Saturday 31 December 2011

Last 2cards for this year

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2 cards using  2new  embossing folders from Crafters Companion

with core-dination and centrua pearl card stock

added some bling ribbons and flowers nearly forgot to share these as you know been hectic here lol

must dash

got ham to cook ….do a little cleaning then son dil and grand daughter are popping over we are off to my youngest sons later for a bit of New Year Celebrations i don’t think i will last till midnight but will give it my best shot....

the only resolution i am making this year is to be as happy as i can.....

so im  going to say i hope you all have a very Happy New Year in advance

be safe enjoy the festivities and see you all in 2012

hugs linda xxx

Friday 30 December 2011

another thing sorted and breaking news

 im not sure if i mentioned the other week my son had a bang in his car on his way to take Sophia to nursery he got rear ended the other driver drove off.....
few days before Christmas he got a call from the police saying that the other driver had finally reported the accident meaning  it could go through insurance
 the insurance have written the car off far too much damage to repair...
but the upside is the firm that my DIL works for  have offered her a company car ...
im so pleased for them it means they can start afresh in the new year  the old car has just been collected so that's another thing off the To Sort List
mum has just rung to say the part for her boiler will be here in couple of days and she can now get quotes for repairs so all in all a good day..for them both
as you will gather what with my decorating Christmas plans and other family stuff happening around me
 im sat here still with a smile on my face..... i really do count my blessings each and everyday im staying calm cool and collected..
oh by the way 
 SOME BREAKING NEWS A DATE TO REMEMBER
6TH JANUARY 2012
Crafters Companion


are bringing out a new set of stamps and CD called Strawberry Kisses
a TV Launch
i haven't done any  samples for this launch but i can say they are so darn cute 
you will love them !!!
lets say a Purrrrrrfect start to a brand new year 
the Design team ladies are going to
  start the sneaky peeps with a blog hop on the 1st Jan so why not pop over
to 
 to hop along with them  i will be hopping over to see the beautifull creations
there is another great prize on offer for the lucky winner
here are a couple of the design team blog 's
if you would like a early sneaky peep
Louise @http://louscardcreations.blogspot.com/
Marrianne @http://mariannescraftroom.blogspot.com/
Jacqui @http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjacqui47.blogspot.com%2F&h=jAQEBN1eJ
truly some stunning cards well done ladies
ok enough for now 
happy crafting
 hugs linda xxx




Thursday 29 December 2011

looks like im going to be busy for few weeks

 mum got back from her holidays  in wales to find water everywhere
 had to start ball rolling on getting it sorted out for her
 brother made lots of calls last night but  he had to return home this morning
to cut along story short  mum has no central heating till part is fitted  that is on order ... everywhere is safe so she can stay at home not the happy ending for mum's holiday break but  all can be fixed and she is safe
so im counting my blessings
once repairs start i wont get much chance to craft till mum's home is sorted .....mum was feeling more positive today so that is a good sign ......
 i would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year
hugs linda xxx

Wednesday 28 December 2011

4”x4” Christmas cards made with E Craft

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had a play with my E Craft  today
batch cutting my reindeer design
i first made my own SVG File of the Reindeer in inkscape then imported it into the ECraft ….trust me i have no idea what im doing  with the software……and im so surprised  that the machine  copes with a novice telling it what to do
i watched some of the  you tube videos then just started to play
  the  Reindeer its just under 2”x2” now that’s pretty small the machine did a fantastic job cutting out
i then cut a page of shadow/blackout  of the image cut on  gold mirri card layered with 1mm foam pads onto a 4x4 inch card blank
it’s my second time playing with  the software and machine but now have 12  cards ready  for next Christmas
that has to be blooming record  for me i don’t normally start my  cards till November
any way enough of my waffling
it’s very late
thank you for popping by
hugs linda xxx

Saturday 24 December 2011

first attempt with E Craft cutting machine

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it’s Christmas Eve are you all prepared?

im off to my son’s tomorrow  im so looking forward to it No Cooking

get to spend the day with Sophia and all her new toys..

i have been getting familiar with my new toy  my E craft  cutting machine from Crafters Companion

i unpacked it last night and set it all up …..

very simple to do thank the lord

 

here is a card i have made with the  design shapes from the  fundamental 1 cartridge and the software that you down load

i used the software to weld text for Sophia’s name then did a blacked out shadow layer  just having a play

i will be honest and say yes! you have to try out your paper and card stock to get correct  pressure settings  me i just jumped straight in and chewed a few pieces of paper up lol

but once you get used to the settings it’s a very easy machine to use

now that for me is a Mega Statement ! im rubbish with new things normally  i don’t do written instructions at all lol …

im very very pleased with my first efforts so it can only get better from now on

anyway i will hopefully be sharing more after the Christmas break

have a very happy holiday everyone

thank you for popping by

hugs linda xxx

Friday 23 December 2011

Wont be Around for a few days

 i would like to Wish You All
A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

 i will be trying out my new E Craft  Cutting Machine  over the holidays at the moment it's still in it's packing box
now that's not the norm here.... i can tell you lol   thought it best to leave it till  i have time to soak it all in....im really excited it's a special gift to myself ..... well!!!  why not it's Christmas!!!
 i had to wait for it to be back in stock from Crafter Companion  they Promised it would be with me  in time for Christmas .
 they were true to there word! it arrived with days to spare  so a big thank you to them and all the staff  who im sure have been working none stop to get out crafting goodies to us in time for the holidays 
i always say Credit Where Credit Is Due  im one  happy crafter here 
 i hope you all have a fantastic holiday time  with your family and friends around you stay safe  
catch you all soon  Be Happy
hugs linda xxxx

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Scrap book page

sophia christmas 2011

Good Evening everyone i have had a very busy day getting things sorted in time for Christmas 

re decorating all done  thank the lord i thought i would never be putting those rollers and brushes away just a few things to do in kitchen tomorrow then its  a green light for  holiday to start.

so as im sat  playing with  Craft Artist i thought i would share the page i have just done also i would like to  introduce you to my Darling Grand Daughter Sophia she  just melts my heart  the Santa i knitted many years ago.

all the little ones have to have a cuddle from him  i asked Sophia if i could have a cuddle  too

no such luck lol

any way i hope your all are well into your Christmas arrangements and everything is going to plan for you all

thank you for popping by

hugs linda x

Sunday 18 December 2011

freebie cross stitch for a girl

Santa I've Been Good GIRL_page1
good morning everyone
my word it’s cold today had a very hard frost last night roads were very icy
we have snow forecast for today but i will be busy redecorating my bedroom
it’s nearly finished so hopefully i can wash out my brushes after today then mega clean up
i truly can’t find my craft room!!!
so for today here is another freebie cross stich for a girl
Santa L've Been Good For Girl_page1Santa L've Been Good For Girl_page2Santa L've Been Good For Girl_page3Santa L've Been Good For Girl_page4Santa L've Been Good For Girl_page5
the same applies with this chart please don’t copy in any format and re sell
it’s for
personal use only
it must NOT be printed and re-sold as a Kit or reproduced in any other electronic format
if you stitch the chart and post on your blog or  the internet please would you be so kind and link back to my blog



i hope you all have a great day
must dash lots to do
hugs linda xxx

Saturday 17 December 2011

Santa I’ve Been Good for a Boy.. Cross Stitch Freebie


Santa I've Been Good for boy
A Christmas Cross Stitch Chart
i have designed this little Christmas Banner for a little Boy all decked out in his Football Kit
i can remember my 2 son’s when they were little wanting to wear their new football kit on Christmas day
that’s what inspired me .....happy memories
the chart comes in 4 parts plus the Symbol and size Chart instructions
print a4 size
PERSONAL USE ONLY
it must NOT be printed and re-sold as a Kit or reproduced in any other electronic format
if you stitch the chart and post on your blog or  the internet please would you be so kind and link back to my blog



Santa I've Been Good for Boy_page1Santa I've Been Good for Boy_page2Santa I've Been Good for Boy_page3Santa I've Been Good for Boy_page4Santa I've Been Good for Boy_page5
please remember to add extra fabric the measurements given on the chart  is only the stitch area size
i hope you will enjoy stitching
thank you for popping by today
hugs linda x

Friday 16 December 2011

A handmade padded Bauble

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good morning all

today im sharing a padded bauble   i made last year using scraps  of fabric from my bit bag

a very easy thing to achieve with a polystyrene ball some fabric with a few added embellishments

there is a you tube tutorial if you would like to try

i have decided to decorate my front bedroom today get it ready for my Christmas visitors

so must dash thank you for popping by today

hugs linda xxx

Thursday 15 December 2011

Two Sleepy Snowmen

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good evening to you all i have had a busy day so im late posting

here are two of my sleepy snowmen i made last year

i didn’t have a blog last year so couldn’t share with you all

these were made using the pattern from the tilda christmas book

i love these little fellows so darn cute  they are  both decorating my stair case i must drag out the book again

hugs linda xxx

Wednesday 14 December 2011

a little elephant soft toy

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a little elephant soft toy
made with my own template
he does have ears on both sides that are slightly padded
they are stitched from top and underneath so they are well and truly stuck
as with the others i have stitched on the ribbon to secure it firmly

i have been busy  sorting out some finishing touches to staircase re hanging pictures curtains and so on
  im shattered to say the least more cleaning to do so must dash have a great evening
hugs linda x

a pair of Victorian boots

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another pair of hand stitched Victorian boots
made with  pre printed Christmas fabric lace  satin and organza ribbon
the swirls and snow flake were individual crystal gems in different sizes
 i applied each one with 3d glue gel from crafters companion it's fantastic glue once dry the gems are firmly stuck in place but you can still bend the fabric it's still flexible the gems stay put ...
fantastic glue  and dries clear
these plus a few more are for my brother and sister in law  they are having a 8ft real tree in their new home this year i hope they can find a branch to sit them on lol ...
thank you for dropping by
hugs linda xx

Tuesday 13 December 2011

lofty giraffe

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good evening  bloggers
after making my soft toy dog i got to thinking
not a good idea for me i should be cleaning ! got side tracked again  lol ….
here is what i came up with a lofty giraffe soft toy yet again i made my own template
hope you approve 
oh by the way i named him Lofty  after the long standing joke on Joanna Sheen's forum  re: giraffe's 
no dont ask lol!
hugs linda xxx

hand stitched Soft Toy Dog

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while watching a tutorial last night on Debbie Shore’s site
she explained how to make your own dog pattern
well !!!! me being me  couldn’t be bothered to get sewing machine a ruler and so on out
i just free handed my  dog pattern and blanket stitched around.
but which ever way you choose to do it you would get a lovely soft toy for a baby/toddler
from material mine was two pieces  7”x 7”
i stitched the bow firmly in place so can't be undone lol  by little fingers
thank you for popping by
hugs linda xxx

Monday 12 December 2011

Sheena Douglass stamps with h20’s and a padded fabric topper

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a new week has arrived the count down to Christmas has started here
so i thought this card would set me on the right road
i painted in the background with h2o’s stamped the roof tops in versa fine and heat embossed with clear sparkle powder painted the roof tops in with H2o’s then stamped the swirls and some snow flakes and heat embossed them with white glitter embossing powders  added a few more with versa fine ink
then stamped the Santa onto some fabric added glitter swirls and glittered the image with some wadding i padded the fabric and  fixed onto a circle of card which i glued to the card Sheena's stamps are great quality i lost none of the image detail when stamping onto fabric.
thank you for popping by today
hugs linda xxx

Sunday 11 December 2011

decorated my Christmas tree

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decided to decorate my tree this evening a job im always glad to see when it’s finished

i have been looking for my bag of bows have no idea where they have gone

never mind im sure they will pop up at some point

the hand made decorations look very pretty now they are in place

any way that’s another job off my to do list Christmas has started in my little part of the world

hugs linda xxx

Hand made hearts garland

 

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Good evening everyone

i was sat watching Kristy’s hand made Christmas last night on TV

i loved her hand made heart garland so i thought i would make one of my own

 

using different Christmas printed fabrics i have here in my stash  i cut the fabric with my basic heart dies hand stitched the edges added a few bells that really do tinkle to add that Christmas  sound 

i do have a evergreen swag to go over the top with lights and  Christmassy candle rings

will add later to finish my fire place 

thought i would share what i have been up to today

i have just got back from my mums it’s pouring with rain here so thankfully i don’t have to go out anymore tonight

off to do more stitching

hugs for now

linda xxx

sheena douglass leaf stamp and h2o’s

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good morning everyone it’s so windy here not raining yet!!  im sure we will get it at some point today

off up to my mums today brother is popping in from wales then it’s more painting for me glossing this time

the worsted part of decorating i think doing the gloss never mind soon be done..

my card for today is using h20’s and Sheena Douglass leaf stamps with a sentiment i painted straight onto the stamps with H20’S to make the background using 3 colours then over stamped with the sentiment wrapped some ribbon around added a leaf i painted onto shrink plastic then cut out a oak leaf shape  then shrunk it down for the charms the other leaves were stamped in H2o’s as be for but filled using clean water and let the colours blend then cut out and applied with 3d glue jell

matted onto core-dination card stock onto centrua pearl

thank you for popping by today

hugs linda xxx

Saturday 10 December 2011

Sheena Douglass bah humbug stamp

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my card for today is a simple  card  using  a Sheena Douglass stamp  from bah humbug range
onto centrua pearl card with momento ink  with lace and flowers from wild orchid matted onto silver mirri card
thank you for popping by today off to dry more oranges
hugs linda x

dried orange slices for decorations


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well what do you do of a winter evening
i dried some orange slices for  Christmas decoration
i should have been decorating but no i did these instead  i do tend to get side tracked
first time i had dried them so didn’t know what to expect.
I'm really pleased with the results will do more
if you would like to try  here is what i did
sliced the oranges into 1/4” thick padded as much juice out of them with kitchen roll
placed on a rack in  oven on a  very low heat  for around 3 hours turning every now and then till dry
it does depend on your oven for timings
i just kept my eye on them so they didn’t burn
im adding these to a winter potpourri but would look lovely on wreaths or just hung from the tree
the house smelt divine and these can be very expensive to buy from the shop so why not make your own.
you could dry slices of
apples lemons  grapefruits as well as oranges in the same way
to dry in microwave oven 
 slice oranges and lay on 5 pieces of kitchen roll with another 5 pieces ontop  
on middle  (reheat) setting for a 700w   cook for 4-5mins
take out and lay on fresh layers of kitchen roll as be for and heat for 3-4 mins but keep checking the slices on this stage as they can start to burn i found that i got better results using oven but  the microwave  is a quicker way  i found it hit and miss though.
take out and leave to finish drying on a rack
hugs linda x

Friday 9 December 2011

Brand new Envelo plus from Crafters Companion

wow  just watching the launch show on create and craft
of the brand new Envelo Plus 
check out the video link below

no need to worry about those big sized cards any more
excellent  product  congratulationsto crafters companion for yet another  fantastic product
hugs linda xxx





Sheena’s Fern Stamp with H2o’s

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good morning everyone

at last the wind has dropped so managed to get a decent night’s sleep

the sky’s very heavy no clouds at all so snow might be on it’s way it has been forecast yuk!

last night my son took me to ikea after work this time i had a chance to take a good look round got a few goodies.

anyway here is my card for today using just 3 H2O colours again

i made the back ground  wetting all over with water dropping in the red and yellow h2o’s  and let it blend all by it’s self

with the small fern leaf stamp  a green h2o’s painted direct to stamp

they are safe to use on all your stamps easy clean with water

i over stamped the leaf and heat set it then spritz to defuse the  stamped image in to the background

for the topper i stamped the large fern stamp  in smokey grey versa fine ink then filled in with the green h2o’s

so that everything matches and blends

im off now to play with paint rollers im getting on top of my decorating now

fingers crossed i get it done in time for christmas

thank you for popping by today

hugs linda xxx

Thursday 8 December 2011

Sheena’s Lake side stamp with H2o’s


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Good morning everyone 
what a day it’s blowing a gale wet and freezing cold here in Derbyshire
it sounds as if we are all in for some bad weather here in UK.
so keep safe and warm where ever you are.
my card for today was done in H2o’s i made a background with two colours  wet the card with clear water and splodged on the paints  spritzed and let it mingle  you really do get some stunning effects with h2o’s
then heat embossed the lake side flower butterfly and sentiment in gold added a tiny touch of embossing powder around the tag edges matted and layered onto core-dination card stock added the gold thread and card candi with a spotty organza bow 
Sheena will on TV tomorrow at 8am 10 am and 5 pm tomorrow showcasing the H2O'S  
on create and craft i hope you can catch the shows
thank you for popping by today
hugs linda xxx

Wednesday 7 December 2011

card with sheena’s leaf stamp and h2o’s

 

P1030790-1 

good morning everyone

it’s pouring down here and so darn cold goodness me heating on full pelt but not even touching the sides as they say .

im still decorating stair case  have to wait till weekend for son to pop over to do ceiling far to high for me to tackle ladders needed for stairwell been banned from climbing ladders lol … i really don’t mind though

well for today  a little card  using sheena’s leaf stamp with h2o’s just 3 colours with core-dination card stock ribbon and a few buttons

a very easy card to make using red yellow and green paints

thank you for popping by today

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Sheena’s As seen on screen with H2O’S

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good morning all here is my card for today

background and topper painted in H2o’s with a little bit of  distressing on edges glitter few  flowers and a feather just coz i could

im still decoration here the gloss paint is taking for ever to dry  the glimmer from the paints is so suttle

so having to do it in batches so i can remember which is wet part lol

well on wards and up wards as they say must crack on

i hope you all have a good day

hugs linda xxx

Monday 5 December 2011

Sheena’s Bah Humbug stamps with H20’s

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Hi  everyone

it’s snowing here in Derbyshire and so blooming cold  beyond belief how cold it is..

im decorating my stair case put it off for long enough it has to be done.

i had to finish some DT samples for Sheena   using H2o’s

im not sure of the show date but i know it’s soon 9th springs to mind but don’t quote me..

 

so here is one of my cards with H20’s just 2 colours used here to create a back ground

painting direct to stamp onto water colour card

lightly spritzed to get that fuzzy effect then heat set and distressed with inks around edges

it’s been a pleasure to play with these paints again the colours are yummy..and the shimmer and sheen has to be seen in real life

far more impressive than picture thank you for popping by today

hugs linda xxx

Sunday 4 December 2011

Regal in red tree decorations

 

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my son said he liked my tree decorations

i found some Christmas material i have had for ages  and thought it would be just right to stitched him the 

Partridge and pear in  red with gold buttons and bell

i hope he approves

thank you for popping by today

hugs linda xxx

good afternoon spending

 was supposed to be going out this morning with my son he rang to say he would be running late so switched on to watch create and craft
Leann is on  show casing the E craft  cutting machine
 need i say more it fell into my basket  a very early Christmas present to myself Yipeeeeee
 im so looking forward to it's arrival  so watch this space
have a good day as im having
hugs linda xxx

Friday 2 December 2011

Victorian ladies boot decoration

 

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hi everyone

just finished stitching another  tree decoration a Victorian Ladies Boot

very shabby chic

hope you approve  had to make my own template for this one

hugs linda xxx

Sunflower in H2o’s

 

 

P1030769

good morning all

fusion sun flower stamped card painted in with H2'o’s

only 3 colours used for both the back ground and topper

sorry for poor picture  dark evening are a devil to get a good image and the pearl sheen of paints makes it glare

thank you for popping by

hugs linda xxx

Thursday 1 December 2011

fusion holly christmas card

 

P1030771

Good morning everyone

a Christmas card  with fusion holly sprig and h2o’s

some mirri card gold thread glossy accents and 2 metal buttons

hugs linda xxx

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Mum’s Christmas card

 

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Good evening

i have been playing with my Fusion Stamps and H2O’S

  this is my mums Christmas card she loves Christmas roses

Sheena’s fusion stamps  the Christmas rose came out of the box

used  just 3 colours in h2o’s im really pleased how it turned out

i do have a greeting to attach to the bow

not your traditional Christmas card  i admit but it’s full of mums favourite flowers and colours so all will be well

thank you for dropping by this evening

hugs linda xxxx

card for today

 

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im late posting today didn’t sleep very well the blooming wind and rain

anyway here is my card for today radiant rain paints cling film  dies and peel offs  and a few pearl beads

i love the cling film

you get some super effects how simple can this card get

im waiting for courier to deliver some more crafting goodies they just don’t understand we need them like yesterday lol

thank you for popping by today

hugs linda xx

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Wow Powders and stencil card

                                                      

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i love this bird stencil can't you tell lol

just dabbed through with versa mark and heat embossed with Sheena Douglass white sparkly wow powders

did a bit of matting and layering and added the flowers a very quick card to make

hugs linda xxx

bird wall hanging

 

 

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a little wall hanging using the bird template and heart die

stitched and decorated as before

i decided to use jump rings to join them all together

thank you for popping by

hugs linda xxx

todays card and a tree decoration for Sophia

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a simple card easy to do with the sticky 2’s and foils onto centura pearl card
perfect for Valentines day or for your sweet heart at Christmas

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 a little tree decoration
made from winter white linen cut with a nestie die
i stamped  the message then with satin stitch embroidered
stitched  my grand daughters name and embellished as the others i have made
i have finished stitching the little wall hanging  will add that later
thank you for popping by
hugs linda xx

Monday 28 November 2011

Partridge and Pear Tree decoration

 

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here are two more tree decorations i have made

wanted a  different bird shape to the one yesterday and a pear

so out came the pencil and paper to make my own template 

i have just enough material left to make Sophia a little wall hanging and something else but no idea what yet lol

im waiting for more linen to arrive then im on another mission with my sewing machine

thank you for popping by

hugs linda xxx

Distressing inks and foils

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good afternoon  to you all

im still stitching here lol …..more padded tree decoration i totally forgot to add my card for to day

here i have used the foils and distressing inks card candi and jute thread a collage on a card

hope you have a great evening thank you for popping by

hugs linda xxx

Sunday 27 November 2011

Shabby Chic Christmas Tree Robin with template


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been playing again here is my  Shabby Chic Christmas Robin
im so pleased how he turned out
i dont have a die  so i made my own template

i have added a template for you if you would like to try him out
print it out on A4 to get correct size for tree decoration
enjoy
hugs linda xx
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if you do use the template would you be so kind as to link back to me on your blog
thank you