New beginnings challenge card

This month on the cute as a button halls he blog the theme is new beginnings. I chose to do the wedding couple as we are hoping to get married next year! 

First before I get over excited and go into wedding plans, here's how I did my card first off I printed off the wedding couple then I got out my spectrum noir pencils I used 1,4,8,9 for the skin. For his hair I used 112,114,116,118 and 120. The other half dos point out I did their hair the same as ours and was I trying to be romantic. I used some irreidesent glutter on the top of the dress. I coloured the dowse and tie in the same purple. I'm not  going with purple for our colour scheme. 

Next I went through my stash and I used some pink and grey papers from it. I fussy cut the bride and groom and the birds from one of my papers in my stash. I then cut the sentiment out the comes with the digi stamp and I mounted that and the birds on grey paper. To finish it off I added some pale pink and grey card candy.

I hope you like the card and I will deffinately be featuring some of my favourite pastel shades when we tie the knot.

If this has inspired you to take part in the challenge blog simply pop over to 

Cute as a button New Release Day

For this month I picked the digi stamp with I love Stamps on it.(of course) 

I decided that I was in need of a treat for me a new Desk calender for the new Year and my new workspace.

Here's what I did and how.

First off I printed out the digi and then got out my Spectrum noir pencils, I love these. I can see such a big improvement in my colouring. I used 1,4,5,9 for the skin 102,104 and 113 for her hair I then used several blues shading to do her a denim skirt. I then fussy cut her out and got several sheets of green backing paper from my stash. 

I then cut out several different circle sentiments I played around arranging them on the bottom and top.

I then used the same papers to mount my calender pad and I chose to make this into an easel one. I love this new Digi and there are several other beautiful ones to choose from this month. Pop over to http://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.fr/2015/12/december-releases-are-out.html?m=1 and have a look 

Hopefully I will some exciting news to share with you over the next few weeks hope you loves the deal calender as much as I did.

November cute as a button inspiration card

This is my November inspiration card using the Cute as a Button stamp Christmas elves in boots.

I have done a step by step on the cute as a button inspiration blog pop over to http://cuteasabuttonshowcase.blogspot.com/2015/11/november-inspiration-card-by-christine.html if you'd like to see how I did it. I can already see and improvement in my colouring.

Today I'm working on colouring in my chosen stamp for the December challenge, it's a gorgeous one and ties in with plans for next year! Squee it's so exciting but I shall leave that news for another day. 

Wool Christmas tree Angel - Free tutorial

This is step by step photo guide of how to make a wool roving Angel that can sit on your Christmas tree.

What you will need is a 36 or 38 felting needle 

15g wool roving roughly in the colours of your choice I recommend a flesh tone for face and arms and I use white for wings but you can use any colours you wish and some for hair 

A pipe cleaner 

And the inner from a kitchen roll or toilet roll cut to roughly 5cm. 

Double sided Tape, glue and gems 

To start split the flesh tone width ways so you still have a good staple length. 

The fold over into a triangle until it's roughly a ball.

Next felt this using your 36 and 38 needles until it becomes a firm ball but that still has some give (so you can add the hair later 

Now remove two small pieces of flesh tone to wrap the armature thin pieces roughly 1/2cm width at the most. 

Wrap this around the pipe cleaner apron 3-4 cm from the end when you get 1cm from the end fold the end in.

This makes your Angels hand wrap the pipecleaners until you get to the middle.

Repeat for other side.

Now take your remaining flesh wool and fold in half add the flesh ball like pictured and use your needle to,attatched this in a line 

One firmly attatched arrange to wool carefully so it covers the ball 

Now pull a tiny amount 3-4cm long and a few mm thick from the bottom and wrap around like pictures the use needle to secure in place.

Once secured you can add your arms I then split a potion of the wool and wrap around each side and use a tiny piece to secure as before.

Now lay out the wool you are using for the dress.

I pull each one into sections so it's roughly the same staple length then I split them in the middle making a hole 2-3 inches in size

I place it over my angels head layering as I go 

I then tightly hold the middle and use a small band of wool to secure.

I then fluff all the layers out 

If your wish to make a flying Angel skip the next 2-3 steps.

Next for your tree topper het your piece of kitchen roll or toilet roll middle wrap in double sided sticky tape I use double sided tape as it gives it rigidity and stops the glue making the cardboard soggy. Now add glue and place under your Angels skirt 

Now I use a jar filled with pencils or hairs spray can so I can arrange her skirt and make sure that it's sitting correctly 

Now I lightly felt in extra roving to my angels waist so her skirt stays nice and puffy 

Now add on hair lightly felting it to the head 

Then I add gems to her skirt and lastly her wings 

Split the white so it's 6-7 inches staple length band in the middle and the attatched to Angel using felting needle 

So the wings stay in place you can sparingly use hairspray or spray starch to protect from moths add 1-2drops of lavender oil before storing

For my wool Angel I used 5 green tones including moss forest lawn and jade 2-3 g of each roughly 3 g  flesh tone, gingersnap for hair only need a tiny amount and 2g white for the wings 

First step 

Sleeping Fairy Cute as a button New realeases

Today is finally new release day Yippee! So I can share with you my lovely Card  (I have a discount code I'll pop at the end). 

To make my card I printed off the sleeping fairy. I coloured her in using my Spectrum Noir Pencils. I then added glossy accents to the flame and glitter to her wings. I then fussy cut out the stamp.

I made an easel card which I then added some music note backing paper from my stash. I die cut some poinsettia paper and a frame which I layered on top of a poinsettia border roughly in the centre using foam pads. 

I then topped my card with acetate for the snowing effect, I finished it off with some punched snowflakes from my X cut small snowflake punch a seasons greetings sentiment backed on the same glitter card and a bow from my ribbon stash.

I throughly enjoyed making this card I hope it inspires you to have a go. Don't forget to join us on the challenge blog http://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.co.uk 

The Digi stamp is available at 

http://cute-as-a-button-stamps.myshopify.com/  use code NEWRELEASE25. 

Entered into the glitter and sparkle challenge number 163 http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/challenge-163.html?m=1 

Shhh! Sleeping fairy ...... Sneaky peaks

This week has been a busy week behind the scenes at fairy hollow HQ.

I have been making wool fairies and Angels and more Christmas decorations many of these will only be available on a one off basis. 

I'm getting ready for Christmas with an elf hat and Christmas tree brooches 

And above that are two of my gorgeous and blinged fairies. It's not just me been busy making new things. Francesca at Cute as a button has been working her socks off I can share a couple of her special sneak peaks with you they are gorgeous. I have made a super special card with one of the designs and I can't wait to show you all.

You can pop along to http://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/welcome-to-challenge-16-christmas-and.html and find out how to join in the challenge too! :) 

Start of the Christmas season fairs -10 top tips

Yesterday was the start of my Christmas Fairs and fetes. So I thought of some tips for crafters doing fairs.  So here's my top tips.

1. Wear comfy shoes your going to be on your feet all day you don't want to be hobbling by the end of the day 

2. Be prepared make a list of what you need and check it off. Cellotape, scissors, bags and tissue paper are always a good idea and some pens and papers so you can write down your sales.

3. Practice your set up at home and check the front of your table throughout the day to make sure it still looks in top condition as you sell stuff.

4. Have a float with plenty of change. (And as some places charge for tea and coffee take a couple of £'s or flask)

5. Chat to other crafters the Crafting community is very supportive and a bit of networking is always good as you never know you might need a present in a few weeks and you think if that lady that did the cute purses but you forget to get her card oops. Swap cards with folk if you can. This year I'm trying to buy as many handmade gifts as possible.

6. Smile and chat to folk even if you don't get lots of sales today people will remember you if you are smiling and positive about your craft. I live to make things I enjoy everything about making and this comes across I get invited to a lot of fairs because I'm  enthusiastic about my makes. A lot of my online sales are from when people have taken my business cards from fairs. 

7. Take your lunch and some snacks it's a long day if you don't have something to eat.

8. Take plenty of business cards how can folk find you later if you don't ?

9. Do a bit of research before booking fairs at the start of the year I booked as many as I could anywhere I could. Make sure the one you are going to is well advertised and well organised (I went to one that was supposed to be 10-4 we got in at 9.50am and had to pack up and be out by 3pm I have been to some that are exceptionally well organised brilliantly advertised these can be more expensive but I made 10 times what I do at smaller ones)

10. If you have a fair that's a bust don't give up sometimes what you sell might just not be what folk are looking for don't be downhearted. Try again maybe it was the wrong fair for you.

Some of my cards laid out on display 

Cancer Awareness Card Both Digi Stamp and Paper from Cute as a Button

Here is the Card I made.

I'm so very pleased to show you all this is my first card I have made as part of the Cute as a Button Design team. I used the Find a cure Digi image http://cute-as-a-button-stamps.myshopify.com/products/digital-digi-stamps-big-eyed-digi-img00096-find-a-cure-cute-as-a-button-by-francesca-lopez

I coloured this in using my pencils and then fussy cut it out. I mounted this on my chosen paper.

I used the Cupid romance digital papers 6x6 http://cute-as-a-button-stamps.myshopify.com/collections/digital-download-papers/products/copy-of-dp00003-cupid-romance-digital-papers-6x6 which i enlarged and printed out so that the clock was more prominent. I then trimmed it to fit my card (6x6) 

I then added 5 baby pink heart embellishments and one dark one. I also added a pink ribbon. This card is especially close to my heart as my Grandad has very recently been diagnosed with Cancer and he is waiting to have an operation to have it removed. 

I'm very close to my Grandparents as they helped to bring my sister and me up. My dad was a single parent so my Grandparents often stood in for him picking us up from school watching our assemblies or plays giving Dad a week of peace in the summer. When i had a very hard time a few years ago a relationship breakdown and was selling just my house, I moved back across the country and in with Nana and Grandad.

They've had a pretty rough year Nana had a heart attack in August and was rushed in for Emergency surgery while she's been recovering Grandad has been a total Gem, doing all the housework, making sure she rests running to the shops for her (4 times one day considering he can no longer drives down he's 80 years old  it's no mean feat) helping her with daily tasks. He's such a great guy for 20+ years he worked as secretary of his local Royal British legion branch doing committee work he retired recently at 80 he decided it's time to slow down.

I'm praying for his swift recovery 

So very exciting ....

I have to share this with all of you as I am so very excited. I have been doing colouring in for a we while and I have been working with SarahJayne quite a bit she is giving me proper colouring lessons as well as the fairs and shows we've been going to. Well I applied for the Dt design team at Cute as a button and I have been accepted. I adore the Cute as a button design stamps, they are gorgeous and I can hardly believe I have been so Lucky so be accepted. It is a real honour I can hardly wait to get started, im looking forward to working with the other designers and to of course show you guys the finished cards or projects. For those of you who havent yet seen the Cute as a button stamps by Francesca Lopez head over to this page http://cute-as-a-button-stamps.myshopify.com/collections/all and have a look around. You'll soon see why I am so excited. Well anyways it's well past my bedtime and I need to get a good night's sleep the ideas are all jumping around my head.
Sweet Dreams. 

Just realised this didn't post on mon night I must have been so sleepy I clicked the wrong button so posting now keep your eyes peeled very shortly for my first card 😊

Featured crafter - Pinky knits and crochets

This week I have been chatting to Bea from pinky knits and crochets. She learnt to knit when she was very small she took to knitting like a duck to water. She was taught by her Nan, who also taught her to crochet, but as she only learnt the basic granny square not the stitch names and how to read the patterns, The crochet slipped as knitting took over. Well that was until recently when she saw this wonderful "hippo" she decided she would teach herself the stitches and how to read the patterns properly.

The first hippo was promptly adopted. So she made this lovely grey and pink one also quickly adopted.

As you can see below she rose to the challenge and isn't she gorgeous. 

The sunflower blanket was my first commision piece for a friends baby boy entrusted with such an important task . "I had no pattern but accepted the challenge!" Completely undaunted she sprung into action and produced the delightful blanket below. 

"Afterward suddenly becoming the 'collectible' animal maker I decided I needed to try something smaller and then began the mouse craze!  They've been very popular and I've still got loads of ideas for more!  The little mouse in the pic was my first, so is another favourite!"

And as she says "I will make anything and everything, not  just stuffed animals! and I do love a challenge" ☺️

And I had to add this extra picture as I absolutely love the mice. They are delightful and I can imagine there will be many more to come. So I shall be keeping my eyes peeled Pop over to her Facebook page to see more of the mice taking over. https://www.facebook.com/PinkyKnits

Current exhibit - The Devil's Porridge Eastriggs

Currently I'm exhibiting at the Devils porridge which is in Eastriggs. The museum is really quite interesting it covers the story of making munitions and is worth a good look round too. While I was writing a post to my page I thought I'd share with you guys my thoughts on the talented artisans of the exhibit and why we should buy handmade gifts for Christmas this year.

The picture above is My display at The Devils porridge Exhibition with Scotia crafters it's on until Sunday 25th there are some wonderful things available. 

One example is there is a gentlemen who prints and makes some absolutely delightful tiny books he must be so patient and skilled. There is Galloway Fudge and their amazing flavoured marshmallows just what you need in your Hot Chocolate it turns the whole hot chocolate into a luxurious flavoured drink to savour. Some beautiful handmade soaps and lavender sleep pillows just what you need to unwind after a hard days work. Gorgeous Cards and some excellent photography which has been turned into magnets prints more some of the skill involved takes your breath away you feel at any minute you could step into the picture. Not forgetting beautiful tartan purses with Scottie dogs for souvenirs or the amazing quilts that could become a family heirloom. Then there are bespoke bags and matching ones for mum and daughter you know that's what little girls love and I saw one pair I'm assuming we're mum and daughter last week and boy how cute it was. There are handmade toys which are built to last you can see the quality just staring you in the face. There are scarves made from hand spun yarn that has been taken from fleece right through to finished scarf or delicate silk that has been dyed vibrant shades yet feels so soft and luxurious There are cute little crochet bears one wearing a pumpkin he's oh so sweet. Also the Clocks that have been hand painted and have such a cute character about them along with match holders handy if you have one of those log burners which have made such a comeback. There is jewellery that looks so elegant and classy, unique designs too just what you need to wear to that Christmas party after all you need something to go with that little black dress. So many talents in one place there is a gift for everyone all ages why not buy handmade this Christmas? That way all the  presents will be unique just like the people that receive them. After all when you buy handmade you support these talented artisans but you also get something that is special.

Why buy handmade ? It supports the local economy, it's not like buying off a big company who mass produce abroad it's helping your local community it's ensuring that old skills don't die out, it's making sure those skills get passed on. But my favourite reason is you are getting something unique something special something someone has lovingly made. These are not machine produced for pennies they are created with love and skill. Get them a gift as unique as they are 

This year I have only bought handmade gifts for presents and do you know what everyone has lived their gifts more than usual. 

If you'd like to see some pictures of the talented exhibitors pop over to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scotia-Crafters/560911967364737

And when your buying your gifts for Christmas remember the hand makers who give their all to bring joy to others. #buyhandmade #supportsmallbusiness

Featured Crafter - Creative Flair

Jean has alway been the arty crafty type, especially when through art lessons in high school. Back in 2003 ,when a friend who made cards introduced the idea to her, her arty side once again unleashed. She started to make cards for family and friends, personalising them and while her children were young often encouraging them to join in. She is now often entrusted with the task of creating unique and bespoke wedding invites, as any Bride know finding the right stationary is very important and finding someone to entrust with the task can be a hard job. With excellent feedback, a growing reputation for excellent cards and much encouragement from friends and family, Jean started her Facebook page and the business was born, she is now expanding into bespoke wedding stationary. Creating "is in her blood" as she's not the first in her family to make cards or to delve in to the creative world . She loves to give each card the personal touch and she loves seeing the joy it brings people, the reactions and smiles make all the hard work worthwhile. From creating her own daughter wedding invites to a special celebratory card she always rises to the challenge, Here are some examples of Jeans work. Her lovely Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Flair/905896986133297

This is special as its the first wedding invite made and was for her daughters wedding. 

"This was made for my daughter/son in law when there son charlie was born,my first grandson"

As you can see each card is unique and special.