Nutcrafters DT Card Merry Christmas

Midway challenge reminder for the Nutcrafters Challenge Blog.  The challenge for this week is make a Christmas card or project for a  friend.  So create your card or project using a Nutcrafters image.

Here is my card.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.5cm.

Nutcrafters Digital Image.

Doodlebug Designs Inc Paper - All Wrapped Up.

Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Standard Circles Large, Petite Scalloped Circles Large.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - Pine Trim.

Cuttlebug Die - Loopy Flower.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

The bow on top of the present was created with a flower die I just used half of it. 

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky Challenge: Challenge #101 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Nutcrafters Stamp Trio Sets

I'd like to tell you about the Nutcrafters just released Stamp Trio Sets. These are fantastic value for money stamp sets you get 3 clear polymer stamps that co-ordinate together for just £4.

Space Trio in this set you get an alien, rocket ship and astronaut.

Card Recipe

Easel Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.5cm.

Nutcrafters Stamp Set - Space Trio.

DCWV Papers - Nana's Kids.

Sizzix Embossing Folder - Summer Set.

Cricut Cartridge - Paper Doll Dress Up (used to cut the city scape).

Embellishments from own stash.

These images where coloured in using Copic markers.

Vintage Trio 1 in this set you get perfume label, cameo and bird cage.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.5cm.

Nutcrafters Stamps - Vintage Trio Set 1.

Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Petite Ovals Large, Labels Ten.

Woodware Punch - Grass.

Papermania - White Flowers.

Embellishments from own stash.

The cameo was coloured in using Copic markers.

The background was created using the birdcage and perfume bottle label stamps, which where heat embossed then inked over using Tim Holtz Distress Ink Tumbled Glass.

Vintage Trio Set 2 in this set you get lock, key, post card and pocket watch.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.5cm.

Nutcrafters Stamps - Vintage Trio Set 2.

Fleur De Lis Rectangle.

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Diamond Plate.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - ZigZag.

Embellishments from own stash.

The watch was coloured in using Copic markers.

The background was created using Tim Holtz Distress Inks.

These cards where entered into the following challenge:

Crafty Cardmakers: Challenge #57 Heat Embossing ( the second and third card are heat embossed).

Love Linda xxx

Beauty on Monday

Another beautiful morning has risen above the horizon, mild air caressing the bare trees, nothing pointing to a soon arriving winter. I am walking with just jeans and a sweater, a jacket is not needed.

Yet, yesterday was the beginning of the Advent time, the four weeks before Christmas, and I have began to decorate with greenery. The holidays are coming, trees are sold at every corner and since the day after Thanksgiving the shops are filled with everything for a festive time.

Our home at the holiday season 2011

There are dreidels and chocolate filled coins, St. Clauses and reindeers, angels and menorahs. Candles and greenery, stars and more stars blinking everywhere.
All sitting peacefully side by side.

Image

How I wish that the spirit of love and tolerance would spread across the borders, to people who believe burning pipelines, blowing up cars and killing others will bring good change to their world. How much I hope for peace, something I, unfortunately, have too often reason to believe will not happen soon.
How can this small blog spread any goodwill and hope at times (like all others), filled with horror as soon as I look a little further then my backyard?
I feel strongly over the years since I have began writing this blog, how quickly kindness spreads when we are open minded towards others, enjoying their point of view, tolerate the ideas we do not share and stay positive and supportive.
It is wonderful to get to know so many people all over the world, at the same time knowing many more are out there reading this, without leaving a trace. Can goodwill and change come through a small blog, dedicated to beauty, art and the philosophy of life?

Image


I hope my words will make others see for a moment what I see, let them feel how wonder- filled and precious life is and how much love between people can help along our hope for peaceful side by side living.
Getting to know people with different believes and values, being open minded towards their dreams and hopes can bring us closer. Small steps do wonders and just trying to come closer to your odd neighbor or the strange co-worker can make a difference.

Can you imagine?

Our school, like many others, has an annual holiday drive to help children in need to receive a gift for the holidays. My children pick usually more then one of those wish cards from a tree in the school lobby. They feel compassion and hope our gifts will spread more then something material, but love towards someone we do not know, hoping that these children will grow up knowing of love in a world where desperation could rule instead.

Let us stick together, all of us writing beautiful blogs, spreading compassion, tolerance and love towards others.  Let us begin at home and let it grow into the world. 
Let us share more then the beauty of material things, but kindness and goodwill among each other!
Holding one other hand and a chain begins.....


I am wishing you all the beginning of a lovely and peaceful holiday time.






All images as indicated and my own, bumper sticker via google image.

Holiday Cheer!

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 15cm x 10.5cm.

Sizzix and Hero Arts Stamp and Die Cut - Holiday Cheer.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

The strip of glitter was added using double sided tape.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Totally Papercrafts Friday Challenges: Challenge 94 Christmas.

Crazy 4 Challenges: C4C115 Snow. 

Love Linda xxx

We Three Kings Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland was set by Squirrel she has chosen for this weeks challenge The Nativity so use any baby Jesus, angel, shepherd etc images. We want to see a Christmas Card or Project with a nativity theme.

We are sponsored by

Simon Says Stamp

The prize is a $15 Gift Certificate.

Here is my card.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.5cm.

Rubbadubbadoo Stamps - Three Wise Men, Shepherd.

Card-io Stamps - Festive Bouquet.

Karen Foster Design Paper - Twinkling Trees.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

After stamping the holly leaves around the edge of the main image I added red berries using a Sakura Red Glaze pen to to add a pop of extra colour.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Sir Stampalot Challenge: November Challenge Blue and Green.

Stampin' For The Weekend: Challenge #21 Friends (I think these wise men look like a group of friends having fun).

Love Linda xxx

Christmas Crackers!

Cracker Recipe

A4 piece of purple holographic card.

Cracker Template - Which can be found here (thank you Angie from Papertake Challenge for discovering this template it's fabulous).

Nutcrafters stamp - Christmas Trio.

All Night Media stamp - Christmas tree.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - Scallop Dot.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

I used elastic to attach the ribbons so I can remove them to fill the box when I am ready. 

This cracker was entered into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge: Christmas Crackers but not literally!

Moving Along With The Times: Ribbons and Bows.

Love Linda xxx

Thanksgiving 2011

I am so thankful for all what this year has given us.
My heart is filled with Thanksgiving.

My wishes for all of you is that you may feel the same!


Happy Thanksgiving!

A Christmas Card For a Friend Nutcrafters DT Card

This weeks challenge over at Nutcrafters is create a Christmas Card or a Project for a Friend.  Remember your card must have a Nutcrafters image on it to qualify for the prize.  There is no freebie digi this week but there will be random freebies through out the year so keep looking.


 The prize for the challenge winner will be a £10 gift voucher for the Nutcrafters on line shop.

Here is my card for this weeks challenge.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 15cm x 10.5cm.

Nutcrafters Stamp - Hanging a Stocking.

Stampendous Cling Stamp - Snow Brackets.

Doodlebug Designs Inc Paper - Merry Argyle.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

Don't be afraid to mix and match your stamp collections you will be surprised by what combinations you can come up with.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

 The Crafty Pad: Challenge #148 Festive Cheer.

Love Linda xxx

Tea pot

Today is a gray, rainy day. What better way to lighten the mood but with a cup of golden tea, a touch of milk and a home baked cupcake? Made by my girl last night! 
The tea pot was a special Marshall's score last week! Barbara Barry's Top Note Design for Wedgewood! YES! 
I am sure some of you know the thrill...
But as any tea lover will agree with me: No teapot is really good unless it pours smoothly, without dripping and sputtering! This one is excellent, reminding me a little bit of the genie lamp from Thousand And One Night, which of course gives me an reading ideas for some long winter nights! 

 But I am sure this one will serve us longer than that...

Good night!








Book via amazon.com and teapot image my own.

Gingerbread House Bag

Bag Recipe

Brown, white card stock.

Sizzix Bigz Die - Bag, Gingerbread House.

Stampabilities House Mouse Stamps - Yummy, Contented Mudpie.

Embellishments from own stash.

The images where coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

I used silver shimmer dots coloured in with permanent markers for the sweeties on the house.

This bag was entered into the following challenges:

Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge: Challenge 50 Make a Gift/ Anything But a Card.

Bah! Humbug! Challenge: Challenge 45 Bags and Boxes.

Love Linda xxx

Mellow yellow

For whatever reason I have lately an infatuation with yellow. I have actually never really liked the color on me or near me. But as many things change in life my love for yellow has emerged. Of course, yellow rooms have been around for the longest time, evoking light and sunshine and warmth. Nancy Lancaster's London yellow drawing room comes to my mind, a classic and often repeated design among the countless admirers.

Image

A wonderful Lancaster inspired living room

Image

I have found Jan Showers use of yellow quite admirable. The soft toned yellows feel more relaxing to the eye and less exciting.

These yellows do not scream, but rather create elegant, happy backdrops for our busy lives.

The last one perhaps does not really qualify for a yellow room, but the overall feeling for me is yellow, rather then neutral.


Some Farrow & Ball wallpapers I love:

Farrow & Ball's Brockhampton Star

Farrow & Ball's Ranlagh papers

Farrow & Ball's Vermicelli papers

Have a happy, sunny week!






All images as indicated and via Jan Showers website.

Christmas Decorating - Starts Here!

What is happening here - I'm starting to feel festive already. Maybe its because I'm a mother of an eight year old.

This is a happy snap of the beginnings of my Christmas styling theme. Red, white and grey. The grey is to match my newly restored and re-upholstered armchairs, just back from the upholsterer.
BTW this is one of a pair of old chairs I found at a second hand store. I just loved the shape and have had them for a few years now.

The fabric is a hard-wearing, heavy duty plush that I will admit I picked up at Spotlight for the bargain price of $12 a metre! (See, you don't have to pay $1000 - $1500 for an armchair if you look around.)

The "owl" bunting, made by one of the mothers at my daughter's school, is perfect and not too kitsch.

That huge star is from Ikea and is the best star I've seen out there - it even lights up!
What has inspired your decor for this Christmas?

My Beach House Makeover Challenge

Top: living area with new white light fittings; Above: the new bathroom with pop-out bath extension - beats the sauna look! Below: view from the beach; bottom: most surfaces have had the white paint treatment, but this light fitting over the stair has to go!


This is possibly my biggest design challenge yet: get a difficult 80s holiday rental beach house ready to sell in a depressed property market.

We bought this "stuck-in-the-80s" beach house about 9 years ago. As the estate agent said to us at the time, "this is not really your kind of house". She wasn't wrong. We usually go for the cute old beach cottages.

However... this house was in a fabulous position right on the sand dunes with views up and down the coastline and out to the river behind. Its on a big block next to a north facing reserve and is relatively private compared to many in the area.

The other point it had going for it was the double height ceilings in the living area. (You see from the outside it looks a bit like a Swiss chalet!) Despite its chalet-ness, it had a great beach vibe. "Vibe" or atmosphere - whatever you call it - is very important to us when we make property investments.

But boy, was it dated. The bathroom was paneled in diagonal knotty pine boards like a sauna, with a decorative wheat sheath tile over the bath. The benchtops throughout were peachy pink and the kitchen cupboards were mushroom pink.

Being a beachfront, it was a significant financial outlay which meant we had to holiday rent it as much as we could. Most years we tackled one aspect to renovate - one year it was the kitchen, another year the bathroom, a beach shower extension or the deck.

Fortunately the house is quite solidly built of double brick on the ground floor and has shingles on the upper floor - thinking (or wishing) Hamptons here. More recently we rendered the brickwork to get rid of the blonde 80s textured brick and that was a huge improvement.

Over the years we have painted out much of the knotty pine paneling and interior brickwork as well as much of the endless metres of woodwork. Short of letting off a white paint bomb inside the house, I am still wondering how we can get it all painted in time. One plan was to paint the floorboards white.

To cut to the chase, the main renovation tasks are done but I am working on jazzing up the furnishings and fixtures. Much of the interior needs a boost as it has been a hard working rental and I do have a pretty small budget...

Last week I put in new light fittings in the living area which made a big difference. I'm off to the shops to look at some new dining chairs and more light fittings to replace the dated ones still there.
Any suggestions are welcome. Should I paint the floorboards? Should I replace the wooden venetian blinds with white ones or shutters?

Friday thoughts

This weekend looks simple. 
There will be no shopping and no stressful cleaning, I'll take breakfast in bed and give lazy new meaning. 
I might take the dog for a walk in the park.
I could lay in bed and read until dark.
I'll write a few mails and chat with my mother.
I'll have tea on the sofa and a walk through the garden.
The sun will shine through all smudgy windows, but 
I will relax and put all off for Monday.


V.Z.







Picture via google image. Poem by me.

A midweek autumn dinner

Image

When the days grow short and darkness rises early, I enjoy cooking comfort food.
Last night I prepared acorn squash and bratwurst,  Brussels Sprouts and some delicious ice cream afterwards.

It's so easy and makes a satisfying meal. The scent of the baking squash is irresistible. Once the sausages are frying, it becomes enticing...

The dog did not leave my site and waited patiently to get a morsel.
My son explained why he needed definitely a test bite before dinner.
My husband asked at six if dinner was ready....
My daughter volunteered to set the table???
Guys, we never eat before seven?!

 Nicely browned, with a hint of butter and brown sugar! Hmmmm!

Alright! Dinner is served!

Top image from Joseph Oregon Fireworks Pottery, bottom google image, inbetween my own.