The Craft Garden

January Challenge

2012-01-31T23:59:00.000Z

Happy new year everybody.

Welcome to our first challenge of 2012.

The birth flower of January is the carnation. Carnations are generally monochrome so that is your challenge.

MONOCHROME = shades of the same colour.

I made four sets of three monochrome book print flowers for this month's prize so the randomly drawn winner at the end of the month will receive all 12 flowers pictured.

To enter your monochrome project into the randomly selected draw for this month please upload a link to a photo of it using the inlinkz button at the bottom of this post. Entries are open until 23:59 GMT on 31st January 2012.

Here is what the amazing design team created:

Helen

I really wasnt sure what colour to use for this challenge, in the end I have gone for the gold/mustard look and I was lucky enough to have some great patterned paper which was the right colour. I inked the edges of my card and stamped the greeting in a dulled gold and used this colour to stamp some background swirls. I used Wow gold embossing glitter for the main image and finished off the stamped images with pearl gems. I dyed some plain ribbon using distress inks and pleated it holding it in place with a few stitches. I used some natural raffia to finish the card off.

Kylie

I did a 12x12 Scrapbook page with shades of Blue/Grey, using some of the MME Lost & Found I range:

Carlyann

I've used the amazing new beautiful papers and CD's from Debbees CD's!! to create a cute friend bug note book!

Cathy

I went with the cold shades of blue and some snowflakey papers

Kevin

I went with shades of Lemon

Tiffany

I pulled scraps of green pattern paper and ribbons to go with the green blanket in the photo. Great way to use up all those scraps I've been hoarding!!

Melly

I went with lots of pink tones for my wee 1st Birthday Box!

Perfect colours for a Birthday Princess

Sale Now On

2012-01-26T16:28:00.000Z

I'm having a sale in my ebay shop which can be found here. Lots of items are at 25% off including brooches, hair accessories, coasters, handmade flowers and primas. Most items that aren't on 25% off have the best offer button so you never know you may be able to pick up a bargain.

http://www.thecraftgarden.co.uk/

and the December winner is ...............

2012-01-03T09:59:00.000Z

Georgiana with this gorgeous card

Isn't it adorable. Congratulations.

Your prize is a guest design spot for the month of your choice. If you can email me at craftgardenshop@gmail.com and I'll let you know a few details of each one to help you make up your mind.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T14:22:00.000Z

Wishing everybody a safe Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012 from all the team.

Busted and Some Big Changes

2011-12-11T18:52:00.000Z

I completely forgot to do the prizes for October and November. I'm so sorry. A big change too but more of that after the winners announcement

There was only one entry for October which was the scarf pattern so Kate please can you email me at craftgardenshop@gmail.com and I will send you the pdf of the pattern.

We had a massive number of entries to the November challenge. The criteria was Christmas with no red or green and the prize was to win some digital images. The winner chosen at random was number 52 Nana Donna with her adorable sledding polar bear. Please can you email me at craftgardenshop@gmail.com and I will forward your details to the company providing the generous prize.

Right now onto the big change. I have taken the big decision to move the business back over the eBay. It is mainly for the coverage eBay brings. My little shop just wasn't getting any custom on its own. I sponsored UKScrappers this year but I'm finding myself branching out more and more into handmade things other than craft flowers so it won't really be a viable option financially to do that again next year. Don't worry I'm still selling my crocheted and fabric flowers aswell as my other stock. As I own the domain name for www.thecraftgarden.co.uk I've now pointed it to my ebay shop and cancelled my create shop. If anybody has any suggestions for any craft flowers they would like me to make in the new year then I'm open to ideas on colour/shape etc.

December Recipe

2011-12-01T00:01:00.005Z

Welcome to the December challenge.

This month, being the month of those yummy Christmas recipes, we are having a recipe challenge and the prize is a guest design spot on this blog for the month of your choice.

It works like this - each design team member has chosen an ingredient in the recipe and you have to use 4 of those items in your creation.

Your choices are:

Kerry - turquoise (for one of December's birthstones)
Carly - Snowflakes
Melly - Kraft
Tiffany- Office Supply

Kevin - Ribbon
Jay - Buttons
Cathy - charm
Helen - Purple

Kylie - Paint

Here is what the fabulous design team have created:

Carlyann

I chose Snowflakes, Turquoise, Office supply (paper clip) & Ribbon

Helen
I have made a chipboard tag and used the following ingredients: Turquoise, purple, ribbons and a button. I used distress inks to achieve the background effect and then stamped my border and dandelions again with distress inks. Added some pealr bling, ribbons and a button to finish off.

Kylie

I have done a 12x12 Christmas scrapbook page using Kraft as my base, turquoise, purple and paint:

Cathy
I used charms, snowflakes, Kraft and ribbon

Kevin
I have used, Turquoise, Snowflakes. Ribbon and a Button

Jay

I have created a 12" x 12" Scrapbooking Layout & used Kraft Cardstock, Turquoise Ribbon, Buttons & Paint

Kerry:

I used turquoise, ribbon, button and office supply (staple)

Melly

I used kraft, purple, ribbon and snowflakes

Tiffany

I used turquoise and Kraft cardstock, purple buttons, purple ribbon and a few tickets from a roll of raffle tickets as my office supply item!

November Challenge

2011-11-30T23:59:00.000Z

Welcome to the November challenge.

This month we are very lucky to be sponsored by Crafty Sentiments Designs who have provided the design team with some images to use. One lucky winner (drawn at random) will win some images of their choice from their shop.

Here is a little bit about Crafty sentiments designs:

We are a small online based company selling both digital, clear and exclusive rubber stamps along with our own range of diecuts called 'Crafty Cutters', to cardmarkers and scrapbookers, started in October 2009 by me (Suzette), we offer a wide range of exclusive images as well as some lovely sentiments with some essential crafting products.

Now onto the challenge. Your challenge this month is quite simply CHRISTMAS but with a twist. I don't want to see any red or green. Any entries which include red or green in any way will not be eligible to win the prize.

Here is what my amazing team created with the images provided by our sponsor:

Kevin

Cathy

Helen
I am busy making gift bags and boxes at the moment and thought these snowmen would make delightful decorations. I have coloured my images using copics and the raised snow was made using matt accent and glamour dust.

Melly

Tiffany

Kylie

I'm not much of a carmaker, but i tried my hand at some paper-piecing with one of the provided images, and dressed it up with some bling and ribbon:

Carlyann

Craft Fair

2011-11-19T16:28:00.000Z

Tomorrow I am taking the shop and lots lots more besides to a craft fair

Free parking, free entry, lots of stalls and the main man by the name of Santa will be in his grotto. If you are around come and say hello. My stall is in the tea and coffee hall.

It is a few moments from Junction 32 of the M62 near Xscape and the Junction 32 Shopping Village.

Scarf Knitting Pattern Giveaway

2011-10-20T14:48:00.001+01:00

My very first proper knitting pattern is now available for purchase. I have listed it on Ravelry for £1.99 which is approximately $3.

It is called Forest Ruffle because I decided on the design whilst we were on holiday in the forest and couldn't think of anything else.

Anyway here is a piccie of the finished object and you can find the pattern here

As we haven't had a prize this month with it being the design team call month I am having a little bit of a giveaway for knitters who read the blog. Leave a comment and I'll pick a winner or winners to receive an electronic copy (pdf) of the pattern.

If you would like to purchase a copy of the pattern then the buy now button will take you to the purchase page - Paypal do the clever currency conversion part of the purchase for free where ever you are in the world.

New Design Team

2011-10-18T20:21:00.000+01:00

I am very happy to announce that our new design team members are

Kylie

Cathy

and Jay

I'm really happy to welcome these ladies on board and look forward to working with them.

A huge thank you to everybody who applied by the link and also by email. It was a hard task.

September Winner

2011-10-18T11:05:00.000+01:00

First of all I am so sorry that I haven't picked a winner before. It totally slipped my mind and I do apologise to all of you who entered.

The winner of the flowers is entry number 10 which is MARY-LOU

Please can you email me at craftgardenshop@gmail.com and I will get your flowers posted out to you.

Thank You

2011-10-17T08:18:00.001+01:00

Thank you for all your lovely design team entries both by link and email.

I have a tough task over the next day or two choosing. The announcement should be before the end of the week.

Also a huge apology. I completely forgot to choose a September winner so I will do that today and let you all know.

Kerry x

Design Team Call Changes

2011-10-12T10:39:00.000+01:00

I'm guessing that the picture inspiration and the fact that I preferred you only to use it for the dt call was putting some people off since we have only had one entrant and the deadline date is drawing near.

As the deadline is only this sunday I have decided to just change it to a standard email me your details type of design team call. If you have been waiting and have used the picture I put up as inspiration over in the original post then please link it up over there. I would love to see it.

The deadline is 16th October and if you are interested please email me (craftgardenshop@gmail.com) by then with no more than 5 examples of your work and a link to your blog or online gallery (or both) plus any other information you would like to share.

All details of what is required of you can be found here

Design Team Call

2011-10-01T08:41:00.003+01:00

**Important***

I have changed the design team call as follows:

I'm guessing that the picture inspiration and the fact that I preferred you only to use it for the dt call was putting some people off since we have only had one entrant and the deadline date is drawing near.

As the deadline is only this sunday I have decided to just change it to a standard email me your details type of design team call. If you have been waiting and have used the picture I put up as inspiration over in the original post then please link it up over there. I would love to see it.

The deadline is 16th October and if you are interested please email me (craftgardenshop@gmail.com) by then with no more than 5 examples of your work and a link to your blog or online gallery (or both) plus any other information you would like to share.

Our current Design Team term is now at an end and I am really happy that some of the team are staying.

I am looking to add some more gardeners (designers) for the challenge team so October is Design Team call month.

This is how it will work:

First of all use the picture for inspiration to produce something which will

SHOW ME YOUR STYLE

The autumnal picture is this from the fabulous artist Carl Larsson

Source is highlighted if you love it as much as I do and would like more info on how to purchase a full sized print.

Take from it whatever inspires you - the tree, the lady, the buildings, the colours, something else or the whole thing to create something which SHOWS ME YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE

Second - upload your creation to your blog or other online gallery and add that link to the inlinkz tool below like you would if you were submitting to a normal monthly challenge.

Entries will be open from 00:01GMT 1st October 2011 to 23:59GMT 16th October 2011.

Entries are limited to one per person and I would ask as a matter of courtesy your creation made for the dt call not be entered in any other challenge this month.

I will make my decision during the week beginning 17th October and the new team members will be announced in time for the November challenge.

If you would like to email me with more info about other galleries etc where I can see more of your work or if you wish to tell me more about yourself then that is welcome but you MUST link your creation with the inlinkz tool below even if you are emailing me aswell. The email address is craftgardenshop@gmail.com

What I ask from you

The term is from November to April (inclusive). You are required to create at least one inspirational project from the challenge I set and upload it to the blog in time for it going live on 1st of the month. There is no payment but some months will be sponsored so there may be some images/products available for you to use. Other months you will be required to use your own products to produce your inspiration. You will be given plenty of notice of the requirements for each challenge and all I ask is that you have created something to upload by the time the challenge goes live.

International applicants are very welcome. I welcome applications from any craft (knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, cardmaking, scrapbooks, altered art, fimo, etc etc etc).

I gave the design team members the choice of either having a month off, using the inspiration to show us their personal style or showing their style without the picture and here is what they created:

Carlyann

I took inspiration from the lovely picture, by incorporating a vintagey flowery theme with my card, i also wanted to use the greens from the picture but also incoporating my pinks and my sassy image to give my card my ''style'' so to speak!

Helen

When I saw this delightful picture it made me think of a very traditional simple way of life, very different to the ones we live today. As I am currently making a wedding album I took the inspiration for the layout below from Carl Larsson's painting.

Melly
I loved the autumnal feel of this picture and also the colours in it that reminds me so much of the changing season! I used the colours to make an Autumn "feeling" card

Kerry
I went for inspiration by the colours and crocheted a corsage for autumn.

Ebay

2011-09-21T11:35:00.000+01:00

I've added some more bits to Ebay at bargain start prices of 20p upwards. These are mainly items I've been experimenting with where the glue hasn't gone quite where it should (you know that awful stringy stuff don't you?). The full list of items is here

and these are a few piccies

September Challenge

2011-09-01T07:56:00.001+01:00

Welcome to September.

This month sees the start of the autumnal equinox in this part of the world.

Your challenge is to use this picture from here as inspiration. It can be the colours, the ladies or anything else that inspires you.

Your prize this month is the following selection of flowers in colours to match the colour palette from the challenge.

I also provided the design team with some flowers from the colour palette above and let them loose
with their imagination.

Carlyann

I was thrilled to have been able to use some fantastic blooms and beautiful butterflys from The Craft Garden shop for my DT Card this month! If you've not visited the shop omg! where have you been! get over there!!! hehe!
I've gone for the colours of the picture for my card this month & throughly enjoyed making it!!

Melly

I loved these colours and knew my Prima Madeline Papers would be perfect with the gorjuss BLOOMS from the fab shop!

Helen

Well my eyes just grew when I saw the beautiful butterfly and flowers Kerry sent for this months challenge. I knew that they were going to be used on more than one project and so set about crafting straight away! The first project is a mdf book for my nephew's 21st, I used several flowers inside but also used the butterfly and this cream flower which I stamped for the back cover. Being a lad I have had to make the book simple but still decorative, this butterfly set the page off beautifully, I am sure he will find a suitable photo to add to it.

I was in the process of making this tag when Kerry's flowers arrived and they just finished it off so perfectly. I just love the overall feel of this piece and the flowers give added texture. The wings are stamped and then crackle glazed.

The above page is for a wedding album I am making as a gift. The paper is very pretty but needed a title and I decided to to it in the form of a tag. I love the stitching details on the flower and leaf embellishment.

Kevin

Kerry:

Tiffany

Again we had lots of lovely entries for the August challenge and the random number generator chose number 20

which is DonnaT with this entry

Donna please can you get in touch at craftgardenshop@gmail.com to claim your prize.

August Challenge

2011-08-31T08:28:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the August challenge - where did the rest of the year disappear to?

August is the month of the Notting hill Carnival

The challenge this month is bold, bright and loud.

I found this website with an amazing picture which sums it up

Here is what the design team created:

Helen

When I think about carnivals I think about a real eclectic mix of styles, colours & objects & with this in mind I created the frame above. I used glimmer sprays to give a really brighy & shimmery feel to the background and then I just put a collection together of my favourite bits and pieces from my stash

Kevin

Tiffany

Carlyann

I recenetly went to a very french themed carnival not far from me! so thought i'd create a card that followed this it was full of colours but the main being pink and black!

Melly

I decided as it was Summer to make the card extra bright and bold but also having what we all want on a warm day, ICE CREAM!!

Your prize this month is a RAK from my own stash of a packet of card blanks, envelopes and some ribbon. Entry is open now via the inlinkz button below until 23:59 GMT on 31st August.

Last month we had a whopping 62 entries which was amazing. There can only be one winner though and that is number 38.

number 38 was scrappy scatty jan with this adorable duck

Jan if you can email me at craftgardenshop@googlemail.com with your details and I will get your prize out to you asap.

Sponsorship For Our Next DT Term

2011-08-30T13:49:00.000+01:00

Starting in December I have some slots available for sponsorship of our challenges. If you are interested in sponsoring us and are willing to provide either a prize and/or products for the design team to work with please email craftgardenshop@gmail.com

August Guest Designer

2011-08-02T17:25:00.000+01:00

Our August guest designer is the lovely Karen from Butterfly Crafts

I love her interpretation of the BOLD BRIGHT and LOUD challenge

To enter in the challenge this month please see this post for full details.

New & Old

2011-07-11T11:15:00.000+01:00

To try and keep things fresh in the shop I have listed some stock on Ebay with a bargain 99p start to each auction.

All the Ebay listings can be found here

and here are a couple of photos of some of the things that I have listed.

I have also listed a few new Prima packages in the shop and they can be found here

Plus I have a permanent free postage offer on all UK orders of £10 or over and also you can get 10% off your order by using the code mailing during checkout.

If there is anything you would like to see in the shop then please let me know. I've just finished a custom order for a scrapbook company (more details when the kit is released) and am working on some collections of just crocheted flowers as I know people have asked for those in the past.

Also don't forget that the challenge this month is open for entries until the end of the month and there is a prize for a randomly drawn winner. Full details can be found here

July Challenge

2011-07-01T10:52:00.004+01:00

Welcome to July.

Do you want to win this selection of Prima goodies for my shop?

If so then all you need to do is read the criteria for this months challenge and submit an entry.

In July there is a census of swans.
More info can be found here about how they count them.

A couple of years ago we encountered some adolescent swans on holiday at Center Parcs. My son was fascinated by them.

Your challenge this month is quite simply to use a bird on your work however you like.

**********************************

This is what some of the talented design team came up with:

Kevin

Also has candy for anyone participating in this months challenge!!

and your winner for June is number 17 which is Kathleen Mc with this beautiful card

Kathleen please can you email me your details to craftgardenshop@googlemail.com and I will get your prize out to you.

June Guest

2011-06-30T13:44:00.000+01:00

Our June guest is Tracy Creedy who has a new website opening shortly which can be found at http://www.tdcd.co.uk/

She has just done some work for Wild Rose Studio using their stamps. Aren't they adorable and a wee bit cheeky as one of the sentiments on the stamps is 'lan may yer bum reek'.

June Challenge

2011-06-01T08:04:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the June Challenge.

The month of June sees a lot of weddings.

Your challenge this month comes from a traditional rhyme.

Something Old

Something New

Something Borrowed

Something Blue

I found some history on the rhyme and must admit to never hearing the part about the sixpence before.

This tradition comes from an Old English rhyme ("Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe"), and the four objects that the bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries with her on the big day are just good luck charms. Don't stress too much about them -- they are the little tokens of love your mother, sister, other relatives, and attendants will give you at the eleventh hour (although you can give them to yourself, too). Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity, although this remains largely a British custom.

Your challenge comes from the rhyme. I want you to use something old, something new and something blue. You can add something borrowed if you like but I thought it might be a touch tricky to include.

Here is what the talented design team did:

Carlyann

****Something old - Sizzix Swirls, Something New - Ribbons, Something Borrowed - Magnolia Stamp from my friend, Something Blue - Papers, swirls, gems & roses****

Helen

I love this theme as it lends itself to so much, I decided to make another tag. The 'old' is the lace that was cream but has not been inked blue, the 'new' is the stamp that I used to stamp into the UTEE, the 'borrowed' is the gold bobbles on wire which I borrowed from a pack of 'make your own crackers' (what will happen come Christmas I am not sure!) and the 'blue' is the overall colour of the tag.

Melly

I used my old papers from my stash, my new ribbons, borrowed the idea a wee Wedding Posy from here and stuck with a blue theme!

Kevin

I have used Old paper from my stash, a New sentiment and border punch and Blue heart decoupage

Tiffany

For SOMETHING OLD I used an old picture (back from my days in marching band, circa 1991!!), as well as a sheet of paper from a teacher's grade book. For SOMETHING NEW I have the Thickers, flower and pattern paper.

Katie

Kerry

I made a flower from some old fabric, some new blue lace and an old navy blue button. I apologise for the photographic quality as I had to use my phone. I will take another photograph when I have access to a camera.

Last month we only had two entries and I think it is incredibly cruel to pick one as the winner so I am going to be generous and send you both a small prize. Lisa Jane and Sherryn please can you email your address to craftgardenshop@googlemail.com.

As always you can enter the challenge by following the inlinkz linky thingy below. You have until midnight GMT on 30th June to enter and there will be a small prize for a randomly picked winner.

April Winner

2011-05-07T10:13:00.000+01:00

The randomly chosen winner for April (I asked my teenage son to pick a number between 1 and 11 telling him he could also choose 1 and 11 and he picked 9).

Number 9 is sarabeth with this lovely layout featuring 4 large butterflies as the criteria

Sarabeth please can you email your name and address to the email address in the sidebar ---> and I will get your little prize to you.

The May challenge is open until midnight GMT on 31st May - full details can be found here and there is also a little prize for a randomly chosen winner.

I will be doing a shop update at some point this week. In the meantime there are a few sets of flowers still available here and also there are some auctions up on ebay starting at just 99p.

May Challenge

2011-05-01T00:01:00.057+01:00

Our May challenge is a picture inspiration with a bit of history.

The following is taken from part of the report here

In medieval times, May Day was often celebrated by young men and women dancing on the village green around a specially-decorated tree called a maypole.

The branches of a slender tree were cut off, coloured ribbons tied to the top and the revellers held on to the ends of the ribbons and danced. Some villages still carry on the tradition today.

Before the dancing began there was also a procession led by a woman appointed May Queen for the day. Sometimes she was accompanied by a May King, who dressed in green to symbolise springtime and fertility.

Your challenge this month is to use this picture for your inspiration

Here is what the Design Team did:

ALSO

Tiffany

We also have a guest designer this month who I will feature in a later post.

You have until midnight GMT on 31st May to enter the challenge. Again I am donating a small RAK for a randomly drawn winner. To enter please click the inlinkz button and follow the instructions.

April Challenge

2011-04-30T23:59:00.002+01:00

Welcome to the first challenge since restarting. This post will remain at the top until the end of April. Please scroll down for shop updates.

As this is the first challenge back and because the shop will be reopening then there will be a small prize for a randomly chosen winner at the end of the month.

Your challenge is straightforward this month. April is the fourth month of the year so your challenge is FOUR however you choose to interpret it.

To submit an entry for this challenge please scroll to the bottom of this post and click the inlinkz entry button.

Here is what the design team created:

Carlyann
(4 Butterflys, 4 Swirls, 4 dew drops top and bottom)

Melly

and

Tiffany

(4 jumbo eyelets, 4 photo corners)

Katy

4 stars

Kerry

Kevin

Fore by Helen

The first thing I thought of when I heard the theme 'Four' was golf and these photos I had of my husband playing crazy golf in Cornwall. As 'Fore' was not strictly 'Four' I added four interesting facts about golf and two sets of four buttons. This is a simple 12 x 12 layout but one that lends itself to any theme. The title has been hand sewn and I stamped the edge of the layout with a dandelion image. The 12 x 12 paper is from Tim Holtz, I used this as the spots reminded me of golf balls!

also

Shop update - 19th April

2011-04-19T19:11:00.000+01:00

Just a little update today of 7 items all priced at £1.99 per set. They are in the shop in listing order and can be found here.

New Ebay Listings

2011-04-06T14:08:00.000+01:00

Just a heads up that I'm currently putting some new flowers on Ebay. These are a few of the listings. The rest can be found here

The rest of the ready stock can currently be found in the shop

Shop Update

2011-04-04T10:34:00.000+01:00

The shop is now back up and running with a few little sets of flowers.

I have put them into colour category and also seasonal so there are

Also for the month of April there is 10% discount when you use the code reopening during checkout.

I am working on more designs now and will have another shop update later in the week.

Reopening Update

2011-03-31T12:03:00.000+01:00

I am going to be having a small amount of stock in the shop at some point tomorrow.

I had hoped to have a lot more but I am still waiting for some supplies.

Tomorrow is also the launch of the new challenges and I want to leave the focus on that hence me telling you about the shop today.

So what is there going to be? - Well a bit of allsorts really. I love knitting and sewing and have discovered crochet recently and I have a massive stash of yarn and fabric so there will be some handmade flowers but they will be mixed in with manufactured ones aswell so you get a good mix. The first few lots are experimental and as such will be priced to reflect that. I am going to maybe have them themed by colour, season etc. Eventually I hope to bring you handmade accessories (ipod socks, headbands, hair clips etc etc etc). My mind is full of ideas but unfortunately time hasn't been my best friend since I decided to reopen. I will take it one step at a time though and hopefully after another few weeks I will have more for you.

Here is a sneek peek at some of the things I have been working on

A Bit Of News

2011-03-25T15:49:00.000Z

I am hoping to reopen the shop on 1st April to coincide with the first challenge on here.

The idea only came to me last week for what I am going to sell and I have been working like crazy to get some stock ready. I have come up against a few minor set backs in the form of supply as it is a while since I purchased from the wholesaler and my account had been closed but I think that is now sorted out and hopefully I will have a small selection of flowers for you on 1st April and no it isn't an April fool before anybody asks. It just seemed like an ideal date to reopen since the challenges are restarting on that date.

More details to follow soon.

Hello from Tiffany!

2011-03-20T14:00:00.000Z

Hello! Just wanted to pop by and introduce myself. I'm Tiffany, another of the new Design Team Members here! I love serving on Design Teams as it encourages me to use new products, try new challenges, make new friends and step up my work. Here's one of my latest layouts, I tend to be sort of artsy, LOVE office-inspired papers, and as my son recently commented, "I always have to make my layouts messy"...not sure if he meant this as a good thing or not!?!? So excited to get creative with you on April 1st! =) Tiffany

Hey!! I'm Carlyann!

2011-03-14T17:48:00.001Z

Hiya!!!

I'm Carlyann! also go by the name Carlz for short! I'm sooooo excited to have been chosen to be apart of The Craft Garden's Design Team! My mojo is working overtime!!! hehe!

Here's a few of my latest designs! As you can probably tell! I love colour! and all things magnolia!! haha!

I look forward to seeing you all for our very first challenge on April 1st!!!

P.s - If you have any questions about any aspect of my craft work please hop over to my blog Here! and feel free to leave me a message!! xoxo

Hi Im Katy

2011-03-12T19:45:00.002Z

Hey everyone, I'm Katy and pleased to be a design team member here on The Craft Garden challenge blog. Here is a recent layout of me and my nephew Brooklyn.
I hope to see you all joining in the fun on the 1st of April xx
Katy xx

Hello!

2011-03-10T04:16:00.004Z

Hello! My name is Helen, I also go by the name of Rumruffle and I am delighted to be part of the Design Team for The Craft Garden. The layout below is really me, a bit frilly round the edges but simple too!

If you have any questions about any of my work please feel free to email me anytime, I look forward to getting to know you all.

Design Team Revealed

2011-03-09T11:20:00.000Z

I am delighted to introduce to you my new design team.

Tiffany

Carlyann

Kevin

Helen

Katy

Melly

and myself

The first new challenge will be going live on 1st April 2011 so watch this space.

Sponsorship

2011-03-07T17:06:00.000Z

This blog is a non profit just for fun monthly challenge blog but if anybody wishes to provide sponsorship at any time it will be very welcome.

Sponsorship emails should be sent to craftgardenshop@googlemail.com

New Design Team News

2011-03-04T17:09:00.000Z

Yesterday I made my final decision (boy was it hard!). Keep tuned next week for news of the six chosen designers.

Design Team Call

2011-02-04T08:26:00.002Z

The design team call is running until the end of February. For full details please see this post.

Design Team Call

2011-01-25T12:54:00.000Z

I've had some lovely blog comments and personal messages so the answer is YES I will be starting up the challenges. It will be just for fun though.

The reason for this is:

a) I obviously don't have the shop anymore to provide a prize and

b) sorry if this sounds bad - to get prizes from retailers it comes down to begging. Whilst I had the shop I had several emails a week from challenge blogs. To be honest with you it got quite soul destroying that I couldn't afford to provide anything for these people. I really don't want to be the person doing that to other retailers.

Right onto the fun bit then.

I enjoyed having a design team for the shop and they did a fantastic job creating some gorgeous work. The archive from summer onwards will show some of their inspirational work.

That was a one off design team for the products I had at the time so I have decided to start afresh for this new adventure but obviously previous design team members are welcome to apply.

So without further ado this is what is involved if you feel like applying:

The design team will be for a six month term starting in April

The challenges will be monthly so you will only need to provide a piece of work once a month

I will try and get the whole six month schedule organised before it kicks off in April so you will know what you are doing each month

It is all just for fun and there will be no financial recompense for your work

I don't mind whether you are on any other design teams.

The challenges are aimed at any sort of craft not just cards or scrapbooks. There are lots of archived challenges if you want to take a peek at previous ones to see the sort of thing you can expect. There will be a variety of things (photo inspiration, word inspiration, colours, etc etc)

I am easygoing about it all as my previous design team will tell you.

There will be a permanent link to your blog in the sidebar of the challenge blog for the duration of your design spot

How to apply

Please send me an email to craftgardenshop@googlemail.com with the following

Your name

A link to your blog or online gallery

Please attach to your email at least three examples of your work

The design team call will be open until 28th February (midnight GMT) 2011.

New Challenges

2011-01-20T16:36:00.000Z

I am thinking of restarting the monthly challenges but just for fun. Would anybody be interested?

I am also thinking of maybe doing it properly with a new design team. I know there are tons of inspirational challenge blogs out there so I just wanted to test the water first and see what my regulars think.

If you don't want to reply publically then feel free to email me at craftgardenshop@googlemail.com

If the response is positive then I will put out a dt call.

Officially Closed

2011-01-10T13:24:00.000Z

I am now officially closed. All the stock has gone.
I would like to thank everybody who has supported me by purchasing flowers etc or taking part in the challenges over the last few years. I also need to send a massive thanks to Kirsty Wiseman who designed my professional shop logo and tweeked my website.

This blog will remain open. Not sure what I am going to do with it yet. There may be challenges in the future or a different path and you will hear about it here first.

Stock Into Single Figures

2011-01-07T18:02:00.000Z

The remaining stock in the shop - www.thecraftgarden.co.uk - is now quite literally into single figures. Three lots of raspberry tea and three lots of strawberry kisses plus a couple of full packs of white craftables. I think my original closure deadline of 31st January is going to be early.

Permanent Double Discount

2011-01-04T09:25:00.000Z

I've decided to make the double discount permanent so the discount code is now worth 50% from now until all the stock is gone. There isn't a great deal left now so grab it while you can.

The shop is here.http://www.thecraftgarden.co.uk/

Please use the discount code wonderland during checkout to gain your discount as it cannot be applied later.

Happy New Year - Double Discount Day

2011-01-01T08:00:00.000Z

Happy new year everybody.

Today is double discount day in the closing down sale. The 25% discount code has increased to 50% for today only.

The discount code is wonderland and it must be used during checkout and cannot be applied later.

Come and visit the shop there are bargains to be had.

Are You Ready For Mothers Day Crafting?

2010-12-28T13:38:00.000Z

OK so I know we are only just finishing up christmas and I hope you all had a good one but I do know that a lot of you are already thinking of starting on mothers day cards or even valentines.

Do you have a budget? Is your new years resolution to spend less on craft supplies? I know mine has been for the last few years but it never lasted beyond the January releases. Anyway my closing down sale has lots and lots of flowers at greatly discounted prices and on top of those discounted prices you can also get a 25% discount if you use the discount code wonderland during checkout. It needs to be used during checkout and can't be applied afterwards. The flowers are ideal for mothers day. The shop can be found here

Loyalty Discount Code

2010-12-15T14:17:00.001Z

As a thankyou to my loyal blog readers over the time I have been in business I have a 25% discount code for you to use in the closing down sale to say thankyou.

When it asks for any discount codes etc please use Wonderland as the code to gain your discount.

This discount code will stay in place until all the stock is gone. The shop can be found here

The Winner Of My Last Challenge

2010-12-03T10:41:00.000Z

The November winner was pjbear. Congratulations you win the £10 voucher.

The shop still has some closing down stock available.

November Challenge

2010-11-30T23:59:00.000Z

Welcome to November.

This month I have kept it very simple with just one photograph that I would like you to use as your inspiration.

The Royal British Legion have a Poppy Shop online and here in the UK paper poppies go on sale in the run up to Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day or Veteran Day. It is called different things in different places. We also have an Armed Forces Day here in the UK in June.

Your prize this month is a £10 voucher for use in my shop

*Edited to add*
The winner of the prize for October is number 25 which is Meda with this gorgeous invitation

Meda if you can email your address details to craftgardenshop@aol.com I will send your prize out to you.

Closing Down Sale Grab Bags

2010-11-26T08:43:00.000Z

Most of the remaining flowers are now in grab bags of approximately 10 smaller bags of flowers.

Grab them while you can.

All the remaining stock is available here

Closing Down :(

2010-11-20T14:50:00.001Z

Unfortunately, after much consideration, I have made the difficult decision to close The Craft Garden. I would like to thank everybody for their custom over the last few years. I have made some wonderful friends through the shop.

I am having a closing down sale and everything is reduced. Postage is £1 within the uk no matter how big your order is.

The sale can be found at www.thecraftgarden.co.uk

A Layout From Melly

2010-11-17T12:07:00.000Z

Melly has used So Cute on this stunning layout

Alicia's Cards

2010-11-16T11:54:00.001Z

Alicia has done some more fantastic cards

These use road trip

This cute new baby card uses this felt flower pack.

and this gorgeous christmas card uses this holiday celebration pack

Half Price Sweet Taffy Autumn

2010-11-15T11:54:00.000Z

This week the half price item in the shop is the gorgeous Sweet Taffy crocheted and paper flowers. The shades are perfect for autumn crafts.

The sale is ongoing in the bargain basement with silly prices.

Alicia

2010-11-05T12:17:00.000Z

I love how Alicia has altered a box using some of the christmas flowers.

Amanda

2010-11-04T12:14:00.002Z

Amanda has an amazing talent of putting things together perfectly. On this layout she has used annalee, butterflies and sweet taffy

Morag

2010-11-03T08:10:00.000Z

Morag never fails to amaze me with her talent.

These are her latest creations for the design team using Jack n Jill and some of the very popular butterflies which are quite literally fluttering away.

Melly's Cards

2010-11-02T12:10:00.000Z

Melly has created some lovely cards using Fairy Flora

She has also done one using So Cute but blogger isn't playing ball today so I will upload it another day.

I should just mention that this week the half price item in the shop is these ever popular got flowers in autumn mustard shades.

and also that I am having a massive sellout of some stock in the bargain basement section. Silly prices starting at just 8p so grab them while you can.

September Winner & October Challenge

2010-10-31T23:59:00.000Z

For the October challenge please see this post

I really am so very sorry about not drawing the September winner before. I did it but forgot to let you know.

Without further ado the winner is TerriAnn with this gorgeous layout

Terriann please can you email me at craftgardenshop@aol.com and I will get your prize out to you.

More From Amanda

2010-10-26T12:27:00.000+01:00

She used a mixture of flowers and one of the adorable butterflies which are proving very popular.

White Craftables At Half Price

2010-10-25T09:26:00.000+01:00

Every monday I reduce an item in the shop to half price for that week only or until stocks run out.

This week the item is a pack of 20 white craftable flowers. These were a new release this summer and I have put together the packs to give you a selection from the larger packs without having to buy lots of packs. That was a bit of a mouthful. They are ideal for stamping on, colouring, glimmer misting, whatever you heart desires.

2010-10-16T13:16:00.000+01:00

Alicia has created an adorable funky fairy card using Paisley Road

Halloween

2010-10-15T10:00:00.000+01:00

Amanda created this amazing layout using a mixture of items from Paisley Road, So Cute and the gorgeous little felt flowers.

More From Melly

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000+01:00

Melly has been hard at work with some gorgeous layouts.

More From Alicia

2010-10-06T12:54:00.000+01:00

Alicia has done some fantastic cards using Jack n Jill

I realise I haven't announced the winner of the September challenge yet. I have no excuse other than I forgot. I will do it in a little while and let you know.

October Challenge

2010-10-01T00:01:00.048+01:00

October is breast cancer awareness month. First of all and most importantly I would like to give you a link to this site.

My challenge to you this month is to use pink ribbon or pink lace or pink yarn. It can be a replica of the breast cancer ribbon symbol that isn't made out of actual ribbon if that fits with your craft and it can be something with just ribbon or lace or yarn on without the symbol (see examples below).

You can submit any type of craft as long as it is your own work. Submissions are until 23:59 GMT on 31st October. Submission is by inlinkz at the bottom of this post.

This is the prize for this month

I've been on a search for related crafts away from the usual cards and here are a few ideas.

Yikes - halloween. Doesn't seem too long since last halloween. Check out these pumpkins

Crocheted granny squares from here along with a lot of other ideas.

Candles

2010-09-30T23:59:00.001+01:00

For details of the September challenge please see this post

More From Morag

2010-09-30T10:59:00.000+01:00

Morag has sent me some more amazing design team work. I am speechless at her talent.

Warning this is a gorgeous picture heavy post.

This first one is from the Annalee collection

Next up is an album using Fairy Flora

This layout uses those gorgeous butterflies again plus a sweet taffy flower and more Annalee

Don't forget that this months challenge ends tonight. A new one will be up tomorrow.

More From Katie

2010-09-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Today we have a gorgeous project from Katie using Fairy Flora papers and notecards

More From Alicia

2010-09-23T08:00:00.002+01:00

Today I am showing you more amazing work from Alicia.

Here we have Jack n Jill and another one of those gorgeous butterflies

Next up is Paisley Road

and now some recipe cards using the notecards - these are so versatile

The felt flowers are part of a pack available here

A bit of Fairy Flora, Annalee and more butterflies

Two More From Rebekah

2010-09-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

Today I am showing you two more stunning layouts from Rebekah

They use the notecards which come in a gorgeous storage box and on this one she has used a butterfly and the crocheted flower is from the Sweet Taffy range.

Melly's Stationery Box

2010-09-21T08:00:00.002+01:00

I was blown away when I saw this in my inbox from Melly.

She has used Paisley Road plus some of her own stash to make a stationery box.

More From The Design Team - Amanda

2010-09-20T11:35:00.000+01:00

Apologies for delays in getting more of the fantastic work my design team have produced onto the blog.

Without further ago here we go with more inspiration.

Today is Amanda

First up is a gorgeous vintage layout using Annalee

Next is this fun funky layout using Paisley Road

and last but certainly not least is this album she has made using Road Trip.

She altered the box packaging the notecards came in to make the perfect place to keep it.

As today is monday there is a new half price item. This week I have made it the very popular small white craftable flowers reduced to just 50p.

My Turn

2010-09-11T11:52:00.000+01:00

My layouts are nowhere near on the same level as my design team (that is why I have them lol). Here is what I did with some of the new papers.

The first one uses Jack n Jill plus I used some Buzz n Bloom chipboard clouds and letters.

This one is Road Trip and the leaves on the tree are from So Cute

and this one uses Fairy Flora

I've never really used 6x6 papers for scrapbooking before but I kind of like them. I much prefer minimal layouts to super busy ones so 6x6 works for me. All the 6x6 paper and flower combos are available here

Have you seen the new notecards? You get 30 journalling notecards in a super cute box which is ideal for altering. It wouldn't look out of place on a desk to keep things to hand.

Design Team - Katie

2010-09-10T09:59:00.000+01:00

Today the featured designer is Katie

Just look at how fantastic this pearl anniversary card is. She used the Annalee range

Design Team - Melly

2010-09-09T11:12:00.000+01:00

Today the featured design team member is Melly

She has made a fabulous album using Road Trip. This line really is proving to be far and away the most popular one.

This beautiful card is from Jack n Jill

These two are Annalee which is a beautiful floral line

and this one is from Fairy Flora which is a gorgeous line

Design Team - Rebekah

2010-09-08T11:55:00.001+01:00

Today the featured design team member is Rebekah and she has provided me with some fantastic work.

These are using Paisley Road

These are using Jack n Jill

So Cute

Annalee

and last but by no means least Road Trip.

Road Trip is proving to be very successful so if you have been pondering about buying it and don't want to miss out the full list of Road Trip I have in stock is here

Design Team - Alicia

2010-09-07T12:44:00.001+01:00

Today the featured design team member is Alicia

She has been busy making cards.

This one is from the Paisley Road collection

and this is with Annalee

see that Butterfly? They are available in the shop in 5 different varieties

This card is from the gorgeous So Cute collection

Design Team - Amanda

2010-09-06T12:13:00.000+01:00

Today's design team member is Amanda

These are her projects so far

This gorgeous layout uses Road Trip and so do these cards

She made a layout and some cards from Fairy Flora

This card is from Jack n Jill

I'm sure you will agree that her work is fabulous.

As it is monday there is a new half price item on the site. This week it is Strawberry Kisses reduced to just 60p

There are also lots of new items including stamps now on the site. More to be uploaded tomorrow.

Design Team Gallery

2010-09-05T13:34:00.000+01:00

I have had amazing work back from my design team so starting today I am going to show you some of the projects.

I will start with this fantastic inspirational mini book Morag Cutts made using mainly the Road Trip combo I sent her.

August Winner

2010-09-05T13:22:00.000+01:00

Apologies for not announcing the winner of the August challenge before.

The random number generator chose number 9

which is mafswife with this stunning entry

September Challenge

2010-09-01T00:01:00.003+01:00

The challenge for September is to use BUNTING.

However you choose to use it is up to you. You can enter any project you like (made during September) - scrapbook layouts, cards, knitting, sewing, altered art - anything you like.

The closing date for entries is 23.59 GMT on 30th September and entry is by inlinkz below.

Here are a few of my favourites from around the web

This is from Folksy

as is this one

and how cute is this

This one even has a tutorial

and the wonderful Shimelle has a mini book with bunting

This is one I made for my sons room

This months prize is a selection of 6x6 papers from the new Prima release.

The winner from August will be announced shortly. I still have the prize for July which is unclaimed. Dorothy you were the winner if you would like to send me your address details and then I can send you your Magnolia magazine.

Design Team Announcement

2010-08-31T13:32:00.001+01:00

I am delighted to be able to announce my design team. It was such a hard decision to make as the standard of submissions was amazing.

I give you, in no particular order the successful girls. If you click on their name it will take you to their blog so you can see their incredible talents.

Morag Cutts

Melanie Jess

Katie Brett

Amanda Jones

Rebekah Montague

Alicia McNamara

There are already some gorgeous samples of work being emailed back from their design team packages and I will showcase them later in the week.

I may even have a play with the products myself on my personal blog.
All the new release products can be found here and there are more to follow in a few days.

Today is the last day for uploading entries for the August challenge and tomorrow there will be a brand new challenge.

August Challenge

2010-07-31T20:12:00.001+01:00

Please see the bottom of this for the July winning entry.

My August challenge deals with one of the things that I love about summer - BEACH HUTS

They sum up summer for me. We used to rent one out at Bridlington when we were kids although it was called a beach chalet in those days.

Candy colours are my favourites but I could easily obsess over anything beach hut related

This site gives a bit of the history of the Beach Hut. Early ones looked like this on wheels

These are some we found in a little cove at Ile de Noirmoutier in France a few years ago. I just love the little heart cut out on the window.

and this one which puzzled my little man as it was the same size as him

and now onto some crafty projects

How about this from letraset (home of promarkers). There is even a tutorial

This is from folksy

Ipod covers from Etsy

Maybe you own or are renting a beach hut during August. If you do then maybe your challenge could be to show a picture of it. Maybe you could put up bunting like this one or something else to decorate it.

What about a sand sculpture of a beach hut or a pebble picture? Anything goes with my challenges. They can be any craft project you like as long as you make it fit the theme for the month which is Beach Hut. The only limits are your imagination.

and if anybody is looking for a digital stamp then look no further than this fabulous Little Musings freebie

Entry is from a minute past midnight on 1st August 2010 up until midnight on 31st August (GMT) and is via inlinkz (see below).

Your prize this month is this selection of goodies.

There were 27 entries for the July challenge which were put into random.org and came up with number 3 as the winner.

Number 3 is Dorothy with this fantastic entry.

Entries for the design team call are being accepted until 15th August. Thanks to those who have already submitted their gorgeous work. Once the closing date has passed I will have a hard decision to make to pick everybody as there are so many lovely entries. If you are still interested in applying then please see this post for full details of how to enter. I would love to see your work. It is a one off call with no commitments other than creating something with the new releases as they arrive in August/September. No 6 monthly commitments that you may struggle to keep to.

Thanks for looking and if you enter then good luck.

Design Team Call

2010-07-08T11:12:00.004+01:00

For the current challenge please scroll down to the next post

With the new season products shortly to be released I am looking for approximately 4 or 5 people to be part of a one off design team to showcase the new goodies.

I will provide the embellishments (approx mid to end of August depending on shipping from the states to me - cuurently Prima are saying mid august shipping) and in return would like some inspirational work from you to put on my shop website and/or blog. I am looking for cards and scrapbook layouts. You do not need to do both unless you want to as I will make sure the team has an even balance of cardmakers and scrapbookers. Once the products are with you I will need a reasonably quick turnaround of no more than a month so I can get the pictures in the shop gallery as soon as possible.

The products I provide will probably be in the same format as I sell them (grip seal bags of 10 flowers etc but obviously several packets of different types for you to work with). You will need to provide your own card blanks if you are a card maker. Looking at the preview of the new products there are some amazing new papers so I will provide some of those to go with your flowers.

International applications are also welcome.

If you are interested in this opportunity please email me by 15th August 2010 at craftgardenshop@googlemail.com with the following

1. Name:

2. Address: optional at the moment if you would rather not give it

3. Email:

4. Phone number:

5. Blog or website address: you don't need to have one

6. Links to any online galleries you may have:

7. Three samples of your work which use floral embellishments as this is the main part I need to showcase.

8. Details of any design teams you are currently part of or have been part of so I can see more of your lovely work. I don't mind if you are part of another team so don't be shy.

9. A little bit about yourself and your crafting experience etc.

July Challenge

2010-07-01T09:40:00.002+01:00

My research about this month for inspiration led me to the birthflower for July which is either the Larkspur or the Waterlily. Nobody seems to be able to narrow it down so in searching for a picture of either a Larkspur or Waterlily I came across this wonderful image of the Larkspur Fairy.

Isn't she lovely? This single picture made my mind up about the challenge for this month.

Your challenge is FAIRY in whichever way you wish to interpret it.

As usual you may enter any craft you like - cards, scrapbook pages, knitting, sewing, embroidery, crochet, whatever takes your fancy. Entry is by inlinkz below and entries close at 23:59 GMT on 31st July 2010.

I will chose an entry at random after that date as the winner. Good luck everybody and here are some more fairies as inspiration

From Etsy

Etsy again showing that fairies can be for boys too

and of course those make believe Cottingley fairies at the end of the garden

The prize this month is this issue of Magnolia Ink Magazine

The link is below to enter.

Now for the June winner. Random.org chose number 9

which is Lisa-Jane with this lovely entry

I actually never got around to sorting out the prize for last month so it is a £5 voucher for the shop. Lisa-Jane if you can email me at craftgardenshop@aol.com I will provide you with the details of how to redeem it.

Speaking of the shop - the summer sale has started and will continue until the end of July. All sale items are in the bargain basement section of the shop with some items starting from just 25p. As always free postage on UK orders over £10 and just 90p on orders below £10. International postage is available.

June Challenge

2010-06-02T09:48:00.000+01:00

June is the 6th month of the year and the birthflower for June is the Rose so your challenge this month is

6 flowers

they don't have to be roses but there needs to be 6 flowers not 6 + however many others - just 6.

You can enter any craft project you like - cards, scrapbook pages, knitting, sewing, crochet - anything you like.

I found these gorgeous flowers while I was browsing the internet.

not strictly flowers but certainly caught my eye and definitely look like flowers from a distance.

This months prize is a selection of flowers. I will put a photo up later when I have access to the camera.

Entry is by inlinkz at the bottom of the page and you may only enter twice to make it fair for everybody.

Entries are accepted until 23:59 GMT on 30th June.

May Winner

2010-06-01T07:35:00.000+01:00

There were 12 fabulous entries and random.org chose entry number 1 as the winner

Number 1 was this lovely entry from Susie Lou. If you can email your address details to craftgardenshop@aol.com I will get your goodies out to you asap.

May Challenge

2010-05-01T08:24:00.004+01:00

There is a saying - 'don't cast a clout till May be out' which means (where I come from anyway) don't pack away your winter clothes too early because May can produce some winterlike weather. It can also mean the Mayflower (Hawthorn) and in gardening terms don't put out your tender plants until the may has flowered.

So with that saying in mind about the clothes part of it I had a looksie around the interweb at spring fashion pictures and borrowed this colour palette as your picture inspiration for this month. Aren't those colours just divine together?

As always you can enter any craft project you wish inspired by the above colour palette. I love to see new types of crafts being entered. Entry is by inlinkz below and entries will close at 23:59 GMT on 31st May 2010.

Your prize this month is a pack of MOD techno pop embellishments and (because of the colour theme of the challenge) some Prima Rebellious flowers

April Winner

2010-05-01T08:13:00.000+01:00

Random.org chose number 17 as the winner for April.

This is Tanja with this fabulous card

The May challenge will follow shortly.

April Challenge

2010-04-01T08:13:00.001+01:00

My challenge to you this month is PASTEL COLOURS.

I went on a search of the internet for pastel colours and WOW I couldn't decide on just one photo. Fabby aren't they? So many talented people out there.

These cupcakes are from here

and what about these knitted cupcakes from here

Your entry can be anything you choose as long as it is pastel shades - cards, layouts, knitting, sewing - anything. I love to see new and different crafts.

The prize this month is a pastel selection of flowers

Entry is by inlinkz at the bottom of the page

The march winner was chosen at random.org and is Fern with this fabulous entry

Please can you send me your address details Fern to craftgardenshop@aol.com and I will get your prize out to you asap.

March Challenge

2010-03-01T11:23:00.005Z

Welcome to March - the month of Spring - cute baby lambs, buds appearing on trees, better weather (yeah right!!).

For me, regardless of the calendar telling me, the start of spring is always when I see those pink flowers start to appear on the blossom trees. We have a lot of cherry blossoms in the local area and for just a few days every year they produce one of natures most beautiful sights.

So with this in mind my challenge to you this month is to take inspiration from the photo (courtesy of Freefoto). I really don't mind what you do - cards, scrapbook layouts, knitting, crocheting, sewing anything crafty will do as long as you can link to a picture of it.

Entries are via inlinkz (see below). It is really easy to use.

I'm looking forward to seeing those entries and good luck everybody.

Entry is open until 23:59 GMT on 31st March 2010

The prize this month is this selection of flowers and a tote bag

Our lucky winner from February is entry number 17 chosen by random.org which was a gorgeous nappy stack by Donna

February Challenge

2010-02-01T08:30:00.008Z

As February is the month of Valentines Day and love then my challenge to you this month is

BOYS.

Your prize this month is 2 packets of boy themed Prima Say It In Studs which are also available in the shop

I am trying a new way of entering this month which is via inlink rather than Mister Linky. It should work the same way with you putting your blog address or wherever your entry is uploaded but it should produce a photograph linked to the web address you put into it. If you don't see your entry straightaway after filling in the info and choosing your photo from your blog then don't worry as it takes a few minutes to show.

Last month there were a staggering 63 entries and I am overwhelmed by how many of you chose to enter. Random.org has chosen number 39 - Penny Light with this gorgeous new baby card as the winner.

Penny please can you email me at craftgardenshop@aol.com with your address details and I will get your prize out to you asap.

The link for this month is just below. Have fun. Entries accepted until midnight on 28th February.

Happy New Year - January Challenge

2010-01-01T20:59:00.003Z

Welcome to 2010. Hope it is safe, happy, healthy and prosperous for everybody.

Your January challenge is NEW. Anything goes - cards, scrapbooks, altered art, knitting, sewing, whatever. New products, new as the theme of your layout or card or anything else you can think of.

The prize this month is a packet of Prima Pearls & Crystals, a purple Prima Lollipop flowers and a packet of white Prima E-line flowers.

My example will follow in the next day or two.

As always entry is by Mr Linky at the foot of this page. You have until 31st January to submit your entry and if you don't have a blog that doesn't matter as you can always enter with the link from a flickr/photobucket/similar account.

Last month we had 3 entries and random.org was used to generate a winner which is number 2 - Lynne in NI. Please can entry number 2 email your address details to craftgardenshop@aol.com and I will get your prize out to you asap.

December Challenge And November Winner

2009-12-01T11:03:00.008Z

Your challenge for December is a sketch challenge borrowed with kind permission from Pencillines. It is sketch 155 from their archives.

This is the very quick example I have done so I apologise for the poor quality.

It is primarily intended by pencillines as a scrapbook sketch but obviously it can be adapted to suit your needs and should you do a card then the photo section can be substituted for a design. You can do anything craft related - card, scrapbook page, altered art etc etc as long as you do it in December.

The prize this month is 5 packets of white flowers as pictured.

Competition is open until 31st December and I will choose a winner on 1st January so somebody will have a nice package to start the new year.

You need to give Mister Linky your details to enter and he can be found at the very bottom of this post. If you don't have a blog then you can enter from any forum gallery etc but it must have been completed in December.

NOVEMBER

I used random generator to choose a winner for the November challenge and it chose number 11

which is Mandy with this lovely entry.

If you can email your address details to craftgardenshop@aol.com Mandy I will get your prize out to you asap. The prize for November was the Raja and Sultan Flower Centres.

November Monthly Challenge

2009-10-31T16:36:00.007Z

The challenge for November is SPARKLE. (see the post below for the October winner)

It doesn't matter what you use - just a hint of sparkle or full on bling it up. I appreciate it is difficult to photograph anything sparkly.

Your prize this month is a packet each of the Raja and Sultan flower centers

To enter please click on the mister linky at the bottom of this post with a link to your entry.

Closing date for entries is 30th November and I will use random.org to select a winner on 1st December.

Entries can be any craft project - scrapbook page, card, altered art, knitting, sewing, crochet - whatever you like. I have done a scrapbook layout as an example.

I went a bit over the top with the sparkle and used raja centers, some stickles and a glittery thickers alphabet. I also used Wink Essentials and Violet Painterly Petals

Clickety click below to enter. Entry is now closed for this competion. Winner will be announced shortly.

October Monthly Challenge Winner

2009-10-31T16:34:00.004Z

Thanks to everybody who took part in the October challenge.

I used random to find the winner who is entrant number 1 from the 10 who entered.

Congratulations to Kirsten. Please can you email your address details to lambournekerry@aol.com and I will get your prize out to you.

New Monthly Challenges Start Today

2009-10-01T00:01:00.002+01:00

I am starting a monthly challenge with a prize from my shop. These challenges will be set on the 1st of every month and all entries will be accepted until midnight on the last day of the month it is set.

You can enter a craft project, scrapbook layout, card etc as long as it fills the criteria for the challenge.

Entry will be by Mr Linky which will be at the bottom of each challenge and I will then use a random generator to pick the winner.

So without further ado here is this month's challenge.

As it is the first challenge and my shop specialises in flowers I am keeping it simple. Your challenge is simply to use FLOWERS.

I have done a scrapbook layout using flowers

You have until 31st October to upload your entry to your blog, link to it with Mr Linky and I will pick the winner on 1st November.

Your prize this month is all the flowers pictured and 2 packets of the brand new release of Say It In Pearls & Crystals.

This challenge is now ended and was won by Kirsten - entrant number 1