Happy Holidays :0)

Hi, Just a note to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year for 2014. Wishing you all good health, wealth, happiness and prosperity with all your hopes and dreams coming true. I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating. Best wishes and hugs Sonia :0)

Daffodil Tutorial House Mouse

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all well. I thought I would try another tutorial. This one is beautiful and it is by Paula Holifield. Paula has created a beautiful tutorial of 'Daffodil' from House Mouse on her blog : http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ So, here it my attempt at it :).... Thank you Paula for creating this tutorial, I really enjoyed your tutorial. If you would love to have a go at it the please follow this link as it will take you straight to the tutorial :) http://joannasheenchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/house-mouse-promarker-tutorial.html Hugs

My 6th Post ~ Bella Tutorial

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all well. Well I have started to give my pro markers a day out and saw this lovely tutorial by Wild Rose Studios and had to give it a go. I did not have maroon but did have every other colour. It is not perfect, I tried the fine line nib and found that you really need to make sure you draw on a scrap of paper to check it is colour free (I used green for the rose stalk and then grey for the tail)! Tip learnt! Anyway, I had a go, which is an improvement at just looking in awe...I know it is not brilliant but unless I start practicing I am not going to learn to colour with my pro markers. I hope you like it :)

If you would like to have a go, please do go to Wild Rose Studios - or if you click on the following link it should take you straight there :0)
(4) Wild Rose Studios - Bella Pro Markers :0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkBYKzKW6r4

Wild Rose Studio's Bella Tutorial by Dulcie




Enjoy :)

5th Post! My Ganesh Cross Stitch

Hi Everyone, I am not sure where my cross stitch tab on my blog has gone too! But I wanted share this with you. It took me 18 months to stitch and I am really proud and still cannot believe that I made this :) It is a cross stitch of Lord Ganesh~ a Hindu God of Wisdom and Knowledge....I love elephants though!

I actually finished it on the 1st of October 2012 and I gave it to my husband as it was his birthday ~ my younger brother thought I should let him have it for a wedding pressie ~ I love him dearly but, he can have visiting rights! My Uncle said I could leave it with him! and my Grandmother was so proud. And that was before it was lovingly framed by my husband. So it has pride and place in our front room and looks like a picture - I originally was not sure about the green background and wanted the orangy/red one....boy am I glad I stuck with the green :) I hope you like it. Love and hugs Sonia xx

The Hobby House : Inspiration from one of our Challenge Entrants

The Hobby House : Inspiration from one of our Challenge Entrants: Good morning  Today the very lovely Sonia is inspiring you to enter the current challenge of PEARLS with this lovely ca...

4th Card ~ Bella :0) ~ Hunky Dory

Hello :0) I have to say I LOVE BELLA and am so proud to have finally made a card of Bella... This card is a Topper and Panel Set from Hunky Dory and I have only made this one so far.... They are all so sweet :0) Anyway - This one was a birthday card from my friend George's Wife and she LOVED it - I did not want to part with it lol :0) I also made a little box for it too and embellished that. Here is Bella :0)

As you can see there are 3 views, one standing up, one laying down and then the inside panel. Please do let me know what you think :) I would love to have your feed back on this one :0! What I did... I made the card up and added a big red rose in each of the top corners as I love my roses, they are from my stash and I also used my leaf punch for the leaves and used silver mirri this time. The pearls on the sprig were also from my stash. The pearls on the card are all white pearl gems Around the sentiment I added my tiny roses and used my swirl punch for some foliage At the very bottom of the card is this beautiful sticky ribbon with lace and then pearls underneath. Amazing effect I thought. Anyway, I am pleased to say I had fun and might be getting a little hooked on this! Thank you for looking Hugs :0)

3rd Card ~ Hobby House ~Card Kit

Hi Everyone :0) I hope you are all well. Here is my third card - it is a card from Hobby House and is part of box set they were advertising. It looked great as basically it contained everything you needed to make 6 (I think) cards :0) Great Idea, but not when your on medication...I found this one REALLY hard to make! Anyway, I am pleased to say that I finally won the battle and this is what I came up with. I have to say it was a challenge for me and a real head scratcher!!!!

I decided this would be a lovely card for a very good friend of mine Vonny. I have never, ever made her a home made card for her lol so I thought I would surprise her this year with this one :) In the end, I had great fun with this card :) I love the flowers in the top right hand corner, I punched out some leaves and added some of my tiny roses from my stash of flowers The Hobby House image is a Topper so I think I added some Pearl gems to that as well and some glitter to the image The border around the image I have added pearls too I added the Spiral of swirly pearls to the bottom right and really liked the effect I love the look of the panels with the ribbon and added gems - I think I would have liked to have added a border through the middle to make it look like 6 panels (Hindsight) But overall, I am really pleased with it and think she is lovely. Vonny was also pleased with the card too which is great. Thank you for looking, hugs Sonia xx I thought I would be brave and try and enter a few blog challenges :0) They are as follow: http://scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ http://hobbyhousechallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Children In Need

Hi Everyone, Just a note to ask...if you are able to join in, the PLEASE do..... Just donated :0) On top of the £25 to hire a Captain Jack Sparrow Outfit for eldest and paid for both sons to go in non school uniform for Children in Need...But, a fantastic cause, where every pound (£) counts - so if you can PLEASE donate ~ Thank you ~ Sonia xx bit.ly bit.ly I’ve helped change the lives of children & young people in the UK by donating to BBC Children in Need, you can help too. Sonia Jackson Donation Reference: = 2NB3IQ4EA32804S8WWOG Please add yours if you do donate THANK YOU & Hugs,

2nd Card - Thinking of you at this sad time

Hello Everyone, Firstly, I am amazed with the comments and support that you have been kind enough to show me and want to thank you again for inspiring me to give this a go. As promised here is my second card - I hoped to Blog it a bit sooner but I have had a rough few days, Week 1 of recovery was ok, but then it started to go downhill and I found I have had to go rest a lot more or go to bed. I also managed to get an infection too so that probably added to the increase in pain. Anyhow...here it is :)

As mentioned before, it is the second card for my friend who wanted it for his mum. It is a Hunky Dory Card and I really did not have a clue what to do, the sentiment he wanted was the same as the sentiment on the panel. So, I decided to make the card as a tall card with the panel, add a ribbon and bow and then some purple gems. My aim was to go with elegant as it was a sentimental card. I then added the sentiment to the inside of the card. I am pleased to say my friend Mark was pleased with the outcome. I hope you like the card too. Thanks for all your support, Hugs, Sonia xx

First Card as promised...3D Floral Card (Foiled)

Well, I guess I better give it a go - take that first step of now or never.... Please find below my first card that I have made for a while. It was made for a good friend of mine Mark. His mother had passed away and always loved flowers so he asked me to make 2 cards for him as her headstone was being put up for the first time. Kind of a sad story I know but a very loving gesture by a son to his mother. This is the birthday card he wanted made :0) ....

So this is card one, the second one is a sympathy card which he wanted to also go in with the new headstone as the dates between birth and death were a few days apart. Even though this was a commissioned card - Any payment was refused as I believe it was a very loving gesture indeed. I will post the sympathy card next! Thank you for looking and I hope you like my first attempt. Happy Crafting. Hugs, Sonia :0)

Lexie's Cards: 'So Sweet' House Mouse Card for Joanna Sheen Chall...

Lexie's Cards: 'So Sweet' House Mouse Card for Joanna Sheen Chall...: Hi everyone! What a hectic week it's been at Chez Lexie!  I've found time to make a card for this weeks challenge over at the Joan...

I love your HM  card Lexi :0)

Thank you for sharing xx
Sonia :0)

Updating Blog Begins....

Hiya,

 

I am hoping to start blogging again shortly and just wanted to say thank you to all my lovely followers. I am currently in the process of starting to add a couple of cards I have made and hope to have added them by the end of the week. 

 

If there is anyone you know who would like to follow my blog then please do let them know. I would really love to share what I do manage to create with my friends and hopefully progress with my card making skills. I love the feedback and hints or tips and appreciate all of your comments. I do read everyone and reply to them all. I am so inspired by everyones blogs that I kind off forgot about my own!

I have another op (wahoo) so will be on bed rest for a bit so hopefully, I will get to spend some time playing with my blog, crafting and updating. Any feedback and comments is much appreciated as I love to learn.

Thank you again for following me :0)
Hugs, Sonia :0)

 

Sonia

Sonia's Crafting Blog

 

hereshownottodoit.blogspot.com

Sonia Animated By Keith

Hi Everyone,

 

Just thought I would pop my head in and say 'Hi' - Sorry it has been a while since I have last blogged.  I have not been on for a while as I was in recovery from my last operation and now I am playing with a cracking cold and viral infection which has knocked my immune system as I am run down.

 

I have managed to make a few cards and hope to upload them and start to blog again in the near future.  (Watch this space)!

 

I was playing around and with the help of a very good friend 'Paula Holifield' (Thank You Paula)

 

I was able to get all my animated digital stamps working properly which Keith Dunthorne has Created for me. 

 

They initially worked fine but with a change on the Blog they were leaving a trail behind them.

 

If this is or has happened to anyone and you are wondering what to do...then read on!

 

Paula's fantastic suggestion is as follows:

 

• Upload your image(s) into Photo bucket then, Name and Save your Image

 

• Copy the code for your Image that you have just uploaded and saved

 

To do this:

 

• You will need to Copy the Code for your Image from the 'Direct' part

 

Choices are:  E-mail and IM, Direct, HTML and HTML Thumbnail.

 

NOTE: (Select Direct)

 

• Then in your Blog (Blogger) add the Images

 

• By using the 'Insert Image Icon' on your Tool Bar

 

• Select From a URL

 

• Copy the Code of your Image (From Photo bucket) and Paste the Code into the Blogger

 

• Your image will then appear

 

• Finally, Click on 'Add Selected'

Voila ~ Job Done :0)

 

 

And if you need to see it to believe it...Scroll down and you will see I have added all of mine.

 

 

PS:  Please do see Paula's Sites for Inspiration, she is awesome and amazing with her card making skills and a freelance card maker for several well know magazines  :0)

 

You can follow Paula on Face Book:

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/paula.Holifield

 

Enter her Challenges on Paula's Blog ~ A Little Bit Crafty

 

 

And if that is not enough Paula runs a Joanna Sheen Blog

 

Want more?   Then please do check out Paula's own blog:

 

http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really hope this was helpful to you and I really have to give Paula all the credit here.  Please do leave a comment if you find this helpful :0)

 

Best Wishes

Fantastic Animated Signatures and Names - See if your name is there and save as for free :)

Hi Everyone,

I would love to make you aware of an amazing guy 'Keith Dunthorne'

Keith has a site: http://www.anisigs.co.uk/

I personally recommend Keith as I have asked for animated names and logo's, and found his work to be of high standard, fantastic quality, very reasonably priced and the outcome of the work Keith does is exactly what my expectations were and more.

Therefore, if you are after the animated signatures and names -  Keith is the guy to go too.

All the animated signatures, and names I have used with my name have been created by Keith.

I started by trying to find the House Mouse animation with my name - if you check out his site...

http://www.anisigs.co.uk/

You will see that you have loads of choice and personalised work can be carried out as in my case.

Quoting the man himself 'Keith's animated signatures and names, using various styles, for
personalizing  your e-mail, stationery and web-sites. Have a look to see if
your, or a friend's, name has already been animated and is on the site. '

If you find your name and want it, you can 'Save As'  absolutely worth a look and please do sign his guest book and acknowledge him if you save an animation.

Thanks everyone and hope that you have a great day.

 

 

 

 

 

Mo Manning Free Digi :)

Hi Everyone,

Just to let you know, Mo Manning has a free digi on her site to celebrate the 4th of July.  However, it is available until the 5th July until 9pm :)

For those of you who are interested I have attached the link below for you.

 Enjoy, Sonia x

If you would like it the link is: https://www.facebook.com/mosdigitalpencil

 

 

 

Maurie J. Manning

Maurie J Manning is the author and illustrator of THE AUNTS GO MARCHING, an ALA Notable Book and KITCHEN DANCE which Kirkus called "In the Night Kitchen uncloaked." NEW this spring from Clarion, LAUNDRY DAY, which has so far received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. She is also...

Page: 6,037 like this.

Forever Friends With Cake Using Spica Pens - Especially For Shabnam

 

Hiya

 

Well this is the last topper for Forever Friends (for now anyway)

 

This one you will recognise from an earlier posting...

 

However, Dawn Omar put out a request for anyone to send a birthday card to her beautiful sweet daughter, a little angel named Shabnam who was 4 on the 21st of May

 

Dawn said that Shabnam loved all this bright and colourful, cute things, bright and sparkly!

 

So I decided to use the Forever Friends Topper and card I had made a added a bit of colour to it.

 

the card itself is already embossed so I thought I would fill in the flowers and use my Spica Pens as they are glittery and delicate :)

 

In the end I just had to do it all and I really like the effect actually, I did think it would go horribly wrong but I think it is perfect for a 4 year old birthday girl who has learnt how to open birthday cards :)D

 

I have spoken to Dawn since and was glad to find out that the card arrived safe and sound and Shabnam opened it and loved the surprise Cinderella that I had decoupaged on the inside for her. 

 

The photo did not turn out clear at all so I have not added it here xx

 

Thanks for looking and I hope you like the Spica Pens doodled on the Embossed card!

 

Would love your feedback on this card please.

 

lots of hugs

 

 

Forever Friends with a Bunch of Flowers

 

 

Hello :0)

 

I don't think the image of this one has come out as well as I had hoped.

 

You can See the topper is a Forever Friends bear with lots of flowers and a ribbon in a bow.  The embellishments are all flowers and the sentiment says 'Because your special'

 

 

 

A sweet card with lots of colour, definitely a girly birthday card :0)

 

What do you think of this one out of the set?  Thanks for looking

 

Big Hugs

 

Forever Friends With Presents

Hi, this is the Party Forever Friends Card with the balloons and presents as the embellishment. 

 

Obviously aimed as a birthday card - Male or Female I think.

 

I went for the oval card for the toppers and embellishments. 

 

Thanks for looking xx

 

 

 

 

Forever Friends in a Picnic Basket

Hi

This one is a Thank You Forever Friends card, he has added himself into the picnic basket!  The cakes look yummy xx

Charity Cross Stitch Update...

Hi All,

Just to let you know I am working hard on the cross stitch and working my way though the owl I have promised to make...finding white thread on white Aida a little bit tricky with the old eyes LOL.  Hope to have it finished....the one I am currently stitching my way through is...

 

Fan 19 - Baby Animals 2 - CHOSEN TO STITCH AN OWL

Closing date 30th June 2013 -

White Aida measuring 7x7 inches (18x18 cms)

 

I will put a picture up as soon as I have completed it and before I post it as you can see, I don't have too long left!  Eek....Going to have to finish and post it by Wednesday the 26th to reach there in plenty of time and allow postage and for the weekend....

 

May not be crafting for a while....just stitching lol

 

Feels good to be doing something positive for charity and the child who will receive this panel on a blanket, once Auntie Jane has worked her magic. xxxx

 

Thanks for your support

Sonia xx

 

Country Companions

Hi Everyone,

 

Well here it is, the first card I have made since my operation!  Hubby asked me to make him a card as his mum had just moved to her new home with her hubby!

 

Well, I said I have not made a new house one or have anything!  So he chose the image, and I had a panic and freak out but took on the challenge!!!!

 

Went through all the craft boxes I had organised found basil card stock, flowers, a charm from the Hobby House, Paper Mania Capsule Collection paper, some velvet cream ribbon, glitter glue, bows, punches for leaves, adhesive pearls and a sentiment...Grabbed all the things I thought went with the image and just went for it....Starting with an 8 by 8 scalloped white card.

 

So, please be gentle as I really tried hard not to let him down!

 

Here it is...

 

I would really appreciate your feedback on this card, as I said I had a go, I had the image in my hand and just grabbed things to co-ordinate, then I put things together on the layout first before attaching anything.  I added pearls to the butterfly, leaves to the flowers from my stash, and glitter glue to the image - the little mouse top with stripes, his nose and the flower centres. 

 

I tried to layer it and make  more elements stand out and this is a complete one of design which had been just planned under pressure!

 

I really hope you like it and thank you so much for looking.  Hope you are all well.

 

Take care and hugs

Great Service from Lisa B Designs :0)

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know that Lisa Baker has been absolutely fantastic in her customer service, you guys know that I speak about great customer service instead of shouting about the bad ones. I just love the good guys and think they deserve the mention far more. 

Lisa helped me out when in a spot as I needed some help, she arranged it really fast and I now will be able to finally use my stamps and colour (due to health I can't place enough pressure) :(

I have purchased all the Bella Stamps as I wanted to learn to colour and my stamping is NOT good, Lisa recommended a lady to me (Suzanne) and she will come to my home and help me out...how cool is that?  And Lisa had only got back from Spain the night before and had more than enough to do but still helped me out big time.  THANK YOU LISA XX

Anyway, I also use Lisa's web site as she is really competitive in prices and has delivery which is super fast and great products....if you have not seen her website or her work please do go look at her website....she has the following:

• Great Customer Service
• Help and Support
• A Sale on which has FANTASTIC offers on (I know, I purchased)!
• Wild Rose Studio Stamps and Paper Packs
• Hobby House Products and gems too

These were just things I loved!

Lisa also has loads of new 'goodies' coming in and definitely worth a look :D

Please do go check out her site :D

http://lisabdesigns.co.uk/

 

Thank, lots of hugs

 

Sonia ~x~

Hi :)

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and comments that have been left and to all my followers.  I am so proud that I have managed to achieve this blog and set it up, and with the help of Paula Holifield with the layout into a style that is more me :)  Thank you very much Paula.

I am recovering slowly, sadly last week was the worst one so far and I am in week 5 now of having had the surgery done.  I have still not managed to make a single card but I am hoping to and am learning to colour.  So I have been researching colouring with pro markers and getting inspiration...

I have made some fantastic friends online who chat to me and keep me going as I have got a bit down with this set back...however, I do intend to finish this owl cross stitch for charity and make some cards which will be Hunky Dory.  Mainly as they are all I can manage at the moment and it will be a start.  

Paula and Tracy, I cannot thank you both enough for all your help, advice and support.  Just want you to both know I really appreciate you and for keeping me on the straight and narrow.

I managed to miss several birthdays, a hen night, a wedding, a baby shower and seeing my friends.  Sadly these are things that are one offs, and I will not be able to share those experiences or have those memories which did make me rather sad and think 'why me' - however, I knew there would be ups and downs so here is to some more ups :D    Supportive family and friends who have been so understanding too xx

And to all my followers, I thank you for your comments and your patience and understanding.  I have for the first time ever spent the last 5 days in bed...on complete bed rest which is really weird...there has been a set back with my operation and it seems that I will need to have another operation in 6 months.  However, that is a lot of crafting time till then.  Which I hope to start making some progress on now.  

I won't know anymore on my healing process until my 8 week check, but have had an emergency appointment with my consultant at the beginning of the week.  Plan A failed so now for Plan B....

So I really just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone for your continuous support and let you know that your support, feedback, and staying with me on my blog means the world to me.  

Best wishes and wishing you all well with good health.   :)

Forever Friends in an Envelope!

Hi Again,

Here is another Forever Friends Quick Make

Forever Friends with Cake

Hi,

 

I purchased some Forever Friends Toppers and the Cards which go with them and thought I would have a little play around. 

 

Basically I wanted to add the Topper to a Card with a Panel in a similar shape...

 

 

 

I took these images standing up as I wanted to try and capture the patterns on the card behind.

 

I love the topper and thought it fit the panel well with the little flowers on the top left and bottom right.  I added the sentiment 'Make a Wish' to the bottom in the middle. 

 

Hope you like it and please do leave feedback if you can :)

 

Hugs,

Forever Friends in a box

Hi,

 

There are about 7 of these I managed (well 6 and 1 I added too) so Forever Friends it is.

 

Again Toppers, this is the bear in a box - Surprise Birthday :)

 

I chose the circle panel on this card as I thought it fitted well. 

 

Then embellished with cakes and flowers and a sentiment 'On Your Special Day'

 

 

Again, just a quick make for a birthday card and you can see the pattern on the card.  I know I can use chalk etc.
 

However, I wanted to keep it Clean and Simple. 

 

Thank you for looking

 

Hugs

 

 

 



Basket of Flowers

Hi :D

Today you get my final flowery one!  Which is Basket of Flowers. 

 

 

As you can see I got a bit more adventurous, my confidence is slowly building :)

 

I have decoupaged a basket of flowers which are lovely they were good fun to do and keep me quiet.

 

The card is a larger one with scalloped edges, I wanted to leave a lot of white space for the border this time. 

 

I thought I would use this light tan Basil card and my Martha Stewart Punch.  (Have to use them as they were a new purchase). 

 

I only did the left and right borders, as I did not want to push my luck, and was pleased with the effect :)  I did think about adding diamante's to the flowers but chose not to this time as they were elsewhere. 

 

I then used some Purple card which is pearlised and punched along the top and bottom to contrast the tan panel.  I love the way it came together. 

I added a ribbon along the bottom and a bow on the top right hand corner of the decoupage panel and finally I got out the gems :)

 

 

 

 

There are clear gems slightly larger on the purple panel, ribbon and outside white part of the card.

There are the tiny purple pearlised (3 mm) gems on the yellow flowers in the centre (I think they are pansies)

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, I did this on the inside, again very simple, the purple pearlised card for the inside, using the Martha Stewart Punch on the bottom  and then a bow in the top left hand corner.

 

I hope you like it, and that the write ups are ok.  I just started to do them so if anyone wanted a go they could and also my memory is a bit like mush at the moment so it will help me remember!

 

Hugs