Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Photo Inspiration Papercraft Star

Hi there!

It's Wednesday and that means a new Photo Inspiration challenge at

Here is this weeks photo


How cute are those tin can birdhouses?

Ok, so you don't have to go with the birdhouses ... but I did ... just couldn't resist


4 little birdhouses that hold battery operated candles ... or do they look more like windmills? Mmmm...


These were so easy to make ... I used one of those cardboard tubes they put wrapping paper around as a template ... the candles fitted snuggly inside ... I couldn't punch the hole through the tube so I cut card 
and wrapped it around the tube to get the correct size - then punched a hole in my card and joined the edges


The tops were made using a circle die - cutting a 1/4 of the circle away and folding to make a cone


I had lots of rubons from way back when ... so I used them to decorate - don't be afraid to cut them layer them and mix and match them ... once they are on there they look fine ... you can see I used a few different ones on this

And to show you how I did the candle ... 


I cut a small piece of the tube I used as the template and popped the candle in ... that meant it fitted snuggly inside the birdhouse ... then I punched a circle ... cut a rectangle to enable me to get to the switch and adhered to the base with a little piece of double sided foam tape ... It pulls of easily if I need to change the candle


As a final touch ... I added a pinwheel to each one ... I didn't make these - I bought a whole packet in the 'party' section of a local store for 99p ... where I also bought the mirror for 99p ... just a few strips of washi tape on the frame and we're done!
Sorry I wasn't able to take a photo of them lit ... 

Ok ... so it's over to you now to see what your interpretation of this photo is ... Please link up to Papercraft Star by next Monday evening ... and take a look at the inspiration from the rest of the design  team too.

We are having the funeral for our cousin today so I'd better say goodbye for now 

Have a lovely day

~ Ros ~







Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Summertime at CCCB

Hello and good morning from a wet and windy Merseyside!
It's just a respite we are told ... the hot weather is set to return for a while ...
But over at City Crafter it's still good weather

Our lovely hostess this week is Wendy 
and her chosen theme is 
"Summertime"

(Create a project that has something to do with Summer)

I made three postcards


I had some scene paper by Kanban in my stash which was just perfect for these ... I scanned the paper into my computer so I could print it to the scale I wanted and also add a little bit of effect on the first card


This was printed onto canvas paper after I added the vignette effect in iPhoto 
I then stamped, coloured and paper pieced the little boat ... stamped some birds, a sentiment and added a few shells


The second one I printed onto ordinary card stock and stamped a little deckchair which I coloured and paper pieced ... a few embellishments just add a little extra to the postcards


This last one was again printed onto canvas paper ... love that stuff ... and simply stamped with a little embellishing too

The reverse of the postcards looks like this


A little bit of stamping onto kraft coloured card stock and some creativity in photoshop

I've realised that I have a 'thing' for all things beach themed ... Guess you realised that too from my last post ... So I am really looking forward to seeing your summer themed creations
And talking of postcards ... my blog friend Barbara took a trip to Paris recently and sent me this postcard


Completely unexpected ... Thank You Barbara ... it was so sweet of you to think of me!


Our Guest Designer this week is our winner from week 158 -  Rina Meyer of the Scrapbook Fashionista - please hop over to her lovely blog and take a look at her beautifully embellished designs
... And don't forget to check out the designs from my lovely team mates at CCCB

Thanks so much for your visit and for all the lovely comments you leave me ... I'm very grateful

Have a beautiful day

~ Ros ~




Monday, July 29, 2013

It's A Beach Thing

Hi there ...

We've had some storms here ... Lots of rain too
I'm glad for the coolness ... We don't have air conditioning here in the UK ... Well, some may have it ... But I don't know anyone who does because we never really need it ... But I could have used it this last month ... Sleeping has been difficult ...

Anyhow, I picked up the new digital paper set from Pink Petticoat recently which is beach themed and I got to play with it at the weekend
I had a plaque that has hooks on it ... Never used it ... It just didn't fit in with anything ... So I pulled it out and decided to create something with it


I guess I should have photographed the 'before' ... but I didn't ... I just went right ahead and slapped some paint on ...
I'd had this idea in my head since I came back from Cornwall ... being on the coast and full of fabulous beaches ... you can imagine that there are lots of pictures, plaques and souvenirs with  beach themes - and plenty of well worn flip flops around! That's how I wanted these flip flops to look ... 


After covering my painted plaque with 3 different papers from the Pink Petticoat range and then sanding it at the edges to give it a 'worn' look I set about making flip flops, drawing a template and then cutting them out of cardboard and paper - adhering them together then adding foam soles 
I kind of like them ...


The rope like everything else was in my stash and the flowers were once upon a time ... earrings
I've been hoarding travel themed stickers and things for over a year ... promising myself I would do some scrapping to memorialise our cruise ... It just didn't happen (yet) ... so I used a few on my plaque


Whilst I really like this ... you know, I don't know where I am going to put it ... It doesn't exactly fit in either ... maybe my shower room .....
Oh well, I had fun ....

I'll be back tomorrow with the City Crafter Challenge ... Till then 
Thanks for stopping by 

Have a great day

~ Ros ~












Sunday, July 28, 2013

Waiting ...

Hello ...
How is your weekend going?

It was my turn this week to choose a prompt at 

The prompt I chose is

"Waiting"

... And here's my photo


This was taken at Land's End on my recent trip to Cornwall
People were Waiting to see the sun set and this couple were all snuggled up together 
We noticed a car in the car park with "Just Married" written all over it ... I wondered if this couple were the newly weds

My photo has been enhanced using iPhoto

Here's a few more shots 


If you click to enlarge you can probably make out the fishing boat heading for the shaft of sunlight


... There it is 

These photos were taken on my little digital camera using the zoom lens ... No touching up or enhancing here

The scene looks so warm and cosy, yet believe me it was really cold and windy at Land's End that evening!


We'd love to see your photos so if you have any that fit the prompt ... please link up with us
you have all week to do so ... 

Till soon

~ Ros ~


Thursday, July 25, 2013

Working with Digitals and Happy Birthday!

Hi there ..

I mentioned yesterday that I've done a tutorial which is up on 
Well, in case you are interested in how I change my images to transparencies ... like I did
for my tray ...


I've put together a simple method that I use ... Using another lovely image from 
This is my first video tutorial  and as I said - I am no expert, everything is self taught and I've no doubt that some of you may know a better method ... 
In answer to emails I've had I hope that my method will explain what I do and maybe give you a chance to try it out ...




Also today my sweet blog friend Stella (A little bit of the things I enjoy) is celebrating her birthday

Happy Birthday Stella!!

Yes, the card I showed you yesterday was for her ... and I'm sure she would be thrilled if you pop over to her blog and left some her love ...

A few places for you to visit


Link up your photos


Big Giveaway at Papercraft Star this week plus a New look! Check it out ...


Aways a fun challenge


Have a lovely day

~ Ros ~

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Papercraft Star Challenge

Hello there ...

I am overwhelmed by all the lovely messages left  following our recent bereavement ... 
Thank you all for being there for us ... You are such good friends

Today it's business as usual with a brand new photo inspiration challenge at 


Isn't this just a beautiful shot and so very soothing I think ...

The colours are stunning, but put together they are not colours I would normally have reached for ... but I knew I wanted to go down that route and be challenged
Actually I am pleased at the result!


This card is winging it way to the Netherlands for a sweet blog friends birthday ... I hope she likes it 

I used a new embossing folder (to me) by SU which cost me a fortune in postage ... and on receipt I see why ... it came in a huge box! Not sure I will be buying from them again ... I mean it's plain silly!


The card was run through my printer having selected a digital Pink Petticoat paper "sweet apricot" from the Ombre collection and I embossed a piece of aqua/turquoise paper from my scraps
All the embellishments are from my stash ... I painted one of the shells with distress ink and hot glued a few pearls and some bling to give a 'beach' feel

(you can click to enlarge)

The sentiment is by PTI 
... and in case you missed a TIP I gave a while ago ... I keep little plastic packaging like this


which I pop over any delicate or embellished pieces on my cards that have to be sent through the mail ... that way hopefully everything stays intact

Hop over to the Papercraft Star blog and be inspired by the rest of the lovely team and please play along with us.

Can I also mention that today I have a tutorial on working with digital images up on
  Our Beautiful World blog that you may find helpful ...

Thanks so much for stopping by today ...

Till soon

~ Ros ~





Tuesday, July 23, 2013

On The Road - City Crafter

Hello ...

It's another challenge at City Crafter today and this challenge has been picked by our lovely Charlene who is on vacation ... 
Appropriately she has picked the theme

"On The Road"


Make a project related to travelling

A few weeks ago I made a passport cover (Here ) ... So I thought, why not make a documents folder to go with it?
We all have those printed boarding passes, maps, reservation etc., to take on holiday right? 
Normally we just use an envelope or something similar so I started with a large envelope and it just went from there


I took a couple of pieces of cardstock that I printed first with Pink Petticoat ombre paper and decorated them exactly the same way as I did with my passport cover using papers from the DCWV World Traveller range, cutting pieces out here and there to layer them and stitch them ...

The suitcase is actually cut from a piece of wallpaper! Our local DIY store has this range of travel themed wallpaper ... 


When I was happy with everything I went ahead and adhered the cardstock to both sides of the envelope
This came in very handy on our recent trip I can tell you

Our Guest Designer is the talented Ira of  Ira's Creative Corner so I just know we are in for a treat with her design this week ... Ira is a wonderful friend who has the most amazing gift of transforming her imagination into reality using paper products ... please stop by her blog and be enthralled ...

A reminder for you to also check out the wonderful creations from the rest of our team at City Crafter and this week's winner will win a guest spot with us ...

I look forward to seeing your lovely creations ...

Have a beautiful Day

~ Ros ~




Monday, July 22, 2013

At Peace



Hello ...

I have a post to celebrate Charlene's birthday just below this ...
I wanted to quickly pop in and let you know that our cousin Sheila passed away a short while ago
Finally she is at peace and I can only hope and pray that she will find the love and happiness she richly deserves wherever her sweet soul has gone ...

Thank you for your kind words, your support and prayers 

~ Ros ~





Happy Birthday Charlene!

Another scheduled post today ... Life is hectic right now ...

Today is our lovely Charlene's (City Crafter) birthday ...
It's a special one for her and to celebrate she is taking a trip ... or rather a cruise ... 
Charlene if you are able to see our posts ... 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

This is a card I made especially for our sweet Charlene


I know Char received this before she left for her vacation ...


I hope you're having the trip of a lifetime Charlene


Stay safe and take lots of photos!
And enjoy your special day

Sending hugs

~ Ros ~


Please hop over to the City Crafter blog to see a special posting and leave Charlene some birthday wishes!



Sunday, July 21, 2013

Our Beautiful World - Details

Good morning!
My post is being scheduled today because I don't know how things will transpire in the next 24hours with my husbands cousin ... 
Grateful thanks to all of you for your kind words and thoughts ... It's so very much appreciated...

Today at Our Beautiful World ... Wendy (Our very own Miss Netherlands) has picked a prompt for us which is 
"Details"
So we are looking for you to link up your photos of how this word translates to you
This is my shot


I love getting up close and personal with nature ... this was a wild flower growing in Cornwall - the details of flowers and plants always fascinate and enthral me ...
If you look really closely you will see a little visitor there too ...


See it now? Click to enlarge

Here's another one


Just look at all those ants!

My lovely team mates from around the world have posted their photos up on the blog and we would love for you to join us too ... and why not grab our button whilst you visit ... spread the word and lets get to see the loves and lives of our beautiful blogging community through your lens ...

A secret ... Later in the week we will have a little tutorial for you at Our Beautiful World ... my very first (eek)! 

I hope you have a lovely Sunday 

Till soon

~ Ros ~




Saturday, July 20, 2013

Hedgehogs and heartaches

Hello ...
Well the heat here has caused me sleepless nights ... but more than that my husband's cousin ... who you may remember from previous posts fell and broke her hip in April has been hospitalised once again after only being released into a nursing home a few days ago.

Having spent the last 3 months in 2 different hospitals - social workers, contrary to our opinion, decided that she was fit to go back to her own home this coming week but things have taken a turn for the worse ...

 Yesterday we were informed that she had  fallen in the nursing home but was 'fine' ... an hour later she was rushed into hospital ...
At 4am this morning we were called out to the hospital ... It's not looking good at all and we are having a little respite before going back to face whatever will be ...

So what's a girl to do? Breathe deeply ... trying to dispel the frustration and anger brought about by those who would not listen ... stay calm and stay strong ... and fold book pages ...


This little guy cheers me up ... Just an old book with a simple fold


I had a notion that I could write down my words of anger and frustration onto little cards and put them here ... instead of keeping them inside
Perhaps I will ...


.. after all it's a prickly situation

Time for some tea I think ...

Till soon 

~ Ros ~









Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Papercraft Star A Decorated Tray and a little Tutorial

Hello!
My we are having lovely weather ... what a difference to be working with the doors and windows open and the sun filtering through ...

Today is a brand new Photo Inspiration challenge at Papercraft Star


There's so much to choose from in this photo ... Beautiful colours and just look at the piano covered in foliage ...

The hydrangeas jumped out at me here and a light bulb went on ... See, I have this pretty tray which got damaged


So it was time to play with my digital images and see what I could do ... Here's what I ended up with


Now doesn't that look better? A close up before I give you an idea of how I did this


I use an iMac computer ... it's my best friend ... so the program I use when working with digitals is Print Shop ...

I started here with a digital paper by Erica Coombs which looked like this


... Until I lightened it in Print Shop so that it looked something like this


Then I took this image from The Graphics Fairy




 and changed it to a transparency (using Adobe Photoshop Elements) and saved it as a png file ... 

Once saved I could open it in Print shop and change the colour to get more of a blue shade as in the Inspiration photo
... So it then looked like this




I could then layer this in different sizes and directions onto my paper ...
when I was happy with the design I then used Hero Arts digitals (Formes & letters) on top - you could of course stamp instead if you wanted but with digitals you can alter the sizes


As a final touch I found the definition of Hydrangea on the internet written in French


Once I was completely happy I just printed the image on ordinary copy paper and used Mod Podge to adhere it to my tray and added a few coats of clear lacquer to protect it 

So thanks to this challenge I now have a pretty 'new' tray ...
I hope you will be inspired as I was to join us this week ... please hop over to the blog to check out the creations from the rest of the DT 

Thanks for stopping by ... keep safe

~ Ros ~