Coming Back to my Blog....

Hi..just dipping my toe in again lol...I've been playing with pretty papers and discovering foamiran flowers...yes I know I'm a bit late to the party with these...I was trawling through Pinterest and saw some gorgeous makes and it inspired me to have a go and now I might just have a new obsession! here's a little examples :-)

I think I'll be back with more soon..

Hugs

Well Hi...its been a while hasn't it since my last post..lots of things have changed for the good and for the bad.

I haven't been crafting for a while, only because I wasn't feeling the love for it...I still crochet from time to time but no card making.  I have packed up all my stamps, dies and cardstock ..gave some away...but kept my favorites that I couldnt bear to part with, but I really must get a grip and sort it all again and perhaps sell a few bits...my cottage needs to be decluttered!!!

The bad or I should say the sad news is that we lost Ollie last year.  We were devastated to find out that he had Diabetes and Cushings Disease.  He went down hill very quickly just as we were trying to sort out the medication and it was kinder to say goodbye.  So sad. We missed our little man so much, there was a very large Ollie shaped hole in our lives,  but in September it was filled with this little bundle

He is much bigger now of course

Meet Bumble

He is such a delight and although we will never forget Ollie, ever, he has filled the hole perfectly...well when I say perfectly I have to say I had forgot how hard it was to have a puppy...lol..but we are getting there.

So the other good news is that I've had an idea buzzing around since before Christmas and this week I managed to get into my craft room and got my sewing machine out.  While making I realised that its been nearly 19 years since I made something like this and I had a little stall at a craft museum at the weekends when I lived in Kent and they sold very well.  Going back to my first love, other than cards, here are my Bunnies...

you can find all details in my Etsy Shop if you click on the little crochet mouse on my side bar.

Well its been fun to catch up and I hope to be back blogging soon

hugs
Jan...xxx

A New Phase...

Hi Guys...well after a lot of encouragement from friends and family I have finally opened a Facebook page for my crafts.

Will be posting my makes most days...so please come over and say Hi!

@LilyPussDesigns 

www.facebook.com/lilypussdesigns

Have a great weekend

Hugs

Jan x

Warm & Toastie....

Hi....I've been sitting by the fire and doing a lot of crocheting lately...not in the mood again for making cards. I'm thinking of having a major sort out in my craft room soon as some of the stamps I have are a bit 'old hat' now and apart from a few new Tim Holtz products I haven't been tempted to buy anything new for a while. Its hard to keep up with all the new stuff coming out!!

This is my recent crochet make....

A pretty Cath Kidston colour inspired Hot Water Bottle cover. its now available in my Esty Shop (link on side bar) together with some hand dyed sock yarn. 

I'm currently finishing off a pretty baby blanket which should be in the shop in a few days.

Ok I'm off for a cup of tea and a toasted tea cake..yummmm

Happy Crafting

Its Been a Long Time Coming....

...and by that I mean finding my creating MoJo again...its been almost a year since I posted something.

All has been fine in my part of the world I just didn't seem to want to get inky....I have been crocheting and making 'pretties' for the odd craft fair but no cards.

Then after trawling around the crafty blogs I started to get itchy fingers again...just shows it never leaves us totally.  So I cleared up my craft room to get know my crafty stuff again and this is what I came up with.

I used a gorgeous stamp from StarTrish Design I coloured her with pencils and cut her out.  For the background I used distress inks, stencils etc., I adhered the image to the tag using a 3D pad and added a few sequins for a bit of sparkle.  I made this with my niece in mind as she wants to have her hair coloured like this...so Sarah as the message says Be Brave..Make it Happen..xxxx

I am going to enter this for this months Craft Stamper magazine challenge 'Anything Goes'

Happy Crafting

I Have News....

Hi Guys...I am finally back on my blog...its been a nightmare...I opened an email from my Etsy shop and in hopped a huge virus into my laptop!...I couldn't do a thing..so off it went to PC world to be totally cleaned down back to factory settings!..I lost a lot of pics although I did managed to back up some documents and PC World did some for me too, had to remember passwords and change them, but having to start all over again is a nightmare.

 

But while all this was going on...guess what?..I only went and won the CRAFT STAMPER challenge that I entered!!!!!!!!!!.......I get a two page spread in the magazine and a mention on their blog!!!!

 

Its all down to this unassuming tag

 

I am totally blown away! and now I'm back on my blog I can proudly display this:

 

Yay!!!!!!!!

 

Have a great weekend

 

 

Mellow Yellow....

Hi I'm back with another Tag to share....

 

I used distress pads in shades of yellow....Squeezed Lemonade, Scattered Straw, Mustard Seed and Fossilized Amber.  Using a 'bubble' stencil I coloured around the corners with Iced Spruce used transparent embossed paste through the same stencil add some texture and while wet I dabbed with my finger. Once dried I went over the texture with Iced Spruce again to bring it 'out'. I splattered a bit (maybe too much) with Perfect Pearls and applied tiny bits of silver 'Flitter Flakes' to add more shine.  The stamp is by Indigo Blu.  I finished with some TH Chit Chat words.

 

I am entering this for this month Challenge over at More Mixed Media which just happens to be 'Shades of Yellow'

 

Why not pop over and have a go yourself ;D..

 

 

 

 

Spring Flower.....??

Hi Guys....well what happened to Spring?...seems to have gone back to winter today in my neck of the woods...a dull drab day...

Anyway... I thought I would have a go at the new challenge over at the Craft Stamper Magazine.  I haven't entered this one before so I hope my little offering is what they had in mind.

 

I'm not sure what flower it is...I found this stamp in my local craft shop (limited stock which is disappointing).  It's by Elusive Images.

 

I stamped on multi media card, painted with Distress pads...shaded the edges with the same and splashed about a bit with very watered down inks.  I also used  a Tim Holtz stencil around the sides but its very faint I didn't want to make it a feature just a hint...Then as I wanted a bit of pearly shine, I used Perfect Pearls mixed with water  and sprayed that over.  Unfortunately the camera doesn't pick up that but it has given the tag a lovely pearly misty look....I finished with co ordinating ribbons.  I had to sit on my hands so I didn't start adding embellishments...I was tempted with sequins and pearls but I wanted the flower to be the main attraction....lol...

 

Do pop over to the Craft Stamper blog and check out all the other beautiful creations.

 

Hugs

 

 

BuZZZzzzz...

Another to share.....

 

Messing about with some JOFY stamps, inks and embossing paste.

 

Have a lovely Sunday!

 

 

....Away with the Fairies.....

Hi Guys....I cant believe its been soon long since my last post...6 months!!!....I haven't been card making for a while...I had a craft fair to do just before Christmas and made loads for that and I think I burnt myself out!  Mr Mojo hasn't been around and to be honest its been a relief.  It gave me time to re think what I get out of crafting.    I have decided I'm not going to do an more craft fairs, most now regulate how many card stalls there are and the Christmas one I managed to get into was so near Christmas it wasn't really worth my time and efforts and I was left with loads of cards and now I have to store them.

 

The other thing is that I'm a bit bored with it all,  I've been checking out all the new stuff coming on the market...and to be honest (again) there really isn't anything that has taken my eye to get me creating.  They all seem a bit samey..I mean how many different cute elephant/sheep/kittens/puppy stamps do you need???!!!. 

 

So I have taken a step back from it all.  I went through all my stamps...some I haven't even used...and sold about 75% of them on ebay.  I've been having a cull in my craft room, gave loads of scraps (yes the ones you keep cos you will used it again...not!) away to my neighbours little niece. gave bags of yarn to the charity shops.  I have loads of cardstock left and paper pads...but that's more tricky to sell on ebay due to the postal costs so I hanging on to them for the minute

 

So after all this I hopped around Pinterest to see what would 'float my boat'.  Art journals caught my eye, (not sure about the writing bit) and mixed media...it takes me back to my arty painty days at school and if I'm honest (yet again!) is really my first love...I've been watching numerous you tube videos and trying to find some mixed media blogs.  I invested some of my eBay pennies in paints, stencils more distress inks etc., bought a Journal which I'm too scared to paint in yet...lol...those plain pages are so intimidating...lol...so I'm just using tags at the moment as I feel if I don't like it then I haven't ruined a whole book!!! 

 

Unfortunately there isn't any craft work shops around here...in fact there isn't any decent craft shops anywhere here either ( oh I do miss my little trips to The Craft Barn in Surrey) so anything I need has to be bought online.  I've been stalking the Paperartsy blog and invested in some of their stamps my all time fav is JOFY which I have coveted for a while now.

 

So here is my mixed media offering....please be gentle with me...lol...

 

 

Lots of distress inks and Lavinia stamps, a smidge of embossing paste too.

 

(sorry about the pic quality..the light here is very dull)

 

I have made a few more but I wont bore you anymore today...lol..I'll post them throughtout the week.

 

Have a great weekend...I'm off to try and get the inks off me hands!!!

Hugs

 

 

 

Now for Something Different

Hi guys..today I'm off in a different direction....Yarn and Socks... lol... 

I met a lovely local lady when I attended a craft workshop for needle felting way back last year just after I moved here.  Now Cathy has a blog too here and she posts about all sorts of every day life stuff from cooking to trips out and of course knitting and crocheting. She is a regular participator to a blog called Yarn Along  ran by the lovely Ginny so today I have joined in.

 

 

I'm knitting socks...my major pastime these days..the yarn is my own hand dyed.  The pattern is the most easiest one ever (well my opinion) which I found on Christine's blog here and I have also bought her book.  Christine arranged a 'Sockalon' for sock beginners and she is also arranging a Sock Line for this years Yarndale Show, that's where my socks above will be heading once they're finished. Please pop over to Christine's blog and have a read.

 

Now books...I like light comtempory books with a bit of humour as I'm a soppy soul and couldn't do with reading thrillers etc as they would give me nightmares..lol... so the book I'm reading on my Kindle is The Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Coglan...I've only just started it so I'll have to share the plot next time

 

So if any of you out there are knitters I hope I have inspired you to join in....look forward to seeing 'what's on your needles'.

 

Happy Crafting

Hi.....

Hi Guys...Yes its been a while...family stuff has been going on and so I haven't really had time to post on here.  My sister had a 'Spinal Stroke' back in June...gave us all a fright...but she has made a great recovery...although its affected her right leg..she has no feeling and has to now walk with a stick.  Unfortunately she cant drive and that is what is troubling her the most, doctors say it could all come right in the end but don't know when that will be....

 

Anyway... I have been crafting a little now...making cards as I have a craft fair lined up in August but it looks like I might have to cancel as I have no car :-(  I broke down last Wednesday on the busy A64 just outside York which is about 30 miles away from home and had to be towed home.  It was a nightmare...looks like the gearbox so could be mega bucks or a new car...grrrrr...So I have to wait till next week to see if I can get back on the road again.

 

I have been doing a bit of knitting too....I am really enjoying making socks...they are a bit tricky but you soon get the hang of them and they knit up quite quick which suits me.  I love using the fab variegated sock yarns... the brighter the better...lol...it keeps me interested in what I'm doing..I have a load in my stash but have been looking at hand painted yarns that are really 'off centre' but they can be pricey...so....I've been looking into dyeing my own......lol...

 

and guess what?...I have found another addiction...lol...well as I'm sort of house bound I have to amuse myself some how...!!!...lol...

I have made quite a few skeins and have put some on my Etsy shop.

 

Well, I hope to be back in a few days to share some cards

Happy Crafting

 

 

 

 

ATCAS - Birds...

Hi Guys...yes its been a while...just been a bit busy lately but finally the builders have finished ...Yay!!...no more building planned so should get back to normal now.

Well today I am hosting this weeks ATCAS challenge and my code word is:

 

Our sponsor this week is

 

 

And we are also holding a DT call.

Would you like to join a fun, exciting and family orientated team? Do you enjoy creating Clean and Simple creations? Then perhaps you should apply!

Requirements to be an ATCAS designer

Join the team for 6 months. Your term will run from July - December 2015 with the option to continue

Have a personal blog to upload your creations to

Host one challenge in that 6 month period by choosing a code word for our followers

Create a Clean and Simple card/tag/layout each fortnight using our code words

Comment on your assigned entries

Have fun!

Sound like you? Please enter this challenge and add DT after your name should you like to apply. The DT call will finish at the end of this challenge.

Ok! here's my card

 

 

 

I just love this set from The Alley Way Stamps.  He is coloured with Promarkers and I added a few dots for interest.

 

Well, have a great weekend, I look forward to seeing your creations.

 

Happy Crafting

 

 

Split, Splot, Splat....

Hi...Today I have a card for this weeks Less is More One Layer challenge...now we know CAS cards have to have a lot of white space but I think I might have gone a little to far with that thought....

 

I used a SU splat stamp and SSS ink pads - two greys and a raspberry colour which now after seeing it on here, looks like I've injured myself...lol..... The sentiment is by CBS.

 

Happy Crafting

 

 

Hello to CAS Colour and Sketches

Hi...I'm back with a card for a challenge that I have just stumbled upon...CAS Colour and Sketches...its sketch week and as the old mojo has been on the wain I thought a bit of inspiration was needed..so...

I had a play with some MFT dies, a bit of spotty DP, and a couple of super shiny sequins... kept it all clean and simple.

 

Why don't you pop over and join in too.

 

I have the builders in again...this time its a new patio...Builders!!!...grrrrr they come late...and leave early..I think I'll be lucky to have it done by Christmas...Poor Ollie is having to negotiate a obstacle course every time he goes out in the garden and I haven't been able to enjoy the lovely sunny weather we've been having.  I'm told it will be worth it...yeah we'll see...lol...

 

Happy Crafting

 

 

ATCAS - DT Card - Showers

Hello...Happy Saturday!...I am sooo late with this...

 

Its time for this weeks ATCAS Challenge and its hosted by our lovely Shana and she has chosen the code word -

 

Very apt for the weather here today...

 

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous

 

 

I just love their stamps

 

Here's my card

 

 

I used a SSS stamp set and coloured with promarkers...just a simple little card as the old mojo has been on his holibobs again!!!!

 

looking forward to seeing your creations

 

Have a great weekend

 

 

Playing with Misti....

Hello...its a lovely sunny day here...and certainly spring like...I have lots of plants to get into the garden this weekend so I hope the weather plays nicely...but its not looking good...we'll see..

 

A little while back I was asked what I would like for my birthday...you know how it is ...you can never think of anything.  I thought of something crafty...maybe a tool or something that I wouldn't want to spend on but if its a present...well that's different...lol.  Anyway while hopping around blogland I spotted a 'Misti' being used layering up stamps.  To be totally honest I didn't pay that much attention to it.. I just thought it seemed a good idea but didn't take in its potential. 

 

Well not really knowing what to have for my birthday, on a whim I asked for a Misti, I didn't think it would happen as they were all out of stock......but I got one!!

 

As I've been under the weather I haven't touched it...until today.  I looked at some videos on You Tube to get a grip of it and that's when I realised what a great piece of kit it is...lol.  I love the stamps that you stamp on top of each other to create a brush stroke effect but I never had any success with them..my lining up was always out and in the end I gave up and the stamps went into a drawer never to see the light of day again...lol...but look.....

 

I used a SU stamp set - Lotus Blossom...I spent a whole Saturday a while back trying to stamp them together without success and I did this using the 'Misti' in minutes.  I love it. So now I wont shy way from buying these kind of stamps (oh no...more stash...lol..)  The sentiment is CBS and I finished with a few clear dots.

 

 I wont say that I couldn't live without one now but it will have a place on my desk so I can use all those stamps I've struggled with.

 

Happy crafting

 

 

An Apple a Day.....

Hi Guys....I hope this find you all fine and dandy today....Sorry I haven't been around...I haven't felt well these past few days...I think its the shock of having such a big birthday last week....lol... and little Ollie has had a dodgy eye (all better now)...so we are feeling a bit sorry for ourselves.

 

I missed this weeks DT card for ATCAS as I just haven't felt up to crafting...but today I sat at my desk and managed to come up with this....

The weather here is a bit murky today and I wanted to make something simple and bright.  I've had this sweet CBS set for a little while and somehow it just suited what I wanted to make.  The sentiment is CBS too. 

 

 Its funny that its an apple and I'm not feeling too good...its purely by chance I chose to use it...it wasn't till I finished it that I realised....An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away....spooky...lol...

 

Happy Crafting

 

 

 

 

Socks!!!

Hi Guys...No card today but I do have Socks!!!....

Yup I finally finished them and I am so chuffed.  I have been wanting to have a go at knitting socks for a long time and I finally found a pattern that I could understand...lol. They were a bit of a fiddle but so worth the effort thanks to a tiny circular knitting needle but you still have to use double ended needles in places but I soon got the hang of it and now I am addicted to lovely colourful stripy yarn that's a available out there.  

 

I had my bestest friend come to stay at the weekend... we got together as she is moving to her house in France soon and we wont be seeing each other every often....I have known her for 40 years...I'm going to miss her so much...anyway...I gave the socks to her and said that when she puts her wellies on to take her dogs out for their walks she will remember me up here in Yorkshire!!!...

 

Oh and its my birthday today....

Lots of lovely flowers and cards from my family.....if you look closely you will see its a BIG birthday...I just cant believe I'm that old when I still feel a teenager...lol.....

 

Well I best go..there's a glass of Cava with my name on waiting for me..

 

Hugs

Ummm....

(...Think I might have to do this one again.....)

 

Hi Guy's....today I have a card for this weeks Less is More Challenge. It 'One Layer week and they would like you to feature an animal....

 

Here is my offering....

I made a card from watercolour paper and stamped the sweet Penny Black Pooch in DI  - Tea Dye and then swooshed water around to shade him adding more colour here and there.

 

I didn't realise that the CB sentiment stamp was missing a bit of the 'H' but my thinking is it makes it look more 'hazy' for the 'thought'...what do you think? as I have an urge to do it all over again!!!

 

Oh well...cant get it right all the time...lol....

 

Happy Crafting