Loving these Dies x

Recently I've been having a thing about dies & die cutting. So again this month I used more dies in my Hey Little Magpie blog post.

For Ever & Ever.

Hop on over to the blog for the instructions & details of the supplies used.

Many thanks for looking x
Sheena x

Heart Felt.

Here is the last card I made for Valentines day for my Husband. I still really like the box cards & I combined 2 silhouette cut files here to include all the shapes I wanted in the box.

I'm a bit of an old romantic really.

Apologies for the poor photos, roll on spring & better light.

I definitely feel like I've got my card making mojo back :)

Sheena x

More card making capers.

I think I'm getting back into this card making malarky. With the help of my silhouette of course :)

My Dad & I have always exchanged Valentines cards & this one I made for him.

The cut file took a bit of figuring out but I'm really pleased with the result.

Here is another that I made for special friends celebrating their wedding anniversary x

I love how simple but effective this cut file is. I wrote our message on the reverse so as not to spoil the effect x

Sheena x

Valentine Postcard Exchange.

After enjoying being part of her last postcard swap, I was pleased when Sian announced her next one to coincide with Valentines Day.

I sent 7 cards in total 2 overseas, 4 in the UK & 1 to Sian as a thank you. I bought a couple of cards then hit on the idea of making the others so they could feature something I love.

Silk WW1 postcards. I have collected these for nearly 20 years & have a few hundred now.They have been picked up from markets, car boots & antiques fairs over the years. I just love the fact they still survive, have beautiful colours and some have wonderful messages written in beautiful penmanship on the reverse giving you a tiny glimpse in to the lives of the writer & recipient.

As the cards sent to me arrived they were popped behind the clock on the mantlepiece waiting for Valentines Day.

Miriam sent me this card she made featuring a photo she took which arrived in a handmade envelope.

Pauline sent me this lovely card from sunny Scotland.

Kirsty sent me this card which features her local church.

Julie sent this beautiful card inviting me to colour outside the lines.

From America I received this card from Deb featuring heart shaped stones her husband finds for her.

I've really enjoyed receiving these cards, studying their pictures & reading their messages. Many thanks to my senders for taking the time to write to me your cards made this Valentines day all the more special x

Sheena x

A little card making.

Years ago I used to make all our cards for family & friends but with other hobbies taking over my time this happens less & less these days.

At the end of last year I found the time to make 2 birthday cards. To help me I tend to use the silhouette. I don't see this as cheating as they still tend to take some time & effort to put together. So I thought I would share.

I'm still fond of  box cards & I made this cake filled one especially for my friend Jackie.

I made this for my friend Elaine & enjoyed choosing different patterns for the cake layers.

I'd forgotten how much I used to enjoy making cards so I've made some for tomorrow too which I'll share soon x

Sheena x

One photo & Twenty Words.

Today I am joining in with Abi's meme albeit a little late!

I have fond memories

of when we lived around here,

luckily the friendships continue 

so I still get to visit.

Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.

Sheena x

Blood swept lands & seas of red.

Last month we were thrilled to receive our long awaited poppy. In fact 2 poppies as I had purchased one as a surprise for my parents too. I love the fact mine still has a little mud on it. I've decided not to wash it but now need to find a way to show it off whilst keeping it safe. Any suggestions welcome x 

This arriving reminded me of our visit to London last November to see them. Whilst staying with friends we had the chance to see the poppies both in the day & in the dark. The sheer size of this installation generated a range of feelings amongst the crowds as the reality hit that each poppy represented one person, one life.

Maybe it's because I'm a scrapbooker but I really wish there could have been some  memorabilia on sale there for visitors to help raise more funds for the charity. I for one would have bought postcards or ariel photos as keepsakes of our visit.

I would your advice on displaying my poppy.

Many thanks.

Sheena x