Quilted tote bag

This quilted bag was quite straightforward to make if a bit fiddly. Each square was made separately then pieced together to make the bag front. The rest of the bag is made up of the fabrics used to make the patches. I lined the bag in a lighter colour. The pattern did not suggest using batting however I have used thin batting throughout the bag to give it a better shape. Love the colours - very Summer!!

Amerihearts cards

These hearts are really simple to make and look great when stitched to a card! I have done 2 or 3 of these now. Here - everyone makes a heart and then they are all made in to a quilt for when someone leaves the group to go home to the UK.

Table mat

This is a really busy pattern using patriotic colours. It is the Log Cabin method of quilting. The mat is about 18" square and sits in our guest bedroom on the chest. Zoom in for a closer look - the photo doesn't do it justice!

Quilting!

This is the first quilt I have made. I really like the natural colours. the pattern was very basic and it is tied and not quilted through as I haven't the courage to try that yet!! I haven't taken a photo of the back yet so will post that later!

70th Birthday

Mum is 70 in September and they will be out here in the States with us. Looking forward to having a great time! I have used all sorts of Cricut cut outs on this card as well as my new edge punch from Martha Stewart. Ribbon, buttons, pearls etc all from stash! The finished card is A5 size (gotta get some envelopes?!?)

18th birthday cards for a special girl!!

It's my daughters birthday in September so these cards are for her from my husband and I and from her brother. She never looks at this blog so won't see them before her birthday!!! The Easel card is a bit blurry but is made with SU! papers and stickers/buttons and ribbon from stash.

The card below is A5 and uses SU! papers with ribbon, lace, string, stick on pearls etc from stash. The photo doesn't do it justice :(

Quilting!

When in USA do as they do!!!

This is my first attempt at a quilt - it's only the front as I haven't managed to get the batting and back sorted yet. I am going to tie the quilt rather than stitch it.

Not bad for a first timer!! What do you think Sam??

Birthday cards for later in the year.

I bought a new set of stamps - the alphabet. They are really useful and you can put any sentiment you want on your cards. You can see I have used my sewing machine a bit in these too.

Anniversaries in September

A couple of anniversary cards for September. One wedding we went to another we didn't (they were the same day!!)

I have started to use my sewing machine a bit more.

Thank you cards

I think I am going to need a few of these!!!

Eighteenth birthday cards - First post in the USA!!!

Our daughter is 18 in September so all her friends will be next year also!!! Planning ahead I have mass produced some 18th birthday cards for her to take back to school and for us to use as and when needed.

First post from the USA - we have been so busy I haven't managed much but I'm about to start up again. I have a new desk and all my stuff is ready to go. I have also had a look at doing some quilting so that may feature on the blog soon - keep looking!

One last post before I move!

Well...you won't be seeing much of me now until I arrive in the US (closely followed by my belongings) in June this year. The removals come in the next week to take our "Unaccompanied baggage" i.e. the stuff we want in the US for the next 2 years. This means clothes, linen, towels, kitchen equipment, pictures, photos, golf clubs, computers, stereo and of course crafting stuff :(

I may be able to post some bits (I think I have a few photos on my camera that need posting) so keep watching. I will update you as soon as I can.

See you all in the summer!!!!

Clare

xx

Got my new book!!!

'Delight in the details' by Lisa Pace...................what a great book. It has loads of ideas for embellishments, toppers etc etc. This was made up of bits I already had but I've a huge shopping list now so watch this space. You can get your copy here.

Simple cards

This is a card for a female relative. Very simple design (slightly wonky ribbon!) Love the flowers and the frame is embellished with pearlescent stickles.

More mens cards

A handful of cards for teenagers/boys and Nick! These papers above lend themselves excellently to making cards for men. The muted colours and geometric designs are ideal and have allowed me to create simple yet effective cards.

The musical card is for a music scholar at school....embossing folders, music paper and stars are great pieces to add to a themed card.

The Bio-Hazard card is for my son from my daughter and there is a long story behind it... but I'm sure you can imagine it involves a teenage boy?!?&*!?

Mens cards

Here are a few cards for men. Hard work!!!! The film clips are contact sheet photos of my son and nephew canoeing on a nearby creek. I cut the cardboard frames out and attached them together on the front of very plain cards.

The patriotic card is a bit more shabby! Lots of embellies and muted colours to keep it manly?!

Anniversary Cards

These are some Anniversary Cards for the next few months (I've managed to make all my cards till the end of August this year!!!) I love these easel cards....so simple. I'm also really getting the hang of shabby chic and have enjoyed putting loads of embellies on cards that look old and battered. I'm waiting for my new book to arrive form Amazon "Delight in the Details" ....How to make shabby chic embellies for your cards. I love the top card...lots of distressing ink, ribbon,glitter and hearts...mmmmmm lovely.

Birthday cards for March!!!!!

I'm using up some odd scraps for these cards as you will probably notice! I've found a way of creating a different flower from one punch. The punch I have is a pointed petal flower shape so with my corner punch I take off the tips and create the flowers above?!? What do you think?? Can you see some more Glamour Dusted shapes????? It's great fun - but all over my dining room??? :P

Mothers Day/birthday Cards

These are my first attempt at easel cards. I really liked making them and they are so effective. It looks like you have worked really hard to make them when in fact they take minutes!!! I'm using two for Mothers Day and one for a birthday card for a friend in March. The butterfly punch is great - it's so delicate and with the tiny crystals added it looks beautiful.

Birthday Cards

A collection of birthday cards for a friend ............still panicking coz I'm moving abroad and she won't have her handmade cards anymore!!!!!!!