Simply Magnolia (DT) - Hearts and Love

Aahhhh, we are nearing that time of the year when all the lovebirds throughout the world go gagga!  Yep, I'm talking about Valentine's Day... To get you in the mood, at Simply Magnolia we have a wonderful challenge for you... Make whatever you like. as long as it is made with Love and has Hearts on it.

Our DT have come up with some stunning creations for your inspiration, so do pay the blog a visit and show some L-O-V-E, will you?

I decided to alter a little box which I've kept from Christmas... a Christmas cake was in it and I just knew the box would come in handy for this kind of project.  OK... enough waffling, here's my altered box.  I have used Valentino from Magnolia's Sweet Crazy Love 2012 Collection to decorate.

And here's a close up of Valentino.  I used gorgeous white satin ribbon, some decorative pins, pearls, flowers, cut out some hearts and covered with glitter to decorate the lid of the box.  The red nestie is one of the Marianne's Designs.  The sentiment is from a reel of ticket-type Valentine sentiments that I have in my stash.

Our wonderful sponsor for this challenge is The Ribbon Girl.  Do pay them a visit. They have a stunning collection of  products for your crafty needs.

Thanks for popping by, wishing you a lovely Sunday. Good luck!

hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - Keep it Simple!

Hello friends and welcome to another challenge at the Totally Gorjuss blog.  I love the challenge this week.  It's Keep It Simple and boy have I done just that....  I had SUCH fun making this little card that I plan to make some more for my own stash...

Now, you can't get it simpler than that.... but wait, I did manage to decorate the inside, have a look here

and here

and finally here...

And here I thought I sucked at making clean and simple cards... LOL   It was such fun.  The card is smaller than my usual ones being just 110x110cm in size.  Used very simple techniques by just stamping with Momento's Black Ink using a nice swirl stamp that I have and of course that sentiment is soooo special!   White heart for the front and a tiny black one inside so that they compliment each other.

Please visit our challenge blog to view the rest of the TG DT's cards... there are some awesome one's for your inspiration. You will not be disappointed!  Our wonderful sponsor this week is Lili of the Valley... woohooo!

Thanks for popping by. Wishing you a stunning weekend.

hugs Sharon x

Thank You Lovely Blog Friends

Greetings everyone

I received 2 notices these past 2 weeks from the PO and said to Kendall that I was sure I hadn't ordered anything and wondered what it could be... Well was I in for a lovely surprise ?? Lookie here...

First was this lovely gift from my lovely DT sister and friend Hazel.  Hazel has already been thanked, but I'd like to do so again.  Psst, she's in this magazine, so if you have it, go take a look. She makes the most beautiful cards with awesome tutorials. Thank you honey, this gift parcel sure made my day, week and year - mwah! xx

Next was this gift from a new blogfriend in SA, Marika.  Marika sent me this token of appreciation for encouraging her to start her own blog... Well, it's always a pleasure introducing someone to this wonderful cyberworld of ours. How sweet was that ?  She has also been thanked, but I'll do so now again... thanks so much Marika. So pleased you're having such FUN. Much appreciated xx

Watch this space for new challenges at Totally Gorjuss on Saturday and at Simply Magnolia on Sunday.

Tons of hugs and happy crafting, Sharon x

A Rare Treat

Hello friends

This post is directed more at my overseas blogging friends than the local ones, but I am sure my upcountry blogging friends will enjoy this as well.

I follow Living Life Creatively, which is a blog created by a lady by the name of Bonnie.  I do not know her personally, but came across her blog perchance in blogland.  I paid her blog a visit today and was astounded at the beautiful photographs she has captured of one of our local villages, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and thought I would direct you there, so that you can see more of my beautiful country.  These 2 villages are based in the Western Cape near where I live.  As my regulars will know, my daughter Kendall attended University in Stellenbosch, so it is very special to us and is about a 45 minute drive from where I live.  A beautiful drive which has stunning vineyards for one to admire on either side of the long road.

Funny how when viewing pictures of villages in other countries, one thinks "oh, if only I could go there or live there".  This was a real wake-up call for me... After viewing Bonnie's pics, I will no more have those thoughts, as I have the same beauty right on my doorstep.  Methinks it's time for a Sunday afternoon drive again, to take in the beauty of my own country.

Enjoy!

hugs Sharon x 

Smash Booking

Hello my dear blogging friends

I subscribe to Suzanne Dean's blog, Scrap Bitz and read her latest post with great excitement.  I've been wanting to find something else to do besides just making cards and think I have found something which would appeal to me.  It's quick, easy and helluva fun... it's called Smash Booking.  Thanks to Suzanne for sharing.

For those of you, who like myself, don't have time to sit and scrapbook 12x12 pages one after the other, I am sure this hobby will suit us perfectly.  View this video to see what it's all about.

Looks like FUN huh!  I am going to get myself some ring binder books from my local store and will start Smashin' and Journalin'  as soon as I can.  So watch this space!

Suzanne has a Smash Bookin', Scrappin', Journalin' group over at the Colour Me Creative Classroom. Go check it out... I've just joined.

7 Kids College Fund has a whole range of Smash Folios and Smash Booking Accessories too.  I am sure you can find something similar at your local Scrapbook shop though.


Take care, hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - Welcome

Welcome to another challenge at Totally Gorjuss and a very warm welcome to some new followers.  I am thrilled that you found something of interest to make you join.  Always a pleasure.

As my regulars will know, I started work on Monday after being on leave for a month and boy, did I hit the road running... hard!!! As you can see, there have been no posts since last Saturday, sorry about that but I've just been too exhausted to sit at my craft table.  Funny how one gets used to having those little 60 minute snoozies when you're on leave huh!!!  I tell you, by the time I'd eaten and bathed at night this week, my eyes were ready to close by 8pm.

Enough yakking and complaining, let's get down to business, shall we?  We have a wonderful challenge for you this week... We want you to wish someone a warm Welcome i.e. a new baby into the family, new neighbours to the neighbourhood, etc.  I've made a card for the latter.  Hope you like it!

As mentioned in previous posts, I plan to start using some of those unused stamps that are just collecting dust in the cupboard and this is one of them.  Bought it, didn't like it when I got home, still don't like it, but it sure came in handy for this challenge (smile). It's in my "to get rid of" box.  I'll be tossing it back in there after this.

No great shakes with this one, but then we're all entitled to have our "off" days or what?  Thanks for popping by.   

Happy crafting, hugs Sharon x

Simply Magnolia (DT) - Anything BUT a Card

Happy Sunday and welcome to another challenge at the Simply Magnolia challenge blog.  This is where all Maggie stamp lovers meet, so do pop around and make some new friends and re-acquaint yourself with some old ones.

Our challenge this fortnight is to make Anything, BUT a Card...  Well, this challenge sure had me stepping out of my comfort zone again.  What will I make?  I rummaged through some printed tutorials I have stashed away and decided to try this cute little Mini Pizza Box by Jen del Muro.  All you need to make this is:

* One 6" x 11" piece of cardstock
* Scor-Pal™  or other scoring tool
* Scissors
* Adhesive
* Additional cardstock and embellishments to decorate your box

 Click here for the tutorial.  This was so...so easy to make.

Looks like a card, right?  No, it isn't... lookie here....

and here...

and finally... last one...

Cardstock:  A biscuit coloured Bazzill cardstock. The gingham paper is from Queen of Hearts.
Stamp:  Water can Tilda. You can purchase her from the Magnolia-licious store.
Punch: Martha Stewart's Arch Lattice.
Embellishments: Ribbon, pearls and flowers from my stash. The leaves were kindly punched for me by my friend Sandra.

I really had fun making this mini pizza box. Our wonderful sponsor this fortnight is from the lovely Tracey's store... Scrapbooking Allsorts.  Please pay her a visit for all your crafty needs.

Thanks for popping by and if you'd like to comment on my project, I would be delighted.

hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - Be A Star!

A warm welcome to all our old and new Totally Gorjuss friends... We have a lovely challenge for you this week... Be A Star!  All you need do is have a star somewhere on your project.

As mentioned previously on my blog, I've made a promise to myself to start using some of my non-Magnolia stamps or else this blog may as well be called Sharon's Magnolia Korner...hehehe   I was delighted to find George from the Molly Bloom range of stamps.  I think he was a freeby with the Papercraft Magazine, which was kindly sent to me by my friend Sandra.  Isn't he delightful?

The nestie is new, just arrived in time for this challenge. It's Docrafts XCut, which Paola got me from Joan's shop.  They are MUCH cheaper than the Spellbinder dies, so if any of the local girls are interested, ask Paola if she can get them for you.  The little piece of star paper also came in handy for this challenge.  Never throw your cut-offs away, you may just need a little piece, which can make such a difference to one's card.  The sentiment (C1047) is a favourite one by a local company, Great Impressions.  Their link is on the left hand side of my blog.

I thought I would try that thingy-ma-gig again for the eyelets.  My lovely friend Charmain recommended that I get it from Niki Zipp.  When she demonstrated it to me, it looked so easy to use, but I really struggle with it.  It's one of those springy-ma-gings and when trying to get the back of the eyelet flattened, mine always flattens skew...boohooo and then I stuggle to find the hole to get my string through!  I suppose it's just a case of practice makes perfect huh!

Our wonderful sponsor for this challenge is Crafter's Companion.    The have a SALE on at the moment, so do visit them for all your crafty needs as they have fabulous products in stock.


By the way, just thought I would mention that I have decided to step down from the Anything Goes DT, so you won't be seeing anymore AGDT cards on my blog from now on.  I hope to find time to take part in a few of their challenges now.  It was awesome being part of the Team, thanks so much for having me girls!

Okay, that's enough jabbering from me.  We look forward to seeing you at the Totally Gorjuss challenge.  Please visit the rest of my DT sisters and give them some love when you do!  You can find them on the left hand side of my blog.

hugs Sharon x

The Holidays Are Over...

I can't believe that the holidays went by so quickly... boohoooo, today is my last day of leave and I go back to the old grindstone on Monday B-) 

We had a lovely Christmas and New Year, this being our first one without my Dad.  We thought and spoke of him often, as we have such fond memories of him.  Missed you Daddy!

Furthermore, it was lovely seeing members of the family over this festive period, that we don't get to see that often.  So the days were spent eating (naturally), chatting and catching up on news. The waistline definitely increased over the hols, but steps are in place to reduce it as soon as possible...hehehe  If you have the same problem, put your hand up please... hahaha

I accomplished such a lot these holidays that I had planned to do.  We had an interview at the Retirement Home where my Mom has finally decided she'd like to go to.  Here's a pic of the Main Manor House, which houses the adminstrative offices, library, drawing room where they can watch DVD's, have craft sessions, play carpet bowls, etc. We now wait patiently for a room to become available for her in one of the houses on the estate. All prayers for this to happen soon, will be most welcome. Thanks so much. 

Mom enjoying the sun on her front patio whilst we watered the garden one day this week. Shew, but we are experiencing hot, humid, summer weather.  You just water the garden and in a few minutes it looks dry again.... would love some rain in the Western Cape.

I just had to share this pic, which my Sister sent me, of her lovable furry friend.  His name is Jack and she calls him Jack Daniels...  Isn't he adorable?  He's waiting on the front car seat as they were on their way to the beach for their daily walk.  Needless to say Jack is a very spoilt doggie...B-)  My Sister says he's her best friend and she loves him to bits!!

OK, enought chit chat from me, as I've got to dash.  Just a reminder that there is a new challenge on the Totally Gorjuss challenge blog tomorrow, so pop around if you'd like to see my DT card.

Take care, have a super weekend, hugs Sharon x

Anything Goes (DT) - Anything Goes

Welcome to another challenge at the Anything Goes challenge blog.  We're kicking off with an easy one for you.... it's ANYTHING GOES! 

I've made a mental note to start using some of my non-Magnolia stamps and decided to go with 2 of Elisabeth Bell's this time.  Both are available or were available from Whiff of Joy.  This is Willow with Flower Basket.  I'd forgotten just how adorable and delicate she is.  I've masked her with this gorgeous background and they worked well together.  Unfortunately a bit large, so I didn't have a nestie for it and had to just cut it into a square which took up most of the space on my card...urgh!

The sentiment is from Whimsy Stamps. First time I'm using this one I think.  Funny how we forget what stamps we have, that's why I decided to catalogue mine so that I can just flip through my book to see what I have.

The background paper is from the Prima Marketing Sparkling Spring Collection called "Rosebud". I bought this from Paola and will have to make a note to ask her for some more.

Once again we'd like to encourage you to shop at the Craft Den where there are so many goodies for you to buy.

Thanks for popping by and if you'd like to leave a comment, that would be GREAT!

Happy crafting, hugs Sharon x

Totally Gorjuss (DT) - A Sketch

Hello friends

Welcome to another challenge on the Totally Gorjuss blog.  Net has given us a fabulous sketch to work with.

And here is my little take on the sketch... Apologies for using another Magnolia image.  They are just so darn irresistable and cute to colour.  I've had this one for a while now, but have only just inked her for the first time. She's a real cutie and I love her ponytails.  My New Year's resolution is (was) to start using some of my other rubber stamps which have been collecting dust for a while now... uhhh, I'll start next week okay!

I have been eyeing this Magnolia Doohickey Lovely Fence die for more than a year now. I've been waiting for the price to come DOWN, but as Murphy would have it, the price never came down, so I decided to go ahead and buy it for myself as a Christmas gift.  I am so pleased that I did, just love it! 

I hope you'll find time to play along with us this week, as we so enjoy viewing your creations. Good luck with the challenge.  Our wonderful sponsor this week is the fabulous Joanna Sheen.  Remember, she ships FREE worldwide.  Please pay her online store a visit, as she has some fabulous items in stock. I have made some purchases from her store and the service is excellent!

If you have the time, I'd love for you to leave a comment, as I so enjoy reading them. A very warm welcome to my new Followers, always nice seeing a new face.

Happy crafting, hugs Sharon x

Simply Magnolia (DT) - It's A Celebration!

Good morning and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!  We're kicking off the New Year with a Celebration at the Simply Magnolia challenge blog.  It can be a Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary or just Happy New Year....  So, if you're been hibernating over this festive season, it's time to get out your (new) crafty toys and join us in this first challenge for 2012.

Our sponsor is MAGNOLIA-LICIOUS.  Isn't that wonderful?  This should be incentive enough for you to take part.

My card for this challenge is a Birthday Card, which is a wonderful celebration, don't you agree!  Happy Birthday to all the New Year babies today!  I've used Tilda Loves Flowers from Magnolia's new Sweet Crazy Love Collection.  If you don't have her yet, pop on over to the Magnolia-licious store where Diana has an amazing 17% discount on this stamp.

She is an adorable stamp to colour. I am so pleased I have her.  My plain coloured cardstock is American Craft purchased from the Scrapbook Shop in Bellville.  The beautiful floral design paper is from the Annalee paper pad range by Prima Marketing.  Sentiment is from LOTV, I think!

I added some dimension glaze to Miss Tilda's flowers, if you click on the pic I think you can get a better view.

That's it!  Please view the rest of our Design Team's creations, they will definitely inspire you to take part.  Happy crafting!

hugs Sharon x