Baby Announcement...

Arrival of Baby Harry...

Click HERE for all the details...

Baby Update...

Just in case anyone is wondering, I am still awaiting the arrival of my little baby...
I am due this coming Saturday and hoping something happens soon before I burst! I have been updating my personal blog www.ericamartyn.blogspot.com with baby updates and will continue to do so over the forthcoming days/weeks and months to come to make sure you pop by to see how we are doing...

I will continue to upload projects here by my creative design team and guest designers and as collections are launched I shall bring you all the latest products from 'docrafts'.

If you have projects of your own using any of the Daisy & Dandelion collections then remember to email them to me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk as I would love to see them and they may even feature on the blog too!!!

If you haven't already taken a look I am in the process of setting up my own design studio's www.ericamartyndesignstudios.blogspot.com so come and join me over there to help in the development of new collections...

Looking forward to hearing from you soon...
With Love Erica x

Jan 2010 Goody Bag...

Check out the 'docrafts' HERE for details about the Jan 2010 Goody Bag

Bunches of Love
by Guest Designer Sarpreet

You Will Need:

Jan 2010 Goody Bag - from 'docrafts'

How To Make:

1. Cut card stock slightly smaller than you card blank and adhere to the card.
2. Cut white card stock and matt onto the yellow.
3. Cut a strip of patterned paper and matt onto the yellow card. Add white organza ribbon across and stick to the bottom of the card.
4. Stamp the image onto the white card. Colour in. Matt onto Yellow card stock.
5. Using the masking technique stamp the with bunches of love as shown in the picture and matt onto the yellow card stock.
6. Stick the image to the right of the card, add the bow to the corner and the sentiment.
7. Doodle where the sentiment meets the image.

For further idea's and inspiration check out Sarpreets Blog HERE!

'Luv U'

Marshmallow Valentine's Card

by Ros

You Will Need:

Papermania scalloped card
D&D paper collection Picnic Patch
D&D Velour Stickers
Glitz glitter glue
Ink
Martha Stewart border punch
Stampin Up border punch
Foam tape

How To Make:

Pick 3 different matching papers from the Picnic Patch collection. Also pick a piece that has one of the cute little characters on it. I chose a piece with Candyfloss. Carefully cut your image out. Use ink of a similar colour around the edges of your image to hide any parts your scissors may have missed.
I have used Gliz glitter glue on the paws, this only takes about 15 minutes to dry.
I have decorated Candyfloss by using a flower and some ribbon and gluing it over top of her paw.
Cut a square piece that will fit the top of your card and use a decorative border punch along the bottom edge. Tape this to card.
Take a small strip of paper and use a different border punch along one edge of this and tape 1½ cm from top of card.
Matt another piece of paper with matching cardstock and tape this 2 cm from top of card. Use a gel pen to faux stitch around this.
Attach your image to the card using foam tape.
Cover the inside of your card with the same papers. I have used a corner rounder on this piece.
Cut 2 circles and tape to the centre of your card.
Matt a rectangle piece of paper with cardstock and tape along the centre of your card. Use a gel pen to faux stitch around this and also the middle circle.
Use Daisy & Dandelion velour alphabet stickers in the centre of your card for your sentiment.
Finish the card off by inking around the edges in a matching ink.

For further idea's and inpsiration visit Ros's Blog HERE!

A loving treat this Valentines...

Daisy Valentine's Basket

by Debbie

You Will Need:

Daisy and Dandelion Clear Stamps Set,

Red and white cardstock,

Red ribbon,

Hole punch,

Corner rounder punch,

Heart brads,

Black and white pens

How To Make:

Cut a square of red cardstock measuring 4"x4". Score at 1" along each side, then make one cut up to the intersecting scorelines at each corner to create four flaps. Apply double-sided tape to each flap and fold together as if making a box base.
Using a die-cutting system, a large punch or a hand-drawn template, cut four hearts from red cardstock. Each heart should measure approx 3 3/4" across at the widest point and 3 1/2" tall.
With the small heart stamp from the set, stamp a random pattern over the front of each heart and add a doodled border.
Stamp Daisy from the set onto white cardstock twice and cut out, leaving a small border around her. Colour the flower on her head with a red pen.
Take two of the hearts and stick a Daisy onto each, using double-sided foam pads to raise her up slightly.
Punch a hole at each side of all the hearts, about an inch from the top and 1/4" in from the sides.
Stick the bottom of each heart onto each side of the box base to create a "basket". Secure the sides together further by threading red ribbon through the holes and tying into bows as shown.
Make a handle by cutting a piece of red card measuring 1"x 12", bending it and securing to two opposing sides of the basket using decorative brads.
Cut two smaller hearts and stick over the inner ends of the handles to cover the brad fastenings inside the basket and to make the handle more secure.
Make a tag by stamping With Love and a heart from the set onto white card, cutting out, rounding the corners and matting onto a slightly larger piece of red card. Punch a hole in the end of the tag and tie round the handle using red ribbon.
Fill the basket with sweeties of your choice!

For further idea's and inspiration visit Debbie's Blog HERE!

Valentines Memories...

Whether you want to remember something from the past or document something from the present why not try making a gorgeous Scrapbook Page for Valentines Day this year...

Scrapbook Project

by Tammy

You Will Need:

Claire Curd The Big One papers
Daisy and Dandelion clear stamps
Cropadile and eyelets
Watercolour pencils
Glitz it fushia glue clear embossing powder
Cardstock from stash
Ribbon from stash
Doodlebug brad
We are memory keepers 'Always' groomet
Quickutz Silhouette machine

How To Make:

Take a sheet of 12x12 Big one paper. Cut out some stripes of coordinating paper, and arrange onto your 12x12 paper. Back your photo, and some of the stripes with cardstock. Pop a Doodlebug brad into the corner of photo, and groomet onto one of the stripes. On the lower stripe, right hand side, put some eyelets an thread ribbon through. Stick onto 12x12 paper as desired, creating some layers along the way! Create love letter pouch, by cutting anther stripe and folding into the middle, add two eyelets and thread ribbon through. Stamp, and heat emboss a flower, colour with watercolour pencils, and add some glitter, pop onto the top of pouch.Stamp bear holding flower, heat emboss, colour with watercolour pencils, add some glitter, and pop onto scrapbook page. Finally choose some appropraite words, and cut out using Quickutz silhouette machine, cuttlebug etc. I chose Love is the air, because we were just about to blow bubbles!!! Dont forget to make a message for your love pouch!

For further idea's and inspiration visit Tammy's Blog HERE!

Love Album

As Valentines Day is creeping up on us a few of the Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team have been busy making some gorgeous projects for you...

Love Album

by Helen

Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

You Will Need:

Love chipboard album (from Die Cut Dreams www.diecutdreams.com)

Daisy & Dandelion picnic patch paper

Pumpkin & Aubergine (Halloween) die cuts

Daisy & Dandelion stickers

Die cut shapes (from Die Cut Dreams)

Buttons, Flowers, Bradseyelets, Phone/purse charm,

Adhesive

Crop a dilescissors

Pokey tool

How To Make:

Choose your papers for each letter. Taking the book rings out, cover the front of the letters (only) in your choice of adhesive (I have used pritt stick) & adhere the paper to them. Once dried cut round the letters. Lay your letters down so you can see where you want to stick your embellishments. Use the pokey tool to make the holes for the brads & attach them. Use the crop a dile to attach eyelets to the front holes of the letters. Now use your adhesive on the reverse of the letters & adhere the paper. Again wait to dry & carefully cut round. (This way you have hidden the backs of your eyelets & brads.) Now stick the remaining embellishments & die cuts to your album. Hanging the phone/purse charm from the brad on the O.Re attach the book rings & hey-presto you have a very pretty love album to put your favoutite photos in & if you want to give it to that special someone there is also the added gift of a phone/purse charm.

For further idea's and inspiration visit Helen's Blog HERE!

Valentines Project Idea...

Valentines Project

by Allison

You Will need:
Chipboard
Brown Ink
Corrugated card
Daisy and Dandelion Paper
Ribbon
Flowers
Love Hearts or Love heart punch
Jewels
Pumpkin Decoupage and sentiment
Cropodile or similar
Double sided tape/glue
Craft Knife

How To Make:

1 Draw a large heart shape onto the chipboard and cut out
2 Cover with paper and ink the edges
3 Tear a strip of the corrugated card and ink lightly and attach at a slant to the heart
4 Punch four holes down the side of the heart and use two of them to tie the ribbon into a bow and attach the flowers to the other two holes
5 Layer up the Pumpkin decoupage and attach to the corrugated card
6 Decorate with hearts and jewels and the sentiment With Love From

To further project idea's and inspiration visit Allison's Blog HERE!

Some Bunny Loves You...

COMING SOON

Candyfloss & Marshmallow featured in Daisy & Dandelion's

Some Bunny Loves You Collection...

A5 Co-ordinating Paper Pack A4 Decoupage & Paper Pack 8x8 Clear Stamp Set 3 Sets of Coloured Stickers

Gold & Silver Sentiment Outline Stickers

Gold & Silver Character & Sentiment Outline Stickers

Available in stores from approx. 18th January 2010

To find your local stockist please click HERE

Celebrating a Special Birthday...

Celebrating a Special Birthday

by Guest Designer Sarpreet

Products used:
Jan 2010 Goody Bag
QVC Kit - Velour Stickers
Black Archival Ink Pad
Whisper Brush Markers
Silicon Glue

Instructions:
1. Cut a 5cm strip of sunshine paper, matt onto yellow card. Add white organza ribbon and coordinating bow onto the left hand side as shown using silicon glue. Add to the card.
2. Stamp the image onto white card, and colour using whisper brush markers and matt onto yellow card.
3. Add the image to the right hand side of the card.
4. Add the mini buttons to the bottom left hand card.
5. Add numbers for the birthday

For further idea's and inspiration visit Sarpreet's Blog HERE!

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR...

The Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team have some wonderful projects for you to celebrate the NEW YEAR...

2010 Card Organiser Box

by Helen

To make you will need:

A recycled gift box2 - 12x12" papers, Daisy & Dandelion QVC kit 1 set of stickers, 1 set of pyramage, outline stickers & embossed transfers, Anita's mini calendar, Post it notes, Mini Gel Pen, Tim Holts clasp chain, Blank white cards & envelopes, Coloured card stock, Daisy & Dandelion picnic patch papers, Adhesive of your choice, Papermania Couture ribbon, Spellbinders tag die cut, Crop a dile, Eyelets, Fibres, Ribbon.

To make the box:

Take your recycled box & cover it with some patterened paper. I have used some patterned paper from my stash. I folded it round the the box sticking it down with double sided tape like wrapping a gift to give it tidy edges. I then used QVC Pumpkin & Aubergine pyramage set to decorate the top & some stickers. To bling it up a bit I used Papermania couture ribbon round the lid. Inside I used Picnic patch papers & covered the bottom of the box, sides & inside the lid.Inside the lid I stuck some post it notes, a mini calendar & a gel pen using a Tim Holtz chain. I have also used some stickers to give it the Daisy & Dandelion feel! Next I have made a few cards & tags. They are just to give you an idea, you can make as many as you like or make other bits to put inside.

Thinking of You Card

Using Picnic Patch paper, Pumpkin & Aubergine pyramage (from the set used on the lid). I have layered the Picnic Patch paper & then attached the other pyramage & accessories from the set I used for the lid. With Love FromUsing the papers from the Think of you card, stickers & a brad. I used the left over bits from the previous card & very simply layered it up then decorated with stickers. I stuck the With Love from sticker to the card stock first, then cut round it added a mini brad & stuck it to the card with 3D pads.

Happy Birthday Card

Using picnic patch papers & the same set of stickers as for the With Love From card.I stuck the stickers to the cream card stock & then cut round them. I layered the picnic patch papers & added my cardstock with the sticker on. I stuck the ribbon down using double sided tape & then added the Happy Birthday using 3D foam pads. I also added a few little circle stickers over the dots paper.

Matching Tags

I used the spellbinders die to cut out my tags. I used the left over paper from the cards to decorate & matching mini embossed transfers from the QVC set. To finish them off I added outline stickers, punched a whole with my crop a dile, then added eyelets & fibres/papermania couture fibres.

To view Helen's blog click HERE

New Year Project- Desk Calendar

by Allison

You will need:

Corrugated card, Eyelet setter, Fibres, Large Paperclip, Daisy and Dandelion Decoupage Figures, Foam Pads, Flowers, Jewels, 2010 Calendar

How to Make:

Cut 3 squares from the corrugated card approx 10 by 10 cms
Using eyelet setter make 4 holes down the left and right hand sides of each square evenly
Join together to from a triangle using fibres/ribbon
Using foam pads layer up some Daisy and Dandelion decoupage images
Attach one of them to a large paper clip and attach to front of calendar
Secure the calendar to the front and add some layered flowers to hide the bottom of the paperclip and add some jewels
Add an image to the other two sides

To view Allison's Blog click HERE

BIRTHDAY BOOK AND PEN SET

by Debbie

I decided that a useful item to have at the start of a new year is a book in which you can record all the birthdays of your friends and family so that you can be prepared! So I made a wee booklet with simple calendar pages in it that I printed out on my computer. You could just as easily make this a notebook, address book or diary! And there's also a wallet to keep the book and a pen handy in!

PRODUCTS USED: D&D Coloured Stickers "Party Time - Marshmallow and Pickles" and "Birthday Gifts - Daisy and Squeak", D&D Velour Alphabet Stickers, Pink and blue brads, patterned papers (I used Clare Curd's paper pack), pink cardstock, blue cardstock, calendar pages (printed out on the computer), pink ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS: Cut a piece of blue cardstock measuring 8 1/2"x6 1/4". Score at 3 3/4" and 5".
Fold cardstock in half lengthways.
Print calendar pages onto white paper and trim each page to measure 3 3/4"x 5 3/4", leaving a wider border at the left-hand-side of the printing. Decorate the pages with coloured stickers.
Line up pages neatly together and fix them into the booklet cover by piercing holes and pushing brads through the cover and pages at the left side before the score line.
Decorate the cover of the booklet with patterned papers, velour stickers and coloured Daisy sticker.

To make the wallet cut pink cardstock to 12"x8 1/2". Score the card lengthways at 3", 3 1/2", * 1/2" and 9".
Score widthways at 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" from the bottom.
Cut along the widthways scorelines from the left side, stopping at the inner (3 1/2") lengthways scoreline. Repeat from right hand side, stopping at the 8 1/2" scoreline. Remove these narrow portions.
Trim the lower flap away, leaving a 3/8" "tab" attatched to the score line at 3".
Repeat at right hand side, leaving a 3/8" tab attatched to the 9" scoreline (see photo for this - it's hard to describe!)
Decorate the inner panels of the wallet with patterned paper
Decorate the front of the wallet with patterned paper and coloured stickers.
Glue ribbon around the back of the wallet, leaving enough loose at the front to tie the wallet closed.
Fold and stick the bottom pocket to create a space to hold the book and a pen.

NEW YEAR PARTY INVITATION WITH HIDDEN PANEL

by Debbie

PRODUCTS USED: D&D Clear Stamp Gift Set Pumpkin and Aubergine Cupcake Delight, D&D A5 paper pack Christmas Collection A Winter's TAle, lilac brad, white cardstock, sage green cardstock, pink cardstock, circle punches

INSTRUCTIONS: Cut white cardstock and fold to make a square card measuring 5 1/2" x 5 1/2".
Mat and layer sage cardstock with two different patterned papers and stamp the words You're Invited at the bottom of the card.
Stamp Aubergine in party hat onto white card and punch out using a circle punch. Punch another circle the same size from white card and two slightly larger circles from pink card.
Watercolour the image and allow to dry.
Ink the edges of the circles with pink ink and stick the cat image circle onto one of the pink circles. Repeat with the other white circle. Line up the two layered circles with Aubergine on the top and push a brad through so that the top circle slides over the bottom one to reveal whats underneath. Write party details on the blank white circle underneath.
Stick the double layer of circles onto the centre of the main card.
Stamp the stars from the gift set 4 times onto pink card and cut out. Attach one to each corner of the card and add doodled edges to finish.

To view Debbie's Blog click HERE

Happy New Year Banner

by Ros

You will Need:

Small pieces of paper from your scrap stash, Co-coordinating cardstock, Daisy & Dandelion Coloured stickers, Daisy & Dandelion Embossed transfers, Odd letters from your stash, Paper doilies, Misc. ribbon, Gel pens, Flowers, Brads, Glitz glitter pen

How to Make:

From the cardstock cut 12 triangles. The size I have used is 17 cm x 14 cm. You can cut these as small or large as you would like. So many alpha packs come with just 1 of each letter. A good way to use these up is to mix and match the letters to your banner or cards. On the letter H, I have cut a small rectangle that’s 17cms high. Once I glued this to the triangle I was able to use my craft knife to cut the edge off, so that it is perfect size.All the white letters are stuck down with foam tape. The letter A, I did the same but cut a rectangle that was 14cms wide. Glued it to the triangle and then trimmed. Add a small triangle to the bottom point as well. On the 1sr P in happy, I have decorated the banner piece with flowers. Some of the flowers have been added to the back of the triangle so that they poke out the side to add extra dimension. On the 2nd P in happy, I embossed the triangle in my Cuttlebug. The 14cm rectangle of patterned paper was decorated with an edge punch and then glued and trimmed. On the Y in happy I cut a small rectangle and then tore one edge and inked it before gluing the banner triangle. I stapled the small pieces of ribbon to this for extra texture. The piece used for the E in new, was embossed with my Cuttlebug and the E was stapled to the triangle. The W in new has been covered with a piece of patterned paper which has been punched with an edge trimmer. With the Y in year, I have cut my patterned paper the same size triangle as the banner piece and then trimmed 1 ½” off the edge. Flowers decorate this piece of the top and also poking out a corner edge of the triangle. The E in year has been decorated around the edges with a Glitz glitter pen and is one of my new favourite things. The patterned paper on this piece has been torn on one edge. The A in year has been decorated with 2 different patterned papers. These have both been punched with an edge punch and I lined the pattern up before sticking them to the banner piece. On the R in year, I have wrapped a piece of ribbon around the bottom end of the triangle. The other ribbon has been stapled. All of the pieces have been decorated with Daisy & Dandelion Embossed transfers and Daisy & Dandelion Coloured Stickers. All pieces have also been inked around the edge and faux stitched with gel pens. Use ribbon, flowers, paper doilies, brads and little embellies from your stash to decorate the banner. It can be strung together with ribbon or string. I’m leaving mine loose and going to stick it to the edge of my kitchen bench.

To view Ros's Blog click HERE

New Year Scrapbook Page
by Tammy

You will Need:

Papermania Deck The Halls 12x12 papers, Daisy and Dandelion Velour letters and numbers, Daisy and Dandelion Christmas clear stickers, Prima Pink Obsession Flowers, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Buttons and BradsClear, Embossing Powder, Embossing gun, Silhouette Machine, Green ribbon, Cardstock, Robins Nest Dew Drop Orchid Selection, Basic Grey Gamma New Year stamps, Clear Ink It UP ink.

How to Make:

First select the photo you would like to use, then your papers.Rearrange of the page, and decide on the sizes you would like to make them. Cut out the size oblongs and sqaures you would like, and back with plain card stock, also back the photo with matching card stock. Pop a ribbon around your middle square and some dew drops in some of corners. Then get some plain cardstock, and stamp some patterns onto this using clear ink it up ink, emboss with clear powder and heat with heat gun-ıf you wanted you could use any combinations of colours here.Get the Daisy and Dandelion letters and numbers, and pop these onto white card and again back with coloured card stock. Arrange your pieces of cards stock and photo etc onto your 12x12 papermania cardstock.Also dont forget to make some text, and again back with co ordinating cardstock. I used my Silhouette amchine to create the text but you could handwrite this, or use your computer.Once you are happy with the layout you can do some stickng and glueing. I created some different effects by using puffy squares too.Fınally get yourself some Daisy and dandelion Christmas clear stickers , and add onto your scrapbook page. I used Christmas items for my scrapbook page to match the writing I added that said New Years Eve just like another Christmas Day full of Fun, smiles and Laughter. Of course you could anything for a new years page.

To view Tammy's Blog click HERE

Erica's New Design Studio's...

Whilst I am on Maternity Leave I am using this oportunity to create my very own Design Studio's and explore endless possiblities within the world of art & design...

Click HERE for further details...

Seasons Greetings from Sarpreet

Seasons Greetings from Guest Designer Sarpreet

How to Make:

Using the Daisy & Dandelion kit from QVC, cut a white piece of card 1cm smaller than the card blank. Mask half of it with masking tape. Stamp your greetings of your choice in colours of your own choice. For the red one i used watermark ink pad and red embossing powder, and for the green one i used green pigment ink and clear embossing powder. Remove the masking tape.

Add a ribbon down the centre. Matt onto a slightly bigger coordinating colour card. Add a sticker, or stamp an image and colour it in. Add various elements.

For the red card, i used the stockings in the decoupage papers, the greeting was fixed to the centre of the card at the bottom, stamped in white onto red cad and cut around.

For the green card, i used the sticker, i added a robin sticker to the top of the tree. Used the Embossed transfers for the greeting. Add a sticker to the top right corner.

Add adhesive gem stones from Anita's 3mm wheel and add a greetings stickers inside.

These cards are suitable for all ages, and adaptable. Although many of us may be scrambling to finish their cards, these are quick cards, or like me i have started a stash for next year whilst in the christmas spirit. I cant bring myself to make birthday cards yet!!!

Merry Christmas

Sarpreet

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

With Christmas only a week away I thought I would wish all Friends & Fans of Daisy & Dandelion a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with this FREE CHRISTMAS DESKTOP!

To claim your FREE DESKTOP all you have to do is email me at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with FREE D&D DESKTOP in the subject bar and I shall send it to you x

In between Christmas & New Year the Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team shall be bringing you a range of stunning project idea's for the NEW YEAR so watch this space for further details...

For anyone who didn't already know, I have now finished work at 'docrafts'...I have a few weeks holiday before I start my Maternity Leave in January! With only 5 weeks left till my estimated due date it is a very exciting time for me and I apologise in advance if there are delays in posting over the next few weeks and months...

2010 is also a very exciting time for Daisy & Dandelion as I have illustrated a variety of collections which shall be released throughout the forthcoming year! Here is a little sneak peak of what is to come below:

Jan* 2010 - Daisy & Dandelion Easter Collection

Some bunny loves you... featuring Candyfloss, Marshmallow & Scramble the Chick

• Die Cut Decoupage & Paper Packs
• 8x8" Exclusive Clear Stamps
• Coloured Stickers
• A5 Paper Pack

Feb* 2010 - Daisy & Dandelion Female Collection

The Secret Woodlands... featuring Daisy, Pickles, Bubbles & Pumpkin!

• Die Cut Decoupage & Paper Packs
• Mini Clear Stamps
• Coloured Stickers
• Outline Stickers

May* 2010 - Daisy & Dandelion Spring Collection

Hawthorn & Bramble - Exclusive New Hedgehog Characters!

• The Ultimate Decoupage & Paper Pack
• 5x7" Clear Stamps
• A5 Paper Pack
• Notelets
• Coloured Stickers
• Outline Stickers

July* 2010 - Daisy & Dandelion Christmas Collection

Penelope & Percy -Exclusive New Penguin Characters - as seen on QVC!

• Decoupage & Paper Packs
• 6x6" Clear Stamps
• A4 & A5 Paper Packs
• A4 Decoupage Card Kits
• Glitter Stickers
• 3 Pack of Stickers (Coloured/Glitter/OLS)

*Please note launch dates and collection contents are subject to change by 'docrafts' - visit www.docrafts.co.uk for promotional details.

Unfortunately it is too early to release any visuals of these collections yet, however watch this space each month for further details...

In the mean time if anyone wishes to keep up to date with what I am up to whilst on Maternity Leave feel free to visit my design blog HERE!

Warm Wishes
Erica x

Tiny Cards for the Kiddies.....

Whether you have children who would like to make cards for all their friends or you just fancy making some of your own, here are some Tiny Cards for the Kiddies by our Guest Designer Pandy...

How to Make:

Take an A4 sheet and cut it in half (A5) - then cut it in half again (A6) then fold in half (A7). You can get 4 cards from one piece of card! Cut a backing paper 6.5cm x 9.5cm and stick to the card - cut a strip 2cm wide to over lap the front. I cut a small piece of white card to put the sticker on and matted it with gold mirri - punch a hole at the top for a bit of ribbon

AND - MAGIC - loads of cards for NOT loads of pennies!!!!

And you can the same thing with the larger stickers to make A5 cards

- I just can't believe how many cards you can get from one sheet of stickers!!!

My Cousin Wins 'GQ MAN OF THE YEAR' Award

Sam Worthington

Visit my design blog HERE for further details...

Countdown to CHRISTMAS...

With less than 6 weeks to go until Christmas the Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team and Guest Designers have been busy creating a variety of projects to give you idea's and inspiration this festive season...

Take a look below and feel free to leave comments..

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

With Love

Erica x

Countdown to Christmas...

Christmas Countdown

by Debbie

You Will Need

2x 6" square pieces of chipboard, 3x 1" bookrings, burgundy cardstock, white cardstock, papers from A5 D&D Christmas Collection "A Winter's Tale" pack, D&D Velour letter and number stickers, red,green and gold ribbon, D&D Coloured stickers "Mini Christmas", D&D Embossed Transfers "Santa's Little Helpers", acetate, crop-a-dile, scallop border punch, corner rounder punch

How To Make

Cover both sides of each piece of chipboard with papers from the pack, using a stripy one for the front. Ink the edges.
Using a crop-o-dile, punch three holes at equal lengths along the top of both pieces of chipboard, about 3/4" down.
Cut burgundy cardstock to 6"x4". Score lengthways at 7/8",2" and 3", concertina-fold along score lines. Adhere the first fold of the burgundy card along the bottom of one piece of chipboard and the last fold along the bottom of the other piece to hold them together in a triangle shape. This will form a stabilising base that bends up in the middle.
Use a scallop border punch to edge a 6"x2" piece of green snowflake paper and glue it along the front of the chipboard stand near the bottom.
Cut another piece of burgundy card to 6"x1 3/4". Mat a piece of checked green paper onto it, tie red ribbon around this piece and stick it onto the front chipboard, just above the scalloped edge.
Apply the Dandelion transfer onto acetate and cut round him, leaving a small border. Stick onto the checked panel using glue dots.
Cut 27 "tags" from white cardstock that measure 1 1/2"x 2 1/4". Round all the corners and ink the edges. Punch holes through the top of each tag.
Decorate 26 tags with papers from the pack and Mini Christmas stickers as desired. Apply a velour number to each tag in order to count down from 24 to 1 as shown.
On the last tag, apply velour letters to read "Days" and decorate with tiny coloured stickers.
Push bookrings through all the tags and pop them into the holes punched in the top of the chipboard. The Days tag should be on the right. Decorate the bookrings with pieces of ribbon.
Using velour letters, add the wording "until Christmas" below the hanging tags as shown.
Pop the Christmas tree coloured sticker in the space beneath the middle tags so that it will show when the last 9 days begin!

Pumpkin & Aubergine

Gift Card Wallet

You Will Need

one piece green cardstock measuring 8 1/4"x5 3/4", one piece of burgundy cardstock measuring 7 3/4"x 3 6/8", papers from A5 paper pack and Christmas Collection Die-Cut Characters pack, D&D Coloured Stickers "Tinsel Heaven", red ribbon, green gems, gold pen

How To Make

Score green cardstock down centre of long edge and fold in half.
Score burgundy cardstock down centre of long edge and fold this in half also.
Round all bottom corners of green card and all corners of red "mini" card.

Apply a piece of spotty burgundy paper onto front of green card. Apply a piece of green checked paper onto front of burgundy card.
Create a "pocket" inside the mini card using a 3 3/4"x1 3/4" piece of green card, stuck down along side and bottom edges.
Decorate pocket with papers and stickers and a border from the die-cut characters pack.
Decorate other inside half of red card with a panel of green card, burgundy spotty paper and coloured stickers.

Decorate front of mini card with coloured stickers and tie a piece of red ribbon around it, before sticking back of mini card onto green C6 card to form a secret flap.
Complete front of main card using green gems and faux stitching with a gold pen.

Napkin Holder

You Will Need

Wrapper from a takeaway coffee cup, D&D Outline Stickers "It's Christmas", papers from pack as above, gold curling ribbon, burgundy cardstock

How To Make

Open up the coffee cup wrapper and turn inside out so that the corrugated side is showing. Reseal it quite tightly, ensuring that your napkin will fit through the middle.
Wrap a strip of green paper around the napkin ring and glue ends together. Wrap a narrower strip of spotty burgundy paper round and join those ends too. Tie a piece of gold curling gift wrap ribbon around the ring in a bow.

Take one of the outline stickers and apply to burgundy card. Cut out, leaving a small border. Adhere to front of ring using glue dots, with the gold bow to the left hand side. Place a snowlflake circle outline sticker over the strip of ribbon at the back of the ring to keep it in place.

Decorated Candle & Gable Gift Box

You Will Need

Piece of sage green cardstock, cut to 8 1/8"x11", papers from pack as before, gold outline stickers as before, scallop oval punch, oval punch, scallop circle punch, acetate, red ribbon, D&D Embossed transfers "Santa's Little Helpers", small votive candle

How To Make

Score 11" side of cardstock at 2 1/4", 5 1/4", 7 1/2" and 10 1/2". Score the 8 1/2" side at 3" and 6 1/2".
Cut off top and bottom sections of last scoreline (at 10 1/2"), leaving a middle "flap" of 1/2"
Cut all widthwise score lines up to middle section from top and bottom to create more flaps.
Using an oval punch, punch two "handles" in the middle of the two widest top flaps. Using the plain oval and scalloped oval punches, create two edgings from burgundy cardstock and position over the handle apertures to give a nice finish.
Using a scalloped circle punch, create an aperture for the front of the box in the panel next to the 1/2" flap. Stick a piece of acetate to the back of this "window".
Apply double-sided tape to front of 1/2" flap and the back of the two smaller bottom flaps. Assemble box neatly together, ensuring no tape is showing.
Decorate front, back and sides of the box with patterned papers and gold outline stickers
Apply embossed transfers to the candle and place into the box. Tie box closed with a piece of red ribbon.

Visit Debbie's Blog HERE!

A Daisy & Dandelion Christmas...

Merry Christmas

by Helen

Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

A Daisy & Dandelion Christmas!

What does Christmas mean to you? Christmas for me is what I felt as a child & the memories. I have used those feelings & memories to create this months Daisy & Dandelion Project.....Enjoy!!

Sending cards to friends & family

A Christmas Card

You Will Need

12.5x12.5cm card, Daisy & Dandelion christmas papers, Pumpkin & aubergine christmas stickers, adhesive papermania gems, 3D glitter glue, Pink card stock, 3D foam pad sadhesive.

How To Make

Using your D&D Christmas papers cut out 1x -11.8x11.8cm square (patterned paper), 1x- 10x3.5cm (patterned paper), 1x- 10.3x3.9cm (plain paper), 1x 9x9cm (plain paper), 1x 8.5x8.5cm (patterned paper), 1x 6.9x2cm (plain paper), Stick the 11.8x11.8cm patterned paper to the blank card. Stick the stick the 10 x 3.5cm patterned paper to the 10.3 x 3.9 cm plain paper. Stick the 8.5 x 8.5 patterned paper to the 9 x 9 cm plain paper. These create your layers. Stick the Pumpkin & Aubergine stickers onto the pink card stock & cut round them. Stick the with love at christmas (now on pink card stock) to the 6.9 x 2 cm plain paper & use 3D foam pads to stick onto the card.Stick your other sticker (now on pink card stock) to the layer you made earlier using 3D foam pads. Position your layers how you would like then using 3D glitter glue, papermania gems & more Pumpkin & Aubergine stickers bling up your card!!I have also stuck a holly spray sticker to the front of the envelope & a bow sticker on the back to make it extra special.

Christmas is also about Presents!!!

Please Santa Stop here/Santa has been Door Hanger

When I was little my brothers & sisters & I used to have to wait for my Nanna & Grandad to arrive before we could go into the frontroom, this door hanger would have been perfect for us. Hang it on the frontroom door before bed & if it had been turned over we'd know Santa had been!!

You Will Need

A door hanger kit from Die Cut Dreams shop, Large scallop circle & circle die cuts from Die Cut Dreams Shop, Daisy & Dandelion Christmas Papers, Daisy & Dandelion peel offs, Daisy & Dandelion Christmas Stickers, Daisy & Dandelion stamps, Daisy & Dandelion embossed rub ons, Fibres, 3D glitter glue, 3D foam pads, Stampin' Up scallop circle & circle punch, Stampin' Up pastels, adhesive.

How To Make

Start by covering one side of the chipboard hanger with a sheet of D&D Christmas paper. Wait to dry then cut round & cut out the circle. Now turn & repeat for the other side.Stick the large circle die cuts to the large scallop circles. Now stick one on each side of the hanger. Decorate the hangers with D&D stickers & peel offs. Tie fibres round one side. Stamp out Daisy colour with Stampin Up pastels then stick onto the hanger with 3D foam pads. Using the 3D glitter glue & stickers decorate Daisy & around her. Using D&D christmas papers punch out a scallop circle with Stampin Up punch. Also punch a circle out of white card with the Stampin Up circle punch. Stick these together & write Santa Please stop her, then stick to the hanger with 3D foam pads.reverse side - stick the D&D Chirstmas Tree sticker onto the hanger. Cut out small squares from D&D Christmas paper & stick in front of the tree. Carefully rub on the embossed transfer bubbles & squeak santa. Stick on the mini Elf - ephant & some stars, & a robbin. Using gold pen write love Santa. Using the peel off stickers decoarte the hanger & stick For you! on the side. Now you have a door hanger to hang on the door asking Santa to stop here & when he's been he turns it round so you know he's left you some presents!!

Christmas day isn't Christmas day without Christmas dinner!!

Napkin Holders

You Will Need

Green card stock, red card stock, white card stock, Daisy & Dandelion Christmas papers, Daisy & Dandelion stamps (QVC stamps), Stampin Up scallop punch, Stampin Up circle punch, Colouring pens/pencils, adhesive.

How To Make

Using the green card stock cut 4x 3x15cm strips. Using the D&D papers cut 4x 2x15cm strips. Stick the D&D paper strips to the card stock. Curl round & join to make a ring shape. Using the stampin up scallop punch, punch 4 x scallop circles from red card stock. Using stampin up circle punch, punch 4x circles from D&D papers. Stick the 4 circles to the 4 scallop circles & stick them to the rings you made earlier, covering the join of the ring.Stamp out 4 differnet D&D characters onto the whit card stock. Colour & cut out. Stick one to each napkin holder.

Table Decoration

You Will Need

A candle, Daisy & Dandelion stamps, colouring pens, tissue paper a small amount of glue, heat gun, grease proof paper, various ribbon, wire.

How To Make

Stamp out your chosen Daisy & Dandelion characters & accerories onto white tissue paper. Carefully colour these in & cut them out as close as you can get to the image. Using a small amount of glue just to position them, stick the images to the candle. Wrap the grease proof paper round the candle & hold tight at the back of the candle. Using your heat gun carefully heat over the images untill you see the tissue melt into the candle. Move the candle round under the greaseproof & repeat till you have done all the images.Wrap some wire round the candle & tie off to get the size of your candle. Wind the ends of the wire round to tie them off. Now using various bits of ribbon tie round the wire till it is full. Carefully now push the wire over the candle at the bottom so the candle holds it in place.

Merry Christmas from Helen Laurence & Daisy & Dandelion!!

Visit Helen's Blog HERE! / and shop HERE!

Christmas Memories...

Christmas Scrapbook Page

by Ros

You Will Need

12x12 cardstock, Daisy & Dandelion transfer stickers, Websters pages paper, Daisy & Dandelion spotty paper, Papermania snowflakes, Glitz glitter glue, Red ink, Daisy & Dandelion velour letters

How To Make

Ink the edges of 12x12 cardstock, I've used red ink to match the colours inthe papers. Draw a border around your page either by freehand of with a template. Ihave just used a red pencil to draw my border. Layer 3 pieces of different patterned paper, centred on your cardstock. Inkaround the edges of these first. I have used a red spotty paper from theDaisy & Dandelion die cut characters and gift set. Centre your 4x6 photo on the papers. Cut a corner off another piece ofpatterned paper and layer this over the bottom corner of your photo - like agiant photo corner. Above the photo stick down a large snowflake for the Parpermania snowflakepack. Use your red ink to highlight a smaller snowflake and layer this ontop of the large one with foam tape. I've used my sons name and the year the photo was taken to title my page.The Daisy & Dandelion velour stickers are really easy to use and the font isreally cute. Embellish your page with Daisy & Dandelion sticker transfers. I've also added a bit of bling around the edge with a Glitz glitter gluepen.

Visit Ros's Blog HERE!

It's Christmas Time...

Christmas Invite Card

by Sarpreet

You Will Need

D&D Christmas Collection - Santa's Little Helpers, Blue Pigment Ink, A6 Card Blank, Clear Embossing Powder, D&D QVC Kit, Snowflake Punch (small)

How To Make

Randomnly stamp the snowflake stamp all over the background and heat emboss with clear powder. Cut two pieces of square card one in blue and one in white. Using the pigment ink and powder edge the blue card stock. Rub on the transfer to the white card, doodle snowflake, add glitter. Stick the blue card at an angle and the picture on top at another angle as shown above. Cut 1cm strip of card across the bottom. Stamp the greeting out - its christmas time, and cut out. Raise with 3d foams, and add as shown in the picture above. Stick on the snowflake punch outs, and add a small amount of glitter in the centre of each snowflake.

Take a look at Sarpreet's Blog HERE!

Festive Greetings...

Festive Greetings

by Tammy

How to make

Jam Jar Lantern

This is extremely easy to make, just find yourself an old jam jar, if you can find something a little different even better. Then decorate with Daisy and Dandelion stickers. Add some ribbon to the top, different size ribbon looks very effective. Pop a tee light or candle inside and you are ready to go!!

Earring Christmas Card
First start by choosing the backing papers you are going to use, and your colour scheme. I used Papermania 'A Wonderful Christmas Time'. Once you know what colours you are going to use you can make your earrings. These earring were made using Swarovski Crystals and silver plated beads and ear wires. Just thread a silver bead, a Swarovski bead and then another silver bead onto an eyepin, then close with a loop. Grab a smaller 4mm Swaroski crystal and anoteher silver bead and thread onto a thin eyepin. Do 2 of these, and then add these onto one of the loops of the bigger bead. Wire wrapp these. Then pop onto the earwire. Make another and your earrings are complete. Now you can start making your card. Emboss your image onto card, and add 2 more coloured cardstocks behind this. Stick the backing paper onto your card, and cut to squares from a coordinating paper (one of these I backed with cardstock). Stick on as shown in the picture. Give another piece of cardstock pop on an eyelet using crop a dile, Thread some ribbon through, and make a bow hang the earrings from this. Then add an embossed image, and Daisy Dandelion outline sticker, and bobs your uncle!Hope you all have a merry christmas.

Take a look at Tammy's Blog HERE!

Relax & Get Organised this Christmas...

Christmas Planner

by Allison

You will need
Daisy and Dandelion Embossed stickers, Chipboard, Daisy and Dandelion papers, Daisy and Dandelion Christmas stickers and decoupage, Book Rings, Ribbon, Paper clips/bulldog clips(small), Alphabet letters, Double sided tape, Foam pads, Cropodile, Border punch, Coordinating card.

How to Make

1 Decorate a candle and a glass using the embossed stickers- peel the backing off and rub the image onto the glass/ candle. The embossed stickers are heat proof and water resistant so they are ideal for candles and glasses or mugs

2 Cut 4 pieces of chipboard 14 by 21 cm and cover with Daisy and Dandelion papers and make three holes down the left hand side of each page in the exact same place using the cropodile or similar

3 The cover- Once covered with paper I cut a strip of co ordinating card and used a border punch to create a decorative edge and attached to cover. Layer up a pyramage image and attach and decorate with stickers and letter to spell out PLANNER. Punch a couple of holes at the right hand edge and tie ribbon through

4 Decorate your back cover by tying a piece of ribbon round the page long ways and that way you can slot in your receipts behind the ribbon for easy access . Attach letters for the word Receipts

5 The rest of the book is planned out so it can be used year after year

To make the pages I scanned Daisy and Dandelion images and inserted them onto a blank word document page and then typed the headings Christmas List, Christmas Card List, Food Shopping and created a wish list- all using word.

Use a December calendar page and circle the 25th in red and attach to page using paper clip and use letters for the heading Count Down- this is a good reminder of how many or how few days left you have to get organised.

Print off as many sheets as you need and attach to the pages using bulldogs or paper clips and some D&D characters to decorate.

Finish by tying ribbon and flowers onto the book rings

Check out Allison's Blog HERE!

Christmas Stocking Goodie Bag!

Christmas Stocking Goodie Bag

by Pandy

You know how it is when you have to get the uncle-nephew-big brother-granddad a pressie and you always seem to end up with a tie or socks - come on admit it we all do it. Well put it in a 'stocking' goodie bag to make it more special...

How to Make

Draw 2 stocking shapes on to white card (mine are 11.6cm heel to toe and 14cm heel to top). Cut them out and cover them with patterned paper - I used PVA for this so you can get right up to the edges. Add co-coordinating toes, heals, and cuffs (I used a green 'felty' paper) - add tiny faux stitching around all the edges.

Cut a strip of white card 6cm x 23cm - score and fold 1cm in on the long edge. Score and fold 8.5cm down from both ends across the width. This will make the 'U' shape to hold the 2 sides together and make the box. Snip into the short folds at the corners on both sides of the long strip to allow the strip to fold into the box shape. Then use double sided tape to attach it to both side stocking shapes.

I coloured matching D&D peel offs in a green permanent marker for the border and greeting, and put red gems in the center of the border for a bit of contrast. I punched a hole in the top cuff and added a red ribbon with a tag cut from co-coordinating paper

The box is big enough to hold a rolled up tie or socks or 3 of those mini size 'smellies' you can get - or you can fill if full of sweeties!

Check out Pandy's Blog HERE!

Daisy & Dandelion COMPETITION WINNERS - QVC TSV DAY

Penelope & Percy

Original Illustration by Erica Martyn

Allow me to formally introduce Penelope and Percy Penguin!

After over 2700 entries to the Competition Dawn Bibby launched on the Daisy & Dandelion TSV day on QVC I finally managed to choose my favorite names... which came in from Barbara Wainwright in Darwen. Congratulations Barbara!

Because lots of you also suggested these names we've managed to get our hands on an extra two runner-up prizes. So the 12 runners-up are;

Katy Hutt from Horsham
Joan Campbell
Erica Beckwith from Walker
Emma Rouse from
Shields from Potters Bar
Pauline Campbell from Bonnyrigg
Janet Gott from
Morley from
Scott from the Isle of
Matthews from
Grimshaw from Nottingham

Full details of the competition and winners can be found HERE over on the QVC website!

These quirky little Penguins will be due to hit the shops in time for Christmas 2010 so you will have to wait till mid next year to get your hands on them!

They are my final project for 2010 before I go on Maternity Leave in 4 weeks time!!! 2010 is a very exciting time and not only with the arrival of my own little bundle of joy... I have been very busy working on 4 new Daisy & Dandelion Collections which 'docrafts' will be launching at various times throughout 2010....

So watch this space for further details in the forthcoming months ahead...

docrafts CREATIVITY Issue 18 Out Now!

Check out this months issue of docrafts CREATIVITY for more Daisy & Dandelion crafting goodies...

The long awaited Daisy & Dandelion - CUPCAKE DELIGHT - Clear Stamp Gift Set featuring Pumpkin & Aubergine is now available...
Project Idea's and Inspiration can be found on Pages 32-33

With the success of the launch of Daisy & Dandelion cuddly toy's back in September Build-A-Daisy is the perfect gift this Christmas...
Further details can be found on pages 62-63 of this months issue...

As I also design collections for docrafts Papermania you may like to pop over onto my design blog HERE to see the NEW Chatsworth and Retail Therapy Collections featured in the docrafts CREATIVITY Issue 18 Out Now!

For your local stockist please click HERE!

Wishing you a Happy Halloween...

As a little treat this Halloween I have this FREE DESKTOP of Pumpkin & Aubergine to give away to any friends and fans of Daisy & Dandelion...

Just email me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with HAPPY HALLOWEEN in the subject bar!

Wishing you a Happy Halloween

Lots of Love

Erica xx

Under the Spotlight!

Check out my Under the Spotlight interview week on the 'docrafts' website HERE!

More Crafting Inspiration this Halloween.......

Projects by Allison Yates

Halloween Aubergine
by Allison Yates

You Will Need:

Purple Core card
White card
Pumpkin and Aubergine free download
Card candy
Ribbon
Cuttlebug and Spiders Web embossing folder
Scalloped circle Punch Large
Pumpkin and Aubergine Happy Halloween sentiment

How to Make:

1 Score and make a purple 14cm card blank

2 Cut a 13cm square from the dotty download paper and mount onto white card add ribbon securing at the back and mount to card blank

3 Punch a circle from white card and emboss and attach to card

4 Print off and decoupage Aubergine image and attach to card

5 Decorate with card candy and sentiment and cut out Trixie bat and attach to sentiment

Quick and Easy Halloween Party Projects

by Allison Yates

You Will Need:

Orange, black , purple and green card
Pumpkin & Aubergine Trick or Treat paper pack and Decoupage sheets
Black Fibres
Pumpkin and Aubergine Little Book Of Mischief
Large Scallop punch
1.5cm circle punch
Treats
Anita’s stripey ribbon
Double sided tape
Foam Pads
Cuttlebug and Spiders Web Embossing Folder
Fine Black pen

Happy Halloween Card

How To Make:

A quick and easy card that could be used as a card or an invite to a Halloween party (if doing a few invites you want to make something quick and simple to save on time)

Score and fold green card to make card blank (11.5cm by 15cm)
Use the embossing folder on the top section of card
Cover the bottom third of card with Pumpkin and Aubergine Trick or Treat paper
Secure ribbon at join of paper and embossing
Tie black fibres to P&A Happy Halloween sentiment and attach with foam pads

Treat Box

How to Make:

Make a box base with orange card (my box base measures 8cm by 8cm)
Cut a strip of orange card measuring 3.5cm wide by 22cm long
Doodle round the sides of the box and the strip of card
Attach the strip of card to form a handle and tie fibres to this
Use Aubergine decoupage figure and attach to front of box along with the trick or treat sentiment
Curl some thin strips of orange card and fill box along with treat bags full of goodies

Again quick and easy if you have a few guests to make them for...

Invite Box
(or could be used as a treat box)

How to Make:

Make an 11cm square box and lid- I used black for the base and orange for the lid
Doodle round the lid of the box
Punch a scalloped circle from the P&A paper and attach to the lid with BOO sentiment and decoupaged Pumpkin
Cut a length of black fibres (approx 35cm long)
Attach to the inside of the lid using double sided tape and cover with the Party Time sentiment
Secure to the box base with tape and affix one of the pages from the Little Book of Mischief where you can write the details for party
Punch two circles from black card and two scalloped circles in purple
Join the circles together at intervals along the fibres creating a sandwich of the circles with the fibres in the middle
Attach the Mischief sentiment and a decoupaged Aubergine
Or alternatively just make the boxes , decorate with Pumpkin and Aubergine and fill with treats...

Projects by Debbie Gill

Happy Halloween Mini Chipboard Album

by Debbie Gill

You Will Need:

P&A Little Book of Mischief notelets, P&A A4 Paper Pack "Trick or Treat", P&A Diecut Fancy Dress pack, chipboard, Papermania Couture Ribbons, 1 1/2" silver bookrings, Crop-a-Dile, black inkpad, scallop circle punch, circle punches, orange ribbon.

How to Make:

Cut chipboard into 8 squares measuring 4"x4". Using various papers from the A4 pack, cover both sides of each square, sand and ink the edges. Stick a notelet from the Little Book of Mischief on one side of each square, leaving space on the left hand side to punch holes.

On the other side of each square use punched squares and circles to create spaces to stick photos etc. Ink the edges before sticking down. Add diecuts from the pack to some of the pages.

Using a Crop-o-Dile, punch two holes in the left hand side of each square making sure the holes match upon each piece. Push bookrings through all the pages to hold together. Decorate the rings by tying different ribbons around them.

Stick the Happy Halloween tag from the Diecut Set onto the front cover using sticky foam pads, after tying some ribbon through the top.

Halloween Teepee Card

By Debbie Gill

You Will Need:

Pumpkin and Aubergine Diecut Fancy Dress pack, P&A A4 Paper Pack "Trick or Treat", P&A Halloween Clear Stamp Set, Papermania Adhesive Transparent Stones, 1 3/4" and 1 1/2" circle punches, black inkpad, black tassle (I used one by Crafttime) black permanent marker pen, velcro tape, black purple orange and white cardstock.

How to Make:

Cut one square measuring 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" from black, purple and orange cardstock.
Score and fold each square of card along the diagonal.
Place the black and purple squares next to each other in front of you, with the score lines forming a triangle with the point at the top.
Take the orange square and turn it so that it's score line runs straight up and down. Line the top point of the orange square up with the top edge of the other two squares. Using double-sided tape, stick the orange square down onto the other two squares in this position. Make sure there is no adhesive tape showing on the bits that will be exposed.
Take the black tassle - mine was by Crafttime and has a long thread attached - tie a big knot in the thread just below the tassle. Place the tassle right at the very top point of the orange square and place a glue dot under the knot to stick it in place. Run the thread down the central score line and use a little bit of tape to secure it in place. Trim the end of the thread if necessary.

From the Paper Pack choose several papers and cut squares measuring 3 3/4" x 3 3/4". Ink the edges of one square using a black pad and stick it down on the orange square to cover the thread of the tassle. This is the inner part of your card. Mine is a party invitation so I have matted and layered some squares of black and white card to write the RSVP details on!
Flip the card over so that the purple square is on the left. Cut your other paper squares in half along the diagonal. Ink the edges and decorate the two purple and one adjacent black sides of the triangle with the papers and diecuts from the fancy dress pack.
Stamp a greeting from the clear stamp set onto white card, punch out using a small circle punch and ink the edges. Punch a bigger circle from black card and attach both together, then stick onto the first purple panel of your card.
Stick black adhesive gems onto the "legs" of the card. I coloured transparent gems with a black permanent marker pen.
When flat, the card will fit into a C5 envelope. To hold it closed and allow it to stand up, attach velcro tape to the blank black panel and the back of the purple panel opposite it.

Project by Pandy - Guest Designer

Exploding Halloween Card

by Pandy

Cut an A4 sheet of card in half lengthways - fold in half (A5 landscape card) - cut the corner off - whole new tag look. Cut an A4 sheet of card in half lengthways - fold in half (A5 landscape card) - cut the corner off - whole new tag look. I made the inner with matching paper and it opens out when you open the card. Then I cut some of the bats out of backing paper and added them to the top with a bit of silver thread.

Projects by Ros Madley

Spooky Pop Out Card

by Ros Madley

You Will Need:

6” x 12” piece black cardstock – scored and folded to make a 6”x6” card
6”x6” piece red cardstock
red ink
Pumpkin & Aubergine fancy dress die cuts
Pumpkin & Aubergine trick or treat paper pack
Foam tape
“ circle punch
die cut shape for sentiment– I’ve used a spellbinders shape

How to Make:

From the die cut sheet push out 3 Vampire Aubergine shapes.
· Using foam tape mount the full image of Aubergine on top of the faceless base image.
· From the 3rd image cut the front of the cape and the shoes. Mount this on using foam tape to make this the top layer.

Cut a square, slightly smaller than your red piece of card, from the checkered piece of trick or treat paper.
· Using your fingers, paper tear from the middle of the bottom edge towards the right corner.
· Ink the edge of this with red ink.
· Tape this to a rectangle piece of bats trick or treat paper, lining it up to form a square with the 2 papers.
· Tape this to your red piece of card.
· Cut the bottom striped strip from the Aubergine vampire with stars paper from the trick or treat paper pad.
· Trim this to fit across the middle of your card – save the small left over piece for the inside of your card.
· Add the spooky sentiment from the die cuts.
· Punch out 3 bats from the die cut sheet and mount on your card with foam dots.

Tape this to the front of your scored card.

Cut a square slightly smaller than 6” x 6” from the trick or treat paper with the spooky eyes.
· Cut the remaining small piece of striped paper in half.
· Tape one piece to the left edge of the scary eyes piece and the other half to the right edge.
· Ink around the edge of the piece of paper you’ve chosen for your sentiment, I’ve use a spellbinders shape.
· Tape this to the middle of the scary eyes paper. Make sure that your shape is big enough to cover the gap between the two small pieces of striped paper.
· Punch a circle out of black card and using your scissors, cut this into a spiral/spring.
· Tape the outer edge of the spiral to the center of your card.
· Adhere the 4th vampire Aubergine from the die cut sheet to the middle of your card, covering where you’ve stuck the spiral down.
· Tape the BOO sentiment to the middle part of the spiral.
· Use foam dots to mount the 4th bat across one of the spiral loops.
· Tape this to the middle of your card.

Projects by Tammy Erten

Spooky Birthday Card & Treat Box

by Tammy Erten

You Will Need:

Light bulb box, Daisy and Dandelion Trick or Treat die cut shapes and papers, Robins nest Dew Drops, Gemstone Cardstock, Crop a dile and eyelets, Quickutz Silhouette machine with pens, Ribbon sewing machine, cardstock from craft shopcard and sweeties.

How To Make:

Card

Chose some papers from the daisy and dandelion treat or trick range and some colour coordinating card stock. Cut out correct size dd paper and then lay ontop of card stock to make a border, before stocking go around the edge of DD paper with a sewing machine or draw in faux stitching. Cut out a much slimmer piece of DD paper and do the same. Make 2 hole holes, top and bottom with crop a dile and pop in eyelets, thread ribbon through this. Stick this on the left hand side of your card. Cut a square of card and DD paper, stick on to the right side of card (please observe picture) get a DD trick or treat die cut image of your choice, and pop onto of the square.Next create some writing, I used my Silhouette Quickutz for this, I wrote hope you have a spooky birthday. Before popping onto to card I backed this with Gemstone purple cardstock.Use little die cuts to add a little fun to the card, I used pumpkins and bats.In the corners I placed Robins nest Dew Drops.

Sweet Box

I used a light bulb box to create this. Cut a little square for a window with craft knife. Use the square as a template for some clear plastic, use some glue or double sided tape to attach this. Next lay the box on the paper and draw yourself a template, you make need to make 2. Cut this out. Pop doublesided tape in various places of the box, and stick on the paper. After, I decorated with a trick or treat die cut shape, added some spooky sweets, and some ribbon. You could also add the persons name on a tag if you wanted to.

Go Crazy at Halloween with Pumpkin & Aubergine...

I just love this time of year, as winter draws in there is no better time to make the most of cosy nights in with family and friends than Halloween! Here is the UK many of us rarely explore the possibilities of celebrating Halloween and today I bring you some inspiring idea's which will give you everything you need for a Pumpkin & Aubergine Halloween Party from Helen at Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts who is one of our resident crafting designers...

Daisy & Dandelion Trick or Treat Game all inside an envelope!

by Helen at Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

How to make:

Ingredients used: 7.5x7.5 inch card & matching envelope, P&A papers, P&A fancy dress die cuts, P&A little book of mischief, 3D glitter glue, card stock, velour stickers, foam pads, embossing mat & tool, double sided tape, glue stick, Stampin’ up 13/8 circle punch, pen,

Recipe: Decorate the front: I cut the P&A paper & stuck it to the front of the card using double sided tape. I cut the D&D trick or treat out from one of the die cut pages , embossed it slightly & stuck it on with foam pads. Then I used the D&D velour stickers to write Game.

Decorating inside: I cut a square from 2 sheets of P&A circles paper & stuck this down with double side tape. I then used the left over purple spotty paper from the sweets tub & a sheet of orange spotty paper to punch the circles out. There are 11 purple & 10 orange circles plus the Party time circle die cut. I stuck the circles down with a glue stick& then went round the edge of them all with the 3D glitter glue.

I embossed & then stuck the P&A die cuts down with foam pads. I used a small piece of card stock to write Home on & stuck this on with double sided tape.
I chose 8 P&A little book of mischief pages, 4 for tricks & 4 for treats. I have written different tricks & treats on each e.g. Trick—You trip over a witches broom stick go back 2 space or Treat—you find some toffee move forward 2 spaces.
I then made little pockets to put them in using the left over spotty paper from the circles. The pockets match the circles. Orange circles are tricks & Purple circles are treats. I cut out the trick & treat words on the pockets from a die cut page. Once made up I then decided where to put the trick or treats on the game using the D&D velour number stickers to mark them. Each has its own number that corresponds to the number on the trick or treat in the pockets.

There are 2 players Pumpkin or Aubergine. I slightly embossed the die cuts & then stuck a small rectangle made into a triangle on the back of the die cuts so they will stand up to play the game & fold down to fit in the card.
I typed out the rules on my computer & printed them the correct size to fit in the card.
As a dice won’t fit in the envelope I printed out a hexagon shape from the Internet & used it as a template on the card stock to make a spinner. I then drew lines across to split it into the 6 sections & stuck D&D velour number stickers on it. I used a pokey tool to make a small hole to stick the end of a kebab stick through which I cut down to size.

Everything for the game fits nice & neatly into the envelope so you can tidy it away or even post it as a gift.

Mask Invitation
by Helen at Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

How to make:

Ingredients used: P&A papers, P&A little book of mischief, P&A fancy dress die cuts, Anita’s ribbon, card stock, Papermania adhesive stones, 1 x sheet of A4 card, crop-a-dile, glue stick, double sided tape, pen, embossing mat & tool, foam pads, scissors

Recipe: I found a mask template on http://www.freefunthings.com/ & printed it out on the A4 card. I then cut this out, including the eyes & used my crop-a-dile to punch the holes for the ribbon. Then I covered it with the glue stick & placed the P&A paper over it. Once dried I cut round the mask, eyes & used the cop-a-dile again.
I cut the white & grey card stock slightly bigger than the P&A little book of mischief squares & stuck them with double sided. On one I wrote the invitation details & on the other the R.I.sv.P details!! I used the crop-a-dile to make the holes on opposite corners of the squares to attach to the mask.
I embossed & then layered up the die cuts using foam pads & stuck them to the mask also using foam pads. For added sparkle I put a Papermania adhesive stone on the Party Time die cut.

Pumpkin Tub of Sweets

by Helen at Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

How to make:

Ingredients used: A4 Pumpkin & Aubergine trick or treat papers, P&A die cut fancy dress, Anita’s spotty ribbon, silver elastic, pumpkin tub from Asda, sweets from Asda, green stringy paper, double sided tape, foam pads, cello tape, glue stick, crop-a-dile

Recipe: I cut the pumpkin paper in half & stuck to the centre front & the centre back of the tub. I then stuck a strip of purple spotty paper on each side of the tub & to keep the underneath tidy I stuck a circle of purple spotty paper to the bottom of the tub. These were all stuck with double sided tape.

I embossed then layered the Dracula & Witch die cuts using foam pads. I stuck them on the tub along with the other die cuts also using foam pads.
The Happy Halloween die cuts are stuck together with glue stick then I used my crop-a-dile to punch a hole to put the Anita’s ribbon through. I attached it to the handle by tying the ribbon.
The spiders I cut out myself using decoupage scissors. I have used double sided tape to stick the bats & the spiders together over the silver elastic. The elastic is then stuck to the underneath of the tub’s handle using cello tape.

Now all you have to do is fill it with sweets!!! I used green stringy paper to fill the bottom then added the Halloween sweets from Asda.

Wine & Chocolate Bar

by Helen at Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

How to make:

Ingredients used: P&A papers, P&A fancy dress die cuts, Anita’s ribbon, eyelets, double sided tape, embossing mat & tool, foam pads, crop-a-dile

Recipe: I made these as gift ideas or to be used as prizes for the game. (Wine for adults, chocolate for kids!) I embossed & then layered the P&A die cuts using foam pads & stuck them to the purple spotty paper which was left over from making the sweets tub.

Chocolate Bar: I stuck the circles paper (left over from making the game) round the chocolate bar using double sided tape. It isn’t stuck to the chocolate bar or too tight so you can re-use it! I then stuck the purple dotty paper with the die cuts onto it using double sided tape.

Wine bottle: I folded both ends of the stars paper (left over from making the game) to make it stronger, then used my crop-a-dile to make four holes on each end & used it again to attach eyelets. I thread the Anita’s ribbon (left over from making the mask) through the eyelets whilst the paper was round the wine bottle to get the correct tension. As there wasn’t enough ribbon left to tie it in a bow I stuck the ribbon down, but making sure it was just loose enough to remove the cover from the wine bottle to re-use. I the stuck the purple spotty paper with the die cuts onto the front using double sided tape. (You can use this idea on any wine bottle or beer bottle. You would just have to adjust the ribbon.)

Pumpkin & Aubergine - Trick or Treat Collection is now available in many crafting stores so please click HERE to find your local stockist!

Versitility of Daisy & Dandelion Christmas Range...

Every collection I illustrate and design for Daisy & Dandelion with the idea in mind that each collection can not only be used for the time of year is launched but elements of it can be used all year round for various occasions...

Pandy one of our guest designers shows you below a range of Special Birthday Cards which have predominately been made using the D&D 'A Winter's Tale' Paper Packs from the Christmas Collection... alongside a set of Christmas Party Projects...

Handmade Special Birthday Cards
by Pandy

Under the theme of 'Special Birthday' I have done the milestones 18 - 21 - 40 with big chunky hand cut numbers as the theme (graffiti style - anyone can do these so it's very copy-able), with paper layering as the background - very popular at the moment..

How to make:

21 - DL - cream cardstock - covered with 'A Winter's Tale' papers - Spotted torn velum on the bottom half - cross layered paper on the corner - hand-cut numbers matted mirri gold and raised - I have used a gold peel off, but cut into his ears round the head and set them on white card so I could raise them a little with silicone glue - set on the plain red paper and mated with mirri gold - gold 'happy birthday' up the side - gold peel off on the '2' - few yellow gems on the numbers...

40 - A5 - green card stock - 'A Winter's Tale' papers - layered papers - hand-cut numbers matted mirri gold '0' flat '4' raised over it - little fisherman sticker sits in the '0' - fishes stickers on the top of the '4' with several little gold gem air bubbles (so cute - wish you could see it!!!) - 'gone fishin' sticker on the '4' - 'birthday wishes' on a spotted paper matted gold - gold peel off 'hugs & kisses' on the stripe behind the numbers - 'birthday wishes' gold peel off on spotty paper matted gold under the '0'...

18 - 5 1/2" square - I scored and folded the front down before I started, and fixed after I did the stitching on the left side, so it was all hidden on the underside - A Winter's Tale papers - the inner covered with one and the front section with another - hand-cut numbers matted mirri silver and set flat overlapping - paper pierced and stitched with silver up the side and a few beads added on the end (white and clear) - Onion is set on silver so he is peeking through the hole in the '8' - stickers on the '1' and the '8' - inside 'happy birthday' peel off set on blue matted silver - few clear gems on the number...

Handmade Christmas Party Projects

by Pandy

How to make:

Invitation - Folded and covered card to make a pocket (do you want the templates? - it's a bit smaller than a A5 card) - tag cut from white card and covered at the end - lettering gold peel offs and letters from the alphabet set - gold braid from the Do Craft 'freebie' - added gold snowflakes - decal is a character sticker put on white card, cut in a circle and matted with gold mirri card - back left blank for party details...

Place Card - A7 size card - stickers onto white card - matted with the red snowflake paper - gold braid - letters from the alphabet set...

Votive Holder - Sooo simple - this is an old Nutella jar - scrap of torn vellum in 2 bits to wrap around the jar - held together with a tree sticker on one side and an angel on the other - the tiny holly leaves stickers are all round the top!

Goodie Bag - A7 in size (again do you want the template - I just made it up!), about 2cms deep - wrap the middle with the large snowflake paper - decal of character on white cut out circle, matted gold - tag made from a stick on white card and cut round, matted with gold mirri card - gold cord for the handles...

Hangers - So quick and easy - Sheet of woodware chipboard Christmas bauble shapes - cover with gold paper - inked round the edges and over the gold - add any character you want and and a loop to hang it up!

Meet the Daisy & Dandelion Guest Designers

Friends and Fans of Daisy & Dandelion,

We are very lucky to have 3 new Guest Designers who will be creating various projects alongside our 5 Creative Design Team Members...

Meet our lovely Daisy & Dandelion Guest Designers...

SarpreetHi my name is Sarpreet, I am an artist at heart who loves to sketch, and paint. I picked up drawing from an early age, and continued with it. I love keeping fit and going to the gym. I enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking especially deserts. I have been making cards for just over 2 years now, I am always learning new things and I am always inspired my crafters around me. I have organised craft stalls and raised money for charity. I love playing the Piano, it is so calming and you can release so much tension. I also adore music, i always constantly have it playing whilst crafting or on my pc.

Link to my own blog: http://worldofsarpreet.blogspot.com/

Pandy

My name is Pandy Grenville-Evans - some people will recognise me as princesskitten from various craft sites/e bay/twitter etc. I have always crafted. I started stitching and knitting as a kid - I think I was the only one who actually needlework lessons at school. I have dabbled in all sorts over the years, and started studying calligraphy about 6 years ago. My work is very modern - full of colour, texture and layers. I love patterned papers, cutting out and colouring in.

My website is www.princesskitten.co.uk and you can catch my blog at http://princesskitten-calligraphy.blogspot.com/

Nikki

My name is Nikki Smith and I live with my wonderful son Kris and our two very mad springy dogs Dylan and Daisy.I am a freelance crafting designer who you will often find at Do Crafts demos all around Scotland.I love all things papercrafty but my favourite of all has to be stamping.Showing people how to get the best from all of their crafty stash is the best job in the world.I am really looking for forward to being a guest designer for the Daisy and Dandelion blog.

I am creating a new blog at the moment www.what-nikki-did-next.blogspot.com
why not come on over and see what I am doing next!

FREE Pumpkin & Aubergine Halloween Download

Visit the 'docrafts' website HERE to download your FREE Pumpkin & Aubergine Halloween Download!
(please note this is Free to all 'docrafts' members only, if you are not already a member please join the site to take advantage of this amazing Free Download)

Check out these stunning projects by 'docrafts' Katy Godbeer for a little inspiration....

Happy Halloween Greetings Card

by Katy Godbeer

For Step by Steps to this card please click HERE!

Halloween Wishes Greetings Card

by Katy Godbeer

For Step by Steps to this card please click HERE!

Remember Pumpkin & Aubergine Trick or Treat Collection is now available to purchase with Clear Stamps, Coloured Stickers, Die-Cut Characters, Notelets and an A4 Paper Pack click HERE for further details...

Introducing the Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team 2009/2010

After a few months of searching we have finally chosen 5 lucky crafter's to join the Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team 2009/2010. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition and a special thank you to all the finalists. It was an extremely tough challenge to select the lucky few the standard was extremely high and many exceled beyound their original entries...

The 5 Creative Design Team Members all come from a variety of backgrounds and from all around the world (the UK, Turkey and Australia)! Each Creative Design Team Member will be responsible for bringing you a variety of crafting projects using Daisy & Dandelion products over the next 6 months.

We have also selected 3 Guest Designers who will be announced over the forthcoming week or so to be bring you additional inspiration using Daisy & Dandelion...

Please welcome below the 5 D&D Creative Design Team Members....

Indroducing D&D Creative Design Team Member 1

Debbie Gill

Hi I am Debbie Gill, I have been crafting for about three years. I work in my local Papermill Shop where I often teach classes in various papercrafting techniques. I particularly enjoy rubber stamping and creating pretty items to give as gifts. I'm very fond of animals and have two mad cats of my own so Pumpkin and Aubergine are my favourite characters!

You'll find my own blog at http://crafty-mushroom.blogspot.com/

New Home - Greetings Card

Finalist Challenge by Debbie

How to make:

Cut a piece of "house"coloured cardstock to 10 1/2" x 5 1/2" (I used a speckly grey card). Score along long edge at 1 1/4", 2 1/2", 4 1/4", 6", and 8 1/4". Fold along score lines using a mountain/valley up and down fold to create the card base. Cover the front of the second mountain fold with a piece of chequerboard paper from the Trick or Treat paper pack. Ink the edges with a black ink pad. Stamp Pumpkin from the clear stamp set onto white cardstock, using black Stazon. Watercolour the image using brush marker pens and a little bit of water. Cut out the image leaving a small border. Attach to the chequerboard background using foam pads. Punch two scalloped ovals from green cardstock and ink the edges to make bushes. Cut two pot shapes from terracotta-coloured card and stick to either side of front panel. Print, write or stamp New Home wording onto white card, ink the edges and mat and layer onto red and black card. Stick to front panel between the bushes. Cut a piece of red cardstock to 5 1/2" x 9 1/2". Cut another four smaller panels measuring 3/4" x 1 1/2", ink the edges and adhere to larger panel to make a door. Push a gold brad through to create a handle. Matt the door onto black cardstock and use peel off numbers down the middle of the door. Stick the door to the back panel of the card base, ensuring the card will fit into a C6-sized envelope when folded flat.
Punch flowers from red, orange and yellow card, using a mini flower punch. Stick peel-off dots in the middle of the flowers and arrange flowers along the top of the back panel either side of the door. The card is now finished!

Introducing D&D Creative Design Team Member 2

Allison Yates

My name is Allison I have two passions in life, my dogs and my crafting. I love everything to do with card making, scrapping, making mini books etc and love to try different things and have also met many wonderful people through this hobby (more an obsession than a hobby!) I am currently on two other design teams and all my spare time is taking up with crafting- which is wonderful- and even when I should be paying attention to other things I often find my thoughts drifting off to ideas of projects that I can't wait to start on - just a regular craftaholic!

My Blog is http://allisonscraftymoments.blogspot.com/

' New Home' - Greetings Cards

Finalist Challenge by Allison

How to make:

Cut out house shape from white card-3 off (or use template for house). Cover the 3 houses with Daisy and Dandelion paper. Print off and cut out and layer decoupage image from the Free Daisy & Dandelion Download. Using a house template, position of the front house and draw round the oval and cut this out using a craft knife. Position the image on the second house so when the first house is placed over it it looks like the image is actually on the first house and adhere with glue. Doodle round the houses where desired and ink the edges and add flowers and stickers. Create a sentiment on computer (I used 'Hope you both be happy in your new home') and punch this out and attach to third house. Bind with the bind it all and attach ribbon- or if you don’t have a bind it use a cropodile or eyelet setter to create holes and use book rings to join it together or just ribbon and fibres.

Indroducing D&D Creative Design Team Member 3

Ros Madley

Hi, my name is Ros and I'm addicted to paper crafts. I've been crafting for 2 years now and am constantly thinking about papers, ribbons, bling, tools, machines, embossing, ink, distressing, stamps...... :) My gorgeous husband and I have 3 children between us, our cat Eevee and 2 naughty beagles, Bella and Rusty. I discovered paper crafts about 2 year ago when I went along to a scrapbook crop at a friends. I was instantly hooked and it wasn't long after that I tried my hand at card making. I love the personal touch that a handmade card can give to a gift. I also teach scrapbooking at my local scrapbook store. Not too long ago I fell in love with stamping and colouring. I'm lucky enough to have my own little craft room and If I'm not online scouring gorgeous blogs, that's where you'll find me. I fell in love with Daisy and Dandelion and all their little friends the moment I saw them and can't wait to show them off on some of my handmade goodies.

It's a Girl - Greetings Card

Finalist Challenge by Ros

How to make:

Download the free Daisy and Dandelion Decoupage papers from do crafts (http://www.docrafts.co.uk/asp/articles/Default.asp?page=272)
· Cut out the oval Daisy and Dandelion.
· Use a small paintbrush to apply Stickles/Kindy Glitz to the grey stripes in the background.
· Cut out all pieces of Daisy and Dandelion.
· Lightly go around the edges of your cut pieces with brown ink. This helps hide any small white pieces of card that you may have missed cutting.
· Layer all pieces with 3D Sticky Dots or foam tape.
· Sit aside to dry.

Score a 6”x12” piece of white cardstock down the middle and fold to make your card.

Trim your patterned paper to 5 ¾” x 5 ¾” and apply distress ink to the edges.
· Draw stitches around the edge of your paper with a white gel pen.
· Loop a piece of ribbon from the top of the paper to the middle.

Cut a matching piece of paper 5 ½” x 4” and punch a decorative border along the bottom edge and ink the edges with distress ink.
· Draw stitches around the straight edges with a white gel pen.
· Tape 2 pieces of ribbon across the middle of this piece.
· Matt this on pink cardstock and then tape these pieces to the middle of your paper.

Use a border punch along a 2” piece of pink card and trim to make 2 photo corners.
· Cut a 4” x 1cm piece of pink card.
· Emboss both the photo corners and the 4” strip.

Use brads to pin the Daisy and Dandelion piece to middle of your patterned paper.
· Stick the photo corners to the top corners of your paper and the embossed strip along the bottom.
· Add a sentiment across the bottom of your embossed strip.
· Make a bow and glue this to the top of the Daisy and Dandelion oval.

Matt your paper on a 6” x6” piece of pink card and stick this to the front of your white card.
· Use matching papers and shapes to decorate the inside of your card.
· To finish off the card, dot on some Stickles/Kindy Glitz.

Introducing D&D Creative Design Team Member 4

Tammy Erten

I have always been very crafty, when I was younger I did a lot of cross stitching and knitting. My interests now lie in Jewellery and card making. I have been making jewellery for about 3 years now, and have purchased beads from all around the globe. I was also lucky enough to have a 3 page article written about me in Bead last year. I sell my jewellery in my husbands shop, and uncles factory shop.I have made making cards for about 18 months now. I just fancied to have a go one day! I have recently started to stamp and colour images too. I used chalks for a brief time, but decided I change to watercolour pencils. I do hope one day to have ago with prismacolours or copics. I love magnolia stamps. I also have some daisy dandelion stamps too, which I use often, and I love the picnic patch papers, the colours are very cute. I sell my cards in 2 local card shops. I have much to learn with cards, there always seems to be something new to try out and learn.I hope to start making teddy bears soon, and I have recently had a go at scrapbooking too, when time allows. I really do love crafting, and learning new tricks.

My blog can be found out www.butterflybeadwear.blogspot.com

12x12" Scrapbook Page

Finalist Challenge by Tammy

How to make:

I collected all the papers I thought I may need for this project, and experimented with colours and arrangements. Once this was completed I cut the photos to size and backed with the crimson pink paper.

I backed the photos and papers with the appropriate backing materials (in this case glue or double sided cello tape)

I then typed the words 'A New Beginning With You' on my Quickutz Silhouette programme and cut these out. I arranged these onto the paper.

I then thought about the embellishments I would like, I decided to stamp a teddy and I made my own decoupage with this. I embossed the teddy with clear embossing powder, and coloured him with watercolour pencils. I think he is a very cute feature.

I then added Prima Flowers, and some lovely buttons, and gems to the 'I's in the wording

Indroducing the D&D Creative Design Team Member 5

HELEN LAURENCE

Ellephantastic Cards & Crafts

Hi I'm Helen. I'm 29, married & I love Elephants, Rabbits & Crafting. From a young age I have been drawing, sewing & knitting. I started paper crafting, altered art & scrapbooking after my mum bought me a card making kit for Christmas about 3-4 years ago.I like to try new techniques, styles & products, because I'm always trying to make something that's different & unique.The best part of crafting for me is making people smile when they see my work.

My blog link http://ellephantasticcards.blogspot.com/

My shop link http://www.ellephantastic.co.uk/index.html

12x12" New Baby Girl - Scrapbook
Finalist Challenge by Helen

How to make:
I took a bit of a risk with this as I wasn't sure what would happen, I am very happy with the outcome. I stamped the cover with Daisy & Dandelion like I would card and then carefully used a pen to go over it to make them stand out where the ink hadn't taken as well. I slid a piece of picnic patch paper in the window to match.

I started by printing a few of each image onto card so I could decide who & what would go on each page. I played around with the layout till I was happy then I'd set about colouring my images in & sticking all the elements down using a mixture of adhesives. Some of the pages I have used the daisy chain stamps to make a frame.

I have coloured all the Characters in with Stampin' Up chalks using cotton buds to get a soft look & some shading. I have coloured the accessories with Stampin' Up brushmarkers. Once coloured I have embossed every image to give them all some shape & attached with 3d foam pads. I have used glittery stickles on many pages on the bee's wings etc to give a bit of sparkle.

All the die cuts except for on page 1 are from Susie's shop Die Cut Dreams. I have used my calligraphy pen to write all the baby information. The information giving die cuts are mounted on D&D papers to match each page. I have written on the die cuts what kind of pictures you could attach to give you an idea for each page.Information: I had a pretty good idea what information I wanted on each page, however I did borrow my new nephew's baby book for added ideas for information & pictures.

24 Weeks Pregnant...

I have added a little update on my pregnancy over on my design blog click HERE to take a look!

Exclusive QVC Daisy & Dandelion Projects

Here is a little inspiration from one of the 'docrafts' designers Rebecca James using the Daisy & Dandelion Exclusive Kit from QVC...

'With Love From Us All' Card

by Rebecca James

Step by Steps can be found HERE for this card!

Christmas Cats Concertina Card

by Rebecca James

Step by Steps can be found HERE for this card!

Ballerina Birthday Card
by Rebecca James
Step by Steps can be found HERE for this card!

Daisy & Dandelion Pyramage Card
by Rebecca James
Step by Steps can be found HERE for this card!

Party On Card
by Rebecca James
Step by Steps can be found HERE for this card!

Daisy & Dandelion EXCLUSIVE new collection!!!

Thank you to everyone who supported me yesterday as I featured on QVC, and a very huge thank you to all of you who purchased this exclusive range! It has been a long and tiring couple of days however I had a wonderful time and was well looked after by Dawn Bibby and her team at QVC.

If you missed the TSV yesterday you can now purchase the exclusive
Daisy & Dandelion All Occasions Kit
HERE from QVC!

All of the products are exclusive to QVC so you will not find these available at any high street store! The collection includes the NEW characters Pumpkin & Aubergine along with many of the original characters. With a combination of Christmas, Birthday and All Occasion themes the kit contains over 90 printed characters, messages and stickers, as well as 12 character stamps. You'll get 20 A4 die-cut decoupage sheets, two packs of message tags, six packs of foiled outline stickers, six packs of coloured stickers, two packs of embossed transfers, 24 A6 cards, 24 C6 envelopes and more.

They are however perfect to co-ordinate with all of the Daisy & Dandelion Collection so far... especially with The Winter's Tale (DND 1601900/DND 1602900) & Picnic Patch (DND 1601000) Paper Packs!

Dawn Bibby will soon have a range of projects using this wonderful kit on her NEW BLOG which you can view HERE!

I would love to see all of the projects you have made with this collection so please email me with your cards & projects at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with a chance to have your wonderful creations featured on this blog!

Daisy & Dandelion TSV - Tuesday 29th September

See Daisy & Dandelion on QVC! Presented by Dawn Bibby and featuring Erica Martyn the designer of this wonderful character range on Tuesday 29th September.

Click HERE for all the details and hope to see you there!!!

Baby Update - Scan 21 weeks & 2 days

I am now almost 22 weeks and after my scan on Monday I thought I'd share some of my pictures with you...click HERE if you would like to see them x

Brooke and her very own Daisy...

This is Brooke and her very own Daisy.... HOW CUTE!!!!

Thank you to my dear friend Nala for sending me these gorgoeus pictures of her adorable daughter and her very own Daisy x

If you haven't already got your hands on a Daisy of your own click HERE to find your nearest stockist!!!

CREATIVITY Issue 17 - Out 1st September!

Creativity Issue 17 - Out 1st September

Packed full of great products, wonderful Christmas gift idea's, projects and much much more...To find your local stockist click HERE!

This September Daisy is in need of a loving home...

Gorgeous Daisy is now available as a 15cm or 30cm Cuddly Toy, or 30cm BUILD a Daisy from your local stockist! A great gift idea for someone special or if your like me and just love cuddly toys then why not treat yourself instead!!!
Bubbles & Squeak have been getting 'all wrapped up' and are now available in a clear stamp gift set! Inclusive of 11 stamps, 4 coloured ink pads & an acrylic block, it is the perfect present or a welcome addition to your collection of Daisy & Dandelion crafting goodies...

Also now available is Daisy & Dandelion Festive Gift Wrap, so you can co-ordinate your gifts with your stunning cards this Christmas!

Get your hands on the new CREATIVITY Issue 17 and check out all of my projects on pages 65-67 using the Bubbles & Squeak 'all wrapped up' Clear Stamp Gift Set and the Daisy & Dandelion Festive Gift Wrap!

If you have any Christmas projects using the Daisy & Dandelion collection that you would like to share with everyone on this blog, please feel free to email me at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with your pictures and write up's for your chance to win some free crafting goodies!!!

Halloween Project Inspiration...

Pumpkin & Aubergine are just perfect for creating spooky cards, invitations, gifts, tags and Scrapbook Pages this Halloween... Here is a little inspiration to get you started...

Cards and Projects Handmade by Erica Martyn

Pumpkin & Aubergine - TRICK OR TREAT Halloween Collection

The new additions to the Daisy & Dandelion family have been much requested by friends and fans. Playful kittens Pumpkin & Aubergine come ready for trick or treating, but of course these magical moggies aren't just for Halloween!

Paper Pack

Die-Cut Character Dress Up Collection

Clear Stamps

Mini Cloured Stickers


Character Coloured Stickers


Character Coloured Stickers

Notelets

Click HERE for further details of the

Pumpkin & Aubergine - TRICK OR TREAT collection

Introducing Pumpkin & Aubergine...

Introducing Pumpkin & Aubergine, two naughty little Kittens and their Halloween friends, Jack the Pumpkin, Trixie the Bat and Treat the Spider...

On a dark October evening with a chill in the air and an eerie hush descending over the Secret Woodland, Daisy and Dandelion were snuggled up warm and cosy in front of a roaring log fire, unaware of the events that were about to change all their lives forever. All of a sudden there was a knock at the door…

Daisy, full of curiosity skipped playfully to the quaint lemon-yellow oak door that Squeak had so generously re-painted just in time for winter. She peeked through the window, wondering who might be visiting on this still and dark night. She could just about make out some dark shapes moving around below her homely tree house and as she tentatively tugged the door open it gave out a shocking ‘Creeeeeeek’ making her jump just a little in surprise.

Daisy shook her head quietly to herself and noted she must get Marshmallow to take a look at her door’s rusty hinges!

Daisy peered into the semi-darkness and through the night shone three creepy pairs of eyes! Daisy howled in terror

Dandelion, hearing his sisters cry rushed to her side and as he did so the creepy eyes began to take on more shape as their owners moved further into the light.

“Trick or Treat!” came a cry from the base of the tree house as two cute cats bedecked in outfits that had never been seen in the Secret Woodland before.

The two mostly black kittens were holding hands and one was holding a spooky looking pumpkin with eyes glowing bright yellow. One was dressed as a scary skeleton and the other as a wicked witch.

“ We’re so sorry to startle you!’ said the witch, “I’m Pumpkin and this is my brother Aubergine”. The skeleton gave a little way along with a thoroughly friendly grin peeking from behind his mask.

Calming down a little, Daisy composed herself and greeted the kittens in return. “Well hello! You gave me rather a fright! Why are you dressed so strangely?”

“It’s Halloween!” said Aubergine enthusiastically, “it’s the one night of the year when people and animals dress up in spooky costumes and visit their friends and neighbours for treats or to play a trick instead!”

“’We’re new to the Secret Wood and are so excited to meet all our new neighbours!” added Pumpkin

Daisy and Dandelion looked thoroughly relieved and skipped down the tree house ladder grabbing some scrummy windfalls from the fruit basket on the way.

“It’s great to meet you!” said Dandelion. “We can’t wait to show you off to all our friends” finished Daisy.

And that’s how two cute new friends, Pumpkin and Aubergine, came to live in the Secret Woodland.

Story by Katy Godbeer

Character's Created & Illustrated by Erica Martyn

Last week to apply!!!

Dear Friends and Fans of Daisy & Dandelion,

The closing date is upon us for applications to the Daisy & Dandelion Creative Design Team, entries must be in no later than Monday 31st August. So if you haven't already applied and would like the chance to create projects and cards for this blog then please email your application to me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk.

Full details can be found below (under the label Creative Design Team APPLICATION)....

The chosen applicants will be contacted personally via email and then announced on the blog towards the end of September.

Thank you to everyone who has already sent in their applications and I shall look forward to hearing from any new candidates over the forthcoming week!

Best Wishes

Erica x

Inspiration for Christmas Cards & Gifts...

If you haven't begun to make a start on your Christmas Cards yet this year, here is a little inspiration for all the friends & fans of Daisy & Dandelion to get you started...

Using a combination of products from the July 09 launch of Christmas goodies why not make co-ordinating Cards & Gifts for all your friends and family this year...

Daisy & Dandelion Products Used:
A Winter's Tale Christmas Paper Packs, Die Cut Characters & Gift Sets and Coloured Stickers.

Gift Box Templates:
Santa's Little Helpers - Die Cut Characters & Gift Set

Gift Bag Templates:
A Winter's Tale - Die Cut Characters & Gift Set

Further information on all of these projects above can be found in Issue 16 of 'docrafts' CREATIVITY on sale in stores now!

My First AWARD

I have been given my very first award from Scott Thompson for inspiring him to draw to lovely new characters for Daisy & Dandelion.

I shall pass this award on shortly however in the mean time I would like to also thank Scott for his valued support to Daisy & Dandelion!

I'm going to be a MUMMY!

I thought it was now time to share my good news with you all that I am going to be a mummy in the near year! I now in my 17th week and all is going well...

The scan photo above was taken back in early July when I was in my 11th week and since then this little baby has been doing a great deal of growing and is now over double the size!

You may well be wondering what is going to be happening with the development of Daisy & Dandelion?

As we work so far in advance here at 'docrafts' I am already working on the new collections up until Christmas 2010... and shall continue to work on future collections after my maternity leave... so fear not Daisy & Dandelion will live on even though I will be taking a few months out from the drawing board to enjoy the new addition to my family!

Creative Design Team - UPDATE

Good Morning Friends & Fans of Daisy & Dandelion, Just a little note to let you know that I have now extended the entry deadline to until the 31st August 2009, with the winners being announced at towards the end of September. We have had such a great response already and thank everyone who has entered so far... As there is now still time to enter please read below to find out all the terms & conditions and email me at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk I shall look forward to hearing from you!

Dear Friends & Fans of Daisy & Dandelion,

I am looking for 5 lucky people to join the Daisy & Dandelion - Creative Design Team. Each month the creative design team will feature a range of cards & projects on this blog to provide inspiration, tips and advice to other crafter's. Each team member should have a passion for crafting and a love for Daisy & Dandelion. All of the projects will be required to feature at least 1 product from the Daisy & Dandelion collection.
Each design team member will receive a small pack of crafting goodies to get them started as a thank you for their contributions to the Daisy & Dandelion blog. Each design team member will also have their photo, a short profile and a link to their own blog/website on the blog.

To enter by email: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with
APPLICATION - Daisy & Dandelion - Creative Design Team
Closing Date - EXTENDED to 31st August 09

1) A photo of yourself...
2) A small intro about yourself and your crafting interests...
3) Photographs of at least 3 varying projects...
4) A write up of how each project was made...

I shall look forward to hearing from you, best wishes & good luck!!!

D&D 'It's Birthday Time' Craft Challenge WINNER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth from Tip Toppers

for her Winning Entry to our last Daisy & Dandelion 'It's Birthday Time' Craft Challenge!

Click HERE to view her blog, and HERE to view her website!

Handmade Card and Gift by Ruth from Tip Toppers

How to make:

The card was made with a square card blank which I covered with spotty paper from a Funky Hand cd. I stamped all the images with Whispers chestnut ink and then used watercolour paints to colour them and then watercolour pencils to give more definition. The image on the card was layered onto some pearlescent pink card and the ribbon is from my stash. The gift box was made using the same pearlescent pink card which I randomly stamped with one of the flowers in the Bubbles & Squeak clear stamp collection. I scored the folds and then used a hole punch so I could thread more ribbon through. The gift tag has been added with some pink ribbon and is tied at the top of the box.

Daisy & Dandelion 'It's Birthday Time' Card & Gift by Ruth

CREATIVITY - Issue 16 - SNEAK PEAKS!

CREATIVITY - Issue 16 - COMING SOON!!! Out July 2009
Along with a FREE Daisy & Dandelion Clear Stamp Covermount this issue of Creativity is packed full of juicy NEW Daisy & Dandleion Products...

Don't miss out click HERE to find your local stockist!

New D&D Christmas Collection COMING SOON!

GORGEOUS NEW Coloured Stickers, Embossed Glitter Transfers, Collectors Edition Wooden Stamp, Character Clear Stamps, Die-Cut Character Gift Sets and Co-ordinating Patterned A5 & A4 Paper Packs. Prices start from ONLY 99p...

COMING SOON TO A STORE NEAR YOU!!!

MAY/JUNE CRAFT CHALLENGE!

'It's Birthday Time!!!'

Dear friends and fans of Daisy & Dandelion,
Welcome to the D&D May/June Craft Challenge!

In celebration of turning 30 just a few weeks ago i thought it was appropriate this month to create a challenge around a birthday theme! This months challenge is to get creative by producing a complementary Card and Gift with a BIRTHDAY THEME using as many D&D products as possible...

(Note: You may also use other crafting goodies so long as they compliment your project and so long as they are not predominant features!)

BE CREATIVE & THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!
CLOSING DATE: 26th June 09!

To enter simply leave a comment under this post with a link to your project, or email me with a picture at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk. The winning project will be announced the following week with a picture of their creation in return for some FREE CRAFTING GOODIES!

Good Luck to you all,
With Love Erica x

PS - Remember if you have any other projects or cards you would like to share with me then please email me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk. Any cards I feature on this blog will receive FREE CRAFTING GOODIES!!!

D&D April/May Challenge Winner!!!

Firstly thank you everyone who entered the 'Stamp It LOUD & Stamp It PROUD' D&D Challenge. From all the messages and emails I have received I gather that many of you have had great fun using the D&D stamps and with so many entries there can only be 1 winner....

D&D Challenge Winner - April/May 09 Stamp Challenge
Card Handmade by Heike

CONGRATULATIONS HEIKE!!!
To visit Heike's Blog please click HERE!

(Heike please email me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk to receive your free crafting goodies)

Many Thanks once again to everyone who entered, the next Challenge will appear in the next few days so watch this space!!!
With Love and Happy Crafting
Erica x

Erica Martyn's BIG 30th Birthday...

Just a little note to let you know that as I am turning 30 this Saturday (9th May) I am very lucky to be going on a holiday of a lifetime to Angitua! As I shall be away untill the 25th May I just wanted to let you know that I haven't deserted my blog and I will be back with some very exciting sneak previews in a few weeks time! For the time being don't panic if your comments do not appear on the blog straight away...if in doubt with any competion entries feel free to email me at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk

Otherwise for now all my love and I shall look forward to hearing from you all very soon,

Happy Crafting

with love Erica xx

Daisy & Dandelion Exclusive Demo

Glitter Pot

Demo of Exclusive Birthday Stamp Collection

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May - 10am-4pm

with Clare Curd

Check out their website for details: www.theglitterpot.co.uk

D&D 'Down In The Woods' Masculine Collection...

May 2009 welcomes some new additions to the Daisy & Dandelion range. The cute and cuddly characters have been captured partaking in some of their favourite hobbies.

Dandelion enjoys a spot of fishing, Marshmallow gets stuck into a bit of DIY, Squeak spruces up his home with a lick of paint and Onion is voted Man of the Match for his local football team! The designs are perfect for those tricky Masculine cards.

These adorable designs each grace fabulous Decoupage kits complete with coordinating background papers. Each kit allows you to create at least 8 gorgeous cards and includes 2 project sheets.
Also available are clear stamps featuring the four busy characters including messages and accent stamps to create gorgeous stamped cards. 4 Embossed transfer designs are also available each with a luxurious raised finish in an easy to apply transfer. Suitable for smooth surfaces these transfers are water, heat and steam resistant, so are even perfect for ceramics.

Completing the line-up is a die-cut message tag set, perfect for adding that finishing touch to any project.

Daisy & Dandelion ‘Down in the Woods’ Decoupage and Paper Packs (4 designs) RRP £2.99

Daisy & Dandelion ‘Down in the Woods’ Embossed Transfers (4 designs) RRP £1.49

Daisy & Dandelion ‘Down in the Woods’ Clear Stamps (4 designs) RRP £2.99

Daisy & Dandelion ‘Down in the Woods’ Message Tags RRP 50p

In Stores MAY 2009!!!
To find your local stockist click HERE!

D&D APRIL/MAY CRAFT CHALLENGE!

'STAMP IT LOUD & STAMP IT PROUD'

Dear friends and fans of Daisy & Dandelion,
welcome to the D&D April/May Craft Challenge!

This months challenge is to get creative with D&D Stamps!!! You can use any of the stamps from the D&D collections so far, along with any stamping technique you choose!
(Note: You may also use other crafting goodies so long as they compliment your project and so long as they are not predominant features!)

BE CREATIVE!

CLOSING DATE: 23rd May 09!

To enter simply leave a comment under this post with a link to your project, or email me with a picture at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk.

The winning project will be annonced the following week with a picture of their creation in return for some FREE CRAFTING GOODIES!

Good Luck to you all,

With Love Erica x

D&D EXCLUSIVE COMING SOON!

Exclusive Set of Daisy & Dandelion BIRTHDAY Stamps

COMING SOON!!!

Only available at www.theglitterpot.co.uk

Sneak Peak 'Onion plays FOOTIE!'

SNEAK PEAK 'Onion plays FOOTIE' Part of the 'Down in the Woods' Masculine Collection OUT MAY 2009...
Watch this space for more sneak peaks and product details!!!

FREE D&D DESKTOP

As a little thank you to anyone who has either added the D&D banner to their blog, suggested new characters or entered the first ever D&D Challenge I am giving away a
FREE D&D DESKTOP!!!

To claim your free prize just email me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with one of the following in the title bar...
FREE D&D DESKTOP / D&D BANNER
FREE D&D DESKTOP / D&D CHARACTERS
FREE D&D DESKTOP / SKETCH CHALLENGE

If you have a blog please add a link to your email so that I can come and take a look at your lovely creations...
Many Thanks for all your support xx

Sneak Peak 'Marshmallow does DIY'

SNEAK PEAK 'Marshmallow does DIY!' Part of the 'Down in the Woods' Masculine Collection OUT MAY 2009...
Watch this space for more sneak peaks and product details!!!

D&D March/April Challenge Winner!!!

Firstly thank you everyone who entered the first ever D&D Challenge, we had a great response and had so many lovely projects it was very tough trying to pick only one winner, however the dead has been done and here is the winning entry below...

D&D Challenge Winner - March/April 09 Sketch Challenge

Card Handmade by Lynn Harris

CONGRATULATIONS LYNN!!!

To visit Lynn's Blog please click HERE!

The Dandelion image was stamped using a memento ink pad rich cocoa, then painted using twinkling h20's! It was then cut out using oval nestability, and mounted onto a scallop oval using dark brown core'dinations card stock. The background layout uses two papers from 'Papermania's The Big One' from Clare Curd's Signature Range with a pink ribbon around the middle and tied with a small heart charm to the bow. The finishing touch, 3 pink iced gems from craftwork card and a 'With Love' sentiment tag.

As a thank you to everyone that entered please email me directly at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk to claim your

FREE Daisy & Dandelion EXCLUSIVE DESKTOP image!!!

(Just add in the subject bar FREE D&D Desktop/March-April Sketch Challenge 09)

Many Thanks, the next Challenge will appear in the next few days so watch this space!!!

With Love and Happy Crafting

Erica x

Sneak Peak 'Squeak goes DECORATING!'

SNEAK PEAK 'Squeak goes DECORATING!' Part of the 'Down in the Woods' Masculine Collection OUT MAY 2009...
Watch this space for more sneak peaks next week!!!

SKETCH CHALLENGE CLOSE DATE - Sat 18th April

Just a little reminder that our first sketch challenge comes to a close on Saturday 18th April!!! Thank you to everyone who has entered so far and for all of your wonderful creations... I shall announce the winner by Thursday 23rd April just before the next challenge is set!!! Many Thanks With Love Erica x

Sneak Peak 'Dandelion goes FISHING!'

SNEAK PEAK ' Dandelion goes FISHING'

Part of the 'Down in the Woods' Masculine Collection

COMING SOON...

Happy Easter...

Card Illustrated and designed by Erica Martyn

Wishing you a Happy Easter...
With Love Erica & Marshmallow xx

Sneak Peak...

Collection includes Clear Stamps, Decoupage, Embossed Transfer Stickers and Die-Cut Message Tags...

Watch this space over the forthcoming weeks for more exciting previews of the 'Down in the Woods' Masculine Collection!

D&D Craft Challenge....

Dear friends and fans of Daisy & Dandelion,
This is the launch of the D&D Craft Challenge...the rules are simple:

1) I will provide a TITLE, SKETCH LAYOUT or IDEA...

2) You get crafting with as many D&D products as possible...
(Note: Other products may be used, although should not be predominant features)

3) You either leave a comment under the challenge with
a link to your project (ensure there are contact details for you)
or you can email me directly at
ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with a picture by the closing date.

4) I will then find the winning project, notify the winner and post it

on the D&D blog in return for some free D&D goodies...

MARCH / APRIL CARD MAKING CHALLENGE

The first D&D Craft Challenge is to make a beautiful D&D Card using the layout above as the basic design!
You can interpret this layout however you wish using your imagination above and beyond just what you see!

Closing Date: 18th APRIL 09 (Terms and Conditions Above)

Interview with Craft Journal

Check out my interview with Craft Journal by Emma Collins HERE!

NEW CHARACTER INSPIRATION by Scott Thompson Age 13

I have some very exciting news today and a sneak preview of some new characters which I shall look to launch next year within the Daisy & Dandelion Collection!!!

The inspiration came from a drawing I was sent by Tracey Thompson by her eldest Son Scott of two mice called Rosehip & Blackberry...

Rosehip & Blackberry by Scott Thompson - Age 13

Scott is a computer wiz and gets brilliant grades in school. At home you can find him card making, scrapbooking, drawing and most things that are to do with arts and crafts. He is a great animal lover and he enjoys drawing animals. Oh and lets not forget he loves playing on his Nintendo DS.

With this amazing inspiration I have begun the initial stages of bringing these two little mice to life and below you can see the initial stages of my drawing of Rosehip & Blackberry...
Rosehip & Blackberry by Erica Martyn

Watch this space as the characters develop...
Many Thanks and to Tracey and her Son Scott for their wonderful inspiration and support
Visit Tracey's Blog HERE!

A little project inspiration...

Handmade with love by Erica Martyn

Using a combination of Daisy & Dandelion Free Coloured Stickers (from Creativity issue 14), Decoupage & Paper Packs, 3 Packs of Coloured Stickers, Picnic Patch A5 Papers

For a step by step guide to these projects check out the latest CREATIVITY magazine HERE!

If you have not got your hands on these gorgeous new products yet then visit the 'do crafts' site to find your local stockist HERE!!!

Daisy & Dandelion - IN STORES NOW!!!

Daisy & Dandelion - IN STORES NOW!!!
To find your local stockist click HERE!!!

FREE Daisy & Dandelion Stickers with Creativity Issue 14

FREE Exclusive Daisy & Dandelion Sticker (double pack) with CREATIVITY Issue 14...IN STORES NOW
To find your local stockist check the 'do crafts' website HERE!

Card by Nikki Bowan

Card by Nikki Bowman

Another gorgeous card to share with you all made using the

FREE D&D Downloads currently available on the 'do crafts' site!

Check out Nikki's Blog HERE!

D&D Product Sneak Peak

In stores from MARCH 09!!!
To find your local stockist click HERE!!!

Card by Tina Richardson

Handmade Card by Tina Richardson

Just thought I would share this gorgeous card by Tina Richardson that was made using the FREE Daisy & Dandleion DOWNLOADS that are now avaialable on the 'do crafts' site.

Check out Tina's projects HERE!

FREE Daisy and Dandelion download NOW available!!!

Just a little note to let you all know that I have especially designed a Daisy & Dandelion exclusive decoupage set and 2 special papers for the 'docrafts' site which is now available for you to DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE!

I would love to see any cards or projects you make using these so please feel free to email them to me at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk

and they may even appear on this blog in return for some free goodies!!!

Lots of Love Erica x

Do YOU have the inspiration for the next set of Daisy & Dandelion Characters?

As a creative designer & illustrator I am always looking for new inspiration for a variety of designs and projects...with Daisy & Dandelion my characters have developed from a variety of real life animals using their personality and attributes to name them. All of the characters in this collection come in pairs and have individual names to complement one another.

Do YOU have the inspiration for the next set of Daisy & Dandelion Characters?

If so I would love to hear from you, please email me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with your idea's, suggestions and photo's. In return any idea's that are then re-created into character form will receive some free D&D goodies!!!

I look forward to hearing from you all...
With Love Erica x

SNEAK PEAK Pickles & Onion

MEET Pickles & Onion

Pickles and Onion are fluffy grey and pink elephants with over sized ears.

Pickle’s is the oldest of the group; she is a very wise elephant and is always looking out for the others, keeping them in check when required. She has a love for cooking and always makes such a mess. However, Pickles also loves cleaning so things always get tidied up in no time.

Onion is the baby of the group, very cute and sweet in nature. He has not quite grasped control of his legs, trunk or ears and they often get in his way when doing the simplest of things. One of Onion’s favorite games is ‘hide and seek’. Although, he usually forgets to tell anyone he wants to play and stays hidden until someone stumbled across him!

Who says an elephant never forgets?

SNEAK PEAK Candyfloss & Marshmallow

MEET Candyfloss & Marshmallow

Candyfloss and Marshmallow are floppy eared cuddly bunnies. They both have brown fur, very large feet and a big fluffy white tail. Candyfloss and Marshmallow are cousins; both of a similar age and although very different in personality they have always been the greatest of friends.

Candyfloss is a very girly bunny with light pink fur on the insides of her ears and tummy. She loves everything pretty and pink and is very fond of dressing up. Candyfloss is very spontaneous and never worries about a thing so long as she is having fun! One of her best friends is Daisy and they love to be mischievous together in the secret woodlands.

Marshmallow however is a complete tom-boy with a soft white tummy and scruffy white patches sewn in amongst her beautiful brown fur. She’s not at all like her cousin, and prefers to be out exploring with Dandelion and Squeak, making tree houses, going fishing and doing a bit of DIY! Marshmallow is very kind in nature and always willing to help out others at the drop of a hat!!!

SNEAK PEAK Bubbles & Squeak

Another little sneak peak featuring a couple of projects I have made for the next issue of Creativity with Bubbles & Squeak!!!

MEET Bubbles & Squeak

Bubbles and Squeak are two light brown friendly teddy bears who can both be found in the secret woodlands when Daisy and Dandelion venture out to play.

Bubbles is the younger sister of Squeak with small brown polka dots on the heart on her tummy and pads on her feet. Although a little on the quite side, Bubbles has a love of dancing and can often be found dressed up in her ballet costumes dancing around the garden.

Her older brother Squeak is a very easy going bear who loves to be sociable. He has a lovely brown gingham heart on his tummy and paw like pads on the soles of his feet. Squeak loves the great outdoors and is very fond of painting especially when decorating his tree house or creating a masterpiece for one of his friends.

SNEAK PEAK Daisy and Dandelion

As a special treat here is a sneak peak of the Covermount and Projects which I have made using Daisy and Dandleion for the next issue of Creativity due out in March!

MEET Daisy & Dandelion

Daisy is ginger and brown in colour with dark brown scruffy patches and a small purple daisy on her right ear. She is often found sat on the window ledge watching the world go by. Although a little shy, Daisy often gets into trouble and loves to play hide and seek with her brother Dandelion. She is a little bit naive and a little too adventurous at times but her kind nature and love for flowers makes her utterly adorable.

Dandelion is Daisy’s twin brother, slightly darker in colour with dark brown ears and paws, with scruffy patches to match his sister. His left ear stands tall listening to all the interesting sounds around the house and garden. Dandelion is a very confident and playful little dog; wise beyond his years and a tendency to be a little bit bossy at times. Dandelion has a love for nature and enjoys chasing butterflies most of all!

Next week MEET Bubbles & Squeak!!!