A little green fingered and it is not from using ink.

Good afternoon and how are you this Wednesday?
This is a flying visit by me as my boy has to be drumming in an hour and I've tea to make too. Yikes!
Today I have been planting in the garden and refreshing my pots, which I should have done ages ago but have just not got around to doing it.  It is all about the Fuschias this year.  The real reason being I have missed all the bedding plants.  Tut, tut.
I did think these are quite pretty.

I've also been planting something new, to me.  I normally have a lot of heather in my garden, I live in Scotland, it would be rude not too.  I found this plant and thought I'd give it a try.

It is called Cuphea hyssopifolia or False heather.  It is very like heather in appearance and a change is as good as a rest!  I think it looks quite nice next to the fuchsias, but then I don't claim to be a gardener and just buy what takes my fancy at the time.

I had a quiet morning as I wasn't feeling the best.  I still seem to get tired quickly even though I am pretty much back to normal, I blame all the extra dog walking over the last couple of days with hubby back at work.  

The exercise will do me good!  (Allegedly.) 

I decided to take it easy, finishing another crochet project and then starting another.

These are going to be a wee thank you to someone but shhh.....don't tell!

My Mum still isn't great and is just waiting to hear back from her local hospital to double check the tests she had whilst away.  The good point is she is at home and taking it easy but now starts the waiting game.

That is all from me today.  I do feel I need a rocket up my **** just now.  So many things to do and no real umph to do it.  Tell me I'm not alone?  Do you feel like that in the holidays?

I really must now say goodbye, tea to make and drumming to get to.  Enjoy your "hump" day and more from me tomorrow.  x

The secret diary of a crafter!

Good morning all.
Whoops I missed a post yesterday, hence the title of today's post.
My hubby is now back into his working shift pattern so we only see him late evening.  The boys still would prefer to be on electronic gadgets rather than outside in the sunshine....driving me crazy. Then they were out playing football till about 9.30 p.m!

I thought today I would share a few photographs from Fridays 70's car treasure hunt then disco. We had a fabulous night and could have stayed there all evening if I hadn't had work on Saturday.
Here is our car ready for the hunt.....70's style.

The furry dice take me back!

70's style dress!

The second picture quality isn't the best, which is probably a good thing!

A great night was had by all, firstly gallivanting around the local area in the car then dancing the night away.

You can see more information about our gala here.  Can you can spot our dodgy 70's dancing in the photographs.

On Saturday at work I was doing more of my regular duties on a lighter scale.  I enjoyed my day but was bushed when I got home.  Back to normal next week on the early shift, gulp!

Sunday and Monday seemed to have disappeared without very much to show for them, a little housework, a little food shopping and time spent with the family down in the harbour and by the beach. 

Guess you could say we are staycationing and enjoying the fine weather.  The consistency of this beautiful weather is unheard of up here, but very welcome.

Today I have some gardening to do and pottering around the home.  I am hoping to get the boys to tidy their bedrooms, wish me luck.  One this is for certain I will need a bucket full of luck!

Enjoy the rest of today.  x

It's Friday and it's share an oldie time again.....Harley Davidson style.

Good afternoon, another later post for me today.  My youngest and I have spend a lovely couple of hours today doing a walking treasure hunt around the village.  It is still beautiful here and the walk has been good fun bumping into other families on route and taking a leisurely walk around, stopping at the play park and then the 19th hole for refreshment!  

It would have been rude not to have an ice-cream at the end too!

Tonight we have the car treasure hunt which my pal and I always enjoy with the kids, it has a 70's theme and is followed by a disco, another great night planned.  If only I wasn't in work tomorrow!

We have our fluffy dies ready and I need to make stickers for the car this afternoon then it's wigs and floaty dresses ahoy....flower power, man!

Last night we had a good night at the Tombola although we didn't win anything, I was always at least two numbers away.  Did you watch this on tv last night?

http://www.shedblog.co.uk/2014/07/13/watch-amazing-spaces-shed-year/

I had to catch up this morning but I loved all the different sheds, I think the teapot was my favourite from the outside but the egg was pretty amazing inside too.  I was going to have a shed for my craft room but when the planning rules changed we built an extension instead.  

I'm now beginning to have shed envy!  LOL.  So cool.

Back to today and it is share an oldie today.  This was a card I made four years ago for my Mum's birthday, biker chick style.  The photo quality is poor, it was before I had a good camera.

And inside:

All the papers are from the Harley Davidson range by EK Success, ink from Tim Holtz distress Black soot, nestabilities are labels 1 and 8, swirls are a die by sizzix flowers and vines 2, Martha Stewart punch lattice, SU flower punches, embellishments and ribbon are from my stash.

I little bit different for this Friday don't you think?

If you are joining me with sharing an oldie don't forget to leave a comment below so I can come and see what you have chosen.  I will pop and visit you all.  

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the coming weekend, enjoy the sunshine and I'll be back soon with more crafting.  x

Oh my, is it hot with you too?

Good evening all.

Another busy, hot day here in the North of Scotland.  

Today at the Gala there was a family picnic, I believe it was lots of fun but after the merriment last night my boys enjoyed a lie in today and didn't venture up till midday.  It is just unheard of here.  I had to go and check on them to make sure they were still breathing.

Another day with nothing to share, too spicy, hot, hot!  

Today I had all the beds to clean and the food shopping to sort #barecupboards. Now that is all sorted and tea is eaten and tidied, it is time for our annual Tombola night or as we call it Bingo by jingo!

Now bingo is not something I would normally do but my best friend and I take the kids down and have an evening out together.  It can get quite exciting and I think last year I won a set of pillows!

Whilst I'm out having fun I thought I'd leave you with this, with a promise to catch up on your blog posts tomorrow.

My craft room is one big craftermath!

How about yours?

No crafting in sight......enjoying the sunshine!

Good afternoon all.  How are you this hump day?
Boy it's warm outside today.

Today has been a good gala day.  My eldest in the ice-cream van, enjoying earning again.  The rest of us enjoying the skate park competition and the Harbour day fun.  Lots of stalls to look around, fresh ice-cream, strawberries and coffee to enjoy.  My youngest enjoyed a couple of bungee games, one a run attached to the elastic and the other on a trampoline which makes you jump high and in slow motion....most strange.  The duck race I think is still on the go as the tide doesn't seem to be coming in quick enough.  There is also a bucking bronco which should be fun later after a few drinks!
Our harbour day will extend into the evening, with a band and beer tent together with various foods to try.  Always a good night out especially if the weather is as good as it is today.
Real life fun this week out and about with the family.  I hope you are enjoying the lovely weather too.
Catch you again tomorrow.

I'll leave you with this today, don't you wish this was true?!

LOL.  If only.
Enjoy your evening.  x
Nearly forgot to tell you Mum is out of hospital and feeling much better, thank you for all your well wishes.  x

And now for the other half, give it a good blow!

Afternoon, today at the Gala we have a football competition followed by a talent show this evening.  My boys have already ventured down for the football.  The youngest is playing but the oldest has got a job!

He is going to be helping in the local ice-cream van down at the harbour and is surprisingly keen.  

Arh, the novelty of earning his own money!

Still it isn't a bad start, you never to young to realise work ethics.  I wonder how he will get on?

This morning I have been catching up on a little housework and soon it will be dog walking duties in the glorious sunshine again.  We really are having a good summer so far this year.

I had some sad news this morning in that my mum has been taking into hospital.  I am waiting to hear from the family but believe she is having some tests done after collapsing.  It is at times like this you really feel useless living so far away from everyone.  I can only wait and see at the moment, fingers crosses that everything is OK.

Back to today's card, this is for the twin sister of the young lady I made a card for yesterday. 

Now they may be twins but they certainly don't have the same interests, that said I think they're both very intelligent young ladies.  The brief for this card was she plays the bagpipes and is away to University to study law.

Now I did do a year of law at college before landing my first job and the one thing I remember about it was the sheer amount of book references.  This is what I came up with.

I used my cricut again for the books, the notepad is from Dress it up buttons.  The pencil and bagpipes I drew using guidance from the Internet.  Another simple looking card but with all requirements covered.

That's all from me today I'm out now for a little more vitamin D!

Catch you tomorrow.  x

A little crafting with a science twist.

Good morning all, I hope you are all well this Monday morning?
I survived work on Saturday.  I was a little sore and tired by home time but fine again after a good nights rest.

Our 40th village gala is in full swing this week, the flags are out and everyone is having fun.
This morning it is the sandcastle competition followed by a street party.  The evenings entertainment starts with a fancy dress competition then a family disco.  My two are reaching the age where they don't want to do the sandcastle and fancy dress competitions but hopefully we will catch the street party and definitely the disco later.
Last night my best pal and I had fun with the kids at the family quiz.  We didn't have our regular team as the guys were busy with work and other things so we didn't do as well as we normally do. Still we had a fun night and learnt a few useful facts along the way, one of which is to go with your gut and not have second thoughts!
We lost a few points in changing answers. Never mind, it's the taking part that counts, says the person that didn't win!  LOL.

Today I have a bespoke card request for you, the request being a young lady who is off to University to study, physics and computer science but also is an avid reader.  What did I do with this one?
It did create quite a conversation with my eldest son who reassured me that a glass prism was the way to go and not alternative ideas I was planning to use, in his words "that's the wrong science Mum!"
I only studied Biology to O level standard, having wanted to do Chemistry as well but was told I couldn't. My son is doing Biology and Chemistry but also has studied a little Physics too.  He would have done all three sciences but was advised against it.
It is bizarre as Physics was one of his better subjects last year?!
He knows in his own mind and what he needs to study to get on to the University course and career of his choosing.

Back to the card.....

I think I covered all the bases!
I drew the prism myself and coloured with copic markers having used the Internet as a reference point.  The laptop and numbers are from my cricut using Locker talk and school book cartridges. The book button is from Dress it up buttons.  It is quite a simple card but with all the relevant elements.

My crafting seems to take a bit of a back seat at this time of year with the boys off school.  I do tend to get a little time to myself but usually catch up on housework.
Yesterday we also made it to the cinema to watch How to train your Dragon 2.  I can thoroughly recommend the film, both myself and the boys really enjoyed it.  I even think it is better than the first film in the series, which you don't very often hear. I now feel fully confident in the ways of training dragons, should I ever come across one!
The next film on our agenda is the new Planet of the Apes sequel, which I think, from the trailers, will be a little more brutal.  It definitely looks like a boy flick as opposed to a chick flick, living in an all male family group I very rarely get to see girlie films.  I don't really mind to be honest, I prefer a good action film rather than a weepy.

That's all from me today, more again tomorrow.  Enjoy your Monday.  x

Sharing an oldie this Friday.

Hi folks sorry no post from me yesterday.
With the children at home and the fact it was a beautiful sunny day, real life took over and we enjoyed the sunshine together.  You just have to get out and about and enjoy the good weather whilst it is here.

Back to today and it's another gorgeous one.  The sun is out, the sky is blue!
I had an appointment this morning, a review of my contact lenses and to pick up my new glasses. Unfortunately my new glasses were not ready, a problem with the lenses.  I now need reading and distance specs....getting old!  Boo.  I managed a little sale shopping too whilst in town, bargains are us!

My oldie today is from a class I ran just over a year ago through in Aberdeen.  I love the colour combo, the apricot colour really makes the black stand out.

I have used Spellbinder dies Labels 14, Labels 30 M-Bossabilities folder Numbers and letters plus Edgeabilities Classic triple scallop.  The sentiment is by Hero arts Very Special with ribbon and bling from my stash.  
I think a little more black bling along the Edgeabilities would just finish this card off.

If you would like to join me sharing an oldie today don't forget to leave a message below and link back to here so I can pop over to your blog and return the love!

It only remains for me to wish you well this weekend.
Our local Gala starts tomorrow so the village will be buzzing for the next week.  Unfortunately I shall miss tomorrow as I am back to work, light duties only.  I wonder what they will do with me.....I see a till in my future!
My eldest is playing in the band tomorrow too.  Everything happens at once, don't you agree?
That's all from me, catch you again soon.

Did you guess what was in my parcel? Having a yarn?! Nope.

Good morning and how are you this Wednesday?
Did you guess what was in my parcel yesterday?
A couple of you mentioned yarn, nope, I've been doing more yawning as opposed to yarning of late!
I've tried a couple of new patterns and totally confused myself, so am having a wee break to clear my head, before going back to conquer them.  If at first you don't succeed!

As I mentioned I order this kit and a few other bits and bobs back in May.  The kit was so popular Papertrey ink ran out, so I had to wait till they were back in stock.
Do you want to see what I have to play with......

Mmmmm can't wait to play.
Whilst everyone has been buying the new wonderful Sue Wilson dies this last weekend I've decided to go a little different.  I'm having to sit on my hands just now, like a kid in a candy store, as I have some work I need to complete first.
Boo!
It will be worth the wait I'm sure and I hopefully will be back soon with some clean and simple cards using the above products.

Meanwhile...remember I mentioned my craft room is a bit of a state, the understatement of the year!
I saw this and it made me giggle, now I know why my room is a mess, it isn't really, I just have everything where I need it!

It all makes perfect sense now, it's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
That's all from me today, back tomorrow with hopefully something crafty.

ConGRADulations...do you see what I've done there?!

Afternoon all, how are your holidays going?

Another sunny day here although we did have a couple of dark clouds earlier but they seem to have disappeared.

Today I have a simple card for you, I was asked for a graduation card to go over the pond to the States.  

The gown and hat are an image from PC Crafter coloured with copic pens.  The rest is from my stash.  I can't believe I've had this gown and hat for donkey's years and not used it before.  

I also received this today too.

I ordered this back in the middle of May, for my birthday and had forgotten all about it....can you guess what might be in it?  

I shall share tomorrow....mmmmmmmm.

I can't believe I have a couple more bespoke cards to make.....I want to play!

Have a super Tuesday, I'm away for a walk with the dog and boys along the beach, with an ice-cream, no doubt.  

I SO need to get back to work and start loosing my ice-cream tummy!  LOL.

Back with more tomorrow.  Enjoy the rest of your day.  x

Slap on a stencil and paste, part 2 the revenge!

Afternoon all, remember last Tuesday I showed you a card design I'd been playing with using modeling paste and stencils.  I have reworked it today and I am much happier so I thought I would share it with you.  I've also done an alternative to my favourite Broken china colour and brought out the Picked raspberry for those of you who prefer pink.
Here's the girlie one.....

And my favourite colour.....

I have used the same two inks on all the papers, it just shows you how the different papers absorb the ink.  

I have used a chevron stencil, a doily, broken china and Picked raspberry Distress ink together with Sizzix framelits and stamps Banners. The button is from my stash and font by computer.  I have also used Sizzix Butterflies dies and stamps on the pink card with a little bling.  Instead of adding the glitter to the modeling paste before it dries I have left it to dry, replaced the stencil and then inked the paste.  I prefer this technique and so does my craft room as I have a glittery desk and floor, which usually is only a Christmas occurrence!

Today is the second week of the school holidays and we have really just been spending the good weather down on the local beaches and harbour so far.  It would be rude not to be out enjoying the lovely sunshine, don't you think?

The boys are out playing football just now so I have a few bespoke cards to make this week.  I think I might make a start whilst I have peace and quiet.  Back to work for me on Saturday, that was a very quick four weeks don't you think?

I was going to do so much and I've spend most of the time relaxing.  

To those of you who went to Aberdeen this weekend, I hope you enjoyed your time with Sue Wilson.  I was hoping to go over too but I thought a four hour round trip when you are just back driving would have probably been pushing it.  

I look forwards to hearing all about your weekend.  x

That's all from me today, catch you tomorrow.  x

Sharing an oldie this Friday. Crafty style!

Morning all and it looks like it is going to be another gorgeous day in the North of Scotland, that's three days on the trot, it must be summer!

Another oldie to share with you today and this one is from a couple of years ago.

Black and pink is not a usual combo for me as I'm not really a pink kind of girl but occasionally I like to live dangerously!

For this card I have used Spellbinder nestabilities rectangle.

Behind it I have mounted a MM Make a wish clear stamp from PI on to acetate. 

American craft black and pink and I have edged using Martha Stewart edger two dot punch and black soot Ranger distress ink.

I have also added pink card on the back of the inside card to get the colour following through.

The sentiment is from PI clear stamps Paula Pascual Double sayings with black StazOn ink and cut out with Spellbinders nestabilities label 14. 

The final touches are with satin ribbon from my stash and bling from Zva Creative.

I love this set of stamps from PI and have used them loads, perfect for any occasion.  You've got to love stamps you can use for any occasion as you get so much more wear out of them, good VFM.

If you'd like to play along with me on your blog sharing an oldie don't forget to link back here with a message so that I can visit you too and share the crafty love!  

I'd love to see your work. 

All that is left for me today is to wish you all the very best for the weekend, another day chilling in the sunshine here with maybe a little crafting and ironing later.  

I've recently re found my kindle and am enjoying getting my nose into a book again.  The only problem I have is if it is a good book I have great difficulty putting it down!

Have a super Friday.  x

It's a scorcher today, so I go shopping?!

Afternoon all, and what a beautiful day we are having.  Bright blue skies again today!
Summer is here....shhh!

Later post for me today as I took my eldest boy out clothes shopping this morning, yikes.  He is fifteen and is now in a man's medium and has gone from a 7 to an 8 1/2 size in shoes in 4 weeks....consequently nothing fits!
We had a rummage in TKMax and the sports shops and have come away with a few pairs of jeans, tee-shirts and shoes.  He is as big as me now......it's scary!
But we did have fun and I managed to drive which was fine too, feeling much better this week, nearly back to normal and only seem to get a little sore later in the day.

Did you watch the football last night?
That's me out of the draw in work, no prize winnings for me.  Going on the performance over the last couple of nights I predict Germany will win, then Argentina followed by Netherlands then Brazil.  You heard it here first, like I'm a football guru!  LOL.  We will see.

Back to crafting now and I had another play with stencils and modeling paste yesterday and this is what I came up with.

The stencil is by Clarity stamps, Spellbinder die Curved matting basics, sentiment by Waltzing Mouse stamps, with ribbon, glitter and button from my stash.
Oh I really like this technique the only problem is being patient and leaving the paste to dry before finishing the card off.  I have a bit of a production line going here with about four different designs on the go!
If only I could move in my craft room.....it so needs a very good tidy.....and that is putting it politely.

I'm away for a light walk with the dog and a possible ice-cream, again making the most of the lovely weather.
Enjoy the rest of your day.  x

A little bit of crafting and how about this for a beach? Why would you want to go anywhere else?

Afternoon all and how are you today?
Did you watch the football last night?  My word Brazil got hammered by Germany.  Talk about missing their key player.  A shocking result.

Yesterday we ended up at Lossiemouth beach with is a five minute drive from us along the coast.  On days like today when the weather is fine and the sun is out there is no place I'd rather be.  Why would you not enjoy a staycation?

This is the bridge you cross to get to the beach as the river goes under it and around to meet the sea.

This is the view once you get off the bridge.  Sand, sand and more sand!

I haven't quite got the hang of my new cameras panoramic setting, bit grainy but it gives you the general idea.

I need to point out how packed the beach is, this was midday!  

We walked along with our Rizzi's ice-creams in hand, nomn,nomm.  I had apple crumble and rocky road and it was delicious.

Bright blue skies again today so I think I'll be enjoying another walk later along the beach.  I just can't make my mind up whether to craft or enjoy the sunshine.  I think the sunshine might have to win, because you never know when it is going to change!

Finally today I have a very clean and simple card I was asked to make recently.  It had to have a lily on and be very simple with just the wording, Thinking of you.

This is what I came up with....

I made the frame myself and the sentiment was on my computer, the lily is designed by Momma's scribbles @ Cardmakingdownloads.com, pearls from my stash and coloured with copic markers.

That's all from me today, I'm away now to enjoy some sunshine.  Enjoy the rest of your day.  x

Stencils and modeling paste at the ready....mmmm....love this idea.

Hi, remember on Sunday's post I said I had an idea after watching Barbara Gray?
I have a few stencils and some modeling paste, bought after a class with Andy Skinner a wee while ago in Aberdeen.  It has been sat waiting to be played with so I thought why not?
I have to say this is my version of a style of card that seems to be on trend just now, I think next time I will omit the glitter and just use ink.  Why?  I'll let you see.  Normally I change it then show you but feeling brave today.

I have also used a chevron stencil, a doily, broken china Distress ink and Sizzix framelits and stamps Banners.  The button is from my stash and font by computer.

The glitter looked fab when I first put it on but it keeps coming off every time I touch the card, rethinking required!  

This card is winging it's way to my cousin who is going through a rough time just now with his health, just to let him know we are all thinking of him and are wishing him well.  I wanted it to be quite a cheerful but a masculine card, hopefully to brighten his mood.

It is a beautiful day today so we are hoping to make it to the beach later, maybe even for a picnic....better get my skates on. 

I don't think you need to be anywhere else when the weather is good....but I'll take my camera so you can decide later in the week.

Enjoy your Tuesday guys, I'm off for a little bit of fun in the sun!

Something for my teacher.

"Evening all!"

Why do I want to bend my knees and put on a black uniform when I say that?

I know, how strange.

Sorry if you couldn't see the video yesterday, I am a little technologically challenged at times.  I was so proud I'd managed to get it working via you tube as I couldn't get it to work on my computer.  I guess even though I allowed it to share it on blogger it has kept my settings to private. I really didn't want everyone on you tube to have access.  I will try and have another look at it and see if I can't show it again.

Today I have a quick card to show you.  As always cards I make to send myself these days are always last minute.com.  This being no exception.  I sent my crocheted apple coaster together with a china mug, tea and shortbread and this card to my youngest child's teacher.  My older child wanted no gifts at all!  Teenagers!

It couldn't be easier really.  I have used the sizzix die "apple" and scraps of card with the font done on the computer.  Simples!

Today I have ventured out to stock up the cupboards, with hubby as my carrier and have managed a little light housework. 

I'm away now to chillaxe whilst all the male members of the family are at the harbour enjoying this fine evening, dooking and fishing. 

I shall be enjoying 5 minutes peace!

Forres Highland games

Hi all, are you watching the tennis?
I believe it is an exciting match, as was the football last night.  My team is still in from the draw at work making the upcoming finals more appealing.
I thought I'd share you a wee film of the mass bands on Saturday.  This is where all the bands at the games get together to play a couple of tunes....it is real impressive in the flesh, so to speak.

This morning I watch Barbara Gray on Create and Craft using stencils and her gelli plate....mmmmm....that gives me lots of ideas.  Now just to play and see if it works.  I shall be sharing soon, depending on how I get on.  I can feel my mojo coming back....must be feeling better!

Back again tomorrow.  x

Share an oldie this Friday.....crafty style of course.

Morning and it's a bright and breezy day here in the north of Scotland.  Brr!  Summer seems to have gone.

To my American friends and  fellow Brits in the States Happy Independence day, have a great celebration.
I was going to say "may your day go with a bang!"  But after the news today of the increased security it doesn't seem appropriate, even though I actually mean enjoy the fireworks tonight.
Why the increased security because apparently now humans are being used as the bomb!
Why in the right mind would you?  Bizarre.

Anyway on to lighter things and it is that time again "Share an oldie Friday!"
Feel free to join me sharing an oldie, I only ask that you link here and leave a comment, that way I know you are taking part and can visit your blog too.
Today I have decided on a little black and white number using one of my favourite ranges of Sugar Nellie digital images.

I have used Lizzie from the Simply Adorable digital range over at Sugar Nellie.  The papers are from Doodlebug and the Sentiment from Marion Emberson Find joy everyday which is layered on SU punches.  The Spellbinder dies are Grand Nestabilities Ovals and Scalloped Ovals plus the flower is from the Shapeabilities range Bauble blossom 1 and Foliage, pins and ribbon from stash.  The digi image is coloured with copics and Stickles diamond glitter.

These images are just a dream to colour, not that I have been doing much colouring in of late, preferring to make more clean and simple cards.

Moving on from our oldie what are your plans for the weekend?

My eldest is playing in the pipe band again tomorrow at Forres Highland games so I think that will be our Saturday sorted, as for Sunday I have no plans as yet.  I'm sure we'll think of something!

Today I intend on enjoying my last day of FREEDOM for a while as it's that time again...the schools break up for the summer holidays.  Yikes!  Family time can restrict craft time but maybe I should try and get the boys involved more.  When younger they would jump at the chance but now-a-days not so much, the draw of electronic gadgets is too great.  Lets hope for some fine weather so we can spend some quality time outside and down at the beach.

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the weekend and I'll be back soon with more.  x

A material girls, crafty bag....how to store your stash DIY style.

Good morning to you, weather not as good this morning but at least it is dry.
I think my dog might be sulking just now!  My hubby has been walking her before going to work as I am banned from doing so just now.  Even with an early walk she still sits by the door round about the time we would go out and gives me a look.  Why are we not going to the beach?
How guilty do I feel, apparently going out in the garden and shouting at the neighbour's dog is nowhere near as much fun as a gallop along the local beach.  I don't think she knows what to make of the fact that mum isn't playing like she usually does, bless.

Back to today and I am actually a little excited at showing you this make today.  Again this went to the lovely Elaine as per my post yesterday.  I didn't think I'd be able to make this but I got there in the end, with many thanks to Irene for sharing her pattern and experience.  It isn't perfect but I was happy with my first attempt.
I have to say I really enjoyed the process until I had to put all the bits together and that is where it got a little trickier, purely lack of experience on my part, I may add.

A handmade with love tag inside.  And finally with the owl.

I really wanted cat material as I know Elaine loves her cats but I couldn't find any, instead I saw this owl material and spots and just thought it was fab.  Having just had a craft room overhaul I thought these colours would match in with her theme.  

The material is from Patches corner which is over near Inverness on route to Beauly.  The wee owl die is cut with material and felt and is a Sizzix die called owl!

Yesterday my pal and I went to a new coffee shop in Elgin called The Ditsy teacup, oh my, what mighty fine scones!  I had a fudge scone with fresh raspberries and clotted cream, nomm, nomm, I'm drooling just now thinking of it.  I do appreciate a mighty fine scone.  

The decor was right up my street too, shabby chic Cath Kidston style.  I certainly will be back again.

Today I have a trip to the opticians, the excitement!  I think I need new specs as I am forever lifting them up to see close #getting old. :D

Between now and then I think I might have some light crafting time.....mmmm....now what to make?!*

Decisions, decisions.  

Don't forget to join me tomorrow sharing an oldie.  x

Twit woo and a happy Wednesday to you! Yarn style.

Morning, today I am sharing a little something with you I told you about last week.  The lovely Tanya from Little things blogged shared a crocheted owl pattern and I decided to give it a go.
Thanks Tanya for sharing.
Here is my little chap.

How cute is he?  He was fun to make too.  I used cotton yarn and a couple of embellishments from my craft room.
It took a little longer than I thought to make so my hat goes off to another crocheter Rachel from Rocky loves Rosie who produces the most beautiful bunny's and mice all dressed up too.  I really don't think I'd have the patience....it takes so long!  (Spoken like a true card maker!)

This little owl has a new home and has made it's way to the lovely Elaine to share in her new craft room, you should see it.  It is fabulous dwarlings!
It arrived a little later than planned after having my interlude in hospital but I know Elaine will have had a great birthday with lots of super treats.

What are your plans today?
It appears that now my mum has gone the bare minimum will be achieved around the home over the coming weeks, having 3 male members of the house.  They just don't see things like us women do they?  A few minutes everyday saves hours later but hey ho I ain't doing any housework yet.
It is taking all my willpower to walk away and relax.

Yesterday I spent most of my day uploading the holiday photos to get prints, always a job I put off.
It takes so long to do.  I think I shall have quite a bill once I send my album for print as I have opted for vintage prints, small 4 x 4 photos a bit like the old Polaroids.  Why I hear you ask?
Well, I've had another bright idea!  Always dangerous.
The lovely Elaine bought me a smash book for one of my birthdays, I love it but I've been wracking my brain what to do in it.  I have decided to create a book on our Florida holiday, with the smaller photos it will give it a true vintage journal style.  That's the hope anyway.
Another project in the making but one I think I can start whilst banned from chores.  I shall keep you posted.

Today I am away for lunch with my BFF soon.  We don't see each other as much as we used to as she has changed jobs so it will be great to catch up on all the news.  Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday and more from me tomorrow.

Happy crafting!

Sending a Thank you, SU style, a giggle and a hug, what better way to share the day?

Good afternoon all, how are you today?
We have bright blue skies her in the north of Scotland, summer is here!
As I mentioned yesterday I decided to have a wee bit of crafting time and I got some SU products out I'd bought ages ago and have never opened.  I am so bad, I think of myself more of a collector of fine crafting products!
I really need to have a good sort out but always get distracted with another purchase I've found after squirrelling it away.

I decided on a black and white theme using SU honeycomb embossing folder, Six sided sampler stamps, Hexagon punch and Itty bitty banner stamp and die set.  Pearls and ribbon from my stash.
This card shall be winging its way to work to say thank you very much for my lovely surprise yesterday.

I also had to share this funny I received from my father today, it did make me giggle and as you can tell from previous posts I do like to share a smile/giggle or funny every now and again.  I do think laughter is the best form of medicine and who doesn't need that sort of medicine everyday?  
A mood brightening moment!

Yesterday I was at my local Tesco store buying a large bag of My Dog dog food for my loyal pet and was in the checkout queue when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. 

What did she think I had an elephant? 

So, since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Dog Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in hospital last time, but I'd lost 10 kilograms before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. 

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with My Dog nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in queue was now enthralled with my story.) 

Horrified, she asked me if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off the kerb to sniff an Irish Setter's arse and a car hit me. 

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. 

I'm now banned from Tesco. 

Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of daft things to say. 

I could just see my father doing this too on a good day.  LOL.

For those of you who mentioned the Pipe band championships, yes my son had a good day Saturday.  He was not competing this year having just joined but those who did came 3rd in their category.  He did however, join in at the end of the day for the mass band and then at a Wedding dance.

To finish today I also was sent this commercial, yes it is advertising but I guess we all could learn something from this too.  Here's to happiness and a wee visual hug for the day.  x

https://www.youtube.com/embed/uaWA2GbcnJU

It really is worth a watch.