My favourite cards of 2012!

I'd like to start today by shouting at the top of my voice.....

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

 

May 2013 bring you much joy and happiness and lots of crafty fun and for this evening enjoy eating, drinking and being merry!  I shall!

 

I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank you all for visiting my wee blog over the last 12 months, especially to those of you who have left comments.  It's always lovely to hear other peoples points of view and I also then love to pop on over to your blog and check out your news and projects.

 

Over the next couple of days I'd like to share with you my favourite cards both Christmas and ordinary, projects and tags.....I do hope you like my choices.

 

On to today and I thought I'd share my favourite Christmas cards.....

 

 

 

There seems to be a Spellbinding trend here of Snowflakes and Poinsettias! 
Why not see other folks favourite Christmas cards with Debby who is hosting a look back over the year here.
Call me a creature of habit but I can see a theme developing, LOL.  I seem to have changed my taste through the year from cute images to the clean lines of die cutting.
You be the judge!
More from me tomorrow with my every day cards.

Is a poinsettia just for Christmas?!

Back again after another busy day at work with a little New Year card for you. 
Every year I always end up so organised that I need to make a couple of Happy New Year cards....this year is no exception, hanging my head in shame!
Here is mine......

And from the side....

Did I mention that I love this Spellbinder die?  The poinsettia is one of my all time favourite as is the Fleur de Lis square which I have mentioned in a previous posts.  (A few times!)
I have used Tim's kraft core textured card too and added dimension by sanding and using Distress ink Vintage photo.  The sentiments have come from the lovely Paula Pascual's set Christmas tree and pearls from my stash.

It's New Years eve tomorrow and I'm working afternoon into evening followed by a few quiet drinks and a trip down to the Cairn to see in the New Year.  What will your New Years resolution be?  I'd love to hear from you.  I think mine should be to keep my craft room tidy, LOL.....I don't even think that would last five minutes!
That so would be a challenge for me.  Sad but very true.
Catch you all tomorrow with my favourite cards of the year....are you going to join in too?

Especially for you!

Hi guys whilst I'm busy at work I thought I'd show you the card I made for my good buddies birthday which was Christmas Eve.
She is like me and prefers clean and simple cards.

 

This is not the best picture but in my defence the light wasn't great either.  I hate the short window for taking good photographs at this time of year....roll on the lighter nights.

 

For this card I have used the new M-Bossabilities Dainty Dots A4 folder together with one of my favourite dies Fleur De Lis Square and classic square, all by Spellbinders.  The ribbon is from my stash as are the pearls and the sentiment was created on  my computer.

I love using Spellbinders to create a frame around a lovely sentiment. 

I quite often use the computer if I want to personalise a card, how about you? 

Is there any sentiments you wish you could have made into a stamp?

I'd love to here your thoughts.....

Enjoy your weekend.  Hopefully I will get my crafting head back on next week...just waiting for magic pixies to come and tidy my craft room for me first....I get too easily distracted!

So that's it.....all done for another year!

Hi folks, well, how was your Christmas?

 

He came to our house.  Although too much fun was being had on the toy front to sit and enjoy Christmas lunch!

Five minutes at the table then I got, "we're stuffed can we go and play!"

I'm still waiting for my Christmas pud....maybe tonight?!

 

The pup had a good day too with lots of new toys.....here's her mid-afternoon....

 

Too goosed to even make it all the way in to her basket!

I have had a couple of real lazy days off, back to work tomorrow.
I'm now wishing I'd spent some time catching up on housework and crafting.  Mind you I have enjoyed chilling with the family, playing games and watching some good traditional Christmas TV.

How about you? 
Was Santa good to you?

Ho, ho, ho....he's on route....

Well, it was an early start this Christmas eve with the pup waking me at 5.30 with two lovely presents in the kitchen.  The kids then got up hearing me about...it's going to be a long day!
Goodness knows what time they'll all be up tomorrow.  Yikes....I feel an afternoon nap coming on.
Today it is my BF Gill's birthday and as I haven't popped round to her house yet I shall keep her card for another day.  I'd hate to ruin the surprise.  It goes without saying Gill that I hope you have a fabulous day dwarling.  x

So what to share today?
I thought I'd share a bit of home decor with you, this is a little something I made last year in the run up to Christmas to be displayed in Papercrafts Boutique Elgin.  I really enjoyed making it and was going to make one for home but never got around to it.

Maybe I'll get time between Christmas and New Year to do another one for next year?!

It only remains for me to wish you and your families all the very best for tomorrow....I hope you've been good!  LOL.
May Santa bring you just what you wish for, have a super day.  x

Needing a boot up the ****!

Are you ready?
Mmmm nearly time for the man in red to arrive.  Do you have excited kids?!  I do. 
I madly tackled the food shop early this morning...the kids were in the bags once I got home before I could unpack with lots gone already....not the fruit mind...strange that!
Today I thought I'd share another of my decorations from the tree.  This one I made a while a go but I love it on the Christmas tree.  Not normally a sparkly kind of gal I was surprised I like this as much as I do but then if you can't have a bit of bling at Christmas there is something wrong.  Would you not agree?
Anyway this is the boot I need up my ****!
Why, well today I was going to do a whole load of baking but after shopping and delivering Scout post with my wee one my get up and go had got up and gone!  Tea and mince pies all round instead.

The boot.....

This is a kit I bought years ago from Pin Craft, I also have the stockings, candy canes, Christmas tree and puddings...but the boot is my favourite.  The sequins really catch the Christmas tree lights.
I still have a couple of cards and presents to wrap and deliver tomorrow and maybe I'll get my baking head on?!  You never know.  I'm away to make my good friend a birthday card.....it's tomorrow!  Last minute Annie again.  Back soon.  x

Time to share!

Hi folks a late post today after work, which was crazy busy, the boys are settled in front of the X-box but hopefully keeping one eye on the pup.  She is doing really well with only the occasional accident.  When there is only us here she goes and sits by the door already but still gets a bit confused if we have visitors. 
Early days but looking good so far.

Today I thought I'd share this with you.  It is my favourite Christmas decoration by far and was made for me by my mum.  Isn't it fab.

It is a light and sits on a chunk of wood, pride of place on my mantelpiece, I have shared it before but I just love it.  Didn't she do a good job painting it? 
I love all their little walking boots, and woolly hats.

I hope you are plodding on with your Christmas organising.  I put my decorations up yesterday and have got nearly all my presents bought and wrapped. 
The turkey was purchased today so only puddings and fresh food to get. 
Note to self....remember to get normal food for other days! 
Ever get so focused on one day you forget the rest of the week?

I also need to mention this today as I didn't post yesterday.....how exciting....something in the New Year to look forwards to.

I can't wait as I love the Adorable range.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the pre-Christmas weekend....I'm away for an exceedingly busy day tomorrow at work. 
Have a great weekend.  x

AWOL

Hi folks I had planned to do WOYWW today but time has ran out and now the light has faded.  I was called into work this morning and then had my son's Christmas play this afternoon....which was very exciting as the fire alarm went off and the fire brigade turning up!
What a busy day. 
I'm away to sort out tea and homework but hopefully I will find some time tomorrow to share something with you.
Happy hump day!  x

Less is more this Christmas season.....

Hi folks, the craft industry may have slowed down in the run up to Christmas as folk beaver away at home making cards and gifts but the retail trade is gearing up for the busiest time of the year.  In my defence that is where I have been picking up a few extra hours at work.
Today I'd like to share with you a gift card I made this year for all the teenagers in the family to house an iTunes voucher.  Trust me these are real LIS more cards!  LOL.

I have included a pocket inside and a greeting.  The sentiment is by Creative impressions, the bauble is SU and the die is...dare I say...Marianne designs.  I have used Hologram Super sparkle embossing powder by PI with distress ink Iced Spruce.
I am really going through a phase of simple cards just now, maybe it's the time aspect?  I do like the clean and simple lines. 
I'm away today to catch up on a mountain of ironing, housework and Christmas wrapping.  Have a great Monday and thanks for the visit.  x

Sugar bowl challenge 98

Hi it's that time again and over on the Sugar bowl blog we have our last challenge of the year for you.  Today it is a sketch from the lovely Fiona with the theme....."Let it Snow!"
Here's my take...

I have used Sugar Nellie digital image Gingerbread cookies together with paper from Papermania Home for Christmas, sentiment stamp from SU Mixed Medley plus snowflake embossing folder, Distress ink Vintage photo and image coloured with Prisma pencils.  The image is not on kraft card I decides to see how it would work on pearlescent Kraft coloured card, all sparkly in real life, nice and Christmassie!
And the sketch...

 

Up for grabs are your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps....but you've got to be in it to win it! 
Enjoy the sketch and happy crafting.  x

What's on your Work desk this Wednesday? 184

Oh my, well, you asked to see my desk and here it comes, a little later than planned as I have a wee friend keeping me company, see previous post, and I was at work earlier today.  In my defence I think some pixies have been playing in my craft room and left it like this......

I did try to tidy it earlier with my little helper but gave up as I was getting no where fast, everything was being tested by mouth! 
On my desk some bits and bobs I've been using to make Christmas cards.  I really do need a clear up but then how will I find anything?
Why not pop over to Julia's blog to find out more about the phenomena that is WOYWW.
It only remains for me to say enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.  Back tomorrow with the next Sugar Bowl challenge.  x

The reason there is no crafting going on?

Hi back again but today with no crafting and the reason......

Meet Holly the new addition to our family.  Puppy training in full flow and happy kids. 
First day, tick...first night, tick, she howled a wee bit but eventually settled, then started again at 4, which was nice, then settled again just in time for the kids to wake her at 6 to play with her until school time.

I don't think I'll be getting much crafting done over the next few days, I'm going into work at some point for the rest of the week and I really should get the Christmas cards finished, decorations out and maybe a bit of present shopping!  Don't you just love not being organised?!  LOL.
Have a great Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I am not getting done on my craft desk. 

Baubles of fun.

Hi folks, that was a busy weekend.  My boy home, the puppy has arrived and I worked all weekend.
It's a late post for me today with food shopping to get and the freezer to defrost...not to mention the next Sugar bowl card that should have been done this weekend.  Whoops!
Today whilst I'm beavering away I thought I'd share this double ended card with you.
It's magic!

 

And pulled out....

 

 

You can get the instructions of how to make this card here.....

 

I have used Spellbinder 2012 Heirloom die and Create a flake 3 together with stamps from Creative Expression and glitter from Stickles.
These are great cards to make for kids as they just can't work out how it is done. 
I have used the embossing technique on my baubles with the create a flake dies....mmmmm but you need to match up where you place them so when you 3D them together everything matches perfectly!

Just a quick post from me today as I have the puppy to check on and boys to pick up soon.  Enjoy the rest of your day, if you left me comments on my last post I'll be back later to visit.
Enjoy the rest of your Monday.

Pull my cracker it's Friday!

Slightly later than normal posting today, I've been in to work this morning but have only done half a shift as I have a sick boy at home.  Today is going to be a day snuggled up in front of the fire and maybe wrapping a gift or two.
Whilst I have my nurses outfit on I thought I'd share this little cracker with you!

You can find this template at the wonderful Waltzing Mouse website....oh my, there are some mighty fine stamps, Spellbinders and templates.  I'd like to thank Claire on the the WM site for kindly allowing me to use this template, which you can print off at home and it's free for personal use.  How fab is that.
I have also used Spellbinder dies Nestabilities labels 15, Shapeabilities Asian Motifs and Layered Poinsettia, the M-bossabilities folder is called So Trendy.  The sentiment is from Crafty Impressions with ribbon and bling from my stash.
I love these crackers and they make great little boxes for sweets, jewelry or small handmade goodies.
Again I have stuck to the LIM (less is more) approach letting the dies and template do all the work for me.
It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the weekend.  Have a good one. 
I have my other boy coming home tomorrow as well as a day at work.....it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Have a D-liteful Thursday.

Firstly I am apologising for not visiting many yesterday for WOYWW, I intend to do that later today instead.  The reason being...?  Remember I was going into work for my Christmas lunch, yum, yum, it was very nice a thank you! 
I was asked to stay and do a few hours work. 
I then had a mad dash home, tea and back out for Judo.  Day gone!

Today I was supposed to be away to The Cutting Room in Alford to make a Tilda Santa but the weather forecast isn't great with lots of snow on route and they've got snow already through there with local schools shut.  (Doesn't bode well....I always hear a little voice in my head saying "Don't travel unless you have too!"  The reason....at this time of year if travelling and the forecast is bad it is the standard response when you ring one of the travel/weather hot lines.  It always makes me smile and is a standard joke in our house...why do they think we phone them?)
Needless to say the class is rescheduled for next week in the hope we don't get more snow and it melts a bit!
On to today and I have another simple, d-liteful card for you...(do you like my pun?)

For this card I have used the negative of Grate Works and Shapeabilities Back to basic tags, the card is navy and white, sentiments by Marion Emberson and pearls from my stash.
Another Less is more (LIS) card letting the Spellbinders do all the work for you.
That's all from me today more Christmas card production here, housework and wrapping.  Have a great Thursday.

WOYWW 183....production line time!

"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!"  La, la, la, la, la!
It's hump day again and my desk is a production line of Christmas cards today.  I started yesterday but it will be a couple of days work. 
As I leave it late in the day I always product one style of card for most then just making special cards for close friends and family.  All I'm missing is a mince pie and some seasonal tunes. 
Half way through...not much longer to go.  I might have a break as I have a couple of teachers gifts to make for the weekend too.  What to do this year?!

So on my desk we have the card, I tend to just print a bit of the years news on my cards with a couple of recent photos of the kids, the toppers, the finished pile and envelopes, I'm writing them too as I'm going along. 
I have used the snowflake embossing folder by SU, how naughty am I but LIM!  I do like simple cards when mass producing.

Today I have a Christmas lunch at work so I better try and get a few more cards made before heading on in. 
Find more crafty fun by visiting Julia's blog our amazing host for What's on your work desk this Wednesday.  It only remains for me to thank you for your visit, I shall be wandering later in the day don't forget if you leave me a comment I'll be back to visit you first, well, it would be rude not to!
Have a great day and happy crafting.

Over the garden gate!

Morning, bespoke cards completed yesterday and the start of my Christmas card production in full swing....housework...mmmm...bare minimum completed so I could get back to crafting.  Well if it was more fun we'd all be at it!
Today I am sharing another card using the new Spellbinder D-lites.

A little bit different today?
I have used Spellbinder Shapeabilities Back to basic tags and D-lites Wrought Iron with Distress stain Antique bronze.  I have also used Distress inks Broken china, Crushed olive, Peeled paint, Pine needles and Black soot together with stamp set Find joy everyday.

I had to get a wee bit of inking in!  I love this fence and think it will also make a nice background for cute stamped images too.
I'm away to put my Christmas cards together today and maybe have some real excitement and write them too, followed by a wee bit of ironing to bring me right back down to earth.  Have a good Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow with WOYWW.

A little black and white number.

Thanks for all your lovely comments over the weekend, I hope you all had a good couple of days.  I shall be returning the favour later today once I've done a couple of bespoke cards and caught up on some housework.  Boo!

Today I thought I'd share with you another Spellbinder card with a simple black and white combo....

I have used.....Spellbinder dies...nestabilites Decorative labels one and D-lites Medallion three.  The card is black and white pearlescent with ribbons and pearls from my stash.
I love making black and white combo cards letting the dies do all the work keeping the style simple.
What's your favourite style? 
Short and sweet from me today, I had a couple of busy days at M & S which was followed by a lovely crafty day yesterday...I got 40 Christmas card toppers made, so a productive time was had.  I just now have to print off my cards then I can get my Christmas card production line up and running.
"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!"

And for those who prefer gold.........

Today I am at our local Christmas crop and I am hoping to start some of my Christmas cards....better start with the overseas ones as I think tomorrow is the last postage day....I always miss it.
Whilst I'm in crafting heaven I thought I would share another Christmas tag with you this time I have used the new Gold Metallic Distress stain...did I mention I love these stains.....I think I did, LOL.  :D

I have used Spellbinder 2012 Heirloom die together with Shapeabilities Asian Motifs and Accents then D-lites Medallion Three, finally adding Nestabilities Labels one with a sentiment by Crafty Impressions.  The bling and fibres are from my stash and I have edged with Distress ink Walnut stain.

Our crop today is all day with Christmas nibbles for lunch and hopefully a bit of CAKE....as I mentioned earlier Crafting heaven with a foodie bonus.
More from me tomorrow, enjoy your Sunday, I shall be.  x

Tag you're it, a pinch and a punch it's the first of the month!

The first of December, yikes, how did that happen?  Did you open your calendar this morning....what did you get? 
I'm saving mine till I get home from work.

Today whilst I'm busy I thought I would share a Christmas gift tag with you. 
I don't know about you but some years I am wrapping so many presents last minute that the tags tend to be a sheet of card and a nearby punch or sticky labels printed on the computer.  I know so bad and not very creative but sometimes needs must! 
This year I thought I'd make a couple of special ones with my Spellbinder dies......maybe next year I need to start in January and make lots.  (I say that every year and get later and later!) 
Oh to be an organised person.

For this tag I have used the new Metallic silver Distress stain, oh it is fab and works so quickly.  I have used two coats of stain on this bauble which is Spellbinder 2011 Heirloom ornaments.  I have layered on top dies from Asian Accents and Classic circles.  The sentiment is from Crafty Impressions and my edges are inked with Distress ink Black Soot.  Fibres and ribbon from my stash.

I love the metallic finish of these stains and even better they react with water too like other stains from the distress ink range.  As Miranda on TV would say "Such fun!"  You shall be seeing more of these beauties that is a promise.

That's all from me this Saturday I have a date with the TV, a M & S meal deal and a glass of vino....who will be crown King or Queen of the Jungle tonight?!  That is the question. 

And through the Spellbinder window........

Do you remember the kids TV show where you looked through the window, the square or round and there was another?
Well today I have the Spellbinder window card for you.  So lets take a look through the Spellbinder window!

 

For this card I have used;
Spellbinder A4 embossing folder Lattice, die Window two and Shapeabilities dies Back to basic tags.  The sentiment is by Marion Emberson Find joy everyday and the curtains are made by knotting 2" wide tartan ribbon. 

This window could be dressed up for Christmas with a wreath or a tree placed behind it or it could make a great new home card too.  In fact you could add all manor of wee surprised behind the window.  Hours of fun!

I'm beavering away in M & S again today and tomorrow with a Christmas crop all day on Sunday so another busy weekend planned.  Have a super weekend whatever you are up to.

Sugar bowl time 97

That was another quick fortnight and here is my next card for the Sugar bowl challenge.
Today's sketch was set by the lovely Wendy and here is my take, I have switched it around a wee bit.

 

And the sketch....

 

With the theme A Winter's tale.
I have used Sugar Nellie digital stamp A gift for you together with paper by First Addition Christmas joy.  The image is coloured with copic markers and the embellishments are from my stash.

Up for grabs are four of your choice from the Sugar Nellie stamp range increasing to six if we have over one hundred entries. It only remains for me to say you've got to be in it to win it...enjoy the challenge and thanks for popping by.

Happy crafting!

So, what's on your work desk this Wednesday 182?

Is it me or are Wednesday's coming around quicker each week?!
Today I have taken a photo before starting crafting so this is more what I left it like last night.
Have you noticed I'm on a different desk?
I have two desks side by side, one with the computer on and one for all my crafting bits.  Of late I have spent more time at the computer desk as I put the i-player on whilst working.  So now I have two messy desks!  (And you think I'm joking!)
See........

The tea and shortbread are not from last night, they're more me getting ready to crack on today.  Oh and it's not just ordinary shortbread!  ;)
It's not the best of photographs but last night I was colouring in a Minnie Mouse who has been set aside to dry as she has Glossy accents on her nose.  Time for a wee tidy before starting two more bespoke cards, one for a trendy knitter and another for a plumber....toilet seat time me thinks.  :D
Once I've got that done time for some housework, boo and thinking ahead for our Christmas crop on Sunday.....I guess I finally should give in and get some Christmas cards organised.

You too can share your crafty desk with other mad crafter's by popping over to the lovely Julia's blog and joining in.  See you there. 
Finally I would just like to say a big thank you for popping over to my pad, I shall be wandering later today checking out other desks.  For those who leave comments with me I do tend to visit you first.
Happy crafting!

This is more my style.

Morning, just and I'm back with the next card in my selection again another red and white combo, after yesterdays card this one is more my own sort of style.  It is very nearly a less is more card.  Don't you think?  The lighting is not the best, but then at this time of year the window for good photography gets smaller and smaller.

For this card I have used Spellbinder grand embossing folder (A4) Lattice together with Shapeabilities die Asian Motifs and Back to basic tags, then D-lites Poppy Patch.  Sentiments are from Marion Emberson's Find Joy everyday and pearls from my stash.

I have layered two poppy dies on top of each other having cut off the poppy heads in red so it actually does looks embossed, but isn't, which is another technique you could also do then just add the flowers. 
The embossing folder, used for the background, is just brilliant, as I mentioned a couple of days ago, I'm only left thinking why were they not made earlier?!
I love the fact that the pattern could be used for all manor of different cards, a truly good all rounder.

I've got a job lot of bespoke cards to make today and I really would love, at some point this week, to start making my own Christmas cards.  I do think that fewer cards will be sent this year after speaking to different folk, it seems lots of friends are choosing to e-mail and give money to charity rather than the expense of posting, what are your thoughts?

A Spellbinding thank you!

I'd like to start today by thanking the lovely ladies who braved the weather to come and see me at The Papeterie in Aberdeen yesterday.
This was the favourite card of the day which did make me smile as it was probably my least favourite.  Don't ask me why, and I know I shouldn't have favourites but I'm glad you all liked it.

For this card I have used Spellbinder dies; D-lites Fantastic Flourish Three, Nestabilities Classic circle, Asian Accents, Decorative Labels One, Tear drop Circles and Decorative Labels Eight.  The sentiment is by Marion Emberson Find joy everyday with pearls from my stash. 

I have loved playing with the new D-Lites dies, oh the possibilities to add accents to cards, scrapbooking and home accents.  I think I might have to play some more!
Remember with these dies to run them through your machine with wax paper before card as it will make removing card or paper so much easier.
It was also mentioned to me that one customer had had trouble cutting with her dies, if it doesn't cut first time, rotate the dies remembering the edges of the machine have better pressure than the centre, pop the die through a second time.  A thin shim of card can also help too if you are still having a problem I find some dies are easier than others depending on the detail.

Whilst the cats away! I'll share a "spell!"

Whilst I am through in Aberdeen this Sunday I thought I would set this to post rather than make you wait till Monday. 

Mmmm not the best photograph but you get the general idea. 

To make this box I have used Spellbinder Grand Hexagon Petal envelope die together with the A4 (yes I said A4) embossing folder Lattice.  Shame it's not the best photo for you to see the embossing.  I have also used a roll of acetate (I knew that roll I bought would come in handy but I'm blowed if I can remember where I got it from, you could use two sheets of A4) with Spellbinder dies Create a flake 3 and 2010 Snowflake pendant. 

The hexagon envelopes create the top and bottom of the box and I have used 8 of the snowflake die inside to create the 3D snowflake but you could use more, I recommend using paper rather than card for the snowflake as the top and bottom get too thick with card and you want to be able to thread ribbon and a bell to hang it up.  The snowflakes on the top are the 2010 pendant and Create a flake 3 layered on top with 3D foam.

Did I mention I'm loving the new A4 embossing folders?! 
Now all your boxes can be embossed too, all over, how neat is that?
Oh my a few dies and an embossing folder is all it takes to get this girl happy!  LOL.  ;)

I hope you are having a super weekend and I'll be back with more tomorrow.  Happy crafting!

Sneaky peak 3 "The revenge!"

Back again today with my final sneaky peak for my Aberdeen class on Sunday.

I know you shouldn't have favourites but this one is mine. 
I'm away to organise my bag and pack up some kits for Sunday's demonstration now, then hopefully I will get chance to tackle my next Sugar Bowl challenge later today.

Have a great Thursday, I'm working tomorrow and Saturday in M & S then Sunday in Aberdeen so I shall be a little quiet on here this weekend.  However, I have lots to share with you next week.
Wishing you all the best for the weekend and I wanted to finish today by sending all my friends over in the USA this....

Happy Thanksgiving!!

What's on your work desk this Wednesday? 181

I've missed a couple of Wednesdays of late I don't know where the time is going just now.  Scary!  It will be Christmas before we know it.  Every year I say I'm going to be organised and every year I get worse, am I the only one?!
On to this Wednesday and I am getting ready for some fun at the weekend so I have a desk full of Spellbinding action waiting to be played with today....can't wait.....

Now where am I going to work?  LOL.  I have set myself a challenge over the next couple of weeks to have a right good tidy but will I manage it?  That is the question.

You can follow the crafty exploits of other like minded crafter's via the wonderful Julia's blog here.  I shall be back later to have a wander when I've played, whoops, sorry worked with the above dies.
Have a great crafty day and I really appreciate the visit.  x

Back to yesterdays post and I promised a second sneak peak for you.......

Mmmmm, the second card for Sunday.

Back tomorrow, happy crafting.

Sneak peak 1

Hi folks I think I've already mentioned that this Sunday I have a class in Aberdeen, you can contact Charlotte here for more details.  So would you like a sneaky peak of one of the cards you'll be making?

It is red and white but not Christmas, mind you could change the greeting if you wanted to.
Another peak tomorrow. 
I'm back the grind cutting this card out....there are a few bits....the off cuts have got my fire going tonight too....even my card multi tasks!
Back soon.

As busy as a beaver!

Hi folks well my lovely parcel from Personal Impressions has arrived so today I will be designing my class for Aberdeen on Sunday.  Stay tuned during the week as I will be posting SNEAK peaks of what we will be making with details of how to get in touch with the Papeterie should you be interested.
As for my weekend it was lovely to have my boy home, relaxed and enjoying just being here.  We had a visit from our puppy who is growing like there is no tomorrow, hard to believe she fit in my hand 4 weeks ago.  Bless. 

Her first cuddle with my boy!
I think they're going to get along just fine don't you?
The only thing I didn't enjoy was sending my son back to school on the train Sunday afternoon!  Boo!

Anyway best crack on today and get my thinking cap on. 
Have a super Monday and watch out for my sneak peaks.
Happy crafting!

It's getting nearer!

Hi folks I have a day off today, whoop, whoop!  The first Saturday for months.  Mainly because I've swapped with a fella colleague having done a day for him during the week instead.  And the reason?
My eldest boy is home for the weekend so I have some quality family time planned.
I thought I would share this card I made for a close friend last week who wanted a gift/Christmas card for family.
This is what I came up with.

It has a wee pocket inside for the gift card.

I have used Spellbinder Poinsettia die, Foliage, Classic circle and Parisian motifs.  The card is from the Papeterie in Aberdeen and pearls from my stash.

Next week I shall be quiet on here again because I shall be getting ready for my Sunday demonstration in Aberdeen at the Papeterie. I will be demonstrating in the morning and teaching in the afternoon.  I have a few new ideas for you using the Christmas Spellbinder range but I have also got some of the new D-Lites dies too.  I am SO looking forwards to playing with them and sharing some ideas.  The Spellbinder dies just keep getting better and better.
I shall be fitting in a couple of days work at M & S too...boy it's getting busier, you would think that Christmas is on the horizon!

Have a super weekend all, I plan to.  x

Sugar bowl challenge 96

Mmmmm I've been a bit AWOL of late, sorry folks but lots going on in the real world and I'm not getting much time to craft.  I could ream off what I have been doing the last few days but I'm sure you don't really want to know, needless to say the ironing is up to date and I have surprise visitors!

Back to today and I have the next Sugar Bowl challenge which has been set by the lovely Maria with the theme Sparkle and shine.  Here's my version.....

And the sketch.....

I have used Sugar Nellie stamp Crystal Flakes together with papers by K & Company, snowflake embossing folder, Spellbinder die Create a flake 3, image is coloured with copic markers with bling and other embellishments from my stash.
Up for grabs are four of your choice from the Sugar Nellie stamp range increasing to six if we have over one hundred entries.  It only remains for me to say you've got to be in it to win it...enjoy the challenge and thanks for popping by.
Back to work tomorrow and busy at the weekend so I'm afraid it will be more silence here, I promise I will make it up to you soon.  Have a fun weekend and happy crafting!

12 tags of 2012 with Tim, November.

Hi whilst I am beavering away in work today I thought I would leave you with this.  It is my next attempt at Tim's 12 tags of 2012.

I have used Tim's stamps Flight of fancy, Stamper Anonymous Season's silhouettes and Andy Skinner Tempting textures, Spellbinder dies Foliage and Mix'd media together with Distress stains and ink Vintage photo and Fired brick, Sprays; Sunflower yellow, Tangerine, Olive and rust, embellishments by Tim, ribbons and extras from my stash.

I used Believe as my word with the tag Artful with the thought of "believe in being arty!"

I had great fun creating this tag and getting all inky, looking forwards to what December brings but also looking back at September's thinking now I fancy a go at that technique too.

That's all from me today, have a super weekend whatever you are planning and don't forget.....happy crafting!

You're a star!

I had to have a wee giggle at myself this morning....I got up all ready to go for What's on your Work desk Wednesday....and realised that I've missed it!  LOL.  Time for another cup of tea from my mug that says, "Keep calm and have a cuppa!"
I think the reason being, apart from I'm loosing my marbles, I was at work on Monday and it has thrown me for the rest of the week.  So easily fooled!
I am back working again Friday, Saturday and possibly Monday...how the weeks are flying by.
Today I shall be working on my next Sugar bowl challenge but I also had another wee play with the lovely stamp set I featured yesterday on my blog post, this time with the Spellbinder Nestabilities Stars five.

The stamp set is Seasons of love and can be found here.

Now how many tags will I need to make?  That is the question.  I feel a production line coming up.
Have a great Thursday whatever you are up to.  Oh and happy crafting!

Christmas tag you're it!

Back today a little later than planned.  I didn't get as many cards completed yesterday as I would have liked as I kept getting sidetracked but I did manage in to Elgin to pick up my kit so I can now get organised for my visit to Aberdeen.
Today my husband dragged me, kicking and shouting I'll have you know (not), out for lunch.  Mmmm Cruickshanks in Forres for homemade soup and a cheese scone, my favourite.  I also managed to pick up a few Christmas stocking fillers so good trip out.
Back to crafting and I have had my eyes on these stamps for a long time at Waltzing Mouse stamps but had not got around to purchasing them and the Spellbinder dies to match.  Last week after playing with my other stamps from there I decided to take the plunge.  I had to have a quick play today before carrying on making up some bespoke cards, this is what I came up with.....

The stamp set is Seasons of love with Distress ink Festive berries, the Spellbinder nestabilities dies Classic heart and Classic scalloped heart.
I seem to have a lot of wrapping paper with red in this year so red and white tags it is then.

I'm now thinking why did I not by these stamps earlier?!

Work in progress...

I'm back!
No posts from me over the weekend, working Friday, Saturday and Monday with a day out on Sunday to our local crop. 
As Miranda would say "such fun!"
Lots of crafting was had at our monthly crop with not only card making and scrap booking but sewing, beading and fimoing (if that is a word! :D).  This combined with oodles of cake and refreshments, giggles, chat, laughter and a wee boogie...what more could a girl ask for? 
Lots of Christmas cards being created but I decided to stick to decorating my letters....will I regret it as Christmas looms ever nearer?!  Time will tell. 
My picture today is a work in progress as the title suggests.  I have covered my cardboard letters with Kraft tissue paper by 7Gypsies...but now what to do?  Do I leave as Kraft and add some coloured embellishments or do I colour with my distress stains....decisions, decisions........?
I think I will have to have a good think about this one.

Mmmm.
On to today and I will be popping shortly to my local craft shop to pick up my kit so I can start and think about my demonstration coming up at the end of this month in Aberdeen.  I shall also be running a class in the afternoon so need to think about samples for that too.
Later today I have a few orders to make for a couple of friends and then a long awaited date with my iron and ironing board....note the boring job is last!

I hope you all had a super weekend.  I will hopefully be back tomorrow with a little something else.
Happy crafting!

Party time!

Sorry it's a late post today but I was working early today and last night I had a SU (Stamping Up) party with the lovely Kate and all my cropping crafty buddies. 
OMG I love the gift Kate made for me....what to see?

This is it in the box....and out of the box......

Isn't it beautiful and so much better in the flesh, thanks so much Kate.  Just my colours too....I wonder how she knew?!
Thanks also to Jane, Hailey and again to Kate for the lovely chocolates, nomn, nomn. 
Not forgetting Christel, Irene, Tracy, Elaine and Jo for coming over on such a cold evening for some crafting fun and chat. 
We had a super night and now have some lovely crafty stash on order, whoop, whoop! 
Can't wait to play.

Another busy day planned tomorrow at M & S with me on earlies but hopefully I will get chance to craft later.  I will be crafting on Sunday as it is our local crop the only problem I have is deciding what to take with me.  I should be making Christmas cards but I really want to make a word decoration for the house. 
That's all from me today, have a super weekend and thanks for all the lovely comments, it's great hearing from other like minded people and I will always return the favour.

Sugar bowl time 95

Morning, and after all that candy last night today we are bringing you another sugar fix in the form of this fortnights Sugar Bowl challenge.  This time is my sketch and I have set a colour challenge with it.  I hope you have fun with it and don't forget to use a Sugar Nellie image to be in with a chance of winning some lovely sugary stamps.

And the sketch.......

And the colour combo....

I have used Sugar Nellie image Blossom from the Leanne Ellis range together with papers by MME Stella and Rose collection.  The Spellbinder die is Petite ovals small and Cuttlebug embossing folder dots with the sentiment stamp from Paula Pascual Simple Flowers.  The flowers are stamps and a punch by SU and Blossom is coloured with copic markers, bling from stash.

Come along and have a go with a chance of winning 4 of your choice from the Sugar Nellie stamp range, rising to 6 with over 100 entries. 
It only remains for me to wish you luck and hope you enjoy the challenge. 
Crafty hugs, Erika.  x