…… Forget All The Top Crafters and DT Designers ….. They Will All Pale Into Insignificance Once You’ve Seen This ……

The most anticipated and cherished Christmas gift in all the world has finally arrived …… this is what my mum was presented with by the coach guides when my multiply disabled brother Stephen arrived home on Thursday.  I could fiddle about ‘till kingdom come, using the very best and latest materials,  but I could NEVER make anything as beautiful as this ….

Stephen was 50 in November … and my mum at 79 still cares for him at home, so we cannot thank the staff at his centre enough for the love, care and respite they give her and Stephen during the year.We know that Stephen probably only sat at the table and hummed as he watched the staff put his Christmas tree together for him.  They may have put a paint brush in his hand,  but he’d have just chucked it, as he does with everything you hand him (except for his cups of tea and chocolate buttons!!!!! ) ….. but as I said above, we can NEVER thank these wonderful people enough for working with him and making our Christmas so special with this irreplaceable gift …… they really are unsung heroes!

Christmas Snowflake Penny Bags

These are the other “Penny Bags” I made for the school Choir …. again using Christmas tree decorations from Poundland, bought for half price, working at 5p each I think.

Whenever I go shopping and see a “bargain” or a something that’s bit different, I will always stand a while and think about “what else” I can do with it. By just adding a little extra sparkle, no matter how simple, something ordinary can be turned into something that looks extra special.

Santa Penny Bags

I’ve only made two lots of sweet bags this year,  both for my Music Dept. as a “Thank You” to the choir who are always very busy at this time of year.

I tied Poundshop Santa Christmas tree decorations round the tops of cello bags that I had filled with an assortment of Christmas money and santas, lollies and chews.  I got the Santas in the Poundshop sale last year for 50p a pack, purchasing all they had left, knowing that they would probably come in useful for this year.  I notice that they are still available this year, but at full price!

Not a lot of work I know, but I priced them at costing me 60p each to put together, you couldn’t buy a chocolate bar for that! Hopefully,  for a just a little effort the girls will go home feeling that they have been given something a bit different in appreciation for all their hard work.

Bare Tree And Heart Christmas Card

This card measures 15.5cms x 11cms and is made using white linen effect card. (sorry about my shadow hanging over it!)

I have not made many cards to send this year, but this card is the one that will be sent to all the special people who have been with me over the past few months …. it’s very simple but reflects how I am feeling as Christmas approaches.

I’ve used a stamp from Art Impressions (no. G-1277), mat and layered on silver mirror card, with a dusting of Hunkydory Diamond Sparkles, Butterfly Trails and the tiniest heart flat backed gem I could find. 

Two Tatty Teddy Christmas Cards

Both these cards measure 13cm x 13cm and are made using a blank of white linen effect card.

For me, these cards are quite fancy!  They are made using the Tatty Teddy decoupage sheets I found in a sale for £1.74 a pack of 4. After I had  assembled them I added a little Ranger Glossy Accents to the bear’s noses and an extra  sprinkling of Stampin’Up Dazzling Diamonds micro glitter here and there for extra bling.   I’ve teamed them up with grey gingham and pink polka dot paper strips from Handy Hippo and glitter photo corners from Papercellar.

To finish them off I’ve also added a bit of faux stitching, small punched snowflakes and flat back gems.

Fame At Last …… And My Favourite Festive Bargain!

Oh my life …. I didn’t expect this …. I was really trying to get the Monkeys faces up in lights in Oxford Street via Marmite,  as it would have caused a festive flurry of robust excitement for chez nous ….. but all the pictures I uploaded of them on Facebook were rejected, so I thought I would see if my picture would be acceptable …… and so that’s how my little chubby cheeks got their moment of fame!!! Sooooo funny!   Why not have a go yourself:-

http://www.facebook.com/Marmite/app_478792335486805

I haven’t done much shopping this year and to be honest anything of a crafty type nature in my favourite Poundshop hunting grounds has been pretty much the same as last year (and the year before!) so there is very little that I haven’t seen or used before ….. but this are my favourite purchase of this year, to be put away for next year …… because all my presents were wrapped up ages ago …..

..... this little bag measures 8.25ins across by 6ins,and is gusseted and embroidered ….. I have seen similar ones in very expensive shops …. take away the tag, perhaps add a few small sparkly gems and no one would know it had only cost £1, bargaintastic!! 

Very Simple Christmas Card

This card measures 3.75ins x 3.75ins and is made using an ivory linen effect card.

The centre panel for this card started life as a gift tag, but the pattern made me think of mistletoe so I turned it into a card. All I have added are a few very small flat back pearls.  The circle Christmas sentiment is a die cut from CraftWork Cards.

Caterpillar Peg Fridge Magnets.

I can’t pretend that this is my idea, I found it on this brilliant site http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/05/18/caterpillar-clips/ and just had to have a go.

Using pegs, small pom poms, wobbly eyes and a strip of self adhesive magnetic tape on the bottom, how simple? These would be brilliant for children to make for presents for Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles etc..

Snowman Shaker Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins and is made using a hand cut linen effect card blank.

When I saw these domed shaker stickers in the 99p Shop near the main entrance of New Street Station in Birmingham I just had to have them. I may not use the majority of them all this year but there was no way I wasn’t going to buy a few packs to put away. 

There were several different design packets from Santas and snowmen to Christmas stockings, and I bought one of each as I knew I would probably never see them again.  I think they would look brilliant on gift tags too.

The sentiment is from CraftworkCards.

http://www.craftworkcards.co.uk/default.aspx

Christmas Jumper Day – Friday 14th December 2012

I shall be wearing “one” of mine!

The day is for a good cause raising money in a funny way for Save the Children by wearing a Christmas jumper on Friday December 14th

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day

National VELCRO® Month – Top Fiddle Fart Tip No. 30

The Velcro Top Tips just keep coming ……. Jose e-mailed me and said “Just thought I would tell you how we use VELCRO® in our Church http://www.sjayeovil.co.uk/ it holds the gift aid envelopes and stops them dropping on the floor and getting dirty (they are attached to the ends of the pews).

Jose’s blog ……. http://josesjottings.blogspot.com/

Freebie - Doodled Christmas Pudding Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins and is made using white linen effect card.

This is the first card I have ever made from scratch just using a couple of pens and my doodling, and again it’s all down to Marc for just giving me that extra shove that I sometimes need to get me out of my comfort zone!

So ….. I used a couple of red pens with a touch of black fine liner to make the background panel, then I doodled a frame and did a bit of writing for the sentiment panel and finally doodled and cut out two parts of a Christmas pudding …. praying they would all come together ….

I mat and layer the two panels on silver mirror card for a touch of festive shine.

It was all a bit of an experiment, so when I put the checked panel onto the card i went for broke and decided to doodle round it too.

The sentiment panel was next using adhesive foam pads for more layers and dimension, followed by the pudding and topping (with an added sprinkling of Hunkydory Diamond Sparkles)  also using foam pads to hold them in place.  The only things not doodled were the table confetti holly leaves and red flat back gem berries.

If you would like to download this a file to help you make this card please click on link below:-

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dsguzj7slnb0bnm/FiddleFart%20Christmas%20Pudding%20Card.pdf

*All I ask is that if you use the doodle on your own blog you credit the design to me with a link back to this page. *I also ask that you don’t use the design for any challenges or competitions … but,  if you want to spread the word and tell others that there is a festive freebie going here …..  please feel free!

Freebie Doodled Christmas Tree Card

This card measures 12.5 cms wide x 14cm deep and is made using white linen effect card.

I LOVE talking to marc, he inspires me sooooo much and pushes  me (in the nicest way possible) to try new things! I called him on Saturday (making sure that it was well before the X Factor Final) and we got to talking about using my doodles more on cards ….. and this is the result!  I am so pleased with it …. very less is more!

There is absolutely nothing to it, I just doodled the picture, then scanned and printed off several copies.   I then mat and layered a simple background panel with silver mirror card.  The next step was to cut out two tree shapes to make a very simple decoupage layer using adhesive foam pads and then a pot (also using a foam pad) to give dimension).A scattering of small red flat backed gems complete the effect.  How simple is that?

But …..  what Marc and I also talked about was the possibility of my being able to offer my doodles free to download …. well,  neither of us had a clue how to do it …. but a challenge Iike that,  is like a red bull to a flag for me!!!! And I did it!!!  I am so proud!!

And Now …. I can offer you a single image, png file that you can alter to any size to fit your cards and you can also copy and paste as many times as you like:-

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0j64cisxrtv98gq/Fiddle%20Fart%20Doodled%20Christmas%20Tree%20December%202012.png

Or a pdf file with four trees where the size can’t be altered, just simply printed and then cut out:-

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lfjlcgfdcf5gbjb/FiddleFart%20Doodled%20Christmas%20Trees.pdf

I have kept my card very simple …. but the images can be coloured, glittered, have other embellishments added to etc.….. AND I’d love to see what you do with it ….

*All I ask is that if you use the doodle on your own blog you credit the design to me with a link back to this page. *I also ask that you don’t use the design for any challenges or competitions … but,  if you want to spread the word and tell others that there is a festive freebie going here …..  please feel free!

* Please note …… I have checked,  as far as I am able,  that these two downloads work, but, I am not the most technical of people,  so I would prefer not to be asked any questions about any downloading difficulties  you may experience or how to use the files once you have downloaded them …

Snowflake Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins

Hmmmm ….  I am not really sure about this card …. I wanted to try using a colour not usually associated with Christmas but I don’t think I have pulled it off.

I’ve used four cream coloured felt Christmas tree embellishments to make up the snowflake with a clear flat backed gem in the middle ….. but I’m afraid it’s destined to be returned to the drawing board ….. I was trying to be clever, but realise now that it would look much better on a blue card, with silver mat and layering.

Holly Christmas Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins

When I got this paper out to use I was immediately transported to Remembrance Sunday 2012 when The Duke and I were on a Sun Holiday in Christchurch, we were on our way home and popped into Lyndhurst. I can remember everything from the sharp Autumn sunshine and the nip in the air, the coffee and cakes we had, and me people watching from the cafe window ……  and then stumbling on a craft shop I had never seen before called Emerald Crafts where I bought the paper. A very, very happy weekend.

The paper is by KaiserCraft from the December 25th Collection  (P717 Festive), the sentiment is from CraftWork Cards and the holly was made using a large punch and embellished with red flat backed gems from Paperchase.

http://www.emeraldcrafts.com/         http://www.craftworkcards.co.uk/default.aspx

Simple Stripy Christmas Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins

I think this paper is from K & Co,  but I am not 100% sure as I have had it for quite a while.  I wanted to try to make a Christmas card that wasn’t necessarily use tradition colours, and have also included a grey Bazzill cardstock.  The sentiment is from Craftwork cards, with the scalloped edge backing made using a Stampin’ Up punch. Clear flat backed gems complete the design ….. done and Christmas fairy dusted!

National VELCRO® Month - Top Fiddle Fart Ideas Nos.27, 28 & 29

High Heel Rose: VELCRO® ...... Who Could Live Without It!I I use it to hang black netting from my bird cage (I have kitty) and Parrot, and his nite nite curtains are also VELCRO®'d from top play area down/easy to get off to clean

High Heel Rose: Another fab use for VELCRO® after Xmas is to put it on backs of toppers. I use foam board to mount material and bobbles on hot glue and then VELCRO® to my shades and wooden blind tops easy to swap around.

High Heel Rose’s blog is:  http://www.denimxdiamonds.blogspot.co.uk/

Fiona's Top Tip: I worked in a nursery where they put blinds on high windows with a long cord and a heavy weight dangling down, I used the s/a VELCRO® to stick the weight and cord high out of little peoples reach

Sparkly Christmas Tree Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins

I love the background paper to this card, I love the lime green glitter.  I bought it ages ago and felt that it was about time it was finally used up. Don’t quote me,  but I think it might be from K & Co.   The Christmas tree die cuts and sentiment are from Craftwork Cards.  There isn’t a lot to it really, all I had to do was colour the trees in with a Lime Green Promaker and then add a few gold stars and tiny clear flat backed gems to embellish them.

http://www.craftworkcards.co.uk/default.aspx

Christmas Bauble Card(s) ….. Dabbling and Doodling With Ideas For The Coming Year Maybe?

While I was in London visiting Marc, he nagged me something rotten about  “doodling” more and his partner Rick told me that I should work on more card ideas that used my own writing ….. so what’s a poor girl like me gonna do?

Well, I listened, because they both really do know what they are talking about and when I got home I doodled a bit and then I did a bit of writing ….. formulating a couple of ideas ……  

The first idea/doodle (above) was very rough and only took a couple of minutes ….. but even before I finished the last dab of ProMarker,  the next progression was in my head …..
….. what if I doodled it all again, more carefully but added the baubles separately to add dimension?

That’s as far I have got with the bauble idea, there is still a bit to go with it, it  needs a few tiny stars in the branches, and something else … I just don’t know what yet  …. but before I finished it properly,  I took off again on a different tangent while my brain was whirring …. this time thinking about Rick saying I should write more on my cards …..

….. Again it’s very, very rough …… but a germ of an idea is now firmly in my head …. with all the festive preparations to get on with, it isn’t really the best of times to have a brainwave…. but hopefully over the holiday,  I’ll have the time to work on it some more ….. I want to go back to the real basics and have a go at card making with just a blank card, a pen, a notebook containing jotted down phrases, sayings, lines from poems or lyrics etc. that catch my fancy and a few very simple embellishments!  Think of all the money I could save …. watch this space!

Very Simple Holly Card

This card measures 5ins x 5ins

This card took me about ten minutes to make.  I decided to keep things really simple and write sentiment myself, adding a little bit of doodling round the edges.  I then mat and layered it on silver mirror and white card, before finally putting it in the centre of a card blank that I had covered in a holly design paper,  using foam pads for extra dimension  . 

The final touches were made by adding three small red flat backed gems to each sprig of holly,  along with a sprinkling of extra fine Hunkydory Diamond Sprinkles, and two PaperCellar silver glitter self adhesive corners.