Free Digi Stamp!

I've had so many lovely comments about my Royal Wedding Digi Stamp Kit and Illustrations that as a 'Thank You' today I'm giving away a free Corgi Digi Stamp.

Just click here or on the image to download the little Corgi in Colour and Black & White (colour with your Promarkers or Pencils)

Also, there is still time to enter the Blog candy competition - great prizes from Letraset, Derwent, Kuretake, Crafty Ribbons and me! click here for all the details.

Sarah x

Busy Busy Busy!!

Today I had SOOOOO much to do, seriously, I cannot begin to tell you how crazy my schedule is, I worked til 2am yesterday and was back up at 7 to start again, and will probably be working again all night tonight. have to say though, I'm having the BEST time!

Working on new designs, sorting out new products, working on my illustrations for the Bologna Book Fair, looking at all the DT applications coming in, and all the other stuff going on that I'm not allowed to say yet, crazy! I havent even had chance to check in with my DT girls yet - thats what later tonight is for, right? LOL

Today I decided to get myself "in the zone" LOL, I wrote a condensed list of what needed to be done TODAY (down from my 4 page list of what has to be done at some point this week) on a pretty post it note and everything, I wore teal tights to match my nails and my fave boots, I was all stocked up with coffee and currant crunch ryvita - ready to GO!

The positive approach definitely worked, I got everything sketched out and started working on final pieces, lots and lots done - yay! Think with a few more hours tonight I will be very happy with todays progress.

I also got a lovely parcel from Crafty Ribbons with their new Seam Binding, it is SO gorgeous, the colours are lovely muted tones, perfect for vintage / shabby chic projects and they also sent me some undyed so I can use it with my Ink Sprays and Promarkers to recolour it, I really can't wait to have a play with them, I'm almost sad to cut them as they are all my favourite colours, I just want to wrap them round a canvas and frame it! LOL

At the weekend I made a couple of Easter cards with the previous lot of ribbons they sent to me, it's so hard to find lovely things for Easter! The bunny ribbon was so nicely printed I cut a couple of the pictures out and used them as embellishments. The big button is also from Crafty Ribbons.

I have quite a few more of these to come but won't bore you with them all at once!

I also had an email from an old friend today, it was so nice to hear from him and I'm hoping to get my Skype set up this week so I can chat to him later in the week properly (he's not in the UK) and a couple of other people. I speak to a few of my European and American contacts via MSN messenger but it would be nice to speak to them in person a bit more often! It certainly racks the bill up if you do it all the time (hence the MSN now, LOL).

Anywayyyy.... he said to me today that you can see my sense of humour in my work, I thought that was such a lovely thing to say and I hope others see it too and not just because he knows me!

And one last thing, yesterday I got an Invite to Pinterest - wow! it is SO addictive, at first I couldn't see the point but as you get going it's fab - if you're on there let me know or if you would like an invite leave me your email address and I'll send you one!

I'm off for a quick dinner before I get back to burning the midnight oil!

Sarah x

p.s. if you're looking for the DT call please scroll down a bit!

Another Letraset Project!

Time for another of my Letraset projects, this time a Vintage Memory box, again starting with a plain bleached wood box...

The box was coloured using just two shades of Promarker as I wanted it to be more feminine and not as 'heavy' looking as the other one, I thought this looked like something a 'Lady' would keep her treasures in a century or so ago.

I coloured the inside of the box in two colours of dusky pink, I wanted it to look soft like the box was lined in velvet. The little bits inside and on top were stained to look vintage using Aquamarkers and a water spray and Promarkers (mostly on the edges)

Today, after a nightmare start! (it got better luckily!!) I've been working on some new stuff that will be launched in a day or two, yay!

Off to have some dinner with my OH and watch Silent Witness now (last one *sob*) also have some things to write that I can do snuggled on the sofa - yay :o)

Sarah x

And it's Friday!!

This week went soooo fast, think I was over-ambitious in saying I would get over half of my 'To-Do' list done, about a quarter of it gone done so you can guess what my weekend will be like!! *sigh*

My lovely pristine white empty desk I showed you last week now looks like this...

Haha, didn't stay tidy for long!!! It's not mess though, its 'work in progress' really honest it is and when I've finished it will be clean once more (whenever that is!!)

I have a couple more Letraset projects and some other bits to show including a step-by step for Derwent pencils but I'm just tooo wiped to sort the pics right now (sorry!) so that will come soon :o) Instead I'll leave you with one of the mini projects I done for Letraset - they sent me a Wooden Egg Cup - I kept taking it out the box and putting it back, wondering what I could do with it - the obvious thing would be something to do with Easter / Chickens etc... but I don't like to be too predictable so after some deliberation it turned into this little guy...

Have a throroughly lovely weekend!

Sarah x

p.s. if you are looking for the DT call, it's 3 posts down :o)

Letraset Projects

Today I can start showing you the projects I created for CHA for Letraset - all of them 3D things, they sent me a load of blank things and I had to come up with some ideas - eeek! LOL

Firstly, the wooden 'Home Sweet Home' box

I was sent this plain wooden chest type box....

which I coloured with Promarkers to make it look old and vintagey...

Then on the inside I used elements from my Woodland Whimsies CD, all coloured with Promarkers (including the strip of grass which I cut and coloured by hand) to create a 3D 'Home' scene - I love to make 'Home' themed things, probably because it's my favourite place in the whole world! :o)

and some close-ups....

I'll be back tomorrow with another one!

Sarah x

p.s. if you are looking for the DT call, it's 2 posts down :o)

What Am I Up To Now??!

Today I had a lovely and very productive day in my newly revamped studio finishing off samples for CHA - thanks to everyone for the comments yesterday! It is definitely much more enjoyable with its current layout - I was starting to feel uninspired in the old space.

Today I have another bit of news, I am now working on the creative and marketing side of a fab Digi-Scrapbooking company!

GallimaufryUK is run by the lovely Penni, a very talented digi designer who makes lovely digi-scrapbooking kits. I must say I've never been that excited by digi scrapping until now! I am also helping her out with getting the marketing side of her business organised, something I've taken a step back into recently - nice to have some diversity in your work!

She has also very kindly agreed to sponsor one of our challenges over at the Challenge Blog in the near future so keep an eye out for that!

I will be posting some of my digi layouts very very soon, as well as some hybrid stuff, you know me, I need the feel of paper still! LOL - in the meantime you can buy Penni's kits over at Scrapdish - her new 'My Love' Valentine kit was only released today - I havent even had chance to look at it properly!

Thats all from me today, I need to go and scrub the Promarker off my hands before dinner, I have a very green hand (I will show you why when I can...!)

Sarah x

Some News... (Part 2)

The second part of my news today....

I am now also working with a fabulous company called Crafty Ribbons!

Please pop over and take a look at their online shop, there is so much variety - print, bling, dots... *sigh* I love ribbon and was so excited to have a big bag of it arrive!

I have so many ideas for projects but for the moment I'm content to just look at the pretty colours! LOL (seriously though, projects coming soon!) First up I'm having a go with the new cotton and twill ribbon selection, super quality and sooo many colours to choose from and you can recolour if necessary with your Promarkers etc... and stamp on it (demos soon) - gorgeous!

So thats all from me, no more excitement this week unless something wonderfully unexpected happens later in the week (I can hope, right? :o) ) Thank you for all the lovely comments yesterday.

I'll be back tomorrow with some crafty stuff - I actually managed to make something today - wooo!

Sarah x

Feeling Lucky

Its been a funny day today, nothing magical has happened, I started with a visit to the docs (35 mins, *sigh*) which went OK, no more tests or poking and prodding for 2 weeks (yay!) then a few emails caught up on, then a wave of exhaustion hit and I fell asleep. But somehow today I'm feeling incredibly lucky, so happy with my lot. Funny isn't it, how nothing can really change except maybe your attitude but all of a sudden you feel 10 times better. Obviously not everything is perfect, I have yuk days, I wish I lived closer to my family (although I'm lucky OH's mum and brother live close by), I'd like to lose a few pounds (or maybe more than a few) I'd like to have more money (wouldn't we all!) I wish my hair was straighter, I'd like to be about 5 inches taller (although then I wouldn't be able to wear giant heels when I go out with OH, so maybe not!) but overall I'm not doing too bad and today I have a big smile on my face, feeling blessed :o)

Yesterday I ventured out in the cold and rain for a little solo shopping trip, I don't venture out that often these days as I'm usually working pretty much 7 days a week, and even more rarely do I go out alone as usually it's OH dragging me out to remind our friends what I look like! and I do feel anxious in crowded places. But yesterday I braved the crowds and the elements and hit the shops! I bagged myself these lovely bargains (I'm not showing the bags of clothes!!! LOL - in my defense it has been a while)

and got back soaked to the skin and freezing cold but feeling quite proud of myself! Of course, being soaked through gave me a great excuse to change into the new PJ's I bagged (I do have a bit of a PJ obssession!) although my hair was beyond repair!!!

Tomorrow I really must do something creative, despite my NY resolution I'm yet to do much drawing or crafting, although I have done some digital work, but I can't show that to you yet as its for a client.

I forgot to mention yesterday that this weeks challenge is sponsored by Letraset so pop over and try and bag yourself some Promarkers!!! I'll be getting mine out tomorrow and I can't wait :o)

I also realised I'm still yet to show any pics from Wonderland, although you can see some projects my lovely DT made with it over at the Challenge Blog so pop over and take a quick look! - I'll post some more piccies in the next few days but here are the characters, these come in lots of variations including digi stamps and coloured images - I've printed out some stuff so I can make some goodies with it myself tomorrow, can't wait!

I also have to tell you about 2 wonderful new companies that I'm working with but I must save something for later - I think that was quite possibly the longest blog post in history so I shall shut up now!!!

Sarah x

All work and no play.....

i've been working frantically for the last few days trying to get everything finished for the Christmas break. i'm praying it doesn't snow too hard or it will mess the trains up and I won't get to the 'rents house next week - that would RUIN my Christmas! :o(

I've finally got hold of a diary and started filling it in, it's quite exciting to see how the beginning of the New Year will take shape! All my Christmas cards are done and either sent or ready to be sent. My mum wraps my pressies for me (and OH wraps my mums) so not got to worry about that! My mum is an awesome wrapper-upper (honest mummy I'm not just saying because I know you will read this or anything!)

I've been taking little "play" breaks with my Promarkers and colouring pencils to keep me going, a little bit of fun stuff in between really helps...

Here is another experiment with Derwent Coloursoft pencils onto their Black Book - it will be a Christmas Tree when I'm finished - I'm just trying to get the 'glow' of the lights right....

There is literally just a few days to get free shipping in my shop now with the code FREESHIP

Please pop over to the Challenge Blog to take part in our latest challenge!

Now I'm off to cheer myself up with Tiger Bread, Lurpak, Chicken and Fudge Cake - probably not all at the exact same time! For some reason today I've been RAGING! For no real reason, a few things didn't go quite to plan this morning and what started as a little irritation grew and grew - silly really! After taking a break for some shopping and a nice lunch I was feeling much brighter though - funny how these weird days can hit you, I blame it on the red hair! LOL.

Sarah x

Colouring Outside the Lines....

Over the weekend I got lots of time to play with the new Derwent goodies, so here are a few initial things to show you...

Firstly, an art journal background with the Aquatone Pencils - these are sticks of pure pigment, unlike anything else I've seen and make great effects, perfect for bright messy art journal pages!



Derwent sent me one of their black paper books - like most illustrators (I'm guessing!) I'm used to drawing on white paper so this has been a challenge to think of some different things to do - I'm working on an illustration at the moment that I'm LOVING but it's not ready to show yet. I had an experiment with the Coloursoft and Metallic pencils on the paper first to get an idea of how they look - a few experimental fireworks....


And finally, a quick sketch with the Coloursoft pencils to test the blending, I love these, they blend like no other pencil I've ever used and yet don't smudge - get them immediately!!!! These could be my favourite of all time! Although I do love those Aquatones......



A few more to try out so I'll report back on those soon!

I've also been doing some new work with my Promarkers - once you start colouring you just can't stop! I'll post some of that in the next few days :o)

And finally..... my little sister Xena, who is only 10 has written a book! isn't she clever? You can get your copy here....


Now I must get on, it feels like someone has shrunk all the days down to about one hour long and there are only 2 weeks until Christmas!!!! I'm sooo excited and yet really really need to get a lot done by then! Luckily I've been having some pretty good days health-wise so I'm getting on OK (touch wood I didn't just jinx myself by saying that!!)

Snow Update - All Gone!! we have none at all now, OH made it to the post office today so if you are waiting for something from me it's now on its way! (that includes the orders of 'Wonderland' up until yesterday - Todays will go tomorrow)

Sarah x

Exciting Things!

Firstly I have to tell you about this weeks Challenge over on the Challenge Blog! This weeks theme is 'Colouring In' and has kindly been sponsored by Letraset with some fab prizes so pop over and take a look!!

Secondly I have also sponsored fellow Challenge Blog 'Moving Along with the Times' this week for a Halloween Challenge with my new Digi-Download Kit. The lovely Lisa is also a member of their design team. So please pop over and join their challenge as well!

A few of you pointed out to me this morning that my e-mail wasn't being delivered - my mail box was full! Its now emptied out again and emails are coming back through, sorry about that!

Also, a big thank you to everyone who sent me nice messages regarding my diagnosis, its so nice to hear from lovely supportive people and those who have the same or similar things, it makes me feel I'm not alone! and I'll be taking some of the advice I've been given to see if any of those things help.

I'm still working on the last few bits for the new CD and some new downloads, coming very very soon! (the weekend I think...) as we well as some proposals for some very exciting new projects which you will be hearing about in due course. Its nice to have some happy things to share!

Next week I'll also be doing another free download - it's been a while hasn't it! so keep your eyes peeled for that :o)

Sarah x

End of the Week....

......and to be honest it'll be a relief! With one thing and another this week has not been a great one! and I'll be glad to see the back of it (not that I'm usually one for wishing my life away) anyway, I've decided every day is another chance for a clean slate and i'm trying not to let things get me down. I've been through worse than this and know that every bad thing has led me to a better thing, even if that has taken some time, I have to remain patient and be grateful for the many good things I do have. I'm digging out my copy of 'The Secret' tonight and giving it a jolly good read!! it always picks me up and refocuses my mind. If you haven't heard of it, try it! Its a great book on the Law of Attraction by Rhonda Byrne, and will help you to think positively, not that by sitting back and imagining I have a Bentley outside I imagine one will suddenly appear!!! But by thinking positively it helps you to deal with problems more constructively instead of being worn down by it all as I was this week!

Now onto crafty stuff! My sneak peek for tomorrow is almost ready! can't wait to show it and get some feedback :o)

Secondly, I was asked on my blog and by e-mail yesterday the best place to get Promarkers - at the moment Hobbycraft are having a half price sale and I hear on the grapevine that they have just re-stocked! So make sure you get to your local one or to their website quick and order up - you won't be sorry!

Once you've got them have a look at Debs blog as she has posted a fab Promarker tutorial with the Woodland Whimsies designs - love the cute feathery effect on the owl - will definitely get round to trying that this week! if you want to get your hand on the owl design, you can get your CD here!

I also managed another Layout - can you believe it! thats two in as many days!! some kind of record for me recently!

This one was done with a past Studio Calico kit and some lovely Adirondack inkpads from Ranger.

Now I must get on with that sneaky peek!

Sarah x

Promarkers!!

Yesterday I was lucky enough to receive this box in the mail.... (excuse blurry pic, think I was shaking with excitement!!)

which I opened to find..... a gorgeous set of Promarkers!! The lovely people at Letraset were kind enough to send me them to demo with my CD on Create & Craft as there are lots of digi-stamps for you to colour in! So expect lots more samples now as I colour in to my hearts content! I immediately cleared a space to make way for my lovely new display....

so pretty *sigh*

Hope you liked the sneak peek yesterday! - I was over the moon with the feedback I received, it's so kind of you to take the time to comment on the blog and email me, thank you!

Anyway, must get on, speaking of samples I have lots to get done for Friday!! I will try and do the intro for my first design team member tomorrow as well as the info if you would like to apply to join my little team.

Sarah x