It's Friday, time to share an old crafty project.

Good morning all.
How are you this Friday?
It's that time again, time to share an old crafty project, one you've made yourself and want to join us in sharing this Friday.  It is all for the fun of it, the joy of crafting, all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below.  This is purely selfish on my part as it means I can visit your blog and check out your project too.  I will visit all who comment, if not today, over the coming weekend.
Today I have a wee mini book for you.  It was a project I made to send to my Mum as a gift.

 

This mini book is from the The Sharon Ann little ones collection, gate fold album from Deja views.  It is one of my really early projects hence the photograph quality, it is before I got my decent camera.

I still think you can get the general idea though.  It was quite a good little kit as not only do you have the little book which you make up but also lots of little tags and embellishments too.  A great wee gift as you just need to choose your photographs and then matte and layer each page as you choose.

I certainly miss doing these wee projects, I guess I had more time back then, I wasn't working or demonstrating.

 

I ended up having fun and games with my youngest yesterday.  He challenged me to a few board games, that boy is an ace at Cluedo, I just couldn't beat him but I came very close.  I did do better at Notability but that was only down to life experience as I knew more songs than he did.

I also managed to finish that mountain of ironing at long last.

On to today, I have a pal popping over at some point and I think I am back baking.  The chocolate cake went down far too well and both boys are requesting more.

 

As for the coming weekend I'm at work tomorrow, which will seem very strange as I haven't been in all week.  No plans for Sunday as yet but that could all change very soon.

Thanks in anticipation of joining me today sharing an oldie, I do appreciate all who visit. 

Have a super weekend.  x

 

Throw back Thursday with the lovely Bibiana.

Good afternoon all and how are you this Thursday?
Another good walk along the beach this morning but the sea is definitely at surfing level, it's a tad wild out there but on the good note, the sun is out and you can see the blue sky amongst the clouds.

Today I am joining the lovely Bibiana over at Stamping with Bibiana for her monthly Throwback Thursday challenge.  This months challenge is to revive an old shaped card.
Bibiana has created a beautiful 3D Halloween card.  Unfortunately in the UK we do not celebrate Halloween quite like the States so I have opted for a shaped Christmas card instead.
This card was used to demonstrate how to use both the positive and negative of dies and how they can create subtle differences to your cards.

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.

I did manage some quality time with my youngest yesterday afternoon before the men came home.  

This is what we got up to.

A chocolate tray bake.  Nomn, nomn, with chocolate butter icing.  My little helper was particularly good at clearing up the bowl and the electric mixer prongs!

Still that was what I loved about baking with my Mum too.  

Waiting till after tea for a slice was a little harder to bare, but worth the wait.

My Mum used to do a lot of tray bake sponges when we were little, I especially remember her rainbow cake which always seemed so magical.  Every bite was a different colour!

In this house whenever I mention baking the first shout is always can we do chocolate.  I have no problem with that 'cause I want to eat it just as much as the boys.  

A tray bake cake is also a lot easier for little hands to decorate.

Back to today, can you believe I am still ironing!  I've been trying just to do a couple of hours a day and am onto my last pile today, phew, what a mountain that has been.  The only disappointing thing about it now is that it all has to go away.  

It is a bit like food shopping, I don't mind the process of doing it but I am not so keen in putting it away.

Both big boys are out working again today, I have yet to prize the little one from his electrical source but it is going to happen real soon. 

I really must crack on with a couple of card orders too, I just don't seem to have the mojo just now.  If you happen to find it can you post it back to me please?

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday and I'd love it if you'd join me for another oldie too tomorrow.  x

Time for a little history!

Good afternoon, how are you today, I hope you are fit and well and enjoying the sunshine.

I say sunshine but we've just had a lovely downpour, Scottish summertime I guess.

This morning our walk along the beach was good, it was warm and breezy, not too hot, not too cold. 

The sun was out but the sea state was, shall I say, a little choppy.  The white horses were out in full force as the waves crashed to the shore line.  I did see one of the local fishermen out in his wee boat but it was bobbing about a bit too much for my liking.  I have very poor sea legs or should I say I prefer dry land?

Our walk this morning set me thinking of a book I used to read to the boys when they were wee, "We're going on a bear hunt."

If you have children or grandchildren I'm sure you will have read this book, it was certainly a favourite in this house.  Why was I thinking of this book?

At one point in the book they walk through long wavy grass, swishy swashy, swishy swashy, swishy swashy.  That was me today!

All the rain has made our wee morning walk quite an adventure, at some points the wild grass, flowers and nettles are at waist height.  So once off the beach and past the sand dunes I swishy swashied all the way home!

Up to now in the holidays I don't seem to have had a lot of free time to craft, usually by the evening I lazily collapse in front of the TV.  It got me thinking, rather than sharing something creative I would share a little local history and sites.  I have recently shown you some other photos of the area so here goes with some more.

Holly the dog is modelling the view out to Daisy rock in the middle top of the photograph.  

Daisy rock formation marks the end of the East bay, it is names such as it used to be covered in milk and rock daisies.

It a natural monument to the summer solstice, like Stonehenge the gap in the rock records the most northerly position of the sun on midsummer's day.  

You can see the gap much better from the other side of the bay leading around to Covesea.

We also have a well, although I wouldn't want to use it nowadays.

Can you spot my model trying to hide again?  Or off exploring. 

The grass has grown somewhat since I took this photograph.

The Braemou Well was described as a Holy well in the 17th century apparently processions of people from the surrounding area would visit it to bathe their limbs and drink.  It is said to having healing properties provided that in return for a dip/drink you leave a token or gift as thanks for the spirit of the well.  It has it's original drinking cup but now runs into a stone trough.

I have to say it doesn't special now but in history it was the main drinking source for the village and regular trips would be made with drinking vessels before the introduction of running water in houses. It's a tad green nowadays.

So there you go a little village history for you.  Over the next couple of weeks I shall add a few more photographs and information for you, I know it isn't crafting but I think it is interesting so I'm sure someone else will do to.

I did take the boys to see Inside out yesterday.  I enjoyed the film even though it left me feeling a little melancholy.  I think it is more for young girls and adults than teenage boys.  

My youngest found it funny but I think my oldest was a little bored, still he came with us which was a bonus for me.

Why was I feeling melancholy?

The story is about a little girl who is 11, she is uprooted from all she knows, friends, clubs and school and moved due to her father's work.  The same thing happened to me at a similar age and I don't think I ever got the same sort of friendship back.  

It also made me look at my 11 year old and think gosh his is growing up like that too.  The film looks back on activities and fun things that she did whilst little and it does change as kids get older.  

They no longer want to play with you, read story books etc...you get where I am going don't you?  Hence I felt it quite sad.  Don't get me wrong I did get into trouble for laughing too, particular when the voices in the Mum's head were trying to attract the voices in the Dad's head, it was executed very well.  I can't wait for the next in the series as she hits the magic teenage years, if you have kids you will enjoy the film.

Back to today, hubby and my eldest are working so just me and the wee man about.  I think I am going to try and have some interaction!  Wish me luck.  

We have been experimenting with a tiffin recipe during the holidays.  I found an original recipe in one of my Gran's old cook books but it was a bit greasy for me.  Since then we have been tweaking it, adding different fillings, changing quantities.

I think we are nearly there to how we like it.  Last weeks choice from my youngest was to add sultanas, mini marshmallows and maltesers, which needless to say went down very well and didn't last too long.  It certainly isn't good for the waistline but then I do like a nice fancy piece (as they say locally). 

That's all from me today, time for some family interaction.  I'll be back tomorrow, enjoy your hump day whatever you have planned.  x

A wee bundle of joy.

Good afternoon, how are you this Tuesday?
It was a tad wet here first thing, the beauty of the holidays, delaying the dog walking till dry.
Bonus!
Today I have a CAS baby card for you that I made for the challenge last week over at The Great Scheme of things.  The colour combination being soft pinks, yellow and green.  This is what I came up with.

To start with I have cut a C6 card landscape, I then used my Papertrey ink dies to cut out a pastel green frame, the white stitched frame and the internal vellum, Cuddly friends by K & Company. I layered the frames together also taking the oval out of the card so that the light shines through the vellum. I have then added a coordinating organza bow. The wee tag and stamps are also by Papertrey ink and I have stitched it to the bow with pale green thread. Finally I rounded all the outside edges to go with the rounded edges theme.

I love these little tags and stamp sets by Papertrey ink and the photo really doesn't show the vellum to it's best.  In real life the light flows through the vellum, guess that is down to my photography skills or lack of them!

Plans for the rest of today, not very exciting I am afraid, still working my way through the ironing, I did say it was a huge pile!
I am hoping to get the kids off gadgets and out to the cinema later to see Inside out. 
Would it be wrong to say I am really looking forwards to the film?  
I've got to remember however not to laugh in all the wrong places again.  How to embarrass your kids!  Apparently according to my kids I am very good at laughing when I shouldn't watching films.
I just have a very unique sense of humour, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.

More from me tomorrow, happy crafting.  

Shabby chic wedding time.

Good afternoon all, how are you this Monday?
I don't know about you but the holidays seem to be flying by and I seem to be achieving very little.
That's our Gala over for another year, the band on Saturday night were brilliant and my pal and I boogied the evening away.  I have posted a you tube link later in this post for you to hear the band.
Sunday was spent relaxing and catching up with some housework.
I'm feeling brave this week and am even planning on tackling this craft room.  Scary!
You never know what I might find!!

At the weekend my immediate boss at work had her sisters wedding.  She has put a lot of hard work into the Wedding Day and I hope it went well.
She asked me to make a card for the lovely couple on her behalf, asking for a soft colour combination and a "shabby chic" approach.
This is what I made for her.

The sentiment was printed on the computer, the floral embossing folder by cricut carries on the floral effect in the vintage lace.  Over the lace I have added a string of pearl sequins with a subtle sheen topped with two heart dies by Papertrey ink, rings and ribbon from my stash.
To finish I have distressed the edges of the card.  The box was made in matching card but I just added two more of the hearts with initials and the same ribbon.

They are such a lovely family so I do hope they all had a super days celebration.

Back to Saturday night and here is a wee you tube clip of the band.

I really enjoyed a good dance about.  Let's hope we can get them back again next year.

Guess what I have a lovely huge pile of ironing to tackle again this afternoon, how does it happen?
You just get on top of the mountain and then boom it's huge again.  I think my lot have too many clothes!
Hopefully if I get the rest of my jobs completed I might get some crafty fun in later.  Fingers crossed.
Enjoy the rest of your Monday.  

It's Saturday, time to tickle that creative funny bone!

Good morning, how are you this weekend?

My pal and I, with kids had good fun last night with the car treasure hunt and disco.  We certainly got a few funny looks along the way too!  I'll show you why later in the post. 

Firstly time to share a few creative funnies, which has become a bit of a habit here on a Saturday morning.  Today we have a sewing and crocheting feel to the quotes.

The first one made me laugh, but you need to play along by saying it in a Spanish accent.

You did a Spanish accent didn't you?

I don't know about you but if the said gentleman below approached me and asked me about my crocheting I might just be rendered speechless!  Maybe it would be the one occasion that I wouldn't return the question by counting loudly as I continue to crochet?!

Did I mention that "NICE" distractions are allowed?

Wishful thinking girls, don't you agree?

The reason why the above quote made me smile is a conversation I had with my hubby earlier this week about the Gala craft show today.  Sometimes I enter sometimes I don't, for reasons I don't want to discuss on line.  Oh now I've got you thinking!

Anyway, moving on, hubby asked why I wasn't entering a crochet project to which my response was, there isn't a category.  

There are four knitting categories to which he said, isn't it the same thing?

Now as a crafter I took a gasp of air and started laughing.  

You and I both know that it's like telling him the cricket is on TV and then putting on the tennis, but he couldn't see the difference.  He ended up regretting it as I decided to advise him on the differences, to which his response was, but you use the same wool!

Arh!  

The differences between men and women, I would probably be equally as baffled by a car engine.

Last of the quotes today, do you arrange your yarn like this!

I have to say mine are in bags which isn't very exciting but it is more due to lack of space than anything else.

I love the one at the bottom, I have a couple of balls like that which I know I haven't bought but are still in my stash.  How does that happen?

Finally today a couple of you asked to see photos of our fancy dress last night, we had such a laugh, basically because of what we dressed up as.
People certainly treat you very differently!

I'm behind the driving wheel, unfortunately the picture isn't the best with the tree blocking the light but you get the general idea.  We had a big white cross on the bonnet too.  Then at the back.....

The amount of people who had a second luck as we drove round and the comments we got. LOL.
It was really funny.  Some girls on route were messing about and at that point I was on my own as my pal and the kids had hopped out to get clues only to hear the cries, "My god there's a nun over there, she must be doing it too!"
It is also amazing how many drivers let you out of junctions.
My hubby was asked this morning, was your wife dressed up at a nun last night?
To which he said, yes.
He then got the response, phew, I shot in the house as I thought they were doing the rounds asking for donations!
We also got served quickly at the bar too, another bonus.
We didn't win but we did have lots of fun along the way, as we rolled back to the finish line what was playing on the radio but Sam Smith's Take me to Church!  Spooky or what?

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best over the weekend.  Have a good one.  x

Sharing an oldie, it's Friday of course!

Good morning, where has this week gone?
A late post from me today and none yesterday or Wednesday, what is going on?
It can only be the Gala.
We're all having lots of fun since Tuesday we've had the Talent show, Harbour day and evening, continued with the garden search and last night it was time for the Bingo by jingo.
Today is my favourite part as tonight it is the Car treasure hunt with the theme "The movies" followed by a disco.
I have my costume ready and now I just have to think about decorating the car too.
This morning it is the family walkabout, my youngest doesn't want to go this year, I'm gutted as I really enjoy it.  My eldest is working too.  I guess I might have to go it alone!

Enough of all our fun and games, it's oldie day.  If you are just joining me then I'd like to add "thank you" for taking the time to join the fun.  Today is all about digging out an old crafty project, something you've made yourself, anything creative.  It is all for the fun and love of making things, all I ask is that you leave a link below by means of a wee comment.
This just means that I can then visit your blog and enjoy what you are sharing too.

Today I have a little shades of black and white number for you.

I have used;  Kay and Co Elegance Speciality mat pad. American craft textured card in black and silver
Spellbinders nestabilities labels 8 and Shapeabilities fancy tags.  Martha Stewart punch Lattice.
Kay and Co Elegance Grand Adhesions and finally a few small pearls.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend.  It is our last Gala day tomorrow with the craft show and then a band playing well into the night, busy, busy, busy.  

Have I made anything for the craft show?  

Not yet but lets see what today brings!

A "hooking" rose by any other name would smell so sweet!

Good evening all and how are you.
We had sunshine today.  Shock horror!
I had a busy morning in work and then had to run a few errands before coming home and sorting out the tea.  My boys are away to watch the talent show this evening with their Dad, one working and one watching, meanwhile I am enjoying a little peace.
Today I have a little hooking project I have finished, another rose but a different pattern, this time two tone.  I would have liked to have made it red and white but my Mum always told me you should never have red and white flowers together as it symbolises death.
I can hear her voice in my head and every time I say, but I like red and white together.
Still I have compromised and gone for cream and red instead.

And sideways...

The centrepiece was from my good friend Elaine who sent me a box full of diamante goodies, I think it matches the cream lovely.  

You see, Mum's are always right, if I hadn't used cream instead of white this little diamante and pearl centre wouldn't have worked.  I have used cream and red cotton yarn.

The flower is really quite big so I am going to play around with the pattern and maybe make it a little smaller for a brooch. 

I like to follow a pattern the first couple of times and then tweak it, I do the same in the kitchen too, always changing recipes, some for the better and some, well, we don't mention them!

How does the saying go?

If you can't make a mistake, you can't make anything.- Marva Collins

I like that quote.  We learn from mistakes and if we do we don't make the same ones again.  

It only remains for me to sign off this evening.  I have another morning in work tomorrow and then it's Harbour time at the Gala, let's hope the sunshine's well into the evening and it will be a good afternoon and evening.

Catch you again soon.  x

Crafting with gelli!

Good morning all, how was your weekend?
I had a busy day on Saturday, food shopping and hair cutting, then off to our local Gala fete in the afternoon.  The boys didn't want to go to the disco so we ended up watching a couple of films instead.
On Sunday my boys went to play Airsoft near Inverness and had an absolute great time and a very long day, coming home full of stories and shattered.
It was also the family quiz last night at the Gala, a really good family fun night out.  We came joint third out of 53 teams so I was quite chuffed with that.

At the gala today it has already been the sandcastle competition with a packed beach, my two again seem to have grown out of this activity, although in previous years we've always gone down for this event.  Later on today it is the fancy dress parade and disco so we'll be going down to see that.

With the holidays in full flow my youngest boy and I got out my acrylic paints and gelli plate for a little fun away from the electronics.
Now I haven't played much with my gelli plate at all so it was good fun getting all clarty with paint.
Here is my first attempt of a sunset.

My youngest enjoyed adding all the paint and getting stuck in but preferred to go back to the normal paint brush instead.  I think the paints blended to quickly for him.
His first attempt at gelli printing.

I love the bursts of colour it almost looks like fireworks in a night sky going off over a house roof.
Don't you agree?

He went back to what he would use at school and did his version of a sunsetting over the sea.

Finally I had a little seaside adventure.

Oh did we make a mess, but isn't that all part of the fun?!
It was certainly just nice to spend some quality time together.  The draw of the electricity can sometimes be too great!

As for the rest of today I have some dreaded housework to do and a couple of cards to make then hopefully a bit of fun later at the disco.  Enjoy your Monday.  Working again for me tomorrow and Wednesday so I might not be around or you could get a later post.
Back soon!

It's the weekend and time again to tickle that creative funny bone.

Good morning to you and I hope this finds you all well this weekend?
I have another day off today, I shall be taking bad to going back to my regular shifts.
Today is a holiday, we were supposed to be going away but my hubby had his holidays changed at work.  Gotta love the armed forces!
You can have your holidays when you want them, oh no wait a minute, that isn't convenient, you can take them another time that suits us instead.  It was a good job we'd only planned to visit family and not booked anything.  I guess you just get used to it after over twenty years, we just don't plan anything and at least he is in this country.

Today is the official start of our village Gala, the crowning of the princess and the fete is today followed by a kids disco and then an under 18's disco till late.  I don't know whether my two will go to the relevant disco's it usually depends on if any of their mates are going.

I have to admit rooting through funny quotes on the Internet is starting to get a little harder, here is what I decided tickled my funny bone this week.

The first a simple one but I truly agree with it, why mop when you can crop?
Seems like common sense to me, at this time of year when the kids are off the mopped floors don't stay clean for long anyway.

This one made me smile.  Do you have a hot glue gun?
If you have you know why I am smiling.  I don't use mine very often but I have to admit the above statement is on the nail.  I think exactly the same every time I use mine.  Hot, hot, hot!
It is great for sticking but you need to be on the ball not to burn anything.

Next this one is just for a little fun, what kind of crafter are you?

I'm a Energetic Rebel!
That probably couldn't be further from the truth at the moment, but I'll take it and run.

Finally I couldn't leave you without another Minion quote.  A few years ago I joined Slimming world and did very well, of late however, old habits have slipped back.  I've been doing lots of baking and of course plenty of taste testing for work!
With the increasing girth this quote did make me giggle but I guess it is time to do something about it again!

Be warned men, we know and don't need reminding thank you!  LOL.
Enjoy your weekend whatever you have planned, my boys are all away tomorrow to play air soft so I have a day to myself with the dog.  Yes!
My sensible side would say to get all the housework done out of the way, I can lay money on the fact that I will have a nice chilling day instead or the craft room will be invaded.  More from me soon.  x

Sharing an oldie this Friday, crafty style.

It's Friday again, how did that happen?
Time to come along and join me sharing an old crafty project, something you've made yourself, it can be anything creative, sharing the joy of handmade just for the fun of it.
Not that we need a reason but lets just say we are winding down for the weekend!
This week I am feeling a little shabby chic, I might be wrong but this is the little lady I am sharing today.

I have used papers by Prima Jack and Jill, a paper doily, Spellbinders circle die, Zva creative bling, Sizzix butterfly die, SU punch mini tag and matching stamp sentiment, twine from stash, coloured with prisma pencils and Distress ink Vintage photo.  Sugar Nellie stamp Fashionista.

I love this kraft and duck egg blue combination with a little distressing and paper piecing.

Do feel free to join me sharing an oldie just for fun, all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below, that way I know you are joining me.  This of course is for purely selfish reasons, it means I can pop along to your blog and share the love of all things handmade, I will visit all and comment if not today over the weekend.  

Our Gala officially starts this weekend so I know we will be having fun.  More from me tomorrow.  x

How about a walk through the wood, Papertrey ink style?

Good afternoon.  This later posting is becoming a bit of a habit.
This morning I had an appointment with my wee man and then we met hubby for lunch, he popped out from work to meet us locally.
So that's hubby working, my eldest working and the young one away playing, you know what that means?
Mummy's craft time!
I have a couple of bespoke cards to make and a couple of cards I need to make, so that will do to start with.  Then I think a dog walk will be on the cards and tea.
Is it just me or do the days seem to fly by?
Today's card is another of my posts for The Great Scheme of things, this weeks colour combo being, orange, green and brown.  Not one of my usual colour combinations so here is what I came up with.

To start with I made a C6 card with a side fold. 
This was an idea recently shared by the lovely ladies over at Papertrey ink.
The idea being to die cut an image and then colour it with your preferred medium. 
You heard me right, colour your die cut frames, now I have inked before but why have I never thought to colour them with pencils or pens?
I have used Papertrey ink cover plate In the Woods with my copic markers. Direct to the card I have stamped the image about friendship from Indigoblu Enjoy life. I added distress ink Spiced marmalade, Rusty hinge and Vintage photo around the sentiment starting with the lightest and working out. I have then added the frame with 3d foam to the card and finally places half a dozen orange embellishments to finish.
Can you remember the earlier card I made using this die with Gilding flakes?  
Here.....

It doesn't look like the same die does it?
So today I want to send out a wee "toots" to the girls working for Papertrey ink and thank them for the inspiration.  (Link above).

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the rest of today, enjoy yourselves whatever you have planned.
It's Friday again tomorrow, it happens every week, don't forget to dig out an oldie and join me with some crafty fun.  Bye for now.

I'm going to wash those pots!

Good evening all, bend of knees!
Missed you yesterday, but had a busy one and didn't sit down till late evening.
A slightly longer shift in work followed by a trip to the Chiropractor, all things now tickety boo after a few clicks and clanks.  A little sore but that has eased as the day has gone on, I just need to keep active now and not sit still, she says sat at the computer desk!
When I got home from work we'd had a power cut.  I had left my eldest boy looking after his brother but with no power I don't think they'd enjoyed each others company as much as normal!
Brotherly love!
It hadn't helped that the power cut seemed to have tripped the smoke alarms that were pipping. Unfortunately the dog hates the fire alarms so was sat shaking in the garden, bless, I had to quickly step into action and sort the alarms out.  That is easier said than done but after a very good impression of a Tasmanian devil I disarmed them so I could go and settle the dog down.
By this time it was around tea time and I hadn't even managed lunch!
Mind you after tea it was a lovely evening so we had a family walk for an ice-cream and took the dog to the park, just to finish her and me off.

I've not had much crafting time over the last couple of days but I did notice at the weekend that my present dishcloth was looking a little shabby so I decided to make another one.  I can't just go out and buy one!  LOL.  Well, it would seem a shame when I have the materials in the house.
Now I like making all the fancy squares for dishcloths but I'm afraid when it comes to the best cloth for washing up, it's a soft cotton for me and a double crochet stitch.  My hubby didn't realise and bleached my last coloured one, mmmm, hence this time I've made him a white one to wash up with.

Today has been a similar day to yesterday, a longer shift at work but hubby was home by lunchtime so I didn't need to rush back.  My eldest is now doing a shift at the ice-cream shop this evening so he is busy and my youngest has gone to the park to play after having a good walk around the village with me.  Our annual village gala starts this weekend and runs all week with lots of activities, shows and entertainment going on.  It is always a fun week.
In the run up to and including the gala we have a garden search.  This is where certain gardens/shops in the village have an item in the garden/window that wouldn't normally be there.  So it could be anything from a toy to a drawing pin, some are really easy to find and some are really difficult with the only clue the house street and number.  You can pick up the sheets with the house details on from  the local shops at the cost of 50p, once completed they are returned to the shops for marking and the winners get a small prize.
It is lovely to watch the families walking around the village looking for clues, we've had a good couple of hours out tonight and are only about half way through, with only one garden to go back to because we couldn't see anything, it is REALLY hard!

I hope you are having a super week so far, I'm away to have some tea and relax this evening.  More from me tomorrow.

Clean and simple, going green.

Good morning, how are you?
I ended up with a very quiet weekend, not planned but I appear to have done something to my back.
My treat of a hot stone massage usually is the perfect requirement for an achy back but this time not the case, although it is marvellous and did help a little.  That can mean only one thing, I'm off to the chiropractor tomorrow after work, hopefully if there is a problem a quick click and things should get back to normal.  I've not done too badly I think it's about 10 years since my last visit.
Being a tad achy it has meant I have done very little crafting, choosing to do a little light walking with the dog and carry on reading my book.
I was really looking forwards to getting out and about at the weekend but hey ho these things happen, I still can't help thinking I have wasted a week, just chilling out.

Back to some crafting today's card is another very minimal card from me and was another of last weeks challenge over at The Great Scheme of things, shades of green.

I am loving this less is more approach to card making just now, with lots of white card, creating a clean and refreshing feel. To create this card I have made a C6 card with a top fold. I have then used Stamping up set Gorgeous grunge and Distress inks Crushed olive and Peeled paint together with SU inks Old olive and Garden green to create the splashes. I have then inked with black archival the diagonal lines from the same stamp set and the sentiment by Hero Arts Great flourishes messages. Finally adding five clear pearls to finish. 

So what are your plans this week?
My hubby is back at work and my son has a couple of days too.  I'm hoping to manage a shift tomorrow and Wednesday.  Only time will tell.  I am then off till the following Tuesday so plenty of time to recuperate if need be.

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the coming week, hope you have chance to fit in some crafting.  

A post on a Sunday, how about a little sight seeing?

Good morning, what's this?  A Sunday post.  

That's something you don't get every week.

Today I have a wee treat for you.  Remember I mentioned that I was going to show a little more about where I live?

I found this wee video posted by Richie Main about the village, I asked him if I could share it and he said yes.  Thank you Richie.  

This is our beaches and out harbour.  The outer harbour is where my two boys dook.  I personally prefer the beaches 'cause if the dolphins go by you get to see them.  The wall tends to protect the harbour.

I hope you enjoy the wee video, have a super Sunday.

It's the weekend, time for some fun, yep tickling that crafty funny bone again, this time I'm a material girl!

Good morning all, what to do this weekend?
Off work and nothing planned.
I am going to try and rouse my troops and do something exciting, watch this space.  It is easier said than done some days, the draw of electricity and the force of gaming machines is strong in this house!
We've managed the occasional dook, weather and tide dependant and a couple of trips to the cinema but that's about it so far this holiday, oh and a little baking.  
My eldest has been enjoying working, my youngest has enjoyed him working too, if you get my drift!

Anyway enough of my chat today I have some sewing themed funnies to share with you.
I really did belly laugh when I saw this one.

Bet you are too.
As for the next one, like I need a good reason to buy yummy fabric but a good excuse is always a perfect back up.

I'm working on number 4!

As for this last one I think I am going to learn this one so I can hum along with the rhyme every time I enter a haberdashery store.  Notice I mentioned humming it and not singing out loud.  

I wouldn't want to look like a crazy lady!  (Outwardly anyway.)  That would just be wrong.

I hope you enjoyed my material choice today?

Have a super crafty weekend and more from me next week.  Take care.  x

Come along and share an oldie this Friday with me. Crafty style!

Good morning, it's that time again.
Time to share an oldie with me, bring out your old crafty projects for an airing.
Today I have a gorjuss wee cutie to share.

I have used Spellbinder grand die Labels 23 to create the frame and the tag is from Shapeabilities Fancy tags 3.  The Gorjuss stamp is called "Alice" and the leaves and butterflies are from another Gorjuss set Hang me up to dry.  The script stamp and sentiment are from Personal Impressions by Marion Emberson.  Finally I have coloured with Distress ink Vintage photo and copics, with red satin ribbon from my stash.

I love the gorjuss girls, so very cute.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, I'm off work tomorrow but have no plans as yet.  I wonder what will happen?
I'd love it if you join me sharing an oldie today, just let me know by commenting below and I shall pop by your place too.  It's good to share!  
Have a super crafty weekend, more from me tomorrow.  x

Not at all prickly, crafting nature.

Afternoon all, how are you this Thursday?
It was sunny earlier here but it has now clouded over, a perfect opportunity to catch up with some blogging.

Now remember those thistles I made for the teachers gifts?
A couple of my work colleagues saw my post and asked if I would make one for them too.

This time I matched my box to the colour of the thistles.
Why have I not made boxes like this before?
I can't believe it, not fancy in the slightest but they do the job.

Looking back I showed you some photographs of the local area and mentioned my love of the brilliant yellow gorse.  I mentioned the carpet of bright yellow that drapes my walk down to the beach from mid spring onwards into the summer.  The lovely smell of coconut hits your nose as soon as you walk down the hill to the beach, seen here.

These are the steps down to the beach and you can see the blanket of yellow spreads as far as the eye can see.  This was taking after the first bloom which is the best time to catch it.
The smell is amazing.  In the distance you can see all the beach hutties and Daisy rock in the background.

If only I could bottle the scent and you could smell it, it would take you straight to holiday mode, and I get that everyday in the Spring and Summer, especially when the sun is out.
#lovingwhereyoulive.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Thursday.  My eldest boy is working later but I believe he is going worm hunting with his Dad for fishing too.  I have promised my youngest a bike ride, why?!*  LOL.  It should be fun.
I think we should start with some lunch and see what the rest of the day brings.  Catch you again tomorrow, it's oldie time again.  Is it me or are Friday coming around faster and faster?

Hump day and feeling a little green, crafty style of course!

Good afternoon, another day has whizzed by.  A busy morning at work, although not as hectic as yesterday, which was nice.
Home for lunch and then just chilling with my boys who intend to dook again later today.

Today's crafty offering for you is my card for The Great Scheme of Things this week, the colour combination being shades of green.
This is what I came up with.

Green is one of my favourite colours, calm and relaxing, after teal and blue, can you see the trend of my colour palette?  
Nature maybe has a hand in my favourite colours wouldn't you agree?

For this card I have first created a 6" square card and a 5" frame for my card in white, 1" in depth. Then I stamped it with Stampers Anonymous Botanical sketch and Distress ink Crushed olive. I used the technique second generation stamping which sounds very technical but basically just means you ink the rubber as normal but the first stamp is on scrap paper and the second is on your finished work. It just gives a lighter imprint and is subtler for a background. I then used my blending tool to add more Crushed olive ink and then Peeled paint distress ink around the edges. The sentiment is stamped direct to the card and is by Indigo blue Enjoy life. I have then added three punched daisy's with green confetti, to match the sentiment.  
Thanks to Christel my crafty buddy who gave me the confetti to match whilst cropping on Sunday.  Confetti is probably the one crafting product I do not own.  

This card could be for any occasion, I just loved the sentiment so had to use it.  
I spent many hours as a kid, particularly sat on the school playing field making daisy chains with my pals. 
Do kids still do that now?
I have boys who would never be seen dead playing with daisies!  And I mean literally.  LOL.  

That's all from me today, as for the rest of the afternoon, will it be my book calling, my crocheting or my card making.  One thing that won't be calling is the housework, 'cause I won't hear it.
Enjoy the rest of your "hump" day.