Boo, hoo, my baby is ill. I hate it when one of my kids are ill, it has got to be the worst feeling in the world bar childbirth!! Mind you Jack Frost has been so wrapping up cosy and staying in the warm maybe isn't too bad.

I thought I would share some of the Christmas card orders I have been working on....as you can see a little more work goes into these but I have resisted, I don't know how, using my new fabby stamps from Funky Kits, wanting to keep them for that special moment!! Sad I know.

Jo I used my tree design for a card also and am happy with the 3D effect plus it flattens to post.

Anyway folk, enjoy and I hope you are all enjoying the run up to Christmas and all that entails.

Tis the season to be jolly.......la la la.....la la la la.....busy!!!

Well, I appolgise if you haven't had your card by now but most people have, so this was this years designs.

As you can see for my own cards, I keep them simple, I have so many to do as I always end up making lots for other folk.

The Christmas trees were "local cards for local people" and the boys were for family and friends we don't see. A wee update on what we've been upto in the last

12 months.

Back soon with more to share, away to wrap, wrap, wrap!!!

Merry Christmas.........
....everyone, better late than never.
Busy making my own cards, finishing a few orders and cracking on with some handmade Christmas presents, so I'm not being quiet, I'm just beavering away in the background!

Yesterday was spent decorating the house and as we are staying here this year, instead of travelling to family, we have bought a real tree from the forestry commission, a real treat! I love the look and smell of a real tree in the house, it just can't be beat. Except of course for all the needles that drop, but then that is why Mr Dyson invented his fabby hoover.

Enjoy the run up to Christmas, whatever you are up to.

So what craftiness have I been up to this week?

Well, to start with I have had vouchers for the local beauty parlour and hairdressers to sort, samples here. The cards for the beauticians are gift cards and the ones for the hairdressers are for babies first hair cuts, the hair can be put in the envelope and kept. They seem to go down well.

Ooooooo got something exciting in the post today, my secret Santa parcel that I am participating in on the Scottish site of UKS, how exciting 5 crafty parcels to open in the run up and including Christmas. Thank you whoever you are!!

A confession of a blogger, it has been sometime since I last blogged, tut, tut. It's that time of year busy finishing orders and cracking on with organising Christmas which appears to come around quicker each year. (Sound like an oldie!)
Does anyone else say "Next year I'm not going to get caught out and I'm going to be more organised?"
Thought so. I'm not alone then. Happy shopping to all those out there who are as organised as me, oh and there is all the Christmas cards to make yet.

The next of my Nellie cards, Sir Knight!

My wee son loves knights and horses and has done since he could walk. As soon as he saw this he asked if it was for him and what was the answer?

It had to be YES of course it is. He will always be my little Knight in shining armour. Argh!!

Scrapaganza Saturday night games. How many balloons can you hold!

We came second to the Dutch ladies who didn't blow their balloons as high as ours, we now know for next time!

But on that note the final challenge of the evening, after a chocolate eating competition and balloon race, was to make a Gingerbread house using products from the pizza room. By this time it was after midnight and I for one, "boring", was keen to get to bed, ready for classes next morning. With this in mind it was suggested we used the same principal the dutch had used with the balloons, SIZE matters!

As you can see from the picture our house was small but beautifully formed and completed rather quickly, whilst munching on the left over chocolate that Maggie and Evelyn hadn't finished during the chocolate tasting competition. Plus we could divi what wasn't used!!!!

We also had a hidden weapon, our last rolo underneath the house, hoping to sway the judges with our "do you love anyone enough to give them your last Rolo"!

Our team being: Maggie and I, construction, Pam, roofer, Pam Gardener and of course who could forget Frances, the Executive Director!

We had a good giggle at the thought the other 2 teams were planning a late night and taking the whole construction thing very seriously whilst we ate chocolate, had a laugh and probably produced the smallest gingerbread house in record time.

To our surprise on Sunday having seen the size of the competition we actually came a close second to the middle house, which incidentally the other team spent all night on. Or so we were told!

I think of course this being due to the late addition of the rolo and shear cute-ability factor, I'm sure you agree!

If indeed you can see it?!*

The hotel staff must have loved all us manic crafters staying for the weekend as our group alone left a trail of glitter from our working area right to our rooms, just as Hansel and Gretal had with their Gingerbread house experience.

So girls as promised, the first of the photos of the gang at this years November Scrapaganza in Holland. We all had a great time and I have lots more to share but you're going to have to wait for another day. All I can say is that tonight is not a Gingerbread house night so I will add more later!

Great to finally meet Maggie, oh and Pam and to say hi again to Frances.

Sugar Nellie part 2. Had fun taking the picture today as the weather is really dreich and yeuky a perfect day to be in the warm crafting, if only the kids would leave me in peace and play nicely together.

Out to the pictures later to see Elizabeth, haven't been to an adult film for ages, should be fun.

Happy crafting!

At long last today after promising first thing to show you my first Sugar Nellie baby, here she is.

I love them.

Thanks Karen for bringing them to us (see @ http://www.funkykits.co.uk/ ) I can't believe you've sold most of them already after only putting them on the site this week. WE WANT MORE! Hope everyone else lucky enough to be the first to buy the Sugar Nellie stamps is having as much fun playing as me.

Happy Halloween to all oooooooooooo have a good night.

The kids did their own pumpkins this year with a little help from dad. Just sorting goodie bags for tonight and got all the decorations out. Note to self: Must make a halloween banner for next year, the front window is just shouting out for one.

Happy haunting......................

What can I say but Get Wella Bella. I am really enjoying going back to stamping and colouring, there is something very relaxing about it.

Now to play with my magnolia's too before the launch of the long awaited Sugar Nellies from Papercraft's/Funky kits. Anyone else excited!!!

Well hello there.....did you miss me?
Thought not!

Back safe and sound from a week in Edinburgh with the family doing the tourist thing!
Had a great time and the kids, well, they enjoyed all the things in life that were free, typical. (As we galloped around all attractions.)

I arrived home to a huge parcel from Usborne books, just like Christmas every time I open a box. I do love kids books, at my level!
The special offer to join the Usborne family is still open until this Wednesday for only £9.99, with which you get 6 books and stationary so if there is anyone out there get in touch, NOW!! (If you want to.)

Better get some crafting done!!

So I've got the breaking strain of a nat and couldn't make you wait any longer. Just invested in a new heiland hame!

What do you think?

Seem to have lost my flower box, so if you have one spare you know where to bring it!

Great fun to do. Thanks Karen for the challenge, better late than not at all!

So this is what I've been up to!
It is my dads birthday tomorrow and he is Harley daft, so this one is for you, Dad. Have a good one and sorry I can't be there in person.
I hope you have fun on your ride out.


I had the urge last night, "confessions of a crafter", to continue working on my wee hoose, all to be revealed at a later date. Needless to say I have managed to secure the roof and tiles, and the chimney is working effectively. That is all I'm going to say just now....................

Well here we are again happy as can be.

There was a problem yesterday downloading piccies but not today, hurrah!

The request for these cards were:

A 13 year old girl who likes ballet and dancing,

A 50 year old lady with poor sight!

and

A 60 year old man from Canada who likes biking.

I'm now putting the finishing touches to my Harley card for Dad, better late than never.

Happy crafting to all out there, leave that housework and craft daft instead!

oooooooh I've got a few cards to show you today and my puter is playing up or is it the operator?!*
Doesn't want to download some pictures, are they that bad?

My wee man is chomping to have a cuddle before bed so I think I'll admit defeat and catch you all tomorrow.

On Sunday I had an enjoyable afternoon over at Pam's with Kara and Sarah. We had a lovely crafty afternoon and this is what I made for my Aunty's birthday at the end of the week. I hope she likes it!

Today I have mostly been galloping around achieving nothing, one of those days.

Tonight I am attending a nursery parent evening with my Usbourne books so I have been getting things ready for that. I have however managed a quick order but must of had the shakes when photographing it?! No I haven't been drinking, yet!

Maybe later!

Today I have mostly been doing housework and a mountain of ironing.....boring!

Did manage to get an order done for a mums 70th, who likes iris's and cross stitch.

"It does exactly what is says on the tin!"

Boo it's October!

Halloween around the corner, spooky time ahead........

Thought I'd start early with some new decorations from Papercraft's in Elgin although BOO came from the states.

Yesterday was spent in Papercraft studio for a PINK charity day. Managed to finish my two LO's for my Scottish word album so that is me ready for the next page. Not like me to be up-to-date, hurrah.

I also managed my BOO for Halloween but will post that tomorrow. Having been shopping to Inverness today I really should go and get the school uniform sorted and homework assistance is required. I hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

There is only so much Chitty Chitty Bang Bang one person can take!! My youngest is mad about the film at the moment and combines Truely Scrumptious with You two and a little Old Bamboo with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, still the childcatcher is a god send in explaining to stay close to mummy when out and about. (Even if they expect him to have a big nose and a horse and cart!)

Anyway onto crafting......my first attempt at my Bella stock!

Bella stamps appear to be one of the many latest crazy's hitting here in crafting. Stamping is officially back! (And who says things go full circle!)

Still I do think there is something trend and a bit funky about the new stamps.......happy crafting to all out there.

Forgive me for I have sinned, it has been nearly a week since my last post.
As if I care!!
On Friday night last week my eldest boy decided to have an accident with a basket ball and a pal, ending up with a trip to A & E and a fractured little finger on his right hand. He was a very brave soldier and had his first x-ray. Bless. Must remember to take a picture whilst it is black and blue to scrapbook the event. So question for you?
Does that make us scrapbookers' cruel? Always wanting to take pictures!
Saturday was spent at Papercraft's in Elgin teaching 2 classes which I believe the ladies enjoyed, I did anyway.
On Sunday we headed to Gordonstoun to watch the other half play hockey, boy our team had new talent and very yummy too. (Might have to watch more often now!)
The Moray team won as well, yippee 6-1.
Whilst the game was on my eldest went conker hunting and came back with a bag full for school. Some traditions are passed down the generations but I do believe that now the "Conker fight" in the playground is no more, health and safety, guess goggles and protective headwear would be required today!

After starting my mum and dads Ruby wedding purse at the Aberdeen crop on Sunday gone, I've finally got it finished. I've kept it simple as my parents aren't gushy, but am happy with the result. I have kept one side with their original wedding photos, digitally touched up and the other side more recent with the whole family on.

I really enjoyed going through to the Aberdeen crop with my mate Pam and catching up with everyone there, plus topping up with cakes and card, a great day all round.

Better get to the shop, Papercrafts in Elgin, this afternoon and start preparing for my two card classes on Saturday.
I did the same thing last Saturday and had a lovely bunch of ladies, another enjoyable crafting day.
My hubby is bound to catch on to all this weekend craft time soon so better make the most of it!!

Morning all,

Whilst robo'ing last night for my class on Saturday I decided to put one of my Scottish journal pages together, only two more to do now and I'll be up to date just in time for next months new word.

Bosie: to cuddle to your chest.

The picture is of DS2 at Kirkcudbright on holiday only four weeks old. Why do they grow so quick, I loved my little cuddles, still do when I can get them.

It is one of the ladies at the local shop birthday soon and this is for her, my brief being name, age and mad on bingo! Another one ticked off the list.

Got my new curtains for the dinning room made up and hung yesterday and even had enough left for a table runner, the room has been finished for nearly a year so it hasn't taken me long to get my bum in gear!

Having a few friends over tomorrow for an Usbourne book party so better go and now make the house look presentable, not that it will last long with the boys. Still it will be nice to catch up with folk for a natter. I have promised a job lot of muffins so I must get cracking.

Taking a break this afternoon to pop to Karen's and sort kits for Saturday, busy later in the week. Hopefully I will get them all sorted and be back in time to get the boys from school.

Morning, morning and once again morning. It is dreich outside today so guess I've got an appointment to keep with the housework. Yippee, NOT!

Still managed to rattle off a couple of orders this morning so that's one job ticked off the list.

DS2 is sat as we speak in the office next to me having found my daubers, inking a lovely picture and breaking the dauber. Better crack on before any real damage occurs!

Well today I have mostly been updating stock, although I still have a couple of personal orders. As we are out to a friends BBQ this afternoon to celebrate their sons 1st birthday, I thought I better make a quick card. Looks as if the weather is improving so it may even be nice when we get there. Let's hope the boys behave themselves but more importantly have lots of fun.

Oh I nearly forgot, a big thank you going out to Dawn on UKS for the lovely ribbons.

It's official I'm now an Usbourne book rep, thanks Pam, I think, for introducing me. I look forwards to lots of lovely books arriving next week, my first order being Christmas presents for me. It makes a change for me to start early!
I gave Mabel her tin and some flowers, at long last, last night and she loved them, so I was happy about that. She has been the families surrogate Granny for the last 10 years and hopefully she will keep in touch.
Today I am mostly going to be sorting my Vintage Christmas class for Papercraft's in Elgin for the 22nd of September.
Happy crafting out there!!

A friend in the village had asked me to make her a card for her son's 18th and that he was into Chemistry, the trusty Robo and good old UKS saved the day.
She also asked me to do one for her parents
with photos of her son as a younger child, I definitely prefer that card as I was left to my own devices!

Also today I have been and got my passport pictures sorted ready for my renewal and the trip to Holland for Scrapaganza in November. I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!

I think after tea I'm going to add some more beads to my charm bracelet.
Tracy I think I'm starting to get the jewelry bug too!

It seems like ages since I've updated my blog but the Funky kits team have been busy. Yesterday was our Christmas demo day at Papercraft's. Both Tracy (Bramwell demonstrator) and I had some lovely new Christmas products to play with all day. Karen was also kept very busy.

I have taken pictures of the work we did to be released soon on the Funky Kits site and then later on here.

Whilst at Papercraft's yesterday my husband took the boys to the Airshow at Lossie. A great day was had by all and when the official photographer asked for pictures of my smallest in his flying suit my other half agreed. I shall look forwards to scrapping those! We WILL get copies.

I was in such a craft mojo when I got home I took out my Kay and Co jewelry kit and made a charm bracelet of my boys and niece. Thanks Karen I really enjoyed making it and think I may be looking for some more to make into Christmas pressies this year!

Finally on a sad note today marks the 1st and 12th anniversary of the Nimrod crashes. Our thoughts are with the families at this time. The guys may be gone but not forgotten.

Yesterday the craft desks in our room finally got to my other half and he started to shift me into my official room. I've been putting it off

a. because I'm a wimp and it seemed such a big job and

b. because how am I going to get all my lovely stash in one room!!

So the battle has commenced to get super organized. Maybe this will mean that I won't spend endless hours looking for lovely stash that I only find after subsidising with something else, why is that?!

Anyway I did manage a wee craft mid stash sort, an order for a large card for a lady who loves her jewelry and cross stitching.

I have to say getting my sewing out felt very liberating as I haven't done that hobby much since taking up cards. So I not only now want to be super organised and efficient but I also would like to fit in some sewing.

Anyone seen that pig that just flew past my office window...........it wasn't just an ordinary pig as it was wearing leathers......that reminds me....it's "Thunder in the Glens" next week. Lot's of hairy Harley bikers clad in black leather, must go and see the bikes again. Honk if your a HOG!

Yippee, I finished this months challenge for our Elgin crop, thanks Tracy for the tin. I have made it for Mabel our surrogate granny who had helped me over the past 10 years being far from our own families.

Today I have mostly been doing housework.......NOT!

Karen set a new trend when it was my second son's birthday and gave me a LO for a picture rather than a card. I was so tickled pink with this idea I decided to return the favour this week for her daughter's birthday. I really enjoyed getting my hands on something pink. Such a lovely idea as it get slipped into an album rather than hidden in a draw or even worse thrown out!

I sat down yesterday and decided to have a go at one of the classes being held this week on UKScrappers. I picked "Stepping Stones" by Mel at ATDML. I really enjoyed getting the old sewing machine back out and working properly. Even if I had to read the manual to see where I was going wrong! It is amazing how it works when you read the instructions!!

My friend Sarah came over to play a couple of days ago and I managed to finish the April, double page LO challenge from Karen at Papercraft's in Elgin. Another page I've been meaning to do for ages done and out the way, yippee.

Been card making again, keeping busy.

I've not been on for a while, busy little bee.
Last week I was fortunate to help out at Papercrafts and enjoy a bit of craft time. We have a Christmas demo day coming up on the 1st of September and classes too so I have been working with some new papers and new ideas. Watch this space!

Yesterday it was our monthly crop in Elgin at Papercrafts and Tracy set us a challenge to alter a tin. I still have mine to finish but I loved the challenge and will let you see the results soon.

DH has finished his holidays now and the rain keeps coming.......summer holidays and the weather is PANTS! Another indoor day today.

Been a busy little bee of late designing and making new cards for the local shops, got to get those pennies rolling for all this lovely new stash I keep obtaining!
Finally got an Artz girl to play with and one of Tracy's Funky kit jewellery kits, can't wait to get making.

Had a beautiful pedicure this morning and it is amazing how sorting your feet can make the rest of you feel.
I'm going to go and channel the energy on something creative, either that or iron and until I run out of clothes to wear, creative wins hands down every time!

Another day passes and the village Gala is in full swing although with the weather not brill we haven't attended much. Today was the kids games on the front, my two went down but 1 spent the whole time playing football and the other rolling around in the grass. Still they got sweeties at the end so they were quite happy.

Karen a fellow crafter gave me a LO of my sons birthday instead of a birthday card which I thought was a great idea and something to keep so yesterday I added a photo and a wee bit of journalling as I want him to remember who and where it came from.

Hurrah I managed to finish the Elgin crop challenge from the beginning of the month which was to do a double LO using bazzill and a sheet of s.e.i such a boy card stock tabs, frames and labels.

These stickers are new to Papercrafts in Elgin and I think went well with my bazzill papers. Looking forwards to the next crop challenge when Karen gets back from over the pond with lots of new and scrummy ideas and products, plus a happy hubbie!!

Guess what?

Jo and I actually got some scrapping done yesterday afternoon, yippee!

I managed to get more upto date with my UKS Scottish word journal, adding sicht, blether and skinny malinky only bosie left.