SU Mini Pizza Box Gift

I recently purchased some Stampin' Up! Mini Pizza Boxes in gold and white.  They measure 3 1/4 inches square and are about 3/4 of an inch in depth.  I decorated the box with some flowers and a cat using some punches/dies. The photo below shows what I packed inside.  A pair of white low cut socks, a lip gloss and two tea bags.  Everything fit perfectly!  I have a friend who has a Birthday early in the New Year, and wanted to send her a small gift.  We don't get to see each other very often as we live about 3 1/2 hours away from one another. We've been friends since we were ten, went through school together, and have been there for each others ups and downs through life.

In the photo above you can see what I have put in the box. These boxes are so versatile and you can decorate them as you like. This will be my last post before Christmas.  "Santa" comes tonight and I hope he keeps those reindeer quiet when he lands on the roof!  I did leave him a *polite* note asking him if he put slippers on the reindeers hooves before he lands on my roof to keep the noise down!  There's nothing more annoying than being woken up at mid night by 8 reindeer prancing and dancing on your roof! We'll see what happens!  Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!  Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

Christmas With Mr. Squirrel!

 

All the stamps I used on this card are from Lavinia Stamps.  I used a stencil brush to make the pink/lilac background, brushing the ink in a circular motion.  I then stamped the Pinecone stamp three times to make the circle. I added the small oak leaf stamp to fill in the white spaces around the circle. Then I inked up Mr. Squirrel with Lavinia ink in Henna color and stamped him to the bottom left of the card.  I also stamped a few acorns for Mr. Squirrel, whom I have decided to call "Nutmeg", because for some reason he didn't  have a name!  I added some snow using my Stampendous Chunky White Deep Impression Embossing Enamel.  I love using this stuff, it's so much fun and gives a lovely snowy effect on my cards! The last think I put on the card was some Berry Red Nuvo Crystal Drops.  Because it was so hot and humid that day, as the drops dried they run together making them into a blob! I mostly used scraps to make this card as I had several card bits sitting on my desk so decided to use them up. I thought about lightly colouring the Pinecones, but decided that by leaving them as they are, it makes them look as if they have some snow on them. Ok, thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day! 

Lavinia Stamps "Snowfall" Card.

Another LS Christmas card!  Sadly the glitter and sparkly bits on the card don't show up very well in this photo. Not much to say about this card except that all the stamps I used are from Lavinia Stamps. The card is very sparkly and much prettier in real life!  Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

 

'Lupin' -" Lavinia Stamps"

This is a 3/12 inch square ceramic tile I have stamped "Lupin" on.  He is one of the new October release stamps from "Lavinia Stamps."  I had bought a small box of random ceramic tiles way back at the beginning of whenever, for a couple of dollars, from my local Hospice Shop. This is the first I have used any of the tiles.  They are mixed colours, some darker and some lighter ones.  It was a challenge to stamp on the tile because they are slippery!  I had to be very carful not to move the stamp while pressing down on it.  I will be (hopefully) making more of these, and I plan on popping them in between my pot plants, which are outside on my front terrace. Semi sheltered from the rain, under the eaves of the house. I used some clear embossing powder over the top if the images and embossed them because I wasn't too sure if or how long the ink would take to dry being on a non porous material.  I used Versafine Clair Nocturne ink to stamp the images.  I used some Rhubarb coloured Nuvo Crystal Drops of the red berries, which have all run together. Bummer.  They were supposed to bee three small dots, not one big blob! It's quite  humid here today, so tat's probably why it all run together.  Oh well, shift happens, and I had fun! Thanks for dropping by!  Have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

 

More LS "King Hopkins" Cards!

Goodness me!  Two posts in one morning! So here I am, back with some book marks, and an updated version of 'King Hopkins'. I'm not sure which 'King Hopkins' I prefer, the one without the sequins, or the one with sequins. The two bookmarks came about because I had two small pieces of white card that I had cut off other cards. I wanted to use up the scrap card so thought I'd make bookmarks. Ok, thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

 

Lavinia Stamps - King Hopkins!

This is a new 'Lavinia Stamps' stamp, and he is 'King Hopkins'!  I wasn't keen on having to actually colour him in, so used my LS stencil brushes and lightly brushed on some purple,  yellow and blue inks randomly on the white card.  I added some water droplets using my fan brush. Because I used water reactive stamp pads, I got a nice bubbly kind of effect on the back ground. In real life you wouldn't see me within cooee of a frog!  I really aren't into insect and bugs, but I do love King Hopkins! I am sure I will be making more of these cards, so watch this space! Thank you for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

Lavinia Stamps Christmas Card.

 This card is the same design as the one in the previous post. The only difference is, I cut all the layers straight this time! It has some gorjuss sparkly purple and wine coloured glitter on it but it doesn't show on here. All the stamps I used are "Lavinia Stamps." Not much for today, I am in pain and need to rest. CFS/Fibro are not a fun health issues to have and today it is biting me on the butt:-( Hopefully tomorrow will be better, fingers crossed!

Thank you for dropping by!  Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Cards, Hand Stamped Wooden Tags, and "Dudley"!

I made the card above for a friend for Christmas.  She LOVES the new Hare stamps from Lavinia Stamps!  She also asked me to make her the card below, another LS Hare stamp!

I made a boo boo on the card below, I accidentally cut the right hand side at the top, crooked:-(  I didn't know how to fix it so I have just left it as it is. "IIWI" I say - It Is What It Is!  And yes,more LS stamps.  

I made a whole pile of the tags above, and glued a tiny red pop-pom on his nose.  I bought the wooden tags from the $2 Shop. I think there was four in each pack. The stamp is from Stampin' Up!  I don't know what the black mark is on the right one, as it isn't actually on the tag in real life!  I think it was 'something' sticking up on the green mat behind the tags.

These are some other wooden tags I stamped on, They look a bit ragged here, but in reality they aren't!  Some have sparkly glitter on them as well.  Really NOT good photos at all!

Last but not least, below, is "Dudley"!  His owner walks him past my place every day, and went out and took some photo's of him one day,  I think he is just gorjus!  He is so chilled out and totally relaxed.  He is never in a hurry and is very happy to sit down and have a rest!  The owner actually has another dog, same breed, which is a Chow Chow, and her name is "Princess"!  She is just as gorjuss as "Cuddly Dudley" as I call him!  I would like to get some better photos of him, and "Princess" one day!

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

Cute Baby Ducks And A Card!

I made this card above using a Penny Black cling stamp.  This was the first time I had used it.  I stamped onto some Mixed Media card, which takes the ink really well and dries quickly. I hope you can see the snow on it, maybe if you enlarge it. There is also some sparkly glitter too. I coloured the birds using my water colour pencils. The red berries were coloured using a red gel pen. I have a close relative who had recently had some serious surgery in one of Auckland's major hospitals. She lives about 3 hours away, and was up here on her own.  I went to see her at the hospital every day, and took her some clothing etc. I made the card above and gave it to the staff to say 'thank you' for their wonderful care they showed my relative.  It also has a Christmas message inside as well.

Below is a close up photo of two baby ducks snugged up together on my back lawn!  They are soooo cute!

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

 

Lavinia Christmas Cards.

Above are 3 more Christmas cards.  This time I stamped Holly leaves in the corners, instead of Oak leaves.  I am still struggling with feeling so tired, so crafting is a bit of a challenge right now.  

Below is a card using one of my new LS stamps.  Love those cute and cheeky Hares! This one is a silhouette of Lupin.  I used my  inch round gel press to make the background. Because it is a new gel press, and I hadn't washed it before I used it, the ink 'beaded' in places, which I actually like!  All the stamps on this card are Lavinia stamps.

 Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

"Logan".

I added a red bow to Logan so he looks a bit more Christmassy.  Same card. 

This is "Logan", one of the 19 new stamps by Lavinia Stamps.  He measures 3 1/4 by 4 inches in size. There is some sparkly glitter on some of the leaves, however they don't really show on this photo.  At first glance the card looks ok, however, I made a boo-boo, can you spot it??

The leaves are Oak leaves...and there is snow. Oak trees (in NZ) produce Acorns  around September - October...and there is no snow  at that time of year, or any other time, where I live!  Oops!  I had a pile of stamps sitting on my desk and thought I had picked up the Holly Leaves stamp.  However it was the Oak leaves, and I stamped it before I realized my boo-boo! Yes, it was going to be Christmas card! The other boo-boo I made was the outer circle behind "Logan" should have been white.  I accidentally picked up a pencil that looks white on the outside, but is in fact a pale off white/yellow colour. Oh dear, I think I should go back to bed and start the day again!

The challenge is, I am still very tired after being unwell recently. I really need to focus properly when I am stamping. Lesson learnt?!

The card is quite big and measures 5 1/2 by 5 1/4 inches in size.

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

New Lavinia Stamps!

Here are some of my new LS stamps and inks that just arrived!  LS had bought out 19 brand new designs...I bought them all! I also added "Roland", their five inch round gel press. 

Below is a chopping board I stamped on, using some of my new stamps.  Not sure if I like it or not, my brain is still not quite functioning correctly after being so unwell recently.  The word stamp says, "Those Who Don't Believe In Magic Will Never Find It." 

More to come later...watch this space...!

 

Thanks for dropping by!  Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

New Lavinia Stamps Card.

I made this card over a month ago, using some LS stamps. I have been unwell and in and out of hospital with serious abdominal pain for a few weeks. I was also not able to eat or drink for 8 days, which has left me very weak.  I am slowly recovering, but don't have the energy to make anything new yet. 

Thanks for dropping by!  Have a SUNSHINE day!

Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

A Magical Flight...

The air was calm and warm, as Moo, Basil and Minni quietly climbed aboard their hot air balloon. They had found an old, forgotten Witches hat in the forest and made it into a hot air balloon! They were going on a Magical journey!  It was dusk, and the stars were already shining brightly in the sky.   As they gently lifted off, from a secret location, hidden deep within the Enchanted Forest, they were all very excited to see where their balloon would take them! Basil held a lamp to guide them, and Moo said to follow the brightest star. Minni was so excited she was dancing around in little circles! "Careful," said Moo, don't upset the balloon or we'll all tip out!" It was all so very exciting and fun, and a little bit naughty because their voyage was top secret! As they gently floated higher into the sky, Moo yelled out, "Here we go!", and they waved to the birds nesting in the trees below. 

I wonder where they went?!  I wonder what naughty things they got up to?! I really can't say, my lips are sealed...

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

"Be-Witched!"

Just a very quick post for today! I recently came across a post on a FB page I follow, about how to make mini broomsticks for Halloween.  Of course I had to make one!  I found a Witch I had made some years ago, to put with the broomstick!  The Witch is made from an old pair of pantyhose - the best use for them from my opinion!

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Eleven Babies, and Some Crafting!

The photo above is of "Daisy" and her eleven babies!  They arrived here early in the morning a couple of days ago.  I heard a lot of quacking and some chirping, so I had a look out the window and saw these!  "Daisy" is one of two ducks that have been coming each day, all year,  to be fed.  Once in the morning and again late afternoon.  This day she bought her babies to show me! OMG they are so darn cute!  The babies walk all over my feet, much to "Daisy's" concern!  They have a shallow dish of water the babies can drink form or swim in, and I give them food as well. So cute!

Above is something I made yesterday.  It has lot's of texture that isn't showing in this photo.  It measures about 10 inches by eight. I lay down a stencil onto some card, then spread Texture Paste over the stencil.  Once I lifted the stencil I dried it with my heat gun.  Once it was dry I sprayed various coloured LS Mica sprays onto it, adding some sprays of water to mix the colours.  I also added a sprinkle of gold mica powder to give it extra sparkle.  I then dried it with my heat gun.  I died cut the word "Love" and attached it using some sponge tape, and attached it to the card.  It looks so much better in real life.  The butterfly was cut an embossed using a Tim Holtz cut and emboss folder.  It cuts and embosses at the same time.  I added some ultra thick clear embossing enamel to it so it is very shiny. Not a lot of crafting today as I am still having some issues with my right arm being weak.  While I carry on with my life mostly as normal, there are times when my arm is not the best, and I need to limit what I do.  And things take longer than usual because of not being able to use that arm as I normally would.

Ok, thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

Cards for Voices of Hope.

I am donating all of these cards to Voices of Hope, which is an organization that supports young people who suffer with depression.  I am one of those who suffers mild from depression at times.  Each year they ask for donations of Christmas cards, which they give to older people who may be alone at Christmas.  I made cards for them last year for the first time, and these are the cards I made and are donating to them this year.  I made 20 of the dog cards, above and below, 10 with a red bow and ten with a green bow. I used Stampin' Up! punches on all these cards, except the last lot of cards.  I used a star stencil for the coloured stars. The sentiment is from Stampendous.

The cat cards have the same layout/design as the dog ones.  The sentiment works for both cats and dogs, so that was good!  There are 20 cat cards.

On the cards below I have used a cat stencil, and a Santa hat punch from Stampin' up! The words are an old stamp I have had for many years. It's a Paula Best stamp. So far I have made 12 of these.  I am not sure if I will make more of this design or not.  Watch this space!

Last but not least are a set of 20 cards I made, using a Stampin' up! stamp set called City of David.  So far I've made 52 cards, and I think I will make some more, once I come up with more simple designs. Both lots of cards, above and below, have some sparkly glitter on them.  Each card measures 5 1/2 inches by 3 3/4 inches.  I've made these over the last day and half.  Kept me busy!

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

Lavinia Stamps and Tim Holtz Cards.

The card above was made using all Lavinia Stamps.  The "snow" was done using some Stampendous Chunky White Deep Impression Embossing Enamel. You sprinkle it on your card, where you want it, then heat it from underneath your card. I love this stuff!

 I made the card above, this morning, and it was so much fun to make!  The Witch, cat, broomstick and bats are all Tim Holtz dies.  The sentiment is from Lavinia Stamps.  I saw this idea on Pinterest and just had to make the card right away!! The question is, has the Witch fallen off the broomstick... or did the cat push her...?!  What do you think?!

I am having issues with my right arm at the moment. I had a mini stroke and it has left my right arm with weak muscles.  Being right handed it is a challenge, but I am managing as best I can.

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Friday's Cards!

The card above is a Lavinia Stamps card.  It is very sparkly irl.  Below is a photo of my neighbour's cat, his name is "Teddy", and he is beautiful! He was about roll on some catnip I had given him!  He's a bit shy, but has a very sweet nature!  I often get a visit from him!

Below is a bookmark I made, using another Lavinia Stamp. The rook on the house has lot's of Nuvo Crystal Drops on it.  

Another Lavinia Stamps card below.  All these cards are sparkly and glittery in real life. Sadly the camera doesn't show that.

I made the card below using a punch from Stampin' Up! I used a stencil for the stars.  I'm just waiting on a stamp that says something about 'please send squeaky toys for Christmas.'  It's coming from USA so may take awhile to get here.

 On the card above I have used 2 more Lavinia Stamps.  The snow is an embossing powder from Stampendous, called Chunky White Deep Impression" embossing powder.  You just sprinkle it on your card where you want it, (no embossing ink is needed) and then carefully heat it from underneath the card.  I have stopped using my Milwaukee heat tool because it was too heavy and chunky.  I bought a Ranger Heat Tool from the UK and re-wired the plug so I can use it here in New Zealand.  It is MUCH lighter and easier to use, and is also SO much quieter than the Milwaukee one. It is also much easier to use when I heat the embossing powder from underneath the card.  I have arthritis in both hands and the Milwaukee one was too challenging for me to use.  I am so glad I purchased the Ranger Heat Tool!!  I also use it for drying cards when I have either stamped on it, o used water colour ink. Ok, so thank you for dropping in!  Have a SUNSHINE day!  Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

New Cards!

These cards all use Lavinia stamps.  Some are Christmas cards.  I am pleased to see that you can see some of the sparkly glitter I used on each card!

The tiny red hearts are from Stampin' Up!. They are self adhesive, and I often forget to use them.  I'm still feeling tired from being in hospital, so if you have any questions about the cards, just leave me a comment and I sill do my best to answer your questions!

 Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!