Sweet-Swirls

New Blog, New Link!

2012-02-13T01:33:00.000-08:00

As some of you will know, I've been having lots of trouble with my blog and had to move to a new one, which means I've lost all my followers and friends. This is the link to my new blog vickisweetswirls.blogspot.com please stop by and follow me (again)...lol

Thank you all

Hugs
Vicki x

New Link!

2012-02-06T01:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, just to let you know this is the new URL to my new blog
www.vickissweetswirls.blogspot.com please come and add yourself as a follower.

Vicki x

New Link!

2012-02-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hello again, just to let you know the link to my new blog is, http://vickissweetswirls.blogspot.com had so much trouble with this. If you can access this message please come and add yourself as a follower - it doesn't transfer followers I'm afraid :(

Thanks so much and hope to see you soon.

Hugs
Vicki x

OMG!!!!!!!!

2012-02-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

NIGHTMARE!!!!!! My blog wont let me upload any more photo's, it says I have exceeded my limit on Picasa where all my pictures are stored. Turns out my hubby has moved our photo files onto Picasa so they don't use up space on the PC and slow it down and now it's FULL! (Arrrrrrrrh)

My son is sitting now making me my own google a/c and I'm afraid it looks like a new blog, just hoping he can work out how to transfer everything from my old blog :(

Will be back when it's all sorted ;)

Hugs

Vicki x

Sweet Friend.

2012-01-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a card I made for a friends birthday last week, I'm afraid it's totally CASed though from this one here .

Busy day a head, cleaning, washing, etc, etc!!!

Have a good weekend,

hugs
Vicki x

Array of Sunshine!

2012-01-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

Oooow yes please! Can't wait till the weather gets a bit warmer and a bit more sunshine (but not too hot).

And on that note this is a sweet little card I made using the Stampin'Up! set 'Array of Sunshine' available to purchase in the main catalogue. I'm just loving the big flower which is great for decoupage and so easy to cut out

.

I think it's time I was going to bed, need my beauty sleep....lol

Hugs
Vicki x

Elegant Ladies!

2012-01-22T05:37:00.000-08:00

Before I purchased the 'petal cone' die from Stampin'Up! I wondered if I would ever find a use for it, well I couldn't have been more wrong. I have come across some fabulous ideas for this die whilst blog hopping but I think this is probably my favourite idea here and these are my take on it.

They really are elegant and could be adapted for so many different occasions. Hope you like them and they give you some super ideas and thanks again for dropping by :)

Hugs
Vicki x

Sonic Birthday!

2012-01-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

OMG, it's been over 2 months since I last posted here, no excuse just got caught up in everyday life. We didn't have a very good end or start to the year, my dad had a heart attack Christmas day but thankfully he's made a full recovery with the help of 'the top heart surgeon in Britain'. Yes he touched lucky and this guy actually fitted him with a stent which, the staff at Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool told us he never does minor things like this now, only major heart surgery. Looks like my dad was in the right place at the right time.

Well I think I'm back now....lol (hopefully!) I made this card for my cousins little boy and as you probably guessed he is a big fan of the Wii and football so I thought this was quite appropriate.

Thanks to anyone who has been dropping by whilst I've been absent and hopefully I'll be back soon with another card.

Hugs
Vicki x

More Yumminess!

2011-11-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

Oh yes more yummy cakes and these ones taste even better than the Halloween ones, lots of nice lemon curd and jam fillings.

Enjoy ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

Christmas in a Tin.

2011-11-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

I finally did it! I have wanted to make this project for so long but just never got around to doing it for one reason or another, so here it is done and dusted

I must thank Jenny Moors for her fabulous tutorial which you can purchase from her blog and thank you all for taking the time to stop by :)

Hugs
Vicki x

Scary but Yummy!

2011-10-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, very quick post, just nipping out to the shops. Today I took the boys to a Halloween Cupcake Decorating class, I thought it would be something different and they quite like helping out in the Kitchen.

Tah dah! Not as easy as it looks but I will keep practising.

And these belong to Nicholas, unfortunately one is no longer....lol

TTFN

Vicki x

Pennant Punch Goes Christmas!

2011-10-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well, when I started this card I didn't really know where I was going with it. I decided on the papers or more like was determined to use the papers as I've had them that long unused.....lol

Anyway, made the card added the papers and then it was left for a month or two, then decided I would use my new punch on it - so that I did. It was then left for another few weeks and just by chance I made the poinsettia for another card but it didn't really go and hey presto! I have a finished card.....lol

All in all it probably took about 2+ months to make, well they do say 'everything comes to those who wait?!'......lol

I suppose the 'pennant punch' speaks for it's self but he poinsettia was made using the 'bird punch' and the papers are 'hostess' in poppy parade (now retired) but you can still buy very similar ones in the same colour.

Have a good week and I hope the rain stays off ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

Scary Post!

2011-10-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday peeps, well it's not glorious sunshine but at least it's not raining (thankful for small mercies!).

This week over at Simply Stampin the theme is Halloween and there are just so many fabulous ideas flying around (most of them spooky!!! ha!) ok, maybe I'll just stick to the crafting ;) So this is my entry for the challenge, not my idea I'm afraid, I found it on one of the fabulous US blogs belonging to Connie & Mary and thought it was so cool and very easy to make.

Hope you're all having a good weekend or if like me a nice week off too (yay!!)

Hugs
Vicki x

Birthday Gifts

2011-10-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Just grabbing 5 mins to show you the gifts I made for my friends birthday, it's now safe to post them (she regularly checks my blog). All the products are SU, although the paper is now retired, the wrapping paper is made from the packaging that comes with the SU orders (I just ironed it) I stamped all over it with the 'bella toile' stamp which is also retired now (sorry!) but there are lots more gorgeous background stamps that will do the same job and look just as good too ;)

And hiding inside are, two SU stamp sets, SU owl punch and a SU embossing folder not forgetting the Lindt choccies in the sour cream box :)

Off to try and make a card now, if I can be bothered ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

It's Winter!!!

2011-10-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Well at least it is in Liverpool. OMG it's soooo cold and I really don't want to put the heating on right now, trying to hold out until at least the end of the month (shiver, shiver.) May be some crafting will take my mind of it.....lol

Just got a few cards to show that I've made over the last few weeks but didn't get around to posting, for one reason or another.

I'm so pleased with myself that this card actually turned out, used my brayer and SU inks to make it, just love the little bits of dazzling diamonds on it.

This card has been CAS'd from the one below, just adore the original card but tried it in a different colour combo and I do believe I prefer the original.....lol

This is the card my SU Mummy (Monica) sent me for my birthday, back in August.

Thanks for stopping by and I promise I will be back 'sooner' with some more cards.

Enjoy your weekend

Hugs
Vicki x

Craft Night.

2011-09-19T01:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post this morning, got to go shopping (groan.) Last week I went to Keren's house, (my friend and fellow demo) and we had a lovely night just crafting and chatting. So these are a few of the cards we made, there is another one but I haven't quite finished putting it together yet (too much chatting) but as soon as I do I will show it.

This one is Keren's design, I love the simplicity of it and will definitely use this layout again.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Hugs
Vicki x

Disney Time!

2011-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile, where did August go then....lol and here we are halfway through September which means only 2 more weeks until the release of the new Stampin'Up! catalogue....woohoo!!!!

I'm struggling to take in how fast the time is passing, my children are getting so big and grown up. It feels like my eldest started high school last year but nope, it was 2 years ago and now he starts in Year 9 (3rd year to some of us.....lol) and this year decides on his options - he's so excited (bless him) hope he's still this excited in another 12 mths. .....lol.

Anyway, here are a couple of cards I made for commissions, I do love making these cards they always looks so good (even if I do say so myself......lol)

Both cards were made using my Cricut machine and Disney cartridges.

Sorry for the short post but I'm so tired, think I might go to bed now :)

Thanks for visiting me.

Hugs
Vicki x

40th Birthday Card.

2011-08-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd pop back to show you a card I've made for a work colleague who turns the big 40 in a couple of weeks.

Because I've had so many cards to make in a short space of time, I decided to use a digi download to make it quicker, these really are invaluable when you don't have much time. I haven't put any layers on this card just a bit of sparkle and the odd gem.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Hugs
Vicki x

On A Roll!!

2011-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Introducing my second Christmas card, I think that's quite good for me, I'm usually doing a last minute rush to get them sent out before Christmas eve! Just another simple one using that absolutely gorgeous embossing folder from SU 'Square Lattice', it just gives a beautiful effect almost makes the cardstock look like material and only £6.95!

I've used my ever faithful 'Season of Joy' stamp set (I think it's my fav. Christmas set from SU, so versatile) to stamp the images, teamed with 'Cherry Cobbler' it's the perfect Christmas red. Once you have stamped your image(s) run it through the bigshot in the square lattice embossing folder and 'hey presto!' gorgeous card.

Well, two more weeks left and it's back to the grind stone, can't believe where these last four weeks have gone, they've flown by. I have a few more cards to show but I'll keep them for another day.

Thanks to you if you visit my blog, I really appreciate it.

Vicki x

Polka Doodles Challenge.

2011-07-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've entered the challenge over at Polka Doodles Blog , the theme this week is 'English country garden' and this is my take on it.

The papers, 'orange gingham' and 'easter stripe' I downloaded for free from their website and the stamp (also a polka doodle) was free in this months 'craft stamper' magazine. The 'olive' ribbon is from SU.

Hope you all have a good weekend,
hugs

Vicki x

Another Day, Another Card!

2011-07-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here I am sitting comfortably on the couch, little pink netbook on knee, cup of tea, blogging - this is the life.....lol Oh this is the best thing I ever got, just makes life so much easier (well, may be just the blogging bit...lol) It's glorious sunshine again, which means lots of washing dry and just may be a bit of crafting (yay!)

This is a card I kinda CASed from Julie Kettlewell, hers was much nicer though but just wanted to try the technique and I love the effect
.
This is actually my first Christmas card, 22 weeks to go if your interested....lol (scary!)

Oh well, off to sort son No.1 out, he's off to 'splash world' with his friend.

TTFN

Vicki x

Lovely Break!

2011-07-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! Got 6 lovely weeks off for the summer and I'm soooo enjoying them. I've managed to make quite a few cards over the last few weeks for one thing or another but didn't get a chance to photograph them all (bum!) I did remember to take this one though.

A colleague in work was leaving and it was hard not to make it look like a teacher card from one of the children but I tried! It's another digi download and although you can't tell from the pic it's actually decoupaged and has some glaze on it. I made it 8x8 so everyone could sign it.

Well got to go now, postman just knocked on the door with my new 'pink' netbook! (smile, smile, smile!!)

Hugs
Vicki x

Digi Downloads.

2011-07-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Oh I'm having so much fun with these, they are so quick and easy and they actually look good too. I've never really been a fan of digi downloads but a friend has been making some amazing cards using them, so thought I'd give it ago. I'm hooked!

This one is an 8 x 8 card as it's for work and all the staff need to sign it, quite appropriate too as the little man concerned has his days and nights back to front and mummy and daddy are not getting any sleep (remember it well.)

And this one is for my uncle's 60th Birthday - how cute is this!

Off to make some teacher cards now, ready for the end of term. Hope you all have a good weekend, weather not too bad here, so fingers crossed.

Hugs
Vicki x

Beautiful Weekend!

2011-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Wow how lucky are we to have another beautiful sunny weekend. I can't believe we have been so lucky lately with our British weather, compared to the last few years anyway. Myself, hubby and the boys have made the most of the good weather for a change, instead of staying in and getting odd jobs done, yesterday we visited the Summer Fair at Nicholas' school and today we met up with his friend to go swimming, then son No.1 met up with some of his school friends and they went off swimming too. Good time had all round :)

I just remembered that I hadn't posted this card, at the time the recipient hadn't had her birthday and then I forgot. The papers are SU and the stamp is Elsybells which are no more (sadly.)

Roll on tomorrow, got a date with the UPS guy (Woohoo!)

Enjoy the last few hours of the weekend peeps.

Hugs
Vicki x

Minny Mouse!

2011-06-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps, just a very quick post from me today (what's new....lol.) A quick card I made for my cousins little one, Mollie, for her 2nd birthday, she just adores Minny Mouse. It's actually a padded sticker, it was on a sheet with lots of other images and only cost me 99p! (it's fabulous quality and soooo shimmery.)

If you click the image you may be able to see the shimmer on the image.

Have a good weekend ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

Paying The Price!

2011-06-20T03:03:00.000-07:00

Here I am again wondering where the time has gone, it's quite scary really when you think about it, so best not too. Well I've had quite an eventful weekend, Friday night hubby and I went to a 21st birthday party and Saturday was an all day and night 40th birthday bash, it's all or nothing. Well if you were wondering what I did Sunday, I spent the whole day in bed nursing a migraine and vomiting and before you ask, no! I don't even drink (boring.) So today the little son and me are chilling on the couch as I haven't got an ounce of energy (little son has an inset day today.)

Just thought I'd show you this wedding card, a lady in my hubby's office asked if I would make her a card for a couple who went abroad to get married and this is what I did for them (totally CASed from the Cricut.com gallery.)

I think I should go and get my son washed and dressed now (how lazy are we....lol)

TTFN

Vicki x

Confetti Cards

2011-06-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today, got to go and dry my hair. A few more cards I made using the lovely 'confetti' stamps from SU, I'm just loving them so much.

All products are SU and these cards were so quick and easy to make.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs
Vicki x

Missing in Action!

2011-06-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

LOL.... That's what it feels like, OMG where has this last month gone I ask myself. Sorry for being so absent but life in general has just taken over (again!) I had such a busy month during May, what with birthdays and things, places to go, people to see, I'm quite glad it's over. Mind you thinking about it this month isn't going to be much quieter, what with more birthdays, anniversaries and father's day too.
All said and done though we had a lovely half-term break away with the boys and my parents at Ribby Hall. If you haven't already been to Ribby Hall I would highly recommend it, it's any absolutely beautiful place and my dad was all for selling up and moving there....lol (I'm not joking!) If you check out their website it's exactly as it looks and squeaky clean too (boy was I pleased.)

Anyway, time for a card. This is for the challenge over at Less is More and it will be the first time I've entered this challenge. They have asked you to make a Monochrome style card and this is my effort.

I have used my lovely Confetti stamp set, which I am just loving soooo much, how gorgeous are those little leaves. I have also used the Punch Potpourri (now retired, shame) the DSP is Concorde Crush from the FREE hostess pad, the ribbon is Very Vanilla and the ink is a Concorde Crush marker pen. I just love how it's turned out.

Well that's all for now but hopefully will be back again tomorrow with another card to show.

*Ok how dumb can a girl really be? Well I think I qualify! I have just realized this is the card I made for the challenge over at Simply Stampin but because I made three cards altogether and all in monochrome I've mixed them all up and entered the wrong card into the wrong challenge (what a gonk!).....lol So I am also entering this card into the Simply Stampin challenge too, which is where it should have been orginally (think I need to go blonde now....lol)

Hugs
Vicki x

Thank you's!

2011-05-23T02:27:00.000-07:00

Got a sick child today, so that means I'll not get much done :( My littlest woke up yesterday morning at 5am (nice) saying he didn't feel well "I think I need a bucket" and you guessed it, 10 minutes later he's vomiting and shortly after that the diarrhoea kicked in (joy!) So have kept him home today just to make sure he's clear of it.

Anyway, change of subject me thinks. These little cards are what I made to give to my customers, I've used some of my new stash from the SU mini catalogue. I'm just loving this new embossing folder (square lattice) which by the way looks so much better with plain paper or card (well I think so) and the new 'four frames' stamp set with matching punch.

Better go and get my darling one washed and dressed ready for the 'food shop!'

TTFN

Vicki x

Challenge Card

2011-05-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, long time no speak peeps, just been busy, busy, busy (no change there then!) A very quick post from me today, just wanted to share my card for the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey and as usual I'm pretty late posting it.

All the products are PTI.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, despite the rain :(

Hugs
Vicki x

'Me Time!

2011-05-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

How excited am I! I've been blessed this week with an extra day off work because of the local elections (yay!!) Which means I've had two whole days to craft.....woohoo! (And believe me when I say I have....lol.) I made this card using that lovely 'sweet summer' SAB set (now retired) there are just soooo many ways you can use it and it's so sweet and delicate.

The colours are from the new 'in colours' and they all work so well together, the papers are a hostess gift which you can get for free if you hold a Stampin'Up! Workshop. I've coloured the stamps using the 'in colours' marker set which are such good value @£11.75 for a pack of five.

OK, back to the crafting before the school run is upon me, just working on some challenge cards and some thank you's for my customers which I will show you next time ;)

Have a good weekend,

hugs
Vicki x

Wedding Card!

2011-04-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Oh how appropriate....lol, couldn't think of a better day to post a wedding card for a challenge ;) How fab was the 'wedding', she looked absolutely stunning and so happy (bless.) And on that note I shall share with you my card for the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey and you guessed the theme already....lol

The White card stock is from my stash, the pink & white ink is SU and everything else is PTI - the quote was a freebie from Nicole Heady to celebrate PTI's 4th anniversary ;)

Enjoy the lovely long weekend peeps :)

Hugs
Vicki x

A Challenge card.

2011-04-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Oh how gorgeous is this weather? Just hope it lasts a bit longer until the end of August....lol Well, quick post from me tonight, feeling pretty tired and been quite busy in work too, so just wanted to share my card with you for the Simply Stampin' Challenge. This week they have quite a simple sketch to follow (not to taxing on the brain) and this is my take on it.

All the products are Stampin'Up! and the buttons were made using Bitty Buttons and Itty Bitty shapes Punch Pack with DSP.

Thanks for stopping by,

hugs
Vicki x

Happy Easter and Sunshine Too!!!

2011-04-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, hope you're all having a fabulous day, sunshine and chocolate, what more could we ask for.....lol. Well both my boys are happy with their finds this morning, it has been known for Easter Bunny not to leave the exact right egg before today (whoops!)

Just thought I'd share this milk carton I made to house some chocolate yumminess for my nephew, he's nearly 16 by the way......lol still loves his chocolate though, especially the Lindt eggs!

The cardstock is all SU but the dies are Sizzix and the stamp is retired I'm afraid, which is a shame because it's such a fabulous stamp.

Anyways, enjoy the rest of your day :)

Hugs
Vicki x

Mums Birthday!

2011-04-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hello strangers, well at least I am anyway.....lol I think there is a time thief doing the rounds, where is it going I ask myself! Anyway, last week was my mums birthday, not that she was here mind, no, she was spoiling herself in New York doing a spot of shopping and she certainly did that (wink.) This is the card I made for her though, already for her return.

I've used those gorgeous papers, elegant soiree with the co-ordinating cardstock, baja breeze, soft suede and very vanilla and of course that daisy die has sneaked in again ;) I do love it! The new seam binding ribbon is just lush to use, just hope they bring some more colours in the new catalogue next October :) and the stamp I have used is a 'Dolly Mamas' they are so humerous, just love them.

Sorry for the quick post but it's getting a bit late now and no doubt my youngest will be up at the crack of dawn to see if the 'Easter Bunny' has been ;)

Have a lovely Easter Sunday and lets hope the sun comes out for the bank holiday!

Hugs
Vicki x

Beautiful Weekend and a Teenager!

2011-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday my baby No.1 turned 13! OMG, just can't believe where the years have disappeared to. I remember everything about his birth like it was yesterday and although the end result was a beautiful bundle which I totally adored and always will, the birth it's self has to be the worst thing I have ever been through. But yesterday we had a lovely day at splash world with our 2 boys and my nephew and then out for a Chinese in the evening with Nan & Grandad :)

So if that wasn't enough, the weather being so glorious today, we've ended this special weekend with a barbecue, no doubt it will rain tomorrow.....lol but hey, what an excuse to craft (wink!)

Anyway onto the cards, now I don't know about anyone else but I am guilty of making a card I like but never ever making it again. So this time I broke the habit of a life time and made 3 cards all the same but in different colour schemes.

Border punch is Martha Stewart and card candy (flower centres) is craftwork cards, everything else is Stampin'Up! and available to order from me.

Hope you like them and thanks for looking.

TTFN

Vicki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge

2011-04-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about this challenge blog as it will 'make' me put all those SU goodies to better use....lol I know we are all guilty of this (having too much stash!)

So this is my card I made using the new daisy die from the fabulous new mini catalogue (and if you haven't already just click on the image in my sidebar and browse all the yummy goodies available.)

All the products are SU although I think the DSP is now retired but it has been replaced with another scrumy paper in the same colour available in the Neutrals DSP 12x12 Pattern Stack, it contains 40 sheets, 2 of each colour for just £15.50 and trust me they are delish!

Ok, the card

TTFN

Vicki x

Bliss!

2011-04-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

Well it truly was a 'bliss' set to work with but alas, it has been retired, never to be sold again :( For those of you lucky enough to have earned this fabulous set you will never be disappointed with the endless possibilities. This card was inspired from a very pretty card I found whilst blog hopping and was created by the lovely Dawn Wicks.

Matching gift tag too, I'm into tags at the moment :)

Well that's all from me today, off to visit my mum now with the boys, hope you're having better weather than we are here in Liverpool :(

Hugs
Vicki x

Baby Card.

2011-04-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

OMG, don't know what happened to my original post, it just disappeared into thin air! Ok, so here goes again, this is my entry into the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey Blog and if you didn't already guess the theme is 'baby cards'.

Thanks for looking,

Vicki x

Products used;
cardstock, DSP, ribbon, buttons, sentiment - PTI
oval punches, heart punches - SU
border punch - MS
medium heart punch, Woodware.
twine from stash.
flower die, Marianne

Mothers Day and Prepared!

2011-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Well usually it's a last minute job, so this year I am more than ready with my Mothers Day card, in fact I actually made this card about three or four weeks ago which is quite impressive for me (believe me!) It started off as a gift tag but I thought it would be a shame if it got thrown away and I know my mum keeps her cards for inspiration, so that's what it became, her mothers day card as opposed to tag!

This is such a beautiful stamp set(Bliss) and is a shame it's no longer available, it was a Sale-a-bration set. All the products are SU except for the black lace which is from my stash.

Have decided to enter this into the challenge over at Allsorts Blog as the theme they have this week is to make a card for 'a special lady', so this fits the bill perfectly and also Papertake Weekly, their challenge is 'a mom thing'.

Thanks for stopping by,

Vicki x

Another Challenge Card.

2011-03-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

A really quick post as it's nearly midnight and I should be in bed, I'll struggle to get up in the morning (no change there then!) My third entry into A Passion for Papertry challenge, same style as before but different colour combo.

Vicki x

Quick Post and a Challenge.

2011-03-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is going to be really quick, just watching Comic Relief, it's so sad, I've given what I can just hope it all helps in some small way.

This is my entry for the challenge over at A Passion for Papertry the theme this week was to paper piece your stamped image and this was the only PTI stamp I had that I could actually paper piece but I do love it so I was happy ;) All the products are PTI apart from the border punch which is SU.

I was so pleased with my card I decided to make a matching tag, so I'm going to have two entries in this challenge (way to go!)

TTFN

Vicki x

Finally Some Crafting :)

2011-03-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

I think a girlie night a week or so ago has given me the kick start I needed to get my mojo back and a little me time of course (wink!) I've seen so many of these sweet little bird houses around and promised myself I would make one, one day!

It's actually quite a good size and I imagine it will hold at least four creme eggs or something else yummy. I used a template I found in one of my Magnolia mags, it was really simple to put together too. All the materials are SU but I have a feeling that yellow cardstock is retired although there will be one very similar available.

Well time to go and pick up kiddie wink No.2 from school, thanks for stopping by ;)

Vicki x

Not a Mention of '50'!

2011-03-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

Still here, just not had much time to craft though but did manage to make this card for a lady in work who turned the big '50' although we couldn't mention it because she wasn't very happy about it (eek!) so just had to pretend it was a normal birthday.

It's quite a big square card, so everyone could sign it and although I wasn't around when she opened it (no I wasn't scared...lol) the feedback was that she liked it (phew!) All materials are SU apart from the letters and numbers which are cut using my Cricut machine and mirror card and balloon peel offs from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Hugs
Vicki x

March Frenzy - Special Offer!

2011-03-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Another fantastic offer from Stampin'Up! Save up to 30% off selected items during the month of March.

Click the image above to find out more details and if you would like to order any of the discounted items just drop me a line at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk

TTFN

Vicki x

Birthday Cards and a Sick Boy :(

2011-02-28T05:18:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought I had a day to craft and catch up with all the birthday cards I need to make, I gets a phone call from school to say my little one feels "sick and wobbley" don't you just love how they express themselves (bless him.) I must admit at first I thought, he was fine this morning, only to remember that yesterday whilst we were visiting hubby's sister her new puppy caught Nicholas' finger whilst he was playing with him (and drew blood) and I thought maybe that had something to do with it. Anyway finger is fine but little one is a sleep on the couch - now I know he's out of sorts as he only sleeps during the day when he's sick :(

So I have managed to get two out of the four birthday cards finished and hopefully will fit another one in before son No.1 arrives home from school. This one I made for a lady from my craft group I go to, in case you haven't guessed she's 70!..... I guess the numbers are a give away hey!....lol

The papers are K&Co and the cardstock is SU. I made those gorgeous little flowers using a Marianne Design die.

This one will make one of my friends smile as I have recycled the birthday card she made for my sons birthday a few weeks ago (I've pinched the image from it....lol) Today is my cousins little boys birthday and he soooo loves Mario!

Ok, back to tend to my little sick man, he's so good when he's ill, he never murmurs (bless him.)

TTFN

Vicki x

Girly Night

2011-02-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post these quickly, on route to the kitchen to make dinner....lol any excuse. Did a small class last week with some close friends and my mum and this is one of the cards we made, totally inspired by one of my favourite lady's of course, the lovely Jenny Moors! The photo's are not very good I'm afraid, the light is starting to go now but I just love these colours together - baja breeze, soft suede and very vanilla and those pearls are to die for! If you haven't tried them already I strongly recommend them, gorgeous!!!

Well, back to work tomorrow after the half-term and only 6 more weeks until the next one...lol I'm so loving this term-time job, so many holidays ;)

Have a good week!

Vicki x

Simply Stampin' Challenge Blog!

2011-02-18T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hello all, sorry for being a stranger at the moment but due to half-term definitely no time to blog :( Just wanted to let you know about a new challenge blog called Simply Stampin' and you may have guessed, it's a Stampin'Up! challenge blog (yay!) The challenge's will start in a few weeks but right now Niki is looking for a design team, so if you fancy yourself as a dedicated design team member pop over and leave your name and contact details.

TTFN

Vicki x

PTI Challenge

2011-02-06T14:52:00.001-08:00

OMG how late am I posting this, it's 10.55pm! Story of my life, leave everything til the last minute. This is my entry for the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey where they have the most yummy picture to inspire you.

I have used one of the FREE downloads offered by Nicole on her blog to celebrate PTI's 4th anniversary, all other products are also PTI.

Well nearly time for bed, thanks for looking.

Hugs
Vicki x

Lost Treasures!

2011-01-31T02:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning (yes I know it's Monday) well hope it is anyway. Just a really quick post from me today, just so you know I haven't gone off on one again ....lol

This was a thank you present I sent to a blogging buddy ages ago and thanks to RM she never did receive it. I was quite annoyed about it as by the time I'd paid the postage on it, it all added up to quite a few pounds not to mention the time I'd put into doing it (which I did enjoy.)

All products are Stampin'Up! but unfortunately the ribbon and 'yummy' stamp are retired but if you would like to order any SU products just drop me an email at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk and remember SU now accept Credit or Debit card payments, which does makes it so much easier!

Have a good week.

Hugs
Vicki x

What's going on?!

2011-01-21T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hahaha! Me again, two posts in one week, what can this mean? Just thought as my weekend began yesterday (4pm.....lol) I might try a little challenge for a change. So as I absolutely adore PTI products and have a little stash of goodies (that I only seem to look at latel) that I might put them to some use. The challenge this week over at A Passion for Papertrey is 'out of your comfort zone'. Now I absolutely adore acetate and the effects it's gives when it's stamped on and especially when a whole card is made from it but I've always been too 'chicken' to have ago. So given this challenge I thought I would face my fear and give it a try.

So this is what I came up with, inspired by an extremely talented lady by the name of 'Sarita'. I have to say it was a bit tricky working with the acetate and matching the pattern up from the background stamp, not too mention fingers prints all over the place....lol but all said and done I am quite pleased with my feeble attempts ;) Ok so off I go to make sure I don't miss the deadline.

Have a great weekend ;)

Vicki x

More Gifts and the Start of My Weekend!

2011-01-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

Oh I just love 4pm on a Thursday afternoon, the end of my working week, well my 3 day working week anyway......lol It's been the longest week ever and the fact I have another ear infection and can't wear my hearing aid doesn't help matters. I didn't realise just how deaf I am but I can laugh about it and I have taken a bit of stick this week in work, all in jest of course.

Way back in November when I attended the Stampin'Up! Convention, I made a few gifts, or should I say made the packaging for a few gifts. Anyway forgot to post them then, so am doing it now, better late than never hey ;)

These I made for my roomie, Keren. The cake box contains a cupcake candle.

This was the gift I gave to my upline, Monica.

If you take the time to stop by my blog, I am eternally grateful and hope you like a bit of what you see ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

New Baby

2011-01-14T04:50:00.000-08:00

Hello peeps! Just a quick post from me, I should be doing the house work but thought I'd just show you these.

My cousin had her third child a couple of weeks ago, so I thought I might find a bit of time to make some gift boxes for my pressies, with matching card of course ;) Sorry about the 'naff' pic by the way, it was night time.

Well must dash, need to finish the house work, my mum and two friends are coming to craft later ;)

TTFN

Vicki x

Sale-a-bration Time.......come on!!!!

2011-01-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

Yes it's that wonderful time of year, again (no not Christmas)......lol. Sale-a-bration is here again and you know what that means "FREE STAMPS!" So for every £45 pounds you spend on SU goodies you can choose a Free set of stamps from this little lot.

BLISS

PUNCH BUNCH

SO HAPPY FOR YOU

SWEET SUMMER

How gorgeous are they? So if you would like to earn yourself some FREE stamp sets, just drop me a line at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk with your order and some FREE stamps will be winging there way to you!

Here are a couple of cards I made using the SWEET SUMMER set.

Vicki x

Totally CASed!

2010-12-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

Wow, how cute are these? I just want to say a huge thank you to this wonderfully talented lady Julie for this fabulous idea, these are just so quick and easy to make, I made 3 in no time at all. They look good in any colour scheme too.

Thank you to any one who has visited my blog and sorry for not being around, life has just taken over at the minute and I haven't even crafted let alone blogged. I'm hopping to get myself in order after the Christmas hols, so fingers crossed! ;)

Hope you all have a beautiful Christmas and very best wishes to you for a prosperous new year (i.e. loads of orders and workshops for SU Demo's.....lol)

Take care,

big hugs
Vicki x

Fabulous Offer From Stampin'Up!

2010-11-12T02:31:00.001-08:00

Bundle Up For Christmas!

If you would like to know more about this fab offer and earn some gorgeous FREE ribbons, just click on the picture above!

To place an order for the above offer or any goodies from the current catalogue, just email me at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk don't miss out this offer is only available until the 29 December!

Hugs
Vicki x

Weekend To Remember!

2010-11-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Well, got back from Convention on Saturday evening at about 10.30pm having left Croydon at 5.30pm and that was without any traffic jams, not the nicest of drive's I must admit. I went to Convention with 3 other local demo's, Keren, Linda and Nicci and I have to say I'm sooooo glad I was with them because we have formed a fabulous friendship through Stampin'Up! and I'm so grateful for that. Now to say the weekend was an experience could be a bit of an understatement! Firstly it took us 6 hrs, we left Liverpool at about 1.30pm and arrived at the Hilton, Croydon at 7.30pm just in time for the pre-convention party organised by my upline, the lovely Monica, so no time to freshen up just straight into party mode!

So party done and dusted, Keren and I thought we might go and find our hotel (we had booked into a Travel Lodge for the Thursday evening) but just as we were about to leave Linda came back from her room (in the Hilton) and said the smell was that bad she didn't think she would be able to sleep in it and the guy at the reception desk had told her they didn't have anymore rooms available and basically that was that! Oh no no no....... so off we goes, Keren and I, Linda in tow.....lol I asked very nicely to see the Manager and then preceded to tell the silly little man at the reception how disgusting and filthy the room was and the customer service was none existent. So the manager finally arrives, 30 minutes later (obviously wasn't in a rush) and Keren told him how disgusted we were with the service given their reputation and what were they going to do about it? (she was very good) So having been kept waiting yet another 30 minutes the manager finally reappears and as if by magic he has managed to find Linda another room (even though they were fully booked ;) what a guy! (not)

Just goes to show how we let ourselves be fobbed off by these people, I think they were glad to see the back of Stampin'Up! demo's......lol I must say though, the hotel on the whole was a disgrace, believe me that wasn't all of it, cold breakfasts, no coffee, no hot water, all the keys to the rooms stopped working one afternoon and it was mayhem! But the fun doesn't end there, when Keren and I finally found our hotel, it was in such a bad area of Croyden (is there a good one?) we were far too scared to stay and had to try and find another one, at 11.30pm. Anyway finally managed to get into a Premier Inn just at the back of the Hilton, (where we were booked into for the Friday evening) but at extra expense because we had already paid up front for the Travel Lodge.

Anyway all said and done the SU part of Convention was very nice, lovely location at Addington Palace, fabulous food and the staff were just super! (lots of freebies too, which is always very nice!!!) I have a few photos to show you but not many I'm afraid because the blinkin battery on my camera ran out. (typical)

Ok this is Linda, Keren and Nicci at Monica's party.

Another one with me on the end.

Bekka, Nicci's upline.

Linda and Debbie, queueing up at Memento Mall.

Waiting to pay for our lush goodies!

Swaps!

Grand hall.

How gorgeous do these look?! (YUM!)

Irene and her friend (German Demo's.)

Well, if you managed to stay with me to the end, well done!....lol Hope you enjoyed having a peek at some of what went on.

Hugs
Vicki x

Still Here!

2010-10-30T15:30:00.001-07:00

I know I said I was going to try and blog more often but, I've been so busy making lots of swaps lately for the Stampin'Up! Convention which is next week and although I haven't got anything to share with you yet just watch this space because you can bet your life I will have loadsa swaps to show you when I get back ;)

But just for now here are a couple of cards I've made for birthdays.

I know I always say this but I do appreciate you visiting my blog ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

Thank you!

2010-10-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

Finally had my launch party to introduce the new Stampin'Up! catalogue and I have to say it went pretty well, I had 5 ladies turn up (a few couldn't make it) and we had a really nice night with cake, craft and chat (what more do you need!) and I can honestly say that I think the Contempo Christmas stamp set from the new catty is going to be a hit!

This is the set and if you would like to purchase it or any of the items from the current catalogue just drop me a line at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk. (see samples from previous post.)

Just to show my customers how much I appreciate their loyalty I've made them each a thank you card using the bird punch, I really don't use this half as much as I should because it's absolutely gorgeous and so versatile, believe me this is only one of the ways you can use it and I will make some more samples to show you.

Well I'm just waiting for the UPS man to turn up now and he's late!

TTFN

Vicki x

It's In The House!!

2010-10-08T03:09:00.000-07:00

Please scroll down for new posts!

At last I can now reveal what we have all been waiting for (and ever so patiently) the new catalogue from Stampin'Up! WOOHOO!!!!!

Just click on the catalogue to view the goodies, make your wish list and email me at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk to place your order.

I shall be holding my New Catalogue Launch Party next Friday 8th October at 8pm at my house, if you would like to come along just email me at the above address for details.

Happy browsing ;)

Vicki x

Yummy Samples!

2010-10-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

I've actually managed to make a few samples with some of the gorgeous yummyness from the new Stampin'Up! catty and believe me when I say this is just the tip of the iceberg! They really have got some fabulous products in there (as always) so don't forget click on the picture above to browse the catty and email me with your order.

These cards are made using the new set "Contempo Christmas" at a mere £12.95 that's what I call value for money! And is fast becoming one of my favs ;)

Now I do love a baby card, they are just so darn cute!! This one is made using one of the new wheel stamps "Baby Tees" and is just soooo versatile, notice the matching tag made with the wheel too ;)

Well we have some lovely sunshine here in Liverpool (for a change) so that can only mean one thing "lotsa washing dry!" :)

Thanks for stopping by,

hugs
Vicki x

Sale Time!!

2010-09-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Please scroll down for newer posts!

It's finally arrived and we (demo's) are extremely excited about it, the list of what will be retiring from the current Stampin'Up! catalogue that is and if that wasn't enough we also get to have a peek at the new SU catalogue which will be released on the 1st October!! I can confirm that the new catty is FAB!!! and you wont be disappointed ;)

So if you would like to have a browse at the retiring list just click on the picture below and if you see anything you fancy you can contact me at sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk to place an order :)

Happy browsing!!!

Hugs
Vicki x

Long Time No Blog!

2010-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

I find myself apologising again for my lack of posting, haven't been feeling so good lately and just getting through the days has been a chore and this morning I woke with a whopping headache (just my luck) but I was determined to post today.

So what have I been up to besides the usual, well last night I went to my very first Stampin'Up! event, demo training in Manchester. I met so many ladies from the ILWS forum and it was really nice to put a face to the name, they were all so lovely and I can't wait to meet them again at convention in November. I also met my SU Mummy (Monica) for the very first time, so that was really special and we all had a really fabulous night and if that wasn't enough we got a free stamp set too, woohoo!!!!

I have got a few projects to share with you that I made awhile ago but never got around to posting them.

This was a thank you gift I made for a blogging buddy but sadly good old RM managed to loose it in the post and she never received it, I think I was more upset because of the time I put into making it.

And this was the card I made for my friends Birthday, did you guess she is also an avid crafter ;) or should that read ADDICT!.....lol

Thank you all so much for visiting me here, even in my absence (in a shameful voice)

Take care,

hugs
Vicki x

Baby Boy!

2010-09-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Last week my cousin and his wife had their 3rd baby boy weighing in at 7lb 14oz, his wife also has a son from a previous relationship, so I figured one more and they have a five-a-side team.......lol
So this is the card I made to congratulate them on their new arrival.

Totally inspired by this card Julie made here and it just so happens that over on A Passion for Papertrey blog the theme this week is polka dots, so I think this card fits in nicely.

Right off to finish my hot chocolate, I'm soooo tired but back on the iron tablets so hopefully start feeling better again soon (can't wait till they get me sorted out!)

Night, night,

Vicki x

Another Fab Offer from Stampin'Up!!!!!!!!

2010-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Please scroll down for newer posts!

For the month of August only Stampin'Up! are offering 20% off selected Two-Step stamp sets!

To see whats on offer and get prices please click on the picture. If you would like to take advantage of this offer or purchase any other Stampin'Up! products, don't hesitate to get in touch with me ;)

Happy browsing!

Hugs
Vicki x

Hooray Sunshine!!!!

2010-08-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Are we blessed or what! What a gorgeous day we've had, so much so hubby and I took the boys out to the "Matthew Street Festival " held here in Liverpool every August bank holiday. They have so many different stages almost like our own mini Glastonbury (well may be not....lol) Top of my eldest sons list though was the Lily Allen tribute band and Lady Gaga but the killers and coldplay were pretty good too and now I am nursing my poor feet -heck do they hurt :(

Now I know it's a bit late, a week actually but just thought I'd share these birthday cards that Benjamin my eldest son made me for my birthday - he always makes Nicholas' card for him too.

This one was from Benjamin - cheeky child of mine!

This is the one Benjamin made for Nicholas to give to me, he even made an inside too (even cheekier child of mine....lol)

What can I say, my children know me well....hahaha!

Ok that's all from me today I'm afraid, hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and now it's back to the grind stone :(

Hugs
Vicki x

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!!

2010-08-23T03:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning peeps (apart from the rain, boo!) I'm having a lovely morning with breakfast in bed, lots of pressies, home made cakes and cards. The boys have just had me playing 10 tin bowling on the wii but they didn't let me win, not even on my birthday so had to make do with 2nd place.....lol

Since the weather is so rubbish we are just going to go out for lunch and may be the rain will go off ;) shall be back soon with some pics of my cards and pressies.

TTFN

Hugs

Vicki x

Hopefully in time......

2010-08-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

to get my card into the challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room. This week we had this gorgeous picture as inspiration.

And this is my take on it,

hope you like and thanks for dropping by.

Hugs

Vicki x

Recipe - cream card SU, all other materials Anna Griffin

Thank you!

2010-08-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post from me today, got a kiddies party to go to (woohoo!) well may be not....lol anyway these are the "thank you's" I made for my stampers club about 2 or 3 months ago and forgot to post them (clown!)

The idea was to use all the new colours so they would have a sample to keep ;)

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs
Vicki x

Christmas in August!

2010-08-17T01:20:00.001-07:00

Good morning guys (apart from the rain that is) got back from our hols on Sunday but have been doing a bit of catching up in the form of "washing!" I'm so glad I managed to get the last of it dried yesterday given today's weather (wet!) We went to my parents caravan in Wales and the boys had a great time (spending our money.....lol) and I have to say we were quite lucky with the weather too ;)

So back to reality and this is my first Christmas card I've made but I've noticed them slowly creeping up on other peoples blogs quite a lot over the last few weeks which is pretty scary because that means it's not that far off (OMG!) exciting for my children, they are onto their Christmas lists already.

Now the image & sentiment are Elzybells, who sadly are no more, the card & paper are SU and the snowflakes are done using a sizzix sizzlit die.

Well that's all for today peeps but I shall try and post more often (have you heard that somewhere before......lol)

Take care

Hugs
Vicki x

A Challenge!

2010-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Thought I would treat myself to a challenge as they are few and far between lately. I came across this blog The Shabby Tea Room a while ago and instantly fell in love with the style of the cards. Now although my card isn't very "shabby" I hope it still fits the bill (as they say) the challenge was to make a card/project using soft blues, creams, whites and browns and/or with a house image on your design and this was the inspiration pic.

So I blew the cobwebs offa my Cricut machine and came up with this;

(Now who lives in a house like this?....lol)

TTFN

Hugs
Vicki x

A New Baby!

2010-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

No not me I'm afraid, much to the dismay of my youngest son, he's desperate to have a new baby in the house (I would most certainly be sectioned....lol) My cousin had a baby girl a few weeks ago, she's called Ruby, I like the name but can't get used to the baby being called it as my mums tortoise is called Ruby!.....lol

Anyways, this is the card I made for her to go with a nappy cake (no pic yet)

The papers, flower and card candy are craftwork cards, the dotty background is a stamp from SU and the image is Hangler sent to me by one of my lovely blogging buddies Debs.

Have a good weekend,

hugs
Vicki x

Teenager Birthday

2010-08-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, where do the years go? I can't believe it's 13 years since my friend had her little girl, well not so little now but it feels like you turn your back for one minute and they've grown up on you. Today I asked my eldest son, if he goes to uni will he go to Liverpool so he can stay at home (am I sad, he's only 12.....lol) I can't bare the thought of them leaving home and me ( arrrrh my babies!)

So this is the card I made for Megan, she had a lovely day with lots of pressies from friends and family, she didn't want a party with a stretch limo and ball gown......lol a sigh of relief from her mum & dad ;)

TTFN

Hugs
Vicki x

Cottage Papers

2010-07-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

I know I'm a bit behind the times but only just opened my cottage papers and put them to use. Just some simple little thank you cards I made for the ladies in my stampers 10 club, the sentiment is from "true friend" stamp set and the ribbon is ever faithful "old olive" and the papers are so lush they really didn't need anything else.

Thanks for visiting me,

hugs
Vicki x

Reach for the Stars!

2010-07-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

Good morning to you all, or is it? The rain is coming down here, not too heavy at the moment so hopefully it will go off (fingers crossed!) Just thought I'd share a couple of pics with you, my youngest son caught in the act, literally.....lol

This little guy is just so full of fun!

TTFN

Vicki x

Drum Roll Please........

2010-07-28T03:38:00.000-07:00

Whoohoo! My first real post since the 26th June, omg I can't believe it's been that long (it's a crime!) So today I have this card to share with you, I finally cracked open some new stash I've had for quite a while, looking at it, putting it back, looking at it (as you do.....lol) I was inspired by a card I saw in CARDS magazine (now discontinued) by a lady called Laurel Seabrook and the rest is history, as they say.....lol It seems like an age since I made a card in this style, since I've become an SU demo I got into the "clean & simple" style and got stuck there, so now I need to use my SU products in a different way :)

Anyways, this card I have entered into the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey and the challenge this week was to make a card for a friend, so once again I have used my ever faithful "tea for two" stamp set and "green tea leaves" DSP. Now usually I would just throw away any scraps of paper or card but this time I decided to make a matching gift tag (normally I can't be bothered) and on top of that I even managed to get out my sewing machine and do some stitching too (now I've really pulled out the stops......lol)

Thank you so much to all my lovely blogging friends who have still stopped by to say hi, even though I've been absent ;) I really appreciated it!

Well off to the cinema now to see Toy Story 3, we did Shrek last week and it's Cats & Dogs next week (should be entitled to shares I think......lol)

Take care,

hugs

Vicki x

Still Here!

2010-07-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm still around and hopefully will be more often now the summer hols are approaching. I finish my temporary job on Tuesday which for those of you who don't now has literally taken over my life :( This working 30hrs a week lark just doesn't do for me.......lol I'm only just starting to feel a little bit better after getting some iron tablets from the hospital, so this on top of the job, well life just didn't exist :( and crafting even less (OMG!) But good news is I've just been offered my ideal job as a school secretary, 3 days a week and term time only......Whoo hoo!!!!! Now what more could a girl ask for? I'm absolutely delighted and I've got all summer to recuperate (YAY!) as I don't start until September. They had 116 applicants and I made it ;) (very proud of myself) so this weekend I'm just going to chill - literally I think given the wind and the rain.....lol I shall be back soon with something to show, hope you all have a fab weekend.

Hugs

Vicki x

Managed a Challenge!

2010-06-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to feel a little bit more alive soon, as I've got some iron tablets off the doctor (iron level keeps dropping) so hopefully wont be feeling as tired as I have (can't wait for them to kick in.) Last night I actually managed to make two cards (woohoo!) both of them for challenge's going on over at A Passion for Papertrey. This one was a challenge to make a one layer card, not as easy as you think, I was soooo tempted to matt and layer or add a bit of patterned paper....lol

The stamp set is everyday classics and sweet blush ribbon (PTI), the inks are SU, pink passion, pretty in pink and regal rose, cardstock whisper white.

This card is an extra little challenge set by Aimes (I think?) and it was to make a round card, which I don't particularly find very easy as they never seem to look good for me but this is what I came up with.

Can you tell it's a button.....lol The stamp set is studio style with sweet blush ribbon and cardstock(PTI) and the inks are SU same as above.

Well that's me done blogging for tonight, still got another two cards that need making, a birthday and a sympathy (sadly.)

Take care and enjoy the rest of this gorgeous weekend ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

Happy 1st Birthday!

2010-06-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

My how time flies. Last week was baby Mollies first birthday (my cousins little girl and hubby's god-daughter) I can't believe it's been a year already. I wanted to make her a card just perfect for a 1 year old, after all they are still babies and when I saw this it did make me laugh because she looks just like this - bald......lol and she loves her dummy!

She had a lovely day with a bit of a party but I'm not so sure she knew what all the fuss was about.

Right it's 11.15pm and my hair is still wet (aahhhh) best go and get it dried I suppose.

Good night all,

hugs
Vicki x

Nice Surprise!

2010-06-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when you get a little parcel off the postman totally unexpected.

Yesterday I received this gorgeous card from one of my lovely blogging buddies Debs but thats not all because tucked inside this gorgeous card were some even more gorgeous Hangler & Stangler images, a whole bunch of them, needless to say I was absolutely delighted because as you know we can't get these stamps in the UK yet and they are not easy to come by otherwise. Thanks soooo much for these Debs, you made my day ;)

TTFN

Hugs
Vicki x

Life Taken Over.....

2010-06-13T02:27:00.000-07:00

..By my new job......lol I really don't know how you peeps who work full-time most days of the year (and not term time!) keep house and family cope! I'm doing supply work and this placement is for 6 weeks, 30hrs a week and it's literally taken over my life. When I get in a 3.30pm each day after collecting my son from school, if I dare to sit down on the couch I'm done for because it's usually 6pm before I get up again and usually I wasn't a go to bed early person (midnight normally) but now come 10pm and I'm fit for nothing :( I don't seem to be able to get any me time and crafting and blogging are non existence. So I take my hat off to you peeps who do it all and cope too!....lol And if I'm totally honest I have been really unwell for a whole week so don't suppose that has helped but I'm still here ;)

Ok enough rambling, this is the card I made for the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey the theme was to use some chipboard on your project, I've used a frame I found in my stash, I'm not very good with chipboard don't really know how to use it (if that makes sense.) The stamps are from my newest set (well one of them....lol) Studio Style, I just love this set it's ideal for us crafters and although you can't tell from my photo I've covered the jar with glossy accents, looks good IRL.

Thank you all who take time to stop by and visit it me (even when I'm not around....lol)

Take care,

hugs
Vicki x

May Class

2010-05-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

This time I remembered to take a couple of pics of my class and what they made. I had 5 ladies attend and it was just nice - couldn't actually fit any more in....lol! They all thoroughly enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next one which will be using the "True Friend" stamp set which has been hugely neglected by me :(

I think we probably ran over the 2 hours to about 3......lol, we were having too much fun!

And these are some of the projects they made, unfortunately the other ladies left before I could photograph their makes.

TTFN

Hugs
Vicki x

Woohoo!

2010-05-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

We got a new camera, couldn't really do without one, I mean a girl needs to photograph her work!....lol

This little one I made for the challenge over at a Passion for Papertrey, the theme was to make a card or project using your favorite colour and of course mine is pink, pink and pink! The papers I've used to make the little flower are free samples available on the Papertrey Ink website (try before you buy) and they are called pretty pastels, ink is vintage cream, card is kraft & sweet blush, button & twine PTI, sentiment is everyday classics, swirl stamp is Autumn Leaves and border punch is Martha Stewart and if you look closely I have sprayed it with Glimmer Mist (oh I do love this product.)

Thank you for stopping buy and reading my blog, I soooo appreciate it :)

Hugs
Vicki x

Commissoned!

2010-05-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

I would have uploaded this card onto my blog anyway but as it happens I didn't really have much choice, our camera has given up and this was the last card I photographed with it :( My son tried taking some piccs for me on his phone but they wouldn't upload onto the pc, "sods law!" I've even managed to make a card for a challenge, looks like that's the end of that then, OH BUM!!! Don't you just hate it when that happens :( Well make the most of this one guys because it could be a while (OMG I hope not!)

Take care the weekends nearly here :)

Hugs

Vicki x

Commissioned....

2010-05-24T02:15:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post, this is a card I was asked to make for a lady in my hubby's office, she turned 50 and went to Disney in Florida to celebrate so this seemed pretty appropriate :)

Thanks for visiting,

hugs
Vicki x

Sorry no Blogging....

2010-05-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

I've been doing what most of you do a lot of the time "working" (aahhhhhh) OMG it's killing me! I'm registered with my local council for clerical supply work and they rang me last week with a job, 5 days a week (30 hrs), now I know it's not a lot compared to what some of you probably work but it's been 12 years since I worked that many hours (OMG!....lol) and it's a shock to the system believe me (can't stop sleeping) having said that I will be off next week for half -term (hooray!) hopefully I will recharge my batteries and be raring to go the week after. I have my fingers crossed they like me so much that they want me to stay, I absolutely love it. Well that's my excuse for the lack of blogging, feeble I know, but, oh and apart from our camera has given up on us so can't take any pics (nightmare!)

Yesterday my nephew was 15 and I have been sooo tired all week I had to buy him a card (shame on me!) The same nephew goes swimming and is doing extremely well, last weekend he just missed out by 4/10ths of a second on holding the national title for the 100m breast stroke in his age group - we are just sooo proud of him, if he wins it next year he can compete for the british championships (woo hoo!) so watch this space peeps :)

Any way must go, got dishes to wash and kids to bath....lol

Hugs

Vicki x

Milk Carton

2010-05-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to make one of these for so long and just never got around to it but finally, I did and thank you to Sarah Jane for her fab tutorial on this. These make great gift boxes as they are such a good size and so easy to make.

Just a quick post tonight, thanks for stopping by and hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

Take care

Vicki x

Dot Dot Dot!

2010-05-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

I have been so rubbish at posting projects made using my stash from the Mini Catty and it's nearly 2 months old (OMG!) This is a card I made using the Dot Dot Dot background stamp and I just love how it's turned out (I adore polka dots!)

The colours are v.vanilla, certainly celery and always artichoke, the ink is certainly celery and I just love those retro flower punches. The image is one I picked up at the Aintree show, don't even know who it's by :(

Right off to finish the cleaning ;)

TTFN

Hugs
Vicki x

PTI Goodies!!!!

2010-05-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

Well you know how excited us crafter's get when we get something new and even better "win" something, well times that by ten and that's how excited I was when my goodies arrived from Kate & Aimes from A Passion for Papertrey, because I happened to be the lucky winner of the challenge a few weeks ago. I mean how excited can one get over a jar of lush buttons! (very).....lol

And a gorgeous little card to match, thank you soooo much ladies :)

Enjoy your week peeps!

Hugs
Vicki x

Tea for Two!

2010-05-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Firstly sorry for the lack of posts lately, I was trying to be a good blogger and post regularly but somehow I went a stray (eek!) Not only have I not blogged I haven't really found much time to craft either (what's happening!) I did however find time to visit the "Happy Stampers" stamp

festival yesterday at Port Sunlight and picked up a few bits and pieces (as you do ;) and I actually made this card about a week ago and have only just managed to take a photo - how sad :( So I am entering this card in the challenge over at A Passion for Papertrey were the theme is to make a friendship card. I am now lucky enough to own 3 PTI stamp sets (woohoo!) this one "Tea for Two" being my latest addition, it's just lovely and comes with so many different sentiments.

Hope you all have a good week:)

Hugs
Vicki x

Recipe
Cardstock - ocean tides, aqua mist, spring moss
Stamps - tea for two
Ribbon - spring moss (twill tape)
DSP - everyday blessings
Other Accessories - black ink, nestabilities, cuttlebug embossing folder.

Wedding Invitation Swap

2010-05-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd pop these on. I made them to join in with a swap on the ILWS forum, we had to design a wedding invite that would be easy to replicate in large numbers and this is my take. I did receive some lovely ones back - thank you ladies ;)

Hugs
Vicki x

Flight of the Butterfly

2010-05-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was blog hopping a few days ago, well, could be even a week ago now....lol and I came across a card and the background was made using a butterfly stamp and a skeleton one that matched not unlike our SU set Flight of the Butterfly, so I thought, I can do that and this is the end result. It's not too bad but I think had the butterfly been a bit smaller it would have had a better effect, all said and done I don't think it looks too bad.

And on that note I am going to enter it for the challenge over at Stamp With Us were the theme is "Birthday."

Well I think we've been pretty lucky with the weather over the bank holiday, it could have been worse, hope you all had a good one,

take care :)

hugs
Vicki x

Check this out!

2010-05-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous offer from Stampin'Up! and what an offer it is peeps, how gorgeous are these fabby new colours?

Melon Mambo

Rich Razzleberry

Soft Suede

The ribbons and papers are only available whilst stocks last, so if you don't want to miss out on these amazing products contact me now to place your order - sweetswirls@hotmail.co.uk

Hugs
Vicki x

Trust Me!

2010-05-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Only I could arrange a card class on "bank holiday" weekend when everyone is either away or doing something (what a clown) and that's exactly what happened today with my class (aaah!) Well 3 ladies said they were coming but only 2 turned up and 3 said they would still like to come to the class and so we have rescheduled for next weekend, so all is not lost, we live and learn ;)

Well this is what the ladies made today and thoroughly enjoyed it and that's what counts plus I got another order so it was worth it :)

We used the flower fusion as I sometimes think it gets forgotten about and the colours are fab especially when they are teamed with the matching cardstock.

Well enjoy the rest of the long weekend peeps,

hugs
Vicki x

Invitation Swap

2010-04-21T02:22:00.000-07:00

Hey the sun is out again woohoo! Looks like summer is really on it's way;) Just thought I'd share a few pics of a swap I entered on ILWS, the theme being invitations for various ocassions.

This one is by Linda (aka Lindamollyellen) - Birthday invite

This one is mine - Christening invite

This one is by Margaret (aka Margaret Rose) - Wedding invitations

This one is by Jo Austin (aka Paperlily) - Birth Announcement

And last but not least this is by Joanna (aka Stampoholic) - Dinner Party invite.

Thanks so much ladies for all your lovely samples and ideas, it was fun to do:)

Hugs
Vicki x

Challenge Card

2010-04-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to share a card I have made for the challenge over at The Sugar Bowl. This week they have a sketch for you to follow with an added extra of some flowers. This is my entry, hope you like and thanks for looking.

Right I'm off to do the school run,

TTFN

Vicki x

April Birthdays

2010-04-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

This tends to be one of my busiest months for birthdays and things, my eldest son, my mum the FIL, Easter and sometimes mothers day. Just a few cards to show, the first one I made for my son's birthday, he turned a big twelve and I can't believe how fast it has gone, I still remember every detail of his birth - worst experience of my life but beautiful bundle of gorgeousness! The second card and gift bag are for my mums birthday yesterday and the third one is for her too but from the boys (suppose the word nan is a bit of a giveaway.....lol)

Thanks for taking the time to look and hope you enjoy the rest of this lovely weekend:)

Hugs
Vicki x

Forgot to Post....

2010-04-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

Just a few cards that I have made and not posted, so thought I would just share them with you.

This card I made for my lovely upline Monica for her birthday. (Hope you liked it:)

An altered note book using the simply scrappin kit "Petal Party." Asda were selling these for 50p each (bargain!)

This is the card I made for my mum for Mother's Day using acrylic paints with my rubber stamps and the flower is made using SU scallop circle punch.

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for visiting:)

Hugs

Vicki x

APFP Challenge

2010-04-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Oooow another gorgeous day, what have we done to deserve this then.....lol I think I was a bit late yesterday with my card for the Stamp with Us challenge, so thought I'd get in quick with this one!

This week at A Passion for Papertrey the required element (does that sound familiar....lol dancing on ice!) is to use fabric on your card. Not as easy as it might sound but managed to do it (just.)

Well best get back to the Sunday dinner - late again, as usual.

Hugs
Vicki x

Recipe - (PTI) stamps - in bloom/everyday classics, natural twine, cardstock - berry sorbet/ocean tide, DPs - everyday blessings,.

(SU) ink - close to cocoa, button - playground, scallop border punch. Fabric (Laura Ashley)

Stamp with Us!

2010-04-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Gosh I don't were the days are going but they are certainly going fast! The challenge over at Stamp With Us is a colour challenge to make a card (or anything you fancy) using pink and orange. For a short while I must admit I had a mental block but once I started I couldn't stop and even managed two cards for the challenge:) Hope to just make it in time!

Thanks for looking and enjoy the rest of the good weather:)

Hugs
Vicki x

Recipe - all products are Stampin'Up!