To The Year Ahead

We are in the last few hours of  Hogmanay and I couldn’t let 2011 pass without thanking you for your friendship and support. Every comment I read gives me such encouragement whether it be from a friend who has followed me from Day 1 or a new Follower to my Blog.
I say this so often but it never ceases to amaze me the level of generosity of spirit from the people who have blogs, I know because I have been on the receiving end time and time again whether it be words of kindness, surprise gifts in the post or amazing Giveaways I have won.
Here’s to 2012 being a year filled with good times and good health for you and wonderful opportunities. All The Very Best And See You In 2012!
Lynne x
This wonderful graphic is available from  Plush Possum Studio  where they have two versions available for download. There is the most amazing range of images available at this site, why not pop on over.

She Ponders The Passing Of Time

The Stampsmith’s Ophelia is one of the stamps I constantly return to as  it can be used for such a range of projects and also stamps beautifully on a variety of surfaces. Although this card was made for someone a wee while ago I decided it would be the card to share for my final DT project for The Stampsmith for 2011.
The past twelve months have brought with it such fun times with The Stampsmith, continuing to enjoy working with the stamps as much as the day I started on the team.  Not only do I count myself lucky to be in the privileged position of working with Estelle’s stamps, I also  count myself lucky to be part of such a talented DT .The card base was painted with Gesso and water soluble crayons (Neocolor II) to create a muted, almost dreamy backdrop for Ophelia, herself stamped onto a painted panel of Camisole Pink (heritage colour emulsion chalk paint).
One final word on The Stampsmith. Although I am not in charge of The Stampsmith Challenge, we have the wonderful Val who runs the challenge site so smoothly, I would however like to say Thank You to any of you who have taken the time to join in with the challenges over the past 12 months, in particular to the friends of the challenge site who join in time and time again. We would hope to see you in 2012 and of course, new faces are always welcome to join.  On the 9th of January there will be a new challenge theme announced and as always, a random prize draw taking place. The Sparkle, Shimmer and Shine challenge is still open
Wishes
Lynne

Song of the Winter Angel

Update:- I was thrilled that this candle was published in Stampington & co’s 400 More Ideas (formerly Catch-Up) 2013.

Did you have a lovely Christmas? I hope you did, whether it was filled with fun and frolics or a more gentle day filled with a sense of peace.
I was unsure whether to post this candle, I certainly know that feeling only too well of wanting to move on from Christmas projects but this particular stamp strikes me as being not only suitable for Christmas projects, but for any time of the year, she is my little Winter Angel.  She is from a set of stamps I  recently received, called Sleigh Bells from Oxford Impressions.It was only today that I completed the candle, unable to complete in time for Christmas.Trimmings of lace at the top of the candle and at the bottom layered with sheet music, topped with a beautiful vintage button, means this candle is purely decorative.
Winter Morning sheet music from Winter Snow (also Oxford Impressions) was randomly stamped onto the tissue paper panel.The candle settled inside a piece of glass from a vintage vanity set. The little girl is a photo real stamp and personally, I’ve found that the larger the photo real stamp happens to be, then the trickier it is to stamp onto tissue paper but as I always say, play around as it is all about experimenting.
I have at least one post scheduled for between now and the New Year so I hope you will be able to visit again. At this time of the year I appreciate more than ever your visits as I know that life can place more demands than normal, so thank you.
Wishes
Lynne
(I am linking this to Gingersnap Creations:- Candelabras, Chandeliers and Candleschallenge.

In Santa’s Sack

You might remember I shared the breathtaking stocking I received from Marie (Lost Bird Studio) when I won her recent Giveaway. Tucked inside were two little packages which I said I’d wait until the 25th before I opened.  What awaited me insideI was thrilled to receive a charm from Marie because I am always admiring them on her Blog, where I tell her that her soldering rivals Sally Jean Alexander. Isn’t it so sweet? This is the flip side.The second package was wrapped in ledger paper (all paper laid aside to re-use as a later date!) nestling inside some beautiful trims, look at the piece of snowflake trim.Marie, thank you so much for those precious gifts and all beautifully packaged in such a special way.
Now I have some Christmas gifts I’d like to share. First from Martina, a fabulously arty tag He’s a bit of a charmer, I’d say!! Making another appearance on an altered matchbox which Martina stocked with goodies such as lace, pearls, shells, etc.Finally but certainly by no means least, from another lovely friend, Lynn Stevens two gorgeous tags. A jolly, vintage snowman.
and the second tag decorated with lace and a beautiful Oxford Impressions’ stamped image. Isn’t the dash of red so perfect on the tag, look at the sweet bird.
Marie, Martina and Lynn, thank you for such kindness. I am lucky to have such gifts to place around the home at this time of the year and beyond.
Warmest Wishes
Lynne

Warmest Wishes of the Season

From me to all of you I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas.  Lynne x

Gathered Around The Christmas Tree

I feel the need to apologise for bombarding you, this week, with Christmas offerings. All projects are items I’ve made for friends and family over the past few weeks, which I would have shared earlier but I have been unable to be as organised as I would have liked regarding sharing projects.
With this post focusing on Dezinaworld images I do not want to include artwork for other companies. However, over at The Stampsmith Blog I have posted a Christmas card. There is a possibility it will also make an appearance here although it looks as though time is running out for me!
If you have visited recently then you will have gathered that making these little gift pouches has become my “wee” addiction of late! They are fun to make whether it be a stamped or printed image to adorn the front.  The images are from Dezinaworld’s  White Christmas set, a set that I cannot begin to tell you how much I adore.A simple palette of white and creams but plenty of glitter and shimmer to catch the lights from the Christmas tree.Another pouch for another friend.with a similar colour palette but variations in the embellishments, lace and trims.Tucked inside each pouch, an organza bag with little bits ‘n’ pieces. I am sure I will continue to make these pouches beyond Christmas as I could see them being used for other celebrations.
I will have at least one more post to share with you between now and the 25th.
I am linking this to Pink Saturday run by Beverley.
Wishes
Lynne

Baby It’s Cold Outside

At the weekend, as I turned towards the final Christmas card I needed to make, I spied this ATC which I’d actually made for the ATC swap hosted by the lovely Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts). It dawned on me I could put the ATC to good use by using it as the focal for a Christmas card.
The beautiful image is from Dezinaworld’s Vintage Collage trio, layering onto glitter cardstock bringing the required sparkle.
Picking up the ATC and a few supplies I then made this card. Gesso, glass glitter and pearls along with subtle stamping. I selected a snowflake from Oxford Impressions’ stamping it with white chalk ink.
June has the most delightful image available as a freebie over at her Dezinaworld Blog.
It is such a good feeling knowing the final Christmas card has been made. I still have a few more Christmas projects to share with you between now and the 25th, so if you wish to pop back between now and then I would be more than delighted.
Wishes
Lynne

Dashing Around With Rudolph

I have scheduled a couple of posts for today so that I can catch-up with Christmas projects I wanted to share with you. This first post focuses on  Crafty Individuals Rudolph stamp, a stamp that has been well used by me this Christmas. I made so many cards with this stamp, variations on colour and embellishments. I had hoped to share the card I made for my parents but have been unable to photograph it as yet. In the meantime …..
The  hanging gift pouch above and the first of two cards.with their glitter base they certainly sparkle under the festive lights.
If you have made any tags, bags, boxes, etc using Crafty Individuals stamps then why not enter them into the All Wrapped Up challenge over at Crafty Individuals Blog. The five winners each win a Crafty Individuals stamp of their own choice.
Wishes
Lynne

Step Aboard For The Steam Tea Travels

For the moment, let us put festive projects on hold and talk about getting away from it all. Are you still in the mood for a little Getaway? On Sunday I asked you to join me for a trip to Casablanca and now I ask you once again to be my travelling companion as we board the Steam Tea Travels. At Plush Possum Studio you will be whisked to London with a wee bit of  time travelling involved as we explore Victorian London.
Put the Christmas card writing, gift wrapping and food preparations  on hold and take some time to yourself to enjoy Plush Possum Studios’ London adventure and why not link up to the Steam Tea Travels link party at the same time. 
Wishes
Lynne
P.S. I will return with more Christmas projects in a short while

The Belles Are Counting Down To Christmas

Update:- I as thrilled that two of those cards were published in Stampington & co’s The Stampers’ Sampler

So we are now in the week running up to Christmas.  Are you organised, the To Do list complete or still wading through the Christmas cards, tags and gifts that still need to be made in time for Christmas Eve.
This week I will share with you various Christmas projects I’ve made but not managed to post before now.  Starting the Countdown to Christmas is Dezinaworld and  a beautiful image sheet titled Christmas Belles. This sheet has a lovely Victorian feel to it and has been designed by the incredibly talented Gayle Page-Robak
After selecting the images I edged with glass glitter to create lovely sparkle and for more sparkle, the edges of the cards were dipped into crystal glass glitter.
I love the haughty look this woman has and her flaming red hair.
The second card using the same snowflake stamp (Oxford Impressions) to create the stamped background.
with a  little bouquet tied with twine
The final card, adorned with flowers, lace
seam binding and a drop pearl.
Today and tomorrow at June’s Dezinaworld Blog, she will be displaying Christmas artwork from the Dezinaworld DT.
Wishes
Lynne
P.S. I am linking this to the fabulous Plush Possum Studio’s Steam Tea Travels party.