It's the weekend time for a little creative giggle, stamp those feet and smile!

Good morning, yippee it's the weekend again.  I'm working but I am hoping you are enjoying it, plenty of crafting and creating?

It has become the norm for me to share a couple of creative funny quotes that I have found during the week with you, all to just bring a smile to your face, well, it is the weekend.
I normally include the local weather in my post, today's is.......

Shame I am work so I won't get 100% chance but I am hoping to make up for it later in the day when I get home.
This quote sounds like my kind of weekend, don't you agree?

Now remember back when you did this.....

Remember your first rubber stamp?
Mine was a little duck in a sailor uniform and yes I still have it somewhere along with the hundreds of other stamps I now own.  I say hundreds as I have never counted them, I think it would be far too scary.  There is no way I am ever going to use them all but I just can't bring myself to have a clear out.
I think I might just be addicted to rubber!

And yet still when I see more I am so like Dory.

Is this you too?
There is always something new and better on the horizon.

Finally I have a wee extra one for you today as every girl should be........

It would be rude not to have a little sparkle in your life, don't you agree?
I personally like a clear sparkle as you can use it for everything, do you have a favourite?

That's all from me today, I hope you find time to do a little stamping this weekend.
More from me next week.

Sharing an oldie this Friday.

Good morning and how are you this Friday?

That is nearly another week done and dusted and back to work for me tomorrow after only being in Monday this week.

It is that time of the week when I encourage you to join me in sharing an old craft project that you have made and have either previously posted or not posted at all.

It is great to follow everyone's creative journey.  

On a personal note my journey seems to be a lot quieter than it was five years ago.  I guess that is the joy of going back to work and having the children off school.  There is always something else needs doing.

Anyway I would love it if you could join in with me today sharing your oldie, I enjoy my wee hop and shall visit you all.  Just join in the link below then I can find you really easy, if you can't then leave a comment and I get get back to you that way too.

The more the merrier.

Here is my card for today, a little stamping on acetate, which can be a tad scary!

For this card I used black and white American craft textured card, Acetate, Martha Stewart punch Deep edge flower bed, Hero art stamps Anytime messages, bling by Zva creative and ribbon from stash.

To those of you who do join me today, I thank you and can't wait to see what craftiness you are sharing.  Have a super weekend folks and more from me tomorrow.  

An InLinkz Link-up

On your Wedding day!

Or not as the case maybe!
I shall explain later in this post.

How are you this Thursday?
Another week is flying by with not much to show for it other than lots of chilling and eating.

Today we went here....

The Infinity Trampoline park in Inverness.  The kids had a great time and I might have had the odd bounce or two!  It was great fun for the kids practising somersaults and back flips, where as I bounced up and down with the odd sitting bounce.
My youngest tweaked his back at one point so ended up sitting out for a bit but it hasn't put him off, he wants to go back again.  The oldest boy practised continuous somersaults, having great fun throwing himself about.
For me personally it was far too much like exercise, my body doesn't seem to bounce like it used to. :D

Back to today, remember recently I showed you some bits and bobs and told you I was away to play with them?  I think it was Kate that guessed I was making wedding samples.
This particular bride is a granddaughter of one of my crafting buddies and had seen a very specific card that she liked and wanted for her wedding invites.
Could I reproduce it?
I would like to give credit to the original designer but I don't know the name, it is not my idea other than doing my samples in a different colour combination, as requested by the bride to be.

The long and the short of it is that she doesn't actually like them now.
Although they wouldn't have been my first choice of card, I was happy with the results.
Plus they were exactly what was asked for.

You win some, you lose some.

That's all from me today, I better go and look out an oldie for tomorrow, will you be joining me?

Sit back, relax and enjoy your big birthday.

Good afternoon and how are you today?
It is a little grey and dull here today with plenty of rain.  The perfect weather to stay inside and craft!

This morning, I really couldn't put it off any longer, I have completed a "big shop."
Let's just say there was trouble in the ranks due to the lack of food.
The cupboards are now full, as are tummies and I can relax and have some crafty fun.

The card I have to show you today seems to have slipped through the cracks, I made it a couple of weeks ago with the brief for a lady who liked to sit and read in the sunshine with a glass of wine.

I think the brief was covered.  The wine and glass are by Stamp it, the buttons (sun and sunglasses) are by Dress it up buttons.  The book I made using scraps of card and the deck chair is digi art.

I have to say I think Shauna has the right idea although not today as the weather is pants.
Where has our summer gone ladies?
I hope that is not it.
Come back sunshine I have tomatoes still waiting to be ripened.

That's all from me, enjoy the rest of your day.
I'll be back tomorrow with more crafty fun.

Tea and cake what could be better?

Good morning and how are you on this Tuesday morning?
It's looking good outside so far, the sun is out and the sky is blue and I now have a certain song roaming around in my head but with no rain here yet.

All my boys are now on holiday, we don't have any plans, I only work part-time but I haven't managed any time off from work until the tattie holidays.  When everyone wants time off in the school holidays it can be difficult to get.  On the upside, I am now not back to work till Saturday so there is nothing to stop us having a few day trips out.
My youngest wants to try out the new Trampoline place in Inverness and this morning I was looking at white water tubing in Aviemore for us all.  (I think that might be fun, if not a little scary!)
There's lots we could do but the hardest job is getting them up and dressed in a morning.
My boys are turning into bedroom sloths!  Or is that just teenagers?

I recently went for two new jobs at work, one was doubling my contracted hours at the moment and one was quadrupling them (full-time).  The full-time job was a step up the ladder and the other part-time job was a sideways step onto the shop floor.
To my relief I haven't got the full-time job.  Why?  Well, I don't honestly think I would have much craft-time.  I am however I am glad I went through the selection procedure because now I know what to expect should I want to go down that route again in the future, a timed test, roll playing and an interview.  Scary stuff!
I am actually looking forwards to my little part-time shop floor job, it is during school hours, the only downside being I am working every Saturday but a shorter shift than I normally do now.

Talking of work, last week we had a cake sale to raise money for MFR Cash for kids.  The local radio station are raising money for disadvantaged children in the local area.
This is what I made...

We have some malteser slice....

My youngest was most disgusted as I cut the slices twice as big as I normally do for my boys.
It is a treat that goes down really well in this house but with six full bars of good cooking chocolate and two boxes of maltesers, not to mention the biscuits and butter, it is not low fat!  But very yummy!

My muffins are orange with a lemon butter icing top.  These muffins have two full oranges in them so I like to kid myself that you are getting one of your five a day!
This probably isn't the case after being baked but it's a nice thought.
This has to be the most requested muffin recipe I get asked for.  You'd think chocolate muffins or something a little more extravagant would be more popular but no.  I think the fresh orange juice makes the cake very light and fruity.
I haven't followed the trend and piped loads of butter icing.  I find slapping this sort of amount on with a palette knife is more than enough sweetness.

Finally some cinder toffee or honeycomb, whatever you prefer to call it.
Hubby got me a sugar thermometer for Christmas and I have to say this is much easier to make with it.  You've just got to work quick when adding the bicarb as it explodes into life!

That's all from me today.  After looking at various activities for the family, the boys want a quiet day today.  I shouldn't complain because it means I can get some jobs done and craft.
I think some forward planning is required for the rest of the week, offering choices first thing in the morning is too daunting when certain people aren't really wide awake!
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday and more from me tomorrow.

Time for some creative funnies, it's the weekend.

Good morning and how are you this Saturday morning?  

It's the weekend and I'm not working!  That will become a thing of the past when I go onto my new rota next month as I shall be back to working every Saturday, but for a shorter shift.

It is the last day of the Gala today so very shortly my youngest and I are going off to the beach to dig for treasure.  There is a car boot sale later today and the craft show, I haven't got anything to put in it this year, how bad am I?  Not even a card!  I shall just enjoy looking at everyone else's creative makes. 

In the evening we have the talent show and a disco, then that is it for another year, and what a great week's entertainment it has been.  Thanks to all the village committee for all their hard work throughout the year organising the event.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post last night was the car treasure hunt, I do love a car treasure hunt!

Guess what, my best pal and I won it too.  Yippee.  Great fun was had by all.

Back to today's post now and here are the funnies I picked out for you this week.  

A wee smile for the weekend!

I love the idea of this first one especially after my husband has ruined a few pairs of my good scissors.  He has the unique ability to pick out my most expensive sharpest scissors to do a job that they were not made for, like cutting off the top of a Christmas tree.  I kid you not.  

Now as crafters we all have that embellishment that we just can't walk past when out shopping, don't we?
I have a couple, buttons, oh I have far too many buttons.  The other is ribbons.
I don't know why I have this attraction to ribbons but I can't walk past them especially if it is something I haven't seen before.  Maybe I was a cat in previous life?!

Or is that just me?  

I am so like this cat.

This last one is a constant battle with me and the reason why my craft room is never, ever tidy.

It is so much more fun playing rather than cleaning!

That's all from me today, I am coming back later to catch up on all your blogging.  I did start yesterday but my computer died on me and I didn't get very far.  As Arnold would say "I'll be back!"
Meantime I am going to make like a pirate and go digging for treasure, wish me luck.

Sharing an oldie this Friday, where has the week gone?

Good morning and how are you?
I've been a bit of a rebel this week, no blogging!
It has been quite liberating.
I have had no craft time at all this week as it has been our local gala, so in-between working and running around after the family I have been out every night having fun. 
The Gala started last Saturday with the Abba tribute band, which were very good, I danced the night away in my 70's "get up!"
On Sunday night we had a family quiz, Monday was the family disco, Tuesday was a cracking night at the beach for a BBQ, the weather was amazing.  Wednesday night was Harbour night and last night was Bingo.  Phew! I didn't win anything but got very close at one point, the excitement.
Tonight is my favourite night, the car treasure hunt which I do with my best mate, followed by a disco.
Then tomorrow it the final day, we have digging for treasure on the beach in the morning followed by the craft show, then in the evening a Talent night.  Fun, fun, fun!  I wonder if we'll find hidden treasure?

There was also a program on channel 5 last night about Underground Britain which featured the caves just along the coast from us.  It was a very interesting program and seemed to hold children's bodies, beheaded!  It is worth a look on playback.  I'm glad I didn't live around back then.  Scary stuff.

Back to today and my oldie that I am sharing with you today is a real oldie, can you tell by my colouring.  I think it was around the time I got my prisma pencils and I was just starting to experiment with them.

My photography was really not the best years ago either.  This was for my neighbours daughters 6th birthday, she is now 18! 

I have used tartan paper to match the skirt on the Sugar Nellie stamp Goth girl.  I'd like to thank Kate at Papercraft Boutique for the idea of using eyelets to add the lace up effect also matching the stamp.  I have again used the small tag punch from SU.  The embellishments are from my stash.

Boy hasn't my style changed since this card?  This is what I love about looking back at past projects.  If you'd like to join me please do, the more the merrier.  I shall post a link below so you can join me. 

I shall visit all who join in.

I have another busy day today with an interview at work this morning before starting working.  I was also baking frantically last night (before and after my night out!) as we are having a bake sale to raise funds at work today for a local charity.

Then it's home, tea and out hunting for clues followed by dancing the night away!

I am a little behind commenting on blogs this week but I do hope to catch up later today and over the weekend at some point, bare with me, I am not normally such a social person.  It is quite tiring!  LOL.

Have a great weekend and thank you again in anticipation that you will join me.  I really do appreciate you playing along with me. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Hook, yarn and stitch counter!

Good morning folks and how are you this Saturday?
I hope you have good weather where you are and that you are enjoying the weekend.
I have a busy day in work today and by the time you read this I will already be there, in the thick of it.
As always today I have a few creative quotes that I found over the last week, with a bit of a crochet theme this time.

This first poem really made me giggle and actually is quite accurate in this house.  :)

This next one not only applies to yarn but also to all crafty stash.  Do you ever admit to exactly what you spend?

MMmm again, not in this house!

Finally this is what the weekend is all about.  Doing something that makes you happy.

I hope you are doing something that makes you happy this weekend?

I've got another busy weekend, with work and an Abba tribute band on Saturday, then my boys are Airsofting again on Sunday.
Have a good one folks and more from me again next week.

Sharing an oldie this Friday, hooking style.

Good morning, it's Friday again!
It happens every week I know, but it does seem to come around fast.

It has become a regular fixture on my blog to share an oldie on a Friday,  it can be anything you have made yourself and have either previously posted or not posted at all.  I would love it if you would join me "just for the crack!"  (As in the Irish for fun, not the white powder which could get you into lots of trouble!)

Today's oldie I have picked for you isn't actually that old but I have been hooking recently on an evening, or should I say crocheting.  (I'm not wanting you to get the wrong idea!)

Douglas is designed by Kerry Lord the author of Edward's Menagerie, which is where the pattern is from.  I picked what I thought were Heilan Coo coloured yarns and given him a wee tartan tie to smarten him up.

Do feel free to play along I shall visit all who do, see the link below. 

I do enjoy my wee crafty hop on a weekend and look forwards to seeing what crafty make you have picked too.
Thank you in crafty anticipation!

An InLinkz Link-up

Lots going on, but what to share, that is the question?

Good afternoon and how are you this Thursday?  Today the weather was supposed to be beautiful, according to the forecast, I'm still waiting!  The blue sky is starting to show and it isn't cold, but it just isn't sunny.
Kate you were correct I am in the process of working on some wedding samples for a good friend's granddaughter.  I can't show you until much later down the line, but I have saved a photograph.
I was also working on a project for my hubby which although not top secret, it isn't something I can post on my blog.  I might have to shred you once you've seen it!
He did say that it went down at work.
Typical of those close to me, he came home last night asking for it for today!

Today even though I have been a busy little crafty bee I have nothing to share so I thought I would update you on my blanket.   Recently I have taken to crocheting on an evening in front of the TV, a hexagon here, a hexagon there.  I may eventually get 196 completed!

It needs a little light iron, but I am getting there slowly.  You never know by Christmas I might just get it over my knee.
I know what will happen, the dog seems to claim everything I make, she loves my cushions and rugs.

That's all from me today.  Time to go and pick my boy up from work and then they both want to go off dooking after tea this evening.  It was lovely last night and they didn't come home till after 9 p.m.  The joys of living in the north during the summer months, it doesn't really get dark on a good day till around 11.  Plus the added advantage that they then sleep well too.
You wouldn't catch me in though, I was scared as a child watching Jaws!  I know that isn't going to happen off the north of Scotland but we have had killer whales in the next bay this week.  Scary!

Don't let anyone rain on your parade!

Good morning and how are you today?
It's another cloudy morning here in Scotland with the everlasting hope that it will brighten up later!
I'm just waiting for my youngest boy to wake up, I think he might be turning into a teenager a little early.  He wants to walk with the dog and I this morning, I'm ready and the dog has her legs crossed.
I wonder how long we shall be waiting?

Whilst blog commenting yesterday I came across this challenge at CAS on Sunday, using sequins on a clean and simple card.  Mmmm I like the sound of that one so I "set to" with an idea.

I couldn't decide which arrangement of sequins I prefered, in typical Gemini style I made two.
The die and sentiment are by Papertrey ink Rainy day sentiments and Blue skies.  I love the sentiment, "Don't ever let anyone rain on your parade."
I created a shaker card using glass pieces behind the cloud and sequins as the rain, both also from Papertrey ink.

The little one and I enjoyed our film yesterday The Legend of Tarzan, his favourite bit was where a man gets taken by the crocodiles, my favourite bit was Alexander in just his short longs!  ;)

On the cards for today, I have to pop to work at some point and then it will be a juggling act between finding something to do with my youngest, housework and crafting.  I know which one of those I'd like to be doing.
 
Enjoy your hump day!
More from me tomorrow.

Bring me sunshine!

Good afternoon and how are you today?
It's a lovely day up here in the North of Scotland but it could do with a little more sunshine and warmth.  But why?
This is why...

I have lots of lovely tomatoes growing in my conservatory and all they need is a little sunshine to ripen.
I love homegrown tomatoes, the taste is just so different from shop bought.
Come on Mr Sunshine!

Today's crafty project involves these items and is long overdue...can you tell what it is yet?

I have been waiting for these embellishments to arrive before I can crack on with this order.
A bit of bling, just what every girl needs!

I am also planning on taking my wee man to the cinema later today to see The Legend of Tarzan featuring the lovely Alexander Skarsgard in a loincloth.  The things you have to suffer as a Mum!
It wasn't me saying to the boys that they really NEEDED to go and see Tarzan at all.  Tee, hee.
Would it be bad to say I am really looking forwards to the film?  ;)

Time for me to go and make lunch.  I am being pestered as we speak.
I just love the school holidays!  Not.
Fancy interfering with my fine craft time.
On that note there may be big changes coming in this house reducing my craft time even further but more on that another day.
Enjoy the rest of you Tuesday, more from me tomorrow.

LIM weekly challenge "Take time......!"

Good morning and how are you this Monday morning?
It is dreich in every case of the word this morning so I am on here avoiding my early morning walk with the dog, in the hope that it clears a little before I go out.  If it doesn't I have a funny feeling that the dog and I are going to get very wet.
How was your weekend?
I had a busy day at work on Saturday but a nice relaxing day yesterday watching the sport and crocheting.  Didn't Murray do well in the tennis?

On to today and I have decided to join the lovely gang over on the LIS Challenge blog.  This weeks challenge is the word time and one layer.
I have stuck to one layer, however I couldn't control the urge to add a couple of embellishments at the end, in the form of daisies.

The lighting not the best this morning for my photograph with the beautiful summery weather that we are having.
I  have used stamp set Enjoy life by IndigoBlu together with a Spellbinder die to create an embossed frame around the sentiment.  I have inked a little Distress Squeezed Lemonade around the frame whilst still in place to create depth.  Finally colouring the words with my copic markers and adding a couple of punched daisies with gems.
I do love this sentiment, we could all take more time to make daisy chains, something I did a lot as a child.
Do girls still do this now?  I bet they don't.

It is now "time" for me to go and get wrapped up to walk the dog and then I have a shift in work later today.  Enjoy your Monday and more from me tomorrow.

It's the weekend time for a little creative giggle.

Good morning fellow crafters and how are you this Saturday morning?

I am beavering away in work till lunch time, the weekend starts for me just after 12 o'clock.  

No plans as yet, it will depend on the weather, if it is nice something outdoors will no doubt be on the cards, if it is raining, inside and crafty.  Only time will tell.

As always on a Saturday I try and pick up a few creative quotes to make you smile, well, it is the weekend.  Today I have gone with a little material feel, in homage to the Great British Sewing Bee final this week.  Well done Charlotte.  

 

As a child my mum made most of our clothes.  It was much cheaper back then to make than to buy, not like today.  I can always remember my mum asking me to thread her needles for her after hearing her muttering under her breath.  Well, I am afraid to admit it but this issue has now arrived at my door.  When did needle holes suddenly get so small?  Or is it just me.
I now take it as a little personal victory if a needle is threaded first time, it's the simple things in life that make your day.  A fight with the thread or wool usually occurs on most occasions.  I do need to update my sewing machine and get one that threads for you, which I believe you can get now.
And on that note this next quote follows on quite nicely!

I have to say this trade sounds perfect to me.  LOL.  I won't need to feed it, just a little oil now and again.  No washing or ironing, except when using it to make something, which doesn't count.  Plus it won't fight for the remote control or play on the Xbox.  

It's a win, win situation.  Now how to break the idea to my husband?!

Finally do you have Fabracadabra moment?

I certainly do, not only with fabric but also with lots of other mighty fine crafting products.

Oh what fun can be had when you find something you'd forgotten you'd bought.  It is just like Christmas!  

That's all from me today, enjoy your weekend whatever you have planned.

More from me next week.

Share an oldie this Friday.

Good morning and how are you today?
It's that time of the week again, can you believe it?
Friday, already.  Where are the weeks going.  I'm sure that they're speeding up and no one has told me.

You know the crack by now, every Friday I encourage you to join me in sharing a previously loved crafty post with something you have made yourself.  There is a link below which will enable you to join in, I will visit all who play along over the weekend.  I do like to see your oldies.  The more the merrier and may I take this opportunity to thank you in anticipation of your participation.

Today I have a Sugar Nellie digi stamped card for you.  I little different to the norm.

The image is Sugar Nellie Adorable Rebecca.  I reason favour these digital images, apart from being Adorable, it doesn't matter the size of the card you are creating the image can be adjusted accordingly, oh the flexibility, love it!
I have used Spellbinder Nestabilities Decorative Labels Eight and ovals to create the frame, this has been coloured using the new Distress stains Antiqued bronze and Tarnished brass to make an old fashioned frame effect, finished with a little Distress inks Tea dye and Walnut stain around the edges.  I have also used the Spellbinder A4 dots embossing folder.  The little tag and sentiment are SU and embellishments are from my stash.  
Rebecca is printed direct to my card and coloured using Prisma pencils.

I do think looking back at this card that the framed image could have really benefited from a large size card maybe the same shape but I do love the gilded frame, I was thinking old fashioned portrait at the time.

Another day of pottering here, always lots to do at home.  Enjoy your weekend, I'm in for a short shift tomorrow so should be home and dry by lunchtime.  Don't forget to link up with me below, I look forwards again to my crafty hop.

An InLinkz Link-up

Nurse the screens!

Good afternoon and how are you today?
I was expecting it to be really sunny here today, according to the forecast.  It is warm but quite cloudy too.  It could however be much worse so I will take dry and warm any day over the rain we have had of late.

Today I have a couple of really CAS cards for you, I am sticking with my recent trend to make cards on a less is more theme.  These two cards went to the hospital last week together with a couple of bags of goodies from work to say thank you to the nurses and doctors who looked after me during my recent visit and op.

One card and a box of sweeties went to the operating staff and the other box of biscuits, sweeties and other goodies went to the lovely nurse Andrea and other staff who looked after me on the day ward.
I have used die cuts by Spellbinders Fancy Framed tags two together with metal charms of a nurses hat and the medical symbol attached to black bazzill.
Unfortunately the staff who looked after me were not on shift the day that I popped back in but I was told by others that they'd make sure they got them.

I think my eldest boy is getting tired all this working full time, it is a real battle to get up early every morning and next week he has to go to Keith everyday.  I do think it is good experience for him and it might change what he decides to do next, after his final year in school.
As I keep reminding him, he will be a long time working so he needs to try and do something he loves.  It will make all the difference!

Earlier today my youngest, hubby and I popped over to the Bothy in the next village for lunch.  If you are ever in this area I can totally recommend it.

I had a lovely jacket potato, my favourite snack at the moment.  They also have some lovely seaside gifts inside.  The staff are also really friendly and helpful, well worth a visit if you are a bit peckish.

I nearly forgot I had a great night last night through at the Inverness theatre to see Sarah Millican.  I have never laughed so much in two hours.  My jaw was aching with laughing.
She took me right back to watching Victoria Woods who I saw a couple of times live.  First time I saw Victoria was in Scarborough and we sat in the theatre behind what looked to be an elderly bus trip.  All I can remember was the couple in front of me commenting that she wasn't like that on the TV, referring of course to her choice of, shall we say, colourful language.  I personally have no issue with this, how can I, I was in the Navy and have heard it all before.  Why do I mention this?
As the show started my friend turned to me and said, she's not like that on the TV!  (I think she was trying to prepare me for what was to come, as she has seen Sarah live before).
But oh how we laughed, and laughed.

A day off for me today and tomorrow so I suppose I should really catch up on some boring old housework, I'd much rather be crafting, wouldn't you?
More from me tomorrow, can you believe it is oldie time again?

No cat in a hat here.

Back again today, a little later than planned.  I had another busy short shift in work today.
I am off out shortly too with one of my crafty pals to go and see Sarah Millican at Inverness.
It is going to be a quick tea here and a mad dash across to Inversnecky for lots of laughs.

Today I thought I would share another photograph of the cat I made,  in yesterday's post, this time with her coat on.  My pal Elaine has named her Gigi.
We have decided that we'd both like a coat like this too.

The coat also has a lovely pleat at the back too.

All the details of the kits are on yesterday's post if you want more information.
I'm off to scoff my tea and get moving.
A very short and sweet post today!
Enjoy the rest of your evening.

In honour of the Sewing Bee, are you a cat person too?

Good afternoon and how are you today.  I have been enjoying the morning with my youngest but as he is now away to paint the step with his Dad I have five minutes peace.
This is on the understanding that later after lunch we are baking.

Did you watch the Sewing Bee final last night?
I have loved this series, last night was so very close in the end.  I thought either of the three finalists could have won but I was glad it was Charlotte.  Her evening dress was gorgeous, the zip could have been sorted with more time to spare, and I absolutely loved her little black dress, especially the Dickie on the back.

In honour of the Sewing bee I recently made a project which I can now share as she has been re homed.
I bought these kits whilst on my trip to Edinburgh and as soon as I saw this little lady I knew my pal Elaine would give her a good home and look after her.

I have to admit I was quite chuffed I got this cat made I am not a sewer by any means and I did find parts of the instructions confusing.  I have it on good authority from one of my seamstress pals that, that it is because I am inexperienced at reading patterns.
I machine stitched some of the cat but decided I preferred a hand stitched blanket stitch over the machine for the body, arms, legs and tail.  I just think it looks so much neater than a machine zigzag stitch.  The material in the ears and feet are not what the pattern came with but all will become clear with the next photograph.

I matched the cat's body parts to the second kit I'd purchased in order to make the dress.  How cute is that!  You could buy the cat with a ball gown on but I preferred this cotton dress instead.
The kit is from Coolcrafting, I love the bunnies, I might have to go back for another kit.
The lady who owns the company did feel as a novice I could manage the kit with the instructions and she was correct.  I do however think I would have found the experience a lot easier with a little more knowledge under my belt. The perfectionist in my rearing it's ugly head!
In the end I was very happy with the results and Elaine absolutely loved her, which is the main thing.

I think it is now time for me to go and get my baking head on.  What will we make?
I can pretty much guarantee it will be something smothered in chocolate if my youngest has his way.
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday and happy crafting.

An apple for teacher and a well earned rest.

Good morning and how are you this Monday morning?  

The weather here today is cloudy with lots of rain forecast for later, no change then with the children off school then?  

I'm in work today, just for a short shift to clean, which shall make me want to come home and crack on with the housework here too, not!  It is a new system that work are trying and it seems to be working.  I guess the staff will look after the building a little better than contractors.

Did you have a good weekend?

I didn't get to my film as my eldest, the babysitter had other plans, which unfortunately fell through at last minute, by which time I'd nodded off in my recliner.  I guess I was a tad tired after a busy Saturday in work.

I did however have a lovely relaxing day on Sunday, I picked up my blanket hexagons again, it's been a while, so I enjoyed making a few of them whilst getting cuddles from Holly.

Back to today and as you know our kids broke up for the summer holidays last week.  My eldest is still working for the next three but the little one is well into holiday mode.

It doesn't seem to be the thing to send gifts to the teachers at Secondary school but it is something I have always done at Primary.  This was therefore my last year of trying to come up with something original to send in.  This year I had help from my lovely crafty friend Kerry who has a smashing cookie business called The Cookie box.  She will make you the most amazing bespoke cookies but don't take my word for it, click on the link above and check them out.  They are also delicious to eat, nomm, nomm.

She posted them to me, brilliantly packaged so none got broken and I put them together at this end. 

We thought it would be safer if they didn't bang around in the jars whilst in the post.  

"An apple for the teacher!"

My youngest has had three teachers throughout the year, one at the beginning of the week, one on a Thursday and one on a Friday.  

I also wanted a little something for the school receptionist as she is always there at the end of the telephone, very cheerful and willing to help.  I asked Kerry could she come up with something for me and this is what she made.

I love the telephone and the fact she personalised the envelope.  These cookies all fit just perfectly in an 8" card box, as you will see later in the post.

On to the cards.  I kept the cards all the same for each teacher and the secretary with the added benefit of a wee charm which they could used for their keys, handbag or phone.

The printing was done on the computer and the background paper is by DCWV Grade school.  

The notepad was created using the EK Success die and pencil lines with the charm attached with coordinating string.  

The final selection before heading to school.

A big "toot, toot" to Kerry for her assistance this year.  It made the whole experience so much easier for me and the teachers loved them.  

Just before I sign off today don't forget it's the final of The Great British Sewing Bee tonight.  #excitedmuchly.

Who will win?

I quite fancy Charlotte or Jade but I don't think the competition has been any closer than it is this year.  I wonder what they'll be making tonight?

Can't wait to watch it. 

That's all from me today, I better go and get organised and get my wee pooch out for a walk.  

Enjoy your Monday and don't get too wet if you are out and about.  I think it sounds like a perfect kind of day to stay in and craft.     

More from me tomorrow.

It's the weekend, yes! Time for a little creative fun.

It maybe the weekend and I hope you are all having fun especially if it is something creative.
Personally I am on the early shift in work so it will be a busy day for me.  Then I am hoping to drag my other half to go and see the Ab fab film, it looks like a right good laugh from the trailers.
Hopefully a mad packed Saturday will be followed by a nice relaxing Sunday with maybe a little crafting.  That's the plan anyway.
As I am beavering away in work, it has become a bit of a tradition to share a couple of funny crafty quotes, that I found yesterday whilst surfing.
First up....

Do you ever suffer from the above?
I tend to go through phases, I am back enjoying my card making just now but at the same time wanting to do more crocheting and sewing.  If only there was more time in the day!
Which leads me quite nicely on to the next quote.

LOL.  Don't we all just have days like the above.  I am fortunate to be able to work part-time which enables me some time to craft.  If only I could farm out the household chores I'd get even more time. Mind you over time I have certainly become less obsessive with the housework allowing myself time to play.  (Much to the disgust of my other half!  And my answer to that.....he is more than capable if he isn't happy.)
The worm is turning!
We all need some time to ourselves don't we ladies?

This final quote for today just grabbed my attention.  I don't know why!

I'm all for any form of stash enhancement!  LOL.

Thanks for popping by today, enjoy the rest of your weekend.  May you have lots of fun, laughter and joy, oh and of course plenty of crafting too.

It's Friday again time to share a crafty oldie with me. Are you in?

Good morning and how are you this Friday?
Can you believe it, not only is it Friday again but that is another school year done and dusted.
You would have been proud of me at the leavers assembly earlier in the week, I nearly went a couple of times but managed to stay composed, just.  Only big boys in this house now!

As it is the end of term I have decided to share one of my teachers gifts from way back in 2012.
You know the drill by now, I encourage you to join me in sharing an old crafty project you have made yourself that either you posted in the past or have never posted.
It is all for the joy of crafting and to see how your style has changed over the years.  I will visit all who link up below.
Before I share my oldie I would just like to thank all of you who do take the time out to join me, I do look forwards to my weekendly visits.

This is a 6" canvas with frame is from my local craft shop.  I have painted the frame white then sanded it and added Vintage photo distress ink to give a shabby chic feel.  The canvas is painted red with Fired brick distress stain then I've added red gingham card from Kanban.  The apple is a sizzix die and "Teachers cannot live by apples alone," was printed on the computer.  I've then brought it all together with a little distressing using Vintage photo.  Together with this canvas a bottle of wine was wrapped and tagged with "Grapes help too!"  I have it on good authority that teachers enjoy a wee drop of wine to unwind at the end of school term.  
Whereas parents need a drop throughout the holidays!  

That's all from me today, I look forwards to seeing what you share.  Back again tomorrow.  

An InLinkz Link-up