Thursday, February 28, 2013

Hide and seek!

This week I was hoping to get some crafting done but I don't know where the time goes.  Hubby has been away all week so I've found myself covering his chores too.  As you do.  This included changing the element on the cooker, which I am quite chuffed about, certainly a first for me, and it works. 
I've also been the primary dog walker, which my husband usually likes to do if he is about.  Funny how the kids promise the world to get a pup and then walk her about once a week! 
I thought I'd share a photo of the pup today to show you how she is getting on.  She can now climb on all the furniture, when your not looking!  This is where I found her yesterday afternoon when she thought I wasn't watching her, don't you just love how she hides her face......I can't see you so you can't see me.....just like a toddler.


Poor Holly had a shock this morning as she got chased by a Bullmastiff, she was yelping like mad and trying to get away.  For ages I couldn't find her and was quite worried.  Luckily I had met up with a good friend to walk and she told me to go home why she continued looking.  Bless her she had made her way home and was sat at the door step.  Worried.com!  She had crossed 3 roads!  Yikes.  I've never seen her do that, she was off like a shot whimpering.  She always stays so close to me so I knew the other dog had freaked her out. 
I will certainly be keeping an eye out in future, poor little mite. 
She had a cuddle and treat once in the house and I had a very large cup of tea and dare I say a slice of Battenburg! 
How not to start your day!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Tim's tattered floral challenge.

Hi folks and another beautiful crisp sunny morning here in Scotland and although I should be galloping around doing the housework I thought I'd join in with Tim's Tattered floral challenge instead.

Here is my attempt.


I had such fun creating this today.  I have used the Tattered florals die with tissue paper and grungeboard, Black soot, Broken china and Peacock feathers distress inks and gold embossing powered.  Materials and jean button from my stash.

You can get the all the details and other entries over on Tim's blog here.
Give it a go, you know you want to!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

I little something I'd promise I'd share..not my usual!

A while back I told you I was working on a project for my husband.  It was a leaving present for one of the guys retiring from the service.  My job was to colour the character in the middle.  I have used prisma pencils as the card used was provided from work and I wasn't sure how my copics would react. 
We all know, you find the perfect card and stick with it when it comes to copics and oil based pens! 
I played safe!

 
I believe it was well received and something nice to keep.  It has his material branch badge and all the Squadrons he has been linked to throughout his career.
 
Today I have been tidying my craft room...what a job!
Thought I'd share this picture with you.
 

This is everything that was bulging out of the box I made with the lovely Kath.  Can you believe I had so many bits and bobs to sort?  
It is the tip of the iceburg and you know what is said about them......yes.......you should see the rest of the room!
If I stay on here I won't get much more done so I better disappear. 

I've also got a Sunday dinner to cook without my oven which gave up the ghost on Friday.  It should be fun!
Let the challenges commence.......catch you again soon.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Neglecting my blog.com!

I am still about, to be honest I don't know where the days are going.  I think I might have slowed down the pace!  Plus I've had lots of walks out with the pup enjoying the sunshine.

Today I wanted to share some exciting news with you....


Over on the Sugar Nellie site there is a brand new range of stamps arriving very soon, with a blog hop next week to wet your whistle, so to speak.  Can't wait to see what the design team come up with.

On another note, the reason why I haven't been crafting as much as I would have liked this week, we have had a group of very bored teenagers causing bother around our village, damaging property and having such fun!  I don't want to go into any more details than that on line as they're not worth the effort.

Mind you on the upside one of my boys bedrooms is now sorted and today I'm sat here in my craft room thinking of a reason not to start tidying it, basically because I don't know where to start....what a muddle.  Scratch that it ain't a muddle it's a complete tip!
Enjoy your weekend.  x

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

And there's more CAS.

Back again today and another clean and simple card for you today.

Less is more!
I am so loving this style of card just now, is that wrong?
I have used Fleur de lis Spellbinder die which is one of my all time favourites.

Not much exciting happening here today.  The kids are back at school, some housework is done and I'm now going to have a little craft time. 
Another beautiful day here in Scotland, bright blue skies, is Spring really on the way?
There was a frost this morning but it has now gone, mind you it was strange walking along the beach this morning with a frost on the sand.  How does that work?  You would have thought the salt on the beach would stop it from freezing wouldn't you?

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday and hopefully I will catch you again tomorrow.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Clean and simples!

Back again, are you enjoying the school holidays? 
I can't believe the beautiful weather we have been having.  The kids, pup and I had a super walk on the beach today with my first sight this year of the dolphins swimming past the village.  Every time I see them it is still magical and it is something I never tire of.  Solucky.com.
Both the pup and boys got wet playing in the rock pools and brought sand home with them, so kind! 
Mind you plenty of fresh air was had by all.
I can't believe it's February, it feels like Spring, my favourite time of year.
I've even got my washing on the line outside today.....it's that nice!

Anyway whilst I'm out enjoying the sunshine I thought I'd share a couple of clean and simple cards I made yesterday.

  
I also thought I'd share a wee picture I took on Saturday.  Again another beautiful day, as I had the day off, we decided to walk to the next village along the coastal walk.  This is one of the lovely bays on route.
 
 
I love where I live.  Now we just need more of this weather.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Tim's 12 tags of 2013, it's February but I'm doing it my way.

Morning, it does feel strange not getting up and going to work.  I little lie in this morning but I did watch a late action film last night, will I never learn as it always leaves me tired.  What a lightweight!
Anyway more importantly today I want to share with you my February tag from Tim Holtz 12 tags of 2013.


My tag is not at all like Tim's although I have used the same theme and same background colour combination. 
I do enjoy joining in with these tags, lots of fun getting all inking and boy I love this red!  In your face bright! 
I have adapted the theme to the products I have in my craft room...I don't normally do all lovie dovie but had fun in the process.

I have used Distress stains Festive berries and Fired brick with Distress ink Black soot.  The Toy soldier is from the Christmas Blueprint selection of stamps and coloured with Distress pens.  I have used Grey Coredinations paper with Spellbinder embossing plate "Trendy".  The embellishments are all from my stash and tissue tape has been used for the ribbon.

So what to do today, more crafting if I can get away with it but better have some family time too.  Maybe a long walk with the dog if it brightens up later.
It feels strange not making the journey to the NEC in Birmingham this weekend for the annual Craft show and classes.  I wasn't sure whether I would get time off work to start with. 
It seems strange getting tweets from other demonstrators and fella crafters making the trip....mmm....I do now feel like I'm missing out!  LOL. 
I could have also tied the trip in with a visit to meet my new little niece.  :(
Nevermind, I'm sure I'll hear about all the goings on after the show but it's never quite the same as being there and meeting up with other like minded folk. 
I think I will craft to take my mind off it!

Have a super weekend. 

Friday, February 15, 2013

I've been crafting!

I hope you are sitting down as I have been crafting today, for a change! 
I have managed my next Tim's 12 tags of 2013 but it is nothing like his. 
I did leave it out to dry whilst I popped to work for a meeting but it was still wet when I got back and now the light has gone, boo!
I think I might show it you tomorrow as I'm not at work, whoop, whoop.  My first Saturday off in ages and I'm going to start with a lie in!
Wishing you all the very best over the weekend.  Back tomorrow with a picture!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Missing in action again, but what fun!

I'm back, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY everyone, and yes I was missing in action again for yesterdays What's on your Work desk Wednesday, but why?
Well, basically I wasn't at my desk or crafting.  I visited our local auction rooms on the hunt for a few bits of furniture, ideas I want to do at home.  It was much more productive than my visit earlier in the week to a local antique shop with much fun bidding!
I had my eyes on a couple of chairs that would need reupholstering but I wanted to check with a more knowledgeable pal first so decided to be good and refrain till I knew more information.  I did however manage to get this......

 
"Would Sir like something off the trolley?!" 
It is in need of a little attention, I did initially plan to paint it and give it a distressed look but I quite like to buck the trend of avoiding dark woods and I think I will sand it down and wax it. 
My Gran used to bring her trolley out every tea time around 4.30 p.m. for "Afternoon tea".  It would have a pot of tea on it, proper cups and saucers and a selection of sandwiches and cakes....there would always be Battenburg and fondant fancies amongst others homemade cakes.  So started my love of cake!
Her trolley was gold and ornate but I love natural products and this fits in lovely with my furniture.  Dark wood is going to come back into fashion you heard it here first!
I'm planning on giving Kirstie Allsopp a run for her money! 
Well I would like to anyway.
It was a complete bargain and I will show you a picture when it is finished, will it be wood or will it be white?! 
One thing is for certain my boys have embraced the idea of afternoon tea, especially on a Sunday, and it would be nice to continue a tradition that I have such fond memories of growing up...I still have weak spot for battenburg cake!
 
My husband also saw this, another fabulous bargain he could not resist.
 

It looks brand new!
Now I must admit when we planned getting the pup I did think the cage was a little harsh.  Is it because we associate it with maybe going to a zoo and seeing animals caged?
I have been brought around big time with the idea and can see the benefits more for the pup than anything else.  We have a smaller cage at present which is kept in the kitchen.  It is her escape when she had had enough of the kids and her bed at night.  The door is never locked and she knows if she goes in there she will be left in peace.  If she gets a treat...straight in there...sharing is not an option!
Bless.

So that is why I wasn't at my work desk yesterday but I am hoping to get a little crafting done today.  I have a 40th birthday card to do for a friend. 
I then hope to do some new cards for my local shop, I supply with some simple greetings cards which has been very neglected of late. 
I have a big boy off school and a little one home for lunch followed by a trip to the dentist then a M & S Valentine's meal deal for tea, nomn, nomn.

Talking of Valentine's day I did very well this morning getting a selection of Gorjuss products from hubby together with brandy, chocolates and a red rose....what is he after?!  LOL.  He also replaced my kitchen sissors which he ruined a couple of years ago, bless. 
I can see the Slimming world plan going to rats today with a fab meal, wine and chocolates on the horizon. 
Maybe a long walk might be on the cards to limit the damage!

Have a super Valentine Thursday everyone, sharing the love!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I suppose it was on the cards!

I have been quiet on here again just now but after a week of sickies it was a pretty good cert that I would be next! 
Headcold.com which of course I would prefer to the other bug doing the rounds just now.  :0

I have managed my list of cards to do, but in such a rush to get them out and away I have omitted to take photographs, so not like me. 
The project for my husband I mentioned has to be restarted as he made an error on it, grrr, so I have that to do again and I promise to share it with you once it has been given to the recipient.  I couldn't possibly spoil the surprise!

So what else have I been up to?  I have been in work and told to take the next fortnight off for holidays, yippee....I will get some crafting done.  That was a lovely surprise. 
So I have plans, my new curtains still need to go up and a new blind then the boys bedrooms need a sort and my kitchen a lick of paint.  I think I might be busy!  But will I get any of the above done, that is the question?  Or shall I just craft?!

I am also looking at Spring demonstration dates for Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin and Howden's in Inverness not forgetting the craft weekend event that I will be involved in through at The Papeterie in Aberdeen.  Exciting times.  I will share more information as I have it. 
Dare I say I shall be looking forwards to new products after the up and coming show down in Birmingham.  Such fun!

Have a super Tuesday and I hope to be back very soon with some crafty fun.  x

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Sugar bowl challenge time 100!

Yes it's correct, today is our 100th challenge at the Sugar bowl so we are having an extra treat.  What is it I hear you cry?
This month we have having double the winners.  That's right two winners will receive their choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps as long as you use a Sugar Nellie image of course, which is the only rule this month, anything goes with regards to the sketch. 
Here's my entry this month....


I have used Rachael from the Simply Adorable range of digital stamps. 
Did I mention I love these images?
I have coloured her using copic pens and prisma pencils and the papers are by SU, just my shade!
The Spellbinder dies are Classic round and Labels Twenty four.  Embellishments from my stash.


It only remains for me to invite you to come along and enjoy the PARTY!  Don't forget eye candy is also awarded each Thursday, a card is picked from the Sugar bowl entries and mentioned on our blog, you get a badge for yours too.

It only remains for me to say, "You've got to be in it to win it and this time you've got double the chance!"
Happy crafting. 
I look forwards to seeing your creations.  x

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

What's on your work desk this Wednesday 192

Oh I've been missing in action the last couple of Wednesdays with real life getting in the way of craft time.  I've had sick kids and pup and a few extra hours at work to deal with but you'll be pleased to know normal service has resumed....whatever that may be!
So on Sunday we had our local crop and I was working on a project for my hubby which I can't share just yet, it's very much a watch this space project! 
Monday I was working on my next Sugar bowl entry again to share later.  I've also had this really bizarre sickness which doesn't come around to often so I have embraced it with open arms......the desire to do housework!  Scary stuff.  Spring isn't even in the air yet and I've bottomed 3 rooms...I must be coming down with something or catching up on last years Spring clean which is probably nearer the mark.  Anyway enough of this chat you really just want to see my craft desk.  I have again moved to the computer side as it is tidier than my craft side of the room, today I have a list of 1/2 a dozen bespoke cards to produce...a fire engine...two golden wedding...two 30th's and one with a Greek theme! 
A Greek theme....mmmm....watch this space.
The desk before starting today....


A statutory cuppa to start with before cracking on.  Bling and pens at the ready!  Let's go.
I will be back later to check out other desks as I'm going to crack on with these cards whilst pup is asleep, in front of the fire. 
Have a super Wednesday whatever you are up too and don't forget to pop on over to the lovely Julia's blog to check out other like minded crafters and their work spaces.

Friday, February 01, 2013

Tim's Christmas tag. Early or late that is the question?

I'm back from work today, remember I mentioned I tended to go off on a tangent when tidying my craft room?  Well, guess what?  It happened again yesterday.  I started doing my ribbons and found some stamps I bought before Christmas, before you know it I was beavering away.  No wonder my craft room is never tidy.
This is what I made.


Now is it early or is it late? 
Actually it is late as it is Tim's December tag from 2012 but it's one in the bank for next Christmas.  I was looking at his blog yesterday wishing his next tag was up and ready, back today and it is.  Mmmm I don't have many of the products Tim has used this month.  What to do instead?!
We will have to wait and see. 
I really enjoyed making this tag and so soon after Christmas.  Maybe January is the time to make your Christmas tags then you can take your time and enjoy the process?!
It is a thought.  Maybe one I will ignore for a while.

Big thank you goes out to my pal Irene who popped over for a cuppa this afternoon and gave me a lesson on crocheting.  Yes I'm still struggling with it.  The hook doesn't seem natural in either my left or right hand but she has informed me that we will keep at it till I get the hang! 
She has more patience than me. 
It is our local crop, which I organise, this Sunday so I think hooks and cotton will be a feature for a change, lets see if I can get something made! 
I'm looking forwards to a girlie crafty day after a disrupted week at home, heaven.  I might even have to have a little cake!
At work all day tomorrow too so time to sign off for now, have a great weekend whatever you are up to. 
Catch you again soon.  x