Botanical Beauty - new from Trimcraft (surprise centre)

 Hi :) The Botanical Beauty paper pads are a new launch from Trimcraft and are full of rich greens, gold and red with parrots, toucans and hibiscus flowers etc. I've used them on this card with some of the dies from the new First Edition "Tropical Themed" set which complements the papers so well.

I've also used lots of Simply Creative 3mm and 6mm gems.

 I've added a little extra fold on the inside with some more of the Tropical Themed dies overhanging the edge.

V&A collection from Trimcraft

 Some cards I made with Trimcraft's V&A collection.

" Be inspired by the unrivalled designs of the Arts and Crafts Movement held in the V&A’s archive, lovingly adapted into a paper craft collection. Discover the craftsmanship of the much celebrated design style in your own stunning creations. 

Showcasing rich, vibrant colours and natural patterns, this collection reimagines the original designs into exquisite papers and crafting accessories.

This range in collaboration with the V&A includes a selection of coordinating embellishments to decorate your handmade projects such as adhesive pearls, photo frames, creative ribbons, wooden buttons, stamps and more. "

 Concertina fold card with photos frame decoration. 

 Joy fold card with metal key and washi tape detail.

 Dovecraft Crystal Glitter Glue on Tropical Themed die cut leaves.

This card had two places to write messages - hidden panel on the front of the card and also inside.

 Dovecraft 5x7 circle aperture card with acetate and pullout panel inside.

Cardmaking and Papercraft issue 181 (April 2018)

I'm just having a cuppa while I have a look at the latest issue of Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine. The April 2018 edition (issue 181) is available to buy in your local stationery shop/ newsagent now. My commission was 7 "Ten Minute Makes" using the beautiful Fairy Garden collection from Kaisercraft. There are some gorgeous spring makes in the magazine and a fab free gift of a 32 page designer paper pack, stamp set and embossing folder.

Home from hospital

Thanks so much to everyone who has supported us in so many ways over the past few weeks.David had his operation three weeks ago today and became very ill two days later. The next two weeks are a bit of a blur now but he was finally allowed home from hospital on Thursday evening. He's very, very weak but glad to be back in his own environment again. Some of you have been in touch to see if he's fit for a visit and while we really appreciate your kindness, he is not well enough, sleeping a lot and is also a very private person and has asked me to thank everyone but he needs time to adjust and just be with the boys and myself. 

Thanks very much for all your prayers and good wishes.Please continue to keep David in your prayers.

I am very grateful to everyone I work with for being so understanding. There have been lots of craft deliveries over the last three weeks which I'm hoping to start checking out today. I hope to get a chance soon to post some of the things I had already made and intended to share.

Update on David

As many of you know, David was diagnosed with bowel cancer a few weeks ago.It has been an anxious time but David is finally having his surgery today. We'd really appreciate your prayers for him and the family and also for the two surgeons who are operating. I took this photo yesterday after he was admitted to hospital as he looked so calm and peaceful. He said it was because he knew so many people were praying for him and wanted me to thank everyone.

It's a big operation and he will take some time to recover. In the meantime, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks so much x

The Glens of Antrim

 These are a few photos I took recently in the Glens of Antrim, near Cushendall, Co. Antrim. I'm sure it looks different now that more snow has come.

Lurigethan

 Cushendun

There's something about the moss on stone walls that really appeals to me :)

Sister - Tonic Studios

Hello from a very cold Co. Antrim :)

My card today was made with paper which was a free gift in a recent issue of Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine and all the dies I've used are from Tonic Studios - Moroaccan Orchard Corner die, Thank You Blossom die, Sister and Beethoven's Rhythm Flourish. The little bird is from the Hello Sailor die set.

Stay warm :)