It's my birthday and I'll craft if I want to!

Morning ladies, just, I had meant to post yesterday, I had everything ready but again I got distracted.  I had a day out with my best buddy Gill.  We did a good impression of "ladies wot lunch!"  Followed by a couple of trips to garden centres for some bedding plants, now I've just got to get them in to my pots.

On the evening hubby and I had a good walk with the pup followed by a drop in at the local pub for local people for a wee drink. 

Why all this fun?!

Well, today folks it is my birthday.  Yippee, another year older!
I'm at work early tomorrow so won't be doing much this evening, but my son is having a party tomorrow night after work, jointpartyrus.com...not that I want a swimming party but we are having a nice meal afterwards, which should be fun.

Today I have a couple of bespoke cards to make and it's the school fair tomorrow so if I get chance later I better bake.  We will see.

Back to my crafting....remember I told you I was making memory boxes with a lovely family? 
It has been an honour to work with this family who are going through a very tough time...if only I had a magic wand or that wishes came true and I could change their future.
Unfortunately this is not the case and bad things happen in life, I only hope that the time we have spent together has helped in a small way.
First the youngest memory box, this one is nice a bright and cheerful.....

 

The older child's box....got to love a bit of Cath Kidston...

 

 

Finally Mum's....I love the sentiment on this one and I think it's very apt.

 

I have started off their boxes by making a wee matching mini book of our day, time spent crafting with mum.  x
They've all had a couple of coats of varnish so that they'll stand the test of time and hopefully last well into adulthood.

That's all for me today.  I hope to get these cards finished soon so I can have a relaxing afternoon.  Have a super weekend and as Arnold would say, "I'll be back!"





This evening I shall mostly be in craft tidy mode.

Evening all, a late post from me today....just to keep you on your toes.  Not really I just had my house work head on today and I needed to take full advantage as it doesn't happen very often.  Ironing now sorted and downstairs tidy....for now. 

My boys are now all watching the football so I've sneaked into my craft room.

I mentioned in earlier posts that I have been trying to learn how to crochet.  I like to make things that are useful so I have started on dishcloths.  I think I might have got the hang of this style so I am going to attempt to start some squares later in the week.

Not a very exciting photo I know but I'm a happy bunny 'cause "by jove I think I've got it!"
Famous last words, I know, as I want to attempt Granny squares. 
I will keep you in the loop, meantime I am looking around at my craft room thinking where do I start?!
I know at the beginning is a good point to start but if you could see what I can, you would know what I mean.
Wish me luck as I venture in!

A crafty day but not productive!

Hi, today I have mostly been through to Inverness with my pal, we had a super day with lunch out too.  I've picked up more cotton thread to start trying some crochet squares...scary stuff!
My extra large dishcloth is no more.....I decided that it would end up so big I took it apart and started again on a smaller scale.  Oh it hurt!  LOL.
I've been pottering along again with that whilst sat on an evening watching BGT with the family.  Sad but true!

Today I saw this sign and so need one.....I hate been interrupted when I'm in the middle of a project and I'm sure my family would agree this is needed on my craft room door.

 

You won't like me when I'm crafting!  But rather than turning green I like to think maybe a teal gingham would be more appropriate, with a few pearls around the edges.  :D



This sign also made me smile.....
This is my craft space just now, it does make me just want to shut the door and walk away....one day I will be super organised and have a fab "everything in it's place" craft room.

 

I dream of little pixies visiting during the night only to find the following morning everything is shipshape and in it's place.  Wouldn't that be nice?

Like that is going to happen.

Anyway that's all from me today I'm away to get the tea on and catch up with a few jobs that I should have done earlier when I was out having fun. 

Motorbiking craft style!

Hello you, did you have a good weekend?
We were busy on Saturday at work but then Dine in days usually are, I was a happy bunny as there was still steak left when I finished....Dine in for two, a thank you!
Yesterday I had some fun with the family and today I've been catching up with a few jobs and bits and bobs.  Nothing exciting to share, boo!

Last week I was asked for a very specific request for a card. 
You know me, always up for a challenge!

This gentleman was retiring and wanted to send a large 8" thank you card to his work colleagues to say thank you and hint at what he was going to be getting up to with all his spare time.
I was asked for a Honda 600 white sports bike from the front and the back....you'll get the idea with the photographs.

And inside...

Now the close up....!

 

I was happy with the finished look as it had all been cut by hand.  What do you think?

I kept the colours simple and manly as all the detail was in the bike.  Mind you the last photo isn't the best quality...I blame the photographer!



Lets hope all his pals off shore like a woman's attempt at a Honda 600.
Might see you again tomorrow. 

Eventually the last of my Spellbinding fun from Inverness.

Oh I was bad yesterday, but my that chocolate fudge cake tasted so good after not having for over a year.....it was all gone by the evening...I didn't eat it all but I did manage two slices.  Yikes!  Think a long walk might be the order of the day today!

I also have a challenging request for a card to do today, more on that to follow at a later date, as I need to make sure I can achieve it first.

The mosaic work went well yesterday afternoon at school but I think another couple of afternoons will be needed to finish the work.  I was the only one that managed to cut myself....don't do as I do kids!  Mind you I was the one beating the tiles with a hammer and breaking them up....so satisfying.  Think I may have found yet another hobby.

Back to Inverness and here is the last of my work, another tag.

For this tag I have used Spellbinder Nestabilities die Labels 21 and D-lites die Bird cage 1.  The paper is from MME Miss Caroline and the sentiment stamp and embossed butterflies are by Inkadinkadoo Thoughts for the day.  The bird cage is coated with Distress stain Tarnished brass as is the tag together with Broken china, Peacock feathers and Vintage photo.  The lace and threads are from my stash.

Did I mention I enjoy playing with tags, yep, I'm sure I did.  Lots of fun mixing different inks and stamps, creating different backgrounds.  I thought the MME paper was so cute too it seemed a shame to cover it.  The birdcage was cut twice once in back to create the backdrop then again in cardstock with stain added.

So do you have anything exciting planned this weekend?

Hubby and I are both working, him more hours than me, but I hope to have some time with the boys on Sunday.  Fingers crossed for good weather as I shall want to drag the kids out so Dad can rest.
Have a super time and back with more craftiness on Monday.  x

Today was going to be the last post from my Inverness demo but I just had to say this instead.

Before I start with my blergh for today I just wanted to say a quick word regarding the member of our armed forces who was viciously attached yesterday in Woolwich.  My thoughts go out to his family, colleagues and friends.  x 
What is this country coming too? 
Time to stop being so PC all the time and take a harder line on folk who hate the UK......if you don't like it.....go.....and leave us in peace.

Now I'll jump off my soap box and "keep calm and carry on!"
In true British style with a cup of tea and slice of cake.

9 years ago today I was in hospital just about to go into surgery to have my youngest...he didn't want to make an entrance.
"Happy birthday" wee man...we shall be celebrating later with some cake, chocolate fudge cake made this morning is all ready to go.
So rather than my last sample from Inverness today I thought I'd share some cake.

This is just for tonight as I have a fabulous cake from M and S ordered for his birthday party.  It isn't for another week as he wanted to do something specific. 
I will share that cake with you too nearer the time.
A very excited little boy woke us at quarter to six this morning, which was nice! 
It's going to be a very long day.  LOL.
I better go now as I am spending the afternoon in school making mosaic with a group. 
Lunch time before getting my craft on!

Whoops....there was today's post....not!

Hello, well today didn't go as planned!
I did however enjoy a quick lunch out with my pal Irene, which was a lovely surprise and very yummy.  The rest of the day has flown. 
I am in the process of making the biggest dishcloth ever!  There is a story behind that but I'll save it for another day. 
The memory boxes are finished and ready to photograph so I'll be sharing them soon too.

Tonight I have chilled with my extra large dishcloth but I've now got a couple of bags of balloons to blow up and decorate the room with, it's my wee mans birthday tomorrow. 
Cake baking tomorrow morning and then I'm helping out at school in the afternoon with some mosaic making, should be fun.
I do also hope to share with you the last of my demonstration samples from Inverness.
Catch you tomorrow.  x

The revenge of the Spellbinding canary.....!

Hi folks, another later post for me today.  I had intending on getting on the computer early this morning but after dog walking and food shopping I had a little munchkin home for lunch.  Then I've spent my afternoon putting the finishing touches to the memory boxes I mentioned in a previous post.  Another walk with the pup under my belt and a wee gap before making the tea...time for a quick blog post me thinks......just long enough to show you another, yes, I said another, Saturated Canary stamp.....none at all then three come along at once, LOL.  This little gem is called Lilliana and I thought I'd do a tag for a change.

For this tag I have used Distress inks Fired brick, festive berries, Shabby shutters, Peeled paint and Vintage photo. 
I first inked Lilliana and created a mask for her then I added the stamped sentiments and using black embossing powder, the sentiments are by Inkadinkadoo Thoughts for the day.  After that I added my Distress ink working from outside in.  I then removed the mask and coloured Lilliana with copic markers and her trousers have been paper pieced with MME Miss Caroline papers.  Finally I have used a Spellbinder D-lite die Ornamental tags two with pearls and ribbon from my stash.
I love making tags as they're a great way to play around with different techniques.  Such fun!

Well that's all from me today, I was thinking I might join in with What's on your work desk Wednesday tomorrow as I have really missed it of late.....mind you looking at my desk it will only happen if I have a quick tidy.
Think exocet missile damage!  You won't go far wrong, yep, you can't see my desk at the moment.  Oh the joys of being creatively messy, wink, wink.......I'd so love to be a tidy crafter with everything in it's place but that ain't ever going to happen.
More from me tomorrow.  x

Spellbinders and Saturated Canary...what else does a crafty girl need?

Morning, so as I mentioned in my earlier post it has taken me a long time to jump on the Saturated Canary bus but I'm back today with another one for you.  Oh and how could I not throw in a Spellbinder die too, it would be too rude?!

For this card I have used SC image Little Ladybug together with papers by MME Miss Caroline.  The sentiment stamp is Inkadinkado Thoughts for the day and I have used Spellbinder Edgeabilities Classic Scallop together with Decorative labels 22.  The image is coloured with copic markers and Distress stain Vintage photo with pearls and ribbon from my stash.
The card has been created using two pieces of 6 x 12" textured card stock scoring at 1" (but then cut tight with the Edgeabilities), 1 and 1/2", 2", 7", 7 1/2" and scalloped at 8".
Here is a top view....

How cute is she, loving the image.  This is from a person who thought she'd seen enough cute images but I've really enjoyed colour her.  Just shows you how wrong you can be.

Today I shall mostly be catching up on some ironing and housework, boo, but after a busy week last week at work and a crop on Sunday it really needs some attention.  Then I'm off to try and get my kids some new clothes and more importantly I've got a hospital appointment for an x-ray....which will hopefully just be routine.  Have a super Monday.  x

Better late than never.

Hi folks and it's a late post today for me.  Time has got away from me today.  I was at work this morning and then out puppy walking this afternoon, the weather was so fine Holly and I walked to the next village along the shore line and back....I don't know who was more tired!
Then it was off to the DIY shop as I have a few projects at home I am itching to make my mark on.  Whilst in the shop I had a lovely surprise phone call as I wandered through the wallpaper selections, it was my boss from PI...or it wasn't!
I need to explain. 
The lovely Ken Oliver from Spellbinders is over in the UK just now visiting a few craft shops up and down the country to do workshops and demonstrations.  Tomorrow he is teaching and demonstrating in Aberdeen at the Papeterie and as I am working I am a tad gutted I won't be able to join in the fun.  Today however, he was down at The Ink Spot with my boss Jan working and as she took him for the train he telephoned me.  At the time I was stood in a local DIY store picking out wallpaper...it was a super surprise....and it ain't often I am lost for words!!  But I was.  Needless to say I am having that wallpaper in my kitchen now.  ;)

Back to my show and tell for today....I have resisted buying Saturated Canary stamps for ages now, I don't know why as I love the images but I just never seem to find the time to play with stamps.  I have a stash in my craft room building up of all the stamps I want to play with but never get chance.  So how happy was I when Jan told me that PI are now distribution SC stamps?
Without further ado here is my first SC stamp Honey.

Together with Honey I have used Spellbinder dies Labels 8 and Decorative Labels 8, the papers are from MME The Sweetest thing Bluebell and the sentiment from Crafty Impressions Star greetings.  The image is coloured with my copic markers and the twine and pearls are from my stash.

I really enjoyed colouring this cutie and look forwards to more now.  I can see why they're so popular. 
I have kept the card quite simple really, it seems to be a phase I am going through just now, with the lovely papers and dies I don't really enjoy adding much more. 

That's all from me tonight, I'm working in M & S tomorrow and cropping on Sunday so another busy weekend ahead. 
I shall be back on Monday with some more crafting to share. 
Have a great weekend guys and happy crafting. 

If you are near the Papeterie tomorrow don't forget to pop in and say hi to Ken.

Distressing time with ink and Spellbinders....not!

Morning all, today I wanted to share a card which combines playing with inks to create a background and adding a Spellbinder die to frame your work.  This is something I have done before but I love playing with the results.

For this card I have started by creating the sun using Distress ink Mustard seed and a mask.  I have then created a cloud and sun mask before adding the Broken china ink edged with Stormy sky.  The grass is Peeled paint then I have edged around the whole image with Vintage photo.  With this technique of adding ink I find that dabbing the first pick up makes it blend easier....the phrase less is more truly applies here.  It is better to add lots of light layers than to rush with one dark one.
The sentiment is Crafty Impressions Star Greetings and the birds are from Inkadinkado Utopiary.  I have finally used Spellbinder dies Classic square and Fleur de Lis Square to create a frame.
These cards are great fun to make and vary so much dependant on your ink.

Today I shall mostly be at work in the morning and then I have the kids off school so guess an activity of some description will be in order for the afternoon.
Have a super Thursday and more from me tomorrow.  x

Whilst I'm away let's have a play....Spellbinder style!

Morning, whilst I'm as busy as a bee at work I thought I'd share with you this card from the weekend.

I have used the Spellbinder A4 embossing folder dots together with Shapeabilities Ornate Squares, Nestabilities Decorative labels 22 and D-Lites Medallion 7.  The sentiment is from Marion Emberson It's all in the Words and bling from my stash. 

I love creating these 3D Spellbinder cards, keeping the colour way simple and layering up the dies.
Keeping things easy Spellbinder style!

That's all from me today. 
I will hopefully see you for some more crafting tomorrow.

Weddings.....Spellbinder style.

Evening all.  Another busy day catching up on a few card orders for up coming birthdays then catching up with my pal Irene for lunch and a shop.  Where does the time go? 
Ironing is next on the agenda as I am in work the rest of the week.
First I want to show you this card.....

For this card I have used Spellbinder M-Bossabilities Framed Petite labels together with Nestabilities die Labels 21 and Shapeabilities die Fancy tags 2.  The key and lock are from the D-Lites range Love Locket. 
To make the card I coated the folder with Versa mark ink before placing through the calibur with plain card stock.  I then added Perfect pearls gold powder and mounted onto gold card which has been scalloped at the bottom with Martha Stewart punch Traditional scallop.  The other dies have been layered on top after also running through my machine once coated in Versa mark ink and then powder added after removing the card from the die.  Simples!
The sentiment is from Inkadinkado Thoughts for the day with pearls and ribbon from my stash.
And the top view.....

I do love the subtle gold in the background that the powder creates.  It does look better in real life as when the light catches it you get the best effect.

That's all from me today better go and get my uniform sorted.
Catch you again tomorrow.  x

Spellbinding fun in Inverness.

I was going to say good morning but for some reason it's now the middle of the afternoon...where has the morning gone?
I have to admit I sat down with a cuppa this morning thinking phew, that was a busy weekend, then I had another cuppa and another....before cracking on with some housework.  Doesn't time fly when your sat having a cuppa?
I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all the lovely crafty ladies in Inverness who made it to my demonstration at Howden's Garden Centre yesterday.  I had a super day sharing a few ideas and hope you enjoyed it too.
First I want to share a simple card with you using a couple of recent Spellbinder additions...

 

For this card I have used the inside two dies from Spellbinder Medallion Seven and the outer cut is from Ornate Squares.  The paper is MME The Sweetest thing Bluebell, with pearls from my stash.  The image has been cut and embossed with my Calibur.
I love the simplicity of this card and you could use it for any occasion by just adding a greeting.
Simples!

That is all from me today I've got a few card orders to catch up with and a dog due another walk, enjoy the rest of your Monday.

Tag you're it....this friday!

Whilst I'm beavering away in work I thought I'd share this final sample from last weekends demonstration.  It's a tag!
I love doing tags, I did start doing Tim's 12 tags of 2013 but I seem to have fallen behind.  I always seem to have something else that needs doing but I am hoping to find time soon to catch up.
On to my tag. 

The first time I saw these stamps by MME I though oooooo I've got to create a wall, with the wood effect and the damask then butterflies rather than flying birds. 
I don't know why that came into my mind but I've rolled with it.

I have used stamp sets Miss Caroline Favourite stamps and The Sweetest thing together with Distress inks; Peeled paint, Peacock feathers, Vintage photo and Brushed corduroy.  The damask stamp is embossed with black embossing powder as is the Spellbinder die Fleur de Lis around the outside.  The sentiment is by Hero arts Anytime messages and I have finished by adding my own bling, ribbon and string. 
I had fun masking the different areas and the butterflies whilst inking.

That's all for now folks, have a super weekend and if you are through in Inverness at Howden's don't forget to pop in to the craft shop and say "hi" on Sunday.

Have a good one!

Spellbinding butterflies flutter by.

Back again and today I want to share two items with you.  Today I shall be finishing off my samples for Inverness on Sunday as I'm working tonight, tomorrow and Saturday in M & S.  Whilst I am beavering away I thought I'd show you this....

I created this card by using 2 x 6 x 12" strips of Ranger Adirondack canvas textured card stock.  I scored the card 1",1 1/2", 2 1/2", 7 1/2",8 1/2", 9" and cut off at 10".  First I covered the front strip with MME The sweetest thing Bluebell paper then I cut two windows with a Classic Spellbinder square die and one of the Back to basic tags dies.  I stamped onto acetate with my sentiment from Hero Arts Treasure the moments and added to the rear of the first strip with foam pads.  The inside of the card is decorated with more Bluebell paper and 3 x butterflies from Spellbinders Les Papillions two and pearls.  The edge of the card is decorated with Edgeabilties dies Classic petal before putting the whole card together.
Here's a top view...

And finally to go with it a wee box...

 

I got the the template here but the adjusted it so that it would fit on a 6" piece of card stock.

To finish the box I added an acetate window using Spellbinder die Labels 21 and flowers/sentiment from MME stamp set Miss Caroline Favourite stamps, bling from my stash.

 

That's all from me today, final sample from last weekend tomorrow then I'm taking the weekend off before returning Monday to share with you what fun we got up to in Inverness at Howden's Garden centre on Sunday.

 

Happy crafting!  x

Get out your embossing powders and perfect pearls....time to have some fun stamping.

Morning mid-week already, where does the week go?

Today's card combines stamping with embossing and pearls, with a little Spellbinder fun added to the mix.  Well it would be rude not to, wouldn't it?

The card....

For this card I have used papers from MME 6" pad The Sweetest thing Bluebell and Ranger Adirondack collection of canvas texture card stock.  I have stamped onto the Bluebell paper using the set MME The sweetest thing, first with versamark and embossing powder Turquoise sparkle and then versamark and Green Patina Perfect pearls.  To this I have then added the butterfly Les Papillion two and Ornamental tags two, finally embellishing with bling and a sentiment. 
I love using what seems plain paper and creating my own background...shades of green, just perfect for Kate at Papercraft's boutique.

The top view....

I've also taken the leaf stamp and Perfect pearls and added with the sentiment on the tag die to tie the whole card together.  Again it's a pity you can't see the sparkle of the embossing powder from these photographs. 
That will be the dodgy photographer!

Back tomorrow....there's more.

And even more Spellbinder embossing....

Back again with the same M-Bossabilities folder as yesterday Framed petit labels but this time I've whipped it around to the other design and trimmed it down to a 6" card.

I have added teal ink with a dauber to the embossing folder from Kaleidacolour ink pad Blue Breeze....definitely more my colour combo, before placing it throught the Calibur with card stock. 
Then I have mat and layered on corresponding card. 
The Spellbinder die with the sentiment on is Labels 21, which too has been inked before placing through the Calibur. 
The sentiment is from Hero Arts set Treasure the moments and ribbon from my stash.

More crafting ahead for me today but a quieter house with everyone else back at work and school.
Happy crafting and more from me tomorrow.  x

More embossing Spellbinder style.

Morning all, that's my housework done for the day....now time to play and maybe have some fun with the kids and dog if I can drag them kicking and screaming away from the electrics!
It would be so easy just to leave them be and craft.  I think a long walk might be the order of the day weather pending.
Back to crafting and today I wanted to show you a card I made using the new Spellbinder embossing folder Framed petite labels.  This is from the M-Bossabilities range of folders where you get two designs in either and "innie" or "outie" version (as I like to call them). 
The card.....

To create this card I placed versamark ink on the folder and then ran through my Calibur before adding Mother's day pink embossing powder....yes, I know PINK!  I must be feeling ill! 
This embossing powder has a sparkle to it and is a lovely soft pink shade.  Once heated I matted and layered on pink card stock which has been scalloped at the bottom with Martha Stewart punch Traditional scallop.  The sentiment is from MME stamp set Miss Caroline Favourite stamps.  Finally I have finished the card by adding some pale pink pearls and seam binding.
Here's the card from front on.

Pity you can't see it twinkle from the the photograph.  Pink and sparkly, whatever next?!
I love this sentiment too, makes a nice change from the regular greetings, don't you think?

That's all from me today.  I'm demonstrating this coming Sunday at Howden's in Inverness and working later in the week at M & S so better get my thinking cap on.  Have a super bank holiday Monday.  x

Spellbinder 3D embossing folders, my way!

Morning guys, and firstly I must say a big THANK YOU to all the lovely fella crafters that popped into Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin yesterday.  The day went so fast and it was lovely to see everyone again. 
So what did we get up to?

Today I want to show you my two cards made with the new Spellbinder 3D shell die. 
Living by the beach, I knew once I started playing with this folder that it will become a firm favourite of mine.  Oh the possibilities.

Two cards, similar colour ways but different outcomes....which is your favourite?

For this card I have added Antique Linen Distress ink to the folder before placing through the Calibur with plain white card.  I have then cut to size and added more distress ink to the outer edges before matting and layering with white and cream card. 
The shells really pop out with that extra bit of colour added. 
I have finished the card by adding some twill tape and a sentiment by MME,  The Sweetest thing.  The rectangle is from Spellbinder die Ornamental tags two and stencilled with Antique linen.  The edge of the card is cut with Edgeabilities die Classic scalloped and finished with pearls.

This second card is made using darker distress inks, Vintage photo and Brushed corduroy, on the folder before embossing and again after.  I have then made a stencil and added Hologram super sparkle embossing powder onto the large shell.  This is then layered onto dark brown card before adding brown string and a shell embellishment.

Don't both cards look completely different?
I've also been using versamark with these folders and combining with either embossing powders or perfect pearls....mmmmm....lots of fun. 
They also make great WOW cards too.

That's all for me this bank holiday Sunday.  Have a super day whatever you have planned, back tomorrow with more.