Crafts by Louly

I'm Such a Proud Mum!

2009-07-10T15:57:00.002+01:00

Hi folks, I don't have anything crafty to show you today but I would like to show you a recording of my daughter Holly singing in her school concert last night. Her dream is to one day be in a west end musical and her whole life seems to revolve around achieving it! The song she is singing here is The Wizard and I from Wicked. It's not he easiest song to sing and the other solo was probably the best of the two (she sang Hallelujah) but with this one I was really impressed with how she acted the part.
Before you watch it, let me explain that the person who starts the song off is her friend Steph. My Holly is the one in the skirt who sings the main part of the song.

Please take a look ♥♥♥♥ Thank You

Amazing Competition!

2009-07-08T20:12:00.004+01:00

Phwar!!! How many of you would like a brand spanking new set of 72 Copics?

I've just bought my second set but I still want to tell all my blogging buddies about it. If you want to know exactly how to get you hands on them please pop over to My dear friend Karen's blog Crafty Goings On. It's so easy to enter!

Dottie's World Challenge

2009-07-05T07:01:00.000+01:00

It's a fab challenge at Dottie's World this week; we have to make a card/project inspired by a garden. Well it just so happens that I was doing some gardening this morning before I made this card (I'm writing this the day before - I ain't an early riser!LOL) and I was cleaning out my fish pond. This card is therefore inspired by my fish pond.

I've used Water Lilly from the Pixie Chick # 2 download set and placed her onto a section of the riverside background which is in the same set. The great thing about the digital backgrounds is that you don't have to use the whole thing, you can enlarge the section that you want to use like I have here. The lilies around the edge are also copied and pasted from the background to create a foreground embellishment.

I've used clusters of seed beads and some glitter in the centre of each flower and I've also added some acrylic dewdrops for the droplet effect.

Thanks for looking.

Louise xx

Dottie' World Challenge

2009-06-28T08:04:00.000+01:00

Grrr why the heck isn't blogger scheduling working today!!!!! Sorry I'm late, this should have appeared early this morning along with a post on Dottie's World, neither worked!

Anyhow, it's my turn to set the Dottie's World challenge this week so, as summer is finally upon us I've asked people to include some sunshine on their cards.

Here's what I came up with

It's one of those card that took absolutely ages and in the end I wasn't really all the happy with it, ah well, c'est la vie!

The image is of course Dreamer, he seems to be the favourite of the Pixie Chicks download collections.

Have lovely day,

Louise xx

Colour Create

2009-06-27T12:25:00.004+01:00

Don't you find it liberating breaking through the boundaries? Today's card was made for the Colour Create challenge and I've broken the unspoken rules of cardmaking! I know, once a rebel always a rebel right? LOL.
This card is very impractical, it will need a box making for it but it's fun! Take a look....

I think it will look really pretty sitting upon the recipient's mantle piece so who cares about practicality! I don't sell my cards anymore so I don't need to worry about being sensible!

The Pixie is of course one of my latest creations, She can be purchased here at Charmed Cards and Crafts.

Pixie Chicks

2009-06-24T09:30:00.005+01:00

Well I've finally finished the Pixie Chicks! Woo Hoo! This time I've worked with Karen to produce the sets. Karen has made some fantastic backgrounds and LOADS of sentiments to go into the bundles. If you haven't seen them yet you should pop over for a look.

Today I've put a tutorial on Dottie's World to show you how to use the card kits which are another extra in the kits. Here's what the cards look like....

Everything used to make the cards above, including the template for the card base is in Pixie Chicks set 2.

The elements in the card below are in Set 1 along with much much more!

The great thing about the kits is that if you're in a rush you can just print them out ready coloured, cut them out and stick them together but if you're feeling creative you can print them out in black and white and choose your own colour scheme, adding glitter and other embellishments.

The Pixie Chicks downloads are available to purchase at Charmed Cards & Crafts.

I'm so proud of these little ladies, they are well and truly from the heart.

Dottie's World Challenge

2009-06-21T07:00:00.000+01:00

It's getting so exciting over t Dottie's World because the new Charmed download images are almost ready to go on sale! I tell you what, more work has gone into these little beauties than any of the collections so far so watch out for them, I think you'll like them! If you haven't already seen any of our sneak previews take a look at what I've made for this week's Dottie's world Challenge.....

The Challenge - set by Adele is to use one of the Charmed downloads to make a Christmas card....

Here we have the Holly Pixie sitting ever so sweetly on the specially made Happy Holly Days bookplate which will be included in the set.

Inside I've printed one of the fabulous sentiments created by Karen (also in the set!)

Have a lovely day.

Louise xx

Thank You Karen

2009-06-20T08:29:00.003+01:00

I've come on today (a little late) in celebration of friendship AGAIN!!! I really can't believe how lucky I am.

This time the token of friendship and support came from my dear, dear friend Karen. Look what she made for me using one of our new Pixie images.....

My photo is a little over exposed, it actually looks even more beautiful in real life. Thank you so so much Karen for being such a fabuous friend♥ I really have been blessed. Karen also gave me a very generous gift - what a sweetie!

Karen and I have been working together on this new download collection- Karen has produced some stunning backgrounds and sentiments to compliment my Pixies, we've had so much fun! Wait until you see them all, we're almost done!

Well I'm going shopping now because all work and no play maakes Louly a dull lassy!

Dottie's World Challenge - Father's Day

2009-06-14T07:25:00.000+01:00

It's my turn to set the Challenge on Dottie's World this week so just in time for father's day I would like you to make a Father's Day card using one of the Charmed downloads.

I've been ultra busy with the new collection (more details at Dottie's world) so I'm afraid this week's card was made in a hurry, it's very basic.....

The papers and embellishments are all K&Co and the image is one of my Mikey designs which are sold as digital downloads at Charmed Cards and Crafts.

Thank You Ruth

2009-06-11T08:19:00.003+01:00

I am lucky enough to have many dear friends that I have had the privilege to meet through my blogs and through the Charmed Forum. One such friend is Ruth AKA Crafty Wanderings. She is one heck of a lady! She gives so much of herself to others, not only through her work with the local community but by being an absolute first class pal.

I've been a bit poorly recently - nothing serious might I add but it's an ongoing thing. Well the support I've had from all of my friends has been second to none and I really can't thank them all enough. Ruth has given me so much advice and help I couldn't ask for anything else but just look what she sent me the other day........

As you can see she made me an absolutely stunning card and what she wrote inside was very special to me, this card will be kept inn a very safe place I can tell you. I think what touched me the most was that she crocheted me lots of beautiful little flowers to use on my cards - you can see some in the photo.

They must have taken her ages! Isn't she amazing!

Thank you Ruth for being you, don't ever change.♥♥♥

I haven't been around much recently - sorry about that. I've been working on the new download collection for Charmed Cards and Crafts. If you'd like a sneaky peek pop over to Dottie's World to see what Karen made with one of them.

Dottie's World Challenge

2009-06-07T07:13:00.000+01:00

It's Juliet's turn to set the challenge at Dottie's World this week and she wants us to go all holey!

I would like to see a hole or holes on your project this week - it could be an aperture card, cheeseholing or any other type of hole you can think of. And just to make it a little more interesting, add a touch of distressing too! Remember to include one of the Charmed downloads and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

So here's what I came up with...

The Papers are from my new K&Co Citronella mat pad and Peggy Pig is from the Animal Magic download bundle. As you can see I've made a holey scalloped frame for Peggy to lounge on, she looks rather comfy doesn't she!

When I made my challenge card I had totally forgotten the distressed requirement, it was just lucky that I distressed the edges of my sentiment label with my Tim Holtz edge distresser! Phew, I just got away with it!

Have a lovely day,

Louise xx

Truly Scrumptious-Folds

2009-06-04T10:17:00.006+01:00

I love taking part in challenges but never seem to get as many done as I would like to. This week I've made time to play along with the Truly Scrumptious challenge which is to us more than one fold on your card.

I had loads of fun with this one!

I am a big fan of 6x6 paper pads, the patterns are just the right size for cards. so when I saw that Karen had some in the store that I hadn't spotted before I had to snap them up because they always sell out so quickly. The papers on this card are from my favourite pad Basic Grey Marrakech aren't they gorgeous!
I cut the circle on my Silhouette, I'm really pleased with how it looks so I think you may be seeing some more of these cards from me. The Stamp is Elegant Annie only available from Charmed Cards and Crafts.
So where is the second fold? I hear you ask, well it's on the inside of course........

This card is going to be a thank you card for my aunty Cath - she's knitted me a lovely scarf, I think the stamped image of Irresistable Annie on the flap is perfect for saying thank you.

I hope you like it, thank you for looking and have a lovely day

Louise xx

Dottie's World- Coffee & Cream

2009-05-31T07:33:00.000+01:00

I've been a bad blogger this week, in fact I've been bad with everything! I've had a week of doing nothing and I feel so much better for it! But I'm here now with my challenge card for the Dottie's world challenge. This is the brief from Karen;

The challenge is simply "Coffee and Cream with spots or stripes" - and a Charmed download of course

Here's what I came up with...

I kept it nice and simple but i think it turned out OK. I used one of the cat downloads from Charmed Cards and Crafts and some left over scraps of paper cut with my Sizzix heart die for the base. I wimped out a little bit with the spots or stripes aspect but I hope it counts, I went for the spotty design on the cat and used my spots embossing folder for the cream paper but you can't actually see it very well on the picture.

We have our four new designers starting today so please pop over to Dottie's World and give them a big warm welcome.

Dottie's World Challenge - Buttons or Beads

2009-05-24T07:58:00.000+01:00

It's been a busy week over at Dottie's World, we've been having a party to celebrate our first birthday, If you haven't payed along with the games you should go for a look, there is loads of candy up for grabs.

Staying with Dottie's World there is a brand new challenge today and it has been set by Adele, here's what she said;

Buttons or Beads....I have tons of them but rarely use them ! Dig deep into your crafty stash and embellish away. It doesn't matter how you use them, as long as they are visible on your creation. If you haven't got any (!!!!) improvise!Only other "rule" is that a Charmed Download must be used.

I decided to go for buttons AND Beads.......

The papers and the chip board buttons are K&Company - Blue Awning. The image is Holly in London from the Holly & Madison World Tour digi stamp set, I've paper pieced her to make her blend in nicely.

I made the sentiment to go on the front but it wouldn't fit so I put it inside..

I adore these chip board buttons, I think they're really classy.

Why not pop over to Dottie's World to see what the rest of the team came up with and check out those party games whilst you're there. xxx

Dottie's World

2009-05-16T08:46:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,
If you have tried to visit Dottie's world and haven't been able to get in don't panic, it's closed for refurbishment! LOL. The grand re opening is tomorrow morning so you don't have long to wait.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Louise xxx

Cute Card Thursday Challenge

2009-05-14T18:31:00.004+01:00

The challenge over at CCT this week is to use numbers or letters, I went for H for Helen my sister-in-law............

I wanted to get the effect of Annie's feet really dangling, I think by cropping the card like this I've managed to achieve it.

The papers and embellies are from We R Memory Keepers and the Acrylic stamp is Annie Sitting Pretty from Charmed Delectable Stamps.

I've been a bit poorly this week so I haven't got much done at all but I really did enjoy making this card this afternoon.

Birthday Celebrations!

2009-05-12T20:12:00.005+01:00

First of all before I tell you the news I want to share a card with you that I made for the Delectable Stamps blog...

The image is one of our newly released Acrylic stamps, Purrfect Annie with Kitty. The papers are Basic Grey. Our Annie's a little cutie isn't she!

Right onto the news, Dottie's World is celebrating it's first birthday and it's party time!!
We're giving away sooo much amazing candy over the celebration week, here's the invitation...

Pop over to Dottie's World to see how you can get your crafty mitts on some of this stash!

Dottie's World Challenge - Charmed!

2009-05-10T07:02:00.000+01:00

Hello Folks,

I'm sorry I've not been around for a while, I've been quite busy sorting out something very special and exciting for Dottie's World, be patient, you'll find out really soon!

Speaking of Dottie's World, that's why I'm here today. It's Juliet's turn to set the challenge and she wants us to use one of the Charmed downloads and some real charms on our creations, she wants to see some dangling!

Here's my card....

The image is Lady Pusskins and the papers are from My Mind's Eye. As you can see I manged to squeeze two charms on mine but with the Charmed download I guess we have Charmed X 3!

I think it adds a really nice finishing touch when you decorate the inside of cards, I really must do it more often.

Thank you for looking, please pop over to Dottie's World and see what the rest of the team have come up with.

Dottie's World Challenge

2009-05-03T08:31:00.000+01:00

It's my turn to set the Dottie's world challenge this week and I've gone for an inspirational photo....

I love to see how different people interpret it, the outcome from the DT is really diverse, I find it dead interesting.

I was inspired by the green and purple and the swirly nature of it. Here's what I came up with.....

I cut the scalloped card and all the swirls on my Silhouette. i printed the Madison image out with the background added digitally so that I didn't have any cutting out to do.

I added some glitter to her tights and scarf for a little bit of pizazz!

If you fancy playing along pop over to Dottie's World for some more inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of your bank holiday weekend.

Louise xx

Cute Card Thursday - Mirror Mirror

2009-04-30T16:34:00.004+01:00

This week on Cute Card Thursday they want us to use something shiny. This came just in time for me because I had some scraps of Mirri board left over from a magazine commission that I've just finished. My shiny element (the border) is subtle but at the same time effective (well I think it is anyway!)

The paper and the embellishments are K&Co Cut N Paste and the stamp is one of the Annie stamps from Charmed Delectable Stamps available only from Charmed Cards and Crafts, she'll go on sale very very soon but you can pre-order the whole set now if you don't want to miss out.

Here are some close ups....

Truly Scrumptious- Good Enough to Eat!

2009-04-29T19:46:00.006+01:00

I really enjoyed doing the Truly Scrumptious Challenge last week so I've decided to play again!

This is a fab one, here's the brief;

"We have another sketch for you to work with this week with the additional challenge of make a card that is truly scrumptious and good enough to eat! Remember to follow the sketch and the theme to be in with a chance of winning this weeks fantastic prize".

With the release of the first Charmed Delectable stamp range imminent I wanted to make an Annie card to show on the Delectable blog so although this card covers just one challenge it will be on two blogs - I hope that's OK??

Here's what I came up with...

Not fantastic lighting I'm afraid but other than that I'm really happy with how this card turned out. The papers are My Minds Eye, the yummy embellies are K&Co Cut & Paste (I think!) and the stamp is an Annie Acrylic stamp from the soon to be released Charmed Delectable Stamps.

Thank you for looking, to see the sketch and join in with the challenge pop over to the Truly Scrumptious Blog.

Dottie's World Challenge -Teen

2009-04-26T07:50:00.001+01:00

It's Adele's turn to set the challenge for us this week over at Dottie's World and she's come up with a cracker! To coincide with the launch of the new Mikey downloads, she wants us to make a card for a teenager!

So without further ado, here's my effort!

My Mikey wants driving lessons for hiss 17th birthday in September and I just know he'll do well so I made this congratulations card for him, OK it's premature but I know he'll be getting it one day.

The great thing about downloads is that you can make them whatever size you like (within reason!!) I made Driving Mikey nice and big and made the image form the shape of the card front, I like doing cards like this because you don't have to come up with a layout idea- the picture makes the card for itself!

I printed out some L plates and well and truly distressed them so look as though they had been discarded , easy yet effective!

Thank you for dropping by, if you'd like some more inspiration or if you'd like to play along, please pop over to Dottie's World.

Cute Card Thursday-Getting Edgy

2009-04-23T14:27:00.004+01:00

I love this week's CCT Challenge, here's the brief...

"For this weeks challenge we would like you to either tear, sand, distress or sew the edges of your card."

I decided to go for some distressing with my Tim Holtz edge distresser...

I decided to use the Prom Prince Mikey download for this one, I think edge distressing works great for masculine cards. My son Mikey (funnily enough! LOL) has his prom coming up so I thought this would be great for him.

The papers are from my Basic Grey Ambrosia pad.

Truly Scrumptious

2009-04-22T18:44:00.008+01:00

Well I'm finally getting back to normal here now that the new digi collection and the stamp range are finished so I can start to do challenges again!!! Yippee!!!

I had a look in my sidebar for a Wednesday one and found Truly Scrumptious, I popped over and discovered that they have the perfect theme to go with the image I've been wanting to use.

The challenge is to make a card for a child and to base it on their sketch. The great thing about challenges is that they get you do things you wouldn't normally do. The sketch had lots of layers on it and I don't normally do that so it's been a great exercise for me. I enjoyed it too!

Here's what I came up with...

Before I carry on I must tell you, this is one of our Annie images that will be available to buy as stamps very soon from Charmed Cards and Crafts (you can pre order them here). Now, because they are still in production I'm using printed images for my cards. The image you see on my card is printed smaller than it will be as a stamp. I didn't think about it until it was too late.

Here's another picture of the same card to give you a glimpse of the inside

The tags, ephemera and paper are all from the K&Co Cut & Paste Collection
I was amazed at how many die cut shapes you get in the ephemera pack, it's packed full! Such good value for money I have to say.

So, here are the close ups....

Copic Colour Challenge

2009-04-22T11:16:00.000+01:00

Here we are again with another fabulous Copic Colour Challenge! Boy don't the week pass quickly, I hope they continue to pass quickly because I want to go on my holiday to Turkey... NOW!!!!

I didn't have the exact colours this week (I'm very tempted to buy the other set of Copics) Here's what I came up with.....

The Main colours that I used to try to meet the requirement were; RV04 RV23 B00 B32.

Obviously I had to add to the list, I didn't want our Mikey looking camp! Here's a close up...

The Image is Mikey & Madison from the brand spanking new Mikey download bundle available to purchase from Charmed Cards and Crafts,

The papers are K&Co.

Have a lovely day,

Louise xx