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About Me

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Hi......I'm Jo, welcome to my crafty corner where I aim to share my adventures in paper crafting, baking, cross stitch & cats.....hopefully with some hints, tips & inspiration thrown in too! Please leave a comment if you call so I know you've been, I would love to visit you back and please become a follower if you like what you see. Thanks for popping by.........
'She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted the sails' - Elizabeth Edwards

Wednesday 31 July 2019

Challenge #6 - Christmas in July!



Good morning crafty friends, hope you're all well.
I can't believe we're about to start the 6th challenge.....doesn't time
 fly when you're having fun.....and I sure am having fun! I thank you all
 so much for taking the time to join in with my challenges.
So, this time the theme is going to be......
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
We all love Christmas and it's never too early to get started!

Here's my make......
I used kraft card, cream hammered card & dies from the Paper Boutique
for the base & the sentiment. The robin is a Sizzix die & I added
some die cut foliage & paper flowers then finished with faux pearls.

This month I have lovely Liz from Crafty Sunflower joining me as
guest designer.......


I was delighted to be invited by Jo to be her Guest Designer for July.  I live in the West of England with my hubby, Alan.   I was an Infant school teacher in a former life, a job I loved, but I’m now happily retired.  When I was teaching, I ran an after school scrapbooking club for over ten years with my Teaching Assistant, hoping to inspire the next generation.  All the children were 6 or 7 years old and they created some amazing scrapbooks.  I have always enjoyed crafting, something I inherited from my Mum.  In the past I’ve enjoyed knitting, sewing, cross stitching, patchwork, cake decorating, making corn dollies and scrapbooking.  For the last 20 years or so, card making is what I enjoy most.  My style is generally CAS, although I sometimes go out of my comfort zone and get really inky and messy!  I belong to a local craft group which meets once a month and it’s always fun to craft with friends.

 and here's Liz's make......

Fabulous card Liz, don't you just love that cheeky face? Thanks so much
for joining me this month......hope you can join me too!

Rules
1 - You must follow the theme set
2 - One entry, new makes only
3 - You must be a follower of this blog
4 - Please link your entry post back to this blog

So whether your style is frilly & fancy, CAS,or even grungy & gritty you
can enter your make.....and as usual, there'll be a surprise prize for the
lucky winner. And if you fancy joining me as a guest designer then just add
GD after your name!

Good luck!
xx

(Check back later today for last month's winner)




You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter

Christmas in July Day 31!


Hi crafty friends, happy wet, dull & much cooler Wednesday!
Oh, how nice it is to hear the rain....still warm but a welcome relief from the
blazing sun we've been having.....a cool breeze & it would be perfect.
So....here I am on Day 31 of my Christmas in July challenge to make only
Christmas themed makes for the whole of July.....and I made it!
To be honest there were days I thought I must have been crazy but I stuck
with it & now I have a very decent size pile of Christmas cards & toppers.
For my final make I chose a scallop circle base with a cream hammered
card layer......the simply added the bench & cat couple die cuts, a
stamped sentiment, a few faux gems & a little ribbon bundle at the top.
Not sure what to do with this make......maybe a card topper, maybe an easel
card....or maybe a decoration for the tree? Can't decide so I'll leave it
for now & come back to it later on in the year.
Thanks so much to all who have visited & left comments.......it's so very
much appreciated, I love reading them.
xx
challenges
Rudolf Days at Scraps of Life

Tuesday 30 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 30!


Hi friends, hope you're all well.
Can you believe it's Day 30 of my Christmas in July challenge? Only one
more day to go....saying that I think I could carry on for another month!
A decoupaged card today........3 layers matted onto silver mirri then onto a
base of cream hammered card. Lots of sparkle on this one but so hard to
get a photo that shows it!
Rightio, lots to do today so better dash.....thanks for calling!
See you tomorrow.
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Monday 29 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 29!


Hi crafty friends, hope you're all well.
Nice & cool here today so hopefully it'll be a productive day in the craft room.
Day 29 of my Christmas in July challenge & I have a card topper to share using
my favourites - lots of layers & die cuts!
Sometimes the simplest of ideas work just as well as the fancier ones. I think
it's so easy to get caught up in wanting the latest papers/dies/stamps etc that we
forget that we need very little to make a nice card. Every piece on this topper
was from the scrap box....I just trimmed them to size, added a few die cuts, a
stamped sentiment then finished with a couple of faux gems. Another card
that could be made in lots of different colours for lots of different occasions.
Thanks for calling, see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.


Sunday 28 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 28!





Hi friends, happy Sunday.....hope you're all well.
Day 28 of my Christmas in July challenge & today I have some cross stitch to share
......although I do have to be honest, it's a piece I made a few years ago so you may have
 seen it before. I usually like to stitch something new every Christmas and I have
started something but this rotten rheumatoid arthritis in my hands has put a stop to it this 
year so I've had to admit defeat.......for now! Anyway, as I planned Day 28 to be cross
stitch day I thought this Gingerbread recipe piece would be perfect.
Quite a lot cooler here today so I'm enjoying a crafty afternoon....and there's
no tea to cook! We had a cooked breakfast late on this morning so we'll have
something light for tea.....and maybe a little piece of Bakewell tart for pudding.......
with custard or cream........decisions, decisions!!
Thanks for calling, enjoy the rest of the day & I'll see you tomorrow.
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.




















Saturday 27 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 27!


Hi crafty friends, happy Saturday!
Hope you're all well & enjoying the weekend so far.
'Tis a bit cooler here today....and a bit windier too.....but much nicer to
craft in. Today is Day 27 of my Christmas in July challenge to myself
and I'm sharing some of my Paper Frosting, my favourite way
to use up some odds & ends from my scrap box....and so useful too.
Kraft, cream hammered card, LOTV paper, Tim Holtz chit chat stickers..
.....die cuts & some faux gems to finish.
Thanks for calling & for any comments....see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY  challenge is here.


Friday 26 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 26!


Well, here I am on Day 26 of my Christmas in July challenge and while it
is a little cooler it's still very hot.......and we're in the midst of a power cut so
the fans aren't fanning & I got stuck in my chair lol! I have an electric recliner
as I struggle to get in & out of chairs and guess where I was sitting when
the power went off? You've got to laugh & I suppose it was quite funny.
Today's make is a little decoupaged card topper, shame the gold foil doesn't
show up as it's really quite pretty.....finished with some faux gems & layered
onto some cream card.....and good to go!
Rightio, better go as laptop nearly out of power.....thanks for calling and
for any comments......see you tomorrow.
xx

Don't forget, my  CHRISTMAS IN JULY  challenge is here.

Thursday 25 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 25!


Hey friends, hope you're well.
Have you melted yet? There's no escaping this awful heat here....still, 
nothing lasts forever so there's bound to be cooler days soon enough. Moaning
aside, I slept like a baby last night & struggled to wake this morning.
So today is Day 25 of Christmas in July.....where have the days gone?
I have a card to share today, another CAS make using only die cuts & scraps
on a lovely cream hammered card base.
Thanks for calling, have a lovely day......and stay cool!
See you tomorrow.
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Wednesday 24 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 24!


Hi friends, hope you're all well.

Day 24 of Christmas in July & I have a fairly CAS card to share.
 A simple tent fold, I layered a die cut frame onto an inky background then
added a die cut snowflake that I covered in glitter, a stamped sentiment
then a faux gem in the centre of the snowflake to finish.
Another make that would suit many colours & use up a few scraps from
the bit box too!
Thanks for calling......see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Tuesday 23 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 23!


Hi crafty friends, hope you're all well.
Oh my, the heat! It's so, so hot.....I hope you're all managing to keep cool.
Trust me to choose the hottest month to make only Christmas makes!

Anyway, it's Day 23 of my Christmas in July challenge & I have another 
card topper to share. Beautiful, rustic reds & browns (with a little hint of
 gold) on a cream hammer card base, a stamped sentiment layered onto 2
die cut ovals.....a scattering of faux gems & that's it!
Another card that would look lovely in other colour combo's .....and a great
way to use up more scraps!

Thanks for calling......see you tomorrow.

xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Monday 22 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 22!


Hey friends, hope you're all well....did you have a lovely weekend?

Day 22 of my Christmas in July challenge & today I have a card topper
to share....lots of lovely layers & die cuts finished with some pretty
flowers & some gold accents. 
paper - docrafts/Papermania
image - Kit & Clowder colouring class
sentiment - Paper Boutique
snowflake - Hobbycraft
everything else - stash

Thanks for calling, see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

challenges
Christmas in July at Cute N Crafty
Christmas in July at Shopping Our Stash
Christmas in July at Crafty Gals Corner
Christmas at C.R.A.F.T
anything Christmas at Crimbo Crackers
Christmas in July at Crafty Calendar
Christmas at Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas

Sunday 21 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 21


Hi friends, happy Sunday....hope you're having fun whatever you're up to!

Today is Day 21 of Christmas in July & I thought I'd revisit some tags I made
a couple years ago.....such a great way to use up scraps and so very useful too!

Short & sweet today so I'll thank you for calling and I'll see you tomorrow!

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

xx

Saturday 20 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 20!


Hi friends, happy Saturday....hope your weekend is going well.

Some super quick makes to share today.....6 Santa hats & 6 stockings in
traditional red & white.....finished with a sprig of holly & faux gems.
Cards, tags, scrapbooks......what would you do with them?

Thanks for calling......see you tomorrow.
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Friday 19 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 19!


Hi crafty friends, hope you're well & looking forward to the weekend.
Day 19 of my Christmas in July challenge & today's make is one of them
that didn't turn out as planned lol.......but I do like it so all is good.
I used the jigsaw die set that came with the latest issue of Die Cutting
Essentials, paper from docraft/Papermania, gold mirri & sentiment
dies from Hunkydory, snowflake die from Hobbycraft....anything else
came from my stash!
Rightio, better get a move on......Son & Grandson on way for tea & you 
what that means? Lots of snuggles with Asher!
Thanks for calling......see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Thursday 18 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 18!


Hey friends, hope you're all well.

Day 18 of my Christmas in July challenge & I'm sharing a topper made
with one of the pieces of Paper Frosting I made earlier in the month.
A white base, a layer of duck egg then a layer of the snowflake paper with
 distressed edges....both with an aperture cut out. The Paper Frosting
was mounted onto foam pads, I added a stamped sentiment, some die cut
snowflakes then I finished with some faux pearls.
Rightio, if I get a move on I'll have time for a wander around your blogs
 before tea......thanks for calling .....see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.



Wednesday 17 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 17!


Hi friends, welcome to my little blog.....hope you're all well.

Day 17 of my Christmas in July challenge & I have a topper to share.....
or maybe it'll be a page in my Christmas countdown.....not sure yet.
Anyway, all die cuts for this make I started with a scallop circle cut from
 Hunkydory's adorable scorable, added a plain circle using a sheet from
Dovecraft's 'Magic of Christmas' paper pad. A Paper Boutique snowflake 
layered onto a die cut banner with a stamped sentiment came next then
a die cut bow, some pretty foliage, die cut hearts & a couple faux pearls to
 finish. So pretty......I'll definitely make this again in different colour ways.
Thanks for calling & for any comments you might leave,
see you tomorrow!
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

challenges
Christmas at Winter Wonderland
Christmas in July at Crafty Calendar
Christmas make at Crazy 4 Challenges
Christmas in July at Shopping Our Stash
anything Christmas at Holly & Ivy
anything goes at Merry Little Christmas


Tuesday 16 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 16!


Hey crafty friends, hope you're all well.

Day 16 of my Christmas in July challenge & I have another card to share.
Now I've not coloured anything in such a long time because of the
RA in my hands.......then I suddenly got the urge to have a go! Didn't
realise quite how much I missed it ......but I started off slow, thinking little 
& often would be best. Just skin, hair & a little mistletoe coloured with
 Copics on this beautiful image from Delicious Doodles, matted onto
black then  a layer of green then the whole thing onto white hammer card.
A sprinkle of glitter, a stamped sentiment & a pearl snowflake to finish.

Better go see to the tea before the workers return, thanks for calling....
.......see you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Monday 15 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 15!



Hi friends, hope your weeks gotten off to a good start.
Day 15 of my Christmas in July challenge & I have a 5 x 7 card to share today.
A cream hammered card base, a layer of brown card then a lovely topper
with some touches of gold.....all on a layer of foam pads to give a little extra
dimension. I had to sit on my hands for this one....I was so tempted to add
some extras!
Off to get some tea now so I'll see you tomorrow, thanks for calling.
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Sunday 14 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 14!


Hi friends, are you having a good weekend?
I hope so......we had a lovely day out shopping yesterday, a nice wander around the
shops then a stop for sushi....although I did end the trip in the wheelchair which
wasn't so good but at least I managed the day a little easier and even though
I'm paying for it today it was worth it.
So for today's Christmas in July post I thought I'd share some of the new Christmas
stash I bought.....and I'll save some for later. I don't often have the chance to
shop like this so it was a lovely change.
Rightio, That's my lot for today, thanks for calling .....see you tomorrow!
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY  challenge is here.

Saturday 13 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 13!


Morning friends, hope you're all well & have something nice planned for the weekend.
We're off shopping......a trip to the Range & Hobbycraft to have a little crafty 
shop.....and maybe stop somewhere for something nice to eat.
So today is Day 13 of Christmas in July and I have a page from my Christmas
countdown to share.....page 18! I started with a base layer of kraft card....oh my,
the photo doesn't do it justice......its full of gold flecks....so delicious!
Next, I die cut the snowflake panel in cream hammered card, added a die cut 
banner, the die cut words & numbers then finished with some faux gems
in the centre of the snowflakes. I love this page & think you'll soon be
 seeing it made into Christmas cards!
Rightio, better get a move on....thanks for calling, have a lovely day & I'll
see you tomorrow.
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Friday 12 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 12!


Hello crafters, hope you're well.
Day 12 & I have another Christmas card to share......and it's pink!! 
I know, I know.....I promised to lay off the pink for a while but I couldn't 
resist this gorgeous pink Polar bear from Hunkydory!
 Beautiful, shiny layers of pink & silver with a little hint of white, I
 added only a little sparkly silver bow.
Thanks for calling, have a lovely day and I'll see you tomorrow.
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Thursday 11 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 11!


Hey friends, hope you're all well.

Day 11 of my Christmas in July challenge & today's make is from a Hunkydory
kit....and who doesn't love a good Christmas pud? Well, to be honest there's
only me & 1 son that likes it in our house!
Not sure whether this is going to be made into a card or should I keep it 
as a page for my Christmas countdown calendar? Decisions, decisions.....but
whatever I do with it I'll add a base layer & either a sentiment for a card or 
a number for my countdown.
Rightio, that's me for today.....thanks for calling, have a lovely day & I'll
see you tomorrow.
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.


Wednesday 10 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 10!


Morning crafty friends, hope you're well.

Oh my, Day 10 of my challenge to myself to make only Christmas themed
makes for the month of July.......one third of the way through already!
Today's share is a snowglobe topper, i made a few of these last Christmas
and they were ever so popular so I just had to include one in my challenge.
Almost identical to last year's I started with a snowglobe base cut from
my Hunkydory dies, added a LOTV topper, some die cut snowflakes, a die
cut sentiment & finished with some faux gems & a scattering of glitter.
That's my lot for today, thanks for calling & have a lovely day.
See you tomorrow.
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Tuesday 9 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 9


Hi friends, hope you're all well.
Are you having a good week? The weather's a bit cooler here today so that's
good for me although it's still warm enough that it feels wrong to be
making Christmas things! Still, it's never too early, I have a nice little pile.
So it's Day 9 of my Christmas in July challenge & I have another topper to
share.....I know, it's pink again! I can't seem to help myself! I love that snowy
image....I layered all the die cut elements on foam pads for a little extra
dimension, layered onto white card then pink adorable scorable then finished
 with a sprinkling of glitter.....it looks so much prettier IRL.
Short & sweet today as I have lots to do so thanks for calling & whatever 
you're up to I hope you manage a little crafty time.
See you tomorrow.
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

challenges
anything goes at Christmas at Sweet Stampin'
anything goes at Crimbo Crackers
Christmas in July at Crafty Calendar
anything goes at Merry Little Christmas







Monday 8 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 8

Hi crafty friends, hope you're all well.

Day 8 of my Christmas in July challenge & today I have a topper
made with elements from the Christmas Cuties paper pad from the Paper
Boutique. Beautiful papers, super quality & a great price too!
Thanks for looking......see you tomorrow!
xx
Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.

Sunday 7 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 7!


Day 7 of my Christmas in July challenge & today's make is another
topper.....and it's pink again! Don't know what's going on but I'm so drawn
 to making things in pink & duck egg colours right now. I wouldn't mind but 
these are not colours I use in my home decor for Christmas!!
Anyway, just one sheet of paper, I think it's Craftwork Cards, I added a 
stamped sentiment, tied some paper string around the top, added a cluster
of jingle bells & finished with some faux gems.
Thanks for calling.....enjoy your Sunday!
xx

Don' forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.


Saturday 6 July 2019

Christmas in July Day 6


Hi friends, happy Saturday.....hope you're all well & enjoying the weekend.

Day 6 of my Christmas in July challenge & today's make is a topper
using a Hunkydory image & die cut frame, a poinsettia die & finished with
a few faux gems.
How are you doing with your Christmas makes?
See you tomorrow for day 7!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.


Friday 5 July 2019

Paper Frosting Friday & Christmas in July day 5!

Morning crafty friends, hope you're all well.
Here we are at Friday again, this year is whizzing past so, so fast I think
I might get left behind if I'm not careful!
So, in my little corner of Blogland Friday means Paper Frosting day, (my
name for the little paper embellishments I like to make) and as I'm challenging
 myself to make only Christmas themed makes in July I'm going to combine the two.
Paper Frosting doesn't need to be difficult, it can be as fussy & fancy, as CAS or
as basic as you like......there's no rules. I chose to go the simplest route today, just
basic shapes in lovely colours.......they can be used for allsorts - card making,
scrapbooking, use them in your journal, your planner, for home decor.....
really, there's no limits.......and it's a great way to use up your scraps!

Simple mating & layering, on foam pads for a bit of extra dimension, then
I added the die cut snowflakes.....a Tim Holtz chit chat word sticker & a
faux pearl to finish.....so simple but I love them.
Later on in the month I'll show you how I like to use them.
Rightio, that's my lot for today.....thanks for calling & for any comments
you might leave.....have a lovely day.
See you tomorrow!
xx

Don't forget, my CHRISTMAS IN JULY challenge is here.


Thursday 4 July 2019

Let's Hear It For The Boys - Winner!

Hi friends, it's time to announce the winner of #5 Let's Hear it For The Boys.
 Thank you so much for all your gorgeous entries..... I'm so chuffed to have such
 support for my little challenges.............and blown away by the number of entries!
So, without further ado..........the winner of  #5 Let's Hear It For The Boys is.............

**** It's you, Michelle at Laughing Ducks ****

and here's Michelle's make.......


I love that scene, everything matches so well & a great fold displays
it all so nice!

Here's a pic of your prize......

and I'd love to invite you to join me as Guest Designer for September's challenge.

And if you send me your snail mail details I'll pop your prize in the post
asap.............and could you leave me a comment on this post please, so I know
 to look out for your email.

And here's a badge for your blog.....

Well done, Michelle.....and thanks again to everyone who entered, hope you'll
join me on for #6 - Christmas in July.............see you then!
xx

Wednesday 3 July 2019

Washi Wednesday 2019 - Christmas in July #3


Morning crafty friends....hope you're all well.
It's the first Wednesday of the month....and day 3 of my Christmas in July
challenge so I thought to combine the two I'd make a couple of 4x4 card toppers.
You know how much I love my Washi tape & these makes are very similar 
last months.....I just wanted to show that you could change the colour, 
pattern & embellishment and get a completely different look.
I used a random mix of tapes, stamped a sentiment, added a die cut & mounted
onto gold mirri for a super quick, super effective card topper.....and they're
so cute!
How do you use Washi tape?
If you have anything Washi you'd like to share let me know, I'd love to come see!
xx





Tuesday 2 July 2019

Happy Christmas, Deer! (Christmas in July #2)

Morning lovelies, hope you're all well.
Welcome to Christmas in July, Day 2......this month my aim is to post
something Christmas every day of the month.....eeekk!
A card today, approx 6 inch square using a topper from the Paper Boutique
and card from my stash. The silver & blue foiled paper is very old, no idea 
where it's from & the reindeer were die cut from silver mirri card. A stamped
sentiment to finish and that's it.......job done!
Rightio, better get a move on.....thanks for calling.....see you tomorrow.
xx


Monday 1 July 2019

Dies/punches at Crafty Cardmakers! (Christmas in July #1)


Hi friends, happy Monday & happy July.....hope you're all well.
It's Christmas in July on my blog this month....I can't promise but the aim
is to post only Christmas makes for the whole of the month.....wish me luck
and if any of you want to join in do let me know!
Bur first......
we have a new challenge for you over at Crafty Cardmakers today,
I'm hosting and the theme this time is......
DIES/PUNCHES
A nice, easy theme that I'm sure will appeal to lots of you....and there's so much you
 can do with them. Usually I use them as decoration but sometimes I like to use
 only dies/punches for the whole card as I've done here. I chose teal & white
 just to mix it up a bit, I layered the snowflake, added a die cut poinsettia, a sentiment
 then finished with a ribbon & a scattering of faux gems. If I remember rightly the
 poinsettia was a magazine freebie and all the other dies are the Paper Boutique.
Lots of inspiration for you over on the main blog and as usual, anything you like
to make we like to see.....just so long as you stick to the theme!
Thanks for calling & for any comment you might leave.
See you tomorrow.
xx

challenges
anything Christmas at Holly & Ivy
Christmas at Crafting by Design
anything Christmas at Crimbo Crackers
anything Christmas at Crafty Hazelnut's
anything goes at Merry Little Christmas

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