthesia rather than a general, so it's taken a bit longer than planned to write this. Due back for a check up Wednesday.

Back to challenges and really hope you will join in with our themes this month.

Flight of the Dragonfly

Morning everyone, a new challenge at Allsorts and Liz would like to see 'More than one Fold'. Prizes come from Oakwood and Highlight Crafts. I'm out of hospital but a bit fragile so will update on the weeks special events tomorrow.

A tri fold tag card using AALL and Create Tag it Yourself dies(27), Oopsa stencil (161), Wingbrushed (1107) and Time Heals (1110). A brayered and stencilled background, pot from Containers (401) plus a few left over flowers and Squirrel from Highlight TRR collections.

Allsorts celebrates it's 15th Birthday in a couple of weeks and there are awesome prizes, know we always have good ones but believe me this will be sooooo special. So please share the logo to help us spread the word........and talking of words, theres a play on them in the logo to give you a hint of what's to come!

Poppy parade

Morning everyone, a new challenge at Allsorts where Denas's theme is to incorporate stencil's into our work. Prizes come from Oakwood and Highlight Crafts.

Above a Highlight Crafts TV sample using the new MCS Floral Extravaganza and A5 stencil collection, the base tag is AALL and Create, an oxide spray background and stencilling with distress crackle paste. 

The image on this is one of several on AALL and Create Crystal Wood (864), Stamped and unusually for me coloured in, some stencilling using Twisting and Turning (157) and words from Power of the Word (754).

I also have a share for the new Rudolph Days challenge, a mixture of Lavinia, AALL and Create and my own seasonal sentiment stamps.

Finally, a date for the rescheduled hospital treatment, it's this coming week the day after our Buckingham Palace trip for eldest Son's investiture, not ideal timing but so pleased it's eventually happening as my body seems to have reached rock bottom.

Which means I'll be MIA much of the week so see you all soon.

Up up and away

Morning everyone, a new challenge at Allsorts where Mervi would like to see Balloons. Prizes come from AALL and Create.

A short post, it was scheduled ready but realised last minute I'd not done the write up. Not been the best of weeks and to top it all infection and constant migraines now playing havoc with my dodgy eyes, so not feeling on my game. 

Both shares were samples for Stamp Addicts TV shows a few months ago but never shared, using what were then new release stamps, Pan Pastels for colour and dies.

Thanks to all who visit and leaving kind comments which I so appreciate.

Special moments

Morning Peeps, it's mid way for our April challenges at We Love Stamping and Stamping Sensations where our themes are Spring and A/G with a Spring mood board.

It's AALL and Create all the way, well nothing much new there really! Above for SS taking inspiration from the colours, Bird and blossoms.

The Tulips are from A&C Elegant Spring Florals (623) decoupaged onto a base tag which is A&C Tag it Yourself (27) which I brayers lightly to give some background colour and used crackle paste to add some sun rays. The word Spring from the same stamp set, other words from Power of the Word (754) and Bird from Follow your own Path (563).

It has to be Spring

Morning everyone, a new challenge at Allsorts and my turn to choose the theme, so being totally transparent there could only be one for this time of year 'It has to be Spring' - well I've never made any secret it's my favourite season.

No hospital procedures, cancelled again, long story and I'll explode if I start to explain. Instead I've succumbed to a Crohn's flare along with a UTI, so not feeling my best.

Your probably all fed up with seeing these Highlight/TRR Daffodils but promise this is the last one....for a while anyway. They are the last batch from all those I cut and decoupaged back at Christmas, it's a fairly large tall DL base, an oval die used to cut out the partial aperture and the blooms arranged. A coordinating sheet of MCS rice paper and a really old Tattered Lace sentiment which is actually on the inside of the card although it's not apparent,  I should really have taken a second photo of the card open.

Another using the Crocus (624) from AALL and Create, stamped into a masked oxide panel, stamped and then the flower head stamped a second time onto inky card, cut out on the S&C and a strip of washi tape to ground the flower.

Many thanks for your kind visits and words of encouragement, always much appreciated.

Springtime in Paris

Morning everyone, we have new challenges at We Love Stamping and Stamping Sensations where our themes are Spring and Anything Goes plus a Spring Mood Board so basically Spring all the way. Lovely prizes as always, stamps and stencils from AALL and Create and a £25 store voucher from Crafty Individuals. 

Above a tri-fold card with an acetate and Oxide splodged background with lots of AALL and Create stamps, Crocus (624), Violet (574), Elegant Spring Florals (623) plus Seasons (455) and Mouse (811). All of the images including the tiny Birdie and Mice were cut out on the Scan and Cut after stamping onto inked cardstock. 

Here's the mood board for Stamping Sensations....

I've gone with Paris, Blossoms, Pinks and a Bird. The backing is from MCS printed onto rice paper and the blossoms Penny Black At Grace repeat stamped using the platform and again cut out on the Scan and Cut, as I've said before, invaluable whilst I've one hand/arm not working properly, but hopefully to be sorted this week (see below).

A simple Spring tag following the colours and Daisy in the mood board using AALL and Create Tag it Yourself die set (27) and Flower Trio (924) onto a brayered and crackle paste background.

Below just one more for the new Path of Positivity challenge, sentiment from my Believe stamp set which I always find inspiring, guess I would say that wouldn't I, but good value with ten different inspirational quotes for £16.99 from Stamp Addicts here or Create and Craft. All other stamps are AALL and Create A5 set Just Grow (270) on offer at £7.60 (usually £18.99) and numbers from Grunge Alphabet (397) also A5 and £18.99. Flowers are paper pieced using inky offcuts onto an inky background created with oxides and acetate.

I won't be round to visit for a day or two, eventually I'm going into hospital for the January cancelled spinal, cervical and occipital nerve blocks and radiofrequency albation. Hopefully relief from some of the pain and mobility issues plus almost daily migraines (my body's built up antibodies to Emgality injections, they had been a miracle for a few years, dropping migraines from 20 to 5 or 6 days a month). It's a PM list so may be overnight and then a day or two recovery and rest,  but I'll catch up with you all very soon.

Animals for National Pet Awareness month

Morning everyone (this is a long one!). April is: National Pet Month (NPM) celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership. So Lorraine's theme 'For the love of Animals' at Allsorts challenge this week is most appropriate. Prizes come from Highlight Crafts and Stamp Addicts.

The scene above uses a fence stamp I bought in the US years ago when I was lucky enough to be invited to attend CHA (now Creativation) but afraid I've long since forgotten the make, teamed up with Inkylicious trees, Horses from Bee Crafty and a few Lavinia's thrown in as well. The dimension of the Horses suggest they are Heskey and Penelope, so guess Merlin was off across the paddock somewhere! A large masked sun and stencilled sunrays and Pan Pastels used for all colouring.

The Path of Positivity challenge is back in action so I would like to add the above card, that sentiment always seem positive to me.

A few more celebrating domestic animals, there were recent samples for Create and Craft TV using their latest in house die and USB release.

They are called 'Over the edge Animals', the idea that they do just that. The entire collection including USB and dies were (at time of writing this post) on special offer £35.99 for members and £39.99 non members here.

One final share, a few days late I'll confess with my April Card Chain Challenge share which went to Gail in Norway. I guess it also fits into our Allsorts theme with the Cockerel, as I had (now Fox'd, his own fault as he insisted on sleeping on one of the horses backs ready for an early morning start) one called Freddie. All stamps AALL and Create.

Have a good week everyone and my thanks as always for your visits.