Please do not all laugh at once..... this is my first ever attempt at rubbing stamping.  Well I didn't do the stamping, Beryl kindly sent me pre-stamped images, all I had to do was the colouring in.  I have been encouraged to try the Sunday Sketch & Stamp Challenge by Beryl and Jan.  So this is also my first ever entry into a challenge.... scary!!!

I think Sydney could have done better, not happy with my shading - new pens so I maybe I have to get used to them.  You all make it look so easy, with your wonderful creations.

I though the ballet image was perfect as Syd started ballet this week.  As always I have used ribbon on my card (not as much as normal).  The gorgeous flower ribbon is part of the NEW Summer collection (not on the website yet, but I sooooo wanted to use it!!!), the colours are wicked.  I used this ribbon to make the three flowers, (stick double sided tape to the back of the ribbon, then stick onto card, you can then cut the flowers out without the ribbon fraying).  The lush velvet ribbon is called "Laitue", I added a small bow at the bottom of the card to balance the design.

Now I am going to try and link this to the SSS blog - another first.  Not sure I will be entering many of these challenges.... this one has taken me ages!!!!

If you missed out on our Ribbon Challenge "Spring Time" a few weeks ago, then pop over to Creative Inspirations as we have provided a selection of "Spring Time" ribbons as this weeks prize.

It is time to re-award my blog award.

I do most of my blog hopping on my mobile phone, which is great BUT you do not get to see all the wonderful backgrounds and graphics.  So today is the first time I have been on some of your blogs "for real"!  I would like to pass this award on to my fellow bloggers, without their comments, help, inspiration and encouragement I would not enjoy our space in blog land - Beryl, Wilma, Carol, Amanda, Natalie, Tina, Tracey, Dorothy, Jan and Marjorie.  So please grab this award, from me to you!

Have a fantastic crafting day.

I am so excited Sydney starts ballet today.  I haven't seen her all dressed up, but am hoping she will pop into the office later.  She has to take a cuddley toy with her, as she has to dance with it in one of the routines.  Syd only has Winnie (the pooh), he goes everywhere with her.  I had a call from Bev a few months ago, they had lost Winnie in Tesco's and could I go and look for him.  I did feel rather a fool wandering around, I am sure security had their eye on me.  I did stop short of calling out his name!!  He was found in a shopping trolley - thank god.

So Winnie is joining ballet today as well.

His outfit (Syd knows he is a boy, but has no problem him being dressed in pink!), is all made from ribbon.  40mm satin for the head band bow.  Same ribbon folded in half for the waist band.  I have had the netting in the warehouse for ages, but have not got round to putting it on the site!

The outfit would not be complete without ballet shoes.  Winnie's feet are not very delicate, but I managed to make a "new" style of ballet pumps!

Yep - it is ribbon.  Felt for the sole (non slip!) and silk ribbon for the ties.

The girls think I need a holiday...... I was just having fun.

I have only been out of the office for a few days at the Creative Craft Show, but I have missed loads!  By the time we traveled home each evening, I was too tired to turn my computer on - sorry.

You have all been so busy, the sneak peeks I have seen of the "Muddy paws" challenge are awesome.  You have also joined in with the Sunday Sketch and Stamp Challenge - Did you like the prize?  I said it was a real goodie, six Ribbonboxes filled with almost 150mtrs of ribbon.

Look what Tina has made, they are Blooming lovely!

These flowers are stunning - I love them.  They are made using 7mm satin ribbons, you can find these in our Satin Streamers

So glad you liked the ribbon Tina.

Where has the sun gone? I have two weeks without exhibitions and was hoping to spend some time in the garden - looks like I will have to go to my play room. I bought some goodies at the show that I am dying to try out. Hard life!!

This week we are attending a show that is close to home - no motorways, no ferries maybe just a tractor or two!!

We are at The Stitch and Creative Craft Show at Shepton Mallet Showground which is in Somerset.

The show is open Thursday to Sunday 10am till 5pm.  If you are in the area then why not pop in, we have some wicked special offers for our local customers!!!  All the "Spring Time" cards are on display, we have a new supply of  "Muddy Paw" ribbons (if we sell out we can also pop back to the office for more!), as well as lots of other goodies.

Thank you for your wonderful comments about the Sunday Sketch & Stamp Challenge - I have one small problem about joining in....... I do not own a rubber stamp!!! And I do not know how to use them!!!  I know, I go to a craft show almost every week BUT it's just something I have never tried.  All your cards have inspired me, I just do not know where to start.

I do hope you are enjoying the sunshine.

We have put together a super prize for the first challenge at Sunday Sketch & Stamp

It's a new blog challenge that we are sponsoring.  Why not pop on over and have a look!  You have a chance to win a super ribbon prize that we have put together for the first challenge, there are..... no I really should let Maggie tell you all what the prize is!!

First Challenge 26th April

We have been given our first blog award!

I so wanted one of these - thank you Wilma.  Choosing 10 blogs to pass it on too will be a problem - these are so many fab ones out there.  At least I will now have an excuse to go blog hopping!!!

Sorry this challenge is now FULL 

What a beautiful day, after driving through the night from Belfast and having an ice warning in Cumbria it has been a pleasant surprise.  To enjoy the day in the best possible way - it had to be a trip to the beach and a stroll along the prom.  Being cooped up in an exhibition centre and staying in Beflast city, it was such a pleasure to feel free and see the sun shining.

Anyway, to the main reason for this posting - Ribbon Challenge # 5  Seeing so many doggies enjoying themselves on the beach this challenge is rather apt - "Muddy Paws"

Would you like to take part in our Ribbon Challenge # 5? 

We have taken these NEW Paw Print Ribbons to the last three shows and we sold out at all shows!   A range of coloured grosgrain ribbons with paw prints in Chocolate (or mud!).  We have 10 free bundles of ribbons to give away, each bundle will contain lengths of all the new ribbons (NOT on the website - yet!).  All we ask in return for these ribbons are two cards made from these dog, cat or bear paw prints! The ribbons can be used to enhance all forms of card making, projects or ATC's as long as it is around the "Muddy Paws" theme!!!!  We will even throw in some "Woof" and "Meow" ribbons.

Ali and Tony have faced yet another ferry, this time to Belfast.  They are attending The Stitch and Creative Craft Show

This is the only show we attend in Northern Ireland, it is held at the Kings Hall.  Show is open Thursday to Saturday  10am till 5pm.  There is a late night on Thursday till 8pm.  If you are in the area then why not pop in.  All the "Spring Time" cards are on display as well as lots of other goodies.

If you are going to the show, please go and cheer Ali up - her NEW Summer ribbons arrived in the warehouse today and we opened them up!!!!  All she could hear on the phone was, "Oooo, Aahh",  "This ones gorgeous" "Oh look at this one!".  Ali was not a happy bunny as she did not see them first, even Sam joined in!

We have not borrowed any Ali - honest!

Rachie & Bev xx