HAPPY NEW HOME

I've moved!!!

You can now find me here over on my new website!

Have a great day!

Clare  x

Jennifer Grace's Focus Your Craft and Soul Blog Hop

Hi hello and welcome to our blog hop!

You should have arrived from DAPHNE'S blog and if you have only arrived at my blog then you need to go back to the beginning at JENNIFER'S blog.

The lovely Jennifer who I meet for the first time at the CHA Creative Exchanges in Coventry asked me if I would like to take part in her hop, of course I said yes! When she said the theme was FOCUS I smiled because it pretty much sums up my life right now and I'm calling it fate!!

It also ties in nicely with a calendar project I had to make for the Sarah Hurley inspiration 365 blog page. Every month I design it around how I'm feeling or a little reminder to me (it's proudly pinned on my notice board) and FOCUS seem perfect...again fate!!

But that is not all, this happened too!While I was down in Coventry I won a bag of goodies and inside were camera/photograph themed stencils designed by Ronda Palarazzi. Again fate!!

blog hop prize!

Jennifer Grace is giving away a WRMK Insta Album kit

The giveaway closes on Sunday the 24th May at 10pm BST and is open internationally.

 Enter by commenting on all the blogs in the Focus Your Craft & Soul hop.

Here's my FOCUS project and here's how it was made.

Now you have to hop on over to CLAIRE'S blog.

If you have gotten a little lost here's the list of blogs in order of the hop....

JENNIFER

SHEENA

SANDIE

LOUISE

LESLIE

K

JO

JACKY

FURRYPIG

DAPHNE

CLARE

ANNIE

Happy blog hopping

 and 

Goodluck!!

And don't forget to leave a comment on ALL the blogs.

Clare x

Sarah Hurley Inspiration 365 - Stenciling fun

Hello how are you?

Last week I decided to hang up my playleader uniform to focus more on my design work so I now have a new badge! Well if I'm honest it's not exactly an actual real life badge but if I did have one it would say Clare Brown Designer. How scary but exciting is that?  I've swapped crafting with 30 children and their carers to just with me and a cat, sometimes two for company lol. So you could say it's a lot quieter than I'm used too, well up until my two little little monkeys come home from school ha ha. 

Lots of exciting things happened this week, worked my little socks off to get a project finished ahead of time, preparing for a blog hop that the lovely Jennifer Grace asked me to join. It starts tomorrow so please come back so you too can join in. 

It's also that time again when I create a calendar for the Sarah Hurley 365 blog. Here's a little sneak peek!

 Although it's been an awesome day it's been a head down and get on with kind of day too. I'm also just back from a 7 mile run so my bed is calling, after a shower of course lol

If I don't see you over on the Sarah Hurley blog I hope you can join in the blog hop tomorrow but for now hope you have a great day whatever you have planned.

Clare x

Sarah Hurley 365 Inspiration - Doodle Doll Felt Bookmark

Hi there how are you?

Plans are coming along great here and I've also managed to create some pretty cool projects over the bank holiday weekend. I'm still working my way through my notes from CHA but progress is good and I can see results already which makes me smile, a lot!

Today I'll be showing you a sneak peek of a felt project I made for the Sarah Hurley Inspiration blog. It was so easy to make and it would be an ideal activity for the children too.

Can you take a guess at what it could be?

PRIZE GIVEAWAY

I have decided I'm going to do something a little different, this month you have the opportunity to win this project, cool eh?

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on my felt blog post over on the Sarah Hurley 365 inspiration page

 The winner will be drawn and announced at the end of the month ( 31st May ). 

Goodluck and thanks for stopping by.

Clare x

IndigoBlu workshop at CHA Creative Exchanges

Hi how are you?

I can't believe it's been over a week since #creativeexchanges, I've been busy playing catchup and going over my notes, which I can tell you there are pages and pages lol The next stage was to make a plan of action and act upon it, seeing instant improvements makes me very happy! Others will take a bit longer but that makes me happy too as it's a step in the right direction.

So tonight I'll be sharing my amzing time during a workshop demonstrated by the lovely and very talented Sara Naumann, on behalf of IndigoBlu. Sara is such an inspiration and I have learned so much from her throughout the event.

I have never attended a workshop before never-mind an IndigoBlu one so you can forgive for being a bit nervous but there really was no need. It was also my first ever experience using paints and Mega-flakes but it won't be my last. I embraced this new and exciting experience and lived in hope of doing these amazing products justice, I think I passed....

I love this picture of my amazing friend Jaine and what a way to start a workshop lol

Below is my first card that I created using the FlutterGlu starter kit with Mega-Flakes (winter dawn) following Sara's instructions. I'll warn you, there's a little stopper on the FlutterGlu bottle that you need to pull out carefully, else it will fly everywhere!

I really love the vintage style of this card.

Next up was playing with the English Cottage Artists Acrylic paints eeeeeep! and the Limor Circles stamp set. Being a pink kind of girl I was eager to try out the vibrant pink colour but tonight was all about getting out of my comfort zone so instead I opted for the green called Emerald city, what a fabulous name! It was amazing and you wouldn't believe how quickly the paint dried, I'm still in shock! No grabbing the heat tool or waiting hours for it dry. So guess what my next purchase will be hee hee.

I love the effect of the metallic paint and the shimmering colours of the Mega-Flakes, it's a magpies heaven.

and a close up....

I'd like to say a huge thank you to IndigoBlu for giving us the starter kit to take home, I honestly can't wait to try this again, so watch this space!

Later tonight we have a Sarah Hurley design team meeting which is always so much fun hearing the latest news and what Sarah has planned for us.

Thank you for stopping and leave a comment below so I can pop by your blog and say hi.

Clare x

Filofax Planner Divider

Hello and welcome to my blog. After going to CHA Designer Creative Exchanges event I'm all fired up to get cracking on with my pages of notes I took over the two days. It was simply AMAZING so thank you to CHA for organising the event and  to all the people I meet over the course of the two days.

 I'll be sharing more of that another day, as today it's my turn to inspire you on the Sarah Hurley 365 inspiration blog. This time I decided to create a divider planner for my Filofax, decorating it is soooooo addictive lol.

Do you have a planner that you decorate?

I'll be taking this outside today, would you believe it's 19 degrees outside here in Scotland, hot hot!!

So that's all from me today thank you for stopping by, I would love to hear from you just leave a comment below with a link to your blog and I'll come and visit you :-)

Clare x

Happy Easter

Today I have a project to share and some very exciting news.

This week I reached a really big milestone in my crafting career, I opened an Etsy shop where I launched my Mini Makes range, eeeeep!!! I have had an amazing time designing my kits with other products coming soon.

Just search ClareBrownDesigns and you will find me!!  or click here!

Next I have my April calendar to share for the Sarah Hurley 365 blog, I had so much fun playing around with the stamps and distress inks. To read more hop on over here!

I have a fun filled day planned with hubby and the children, starting off with an Easter egg hunt. Got my fingers crossed I get some chocolate too!

What are your plans for today?

Clare x

Easter Celebrations

Hi how are you? Can you believe we are into Spring with Easter just around the corner. This year is whizzing past and I seem to be busier than ever, not such a bad thing though. 

So today it's my turn to inspire you over on the Sarah Hurley inspiration page with an Easter Party project. I can't begin to tell you how much fun I had creating this, cue big kid!!

Check out the blog here for more details.

Thanks for stopping by and I 'd love to hear from you, just leave a comment below.

Clare x

Filofax Fun!

Hello and welcome to my blog.

Today I have a super fun project to share with you and I have to say I loved every minute of it.

Like most people I know I lead a rather busy life which is just the way I like it. I'm a mum to two gorgeous wee boys and wife to my husband who works very hard and very long hours to support his family. For fun I love to craft obviously lol and I'm also passionate about designing my own stamps. I also run, a lot! lol This month I will be starting my marathon training for my first ever marathon race in July, eeeeeep!!

So to fit in all the things I love, everything is planned, I don't do disorganised. So this year I decided it was about time I got a filofax which had to be pink....it's my colour hee hee. It's fab but the pages I thought looked a bit blah so the crafter in me decided to bring it to life.

Here's a little sneak peek of my Filofax, doesn't it look great? If you pop on over to the Sarah Hurley 365 blog HERE you will see the rest.

Thankyou so much for visiting my blog and I would love it if you could say hi 

by leaving a comment below. 

Hope you have a great day whatever your plans.

Clare x

Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful

Good afternoon how are you? Are you having a fab day?

I kick started my morning with a project for my post over on the Sarah Hurley 365 inspiration blog page. It's bursting with projects and a must see for all crafters.

Next I worked on some stamp designs, it wasn't the plan but when an idea pops into my head I really must grab my sketch book and start doodling or anything else that's paper like close to hand. They really do just start off as scribbles but the more I work with them the more they come to life.

Here's a close up of an art journal page I created for my March calendar. Sarah has designed a calendar template which is FREE so you too can join in the fun. I'd love to see what you create.

You will find our blog here and if you do visit we would lobe to hear from you by leaving a little comment.

I have a very busy week ahead, lots of design work and if I can I really should continue my project life. Ashamed to say I have only completed months January and February.

Thankyou for visiting my blog today, leave a comment below and I'll visit your blog too.

Clare x

You Are My Sunshine

Nothing for weeks then two posts in one week ha ha!

 I'm back with a journal page which I have decided is going to be my 'Try Something New' this year. I've been a huge admirer of journal pages for a while now, I think seeing Jaine's amazing work has a lot to do with it too. I need to be braver when it comes to my work. and this is the first step.

It's without a doubt I had thee most amazing time creating this and I've caught the journaling bug for sure. It was the perfect way to spend my chilled out Saturday afternoon and colouring in is always fun when you have these cute Charm Street stamps designed by Sarah.

So here it is my first proper attempt and breathe........ lol

As a newbie I have so much to learn but there are no rights or wrongs in art and you either like it or not and that's okay as we all see things differently.

You can check out the full post over on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog HERE.

Hope you have a great day!

Clare x

Love Is Family

Finally my first post of the year and what better way to start it than trying out something new.

I've been a huge admirer of art journalling for a while now so this year I decided this was the year. Time to face those fears and be brave eeeeep!

My first dip into new waters resulted in this layout which I made for my monthly calendar post over on the Sarah Hurley blog.

Februarys of course is all about love and love is family and friends.

There's lots going on behind the scenes, a new Valentines stamp release then Easter. And then there's a new adventure, a scary big one but more about that another day hee hee.

Thanks for stopping by and hope there is not too much snow where you are. The boys and I have a snowman to build so I better get a wiggle on!

Clare

Documented December Day 24 - Something for Santa

Evening all!

I honestly can't believe it's just one more sleep until the big day, eeeep!

Today's prompt over on the Sarah Hurley is Something For Santa, heres a picture of what Santa has awaiting!

For more details and a tutorial on how I created a layout then pop on over to the Sarah Hurley inspiration blog here

That's all from me today so thankyou so much for all your support this last year, it's been hugely appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

Clare x

Morning all!

Today is a very exciting day, not only is it the last day of school but I have a very special project to share today. If you want to know why it's so special pop on over to the Sarah Hurley 365 blog, you really don't want to miss this!

Here's a little peek of what all the excitement is about....

Don't forget you can keep up to date with all the latest gossip and news on my Facebook page, link on the blog button on the right hand side of my blog.

Hope to see you there soon!

Clare x

Documented December

Evening all!

It's been a super quick weekend, so much to do but so much fun.....only 11 days until Christmas, eeeep!

I managed to squeeze in a couple of hours to play with my Documented December kit.....loving the new kit and album...cute cut cute!!!

Today it was my turn to post on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog and the theme was jumpers...right up my street.

Here's a picture of my layout

You can check out more details over on the blog here.

Mini Christmas Cards

Afternoon all!!

I'm so excited to be sharing my mini Christmas card today using my Ice skater stamp set.

Here's a little peek ......

Check out the Sarah Hurley inspiration blog here for more details

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to pop over to my face page and say hello!

Clare x

DECEMBER DAILY

Good morning and welcome to my blog.

Yesterday saw the launch of December Daily squeeeeeel! yes I'm that excited lol and today it's my turn to post. Everyday Sarah Has given us a prompt to follow giving you the chance to join in the fun too. 

This will be across all social media sites, i.e Twitter,FB,Pinterest and Instagram, I honestly can't wait to see your projects. Just remember to add the hash tag documented december and sarahhurley.

 You can also grab this blog button, cool eh?

Our prompt today is 

TRIM THE TREE

Here's a little sneak peek of my layout. Check out the Sarah Hurley 365 blog to see the rest of my layout and details of the Documented December.

I also designed a sketch which I used for my layout, you can view it here.

I'll be back very soon with another layout. Thanks for stopping by

Clare x

Photo Booth Props

Evening all how are you?

December is nearly upon us and boy is it going to be a jam packed one. Lots of new and exciting projects coming up starting with December Daily which starts on the 1st. If you love Project Life or scrapbooking and journalling etc you will love this. All details are on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog.

Today I'm sharing with you a project I made for the Sarah Hurley 365 blog. I have got to say I had so much fun making this.

A tutorial and the pocket template and more details about my card are over on the blog here

Here's my photo booth card....

Thanks for stopping by and don't forgot to check out my FB , Twitter , Instagram and Pintrest for the latest updates.

Clare x

Sarah Hurley 365

Morning all,

Judging by the weather the last few days winter is finally here brrrrrrr!

It's been a crazy busy time lately with so much going on, between sketching new stamp designs for 2105 and projects for the up and coming  Sarah Hurley Lookbook eeeeeeep! Also now that the challenges have ended the design team have also been busy creating some new and exciting content for the blog. So it's full steam ahead for the Sarah Hurley design team.

Today I'm sharing my monthly project life post for the 365 blog, this time with week 6.

Here's a little peek.........

Did you notice my new watermark, fab isn't it?

You can see my project life page in all it's glory on the Sarah Hurley 365 bog, just click here.

Thanks for stopping by

Clare

Sarah Hurley 365

Today I have to schedule my post as I'll be having lots of fun at our Halloween party at Toddler group. It will be our the third and final one this week!!!

Anyway it's my turn to inspire you today over on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog where I'll be showing you how to create a concertina card. I had so much fun creating this project, one which I'll do again for sure.

Here's a little peek....

To see the rest pop over to our blog here.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you manage to squeeze a little craft time into your day!

Clare x

My latest Special Editions stamp release

I am so excited to announce my amazing news.

All 7 of my latest stamps sets are now available online in as part of Sarah Hurley's Special Edition range. How amazing is that! I still have to pinch myself that I have this amazing opportunity.

 My friend and co design team member Jaine has also released 4 stamps set, so it's a double celebration for team Hurley.

Below is a snipped of our new designs.

To see the full Special Editions range click here.

Did you know as well as my blog you can follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook? 

Just click on the buttons on my side bar.

Thanks for stepping by and if you want to say hi just leave a comment below.

Clare x

Time For A Make Over

Happy Friday!

Things are certainly looking a lot different around here after a long overdue makeover. It's not that I didn't have time or couldn't be bothered I just didn't know how. A huge part was down to the fact that I'm not that technically minded and stuff like this scares me. But I've become a little braver these last few months and was ready for a challenge! lol

 So you can forgive me for smiling ear to ear and feeling slightly smug at what I achieved, never could I have imagined designing my own header.....ever!

To find out more of what I have been up to check out my FB,Instagram,Twitter or Pinterest page. Just click on the buttons on my side bar ;-) 

Clare x

Sarah Hurley Project Life

Today it's my turn to inspire you all over on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog with a project life layout.

It's without doubt that this colour combination is my all time favourite from Sarah's 'A Few Of My Favourite Things' monthly kit.

I was going to show you one of the layouts in full but I'm going to be a little bit naughty and only show you a peek lol 

To see the full tutorial you can check it out here

We also have a Halloween challenge this month, to find out more details or enter click here

*****

Well I gotta dash, it's the October break for the children and I so today we are planning on heading out to search for conkers. It's one of the reasons why I love this time of year.

 Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Clare x

Sarah Hurley Challenges

Afternoon all!

I honestly can't believe how quickly the weekend went by and for me it was a pretty special one. Yesterday I completed my second half marathon and achieved a pb woo hoo! The walk back to the car seemed to take a lifetime and today I'm a little achey, but it's a good kind of pain lol.

I also had a meeting with my amazing friend Sarah Hurley which could have been a tad different, as just prior to it I had the hiccups oooops! I always feel so motivated and have a sense of direction after our chats and we always laugh......lots! so that makes me happy too.

Today I'm sharing with you a card I made for Sarah's Halloween theme challenge. I had so much fun and it really is a joy working with her products. I am so pleased how this turned out, so much better than I imagined. I'll be doing a post later on this month showing exactly how this card was made.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to say hello in my comments.

Clare x

Meet Sid The Robot

Today I'd thought I'd introduce a little robot stamp that I designed a year ago. Having two little boys it came as no surprise that my first ever stamp range would be boy/male related. The boys loved being my first critics and it made me smile when they loved 'Sid' as much as I did.

There are also two other robots in my stamp range another male called Ronnie and a female robot called Bity.

Here's an image of Sid that I coloured in this morning. I'll pop him on card later which of course I'll blog about later.

I've coloured him using my ice grey 3 & 5 Promarkers but I think he would look fab in bright colours too!

As well as on this blog you can also follow me on my FB page, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by

Clare x

FAIRY LOVE

Over on the Sarah Hurley 365 inspiration page I am sharing a card. I thought I'd have a play with my very own stamps which are part of the Special Editions range in Sarah's shop.

There are 6 stamp sets in total but here I have only used 2, the Fairy Garden and Flower Fairy stamp sets.

First I stamp, coloured and cut out the fairies, finally adding some glitter to their wings. I then stamped directly onto the card blank remembering to leave space for the two fairies at either end. I drew a bunting line between the two poles before stamping, colouring and cutting out the bunting. Foam pads were then added the back of all my cut outs before fixing to the card.

Here's a close up of the two fairies......

Promarkers used....

hair/hedgehog - burnt orange,oatmeal and honeycomb 

dress - oasis

belt - tulip yellow

bunting/butterfly/poles - tulip yellow,oasis and honeycomb

challenges entered.....

MAWTT - HEDGEHOGS

Thanks for stopping by

Clare x

Princess Girl

Today I want to share a card I made in a style which is a little unusual for me. I think it's good just to play or try out new ideas and see where they lead. The idea was to create a background using my TH inks then add a large die cut layer, which I received from my lovely design team member Carol. If I'm honest I was thrilled how well it turned out.

Below is a picture of what I used to create my background.

To see the finished card and details on how I created my card pop on over to the Sarah Hurley 365 blog.

The latest issue of the Sarah Hurley Lookbook is out so I can now show you my projects so watch this space!

Clare x

Sarah Hurley Challenges - Buttons

Evening all!

I honestly cannot believe it's September, time is just flying by! 

The children are now back at school and we are almost back into our normal routine with the exception that I'm now training for a half marathon eeeeeeep!

Tonight I'm sharing with you a scrapbook page I made for our new challenge over Sarah Hurley 365. I have to admit I loved our BUTTON theme this month. In my opinion you can never have enough!

I recently took part in a Color Me Rad 5k run and I knew the pictures from this day would be perfect with Sarah's bright papers.

Here's a couple of close up photos

challenges

scrap 365 - sketch

Thank you so much for stopping by

Clare

Dream A Little Dream

Happy Friday!!

Once again it's my turn to post over on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog where I'm sharing my altered notebook project. I've never attempted anything like this before and it's definitely something I'd try again.

Here's a little snippet......

Life through a lens

Morning all!

I have to confess it's been very busy here these last few weeks, most days I have been working on exciting design work into the wee small hours. You would not believe the amount of candles I have burned ha ha. Challenging doesn't even come close but I can now look back and see my work has improved somewhat since I started this new and exciting journey 10 months ago, and that makes me smile...a lot!!

But it hasn't all been design work I have also been busy working on Project Life for my post over on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog. Here's a little snippet.....

My next project involves a sausage dog more about that another day hee hee

Thanks for stopping by 

Clare

Sarah Hurley Challenge - Favourite things

Good evening how are you all?

It's been a rather unusual day here because I was running behind with my DT project that needed started and photographed tonight and guess what? I wasn't stressed out at all! It's so not me because I like to be organised.It was kind of nice though and I had an absolute ball crafting away, music quietly playing away in the background with a little candle lit. 

So heres' what I have been working on.......

 It's a card for our new challenge over at Sarah Hurley 365. We have a fantastic theme which I know you will just love...

FAVOURITE THINGS

It was a no brainer what stamps I was using, the amazing Doodle dolls ones of course. The only difficult part was deciding exactly which one to use, love them all! 

Here's a little closer look.

stamps - Doodle Doll Princess

Tonight I'll be back to working on design work and I really can't wait!

Thanks for stopping by

Clare x

Woodland Fairy

Today it's my turn to post on the Sarah Hurley 365 blog. This time I decided to create a layout using my own range of stamps it really is the most awesome feeling!

Here I have used my Woodland and Garden Fairy  set which are available in Sarah's shop as part of her Special Edition range.

Here is a little sneak peek, my tutorial and more pictures can be found here

The sun is out today woo hoo so I'm going to make the most of it but first I need to get cracking on with more design work.

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

New Beginnings

Hi and welcome to my blog.

Today I have some super awesome news to share, I am this fortnights sponsor for the MAWTT challenge blog, how cool is that! I had been toying with the idea of becoming a sponsor for a while but it just seemed so scary. So I bit the bullet and I had only one challenge blog in mind and here's the reasons why.

It was on her blog that I got my first ever guest designer post, 5 years ago eeeek! and we have become good friends ever since. Also back in the day when I entered challenges I always made a point of joining every week as it is such a fun challenge blog and the design team a very talented.

I also have other fab news. My lovely and very talented friend Susie is guest designer over at Sarah Hurley challenges and she has made a card using Sid from my robot stamp range. You can check out our blog here!

That's all as my tummy is grumbling at me, must be dinner time.

Take care and hope you all have had an amazing day, I know I have!

Clare

Question and answer time Creative blog hop

I have been asked by my lovely and hugely talented friend Jaine to join in with the Creative blog hop. After getting over the shock I said yes! It's a fun, continuous hop full of inspirational people and their blogs. I can assure that you won't be disappointed.

So it's Monday and it's my turn to post, to start of I have answered a few questions about myself and my work.

1. What am I working on?

I think the question should really be what am I not working on as I always have several things going on at any given time. One is projects for the Sarah Hurley 365 blog, whether it be for our challenge or an inspirational post. I also help out with the day to day running of it too which is so much fun. 

Secondly I have my own stamp range aka dream job! When I'm not working on new designs for current releases I'll be planning or taking notes for future releases. I'm still getting my head round working so in advance especially when the suns splitting the skies and I'm working on Christmas or Halloween EEEEK! I am so honoured to be a part of the Special Editions range in Sarah Hurley's shop.

These are my robot stamps, I have also designed a fairy range

Thirdly I have taken up Project Life and for those that know me well would be in shock! I always considered myself as a card maker and scrap booking in any form just seemed so scary so it was never something I would ever see me doing, look at me now!

2.How does my work differ from others in my genre?

That's a difficult one to answer if I'm honest. I can tell you I like clean and simple, I don't do fuss or frills or vintage but I do love it on other peoples work. I also like using bright or bold patterns but then there are times when I like soft and muted tones and understated patterns. What it really comes down to is what mood I'm in ha ha. 

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

I didn't seek out to become a crafter rather it found me when I got offered the chance of some craft supplies that my sister in law was giving away. I'm not one who easily throws things away so I jumped at the chance...now it's a way of life.Same fate happened with my stamp range. I was given an opportunity and I took it and luckily for me it worked out.

4. How does your writing/creative process work?

Generally I have a sketch at hand to work with or I'll look through my sketch book. However after seeing Jaine's inspirational journal I could be tempted to start one too ha ha. Whenever I start something new I must work in a clean space so any mess from previous projects must be cleared away and I can tell you I sometimes make a lot of mess.

Recently I moved into the larger of the two spare rooms so now I have two separate areas to work. One where I create projects and the other for design work, life is so much easier and less distracting that way.

Design area

project area

So now that you know a little about me it's now time to meet my 3 creative bloggers. Just click on their names which will direct you to their blogs and check back next Monday for their very own blog posts.

My first creative blogger is Hazel (Didos)

Hazel like me lives in Scotland and is a very proud mum to two boys. She has been crafting all her life but only starting blogging 6 years ago and loves every minute of it. Hazel also runs a fantastic challenge blog called MAWTT and this is where I got my first GDT post eeek!

My next creative blogger  is Dawn Sirdefield aka crafty-kitten.

I have known Dawn for about 6 years and she has become a really good friend of mine over the years. We laugh a lot mainly over secret agent stuff, there's a story behind that but now is not the time ha ha. 

Here are Dawn's own words..

I have been crafting in some shape or form for most of my life.  My nan taught me how to knit and crochet and a male friend of mine taught me how to Cross Stitch.

I loved these crafts but then I tried making cards!!  Goodness me how I enjoyed this new hobby.  My knitting, crocheting and cross stitch soon fell by the wayside and I have so many unfinished projects that I really ought to finish.  So when I was expecting my daughter (25 yeaers ago now!) I got into making cards for my family and friends, well you do don't you when money is tight.  Can anyone spot the irony in that statement?? hahaha.  My style has changed over the years and that is thanks in part to my blogging buddies.  I am sure we all do it - see something on a friend's blog and think "ooh I must have a go at that!".  I look back on older cards now and cringe but hey we all start somewhere right?

These days I am a member of the Crafty Ribbons Design Team - the only DT place I decided to hold on to.  With the arrival of my now one year old grandson my priorities changed and blogging and DT work didn't seem as important any more.  Don't get me wrong I would love to be on numerous DT's but time is precious and some things have to give.  My DT break came when the lovely Wendy from Digital Delights asked me to be a Tutorial Artist!! ME? I was shocked and delighted and scared all at the same time.  It was fun doing the tutorials and putting the pictures with them but it made my card

 making long winded and so I applied for other DT's where I could just make cards I liked.  I have been very lucky to be Guest Designer and Full time DT on a number of challenge blogs in the last five years and am so grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to be a part of their bit of blogland.

I have recently rekindled my love of everything Clarity with the lovely Barbara Gray - such an amazing talented lady.  I go to a workshop once a month with the uber talented Maria Simms and I love every minute of it.  Now if only I could win the lottery then I could retire and spend more time doing the things I love.........hey ho a girl can dream!!

My third creative blogger is Claire Newcombe

I first meet Claire when she joined Sarah Hurley design team and like me she has two little boys so we have a lot to talk about! Claire has been crafting a long time but only recently ventured into the world of blogging. When she is not card making she is making the most amazing embellishments and recently I convinced her to try Project Life oooopsie.

A massive thank you to all 3 ladies who have agreed to continue the hop and to you for reading my epic post. I hope you have had as much fun as I have.

Clare x