Birthday cake

I had a lovely birthday yesterday. A big thank you to everyone for the gorgeous cards and good wishes which I received. I'm looking forward to spending some birthday money at Stamp Magic on Sunday!

My daughter made me a birthday cake, and my two grandsons (aged 7 and 3) decorated it. I thought they did a brilliant job, and must show you a photo! Their idea for the decoration came from some pictures I have on my craft room wall. They are by an artist called Sue Fenlon, whose work I really like. Here's a link to her  website gallery . Please have a look at it, then you will see why I think the boys did such a good job imitating her style.

I loved the little ladybirds at the bottom! The plaited edging is made of marzipan, done by Ewan (the 7 year old) all on his own. He said he decided on that for the edging because I recently taught him how to plait. The single candle was a "token" one, as there wouldn't have been room for the number of my age, Or, as my son-in-law put it, "One candle for every 59 years!"

Oh, and the cake part was delicious too!

Sir Stampalot October Challenge

Last month's inspiration photo obviously proved a bit daunting, but this month at Stampalot Challenge we have an easier task for you. We want you to

PUNCH AWAY!

Simply include one or more elements using punches on your project! (But please note that dies do not count as punches! It's fine to use dies as well, but your entry must use at least one element made with a punch, otherwise it will not be considered for the prize or top 3. Also, please remember that if you enter your project in more than five other challenges, it will not be eligible for ours. See the Challenge Guidelines at the top of the challenge blog for full details. )

On my card I've used a border punch and butterfly punch ( both by Martha Stewart) and a punch (make unknown) with a corner design incorporating 3 different sizes of flowers which I punched lots of to make the lilac flowers. The lilac stamp (Toomuchfun Rubber Stamps) is one I bought in the USA about 17 years ago. I coloured it with Promarkers before adding the punched flowers. The tiny flowers each have a dot of glitter glue in the centre. The background paper is an old one by K&Company (now sadly discontinued) and the ribbon came from a grab bag bought at a show.

My talented teamies have come up with some absolutely gorgeous designs, so do pop over to the Challenge Blog and have a look at them.

Due to pressure of work at Stampalot Towers, the photo of this month's prize was not available as we went to press, but rest assured that it will be as fantastic as always!