Girls just want to have fun!

I did promise I would show you what we got up to at Girls just want to have fun on Saturday. 
Here is the class we did with the lovely Debbi.

A journalling book. 
I had great fun getting all inky with this book and look forwards to filling it.
A great Steam punk project.

Today I have mostly been getting sorted for a couple of days with my boys but I have also been into Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin to sort out my next day of classes for the 21st of April.  I hope to be doing one class with the new Spellbinders and another with stamping....mmmmm what to do?
Better get my thinking cap on!

Anyway I have a mountain of ironing and tea to sort so I'm afraid it's another short post for me today.
I hope your Easter Monday is going well.
The weather here started off beautiful this morning but the sky has now gone very dark and the heavens have opened, typical April weather me thinks!  Fine for staying in and crafting shame my ironing won't do it's self.

Happy Easter

Hi everyone and I hope you all are having a super Easter Sunday. 
We've had our Easter egg hunt in the garden and my joint of beef is in the oven cooking, yum! 
Today I am having a day off posting crafty ideas...I have been banded by the family from entering my Craft Zone!  Boo! 
I have sneaked on the lap-top to just wish you a great day and enjoy your chocolate eggs. 
We're off for a nice walk after lunch and then back for a film, popcorn and chocolate....not necessarily in that order.

Yesterday I had a fabulous crafty day at the Papeterie in Aberdeen with the Girls just want to have fun gang.  I'd like to thank Kath, Debbi and Anne for a super day and great projects.  Plus a big thanks to Christel and Tina for their great company throughout the day.  I will share what we got up to later in the week meantime I better go and pop my Yorkshires in the oven.

Happy Easter.

What's in the box?

Today I am having a girlie day out with Christel and Tina at "Girls just want to have fun" at the Papeterie in Aberdeen with the lovely Kath, Debbi and Anne.  A day of crafting with friends, chatting and snacking with maybe a few giggles on the way.  Can't wait.

Whilst I'm away having fun I have another Spellbinding box for you....this one is the Grand die Square petal top box and comes complete with swirls and a lovely tag.

I have also used American craft cream and black paper plus PI stamp Love story script.  The little flowers are from the other box die set I showed you yesterday and the big flower on top is Shapeabilities Spiral blossoms 1.  Ribbon and bling from my stash.

I am loving these box grand dies and they're so easy to put together. 

That's all for today I'll be back tomorrow with news of my fun day out. 

I'd like to wish you all the very best over this EASTER weekend, have fun whatever you are doing.  x

Boxing clever!

Back again, late today...I'm starting a trend!
In my defence I've been fighting my way around the supermarket trying to stock up on food and lots of  chocolate eggs!
I like to get lots of smaller eggs for my kids as the Easter bunny usually pops by and sets up a treasure hunt for them, looking at the weather for this Sunday I think the bunny will be coming indoors. 
As the man reading the weather on TV said last night,
"It's just the weather to sit in and eat lots of chocolate". 
Like I need an excuse! 

On to today's show and tell and I have been playing with the NEW Spellbinder box dies....this next one would be great for Wedding favours...

It is the Spellbinder grand die Square bracket edged box and it also comes with 6 little flower dies too.  I have also used Shapeabilities Parisian motifs, the new Ribbon buckles and of course not forgetting the NEW M-bossabilities Hearts.  I have added a few pearls and a ribbon bow to finish.

 And the view from above....

I've also seen this die used to create an Advent Calender for Christmas using lovely Christmas double sided card.  I do think you would get plenty of use with this one....dinner parties, little treats, Weddings, Anniversary's, birthday boxes...you get my drift!

Tomorrow I am away again to Aberdeen to join "Girls just want to have fun!" 
Another girlie crafty day out, yippee! 

Finally today I thought I'd leave you with this....
my Dad sent it to me this morning....I guess we are all looking for Inner Peace....
here's the secret.....
I thought I'd share with you all....

Inner  Peace: This is so true                         If you can start the day without caffeine, If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time, If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, If you can conquer tension without medical help, If you can relax without alcohol, If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,                             ...Then  You Are  Probably  .........                                The family dog! It all makes sense now.  I'd just like to end by sending my Dad big hugs.  He isn't great just now and I want to just let him know we're all thinking of him and wishing him a speedy full recovery. xxx.

Candy winner!

Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to all the lovely ladies who left me comments on the blog hop last weekend so without further ado the winner is.....

Drum roll please.......

Kirsti

If you could e-mail me here with your details I will get the prize out to you.



Sugar arh honey, honey!

I'm late, I'm late....for a very important date.  Whoops sorry folks it's Sugar bowl time again number 81 and the turn of the fabulous Gayle to treat us to a sketch.  The challenge is to use plaid or strips.
Here is my take...

I have used Pirate Monkey from Sugar Nellie, I think he is so cute and he is coloured with copic markers.  The plaid paper is from Elsie and is called Forrest Ranger and is mixed with my own card stock.  The pirates chest is from Darcie's stamp set Shiver me timbers as is the sentiment.  The pearls are from Hobby house.  Finally the embossing folder is by Sizzix and is also a plaid.

The pirate sentiment also hides back into the chest too, as Paul Daniels would say "that's magic!" 
A little interactive card for a cheeky little monkey! 
You've guessed it....I have someone in mind with this one.
And the sketch....

The prize up for grabs are your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps moving up to 6 if we have more than 100 entries. 
It only remains for me to say....you've got to be in it to win it, enjoy and happy crafting!

I'm now away to draw the winner of my candy....I will announce the results very soon.  x

Wot's on your Work desk Wednesday 148

Hi not a very exciting work desk for you this morning....it's starting to get a little untidy around the edges but as for what I'm working on...mmmm!

I have a pile of stamps in the left hand corner waiting to be played with but before that I have a bespoke card to do. 
A very boring desk today for you...to find something much more exciting why not pop on over to Julia's blog and have a wee nosey at other fine crafty spaces....

I will now leave you with a funny a friend sent me today...it made me smile.

Before I go I have candy I am giving away, details on the 1st of April....it closes at midnight tonight so still got a chance to win if you want to enter.
Back to the joke.....

Four Worms in Church

(Four worms and a lesson to be learned !)     A Minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good, clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol ... Dead.       The second worm in cigarette smoke ... Dead.    The third worm in chocolate syrup ... Dead.  The fourth worm in good, clean soil ... Alive . So the Minister asked the congregation, "What did you learn from this demonstration?"   Maxine was sitting in the back and quickly raised her hand and said,   "As long as you drink, smoke, and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!" That pretty much ended the service ! Happy WOYWW xxx.

Getting all STEAMY!

So who is reading this now wondering what I am going to mention!  LOL. 
I could use a quote from one of my favourite films but unless you have seen it...it would be pointless...I would be laughing alone and you thinking "how strange!"

When I mention steamy I am not referring to "hot and steamy" but more "down and dirty" Steampunky with the wonderful and talented Andy Skinner. 
His paint techniques are fabulous and what is even better you can also do on-line classes to learn the art....I will be checking out those later.
If you don't like getting your hands dirty then close your eyes now! 
I find that getting mucky is part of the whole experience and I just keep Mr Scrubby handy now to help with the aftershock!
Anyway enough of my waffle this is what we made;

This is the front of the book and all the workings are made from cardboard.....I love the concept and am already thinking of different ways in using this technique.  I NEED to get some of this modelling paste to play again!

The back we have used paint techniques to create a rust effect and used Andy's NEW stamps, can't wait to get my hands on them, loving the textures, cogs and the sentiments are great too.  I think I might have a wee further play with the back of the book and just add some black soot to distress around the edges.

On the spine and we used a textured paste to create a sandpaper effect and for the book leaves we made our own tissue tape!  I so will do that again and it was so easy to do too.

That's all again for me today, hope you have a super Tuesday and looking forwards to a wee snoop tomorrow for What's on your work desk Wednesday!

Fluttering by.

I had a lovely day out at the Papeterie in Aberdeen yesterday getting all creative with the lovely Andy Skinner, a picture to follow. 
All I'm going to say today is we all got down and dirty! 
Not to mention things got a little "steampunky!"
A great class was had by all and I now NEED more fine crafting products.  Notice I say need and not would like, bad so bad!  ;)

Anyway back to today's card...

Product list;
K & Company papers Spring Blossom.
Spellbinder shapeabilities die Mix'd media elements for tag.
Stamps;
Stampers Anonymous Attic treasures and Marion Emberson It's all in the words.
Coloured with Le Plume alcohol pens, Distress ink Vintage photo and Diamond stickles.

I love this butterfly stamp which surprises me as I am not normal a butterfly person.  The Spring K & Company papers work so well with the butterfly theme covered in lovely bright flowers.  I also can see me using the little tag from Spellbinders too it's just the best size for adding a wee sentiment.

That's all for me today I will take photo's later of yesterdays class to share, don't forget I have candy up for grabs on April the 1sts post if you are interested in some free crafty stash?
Have a super Monday and I'll catch you again tomorrow.

CANDYTIME!

Hi all, no April's fool here this morning instead I will just shout "WHITE RABBIT!"
(Bring on the good luck now, LOL!)

Did you enjoy our It's a Creative World Easter hop yesterday? 
There was lots of different crafty styles to look at and some lovely candy up for grabs too.

So what have I got today....well, I'm carrying on with the Easter theme by decorating these wee cloth bunnies with ribbon and net to create little Ballet bunnies to give away with eggs.  I usually pop them in a little cellophane bag with a selection of mini eggs with little girls in mind of course! 
The boys get the bunny bags I showed you yesterday.

And closer;

Now what you all really want to know......as it's what is my CANDY giveaway?!

Here you go......

A 12" pad of DCWV The Preppy Princess stash with glitter!
A wee bag if ribbons, chipboard, buttons, flowers etc....to match
A selection of charms including crowns, flowers and butterflies and of course a pink bunny and some bunny poop.

To be in with a chance to win all of these goodies I only ask that you leave a comment with this post.
Leave one on yesterdays post as well and I will put your name in the hat twice, double the chance to win. 
UK residents only.

I'm busy over the Easter weekend so shall be closing the candy at midnight on Wednesday the 4th of April and will announce the winner on Thursday morning. 

It's a Creative World SPRING blog hop!

It's time for the "It's a Creative World" blog hop

 and you should have arrived to me from the lovely

Eleanor's blog here. 

Spring is in the air. 

The weather is brighter, the nights are lighter so that means more time to craft! 

So what do I have for you......?

Well as it is Easter I thought rather than a card a couple of bunnies would be in order;

And of course bunnies wouldn't be bunnies without a little white tail;

The poem on the tags reads;

I'm running short on eggs this year

My chickens flew the coop

I'd give you something better

But here's some bunny poop!

I thought with the present real egg problem it was quite apt. 

The bunny bag has been made using my Cricut cartridges Plantin Schoolbook "Tall ball" bag and New arrival "Bunny". 

Just a little something to add to your Easter egg hunt. 

Enjoy our bunny hop and next up is the lovely Ifa.

Enjoy...hop..hop..hop!

In case you get lost here are the links;

IACW

Laura

Jayne

Doda

Gabrielle

Eleanor

ME!

Ifa

Katherine

Dolly

Mandy

Leanne

Kerry

Tracey

Debbie

IACW

I also have some candy to share but I'm going to keep you in suspense....

you'll need to pop back tomorrow to find out more...

oh I'm bad!

Now where did I put that chocolate.....?

Will there be any left for you tomorrow?!  MMMMM.

Just the ticket!

Morning all, another sunny but a tad windy day up in the North of Scotland.  Great drying weather so my machine is on working hard.  My relatives have arrived and my big boy comes home from school later today, yippee!
Before I forget tomorrow and Sunday I am involved with this;

Some of the girls from It's a Creative World are running an Easter blog hop tomorrow it is worth a look as everyone makes different crafts plus there will also be some great prizes up for grabs. 

You've got to be in it to win it!

I digress, on to today.....

Supply list;
Hero Arts NEW Big tickets.
Spellbinder shapeabilites Mix'd media elements for the rectangle tag, hearts and crown.
K & Company Papers SW Spring Blossom and die cut seed packet.
American craft textured card stock.
Distress stain Bundles sage.
Distress crackle paint rock candy.

I have stamped the large tags along the bottom of a 12" sheet of card matching up the perforated line, both sides.  Then added the centre "Happy birthday" with 3d foam on the front but made pockets at the back for tags.  The K & Company paper has been torn and added to the layers and the seed packet tags have been added to the tags.  The hearts and crown have rock candy added which has made them go all wrinkly, I love that.  Distress stain has been added to bring the whole card together.
I thought this would make a change to a regular card.  "A change is as good as a rest!"  Or so it is said.

That's all from me today.  I have the hop to get ready for and my next Sugar bowl card in production.  Have a great weekend or if like us you are breaking up for Easter holidays today...have fun!

Simply stylish!

Morning and firstly a big thank you to the lovely ladies who visited my work desk yesterday. 
I was hoping to get on to playing with my Tim Holtz class in the afternoon but I have some orders due today so I was beavering away with that instead. 
On to today.....

Items used;
Spellbinders M-Bossibilities hearts.
Martha Stewart PATP Swirling lace.
Sentiments from K & Co Wedding sentiments grand adhesion's.
Ribbon and coloured card from stash to match.

The above cards are simple with all the work being done by the lovely embossing plate and punch. 
I have to admit I am sold on the M-Bossibilities plates.  The one thing I didn't like about the smaller embossing folders was that you were limited to a C6 size card or matting and layering.  With these new folders you can easily cut a 5" square which works fabulously with a 6" card
...it's hip to be square!
I love them.

I have my MIL and FIL coming today to stay for a week so I better crack on and get organised.  More tomorrow and don't forget this is coming up at the weekend....

Can't wait!

"Fork handles!" Plus WOYWW 147

Hi everyone it's that time of the week again WOYWW.  So without further ado.......here's mine;

On the left there are a few nearly finished samples from recent demo's awaiting finishing touches to be sent to my boss.  On the right a few purchases from my weekends gallivanting....loving the zip ribbons.
My desk isn't too bad today.  I've got a couple of cards I need to make then I hope to have some fun with Tim Holtz on line class later.  But first I have to finish my "spring clean" of my conservatory I started last night.  Now why would I tell you this?  Well earlier in the year I removed a candle stand from my front room whilst decorating.  Not very exciting in it's self but it made me giggle when I ventured in the room after the unseasonal warm weather we've had this week.  See if it makes you smile too.....

"Four candles" or should I say four very limp candles.  I did have to smile to myself as it reminded me of the great sketch by the Two Ronnies about "Fork handles!"  I love that sketch and so very clever.  I have added it below if you haven't seen it.  It really makes me giggle, how they both keep straight faces!
That's all from me for this What's on your Work desk Wednesday why not pop on over to the lovely Julia's blog and find out what other like minded crafters are up to.  It only remains for me to say thanks for the visit today, have a good one and I hope you leave me with a smile.

The two ronnies - Fork handles

Spellbinding!

Today I have a card made using the new Spellbinder dies and embossing folders. 

Supply list;
Spellbinder shapeabilities Damask motifs and Ribbon buckles.  Spellbinder M-bossabilities Patchwork.
Martha Stewart edger punch Garden rail.
Bling and ribbon from stash.

I personally love the simplicity of black and white when using very decorative Spellbinder dies and Martha Stewart punches because there is so much going on with the die shapes.  I find less is more creates a more elegant classy finish.  Or that is my theory anyway!   The ribbon and bling just bring the card together.

Today I have had to crack on with some housework much to my disgust as the weather is glorious outside again today, we are so not used to this in the North of Scotland. 
On the upside the lovely weather has brought the dolphins to our shore and I took great delight in seeing them bobbing about yesterday when out for a walk in the sunshine.  I never tire of seeing them.  There is just something magical about them.  It fairly made my day.
I'm going to crack on with some more housework now...don't you just love having visitors!  Boo!  I'd much rather be outside or crafting.  Still if I'm good and get it all done I can play tomorrow instead.

Feeling hot, hot, hot!

What a mad weekend I had. 
First demo of the year at Howden's Garden centre Inverness on Saturday, then first demo of the year at The Papeterie Aberdeen for their birthday celebrations yesterday.  Great fun was had by all!
Oh and the weather....yesterday was the hottest March day on record for Aberdeen, it was a beautiful day and it was so lovely to make it home in daylight.
Bring on those light nights more time to craft!

I'd like to thanks all the lovely ladies who came to visit both stores especially on such lovely warm days, we so have to make the most of sunshine up here in Scotland! 
I really appreciate your visit and lovely comments and hope you went away happy after our little chat and craft!  I also hope you enjoy playing with your new toys, sorry I mean crafting goodies.  x

As I mentioned in previous posts I have been taking part, well watching, Tim's on-line class running now.  Whilst I was making my demo samples at the back end of last week I decided to incorporate a little of what I have learnt with these tags;

Craft supplies;

Spellbinder shapeabilities dies; Mix'd Media Elements, Bauble blossoms 1 and Foliage.
Stamps;  Stampers Anonymous Attic Treasures, Personal Impressions Polkadot background and Love story script, Hero Arts A little note, PI Marion Emberson Find joy everyday and Build a tree.
Distress stains;  Fired brick, Wild honey, Vintage photo, Broken china, Forest moss and my new favourite Picket fence.
Distress ink;  Mustard seed, Broken china, Scattered straw, Brushed corduroy, Tea dye and Vintage photo.  Plus black Archival ink.
I used PI clear embossing powder, Distress crackle paint Rock candy, Stickles Diamond and Le Plume alcohol pens to colour the wee birdie, top.
I finally added some ribbons, lace and thread from my stash.

I really enjoyed getting all inky with these tags and layering up the backgrounds. 
The new Spellbinder flowers are just fab to play with....they remind me of quilling, which was one of the first card making technique I did with my mum many years ago...I even found my original tool!  This is why you should never throw things away, LOL.  It's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

This time of year in the craft industry is just great as all the new products from Stitches in February are starting to hit the craft shops, mmmmmm, we all love new stash don't we?  I'm sure I am not alone on that front?
Please tell me I am not the only collector of fine crafting products?! 
Playing with them all......well that is another matter, ha, ha! 

I have visitors arriving later in the week and a few card orders to crack on with today.  What to do first?  Well I can tell you this....I ain't doing housework whilst the sun is shining outside...that would be criminal.

Enjoy your Monday whatever you are up to and I will catch up with you again tomorrow.

Nearly ready!

Hi folks I'm still beavering away ready for my trip to Howden's in Inverness tomorrow and then to the Papeterie in Aberdeen on Sunday. 
I've had great fun making all my samples and can't wait to share them next week with you all. 

Have a super weekend whatever you are up to and I will be back to catch up on Monday.

Happy crafting!

Sweet Sugar bowl challenge 80

My, my....doesn't time fly when you are having fun, it's time for another Sugar Bowl challenge. Today we are working with a sketch from the lovely Cathy and the theme spots and strips.
Here is my take on the sketch;

And the sketch;

I have used the lovely digital image Flora with my copics. The papers are DCWV The cherry limeade stack. Martha Stewart punch Scalloped dot. Spellbinder nestabilities dies Classic scalloped rectangles large and Small deckled rectangles. SU flower punch, Stickles diamond, brads, findings and ribbon from my stash.
The DCWV papers are glittered which is why I've added more to tie together, it's just a pity you can't really see that from my picture.

Up for grabs are 4 of your choice Sugar Nellie stamps rising to 6 if we get more than 100 entries. So it only remains for me to wish you all the best, enjoy the sketch and remember you've got to be in it to win it!

WOYWW 146

Hi everyone I''m busy getting ready for demo's this week but managed to slip in a quick post whilst waiting for my parcels.  I have shown you more of my workspace than normal this week as I class this as clean!  I know some of you will still find it messy but believe me the fact I have desk and floor space is a miracle.  So much so my youngest dragged his dad in last night saying, Mummy has a surprise for you!
To which my husbands reply was "OMG someone has been in your craft room and knicked a load of crafting stash!"

I am eagerly waiting for my PI goodies for the up coming weekend so have been tidying, houseworking and ironing making sure I'm all up to date in order to play for the rest of the week.  Can't wait!

It only remains for me to wish you a happy WOYWW and why not pop over to Julia's blog to see what other like minded crafters are up to.  Thanks for visiting my crafting space. 
Julia thanks also for my badge I shall look forwards to wearing it at my next crafting event....see if anyone picks up on it.