Totally Gorjuss (DT) - Swirly Whirly

Well hello to you all.... We had our first rain and cooler weather on Thursday evening.  I think Autumn is on its way and has definitely made itself known...

Welcome to another challenge with the Totally Gorjuss girlies.  Net has a lovely one for us this week... it's SWIRLY WHIRLY.

I was just sharing with my DT sisters that I really admire those girls who produce such beautiful pearl and rhinestone swirls.  How you do it, I don't know!  So, with that being said, please excuse my little Marianne Die swirl, but that's the best I could muster...LOL   I hope the rest of the card makes up for it!

This is Tilda as a Star, a newbie in my collection.  Oh I just love her to bits!!! Isn't that little hairstyle the sweetest ever?  She's available at the Magnolia-licious store.  OK, I can just see my fellow Maggie-lover buddies nodding in agreement and the non-Maggie-lover buddies, raising an eyebrow!   hehehe  Just as well we all have our own tastes, or else blogland would be so b-o-r-i-n-g!  As long as we can appreciate each other's styles and tastes, that's all that matters hey!

OK, I digress.... the papers I've used are NEW from Scrap-a-Doodles,  It's my first Martha Stewart 12x12 paper pad, Vintage Girl and I just adore each and every page. There are 42 pages in the pack so it works out to around R4.50 per page.

I've added some beautiful lace and a satin ribbon with a button.  To complete the picture is a Marianne Die swirl, a MS Butterfly, a Whimsy sentiment and a few pearls.

With such gorgeous paper, you just have to decorate the inside as well. Here's a little peek!

And those stars in Tilda's hair and outfit just had to get a dash of glaze as well to make them pop. Not sure if you can pick it on on this pic.

That completes my post for today.  Before I go, we need to thank our sponsor for this week's challenge.   It's Meyer Imports.  Please pay them a visit for all your crafty needs.  And whilst you're about it go visit their BLOG... ooohhhhh, better make a cuppa tea first, as you'll be there for quite some time!!!

Thanks so much for popping by.  I'd love to know what you think of my card, as I really enjoyed making this one too.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

hugs Sharon x

Sympathy Card

Morning friends

A very quick and short post today.  Just thought I would share a Sympathy card I made over the weekend.  These are so difficult to make, aren't they ?  How plain to we keep it, what colours do we use ?  I found this gorgeous piece of paper which was a gift from my lovely friend Sandra and it just seemed the perfect choice for me.

I've been searching for a Copic storage holder for a while now and obviously one would love to have those that they have in the shops, but if you can't get them or don't have the space for them, then you need to improvise. I found these plastic containers at a plastic warehouse in my area and they fit perfectly on top of each other. So, whatever colours you want to use, you just take that container/s and put them on your desk. Works for me. I just need to get another 2 I think !

It's just gone 6.36am and it's just starting to get light... yep, the season is definitely changing... Autumn is on its way!

Have a super Tuesday, hugs to all, Sharon x

Simply Magnolia (DT) - Dies/Punches and Ribbon

Hello hello.... hope you're all well?  Do we have a fabulous challenge for you this fortnight at the Simply Magnolia blog.  It's DIES/PUNCHES and RIBBON... how awesome is that???

It's wonderful to see so many followers and crafters entering our challenges. ** Congratulations to the winner and Top 3 of last fortnight's challenge.**

Here's my little card which I hope will inspire you to join in the fun.

This Tilda was kindly sent to me by a blogfriend.  And the gorgeous pearl hearts were also a gift from another blogfriend, thanks so much Marika. As you can see I have a beautiful Die in the background, gorgeous cream Ribbon running across the card and stunning butterflies, using my MS butterfly Punch, to complete the picture.

Our sponsor for this challenge is The Ribbon Girl, where you can find a wonderful array of gorgeous ribbon of any texture.  Do pay them a visit.

Thanks so much for popping by.  I'd love to hear what you think of this card, as I had such fun making it.

hugs Sharon x

Just sharing...

What a lovely day its been in Cape Town today... I could have done without the heat though... think it was 32 degrees celsius and very little wind.  After running some chores in the morning, I managed to skype with my dear friend Sandra this afternoon and then I made this little Shopping List magnetic booklet for the fridge which a colleague from work asked me to make for her.  I really hope she likes it.

But firstly, let me share some of my new STASH which arrived in the post today with you all.  I've just added a few items to the pile, which I bought from The Scrapbook shop in Bellville AGAIN.... uhhh...wasn't I there last week ???  But you see, I do have a good excuse. When my paper pads from overseas arrived, I then found that I didn't have plain cardstock to match them, so of course I had to get some.. .hmmmm... somehow the flowers, ribbon and nesties landed up in my basket too...  Does that every happen to you ? In your mind you know you're just going to buy paper and before you know it, the basket is brimming over with goodies and your bank balance has taken a bit of a dive!!!

I then sat cataloguing my new Magnolia's.  As explained in a post way back, this is how I do it.  I stamp my new images onto a square card and slip it into a CD case.  I then write down the name of the Tilda and where I purchased it from next to the image, so that I don't have to scratch my head trying to remember their names or where I purchased them from, when typing out my posts.  The CD case gets a number too.  I then stamp them into a book and the number of the CD box is placed next to the Tilda so when I want to use her, all I have to do is sift through my box of CD's and pick out the number I want. Shew, what a mouthful, hope it makes sense...LOL!  I do this for all my stamps.

OK, now here's my little magnetic Shopping List booklet for my colleague at work...  Here it is on my fridge door (had to test that it works).

I hope I haven't bored you with this post.   Don't forget to pop around tomorrow to see what I've created for the Simply Magnolia fortnightly challenge.  I'd love to hear what you think of it.

hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - Spots and Stripes

Welcome to another challenge at the Totally Gorjuss blog.   Our challenge for you this week is to use Spots and Stripes on your project.  Our sponsors are Lili of the Valley, ain't that fabulous!

And here's my little contribution, which I hope will inspire you to take part.  I have used one of LOTV's stamps for this card, which was kindly stamped for me by one of my blogfriends.

I think it is one of their sentiments too.  Just love them! Such a wonderful selection.  The pink cardstock I've used is new, bought from The Scrapbook Shop in Bellville.  The pink nestie is also new, it's from Simply 2-Die-4.  Image coloured in with my trusty Copics.

A flower, ribbon, doily, buttons and butterflies completes this little picture.  Can't wait to see your creations. Do visit the Totally Gorjuss blog to see what stunning creations the other Gorjusettes have come up with.

Thanks for popping by.  If you'd like to leave a comment, that would be awesome.

hugs Sharon x

Celebration Tilda

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who visits my blog and leaves a comment.  I love hearing from you!  Thanks so much for taking time out of your hectic schedule to visit ME!

Woohooo...  I am such a happy bunny this evening.... 2 huge parcels arrived in the post today and there are 2 more for me to collect tomorrow from the PO... I can't wait to get my hands on the other goodies too...  As we crafters know, when new stash arrives in the post, you just gotta ink it up and show it off to the rest of Blogland....LOL

I surfed a bit and found 2 challenges to enter this card into. 

• The first challenge is Midweek Magnolias.  Their challenge is 1- Ribbon, 2-Pearls and 3-Flowers. 
• The other challenge can be found at Bunny Zoe Crafts, where they'd like you to make a Shabby Chic/Vintage project. 

  2 delightful challenges I am sure you agree.  Here's my entry...

Both stamps are new from Bunny Zoe Crafts store.  What stunning service from Nicola Fairbairn.  The sentiment is a Bildmalarna one, Recipe for Friendship and our gorgeous Tilda is Celebration Tilda.  And I further spoilt myself by purchasing some of that lovely Raffia I've seen on so many cards in Blogland... love it!  Got it is 3 colours.  Tilda has been coloured using my new Spectrum Noir pens which was purchased from Scrap-a-Doodles.  They were selling each pack for R99-00, which for me was a bargain!

As you can see, I've decorated the inside too.  The beautiful spotted paper is from KaiserCraft's Lullaby Collection, Bundle of Joy P649.

I would love to hear what you think of this one, as I so enjoyed making it.  If you have the time, please leave a comment. It would make my day ;)

The weekend is here... enjoy it!

hugs Sharon x

60th Birthday

Hello friends

I can't believe that it is almost weekend again.  We had a public holiday in South Africa on Wednesday and it's thrown us all out.  Somehow today we all assumed it was Monday, so it's a very welcome day tomorrow... the start of the weekend.

I was commissioned to make a 60th Birthday Card and thought I would share with you what I've come up with.  It really took me 45 minutes to make, which is a record for me...LOL

The gorgeous papers are brand-spanking-new, having just arrived in the post today from Elaine's shop, Quixotic Paperie... wow, what service. It has taken a week to get here.  The papers are from the 6x6 Echo Park Essentials Collection, Dots & Stripes, which are on SALE at the moment.

As you can see I have kept it very plain and elegant by just using a white pre-cut and scored card.  Onto that I've matted black cardstock and then the gorgeous silver striped paper onto that.  The stamp is a local one from Great Impressions (J653), which comes in handy for the  rare Male cards I need to make, as I only have cute and girlie products as you know...LOL 

As you can see, I've decorated the inside too, to match the front.  I then cut a beautiful white piece of card for the message using one of my newer nesties.  I've used no other embellishments, seeing that it is for a gentleman.

I hope they like it, as it was something totally different for me to make.

Before I go, here's a reminder for you to pop by on Saturday to see what I've created for another stunning challenge at the Totally Gorjuss blog.

Enjoy the weekend ahead, hugs Sharon x

Thinking of You

Oh my goodness... one last card before I retire for the evening (Sandra, don't faint...LOL)...  Gosh, once you're on a roll, you just need to flow with the tide.

As mentioned in an earlier post, I bought some new cardstock from The Scrapbook shop in my area and I just had to use them this evening.... Well, I actually started late afternoon and it's just gone 9.45pm!  Time goes so quickly when you're having fun, especially when you're also skyping with 2 lovely blogfriends.  Nice chatting with you again Sandra and Paola.

OK... I found a new Magnolia blog in blogland called Midweek Magnolias and it gives me the perfect opportunity of showing off my little Maggies.  Thought I'd take part in their challenge, which is a sketch.  Here it is...

And here is my little creation which I will be entering into their challenge.  Hope you like it!

The gorgeous image is Tilda with Wrapped Heart and there are so many online shops where she can be purchased from.  She's been coloured with Copics.  The plain cardstock was purchased from The Scrapbook.  The floral paper is from Prima.  The gingham paper and pearls are from Paola. 

Here is a side view so that you can get a peek of the inside, which I have also decorated.

[Edit] This card was made especially for Leah at the request of a dear blogfriend Jerusha Borden, whom I had the pleasure of meeting when she invited me to join the Teddy Stampers challenge blog as a DT member.  That was a few years ago and alot of the old DT members still keep in touch.

Thanks so much for popping by.  Your visits and comments make my day!

hugs Sharon x

An Easter Card

Can you believe it.... 3 cards in 1 day!   I am shocked myself...LOL  I have not been well and have just been sticking to DT commitments for a while, but I am feeling a bit better now. 

This new-found mojo must be due to the fact that I have also purchased quite a few items of stash to add to my current stock.  Have to wait for it all to arrive from overseas, but I did manage to get a few items from our local store, The Scrapbook Shop in Bellville this morning.  Always a pleasure visiting Estelle again, but I spend way too much money... LOL!!

I am entering this little card in the Totally Tilda Challenge, where they'd like you to make an Easter card/project.  I've had this little Tilda with her Lamb for a while now, but think it is the first time I am showcasing her.

The Magnolia fence was a major "treat" to myself a month or so ago.  I've been eyeing it for so long, hoping that the price would come down, but it was not MOVING, so I thought "oh hell, just get it" and I am not sorry that I did...LOL!!

The background paper was a gift from my darling friend in the UK.  Thanks so much Sandra!  A few flowers, sentiment and pearls completes the picture.  Hope you like it?

Thanks for popping by.  Please know that your visits and comments really make this blogging all worthwhile.

Big hugs, Sharon x

Just for Fun

Hello friends

I made this card about a week ago, spent ages looking for a challenge to showcase it, but alas found none.  It is such a cutie that it's a shame to not share it with you all.   So here it is.

This gorgeous Magnolia image was stamped for me by a blogfriend and I've since bought the image for myself.. yummy!  The lovely MS Garden Trellis punch was a purchase from 7 Kids College Fund. 

Papers from  my favourite Wilson and Mclaghan range of papers purchased from our local store Merrypak.  Image coloured in with Copics.

Here's a little peek at the inside of the card too.  I had such fun making this one.  A few butterflies and pearls completes the picture.  Now to find someone to send it too.... LOL

Thanks so much for popping by. I'd love to hear what you think of this one.

hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - It's Spring!

Good Morning

Thank you so much for popping by again.  It's Springtime in the northern hemisphere, so that is what we'd like you to create this week at the Totally Gorjuss challenge blog... a project/card depicting SPRING!  In my part of the world, we're still experiencing hot days with a few coolish one's inbetween, so Autumn is going to be most welcome.  That usually happens just on and after Easter weekend.

Here's my little creation, which I hope will inspire you to take part.  This time I have used an Elisabeth Bell image, called Susan.  She's adorable and it was so nice using her again.

The sentiment was sent to me more than a year or so ago by another blogger in Canada and this is the first opportunity I have to use it.   I had admired it so much on her creation, that she offered to stamp and send me a few.  Thanks Christine.

As my regulars will know, I love my pearls, so it was a nice change hauling out the brads again.  I placed one in the centre of the white flower and then a little one in each corner of the card.  Put a little bit of dimension glaze on Susan's bouquet of flowers to make them pop!


Our sponsor this week is Heather's Hobbie Haven.  Do pay them a visit for all your crafty needs.

All comments are most welcome. 

Take care, hugs Sharon x

Simply Magnolia (DT) - Anything Goes

Hello friends

Here's wishing you all a blessed Sunday.  A very warm welcome to my blog, thanks so much for popping by.  Today I'll be showcasing a card I made for the Simply Magnolia challenge which we have this fortnight... It's ANYTHING GOES, so let your imagination run wild!  Congratulations to our winners for the last challenge.  As a DT we are constantly amazed at the awesome talent out there.  It is such a pleasure visiting you all and soooo difficult choosing a winner, as each and every entry is so beautiful!

Here's my little creation for your inspiration.  I am showcasing Rose Scent Tilda for the first time.  When I saw her, I just had to have her... it's the hair !!!  That's the type of hair I would loved to have had instead of my curly top...LOL

To create a little scene, as we could not have Miss Tilda sitting in mid-air now could we, I combined her with a Great Impressions stamp (Code G520).  This one comes in real handy with these Tilda's.  I just added a few little butterflies for decoration and still keeping this very simple, added 3 little pearls.  The sentiment is also one from Great Impressions (Code B1042).

The patterned paper for this card is from the Wilson & Maclagan range of papers which I absolutely love.  Bought from my local store, Merrypak.  The code for this pack is CB1040.  20, 12x12" sheets, 10 designs.  Just love it!  As you can see, I have decorated the inside too, seeing that it's been made for a special person.

As Miss Tilda is sitting outside, we had to add a bit of clouds just to complete the picture.  This is soooo easy to do.  Design your own cloud, cut it out and then brush around the edges with some chalk!

It really feels as if Mr Mojo has returned home from his jaunts around the globe.  He's been missing for a while and I've been feeling rather desperate.  So pleased you booted him up his bum Sandra and sent him home...LOL !!!  I was very tempted to wring his neck, but was so pleased when he arrived !

Before I go, we need to acknowledge our sponsor for this challenge.  It's Scrapbooking Allsorts, our wonderful owner of the Simply Magnolia challenge blog.  Tracy has some awesome products in her store, so do pay her a visit down under!

A long post I know, thanks for sticking by until the end.  Appreciate the visit and would love for you to leave a comment.

hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - Anything Goes and a Button

Hi Everyone

Have we got a stunning challenge for you at Totally Gorjuss this week.  It's Anything Goes and a Button. 

I went for something totally different this week... a boy's card... can you believe it?  Not my strong point, so be kind will you. 

I actually enjoyed making this one.  The stamp is one from Great Impressions (Code G1261), a local company.  Papers, buttons and baker's twine from my stash.  I rarely use buttons so it was nice having a challenge where one had to use them!

Don't you like the inside too.  I really enjoy decorating cards inside as well, when I have the time to do so.  It just gives them a more polished look, don't you think?

Our wonderful sponsor this week is Crafter's Companion.  Do pay them a visit for all your crafting needs. They have an awesome range of products on display!

Please pop around to the challenge blog and see what stunning designs the rest of the Gorgusettes have come up with. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Thanks for popping by and if you'd like to leave a comment, that would make my day!

hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - A Sketch

Welcome to another challenge at the Totally Gorjuss blog.  This week we have this wonderful sketch from Net for you to follow...

I thought it was time to dust off a few of my other rubber stamps, which I just adore but seem to have forgotten that I have... LOL   This is My Garden from the Bildmalarna range of stamps, which I purchased from 7 Kids College Fund.  It was such fun colouring her in again. She has such a shy, sweet little face, don't you think ?

I've been admiring how the other crafters in blogland make their own grass and thought I'd give it a go.  Hmmmm, methinks I still have a lot to learn !


Our wonderful sponsor this week is Joanna Sheen.  You have a whopping BP10.00 to win.  Do visit her online store for all your crafty needs?   Joanna is very popular with the South African crafters because of the FREE shipping and of course, the EXCELLENT service.

Thanks so much for popping by.  I'd love for you to leave a comment as they are always such a delight to read.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

hugs Sharon x