Thursday, December 30, 2010


So guys guess what time it is?
It's Sugar Bowl  challenge time.  
We had a wee bit longer off over the festive season but as it's Sugar Nellie stamps second birthday....


...we have not one but two prizes. 
The prizes are Spellbinder Nestabilities and Sugar Nellie stamps worth over £50.
That's two prizes worth over £50!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sugar Nellie!

The challenge has been set by the wonderful Marlene and the sketch is as follows:


The theme to go with the challenge is to use "embossing" this can either be heat or using an embossing folder.
For my card I have used:
Stamp:  Home Grown Manga girl 2, SU "4 you ".
Paper:  Black and craft, Jillibean black bean, inch garlic salt.
  Oval Nestabilities, small leaf punch and MS edger punch new scallop.
Cuttlebug Dots embossing folder.
Embellishments from stash and copics to colour.

I love the Manga stamps...kids with attitude! 
I wanted to use totally different colours to my last couple of Sugar bowl challenges so I have taken out the colour and turned to craft...which seems to be having a bit of a revival of late then teamed it up with black....we all need a bit of black after over indulging at Christmas, LOL!
Better than extra exercise!

Before I sign off I would just like to take the opportunity to wish you all a
"Happy New Year!"
May 2011 be the best for you all...with plenty of happy crafting time and lots of yummy new rubber!
I look forwards to seeing what you create.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

He's been!!
Wishing you all the very best for today.......eat, drink and be merry!!
Well, my kids have been up since just after 5 a.m. this morning and no amount of cajoling was going to get them to stay in bed any longer. 

 I should have got to bed earlier.  LOL.

So everything is now opened and is being played with....batteries are being popped into toys left, right and centre, great fun is being had by all.
And relax before stuffing the turkey!

So what did you get?
My favourite pressie which made my hubby laugh is a soldering iron and a helping hand clamp, bring on the crafts!!
This is what I shall be doing with it:



So my friend Karen was the guinea pig for my first attempt.
I would have liked to have done more but I think I need to practise first.

Oh and on the theme of eating, how about some Christmas muffins:



 
Finally wishing you all a super day and I hope that Santa has been kind. xxx

Friday, December 24, 2010

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my fella bloggers and crafters a
Merry Christmas
I hope Santa is good to you all.

On to part two of today's post and my card entry to LOTV blog challenge.


But also a birthday card for my pal.

I have used LOTV stamps, angel and circular sentiment.
The papers are from Memory Box gossamer courtesy of Elaine who sent them with my recent H & S stamps.
The flower is from Prima.
Spellbinder nestabilites label 8 and Martha Stewart edger punch lace heart.

I wanted to use a Christmas image as my pals birthday is Christmas Eve, but I didn't want to make it too Christmassie as it is her birthday after all.
Pink is not a colour I use very often so I really enjoyed getting down and girlie!!
Anyway that's all from me for now I am away to check out where Santa is on the NORAD site as my little boy is sat next to me constantly asking "where is Santa!" 
I think he is a tad excited.
Will the kids sleep tonight?!! 
And oh my what time will they get up in the morning!!




Today it is one of my very good friends birthday Gill.
I saw this box with a china mug in whilst away this year and it so reminded me of Gala week in Hopeman.  All the beach hutty's painted different colours and all the bunting in the streets....I just had to have it for her.  We enjoy getting together for a cuppa and a little something homemade!
It then got me thinking so I made a beach hut calendar to match using papers from the Making Memories Kids Sam collection.
I also made up a couple of baubles with photos of her kids in too, very much like the snowman in my previous post.

Gill hope you have a great birthday xxx.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010


So here's my teacher gift for my youngest. 
My eldest will take his presents when he goes back to his school in the New Year having finished early.
The Snowman soup is a mug from Asda that has a little elf on it....looks like my wee man LOL. 
Inside it has sachets of hot chocolate, candy canes and a packet of small chocolate and ordinary marshmallows. 
The tag reads:

I was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather already here
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!

The snowman design is the art work my youngest did for his school Christmas cards so I have used it to add the personal touch...his teacher mentioned she liked it.
I have also used photo bauble (you can pick them up at the supermarket by the photo development) adding the snowman inside with some snow and glittery bits for her to hang on her tree.
I have made a few of these baubles this year for family with photos in just as little extras, great for baby's first Christmas or to remind folk of special events during the year.

Happy crafting!


Tuesday, December 21, 2010


On to gifts for friends. 
I haven't done these candles since last Christmas but the do make great pressies for folk that are difficult to buy for. 
These are for friends of friends who married this year.
Well they won't get two of these!
Stamps used from SU and PI.

I am having crafting withdrawals, still got another couple of presents to make including my youngest teachers gift which needs completing for tomorrow....I like to leave it till last minute, LOL!
On a better note I got some LOTV stamps in my post this morning so I must have a play with them later....best parcels to receive aren't they? 
Who would have thought a parcel of rubber could be so exciting!!


Saturday, December 18, 2010

Another giveaway today and it's for all you Tim Holtz fans.


You can enter the prize draw over on Yours Artfully Blog and the winner will be announced on New Years Day....what a start to the New year that would be!
Lot's of yummy stash to get all inky over!


Did you know the guys over at Lili of the Valley are teaming with The Ribbon Girls to issue challenges in the New Year?
In order to celebrate the fact they're giving away a £10 voucher for Lili and the above goodies from Ribbon, all you need do is post to your blog and link back between now and the 29th of December.
Go on you know you want too!  Good luck and happy crafting. x 

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Oh I am so excited this morning I have won some candy from Elaine's blog.  It's hAnglar and stAnglar stamps too, woop, woop.  Lush or what?
Thanks very muchly Elaine for being so generous.  :)
Can't wait to play.


On to my latest creation...I have made these and shown them on my blog before so this is just the finished item wrapped and ready to go. 
My hairdresser finishes work next week to go on maternity leave....good luck Sammy, hope all goes well. 
I wanted to give her a little gift that she wouldn't get from anyone else.
The egg box is covered with Kay and co baby papers, the top decorated with the word "BABY" with chipboard, inked and covered with glossy accents.  I also have added two fimo baby feet and ribbon.  Inside there are 3 sets of baby first size white socks and 3 sets of scratch mits.
I love making these for baby gifts as they are not labour intensive and also I get to "recycle"
.....Kirstie Allsopp would be proud of me, lol.


Saturday, December 11, 2010

So what have you put on your own Christmas cards this year?
You've already seen my first batch of toppers.....courtesy of my Tim Holtz and the Ranger products.
On to my second batch and I have used craft card from Papermania and rubber stamps from Waltzing Mouse Stamps
I love the simplicity of this stamp and I think my 3rd batch will also be the same....I'm hooked!


I think this range of stamps are so cute and simple and love the look on craft card.
Plus of course keeping it simple means that you can rattle lots off at once....always a good thing at this time of year.
I have also used distress ink vintage photo and Ranger glossy accents.
Happy Christmas crafting!!!



Thursday, December 09, 2010

Anita Renfroe | William Tell Momisms | Official Version



So today I dedicate this to all the mum's out in cyberland, who at this time of year not only juggle childminding/chores and work but the "perfect" Christmas too.
I don't know whether it is the same in your home but Christmas just happens..............it's super magical!
You are not alone......... so make a cuppa, take a seat and have a wee laugh at this. I just love it.
Oh and happy Christmas planning!!

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

So for all you crafter's out there, have you been following Tim Holtz's blog? 
He is running 12 tags of Christmas with loads of tips and techniques. 
Well I had to get out some of my Ranger products and have a play, so I have made some toppers for my Christmas cards. 
Oh I really enjoyed that....nothing better than getting mucky playing!!  LOL

Stamp:  Christmas Miracle T.Holtz, Hero arts Dot pattern.
Ink:  Black and white Stazon, Vintage photo distress ink.
Liquid pearl white, ruby rub, Tattered Angels glimmer mist gold and 3 "bling!"

Thursday, December 02, 2010

It's that time again, doesn't it come around quick?  On to todays Sugar Nellie challenge
So what do you win this time well, all I can say is yum....Lili of the Valley round sentiments stamps, Spellbinder round Nestabilities and six Sugar Nellie stamps, WOW!
The wonderful sketch is by Maria Terese and the theme is snowflakes...how appropriate for us just now as we have so much snow in Scotland.


And here is my version.


I think I must have a "thing" for this colour scheme this Christmas....it wasn't intentional but I just loved these papers.
Papers:  Dream street papers Wonderland.
Dies:  Spellbinder Nestie labels 15 and Create a flake 2, SU scalloped edger and Papertrey Ink ticket.
Stamp:  Sugar Nellie Pure of heart coloured with copics, ticket from Papertrey Ink and Merry Christmas from PI.
Gems, gingham and thread from my stash.

Come on over to the The Sugar Bowl and give it a go.
Sorry I'm not very chatty on this post, all this snow and I seem to have picked up a nasty chest infection, ouch and I have a class tonight....roll on tomorrow!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Spot the beach?  Nope? 
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!
Had fun today sledging, making snow angels, snowball fighting etc...  Let the child within!!
Brrr! 
But good fun....tomorrow as school is out again me thinks I shall mostly be making a snowman!
Mind you it ain't helping in my preparations for Christmas, lol.

Yesterday we were supposed to have our Christmas crop but due to the weather conditions and the fact that it would have been difficult to travel it was cancelled....to be re-booked after Christmas.
A couple of the girls still managed to make it around to my home instead and we tried to make a good dent on all the home bakes whilst doing a wee bit of crafting. 
I thought as I recently bought some Lili of the Valley stamps that I would have a go at their weekly challenge here.
So this is my attempt.


I saw this stamp and immediately thought of my eldest so had to send him this card to let him know I am thinking of him after a difficult week at school.  The stamp is coloured to his school rugby strip with copics oh and of course I had to add the mud! 
Paper:  American craft "Junior" range.
Punches from SU and Spellbinders
Stamps IOTV and Hero art.
Distress ink:  Tea dye, vintage photo and faded jeans.


Saturday, November 27, 2010



There's no business like snow business!!!
Yaah....NOT!
Mind you there are advantages of living close to the sea, we have far less than the rest of the North of Scotland and it usually melts.  Unfortunately we do get cut off as the roads seem to be really bad or as they say on the travel news
"Don't travel unless you have too!"
Like you would contact them if you didn't have to make a journey and check the route!

When the weather is like it is there is only one thing to do...wrap up warm and stay indoors.
Sounds like a crafty/baking day today...but what to do first?

Looking forwards to our local crop tomorrow so maybe I shall be organised for once and take something to do and have it all to complete, that would be a first. 
It's our Christmas crop so looking forwards to seeing every ones festive "challenges".

Tuesday, November 23, 2010


So today having had crafting withdrawal symptoms I decided to get out one of my new Lili of the Valley stamps to play with. 
Yes I have lots of other things I should be doing but well I'm not!
I was introduced just recently to Lili of the Valley stamps by my friends who come to the Hopeman crop....it's all your fault!!!  LOL  (You know who you are!)
The girls had been to the recent Craft event at the SECC down in Glasgow and came armed to our monthly crop with lots of new lovelies...I just HAD to check them out.

This little chap is for a close friend who's little dog "Mac" looks the double of the stamp. 
The likeness is uncanny.
My friend is always there for me, rain or shine, good times and bad....so this is sent with lots of love and many thanks for just being you. x

This card also doubles for the challenge over on the Lili of the Valley blog which this week must include "Glitter and Glitz".  My glitter and glitz as with the time of year up here in Scotland is my "snow".  Apparently snow is on route and it is definitely cold enough!

Papers:  Dream Street papers Wonderland Magic moments & Let it snow.
Dies:  Martha Stewart Vintage lace patp, Spellbinder Nestabilities small deckled rectangle & Papertrey ink ticket.
Snowflake purchased on line, glitter & satin ribbon from stash.  Image coloured with copics.

Friday, November 19, 2010

One of my fella Sugar Bowl Sweeties is giving away some lush candy today....can you believe it?! 
Have you seen what these are going for on a well know auction site? 
They are so cut especially the little boy holding the bunting, my favourite. 
Anyway to be in a chance to win go on over to Elaine's blog and check it out.
Happy crafting!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Whoops, sorry ladies, I'm a wee bit late in posting this....there is no real excuse for not doing so but I do have a sick boy just now and a fuzzy head!
On to this Sugar Bowl challenge which has been set by the wonderfully talented Marlene, and the prize this time?
A set of Spellbinder Nestabilities scalloped squares and, can you believe it, a sheet of not yet released Alice in Wonderland stamps designed by Leanne Ellis.  Wow how fab it that.
Anyway onto the sketch:


The challenge to go with the sketch is to use black, white and one other colour!

Here is what I came up with:


I loved this challenge....it is sssssooo hard to stick to just three colours and I have cheated a wee bit with the colouring in....you couldn't not could you?
This stamp is sent with love and a special wave to two of my Sugar sweeties who took me shopping last year and opened my eyes to a world of beauty products and labels!  You know who you are!!
What fun we had.
Anyway folk I hope you enjoy this challenge...I'm looking forwards to seeing what you come up with. x

Stamp:  Miss Clause, Just the ticket Papertrey ink.
Papers:  Basic Grey Figgy Pudding range.
Spellbinder nestability labels 8, Papertrey ink ticket die.
Prima flower.
 Stitching detail rub on DCWV.
The button brads are from stock and I picked them up at a Scrapaganza event in Holland.
Coloured with copics.
Glitter from my sparkling craft room, lol!





Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I feel as if I haven't crafted for ages!  :(
All my crafting pals seem to have been very busy too...got lots of catching up to do once I've finished this post.

Our children have had 4 in service days over the last week so in our house we have been busy doing other things.
On Saturday we went to see the Rugby International at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland v New Zealand.

The hacker!!
A wee Scottish voice broke through it to say "is that the best you can do!"
He would be eating his words by the end of the match as Scotland got whooped!
The NZ team were in a whole different league although it started well with a Scottish penalty but soon went down hill.


The atmosphere was amazing and we had copious goes at Mexican waving much to hubbies delight...he was worse than the kids!
We also had a streaker who didn't manage to get over the wall to the pitch but was near us so we got a "bum" salute!!  He must have been cold!  (Dressed as a chilli!)
The there was a group of Scottish supporters dressed as "Where's Wally" and one manages to get past security and on to the pitch with all the crowd shouting "Where's Wally!"  LOL  So funny till he was set upon and marched off.

Sunday was spent at my eldest boys school for their Remembrance parade which was magical...if not a little emotional.  He looked brill as did all his pals.  The band and the dancers were great too.  I don't like to post their pics on here but you may catch a look if I ever get around to scrapbooking them.



Thursday, November 11, 2010


Now I know I'm a bit late with this today, but in my defence is has been an in-service day....and we all know what that means.
To all friends and colleagues from the armed forces that are no longer with us and to both my grand fathers....we remember you, with love. x
 

Tuesday, November 09, 2010


This is a card I was asked to make for a friend for a lady who is not very well at the moment to cheer her up.  She runs a flower market and also a kipper BBQ locally so I was asked to incorporate both on the card.
The papers are from October Afternoon, Ducks in a row range.  The buttons from Dress it up ranges.
Hope this cheers you up Elizabeth and that you are feeling better soon.

Thursday, November 04, 2010


It's that time again, yaah!
This time at the Sugar bowl it is a great sketch from the lovely Maria Therese with a theme "ribbons".
The prize up for grabs is the beautiful Snowflake Spellbinder Nestabilities together with 6 "winter" Sugar Nellie stamps.
So go on...you know you want to!
You've got to be in it to win it as I keep getting told, lol.

I enjoyed this sketch, here is what I came up with:


I love this SN stamp "Snow Cozy" he is such a jolly happy Snowman and a delight to colour with copics, glitter and glossy accents. 
Tis only fitting as we enter the festive season to get him out and give him a good airing!


Paper range:  Tis the Season by BoBunny (totally yummy!)
Punches:  Martha Stewart Vintage lace patp, SU Scallop boarder, SU circle & scalloped circle.
Doily:  Wilton enterprises, coloured with Glimmer mist silver & turquoise blue.
Stamp:  PI Paula Pascual "Essential Christmas".
Ribbon from my "local craft shop for local people!"
The little buttons are from Dress it up buttons and my snowflake I purchased on-line.




Monday, November 01, 2010


Oh and before I go I thought I'd share with you my youngest son's pumpkin this year....well it was a joint effort with him and his dad.
We love Pumpkin Jack in this house so it seemed only fitting to have a go.  There are some fantastic carved pumpkins out in cyber-land, some of them are amazing.  Here is one that I really liked:  U tube pumpkins



So it was a busy "Halloween" weekend here, with parties, "trick 'n' treating" and more importantly our monthly "Hopeman crop".
Cake anyone?
These were the ones made for the kids, triple chocolate or Halloween?!
The girls at the crop got orange Halloween one's...as I know a couple of you like that flavour the best...I won't mention names.
Congratulations to Helen for winning our first "monthly challenge" with your Halloween decoration...guess who forgot to take my camera!
Thanks everyone for taking part, I loved all your work.  :)
Can't wait to get together again for the Christmas crop at the end of November.

Friday, October 29, 2010


Here's a card I have been asked for this weekend, especially for a friend of a friend's 50th. 
Oh, and she's mad about golf!
Did you guess?

Punches:  Martha Stewart PATP Vintage lace
SU Scalloped circle
Paper:  Creative Impressions Golf balls!
White and green pearl from Papeterie, Aberdeen
Golf charm:  Buttons Galore

To all my fella crafter's travelling to SECC this weekend, enjoy, safe journey and shop, shop, shop!  :)


Thursday, October 28, 2010

I have been crafting the last couple of days honest......but brain not in gear so no photo's.  Dur!  Having a moment! 
Still lots going on in our area just now which has not only affected my mojo but obviously my memory....normal service will resume shortly.  :)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

So it's that time again....but today it's my first as a Sugar Bowl Sweetie.....yaah!
So this is my interpretation:


I have used a stamp from the Luca and Nellie Halloween kit....which is on special offer just now over on Funkykits.
Up for grabs this challenge is a fabulous prize consisting of a set of Spellbinder Nestabilities and 6 Sugar Nellie pick 'n' mix stamps.....(you get to choose!)
The challenge was set by the wonderful Marlene:


With the added challenge to make it "One for the boys!"
As it's that time of year again I decided to go with a Halloween theme with Sugar Nellies very own version of Frankenstein.
I have used white and black card stock together with paper from atd Tricks and Treats.  I have used Spellbinder Nestabilities label 8 and Martha Stewart edger punch arched lattice.  The lettering stamps are from my own stash as is the ribbon and google eyes.  The image has been coloured using copic markers.

I have really enjoyed my first time on the Sugar bowl....I hope you enjoy the challenge too, look forwards to seeing what you all come up with and good luck on the prize front.  :)


Wednesday, October 20, 2010


So ladies there is a challenge on UK Scrappers this month to create a card using "Kraft" card which seems to be coming more and more popular just now.  I decided to make a simple Christmas card using Personal Impressions stamp set MM Christmas Wishes, clear embossed and added bling and a star.  Sheer black ribbon has a SU stamp "handmade" and tag punch and the greeting was printed on the computer, the card was finished matting on black card, edged with Black soot distress ink and black journal pen.
Why not have a go.....

Monday, October 18, 2010


Another day wash, wash, washing and baking......I NEED TO CRAFT!!!!  :)
However I would like to mention a good cropping friend of mine who is giving some stash away in celebration of her 40th birthday this Wednesday.
You can catch Sharon on her blog....and what lovely stash it is too.
Have a fabulous time on Wednesday, I hope you get lots of lovely surprises.


Sunday, October 17, 2010


Well that is me back in sunny Scotland after a trip visiting family around the country.  This card was for my Aunt who's birthday was whilst we were away.  Again it is a re-run of a similar card made recently for a class over in Ellon.  We used these papers over there and I couldn't resist getting some for myself as I am loving black and cream just now (black and cream card stock from the Papeterie, in Aberdeen).  The pad is "Paris Nights" by g.c.d studios.  I have used jewelry fixings and a brad in the centre of my flower which has been made with Spellbinder nestie "Peony", the leaves have been made from Spellbinder boarderabilities classic grand lace and my Martha Stewart lace punch in the background.  The stamp is from Walzing mouse and is part of the Celtic selection.
I have finished off using black soot ranger distress ink and black journal pen.  (Which seems to be the norm for me just now!)

I have had real crafting withdrawals over the last week and have a caravan waiting for a good clear out, plus a mound of washing Widow Twanky would be shocked at....boo, hoo.  Maybe if I get cracking I might get a little craft time later.
That said I better get off here then......enjoy your Sunday.

Thursday, October 14, 2010


Afternoon all....
This card is a re-jig of a previous card but has been reproduced in gold and beige to celebrate my Aunt and Uncle's Golden Wedding Anniversary. 
We had a great time living is up down in Wilmslow, Cheshire, catching up with everyone.
Great to see you all.  xxx


It was also my dad's birthday this week and for a change instead of the HD biker theme I went for just a skull and crossbow cut on my cricuit. 
I seem to be going through a simple phase just now!!



Finally this is a card for friend I made last year.....hope you had a great birthday roomie!!  :)

Sorry I haven't given details of papers etc...used on the above cards, if you want to know leave me a comment...
at the moment the papers are not to hand but I can add at a later date....if you really want to know!
Most of the Spellbinders/MS punches have been used on previous posts so happy crafting I'm off to put the kettle on and enjoy a nice cup of afternoon tea.  :)

Thursday, October 07, 2010


Today's post is a star book and I took motivationn from Becca at Amazingpapergrace, thanks again Becca, you are such an inspiration.
The book is made with Spellbinder Nestabilities Long classic scallop rectangle, which is fab because everything is spot on size wise, it makes it a very easy book to make.
The paper is AC textured blues and K & Co Winter Wonderland together with stamps from PI PA Large Christmas and PA Essential Christmas together with Memento Danube blue.  I have finished with black journal pen, glitter and a few pearls together with ribbon from my stash.


As I was just demoing the book I have added Christmas greetings and stamps, if I was making it for a gift I would include some photographs....it would make a nice alternative to a Christmas card.


Anyway that's all my demo samples from Papercraft's Boutique at the weekend.  Got a few cards to share with you next week but meantime I'm taking a wee break over the weekend as we have a family reunion coming up....should be good fun!


Wednesday, October 06, 2010

So I promised snow today....NOT....the real stuff, although we have had our first smattering at the Cairngorm's...where it can stay until at least December thank you very much!
I did in fact mean craft snowflakes, but then you knew that.

This snowflake card is made with AC blue and white textured card and K & Co Winter Wonderland.  I have used the new Spellbinder Nestabilities labels fifteen to make a frame and Shapeabilities Create a flake 2.  I cut the flake out of the background papers then layered up with smaller flakes adding pearls and glitter.  Finally I added white sheer ribbon and edged with white gel pen.


The next is again in my favourite colours just now using black and white AC textured card stock.  I have used the second and third side snowflakes and 3d foam to attach, adding glitter and a bit of bling to finish.  The background has been layered on white card which is finished using Martha Stewart edger punch String lace.  The "with love at Christmas" stamp has been clear embossed and is from the PI MM Christmas wishes.


This is a smaller gift card and is actually 4 x 12".  It is made with, guess what, AC textured white and grey card. 
This card is folded at 4", 6" and 8".  The first and the last fold make the card and the inside fold makes the pocket for the gift card to go in.  It folds back on it's self and you make a slit for the gift card before sealing.  I think it is lovely way to personalise gift cards because we all know what the shop cards can be like.  :0
The decoration on the front has been created with Spellbinder Shapeabilities Create a flake 2, a pearl and some glitter.  The grey background has been inked with Ranger distress ink black soot and black journal pen.

On the gift card front here is another idea:


This is another idea from Waltzingmousestamps and I've kept it simple because the K & Co papers are so beautifully embossed.  I have just used Martha Stewart edger punch Lace heart, red sheer ribbon and a jingle bell!
You lift the top and it reveals the gift card, a lovely nifty idea to make a Christmas gift card look a little more "in the spirit!"