Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Trick or treat?!
I have a very excited little boy who says it's dark now can he go trick and treating,
LOL,
it's going to be a long day.
I was sent this link so I thought I'd share....
you should check out all the other songs that have been done,
fabulous dwarling!
(Can you tell I was watching "Strictly" last night?)


Anyway back to crafting,
today as I mentioned
it is time for the last card from my Inverness demo.


I have used;
Papers by AC textured card and K & Company Winter Wonderland.
Gorjuss stamp Toadstools and sentiment stamp MME Loss and found Christmas.
Spellbinder Nestabilities dies Classic Rectangles large and scalloped plus Eyelet circles.
Bling by K & Company and Distress stain Vintage photo.
Toadstool is coloured using copic markers and the ribbon threaded through the eyelets is from my stash.

From this picture, as in some of the previous,
 you don't get to see the real beauty of these papers
which are all either glittered or embossed
which is why I have kept the cards quite simple.
I always find it difficult to cover nice papers!

So that's me for now I don't have more to show you till after my next demo.
So what to do?
Today I shall be starting on work for my Elgin demo and making up
Halloween sweetie packs for the kids who may visit tonight
"trick and treating!"

No pumpkin carving in this house this year
as the one my other half bought was all squashy and rotten on the bottom
when we went to decorate it,
BOO.....
and no more locally to buy.  :(
We always do a pumpkin!
I think, however I am the only one disappointed.

Finally in the spirit of Halloween I shall share something my brother sent me......

"I woke up at about 3 this morning only to find the ghost of Gloria Gaynor standing at the bottom of my bed......

Firstly I was afraid....

Then I was petrified....

After thinking for a bit I said

You should go....go out the door...

You pesky ghost!

You're not welcome anymore!

I didn't say it was good....LOL.
Have a great day and I hope you don't get too spooked.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday, Sunday...


As I burst into song...aren't you glad you can't hear me?
Yesterday I didn't get around to posting but had a great day out and about with my boy.
I was so glad that at football practise the rain held off and the weather was mild.
Then a trip into town to pick up "goodies" for our Saturday night in!
This week I shall be mostly getting ready for my last pre-Christmas demo at Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin.
With classes the following Saturday also in Elgin.
I believe the afternoon session is pretty full but still room in the morning.
I have three items for to make all with a small "gift" feel 
which I thought would be nice in the run up to Christmas.
I might even show you a wee sneak peak this week!!!
(If I'm allowed)
Anyway onwards and upwards and a couple more cards left from Inverness demo
 for you and we are now talking
"gorguss!"


For this card I have used;
Spellbinder Grand nestabilities labels 11 (for card shape) and 2010 Heirloom Ornament.
Card by AC textured and K & Company Winter Wonderland.
The stamp is Gorjuss "Holly" and the sentiment is from Andy Skinner stamps Simply Angelic.
Stickles glitter "holly", copics and fibres from stash.

Another Gorguss girl for you tomorrow and then maybe even some candy up for grabs.
In other words watch this space....
Now I'm away to either bake, craft or iron...I know what I should be doing but notice how it's last on the list.  :)
Oh, for an ironing fairy!


Friday, October 28, 2011

I'm seeing double!

Today for those of you who topped up on your Spellbinder dies whilst in Glasgow yesterday 
I have a double whammy for you.
There is method in my madness, honest.
I have shown you in previous cards different variations of snowflake dies but with this one I wanted
to show you the positive and negative both together on the same card.


I have used;
AC textured card and K & Company Winter Wonderland.
Spellbinder shapeabilities 2011 Snowflake Pendant, Create a flake 3 and
Ironworks Motifs.
Nestabilities Fleurs De Lis Square, Classic scalloped circles and Classic circles.
Sentiment by PI Lindsay Mason Grrrreat Christmas words.
Bling by K & Company.
Glitter by stickles Diamond.

This card is a 10" square which is folded down the centre on the horizonal line.
On the centre vertical line it is cut to the centre point only.
These two squares are then folded on the diagonal just like a twisted easel card with a 5" square added.
The snowflake on the left is a layered 2011 pendant with added glitter and blind.
On the right I have cut the larger of the 2011 snowflake die out of the background K & Company papers then layered Create a flake 3 inside, glittered and blinged.
I think it is a good way to show the different effects of using the dies together......
.....but what do you think?!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

It's all a load of baubles!

Today I am feeling a wee bit sorry for myself....
don't worry I'll get over it....
it's nothing important, honest.
Why you ask?
Well in Scotland today it is the start of the Craft Show down at the SECC in Glasgow.
Most of my crafting buddies north of the boarder are meeting up down there today.
Boo....
I can't make it as him in doors is on the wrong shift pattern.
Ever get that feeling you are missing something?!
LOL.
Anyway I have got plenty to do.
I have an order for place cards, my next Sugar Bowl card, classes I will be doing in Elgin plus a demo to prepare for....I'm sure that will keep me out of mischief but more importantly avoiding the housework.  :)
Enough of my ramblings here is another card from my latest Inverness demo day;



I have used;
Spellbinder Nestabilities die 2011 Heirlooms Ornament.
Papers by AC and K & Company Winter Wonderland.
Stamps by PI Lindsay Mason Grrreat Christmas worlds.
Ribbon and mirror card from stash.

Did I mention in earlier posts that I LOVE this bauble die?
Yep, mmmm thought I did.  But I really do.
It creates a great visual impact on a card especially with fab foiled paper and the 3D effect.
Simple yet effective.

Well, that's all from me today I'm away to tackle my "to do" list.
Wish me luck.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A "Spell" in Inverness

Back to samples today and another easel card.
This one is a 5" square.


I have used;
Spellbinder Shapeabilities Lace Doily Motifs, Ironwork Motifs and Layered Poinsettia,
with Nestabilities Classic round and Classic round scalloped.
AC textured black and white card stock plus K & Company Winter Wonderland.
Bling by Zva Creative.
Stamp sentiment by PI Paula Pascual PA Essential Christmas.

The card shape is 10 x 5" folded at 5 plus 7 1/2" then a 5" square added on top. 
(Basic easel style card).
I love the contrast of the red with the black and white on this card plus there is plenty of space on the bottom to add your personal message.
Today I shall mostly be making something most men think all women buy lots of....?!
That must be none crafting women cause it ain't me...
give me paper any day of the week!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Remembrance Day

I did mention that I would be back with a second post and something I support every year.
I always look at the paper poppies and think...
it has worked for years and costs need to be kept low
but I would like to give it my own stamp of respect.
So yep, I will still be donating this year as always
however instead I shall be wearing this;


My very own little contribution, a felt poppy all hand stitched and beaded then finished on the back with a brass pin.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

I'd love to know what you think?
Decoupage!!


More decoupage from Nitwits Christmas collection for you today.


I have used;
Red AC textured card in an easel shape together with Nitwit A4 diamond and plaid papers then
Nitwit Toy Store and Quilt shop (for tree) decoupage sheets and finally Nitwit Joy Topper for greeting.
I have also used Spellbinder Shapeabilites Fancy tags 1.

Short and sweet today.
The card stock is A4 folded 9.9 cm, 15 cm and 19.9 cm.
I'm hoping to get back to you later with my felt make...for something a bit different.
But for now I have a class to come up with and some place cards so better crack on.



Monday, October 24, 2011

More re-jigging!


Today from Inverness demo I want to start with a "cracker!"
All the details for making this little beauty are back on the 8th of September.
A wee scroll back is required!
Here goes;


I have used;
MME Loss and Found Christmas papers and stamps.
Red stickles.
Martha Stewart PATP Vintage doily.
Spellbinder Nestabilities Classic round circles.

And as it is a re-jig kind of day I thought I'd show you this one too;


I have used;
MME Loss and Found Christmas papers plus AC textured white cardstock.
Spellbinder Nestabilities Long classic rectangles large and Long classic rectangles large scalloped
plus Shapeabilities Create a flake 3.
Stamps by PI Lindsay Mason Grrreat Christmas words and Simply Gorjuss Snowman.
Coloured with copics and Stickles Diamond glitter.
Finally I have added fibres from my stash.

This card is made slightly differently from the last in that I have varied the folds.
It is a 12 x 6 " piece of card which has been scored at 1", 2", 6, 7" and 11".
I then cut off the first inch and fold at all the others....this will create your box card.
Play around with the sizes, it's fun!
As mentioned in a previous post I found it easier to decorate the whole card first before finally gluing into the box shape.
Enjoy!
I'm away into my local craft shop for "local" peeps this morning to see what I'm going to be demoing next month there for you.
Have a great Monday.


Sunday, October 23, 2011

I'm late, I'm late...for my daily blog date!

Been busy today sorting out my kids, getting them ready to go back to school tomorrow, yaah!
Food shopping for packed lunches and school treats this morning
together with most other people in our local town I think.
I managed also to see a wee bit of the rugby final....gosh it was a close thing
but I'm glad to see that the  NZ All Blacks came through in the end to win or held on to the ball!
Which is more accurate.

Anyway back to crafting,
today I have another card that I have done before over the last 7 weeks of demo's
for the most recent with the instructions of how to make,
you'll need to scroll back to the 10th of October.

As always this one is different again but the same card shape.

The front;


The inside;


And finally with the flap lifted;


I have used the following:
Spellbinder Nestabilities 2011 Heirloom Ornament,
Shapeabilities Layered Poinsettia, Fancy labels 2 and Ironworks Motifs.
MME Loss and Found Christmas papers and Rubber stamps.
Martha Stewart edger punch doily lace.
PI stamps by Lindsay Mason Grrreat Christmas Words.
Distress ink Vintage photo, ribbon and beads from stash.

I have kept the decoration quite minimal concentrating on the new Spellbinder dies
but with this card you could really go to town and spend quite some time decorating it.

I'm away now to put some tea on before I start getting
"Mam or should I really say maaammmmm I'm starving!"


Saturday, October 22, 2011

Inverness Samples

It starts.....!
Today I am showing you a re run of a card I made for an earlier demo...
but usually no two are the same
and this one has been tweaked and changed slightly
....because I can!

If you scroll back to October the 19th on my blog
 there are instructions on how to make this card.
For this particular card I have used;
Spellbinder Nestabilities Grand scalloped circles and
Shapeabilities Holiday tags and 2011 Snowflake pendant.
The sentiment stamp is from Andy Skinners Christmas collection "Simply Angelic".
Papers and brads are MME Loss and Found Christmas.
Glitter from Martha Stewart Crystal course and pearl from K & Company.
Finally finished with Distress ink Vintage photo and ribbon from my stash.
I love making this style of card it is really quick and easy to make but looks really effective.
The hardest thing is leaving the snowflake alone waiting for the glitter to dry.
More for you tomorrow.
I've just had a great afternoon out with the family bowling and having fun plus I got a strike before hubby.....
YAAH!
We're not at all competitive in this hoose!
Hope you are all having a fun filled Saturday.

Friday, October 21, 2011

The finale

So today I have the last card from the Elgin demo and we start on Inverness tomorrow.
With this card just a change of sentiment and the embossed background would create a card for any occasion.
I have used;
Spellbinder dies; Nestabilites Beaded Ovals,
Shapeabilities Create a flake 3, Ironwork Motifs and Fancy tags 2.
AC textured card stock, cream card and MME Loss and Found Union Square.
Sentiment stamp by PI.
Distress ink Vintage photo, pearl by Zva Creative and black seam binding from stash.

The Create a flake 3 dies have been embossed on the cream card to create a background design,
the beaded ovals distressed with ink whilst still in the die
as has fancy tags 2.

I can't believe that is us coming to the end of the school tattie holidays here in Scotland.
I feel as if we have done very little with hubby settling in to his new job
and my eldest just wanting to be here "hanging out" with his mates.
I always have great intentions come holiday time but my two just want to be out and about with friends.
Or playing with Mr XBox.
Still on the up side it does give me time to craft!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Sugar arh, honey, honey!

It's that time again over on the Sugar Bowl and another challenge to get your crafting "teeth" into.
The sketch this week is from the lovely Maria and it's number 70, with the brief
"clean and simple"
YIKES!
Step away from that card.
Here's mine;


And the sketch;


As you can see I have switched the sketch to match the papers I have used and I'm very sorry but I couldn't stop myself with a wee bit of distressing.

I have used;
Christmas Garland by Sugar Nellie which you can purchase here.
Paper is by MME Loss and Found Christmas.
Image coloured with copics,
Distress ink Vintage photo,
Stickles diamond and Distress Stickles Clear Rock candy.

And the prize?
Up for grabs 4 Sugar Nellie stamps of your choosing which goes up to 6 with 100 or more entries.
As I always say at this point,
"You've got to be in it to win it!"
Happy crafting and have fun with the sketch
but remember in order to be entered into the prize you are required to use a Sugar Nellie stamp.
Enjoy!
More from me tomorrow.



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Let it snow, again!

Nearly there now.
And for today......

From the side;


For this card I have used;
AC textured black card stock plus MME Loss and Found Union Square.
Spellbinder dies;  Grand Nestabilities scalloped circles,
Shapeabilities Create a flake 3 and Ironworks Motifs.
Martha Stewart Crystal coarse glitter.
Pearl by K & Company.
Black seam binding from stash and Distress ink Vintage Photo.

To create this card you need 2 x 6" squares of card and 1 4 x 6" piece of card.
Cut a centre out of one of the 6" squares which is the front.
Fold the 4 x 6" card,
I have folded every 1/2" as the hole in the front card goes quite low.
Then attach the folded card to both 6" squares at the bottom leaving open at the top.
Glitter snowflake pieces then leave to dry, 3D foam together then hang with thread to top of card.
(If the 3D foam has trouble sticking to the glitter either apply foam before glittering leaving the cover over the sticky pad or add a wee bit of glossy accents  after which will help stick).
To then finish the card you can either attached with brads at the top corners or use your cropadile to attach ribbon though both sides, as I have with this one.

Why not give it a go,
I'd love to hear how you get on.


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Not more Christmas!

Nearly at the end of Elgin demo samples with only three more cards to show you then I shall move on to Inverness samples, in between that I will throwing in a Sugar Bowl card and maybe the felt item I have been working on.  Prototype has been made but as with everything first time around I want to tweak it a wee bit before sharing.
On to today's card;


For this card I have used;
Spellbinder Shapeabilities Lace Doily motifs, Fancy tags and Ironwork accents, plus Nestabilities classic round circles.
Paper is American craft black textured card and MME Loss and Found Union Square.
Stamp by PI Paula Pascual Large Christmas.
Pearls by Zva Creative.
Distress stain Vintage photo and satin ribbon from stash.

This card was inspired by the wonderful Sue over on Particraft, with her introduction to the new Spellbinder dies on TV earlier in the year.
The star shape is make with two square Lace Doily motifs folded across and down plus diagonally on both sides.  Then both dies are attached together.
The corners are made by taking the smaller square die and cutting into quarters.
I have then layered tags and the sentiment in the middle finishing with ink and pearls.
I will be honest it is a wee bit fiddly so patience is a must and to post it will of course require a box.
It is an 8" card so it's a whopper!
More tomorrow.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Plastic balls!

This is another item that Karen at Papercrafts Boutique gave me to include in a sample for the demo.
I loved it so much I had to buy some for myself.
In fact I believe they were so popular that they sold out which reminds me I must check if she will be getting more.


Now I have to admit that I don't think the above photograph does my bauble justice but that is more because of my abilities taking pictures as a good friend recently told me.
"Oh they're so much better in real life!"
So I'm afraid this is more of a taster instead.

I have used;
Spellbinder Nestabilities die 2011 Heirloom Ornament.
Paper by MME Loss and Found Union Square.
Stickles Diamond and Distress ink Vintage photo.
Plastic bauble.
Thread and satin ribbon from stash.

I think you'll agree the die fits just perfectly inside the bauble.
I have used eight die cuts and folded down the centre gluing together with Glossy accents.
I then added distress ink and glitter to the edges.
As I glued it together I added cotton thread which I used to hang it centrally when closing the bauble.
Finally I added ribbon to hang up and a big bow of satin ribbon to hid all the workings!
Now I've just got to remember to make myself three before Christmas to hang in my dining room.

What am I up to today....
To start with I really need to go food shopping, which I really enjoy NOT.
I did send my other half recently but he came back with such an unhealthy bag of pastries and treats and not everything on the list...
"just follow the list!"
LOL.
Then I will be going to my local craft shop as I have given up looking for black felt to finish what I started a couple of days ago.
Guess what?
I will find it as soon as I come home with more.
Hopefully once all my jobs are done I may get some craft time although I think my kids want to go bowling or to the cinema...
I will have to wait and see.
Have a super Monday and more again from me tomorrow.


Sunday, October 16, 2011

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

If I was only this organised with my own gifts for Christmas.
I loved making this next sample and it really came about by accident,
don't you just love it when you have happy accidents!
I had an idea in my head to make my earlier canvas into a wreath
but as you can see I changed my mind.
I then decided I still wanted to do a wreath with the lovely new Spellbinder flower dies
and set to work.
Karen had also asked me to include a calender of sorts....
which I tend to do each year at Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin.
So here it is...and I hate to admit it but I was really happy with how this came out.


I have used;
Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities die large scalloped circles for the base of the wreath.
For the flowers I have used Shapeabilities Anemone flower topper, Spiral blossom 1, Foliage and Ironworks motif.
Card stock by American craft and MME Loss and Found Union Square.
Calender from Papercrafts Boutique.
Bling from K & Company.
Glitter Stickles red and Distress ink Vintage Photo.

I love these two new flower dies by Spellbinder.
What I found really interesting with the Spiral blossom dies was every time the flower came out slightly different, I love that just like natures garden!
Anyway that's all from me again today,
I'm away to watch the rugby and maybe catch up on some more ironing....
don't you just love Sunday mornings!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

A day off

It feels a bit weird to be sat at home chilling on a Saturday when I've done quite a few demo's on the trot.
Still I have a cup of tea and the Wales rugby match on with my boys,
then we have a day to Inverness planned swimming and the cinema.
Before I go I thought I'd post another sample;


For this card I have used;
Spellbinder shapeabilities Lace Doily Motifs, Ironwork Motifs, Layered Poinsettia and Foliage together with Classic circles and classic Scalloped circles.
The paper I have used is MME Loss and Found Union Square.
Distress ink Vintage photo and Fired Brick.
Joy stamp from Andy Skinners set Simply Angelic.
Gold beads from stash.

This is a 5 x 10" easel card folded at 5" and 7.5" with a 5" square added to the front.
Easel cards have become so popular over the last six months with all manner of shapes, sizes and angles being tried. 
I do like the simplicity of this simple square one.

I did have a play with my felt yesterday and started to get a wee bit excited as what I was making started to come together....
until I realised I had no black felt.  :(
Well, that probably isn't totally true, I just can't find any.
So whilst out today I will be trying escape to a craft shop and acquire a wee bit.
That's my excuse!
I have so many projects I start but then don't get chance to finish.
I am determined this won't be one of them.
Have a great weekend.
And finally COME ON WALES!
(Got to support the only home team left in the Rugby!)

Friday, October 14, 2011

It's all a load of baubles!

Back to cards we go....


For this card I have used;
Spellbinder Nestabilities die 2011 Heirloom Ornament and Shapeabilities Holiday tags.
Red textured card stock by American Craft and MME Loss and Found Union Square.
For the bauble I have used smooth white card stock, clear embossing powder, PI stamp Large Christmas and Essential Christmas by Paula Pascual, Distress ink Fired brick and Vintage photo, bling by Zva Creative, stitched at home and red seam binding from stash. 

I have stamped and embossed the bauble first before adding the distress ink over the top, adding more around the outside to create a 3d feeling. 
When I've added the bauble to the card I've also layered it higher in the middle with 3d foam to also continue the effect.
I've really enjoyed playing with this new Heirloom die in lots of different ways.
Honestly I freely admit I've not always been a big fan of baubles in the past for Christmas but I'm and now well and truly a convert.
Watch out for another couple of ways I have used it coming soon.
I'd love to hear what you have done with it should you of course have this new die.
That's all from me today
I'm away to play with some felt with another wee idea up my sleeve.



Thursday, October 13, 2011

There's more!


Today I thought I'd have a wee break from card making and show you a brooch that I have made using the new Spellbinder Shapeabilities Layered Poinsettia.
I have used gold and red felt, stitched by hand then I've added some small gold beads and a brass brooch pin.
Finally adding a wee bit of red Stickles around the edges.
I did need to run the felt and dies through a couple of times in my Calibur just to make sure it had cut but it has now given me another idea........me thinks I might have a play later.
More soon, well tomorrow actually, happy crafting!


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

It starts!

Right folks as promised today marks the start of my samples for Elgin demo from the beginning of the month.
Now Karen kindly gave me the next item to include in her demonstration, a canvas.
I loved making this.
At first I knew exactly what I would do but once the canvas was in front of me I totally changed my mind and this is what I came up with.


The canvas is 8" and I have also used;
Red and black acrylic paint plus Distress crackle paint Picket fence for the frame.
Papers from MME Loss and Found Christmas plus old music paper and white tissue paper.
Red glitter lettering and swirl by K & Company.
Spellbinder nestabilities Labels 15 and 2011 Heirloom ornament,
Shapeabilities Fancy tags, Layered Poinsettia, Create a Flake 3 and Holiday tags.
Fragments by Tim Holtz Idea-ology, Distress ink Vintage Photo and Crackle accents.
Christmas sentiment stamp by PI and
Christmas tree stamps by Andy Skinner "Let the Festivities Begin".
Beads, bling and twine from stash.

Did I mention that I really, really enjoyed making this?
LOL.
Even if I spent far to long doing it,
I do loose time when I get engrossed.
I blame the lovely Kath you have a lot to answer for.
After our class earlier in the year I have been wanting to do more canvasses.
You've started something now!
...I can see a few Christmas pressies this year!



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Last but no way least.

Well, this is my last sample from Aberdeen demo day before moving onto Elgin tomorrow.
Firstly I have some really exciting news....
I have been invited to become a Design Team member on


I am really excited about this and am looking forwards to sharing more of my crafty ideas with you.
So watch this space!

Back to the sample:


And the back.


I have used:
Paper from MME Loss and Found Christmas, AC textured white card.
Spellbinder Nestabilities Classic circles and Big scalloped circles, Shapeabilities Create a flake 3.
Stamps are from MME Loss and Found Christmas for the sentiment and Gorjuss girl Toadstools and Gorjuss Snowman.
Red and Diamond stickles, Distress ink Vintage photo and Fibres from stash.
Both stamped images were coloured using Copic pens.

I love this box card idea and have made it using a 12 x 6" piece of card.
I have scored it at 1", 2", 6", 7" and 11".
Cut off the first inch then score the rest. 
This will make your box shape.
One word of warning decorate it before finally putting the box together,
believe me it is a lot easier.
Yup, I've tried it both ways for scientific reasons of course, LOL.
Oh, did I also mention I love this snowman....
so easy to colour with only really his scarf to do
except for a wee bit of highlighting here and there. 
I love him.

That's all for me again today I'm still working on my ironing pile and am playing taxi driver to my boys later.
These kids have better a social life than me.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Enjoy a Spellbinding "Tattie holidays!"


Only two more posts for my Aberdeen samples then I'll be moving on to Elgin.
So all change on Wednesday this week.

On to today.....
Closed with a wee peak!


And open.


And inside.


For this card I have used:
Spellbinder Shapeabilities dies;  Holiday tags, Layered Poinsettia and Nested Pine trees.
Martha Stewart punch Doily lace.
Gorjuss stamp "Holly" and MME Loss and Found Christmas.
Papers MME Lost and found Christmas 12" papers and 6" pad.
MME Loss and Found brads.
Coloured with copic pens, Stickles holly and Distress ink Vintage photo.
Finally the gold beads (centre of poinsettia) are from my stash.

The measurements for this card are mentioned in an earlier post but for a quick recap...
the first card is 29 x 15 cms scored and folded 7 plus 7 1/2 cms in from each side.
The centre card is 13 1/2  by 18 1/2 cms folded at 2 1/2 cms
this flap is used to attach the card to the centre top
of first card....
now decorate!
And enjoy!

I love this shape of card but I do need to give a wee toot to Create and Craft for giving me the inspiration to adapt an idea seen on there.

For the next fortnight I have my boys off for the local "tattie holidays"
although there will be no tattie picking going on in this house with the X box being favoured.
Little do they know that if the weather is fine....I have a plan!
Fresh air and exercise....this is going to hurt, LOL.


Sunday, October 09, 2011

Thanks!

Today is the second day of the Sugar Nellie blog hop showcasing their new stamps.
A big thank you to all who visited here yesterday and left such lovely comments over the coming week I do hope to have a wee wander to your blogs too.


I will be playing catch up today and joining in yesterdays and today's all in one,
sorry I didn't make it on last night as planned
but I had a date with two kids, a sofa, a glass of red and "Merlin!"
Mr M & S also kindly provided my meal which was all ready once I got home from Inverness.
And chillaxe!

I would also like to thank all the lovely ladies in Inverness for making yesterdays demo so enjoyable for me. 
To the staff for my tea and chocolate which kept me going throughout the day.
I would also like to wish the shop manager "Lesley" a speedy recovery. x
To those who made purchases, enjoy your new goodies,
I know you will because I too
had such fun making the samples.

Back to my Aberdeen demo and it's "BAUBLE" time!


For this card I have used;
Spellbinder Nestabilities 2011 Heirloom Ornament.
MME Lost and Found Christmas papers and brad with tag.
American craft textured card.
Adirondack alcohol inks;  Meadow, Bottle, Lettuce, Red pepper, Cranberry and Butterscotch with a Copper mixative, dabbed with felt to shinny white card stock and blended with Alcohol blending solution.
Finished with Distress ink Vintage photo and a taupe seam binding bow.

That's all from me today I'm away to join in the Sugar Nellie hop.
Enjoy your Sunday whatever you have planned....
I'm building up my strength to tackle my man mountain of ironing later.  :(


Saturday, October 08, 2011

"At the hop!"

It's time!
The Fairy Glen hop none the less.
Hop, hop, hop!
Guess you want to see my card?
Firstly you should have arrived to me from the lovely Mina's blog
if not you will need to go back to the start (sorry no £200 for passing go!) at the
All these gorgeous stamps are available today from the

Are you sitting comfortably?
Then we'll begin:


This little cutie is called Charlotte.
I did warn you that these little stamps are too cute.
This card went to my good friend Christel for her special birthday
so I added her name and age too.
All downhill from now on my lovely!! :)

I have also used;
Spellbinder nestabilities eyelet circles and the new Shapeabilities Spiral blossom 1.
Paper pad by Prima "Jack and Gill" with a beautiful soft colour combination.
Pearls by Zva Creative,
Martha Stewart punch PATP Wild flowers, 
Stickles diamond,
coloured with copics 
and finally wire from my stash. 

Now on to the next blog in the hop and the lovely Pat,

knowing Pat she will have a fabulous card instore for you.

I hope you have a super hop today
more from me tomorrow
plus the hop is also continuing with another array of fabulous inspirational cards.
Enjoy. x

Before I go I'd love to hear what you think of these new beauties.
Are you hooked like me?

Friday, October 07, 2011

Especially for you!

Back to some samples for you and todays cards are especially for my good crafting buddy
A little bit of decoupage for you 'cause I know how much you love it!
Personally I tend to do my own paper piecing and decoupage but if I was to pick it would be NITWITS.
They remind me of earlier days when I went back to crafting when my kids were small and at home
American clipart was the best we could get.
In particular these little houses are cute for Christmas especially for that difficult man in the house
creating a quick and straight forward card.
So enough of my waffling and onto the pictures.



For both cards I have used Nitwit papers and decoupage together with Spellbinder dies Grand labels 11 and Shapeabilites Fanciful holidays, gingham ribbon from stash, crackle glossy accents and wee buttons.

Before I go a couple of reminders for you;

Tomorrow you will catch me 10 till 4 in Howden's Garden Centre in Inverness with more Spellbindingly Gorjuss Christmas cards (the clue is there to what I am doing!  LOL)

Also we are having a blog hop to showcase the new stamps that go on release at
Sugar Nellie tomorrow morning.
You will be able to get them here.


Believe me when I say that they're too cute for words.
If you love fairies you are going to be blown away and if you don't?!
You will still love them.
Catch you tomorrow with springs on my shoes as we hop, hop, hop the day away!

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Sugar bowl challenge 69

This definitely comes around faster and faster....I'm sure of it!
This time it is the wonderful Gayle's sketch and the theme is something GREEN.
Can you tell it's her favourite colour?
Gayle also loves a wee bit of gingham so this is my attempt;


And the sketch:


And the kitchen colours to inspire;


I'd so love this kitchen, look at the ceiling, oh my, isn't if fabby?
I have used:
Sugar Nellie stamp Ella's umbrella.
Paper by Doodlebug and brown Kraft.
Cuttlebug embossing folder small flowers.
Sentiment from The Cutting Cafe.
Spellbinder die Grand scalloped square.
Buttons and ribbon from stash.
Stickles diamond.
Copic pens to colour.
Stitched on my machine.

I loved making this card lots of stitching and layering to play with.
The card went to Gayle for her daughter to wish her a speedy recovery as she had an accident at ballet.
I love this little stamp for an "under the weather" type of card.

On to the prize this time.
The winner picked at random will get their choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps
which will rise to 6 if we get over 100 entries.
Good luck everyone and as I always say at this point.......
"you've got to be in it to win it!"
Happy crafting.
More demo cards for you tomorrow and don't forget our great blog hop coming this weekend.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

It's official there's snow on the hills.

It would only be right to follow suit even though today seems milder here and the sun is out shhhh!
My big boy is coming home today so I will be rushing around very soon getting his room ready,
if I'm quick I should get more time to craft later.

Back to demo samples and more snow.


Another variation on the snowflake theme.
For this card I have used the new Spellbinder 2011 Snowflake pendant and Grand Nestabilites Scalloped circles.
The blue paper again has been created with my Adirondack Alcohol inks as in the previous post then I've added a wee bit of bling and Stickles diamond.
Textured cardstock by American craft.
I'm loving getting all inky and having fun playing.
It works so well with snowflakes don't you think?

Hope you all have a great Wednesday.
I'll be back!


Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Late today.

Sorry folks late in posting today.
I have a big boy not very well so trying to sort out how to get him home from school early.
Bless he's fast asleep in sick bay as we sleep.  :(

Anyway enough of my wee troubles on to another card from Aberdeen demo.


For this card I used:
Spellbinder grand die Scalloped squares, 2011 Snowflake pendant and Create a flake 3.
I have used Andy Skinner Simply Angelic in the background with black StazOn.
The blue and silver paper plus the silver background was made using Adirondack Alcohol inks;
Stonewashed and Sail boat blue together with Silver Mixative.
Bling from Zva creative.

I again created the background dabbing the felt tool on glossy card stock with drops of the above ink.
I then cut out 2011 snowflake and kept the negative.
The inside snowflake is created with create a flake 3 dies.
Oh I do like playing with these inks.

That's all for now folks more again tomorrow.


Monday, October 03, 2011

Fancy a peak?


Oh my, you should see these little beauties.
Karen over at Funky Kits has done it again.
I think I NEED all of these little fairy images and as I said in an earlier post
I don't normal do fairies
but I LOVE these.
Why not pop on over to the Sugar Nellie Blog
where all this week the design team are showcasing them.
So cute.
This will be followed by a blog hop this coming weekend as the stamps go on sale Saturday morning at Funky kits, link above.

Back to my samples and today I have a nice simple card for you.


And closer up.


For this card I have used;
Tim Holtz Idea-ology Fragments.
Andy Skinner stamps Let the Festivities begin and Simply Angelic.
Adirondack alcohol inks Stone wash and Sail boat blue with a Silver Mixative.
Black StazOn ink and bling from Zva Creative.

I love working with these fragments which are attached to the card with a good lashing of Glossy accent. 
They create such a classic, simplistic card which looks as if you've spent hours making it.
Less is more, again!
I added the alcohol inks by just dabbing with the felt tool,
if you are unsure how to use the alcohol inks Tim has quite a few tutorials over on You Tube for you to work through.

That's all for me today I'm away to start and get ready for my next demo which is this Saturday over at Howden's Garden centre in Inverness.


Sunday, October 02, 2011

The Second post of the day!

I really should be doing the ironing but as I finished this at the crop this afternoon I thought I'd add it.
This is the next month of my 365 days calender.
Can you believe it's October already?

BOO!


I have used:
Distress inks Rusty hinge, Spiced marmalade and Black soot.
Rub ons by Bo Bunny Hallows Eve.
Sticker alphabet by Scenic Route Bristol Black.
Stamps by Papetrey Ink Spooky Sweets with London fog ink.
Pumpkins by cricuit Stretch your imagination.

I love all things Halloween and had great fun doing this today,
I did ummm and arh about doing a big pumpkin in the middle of the page like my apple from last month but decided against it....maybe do something similar next month.
Here is my September;
Why not pop on over to Kate's blog and check out every one's calenders.
They're all so different.
What will we have next month?
Mmmmm.
Already got an idea, just got to work out how to put it to paper.

It starts!

Today I am starting with my samples from the Papeterie demo in Aberdeen.
Firstly I would like to give out a big
thank you
to all the lovely ladies who took the time to visit not only myself but the love Jenny too who was also demonstrating with some beautiful cards at The Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin.
I had a great day and I hope you enjoy playing with your new toys!

On to my sample:
I have shown the front and back view.
I have used:
Andy Skinner stamp sets Simply Angelic and Let the Festivities begin plus My Minds Eye Loss and found Christmas.
Acetate by JEJE.
Adirondack Alcohol inks; Red pepper, Cranberry, Meadow, Bottle, Lettuce and Butterscotch.
Distress ink pads:  Fired brick, Vintage photo and Peeled paint plus StazOn Timber brown.
The tags and fibres are from my stash.
Glitter by Martha Stewart crystal course and Stickles Diamond (I added white acrylic paint underneath), Xmas red, Holly plus Distress stickles Vintage photo.
I stitched the acetate pocket card together on my sewing machine
...it had to work hard and slowly as it is really fabby thick acetate. 
I used this technique over on Andy Skinners blog where you pop drops of ink into a container of water then add your tag. 
It creates a great double sided effect and reminds me of fond childhood memories in school art classes dipping paper in the sink creating all manner of backgrounds.
I loved this technique Andy so thanks for sharing.
The tags were then left to dry naturally before added random stamped images and distress ink.
Oh my, I got all inky! 
It was great fun.
Anyway ladies I'm supposed to be taking my wee man to rugby this morning but he does not want me to take him....such a daddy's boy when it comes to sport.
He says I need to learn the rules so I can take the training sessions like dad does!
What a monkey.
Then this afternoon it's our local crop in Hopeman which is normally an afternoon of no children, laughter, tea and cake plus maybe a bit of crafting....but my hubby is working again...boo!
After having a childminder for yesterday,
thanks very muchly Sarah,
I thought I would spend time with my boy.
He has different ideas and wants a babysitter
so maybe this crafter will get to the crop if only for a few hours...yaah...that way we're both happy!
More again tomorrow.


Saturday, October 01, 2011

Beavering away in Elgin

Whilst I'm beavering away in sunny Elgin I thought I'd leave you with my last card from the
Hobby Craft demo in Aberdeen.
More snowflakes brrrrr!
I have used:
Spellbinders Create a flake 3 and 2010 pendant.
White card stock and Winter Wonderland by K & Company.
Acetate strip.
The sentiment is from Grrreat Christmas Greetings by PI with Broken china Distress ink.
Bling from Zva Create and Stickles Diamond.

With this card I have matted and layered,
then I have embossed the snowflake dies direct to the white card stock to create a background.
finally adding stickles to embellish.
The acetate strip is glued behind my layers so that it hangs over the front of the card.
To the strip I have added a greeting and snowflake.
This looks better in real live, honest!
It is very tactile.

More from me tomorrow and I will start with the samples I took to the Papeterie last weekend.