What a Challenge!

PaperPlay Spot This

2009-09-30T18:23:00.003+01:00

Just about got this week's done in time!

This week's challenge was set by Julie and is called "Spot This":

"Pretty self-explanatory really. I am a sucker for buying spotty paper (and stripy - but we won't go there!), then I don't use it up because I don't want to cut into it. So this week, I'd like everyone to make spotty things (using paper or indeed anything else spotty you wish).

Have fun (I, on the other hand, will be weeping with a pair of scissors over my lovely spotty darlings!!!)."

This is one of a heap of cards I'm making for one of the girls at work...

PaperPlay No Patterned Paper

2009-09-15T20:48:00.002+01:00

This week's challenge was set by Kate.

"And this week's challenge is to use...

NO Patterned Paper

You are not allowed to use any patterned paper in your project. You may however (if you wish) make your own, out of card stock, for example, using whatever techniques you want ! You can use paint, you can emboss or stamp it's entirely up to you or you can just use different colours of plain cardstock if that's what you want!"

This was a quick and easy card I'd just made for our wedding anniversary.

PaperPlay All Creatures Great and Small

2009-08-12T17:39:00.002+01:00

This week's challenge was set by Dei:

"Most of us have some critters amongst our stamp/digi collection and I'm sure many of you have made layouts of a favourite pet or a visit to the zoo! So for this weeks challenge I want you to think of :

"All Creatures Great And Small : animals must inspire your
project.."

This is a card I made for my dad's birthday last month...

PaperPlay Dimension

2009-08-05T10:07:00.003+01:00

Well, we've moved and most of the boxes are in the right rooms, if not yet unpacked! I'm still finding it hard to find time to craft or take photos, but I needed to make a card this week - and it just so happens to fit this week's PaperPlay Challenge!

This week's challenge was set by Kate:

"Dimension"

Make your project as 3D as possible!

So, here's my card...

PaperPlay Fun With Fonts

2009-05-17T15:24:00.002+01:00

Julie set this week's challenge...

From the PaperPlay blog:

"I love using letters on my projects:- alpha stamps, thickers, or my absolute favourite - downloading fonts from the internet and printing the font I want in the colour and size that suits best.

So, this week, I'd like you to use lettering as a strong feature of your work. Feel free to do anything else, use images, embellies, whatever - just make sure the sentiment or title stands out!"

This is my take. The font is 'Graffiti' sizzlits die cuts and the image is a freebie from Kerry's blog.

PaperPlay Flying High

2009-05-09T18:56:00.003+01:00

From the PaperPlay blog:

"This week's challenge was set by Jackie.

"The challenge is to use Wings on your project, Birds, butterflies, fairies whatever you like as long as it has wings."

I decided to go with a pocket card, with a butterfly, which also nicely suits this week's challenge on the CropStop forum!

Instructions for making this card can be found on the Splitcoast Stampers site.

PaperPlay A Stitch in Time

2009-05-04T17:21:00.003+01:00

From the PaperPlay blog:

"This week's challenge is set by Kate:

"A Stitch In Time" Basically use stitching on your project it can be real,draw on or stamped, up to you!"

This is a slight cheat cos I did this layout a few weeks ago - but the stitching's real!

Paperplay Complementary Colours

2009-04-26T16:39:00.003+01:00

Heck, I didn't realise it was so long since I'd posted anything on here - I really don't know where the time's going!

From the Paperplay blog:

This week's challenge is set by Elisa ... "The challenge is complementary colours, that is, to use colours that are opposite to each other in the colour wheel, such as red/green, yellow/purple, orange/blue, etc. Elisa"

I decided to go with red & green, while trying out a new stamp. This is a Funstamps stamp which I picked up when we were in Glasgow over Easter.

Paperplay Rectangle, Rectangle, Rectangle

2009-03-07T22:56:00.005Z

From the Paperplay blog:

"That's right, this week's challenge is to create a card, layout, canvas, etc incorporating 3 rectangles and (just for fun) add something sparkly!! Your sparkles can be gems, glitter, stickles... anything you like!"

This is my second attempt - first time I forgot the sparkles!

Paperplay Distress It!

2009-02-28T21:37:00.002Z

From the PaperPlay blog:

This week's challenge is set by Mandy.. and yes, it's DISTRESSING!! So, the challenge is

"stamped vintage"... use a stamped image to create an oldie feel project!

Have fun, and get distressed!!!! :)

This is so not my style - I wasn't even sure that I had a stamp which would give a vintage-y feel! Anyhow, I'm quite pleased with the final outcome...

Paperplay Blossom, Button & Patterned Paper

2009-02-26T18:48:00.002Z

Ok, I'm officially a week behind with these, but hey, it's done now!

From the PaperPlay blog:

This weeks challenge is to use one and only one each of these in your creation -

1. Patterned Paper
2. Button
3. Blossom/Flower

You can use cardstock and anything else you wish but you must have one of each from the list.

So here's mine...

HSMSHS: Pile

2009-02-19T17:43:00.001Z

A heap or mound of objects, a large amount, show us 'Pile' in your space today.

So many piles to choose from!! Decided on this one in the end, though...

HSMSHS: Daily

2009-02-18T20:34:00.001Z

An occurrence that happens everyday, show us 'Daily' in your space.

I usually catch the European weather forecast just before 6pm every day...

Paperplay Monochrome

2009-02-18T09:55:00.003Z

From the Paperplay website:
"MONOCHROME= " images in neutral colors are also known as grayscale or black-and-white"

"This weeks challenge (set by Jackie) is to create something using mainly Black and White, you can use colours too but they must be kept to a minimum."

Only just managed to get this one done in time! This stamp only arrived from Elzybells at the beginning of the week but I think it's going to be a favourite!

HSMSHS: Radiate

2009-02-04T18:27:00.003Z

A give light or heat in the form of rays. Show us radiate in your space today.

These are the setting sun's rays. The photo was taken when we were in Caerphilly last year.

HSMSHS: Orange

2009-02-02T20:28:00.001Z

A bright, warm colour produced from mixing red and yellow paint. Show us something orange in your space today.

This was part of tonight's dinner...

HSMSHS: Three

2009-01-30T21:32:00.001Z

The cardinal number that is the sum of two and one, and a prime number. Find 'Three' in your space.

I don't think these need any further comment...

HSMSHS: Staircase

2009-01-29T18:17:00.001Z

A series of steps to facilitate passage from one level to another. Find 'Staircase' in your space.

Sadly there are no interesting staircases around, so you'll have to make do with the boring one in our hallway...

HSMSHS: Carve

2009-01-27T18:09:00.002Z

To cut or chip in order to form something. Find 'Carve' in your space.

I love these elephants which we bought last year...

HSMSHS: Discard

2009-01-27T18:06:00.003Z

To get rid of as useless or undesireable. Show us 'Discard' in your space.

Think I need to go to the bottle bank...

Paperplay Follow That Sketch

2009-01-25T20:54:00.006Z

This week's challenge on PaperPlay was to follow this sketch.

This is my take on it...

HSMSHS: Water

2009-01-23T18:07:00.002Z

A liquid that is essential for plant and animal life. Find 'Water' in your space.

Typically, it didn't rain today, so here's an old picture from our honeymoon. It's the coast at Knysna, South Africa.

HSMSHS: Tip

2009-01-22T18:00:00.001Z

The pointed or rounded end or extremity of something slender or tapering. Find a tip in your space.

My first thought was that my craft room's not *that* bad, honest! These are the tips I ended up with, though...

HSMSHS: Aroma

2009-01-21T17:51:00.002Z

A distinctive and typically pleasant smell. Show us an aroma in your space.

I love the smell of hyacinth flowers - this is the whole plant...

HSMSHS: Fruit

2009-01-20T18:24:00.003Z

A sweet and fleshy product of a tree or plant. Show us some fruit in your space today.

It's another apple! This time it's a glass ornament which was a present from mum a few years ago.

HSMSHS: Instruct

2009-01-20T18:22:00.003Z

To provide with information, to teach or give instructions to, show us 'Instruct' in your space.

Playing catch-up again... At least I knew where this was, even if I don't often look at it!

Paperplay Pink & Green

2009-01-18T19:03:00.002Z

This week the PaperPlay challenges are back and the first challenge of the new year was to use pink and green, buttons and blossoms. I've only managed one button and one blossom, but here's my attempt. It's a gatefold card and the blossom keeps it closed.

HSMSHS: Technology

2009-01-12T19:57:00.001Z

The application of mechanical or scientifics for industrial or commercial use. Show us Technology in your space.

I guess this is more in DH's space really...

HSMSHS: Old

2009-01-09T17:04:00.002Z

Made, built or having lived for a long time Show us something old in your space.

This is part of Caerphilly Castle. The photo was taken when we were there last October...

HSMSHS: Homemade

2009-01-08T18:06:00.002Z

Made by your own hands rather than factory made or shop bought. Show us something homemade in your space today.

I cross-stitched this picture a good few years ago (didn't make the frame, though!)

HSMSHS: Sphere

2009-01-08T18:03:00.002Z

A round, ball shaped object. Show us a sphere in your space.

This is DH's 'Executve toy' from his office at home...

HSMSHS: Heart

2009-01-08T17:58:00.002Z

A representation of a persons thoughts and emotions. Find some heart in your space today.

This is a Ditchfield glass heart paperweight which I bought for DH at some point.

HSMSHS: Beginning

2009-01-08T17:57:00.002Z

To welcome in the new year, the definition of our first word is 'the source, origin or commencement of something. Show us 'Beginning' in your space.

Here's the first page of my new calendar!

MIA

2009-01-08T17:54:00.002Z

Apologies that I've been MIA for a while - life just got rather busy... However, I'm back and, despite my best intentions, I didn't manage to restart the challenges at the beginning of the week. The next few posts should see me catch up a bit, though!

PaperPlay Week 4

2008-12-10T14:24:00.005Z

Have got this one done just in time as we had a couple of weeks to do it! The criteria is 'Words' so here's a masculine version of the pink & white card, showing just how versatile the design is!

(The embossed words are much clearer IRL!)

PaperPlay Week 3

2008-12-10T14:20:00.003Z

Ok, so I know I'm weeks behind on this one, but I've finally managed it!

The instructions for this week were to just use pink and white!

I love this card, it's so easy to do (in whatever colour you like!) and looks so effective!

HSMSHS: Gift

2008-12-05T19:16:00.001Z

Something given willingly to someone without payment. Show us a gift from your space today.

Bought a few of these yesterday...

HSMSHS: Lights

2008-12-04T20:42:00.005Z

A source of illumination. Show us some lights in your space today.

This is part of Dublin's controversial Christmas tree which is new this year and, supposedly, will last for the next 10 years!

(Just in case you're wondering, the lights change colour...)

HSMSHS: Angel

2008-12-04T20:37:00.002Z

Have had a busy week so haven't got too many photos taken!

Tuesday's prompt was Angel: A messenger of god represented traditionally seen with wings. Find a little angel in your space today!

Here's mine...

HSMSHS:SPS

2008-11-29T17:34:00.002Z

Show a portrait Saturday...

I took the camera with me when I went in to town to do some shopping today. Unfortunately the light was slightly against me, but here's one of Dublin's buskers before it got too dark and foggy!

HSMSHS: English

2008-11-28T18:07:00.002Z

Stiff upper lips and bad weather - show us something typically English in your space today.

You would think that, being English, this one wouldn't be a problem but, living in Ireland, there aren't too many things in my space which scream English! However, I think this chap does!

HSMSHS: Rain

2008-11-27T19:51:00.005Z

Today's prompt is Rain and, unsurprisingly, I didn't have my camera with me when it rained today! Anyway, here's one from some time ago...

HSMSHS: Scottish

2008-11-24T19:46:00.001Z

With origins from Scotland, find something Scottish in your space

An appropriate prompt for the day we arrived home from Scotland!

HSMSHS: Button

2008-11-17T19:56:00.002Z

A disc or knob of plastic or metal, usually used to hold two surfaces together. Find 'Button' in your space.

These aren't exactly holding two surfaces together, but they're buttons nonetheless...

PaperPlay Week 2

2008-11-16T11:16:00.003Z

This week's challenge was to use two patterned papers, ribbon and a stamped image...

I've used Basic Grey Sugared papers and Penny Black hedgehog stamp.

HSMSHS: SOS

2008-11-16T09:34:00.002Z

Show Off Sunday!

Thought I'd show you this fella who was hanging around in the garden yesterday...

HSMSHS: SPS

2008-11-15T13:44:00.004Z

It's show us a portrait Saturday, so what better time to show a picture of my mother-in-law. This lovely lady passed away suddenly on Thursday and will be badly missed. The photo was taken last Christmas which they spent with us.

HSMSHS: Music

2008-11-14T21:02:00.002Z

An art form and the sounds produced by singing, instruments or players. Find 'Music' in your space.

One of Calum's guitars...

HSMSHS: Game

2008-11-12T19:58:00.002Z

An amusement or passtime, or contest with rules. Find 'Game' in your space.

(This is our actual game - I won!)

HSMSHS: Clean

2008-11-10T19:06:00.001Z

To be without dirt or other impurities; unspoilt. Find 'clean' in your space.

HSMSHS: SOS

2008-11-09T15:27:00.003Z

This has to be one of my favourite photos from our honeymoon, just over two years ago, so what better time to show it off!

HSMSHS: SPS

2008-11-08T17:49:00.003Z

Today's my first attempt at a portrait since Anita's masterclass last weekend, so here's Calum, my (un)willing subject!

HSMSHS: Brush

2008-11-07T14:42:00.003Z

A device made of bristles with which to clean, paint or polish, or a brief encounter or contact. Find 'brush' in your space.

I noticed this one loitering as I walked through the warehouse at work today...

PaperPlay: Blue & Brown Colour Combo

2008-11-06T20:06:00.007Z

This is the first challenge on the new PaperPlay Challenges blog. As well as a blue & brown colour combo, I had to use a scallop too, so here's mine:

HSMSHS: Cling

2008-11-06T20:04:00.007Z

To hold on tight to a person or a thing. Show us 'cling' in your space today.

This is what's clinging in my space (well, sometimes it clings and sometimes it doesn't!).

HSMSHS: Fry

2008-11-05T20:10:00.008Z

Remember, Remember the 5th of November...

If I'd been in England tonight, I'd probably have gone to mum & dad's and we'd have had soup and hot dogs round a bonfire!

However, I'm not, so we didn't do any of that! Instead I cooked a hearty stew and the toffee apple slices above. Yum! :o)

(Just in case you're wondering, slice up an apple per person. In a pan, melt a good knob of butter, a generous amount of light brown sugar, and a large dollop of golden syrup. Add the apple slices until softened, but not mushy. Serve hot with ice cream!)

Welcome to my new blog!

2008-11-05T19:46:00.005Z

Well, today I was pointed in the direction of a couple of challenge blogs, so I thought it might make sense to have somewhere to post my responses to those challenges, without cluttering up my day to day (or month to month) musings! Of course, if you'd rather read those, you can just hop over to my Leapblog!

My intention is to link the challenge blogs on the right hand side of this blog and prefix my post titles with the relevant blog, but we'll see how that works out!