tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451872222864620102011-07-16T16:05:47.807+03:00Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-31938085414134542132009-09-16T02:49:00.009+03:002009-09-16T03:36:32.266+03:00

After months and months of no blogging (and very little crafting), I am now back. I sincerely apologize to my friends for not keeping in touch. Apart from having a few hectic months at work I also wasn't in a very good 'personal' mood.I kept an eye on you though :) and quietly visited your blogs every now and then. I am trying to get back to normal and shake this depression that's been my pal

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-87380535967123988402009-04-19T16:25:00.015+03:002009-04-19T17:50:00.181+03:00

Well, Easter is finally here in my corner of the world. I've been a bit preoccupied with shopping and preparations for a few days over the week. I didn't cook a lot but we did have more than on a regular lunch.As in every year, I enjoyed the atmosphere on the streets when coming home from church last night - everybody was carrying candles and on some small and dark streets those were the only

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-86045527823748775742009-04-09T23:19:00.007+03:002009-04-10T03:43:13.447+03:00

Hello dear ones. I have to start by saying a big, big "Thank You!" to all of you who left comments on my previous post. I was really amazed to see so many and containing such wonderful words. You all ROCK! :DFor today I'm going to show the two cards I made with my sketch, for Week #26 at our lovely challenge blog - Just Christmas and Birthday Cards.It will be a very quick and short post as

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-74107215064510259482009-04-05T03:41:00.008+03:002009-04-05T05:36:10.226+03:00

A new challenge blog was recently born and its first challenge was posted this Friday. May they have many many challenges for us in the weeks, months and years to come. Their Design Team is filled to the brim with talented and creative crafters - believe me, I've checked each and everyone's blog and was enchanted with their creations.One of the co-founders and DT members is my very talented

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-70124692580993310562009-04-05T03:15:00.006+03:002009-04-05T03:40:38.271+03:00

This is the last card I made with the lovely papers and stampprints from Jany's Kit and using another sketch of hers - which I sort of disrespected :DHere's the sketch:And my card...This kit was adorable, I loved the little skunks and the bright papers. I am so looking forward to receiving the new kit (for April) and working with it.Thank you Jany for giving me the opportunity to experiment with

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-6419535526090466332009-03-30T18:15:00.006+03:002009-03-30T18:42:43.735+03:00

Our new challenge at Just Christmas and Birthday Cards is to follow a sketch made by Simone. It is a great sketch which provided me with a few confused moments. You know my cards are never too elaborate and for Simone's sketch I had to think much more than I'm used to. :DBut Thank You! Simone for making me think outside my (tight) box.Here's the sketch:And this is my card...The image is a stamp

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-24648679719584419162009-03-28T10:57:00.012+02:002009-03-28T12:14:07.125+02:00

Quick, quick...Before the week is completely over, I have to show you the cards I made for "Just Christmas and Birthday Cards" and for "Stamping with Jany" - I am a DT member on both.On JCBC we are on Week/Challenge #24 and we had to work with a sketch made by our lovely Tanja. She has also generously donated an adorable Magnolia stamp for this week's prize.Have a look at the sketch...Isn't it

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-28384317916837961432009-03-26T10:44:00.016+02:002009-03-26T13:12:48.264+02:00

This week I've been awarded three times. I feel so unworthy because I am never a faithful blogger and my activity here is almost restricted to weekends only, which doesn't allow me to post and comment as much as I wish to. I cannot find the proper words to express my gratitude for the wonderful ladies who thought of me and offered me these awards. So I will only say a big, big THANK YOU!The

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-25955900331146377982009-03-22T19:10:00.002+02:002009-03-22T19:38:08.282+02:00

I was browsing around trying to catch up and found out about some magnificent Blog Candies. I thought I'd share them - you might want to have a look and get your chance to win some great goodies. :)Heather's Blog Candy sounds very tempting - she's one of Incy Wincy Children's Charities co-founders (and I so admire her for doing this) and she's offering free downloads from their new digi-shop.

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-50238805849755233882009-03-21T22:18:00.003+02:002009-03-21T22:38:03.314+02:00

This is the second time when I'm playing around with one of Mel's awesome cards.What I love most about her creations is that she uses lots of different techniques and 'home-made' embellishments and tiny details which make a huge difference.I will never make a card as beautiful and crafty as the original, but if I make it look like it at least 50% I'm a happy girl. :) My cards are usually much

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-64761447084646369232009-03-20T21:40:00.007+02:002009-03-20T22:28:18.701+02:00

Hello everyone! :)Hope you're all doing fine and looking forward to a great weekend. I know I do.For this week, our challenge blog - Just Christmas and Birthday Cards - featured a sketch made by Kristin. Her sketch is now one of my very favourites because it lets you do an infinity of things with it. Very versatile and generous - Thank you Kristin! :)Sketch #23My Christmas cardThis adorable

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-41260324683986556822009-03-15T18:58:00.011+02:002009-03-15T19:52:21.933+02:00

It's been a whole month since I've been around Blog-ville and I really missed it. Unfortunately, my working place asked for every inch of me during this last month and I was so burned out when I got home late in the evening that I couldn't concentrate on anything.I did manage to make a few cards while I was 'away' but didn't get around to posting them. They were mostly birthday cards I needed for

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-35202077070193191672009-02-08T18:34:00.004+02:002009-02-08T18:56:30.909+02:00

I should have posted this one on Friday, but as I was just saying in my previous entry, I couldn't find a chance to use a computer until now.The DT for Stamping with Jany worked on more cards using the kit we were sent sometime ago. The papers and the stamped images from TAC (The Angel Company) are so happy and colourful, just perfect for the Spring we are all eagerly waiting for. :)Although Jany

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-37613905610694876582009-02-08T17:53:00.006+02:002009-02-08T18:31:17.754+02:00

Another week with me being late in posting. :(I am still computer-less and it's driving me crazy to have to wait for my brother to allow me a little time on his computer. He does work at home too, so it's embarassing for me to nag him about it.But I am lucky now for a few days because he's out of town on a job assignment (he works in traffic signaling and it takes him around the country quite a

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-37793889759498703362009-01-30T21:44:00.009+02:002009-01-30T22:55:03.896+02:00

I officially hate this winter! I just had to say it out loud. :)As you all know it all started in November when I lost my dog and then continued with losing my Mum on Christmas eve and over the last two weeks I've been (first) without Internet connection (problems with our ISP) and then my computer broke. :( Until it gets sorted out I have very limited access to my brother's computer. I have to

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-4870143622095337952009-01-12T12:04:00.009+02:002009-01-12T13:35:33.533+02:00

Another week, another challenge on Karin's blog - Just Christmas and Birthday Cards.Sketch #14 comes from our talented Tanja and I tell you, it was a real pleasure to work with it.The prize for this week's lucky winner isone cute bug on flower from Alota Rubber StampsHere's Tanja's versatile sketch:My Birthday cardStamps: TAC, Papermania [sentiment]DP: Papermania (Raspberry Champagne pack)The

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-16999079029617885242009-01-11T21:19:00.008+02:002009-01-12T04:51:34.165+02:00

I should definitely start this one by asking Dawn to forgive me for being so shamefully late with posting this.Dawn has tagged me 6 weeks ago, and I didn't post it that night and then got caught up in various events, and then forgot about it, and so on.Now it's time to finally catch up...The rules of the "game" is that you- have to link to the person who tagged you - in my case it was sweet Dawn

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-1409215978282526692009-01-06T23:05:00.007+02:002009-01-06T23:19:21.387+02:00

I am so grateful to the ladies from Dutch Dare Card Challenge for leaving this challenge open for two weeks. :)In the last moment, I managed to be ready with my card.We had to follow this sketchand here's my quick cardStamps: See D'sDP: Papermania (Olivine Essence - the green paper)The lovely pink papers are a gift from KarinThank you for looking. :)

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-12550905820781372302009-01-05T22:08:00.007+02:002009-01-05T22:43:42.827+02:00

It was great to return to my DT job on Just Christmas and Birthday Cards (I missed the last challenge due to sad family events) and it made the begining of the year look promising and fun. :)For this week the sketch we had to work with comes from our dear Linda - a lovely sketch, great to play with. Thank you Linda! :)The SketchMy Christmas CardStamp print: MagnoliaDPs: PapermaniaCardstock,

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-17202834993024437122008-12-31T14:28:00.004+02:002008-12-31T14:54:57.455+02:00

Seems like ages since I've last posted anything in here, but life and its convoluted 'surprises' didn't allow me to pursue my hobby in the last 2 weeks, or to enjoy visiting your blogs.Right before Christmas, on the night of December 23rd, my Mum died.She has been in the hospital for four days after having a stroke (on Dec. 19th) and her health got worse and worse, with numerous complications. It

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-23550913870417762762008-12-15T00:36:00.011+02:002008-12-15T01:21:05.185+02:00

The way it looks lately, I can only deal with this blogging stuff once a week, on Saturday or Sunday. I hate that but have no other real option for now.The new challenge for the coming week on Just Christmas and Birthday Cards (or JCBC as I like to call it) is to make one or two cards following Gry-Heidi's sketch which, as usual, you'll get to see tomorrow when the new challenge will be posted.In

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-56637867742817379732008-12-08T21:48:00.007+02:002008-12-08T22:39:26.633+02:00

For this week the sketch we had to follow was made by my talented co-worker Kristin. :) I loved the sketch - very versatile and easy to follow. Thanks Kristin!This is the sketch:And here are my two cards:Birthday Card (the one you can see on the JCBC blog)The green background paper is made by me in Paint Shop ProThe image is a stampprint I received from dear Karin.Some peel offs, flowers,

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-2526137080081242412008-12-03T00:47:00.005+02:002008-12-03T00:59:46.476+02:00

I'm so late, late, late with this and I don't think it will be eligible as the challenge ended on Tuesday - it's already Wednesday where I am :(But if I finished it I might as well give it a try. The WoJ challenge was to make "other than a card" and I made a small giftbox from scratch - draw the template (my printer is without ink), cut it out, dressed it with paper. Then I stamped and heat

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-42180088946650688092008-12-01T18:15:00.002+02:002008-12-01T18:21:02.874+02:00

The Dutch Dare Challenge #25 asks of us to make a card with a hole somewhere on it.I've put so many on mine, there's enough for everybody - LOL.Added about a truckload of all sorts of shimmery stuff and a stamped and heat embossed snowflake (a Basic Grey stamp I think). But Christmas IS all about shining stars and bright lights and colours, isn't it? :-DThank you for looking!

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-42197725214295296032008-12-01T16:24:00.012+02:002008-12-01T19:59:58.736+02:00

Having the day off today was much more rewarding than I would have ever thought. Knowing I don't have to be up at dawn, I stayed up all night and I am still up... but surely not for much longer :)I am so very very pleased with myself because I crafted in one evening/night (add a bit of today too) more than I did over an entire week. And I have to say that I also really, really like the cards I've

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-71329729954373417682008-12-01T08:25:00.007+02:002008-12-01T09:55:25.582+02:00

The kindness and generosity of blog people has always amazed me. I've been even more amazed at some of the Blog Candies for this month.Christmas has started early my friends, and here I present you the dear Santas who are offering us some absolutely gorgeous presents :Karin, my wonderful friend and boss (over at Just Christmas and Birthday Cards) is offering 2 blog candies. One of them consists

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-27163437108085394062008-11-29T17:42:00.013+02:002008-11-29T19:45:35.160+02:00

The weekend is finally here and this one is even longer than usual. On Monday (December 1st) we are celebrating our National Day so everybody has the day off - Hooraay!! :)I am now trying to catch up with the last week....My great friend Karin has honoured me way beyond my imagination by passing on to me a fantastic award. THANK YOU so much my friend for thinking about me. You've made my day and

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-82647887213818251802008-11-24T02:24:00.004+02:002008-11-24T02:49:52.592+02:00

As some of you know, tomorrow (already today for me, as I'm posting this) a new sketch and challenge will be launched on Just Christmas and Birthday Cards Blog.For this coming week - # 8 - we are having a wonderful sketch by Janina. You'll see the "original" in a few hours time. :)Until then, here are my takes on it...Christmas cardThe lovely girl is one of Inger Harding's giveaways - I just

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-24862051315711885862008-11-23T00:49:00.006+02:002008-11-23T02:05:42.688+02:00

First of all I would like to say a huge "THANK YOU!" to all of you who left warm and thoughtful words soothing me for the loss of my doggie. It was very very very much appreciated.To be very honest, I did that post mostly because I had to get it out of my system and also like a little memorial for him - with photos and all. I am still very sad and sort of 'numb'. The evenings are the hardest part

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-52934253533428223312008-11-21T02:20:00.005+02:002008-11-21T02:40:13.072+02:00

My four-legged friend died on Wednesday. I am still hurting so bad that I can barely speak about it.We've been together for almost 14 years, the very first time we've seen each other he reached out and kissed me... and before he drew his last 3 breaths he turned his head to kiss me good-bye.The only good thing is that he didn't suffer too much. The night before he brought me his toys, as usual,

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-50028371376296976242008-11-17T16:20:00.007+02:002008-11-17T17:02:20.562+02:00

When Karin and Linda held the DT members contest for "Just Christmas and Birthday Cards", they asked that those interested must come up with their own sketch and card to exemplify it. I don't know why it looked so easy-peasy back then. My sketch, I mean :DWorking with it now was like I've never seen it in my life and had no idea where to start. It must be the feeble mind I've been having lately.

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-5031096334513650802008-11-12T00:12:00.009+02:002008-11-12T01:23:54.585+02:00

This post will be a short and very quick one, as I am typing in front of a trembling and quivering monitor. :(Looks like it will be dying on me soon - hopefully not so soon [can't find the necessary funds to buy a new one right away]Without further ado, here are the cards I've made for Just Christmas and Birthday Cards' challenge - Week #6. Amazing how time flies, isn't it? It seems like last

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-88621123119442870712008-11-03T03:50:00.006+02:002008-11-03T04:13:37.089+02:00

Having such a hectic week I was behind on everything other than my job and house/family assignments, so I made my DT cards for Challenge #5 at Just Christmas and Birthday Cards in a big hurry this afternoon/evening.They are simple and quick cards :( - not enough time (or energy left) to make them more 'complicated'.I used a lot of DP, peel-offs, punched snowflakes and scalloped edge and a

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-36015589042858492482008-11-03T02:21:00.005+02:002008-11-03T04:41:30.228+02:00

I should definitely start with my sincere apologies to all of you, for not visiting and/or commenting for a whole week. :(I was so busy (and totally drained) with work and home that I could not find any spare time for crafting or for any sort of "me" time. Someday soon (I hope) things will get better and less hectic and I'll be back to normal.Over this last week I've been tagged twice - first by

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-34007055935161956762008-10-26T23:11:00.005+02:002008-10-27T00:58:17.157+02:00

These are my first cards as a DT member on "Just Christmas and Birthday Cards" :)For this coming week - challenge #4 - my assignment was to do a birthday card, but I couldn't help it and did a Christmas one too.Here's the Birthday card:The lovely Bella is one of the stamp prints I received as a RAK from Melissa - Thank you! :)I was in the mood for some bright colours and was also eager to use the

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-73962395653771380592008-10-25T21:19:00.005+03:002008-10-26T00:36:54.954+03:00

More catching up from last week...Two wonderful ladies have honoured me with an award each. :)Donalda, a lady I admire a lot and love her creativity and cheerful view on things, has awarded me with:It was such a huge surprise to see my name on her list and I am very grateful and totally thrilled.THANK YOU so much, Donalda!The rules of this award are:1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.2.

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-79794799398551416832008-10-25T15:41:00.008+03:002008-10-25T21:18:18.717+03:00

Phew! I thought this week will never end - I had to go to work today too. [we often work on weekends - no extra pay :( - so it's nothing special, but I was in a great mood (and a bit of a hurry) to make some cards and blog a little]So unfortunately, I spent a lot of my Saturday in the office, at my first job.Oh, haven't I told you? I've got myself a second job - the best I've ever had! :DI was

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-69490670710928871772008-10-21T00:44:00.004+03:002008-10-21T01:05:10.798+03:00

Dutch Dare Challenge #19 says to us: "Cardstock only".I had a hard time deciding if it means absolutely no other material/embellishment or it's only about not using DP. I probably should have asked :D.My card is cardstock only... plus some ribbon and some small embellishments. Hope it qualifies ;)Stamps: Flourishes are from TAC, flower(s) from SU and sentiment from Whiff of Joy - Heat embossed

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-44168291059156777332008-10-20T03:25:00.006+03:002008-10-20T04:06:27.153+03:00

I have just finished my two cards for this week's "Just Christmas and Birthday Cards" Challenge.We had one of Karin's sketches to follow and here it is:First I made the Christmas card, a very simple one with a few punched snowflakes and some shiny stars and a very red ribbon. :)The dp is from Dovecraft and the image is a Magnolia stamp print (a gift from Karin) cut out and layered with foam

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-4765580507827744272008-10-19T01:42:00.003+03:002008-10-19T02:01:37.151+03:00

I can't believe how incredibly lucky I was yesterday. I have won a beautiful stamp from Toodles and Binks in a blog competition.They were showing their new(est) reindeer stamp and asked people to guess his name, giving out a few clues. I didn't guess the exact name but was very very close and Kay was such a lady. She awarded me the prize, so very soon I will have awesome Joel in my hands.Just

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-16206712913439113372008-10-18T01:18:00.005+03:002008-10-18T01:41:57.606+03:00

This week's theme for the Whiff of Joy Challenge is Autumn Colours.I was *that* close to using Willow (with her hot chocolate) again, but 3 weeks in a row seemed a tad too much - lol.So I picked Melinda blowing kisses. She might not be the perfect "autumn" image but I think it worked. After all, we can blow kisses any time, the more the merrier :)Here is my card for WoJ Challenge #4:No, the poor

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-7745255409952164302008-10-16T23:53:00.007+03:002008-10-17T00:28:20.710+03:00

Thank you my friend!Karin has kindly honoured me with this new award today.The rules for this award are very simple:Post the award on your blogPass it along to 6 (six) of your blogging friends[and leave them a note on their blogs so they know they've been chosen :)]It was difficult for me to pick only six and I regret I cannot pass it on to 60 (at least).I am passing this award to:-- Mel - her

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-23781420017712715442008-10-13T00:06:00.009+03:002008-10-13T00:40:51.912+03:00

A week ago, Karin opened up a new blog "Just Christmas and Birthday Cards" where she'll be posting a new sketch/layout every Monday.We can take part in the challenge by using her sketch for making a Birthday OR Christmas card OR both. :)There will be a monthly prize and the winner will be drawn from those who enter the challenge for more than twice each month. Not too difficult, isn't it? :)The

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-30440706912298211882008-10-12T22:50:00.004+03:002008-10-12T23:37:52.632+03:00

This week's requirement for Whiff of Joy Challenge #3 is to follow Heather's sketch - this one:It's a great layout but it gave me a bit of a headache :) My creativity is not at its brightest right now (or ever, to be perfectly honest - lol) and I noticed I am having difficulties with clever layouts - those that involve more than 2 DP rectangles and an embellishment :)But as I am a living witness

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-52089191462464485752008-10-12T22:24:00.003+03:002008-10-12T22:45:53.741+03:00

The ladies at Dutch Dare - Card Challenges were very sweet and easy on us for Challenge #18 - all they asked was for us to make a Christmas card. I seized the opportunity and did an 'experiment' I was meaning to try for some time - heat embossing on tracing paper.** I don't have any vellum but plenty of tracing paper around - did I ever mention that my job consists of making technical drawings?

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-19026426708092798762008-10-11T16:45:00.009+03:002008-10-11T19:37:25.440+03:00

Hurry up, hurry up! Only 2 days left to grab your chance.It's Nikki's birthday today and she's offering some fiery dragons ;) as her birthday blog candy.The stamps she's giving away are from High Hopes Rubber Stamps and are lovelier than lovely :)Happy Birthday Nikki and thank you!====================If you want a chance to win an adorable Whiff of Joy stamp, go over to Donalda's and check out

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-52178536274462259682008-10-06T22:12:00.004+03:002008-10-11T19:33:15.789+03:00

For this weeks Dutch Dare - Challenge # 17 the theme is "Wild Animals". Well, the wildest I've known is my black mutt but he wouldn't let me use him on a card :)I have no animal stamps (yet) except for a teeny-tiny frog and it really doesn't look too wild.So I had to go with one of the cliparts from Cuddly Buddly's "Elephant Walk" set - a massive and scary elephant which I coloured with

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-5869953466450595932008-10-06T21:38:00.004+03:002008-10-06T22:07:18.242+03:00

Hoping that I'm not too late, here is my stitched card for the Whiff of Joy Challenge #2.It's the first time I stitched on a card so Thank You Ladies for forcing me to try something new! :)The stitching/piercing pattern is from Tracey Miller (Fred She Said), the papers and the tag for sentiment are free downloads from Scrap Girls and Faith Sisters, the embossed grey strip is from my friend Sue (

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-34665022678857860312008-09-28T21:52:00.003+03:002008-09-28T22:13:33.871+03:00

This Challenge's theme was easy for me as two weekends ago I have made a birthday card for a very special "boy" ;) - I hope he received it by now.It was my first attempt at an "Inchies Panel Card" and I am glad I finished it. With my fat fingers is not easy to work with such small squares. :)Here it is:The stamp used for the 'inchies' is a Mary Hughes design coloured with watercolour

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-90337716767105561532008-09-28T21:21:00.004+03:002008-09-28T21:42:13.792+03:00

I shouldn't have the nerve to compete with the cards I saw posted for this challenge, but as I am a big fan of WoJ stamps I couldn't resist.For their first ever Challenge, we had to use Katharina's sketch and, of course, a WoJ stamp.The sketch to follow is this:And this is my card for the challenge:I've used Dovecraft DP, a few punched snowflakes "coloured" with glitter glue (but the glue is

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-61379006263155159542008-09-28T19:32:00.006+03:002008-10-11T19:39:06.026+03:00

Hello, it's me! :) Yes, I am still alive and currently trying to reverse to 'normal'. My Mum had her surgery two weeks ago (after another 2 weeks in the hospital for tests and observation) and she's been back home since Wednesday. I am really happy she survived the surgery and is feeling better every day. The doctors couldn't clean the tumour 100% so by mid-October she'll start some chemo or

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-23689267573072222112008-08-30T13:35:00.004+03:002008-10-11T19:40:34.335+03:00

For this week, the lovely ladies at Dutch Dare - Card Challenges asked us to make a card for a girl.You should go and have a look at the DT creations, they are all awesome!For my card I used a Magnolia stamp print [Thank you again and again Karin!] and a layout from Becky Fleck - the generous lady who keeps the Page Maps site. [I didn't respect the layout 100%]Backing papers are from Joanna Sheen

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-30764936295705460632008-08-30T11:58:00.006+03:002008-08-30T13:33:09.371+03:00

I've been "AWOL" from this blog for two weeks lying in bed with a very bad back - a strained/contracted muscle didn't allow me to move naturally. Better said, it didn't allow me to move at all :D. In the last two days I've been feeling normal again and I thought it's about time I tried my Whiff of Joy stamps. For the Carol singing Charlotte I used Katharina's sketch #26, the one that was used

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-60007534714348095202008-08-19T15:09:00.006+03:002008-08-19T16:48:25.345+03:00

I cannot find the words to explain how happy I am to have received two wonderful gifts from two extraordinary ladies I've met in "Cyberland" :D. They don't know it but I am going through some very difficult times right now so their generosity meant so much much more than they probably imagined.Just to explain my 'whereabouts' - my Mum is having a very advanced skin cancer in her right eye (

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-21224811842845377612008-08-12T11:05:00.003+03:002008-08-12T11:20:45.788+03:00

Here's a fabulous blog candy offered by Katharina and Whiff of Joy Stamps:The lucky winner will get a complete Whiff of Joy Guardian Angel Collection by Elisabeth Bell (4 stamps) for free.PLUS...Katharina and Whiff of Joy Stamps will host a blog candy give away on the winners blog. You can choose the terms and she will sponsor your blog candy with another complete set of the Guardian AngelsWhat

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-50521454198943106072008-08-11T18:08:00.002+03:002008-08-11T18:13:56.709+03:00

Claudia has been trying for a week or so to get rid of the awesome blog candy she offered!There is still a chance to be the lucky winner if you leave a comment on her post Here. She will draw 5 winners and will make for each person a nice card making kit.Hurry up, I don't know for how long the generous offer stays open.

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-4801452556518070842008-08-10T17:23:00.005+03:002008-08-10T17:38:08.587+03:00

I felt like playing and being silly, just to get out (a bit) from heavy thoughts and family problems.I was lucky to have inspiration at hand - Thank You, Karin! :)Karin has designed her first sketch two days ago and the moment I saw it I knew I would use it soon. Some time ago, Karin had a blog candy and after drawing out the winner she generously offered to all those who didn't win some very

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-36612248148180989042008-08-10T11:58:00.004+03:002008-08-10T12:31:59.197+03:00

The lovely girls over at Dutch Dare - Card Challenges wanted us to make a Black & White card, using one additional color.You should really go and have a look at the DT cards in there - beautiful each and every one of them.I guess I was inspired by the sidebar on their site :) and so decided to put some orange on my card.I used a cool [in my opinion :D] technique I've read about in a "Creativity!"

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-25079536933314587072008-07-31T03:11:00.005+03:002008-07-31T04:57:00.027+03:00

It's past 3 am in here, but I had to finish this card for Ruby and Britt's blog candy challenge. I've started it 4 days ago and it's been waiting to be done ever since.I hope it's happy enough for what the lovely girls had in mind :)The little cat is done with Iris Folding (and some paper piecing), the pattern is one of Ingrid McCracken's - for those of you who are into IF, Ingrid is selling a

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-5387638987243706462008-07-30T14:46:00.001+03:002008-07-25T22:51:26.372+03:00

*** Edit: I'll keep this post on top for a few days so the nominees can find it quicker***You won't believe what just happened! A dear friend, Jana (at 2 Worlds - fabulous creativity and great tutorials) kindly gave me the "VISA -- BFF Gold Card" :)THANK YOU, friend!The rules of this award are............1. Only 5 people allowed. (to be nominated)2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog3.

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-11701080260858041432008-07-28T22:20:00.007+03:002008-07-29T00:03:31.283+03:00

This month's TBF [Tea Bag Folding] challenge on Circle of Crafters asked us to make a card using a specific fold - Xing Fold Variation 9. The fold is one of the very many invented by Jeannie Pelletreau. Her nickname is "Queen of Folds" :)To make a medallion using the Xing Fold V9 one needs 14 square tiles. The vast majority of the folds use 8 tiles for a medallion, so I usually print my tile

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-56797142518719215572008-07-27T18:03:00.003+03:002008-07-27T18:10:32.743+03:00

Janette had this awesome idea of offering a mystery blog candy to celebrate the birthday of her blog Cards and Chat.She will draw the winner on Monday morning - yes, that is tomorrow, 28th of July - and then she will post a photo of the secret prize. Cool idea, don't you think? :)So if you want to be on the list, check her blog candy right away. Good luck all!

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-76547957617422586132008-07-26T16:32:00.006+03:002008-07-27T20:10:16.541+03:00

After I did the birthday card for Karin's blog candy, she kindly invited me to have a look at Dutch Dare - Card Challenges where she is a DT member.Their current challenge, #7, is about making a round card. I never did a round card before [and honestly? I can't see myself doing another one soon :D] so it did sound like a fun challenge. I love learning new things.And I like teaching too (my

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-41642373298047603032008-07-25T21:40:00.006+03:002008-07-25T22:09:06.236+03:00

You simply got to check this out - Blog Candy on Ruby and Britt's BlogThese two very young crafters decided to offer a blog candy of their own, after their mum, Karin, posted one on her blog.What you have to do for having a chance to win the yummy candy offered by our young talented artists? Simply have fun :0)Make a HAPPY CARD and leave a comment with a link to your cardon the girls' blogThey

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-76350021952368673772008-07-24T16:16:00.010+03:002008-07-24T18:00:18.386+03:00

I so love going from blog to blog and admiring people's talents and creativity. Yesterday I found Karin Hoeve's Blog - Scrap Everything.The first thing I've read about in there was that her daughter will turn 6 in August - coincidence, my baby brother is in August too, he'll turn 44 this year - LOLKarin is generously offering a marvelous blog candy consisting of a bag full of nice goodies: a lot

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-91058380597465316032008-07-22T02:07:00.006+03:002008-07-22T02:53:30.928+03:00

Over the weekend I tried to catch up with the monthly challenges on Circle of Crafters.Each month we have challenges for Iris Folding, Tea Bag Folding, General Cards and Scrapbook pages - each with its specific requierements. I never submitted anything for Scrapbook pages but I will have to start one day :)For now, here's the card I made for the Iris Folding challenge which this month was

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-15339791836104997682008-07-17T15:17:00.012+03:002008-07-19T10:46:45.697+03:00

Of course I couldn't resist using Nolan's new design - "Goopy". It's a digi-freebie on Tracey's blog - Fred, She SaidI couldn't think of any inspiring 'verse' so I used a famous saying as my sentiment towards this "non-regular" guy :-DClick on image to enlargeThanks for looking and apologies for not writing more. I am at work - PLEASE don't tell this to anyone ;).EDITED to add: I didn't MAKE the

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-70598145092854453202008-07-14T00:08:00.007+03:002008-07-14T01:22:18.139+03:00

I've been dared to show a more recent photo of my PC/crafting corner so I had to prove I'm courageous enough to *face the truth* and let others see it too :-DPlease do not look if you're having heart problems - the shock might be too much for you...SO.... here they are, the photos taken this afternoon at 18:30 my timeand a courageous close-up :)I was working on an ATC. Haven't done too many of

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-46331175746231495922008-07-12T18:00:00.012+03:002008-07-13T00:05:07.061+03:00

I am always thrilled when I have a completely free weekend - no need to go to work for extra assignments (without extra pay, mind you) and not a lot of housework to deal with.First thing I do on such weekends is oversleep :D and the second one is make a card or two.** Speaking of making cards, here are two questions I have for you, if you'd care to answer:=========================================

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-62912300262637932632008-07-11T14:57:00.005+03:002008-07-11T15:26:01.036+03:00

My browsing trips took me today to Franmade - Cards & Things, an adorable blog held by Frances [she's got a great smile :D], who is a Design Team member for Tilda & Friends ATC Challenges and 'Cute Card Thursday'.Please do yourself a big favour and check out Frances' Blog Candy - it's an extraordinary generous offer and it is still open till July 17th. In order to be on her list [the one she'll

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-22891429025869289522008-07-09T15:03:00.008+03:002008-07-09T18:15:36.155+03:00

Due to Jana's extreme kindness and help I am now the happy owner of a few TAC (The Angel Company) stamps that arrived at my door two days ago. I was so excited with the event and couldn't wait to use them.It was late at night and I was tired, so the card is very very simple and silly. But - YAY! - I tested some of my newest stuff and it's fantastic.The stamps I used for the making the cardtop are

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-14237670337708545182008-07-09T12:45:00.006+03:002008-07-09T22:18:11.865+03:00

In the short time since I've joined the blogger's world, there is not one day without a lovely discovery. Today's surprise, and newest entry in my "Must see" list, is Claudia's blog - Pretty PressingsClaudia is a DT member for Magnolia stamps - how cool is that? :) If you take the time to visit her blog you'll surely fall in love with her "one of a kind" cards (which, by the way, are for sale). I

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-45458345841423394332008-07-08T08:27:00.013+03:002008-07-08T22:00:18.522+03:00

The lovely Miss Hev is offering a blog candy for reaching 1,000 hits on her blog - Congratulations!I've been meaning to mention it in here from the first day (which was looong time ago) but forgot - old age is showing in all its splendour.So here it is, your chance to visit "Heaven" ;) - Vanilla Hev'n - and to enter for winning the candy.Just leave a comment (make sure it's a nice one, OK? - lol)

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-44272548450501204572008-07-06T17:42:00.007+03:002008-07-08T08:57:26.569+03:00

Every day I'm finding more and more beautiful places in Blog-land. Today I bumped into Ila's artful blog (I was visiting Hev's blog and found the link in there).Ila is generously offering a wonderful blog candy provided by High Hopes Rubber Stamps.*** Have a look at this awesome candy in HERE ***If you want to win these GORGEOUS stamps all you have to do is ... Spread the word about Ila's Blog

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-53347832792498048772008-07-04T16:26:00.008+03:002008-07-04T17:12:35.399+03:00

An amazingly talented young man, NOLAN son of Tracey [Fred, She Said] designed this adorable little monster and offered him for free use. Thank you Nolan!But to express better (more 'palpable') my thanks, here's the monster card I made with Nolan's creation.Click on it to enlargeFirstly I added the green dotted background to Nolan's sketch, using Paint Shop Pro 7 (that's my favourite and the only

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-51420514164024859572008-07-03T12:09:00.013+03:002008-07-03T13:04:01.388+03:00

A dear friend of mine, had the awesome idea of scanning a piece of lace using coloured card behind it. I loved it when she told me about it and asked her for some pics so she sent me 5 of them in various colours. I immediately printed the blue one and made a quick card.I used the lace print as a background, added two scalloped strips of blue card (cut with decorative scissors) and a 3D butterfly

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-23163372225660834852008-06-21T23:37:00.005+03:002008-06-21T23:53:02.257+03:00

My first Christmas card for 2008 is ready! Am I quick or what? :-DI really like this little Xmas tree stamp so I put three of them on the card. The white one is embossed with Snowflake powder and looks very nice for real, with tiny silver flakes in it. I made another tree in gold (no Christmas without a bit of gold in it, don't you think?) and the third one in red. Silly me :(, I forgot to use a

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-34503843941897704802008-06-21T15:10:00.012+03:002008-06-21T22:59:09.542+03:00

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for I made my FIRST card using stamps and heat embossing. After throwing away a significant amount of *tests* I managed to have these 3 flowers that could be used, even if they are far from being truly OK. :)I have stolen the card layout (most of it anyway) from Do Crafts "Creativity" magazine. So I stamped 3 daffodils on white card, one on a (sort of)

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-22527416431348640042008-06-15T16:40:00.015+03:002008-06-21T23:32:13.381+03:00

Since my first ever card, the one I posted last time, I've played with TBF [Tea Bag Folding] a lot and made many other cards. Some of them I'm really pleased with, most of them I'm not :) but I am happy I was able to produce them with my own two hands.Here are a few of the TBF cards I've made...You might notice that apart from different colours and layouts, the folding of each medallion is

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-50704087139227542492008-06-10T00:47:00.006+03:002008-06-21T23:33:30.666+03:00

My first experiment as a crafter was Teabag folding. It is an Origami technique much easier to accomplish, in my opinion. Of course, maybe it's not as spectacular as some real Origami but it looks very very good on greeting cards. Teabag folding originated in Holland and consists of folding small squares of patterned paper and then joining them together to form a

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845187222286462010.post-58708833496246114632008-06-09T23:22:00.015+03:002008-12-01T19:28:24.430+02:00

Hello from Romania!This is my first ever blog and I am still learning how to work with it, so please be gentle if you come here and see any "weird" things on the screen. I am probably playing with the settings.In August last year (2007) I've been 'dragged' [*wink wink*] into card making by a very good friend I've met on the Internet. She's a very talented crafter, my hero and my benefactor. She's

Madahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01525806137084516006noreply@blogger.com2