My Cousin Wins 'GQ MAN OF THE YEAR' Award

Sam Worthington

After staring earlier this year in Terminator Salvation my cousin has now won 'GQ MAN OF THE YEAR'!

Watch out for his latest role as Jake Sulley in the upcoming release of director James Cameron's sci-fi epic AVATAR

Which will be followed in March by the release of CLASH OF THE TITANS where he plays Perseus.

Check out my cousin's credits HERE!

Quick Make Birthday Card...

Today I needed to make a Birthday Card for my Grandma in a very short space of time to ensure I caught the postman in time...

Quick Make Birthday Card

How to Make

Use a Papermania A6 Texured Card Blank as your base.
Cut a section of core'dinations Black Cardstock to fit inside the front of your card leaving a small white border all the way around.
Using some patterned paper (I have used Papermania's Boutique 8x8" Papers - 'Love Jesse Edwards') cut and mount a section to fit inside the cardstock leaving a small border at the top and the sides and 1.5" gap at the base.
Add some black ribbon along the base, securing at the back with tape and then add a knot at the front.
Add a sentiment of your choice (as I was in a rush I printed my own sentiment onto plain white paper and then mounted it to black core'dinations cardstock) add to the centre of your patterned paper using 3D foam squares.
To finish I then added 3 Papermania Gem Stones to the base to finish...

30 Weeks Pregnant

www.babycentre.co.uk My Baby's Development at 30 Weeks...

My baby's lungs and digestive tract are almost fully developed. My baby's growth in terms of his/her length will soon slow down (he/she measures about 39.3cm from crown to toe now), but he/she will continue to gain weight until she's born. This week my baby continues to open and shut his/her eyes. He/she can probably see what's going on inside your uterus (womb), distinguish light from dark and even track a light source. If you shine a light on your stomach, your baby may move his/her head to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow. Some researchers think baring your stomach to light stimulates visual development – newborns can see a distance of only between 20cm and 30cm. Children with normal vision don't reach 20/20 vision until the age of about seven or nine. To complete the picture, my baby now has eyebrows and eyelashes. About a litre of amniotic fluid now surrounds your baby, but that volume decreases as he/she gets bigger and has less room in your uterus.

Info from the Baby Centre

What is going on with me...

I am lucky to only have 18 working days left in the office until I can relax, enjoy the festive season and get all the final things ready for my little baby's arrival...

I have been lucky so far and only put on 9lbs, however as my baby continues to grow, I have started to feel breathless and also finding it far more difficult to eat... now I know that this is just my uterus pressing against my diaphragm, however as I have a very short torso and have had a nasty cold recently this seems somewhat elevated this past few days :-(. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. At about 34 weeks my baby's head will move down into my pelvis as he/she gets into the right position for birth. That will make breathing and eating a lot easier and hopefully will make fitting in my Christmas Dinner a great deal easier!!!

Antenatal Classes

I have been attending some lovely Active Birth Antenatal Classes for the past 6 weeks, which not only are informative they also include relaxation and yoga which have been very welcome each week.... Tonight I have my first Antenatal Class with the NHS, at my doctor's surgery with a local midwife so I expect the approach to be completely differant however it will be interesting to attend... I am taking my Mum with me (as she along with my sister are my birthing partners),

her last pregnancy ended with my little sister over 28 years ago and things were very differant back in her days... so think it will also be great for her too... My sister is coming to a day Antenatal Session with me in December which is being held at the hospital so i expect this day to be rather amusing in comparison... all fun and games and i shall report back shortly to tell you all about it :-)

Daisy & Dandelion COMPETITION WINNERS

Penelope & Percy

Original Illustration by Erica Martyn

Click HERE for full details about the Winning Entry to the Daisy & Dandelion Competition!

docrafts CREATVITY Issue 18 Out Now!

Well this November's issue of docrafts CREATIVITY is jam packed full of glorious projects, stunning projects and much much more...

Many of you know that I illustrate and design docrafts Daisy & Dandelion brand, however what you may not know is that I also design a range of collections for Papermania too!

Papermania CHATSWORTH Collection

This collection below began it's days as a range of vintage style illustrations and designs which I developed into this unique collection below... Home decor and design were my main inspirations using a combination of repeat pattern and muted colours so this collection can be used for a variety of projects with endless themes!

You can find a range of project idea's and inspiration using this collection on Pages 11-15 of the November docrafts CREATIVITY Issue 18...

A4 and A5 Papers with a Linen Texture

5x7" Clear Stamps - Furnishings

5x7" Clear Stamps - Frames

& Decorative Notelets

To find your local stockist please click HERE!


Daisy & Dandelion


The long awaited Clear Stamp Gift Set - Cupcake Delight featuring Pumpkin & Aubergine is now available at selected stores...


You can find a range of project idea's and inspiration using this collection on Pages 32-33 of the November docrafts CREATIVITY Issue 18...

To find your local stockist please click HERE!

Papermania RETAIL THERAPY Love Clare Curd


After the success of the last collection I designed for Clare earlier this year, I have been busy working on a new collection for her based on one of her favorite hobbies... SHOPPING! With quirky illustrations this collection brings you interactive stamps that you can mix & match to create your very own scene! Together with notelets and 2 create your own templates this collection is this seasons must have!!!


Mini Clear Stamps - Characters & Backgrounds

Shaped Notelets

You can find a range of project idea's and inspiration using this collection on Pages 44-47 of the November docrafts CREATIVITY Issue 18...

To find your local stockist please click HERE!

Build-A-Daisy

After launching the very first Daisy & Dandelion Cuddly Toy's back in September, Build-A-Daisy is the perfect gift this Christmas whether they are aged eight or eighty!!!

You can find Build-A-Daisy on Pages 62-63 of the November docrafts CREATIVITY Issue 18...

To find your local stockist please click HERE!

Wishing you a Happy Halloween...

As a little treat this Halloween I have this FREE DESKTOP of Pumpkin & Aubergine to give away to any friends and fans of Daisy & Dandelion...
Just email me at ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk with HAPPY HALLOWEEN in the subject bar!

Wishing you a Happy Halloween
Lots of Love
Erica xx

Under the Spotlight!

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

I Love EMU.....

I have been a very lucky lady this week and have been testing a pair of Emu Bronte High - Chocolate Boots! I have always been a fan of flat (yet fashionable) boots and in particular now with being almost 28 weeks pregnant comfort is a must... Other boots of a similar style I have purchased in the past have two main downfalls, no. 1 they are not as warm and cosy as they seem :-( and no. 2 the heel area buckles up after even a day or two after you begin to wear them out and about :-(

EMU however are in another class of their own!!!

I Love EMU... These boots are amazing and so warm & comfortable I think I shall be spending most of the winter months in them... They do have one tiny downfall for me personally as they are slightly too wide in the toe area as I have very narrow feet, however as a plus that means that as I get particularly cold feet during the winter that an extra pair of cosy socks can be worn with no worries of my little toes being squished! For the price they are good value for money as they are a high quality product... who can ask for more than that?

To get your hands on a pair of these GORGEOUS boots check out Fitness Footwear they come in a range of colours, heights and of course sizes.....

www.fitnessfootwear.com

HALLOWEEN Party Time with Pumpkin & Aubergine

Get crafty this Halloween and join in with the party spirit!!!

Check out all of these spooky projects

by Helen from Ellephantasic Cards & Crafts

over on the Daisy & Dandelion BLOG!

The Versitility of Daisy & Dandelion...

Check out all these wonderful cards and projects by Pandy

over on the Daisy & Dandelion BLOG!

Baby Girl Greetings Card

One of my little sister's work colleagues has just had a baby girl this weekend, so I have made this little card above for her to give them! Using a combination of Core'dinations Card stock, Forever Friends Hugs & Cuddles Papers, Forever Friends Elements, Doodlebug simply sweet & candy shoppe Card stock Stickers, Papermania Sparkling Trims and Gem Stones this is a very simple yet sweet card to make!

How to make:
1) Start with a square card blank.
2) Mount the buttons paper from the Hugs & Cuddles papers to a square section of light brown Core'dinations card stock to measure approx. 13 x 13cm.
3) Add to the front of your card blank using 3D Foam.
4) Mount a section of the pink checked paper from the same pack also to light brown Core'dinations card stock to measure approx. 4.2 x 11.8cm.
5) Add a length of pink and white Papermania sparkling trims along the length of this section and adhere at the back using sticky tape and tie a smaller section of the same ribbon into a knot at the front.
6) Using the Doodbug simply sweet cardtsock stickers add the word 'girl' to the left of the knot.
7) Add to the base of the card using 3D foam.
8) Using one of the Forever Friends Elements, apply one of the bears to the centre of your card.
9) Then add the word 'baby' with the Doodlebug candy shoppe card stock stickers in the top left hand corner.
10) Finish by adding large pink gem stones to dot the 'i' and to line the top right hand corner.

In memory of Poppy Dog..

Sadly just over a week ago one of my little doggies had to be put to sleep at the grand old age of 15!!! She bought many years of happiness to my family & friends with her bouncing around and swimming on the carpet! She loved being outdoors and in her earlier years running around the garden chasing her best friend (my other little dog) Biggsy. In Memory of Poppy Dog I have created this simple scrapbook layout using a combination of Basic Grey, Doddlebug & Papermania products...

24 Weeks Pregnant...

I started my very first Birth Preparation and Natural Active Birth Class last night which was very interesting and I slept better last night than I have the majority of my pregnancy so far!!! The classes include:

Yoga based exercises for pregnancy - These gentle postures help to stretch and strengthen your body, relieve discomforts, increase flexibility - particularly in the pelvic region - and improve body awareness. We work on postures that encourage the baby into a good position for birth and some of the positions are also helpful to adopt during labour. No previous yoga experience needed.

Breathing - Developing awareness of the breath helps you work with your body and the energy of contractions during labour and birth. It also calms the mind and increases energy. Pain coping practices to help you stay focused and manage the intensity of labour. Relaxation to help reduce anxiety and tension, rest your body and give you quiet time with your baby.

Information on pregnancy, birth and beyond - topics include optimal foetal positioning (how to encourage baby into the best position for birth); the role of birth hormones; importance of your birth environment; what you may expect during labour; use of movement and gravity in birth; how the body is designed to labour and birth; birthing the placenta; bonding; breastfeeding and caring for your newborn baby.

It was so lovely to meet other mum's to be, all at varying stages of pregnancy from 19 weeks through to 34 weeks, all with varying experiences throughout their pregnancy! We also got to meet a new mum who gave birth only 5 weeks ago who shared her birthing experience with us all after the class whilst we enjoy tea and cake!!! Yummy...

As I am now 24 weeks pregnant below is some information about how my little baby will be developing!

Week 24 -During pregnancy week 24 my baby is now more than one pound (1.3 pounds) and is about 11.8 inches long! As I track my pregnancy week by week from this point out my baby will resemble a tiny albeit complete little human being!

My Baby's Growth and Development -My baby continues to grow more proportional each and every day. During pregnancy week 24 the baby's organ systems continue to mature as do the central nervous system, digestive system and even reproductive and circulatory systems. During a pregnancy at 24 weeks my baby's lungs are also starting to form little branches and will eventually start producing a substance called surfactant which happens closer to the time my baby's lungs start maturing. The amniotic fluid surrounding my baby begins to increase in volume after about pregnancy 24 weeks.. This continues until delivery when my uterus will hold up to 2 pints of amniotic fluid.

My Growth and Development - My uterus continues to grow at pregnancy 24 weeks, now between 1 ½ and 2 inches above my belly button. Many women are surprised that people want to start rubbing their bellies as they start to show during pregnancy at 24 weeks and beyond. While some women don't mind, others feel uncomfortable. It isn't uncommon for perfect strangers to come up to you and rub your belly. Luckily this doesn't really bother me, although I do have friends who did not like it at all!!! Babies tend to fill the world with joy, that's why so many people are fond of rubbing a pregnant woman's belly. Others believe there is luck to be had by rubbing a pregnant woman's belly... while this has yet to be 'proven' it certainly can't hurt!

Changes in Me - My baby has less and less room to move in your womb after you are about 24 weeks pregnant. I have already been experiencing strong kicks some of which wake me up in the night, but gradually my baby's movements will start to seem slower and more rhythmic rather than all over the place. This is perfectly normal. I have also started to notice patterns of wakefulness and sleeping throughout the day. It makes me smile every time I feel my baby's moment although at times the dancing inside can become a little uncomfortable when you get a sudden unexpected kick!!!. I will miss the feeling of my baby moving around inside once I have given birth.

Daisy & Dandelion Project Inspiration

Click HERE for lots of Daisy & Dandelion Project Inspiration using the Exclusive Daisy & Dandelion Kit from QVC

New EXCLUSIVE Daisy & Dandelion Collection!

Thank you to everyone who supported me yesterday as I featured on QVC, and a very huge thank you to all of you who purchased this exclusive range!

It has been a long and tiring couple of days however I had a wonderful time and was well looked after by Dawn Bibby and her team at QVC.

If you missed the TSV yesterday then visit my Daisy & Dandelion Blog HERE for details of how you can purchase this EXCLUSIVE Daisy & Dandelion Collection from QVC!

Daisy & Dandelion TSV - Tuesday 29th September

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

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

Baby Update - 21 Weeks & 2 Days

I am now almost 22 weeks pregnant and loving every minute of it! Finally over the sickness (touch wood) and now enjoying my bump! For those who don't know me that well I am only 4ft 10" and usually a size 6/8 so it is a complete novelty for me to be putting on weight and have my tummy grow......it is amazing!!! Although I am currently struggling to eat my main meals as this little baby is taking up all the room in my tummy!!! Not to worry though as I am managing to eat little an often and finally I have now put on some weight after being so sick for the first 4 months!

Below are my scan pictures which I had taken on Monday (14th September), little baby is doing well. Little baby has a habit of not staying still or being in the wrong place for my scans so I had a few taken of body parts rather than the whole baby...

Little Baby's Profile

Little Baby's Legs (they are crossed so you can see one leg and a little foot peeping over the top!)

Little Baby's Spine



At 22 weeks (which I shall be on Saturday) this is the little baby's development...



The baby now weighs almost 430g, measures about 27.8cm long from crown to heel, and is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since her baby fat hasn't yet developed. Although she/he is getting heavier every day, her/his skin still appears wrinkled and translucent because she/he needs to gain more weight. Her/his lips are distinct and her eyes are formed, though the the coloured part (the iris) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily. Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath her gum line.



Fetal Development taken from the Baby Centre

CREATIVITY Issue 17 - Out 1st September!

Check out the new CREATIVITY Issue 17 - Out 1st September!!!
Click HERE to find your local stockist!

Papermania brings you the stunning 'A Christmas Carol' collection, Poppy Stickers & Stamps from Papermania Signature (£1 from every Poppy Clear Stamp set will be donated to The Poppy Appeal), along with new heat tools, brad making kits, magnetic clasps, box and bag templates and much much more....

Forever Friends Christmas has arrived with a combination of paper packs, elements, wooden stamps, embossed transfers, decoupapge & pyramage, card stock stickers & die-cut greetings...

Daisy & Dandelion have now launched the very first Daisy Cuddly Toys (available as a 15cm, 30cm Cuddly Toy & 30cm BUILD a Daisy), Bubbles & Squeak Clear Stamp Gift Set along with Festive Gift Wrap & Gift Boxes...

Anita's brings you the new 'Victoriana' collection, shaped cards and glitterations...

To check out all the new products just click HERE!

I'm going to be a MUMMY!

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

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

I shall be taking a few months out from illustrating and designing to enjoy my new family from December and then I shall be back to the drawing board once again after my maternity leave! As we work so far in advance I have already been working on collections up until Christmas 2010 and from May onwards I shall continue to illustrate & design for Daisy & Dandelion and Papermania amongst a variety of other projects with 'docrafts'!

Party Princess...

This Christmas why not make someone a personalised gift and card using one of the new designer ranges by Papermania. I have used the JOYEUX NOEL collection Love Stephanie Dyment to create this unique scrapbook page and greetings card.

This scrapbook page uses a combination of the patterned papers layered onto brown core'dinations card stock, some gold stitching, handmade flower embellishments layered with special brads, the co-ordinating clear and wooden stamps and some card stock stickers framed around a special photo...

This cute Christmas card has been made by layering the patterned papers from the collection with brown core'dinations card stock, some brown stitching, a papermania sparkling trim, handmade flower embellishment and special brad, finished with a festive greeting with the co-ordinating wooden stamps.

Scrapbook Page and Greetings Card

Handmade by Erica Martyn

Mr Snowman!

After my little sister took a skiing trip to Canada last Christmas I just had to use the awesome photo she took of the snowman she had built.....

Using the new Christmas range 'Deck the Halls' from Papermania, I have used the bright papers, with contrasting black text and elements to create this fun layout just to preserve his memory!

This simple yet stylish Christmas card has also been made using the 'Deck the Halls' range by layering the papers with card stock, using stitching around the edges and cutting up the snowflake paper and adding 3D foam.

Papermania 'Deck the Halls' Scrapbook Page and Christmas Card
by Erica Martyn

Creativity - Issue 16 - OUT NOW

Check out the latest BUMPER issue of Creativity with new designer products from Papermania, cute and adorable Daisy & Dandelion (including sneak previews), a vast array of products from Anita's and much much more!!!

Click HERE to find your local stockist!

My BIG 30th BIRTHDAY!!!

Just a little note to let you know that as I am turning 30 this Saturday (9th May) I am very lucky to be going on a holiday of a lifetime to Antigua! As I shall be away untill the 25th May I just wanted to let you know that I haven't deserted my blog and I will be back in a few weeks time! In the mean time feel free to email me at: ericamartyn@hotmail.co.uk

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

OUT MAY 2009

'do crafts' Creativity 15 is filled with exciting new products including the new masculine range from 'Daisy & Dandelion', Papermania Boutique Collection - Love Jesse Edwards, Anita's Foiled Decoupage, X-Cut new gorgeous pink tools and the exciting NEW LOOK Craft Planet'...

Free with this issue is some lovely clear stamps from Papermania!!!

Check out the 'do crafts' site HERE for your local stockist and for further details...

Papermania Sneak Peak...

COMING SOON - New Collection by Papermania - Boutique love Jesse Edwards

Advert designed by Erica Martyn / Photography by Louise Jolley

Interview with Craft Journal

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

Handmade Projects & Cards by Erica Martyn

Here are a few of the projects I created using the new Papermania Clare Curd Signature Range...

Check them out on the 'do crafts' site HERE!!!

A Little Project Inspiration with Daisy & Dandelion

Handmade with love by Erica Martyn

For a step by step guide on how to make this project check out the latest issue of Creativity - issue 14

available from your local 'do crafts' stockist! Click HERE for details...

Check out the Daisy & Dandelion Blog for more project inspiration!

FREE Daisy & Dandelion Stickers with Creativity Issue 14

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

Wishing you a Happy Birthday...

Birthday Wishes Card by Erica Martyn

Products used: Doodlebug Essentials 'Love Spell' Collection

How to make:
1) Start with an A5 card blank and cover with the patterned paisley paper from the collection.
2) Cut a rectangular section of the brown co-ordinating card stock to fit down the right hand side, mount a section of the pink card stock onto the brown base leaving a small gap around the edges.
3) Cut a length of the striped paper from the collection to wrap vertically around the above, adhere and then add a ribbon for detail and tie into a knot at the base of the front.
4) Snip along the right hand length and then mount onto your card on the left hand side. Add 3 of the brown co-ordinating gems for decoration at the base.
5) To add your top sentiment use a combination of the card stock stickers and mount onto squares of card stock in alternate colours, adding a gemstone onto the 'i'. The base sentiment is mounted onto a double layer of card stock with a small border.