Saturday, January 31, 2015

It's Saturday, time for some crafty funnies again.

Good morning all, how are you this Saturday, I hope you are spending the day doing something exciting or creative or even both.
I am beavering away at work so thought I'd share some funny crafty quotes again with you in my absence.
So what do your craft supplies say about you?


Gulp, I've been using a lot of glitter and my die cutting machine of late, an exotic dancer with good upper body strength!  LOL.  I think I'll take that and run.  What about you?

There isn't a day goes by when I don't have a quick peak at the perfection that is Pinterest, how about you?


Oh how true.  It is my little addiction.
And finally one for my scrap booking friends......have you ever?!*  


It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the weekend, have a good one, no matter what you have planned.  x

Friday, January 30, 2015

Share an oldie this Friday, crafty style of course. In honour of the GBSB.....

Good morning all, how the devil are you again this Friday, don't they come around fast?
It's share and oldie today, again as I say every week, it is just purely for fun, the more the merrier.
Let's share the love of all things crafty, you can share anything as long as it is something creative.  In order that I can also see what you have posted I'd love it if you could leave a wee comment below then I can pay you a visit too.

Back to today's oldies, this is in honour of the Great British Sewing Bee, which starts it's new series next week, so exciting!
It is papercrafting but with a sewing theme.


This idea for a pop up tag card came from the lovely ladies over on the Simply Sassy blog with instructions to follow here.  The Sassy blog is a great blog to follow as they have great ideas and lovely tutorials to help.  (More top tips!)

I have used stamps from Andy Skinner A Stitch in Time, black StazOn. 
Ranger distress inks Fired brick and Spiced Marmalade.
Button and Idea-ology fragment from Tim Holtz range.
Spellbinder circle nestabilities (top of tag).
Seam binding, threads and sewing machine charm from my stash.

Just something a little different from a regular card don't you think?  Lots of fun to make too.

More wedding work for me today then an early start at work tomorrow.  Sunday I am getting together with my crafty buddies too.  Such fun!
Have a super weekend folks, stay warm and cosy.  x

Thursday, January 29, 2015

The gift of sharing crafting!

Good afternoon all, get the trumpets out I am happy to announce that a certain wee chap has gone to school this morning.  Yippee.  Mum got to go and stock up all the cupboards this morning, ready for the bad weather now.

We have no snow laying here but it was bitterly cold on my beach walk this morning, it looked very pretty, the sand was all frosty and the snow was delicately falling down.
We can see the mountains in the distance, from the beach we look out on to the North east coast of the top of Scotland.  My word there's some snow on them there hills!

I'm just away to do a couple of hours cutting and making my wedding invites, whilst I'm beavering away again I wanted to share a wee gift I got from my niece.
It is unfortunate that we live at opposite ends of the country as she loves crafting too, especially when I have boys.  Still when we do get together we usually get a little craft time in.
She sent me this......


Now to hang it up in my craft room.
My boys did get these beads when they were smaller but never really had the patience to sit and play with them.  It must be a boy thing, girls can certainly concentrate for longer.

I also mentioned that my eldest boy is doing his prelims just now, last one today and bless him, he can't wait to get it over and done.  Then it's back again in the Spring for the big ones.  Up to now he appears to have done well, he has only had three marks back, Chemistry and Maths he got A's and Biology a B.  I obviously doesn't get his brains from his mum!
I only hope he keeps up with the hard work and does as well in his main exams.

I guess that is all from me today, better get moving, enjoy the rest of your Thursday and hopefully you'll join me tomorrow in sharing an oldie too.  x

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Hump day and a little love revival.

Good afternoon all, another later one for me today.
I got caught in the wind, rain and snow this morning and my legs are still feeling a tad chilly.
Boy it's cold out there and the forecast was definitely correct, brrrr.
It has just started to snow again and it's coming down fast.

My wee one was fine yesterday but time again for school this morning and he's sick again.
The school have now been contacted!
Apparently there are a few bugs doing the round but again he hasn't been sick since first thing.
Mum is getting very suspicious now.
He has even sat and done his homework this morning with little resistance, which is very unusual too.
The joys of growing up!
I am trying to crack on with things but the word "Mom" seems to be a constant distraction.

In answer to a question yesterday, Anne, the bauble was made using a number of dies that all marry together at the end with 3d foam or you can used them individually too.  Lots of crafty fun!

Anyway I recently found something I made and put away, for some reason.  I had forgotten all about it.  It has been dusted down and replaced in it's old home.


There is actually a heart wire under all that ribbon.  I think looking back now that the ribbon should be shorter so you can see the wire shape.  I just can't bring myself to cut and waste all that lovely ribbon!  But I do think it would look better.  Maybe the urge will just get the better of me, and when I'm sat chilling one evening I will get my scissors out and give it a hair cut!

I was hoping to food shop today before the bad weather truly hits, but no such luck.  I shall be probably going out in the snow this evening instead.
How long can I manage using up bits and bobs in the cupboards and freezer?

Enough from me I'm away to try and get some more cutting out sorted. I might even have a nice hot mug of tea too.
Catch you all again tomorrow.  x

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Order in full flow so what to share with you?

Good afternoon, this morning seems to have disappeared with very little to show for it other than walking the dog and washing up pots and clothes.  My wee man is back in fine fettle so hoping to get him back to school tomorrow.  Thanks for your comments Patricia and Hazel, it does make you wonder when they don't really want to go to school.  I have had a chat and he seems to be fine, not the happiest he has been but lets hope it is a phase!  I don't think it helps at this time of year as they don't get out and about to play as much as the warmer brighter months, roll on Spring.
Looking at the weather on the west coast of America yesterday, it doesn't look like Spring will be coming soon, more like extra helpings of cold and snow first.
If you are affected by the weather in the States, wrap up warm and as they always say here, "don't travel unless you have too!"
That could prove difficult with so much transport grounded anyway.
It is forecast to reach us later this week, something to look forwards to, NOT!

Anyway back to today and I am in full flow cutting out for my Wedding order.  It's good to be busy but very boring to share, I haven't even got fancy die shapes.
I therefore decided to show you a little unfinished project, I have so many, this is a little something I was playing with in the run up to Christmas but just ran out of time to finish.  It is made using my new dies from Papertrey ink.


I quite like the white but it does most definitely need sparkle too, and maybe a greeting.  It does however give me a feel for the dies.  I quite often do this when I get new dies, cut them in plain card stock.  It can be very useful as a tool when layering up ideas before deciding on a colour combination.  I think that might have to be my top tip of the day!  ;)

Back to the drawing board, so to speak, more from me again tomorrow.  x

Monday, January 26, 2015

It's Monday again, time to share more CAS lines.

Good afternoon to you all, how was your weekend?
I had a busy but good day at work on Saturday, then a quiet Sunday catching up on the ironing and enjoying a lovely roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.

This morning the family were all full of the joys getting ready for school and work, then my little one was sick just before heading out the door.  I guess that is him off again then!

The weather forecast is spot on today, we had rain earlier but now we have bright blue skies, there is definitely a nip in the air.  During my walk along the beach this morning you could feel that chilly northern breeze, the one that is far better than any caffeine based product in waking you up!

Today I am showing you the second of my 3 samples for the recent Wedding order.  As the bride is not using this one I thought I could share it with you.
When it comes to weddings I very much think the LIS or the CAS approach is best, hoping in the simplicity to gain a little elegance too?!
You be the judge.


I have used card from The Papeterie in Aberdeen, cream and purple (not showing up the best in this picture), bling double rings from Diamante crafts and Spellbinder embossing folder Dainty dots.

My original plans for today have now been altered with the addition of a helping pair of hands!
Hopefully I might get chance to do a little crafting later today, the wee man hasn't been sick since earlier which is a major bonus and he is also eaten, most strange!
Enjoy your Monday folks and happy crafting if you get the chance.  x

Saturday, January 24, 2015

It's Saturday, time to tickle your crafty funny bone again!I w

Good morning and how are you this Saturday?
I did make it to work yesterday and therefore made up for some of the time I had missed this week, what a busy dine in day we had!
My Saturday post is all about sharing some crafty funnies or quotes and these are the three I found yesterday for you.  The first one pretty much sums me up.


It doesn't make you a bad person, does it?
The next one made me really laugh because it is so my craft room on a permanent basis.


I have to say I would prefer a bucket full of tea over coffee.
The final word for today is.........


Oh yes, I've had a few craftastrophes along the way, but isn't that how we learn?
Glue is a definite a big spoiler sometimes, as is incidents using a scalpel blade creating lovely bloody additions to projects.  Yikes!

A later finish at work for me today, I'll go in and come home in the dark, don't you just love this time of year?!
I then plan a very relaxing evening with maybe a wee glass of vino.
As for Sunday I don't know what I will be doing yet, only time will tell.
Have a super weekend and more from me again soon.

Friday, January 23, 2015

It's Friday again, you know what that means.....sharing an oldie time.

Good morning to you and it's sharing an oldie time again.
If all has gone to plan this morning my youngest is back at school and I am in work, making up for one of the two shifts I've missed this week.
There again I could still be at home dealing out the calpol!

Whilst busy I wanted to share with you this weeks oldie.


I have used Rachael from the Simply Adorable range of digital stamps, coloured using copic pens and prisma pencils and the papers are by SU, just my shade!
The Spellbinder dies are Classic round and Labels Twenty four.  Embellishments from my stash.

Sharing an oldie is just for fun but I would love it if you joined me, leaving me a comment would be even better, I can then visit your blog and see your oldie too.  

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, we have another dine in tomorrow so it will be another busy day.  
Have a super weekend, I hope you enjoy some craft time.   x

Thursday, January 22, 2015

I haven't been hooking for a while, last night I got back into the groove.

Good afternoon, another bright morning here in the cold north, -5 on the beach this morning, yep the sand was frozen again.  It did look beautiful but a tad chilly.

Last night I got out an old crochet project I started in the autumn last year.  This project will probably take years.
I put it away when I started my poppies and last night I decided to pick it back up.
Are you like me, I love to start a new project, but if it is a long one, I need gaps along the way or the boredom of doing the same thing over and over again sets in.  I can't be the only crafter with lots of unfinished projects?
This is the blanket project I am talking about....yarn at the ready, time to get hooked again!


As I mentioned in a previous post I need 196 of these beauties, phew, it will take some time. Then of course they've all got to be stitched together.  I will get there but I want to enjoy the process, so wee gaps it is then.

I also promised a sneaky peak of the Wedding samples I have been making, now I don't want to spoil the surprise for the happy couple so I am really just giving you a peak.
The day invites...


And the evening...


The colour combination is purple and cream with diamantes.  I just have to tweak them a little bit then I can get on with production.

My wee man improved as the day plodded on yesterday, whilst dosed up on medicine, he had a wee dip in the evening with his first nosebleed, bless him.  This morning he was a little rough but hopefully, dosed up, he'll be back at school again tomorrow.  They do bounce back so much quicker than us adults, don't they?

It only remains for me to wish you all the best this Thursday, stay warm and cosy.  X

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

You know when you just have a tune in your head!



Hi everyone, no post again yesterday, I had a little boy come home from school again.  I think he might have the cold I had over Christmas plus a temperature.  Bless!
My husband said if it's what he had last week it's just horrible!  (Just like what I had all over the festive season then?!)  Men.  LOL.

Why do I have a link to The Singing kettle song today, We're going on a bear hunt?  Most bizarre!
This morning whilst walking the dog along the beach it strangely just popped in my head. When my boys were little they loved the book, We're going on a bear hunt, it was a favourite at bedtime, it seems like such a long time ago now!  Happy times.
I was walking in the sunshine, the weather so much better than recently, I went through the long wavy grass, across the river (OK, just a small stream which heads to the sea, stay with me), then through the squelchy mud and along to the caves further down the coast.....hoping that I wasn't going to meet a bear but maybe a unicorn instead!
Is it just me or do random tunes occasionally pop into your head?  (If not I'm sounding just a little bonkers right now?!*)
To put your mind at rest I didn't find a bear, but disappointingly I didn't find a unicorn either, it was just lovely to be out in the sunshine.

As I missed my post yesterday I thought I'd share two orders with you today, arh, I am spoiling you!
Again two CAS aged cards.


For Joanne I was asked for a 21st with make up.


For Fiona, I do not want to share her story so lets just say she is unwell, I therefore wanted to make a bright and cheery 50th card, shaker style, using my new dies and sprinkles from Papertrey ink.

That's all from me today, you'd be glad to hear that the wedding samples were a hit so I am one step nearer to getting that organised.  I'll maybe show you a wee sneaky peak later in the week.
It's now time for me to dust down my nurses uniform and dose up my wee man again.  Have a super "hump" day whatever you have planned.

Monday, January 19, 2015

It's a cold one today, Monday's back around again!

Good afternoon all and how are you this fine crisp Monday?
Boy was it chilly on my early morning walk today, would you believe the sand was frozen, that doesn't happen very often.  The dog and I nearly got caught by a wave too as the tide was heading in, always watch for the seventh one, apparently it will always be bigger and better.  It was today but luckily I saw it coming, I can move fast when the thought of being knee high in freezing cold sea water approaches!

So what is on the cards this week?
I have been asked to work extra again this week, tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday and then Saturday for me.  Oh my poor crafting time!
Still it has meant that I have had to be more organised so today the big food shop has been done.  I used to do one every week but this is my first one this year.  I have just been topping up whilst in work.  It was therefore quite a novelty walking around our large store this morning.
Then I had my wee one home for lunch.
Now, well, the final touches of bling have been added to my Wedding samples, so their off to the bride to be for approval.  I do hope she likes them.
The rest of my day is going to be spent getting on top of a wee bit of housework, how exciting I hear you cry!  NOT.  It's got to be done, and no one else will do it.

Today I have a very CAS card for you, one of my bespoke orders for a birthday card with a big 60 and either horses or cats.


The dies are actually from Papertrey ink, the rectangle actual fits inside the frame.  The lettering is done on my cricut and the buttons are Dress it up.
I did tell you it was clean and simple, but to the brief.
I get asked for a lot of this style of card with the ages and embellishments, not quite as fancy as getting my dies out and having a good old play but they do seem to be popular.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best on this chilly Monday, stay warm.  x

Saturday, January 17, 2015

It's the weekend and it's time for a crafty lark!

Morning all, I am typing this Friday afternoon and it is snowing heavily outside, brrr!  I am wondering if my early start tomorrow will need to be even earlier if this keeps up.  Boo.
Whilst I am busy beavering away I thought I'd share a couple of funnies I found yesterday whilst catching up with a few cards.
Firstly this one is for Jan, Irene, Christel and Hayley.


Sound familiar?
I like the desire to cut up perfectly good fabric and then sew it back together.  LOL.
When you put it like that quilting does sound a little crazy, but with fabulous results!

How about this for a New Year resolution?
I think I prefer this one to the choices I made.


Finally does this ever happen to you?


My craft room is in a permanent state of craftermath.  I would show you a photo but I need to tidy it first!

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best over the coming weekend. 
I think it might be a fine time to stay in the warm and craft, looking at the weather forecast. 
-14 in Scotland for Sunday into Monday, brrrr.  Looking forwards to that walk along the beach!  NOT.
Take care out there.  x


Friday, January 16, 2015

Share an oldie this Friday, crafty style.

Good morning all, and how the devil are you this Friday?
Hasn't the weather been crazy this week?
I've had to smile on my morning walk along the beach this week, why I hear you cry, trust me when I say caffeine has not been required to wake me up.  Brr!
There is nothing like a brisk walk along a cold and windy beach to clear away any cobwebs and set you up for the rest of the day.

Back to today and it's share an oldie time again.  Just for fun I ask you to join me sharing any old crafting project on your blog.  Don't forget to leave a comment so I can return the crafty love and see your projects too.  Just call me a nosy mare!

Today  I have a gift bag using Spellbinder dies.


Spellbinders:  Grand big scalloped circles, Fleur de lis square, Classic circles Nestabilities then Fancy tags two and three Shapeabilities.
Nocturne card stock and Hero art stamp Anytime messages and pearls from Zva Creative.
Ribbon from my stash.

I did get chance to do a little crafting yesterday, working on some bespoke work that unfortunately I can't share with you just yet.  I will as soon as I can.

It only remains for me to thank you for popping by today and joining me in sharing an oldie.  
Have a super weekend and stay warm.
I have another early start at work tomorrow with no other plans as yet for the rest of the weekend.  
I wonder if I will get some crafty time?

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

It's hump day.....are you being creative?

Good afternoon all, that's my shifts at work finished now till Saturday.
I now have a couple of days to catch up with card orders, housework, ironing and food shopping.
How are you just now?
Hasn't it been cold?
I thought I'd share a couple of pictures with you today from my very cold walk along the beach.
My legs are still cold!


Snow on the beach!  That doesn't happen very often.  You'd think the salt would melt it, wouldn't you?  But no.  Brrr!


It looks much nicer in the summer months!


The dog was funny with her ball as it kept getting covered in snow and she didn't like that.
It is now dark and cold, bring on Spring, a little more warmth and brighter nights.  Can't wait.
Stay safe and warm this Wednesday.  x

Monday, January 12, 2015

CAS all the way, time for a little crafting! Early or late, what do you think?

Good morning and how the devil are you this Monday?
Bright blue skies here this morning but it was a tad breezy on our beach walk earlier, brrrr!
On the upside my ball throwing skills were amazing today, with the wind behind me all the way.  :)

How was your weekend?
I had a very busy day at work Saturday, now all the Christmas temporary staff have gone the place is very quiet, except for the customers.  It was a dine in weekend so a busy day all round followed by a quiet night and a wee glass of vino.
We had a power cut too on Saturday whilst I was at work.  I didn't envy my husband at home with the boys and no WIFI!
They managed and it was all back to normal by the time I got home, unlike a few of our neighbours.

We had planned going to our neighbouring village to watch them bring in the New Year, clavey style, but the weather was so cold and windy we decided it wasn't really a good idea.
The burning of the clavey is to welcome in the New Year, picking up a piece is said to bring you good luck, trying not to burn yourself in the process.   It is quite something to watch and the partying goes well into the following day.

On Sunday we had our monthly crafty gathering or crop, just a few of us this month with some off on holiday, ill or busy with other things.  I had a good afternoon making 8 cards, happy with that.  Mind you they were all the same design, to keep things simple, nobody will know, if you don't tell them!
CAS all the way for me at the moment with good use of my Stick it again, gosh I love this product.


I have used Spellbinder dies 2013 Snowflake and oval, Stickles diamond glitter, rain stones, Waltzingmouse stamps Compliments of the season and bazzill card stock.  Not forgetting my stick it which makes glittering a delight although my friends did tell me I was sparkling for the rest of the day, like a vampire!

I bet you are now all thinking, get Erika, Mrs Organised, starting early with her Christmas cards for next year.  I wish I could tell you that my wish to be organised was working this year and that I am ahead of the game but unfortunately it is quite the opposite.  Let me explain....with working more hours up to Christmas and not feeling well I kind of missed a few key people off my Christmas card list.  I missed last postage day.  So I thought rather than it arriving late, why not send a Happy New Year card instead?
It would be a surprise if nothing else!
Unfortunately even though I have rather a few stamps, could I find one saying Happy New Year?
I do have one somewhere but it was hiding in my very clean and tidy craft room, I wish.  It must be with my guilding flakes because I couldn't find them either.
I so need to tidy my room.  Gulp!  Who knows what I might find!

That's all from me today, I have some Wedding samples to crack on with and some bespoke cards followed by another trip to the dentist later.
I'm in work again tomorrow and Wednesday but hopefully I will also have something to share with you too.
Have a super day, catch you soon.  x

Saturday, January 10, 2015

It's the weekend, time for a smile!

Good morning to you all and did you survive the stormy weather this weekend?
It was like a scene out of The Sound of Music in my home Friday night, as one by one the kids and then the pup entered our room, by 3.30 am I was singing "My favourite things," in my head.
We ended up with no felt on our shed, a missing BBQ cover and the cover from the chimney removed.  Luckily as the chimney cover flew off the roof it missed the cars and just ended up in the front garden.  That could have been nasty!
The journey into work Friday morning was a little hairy too as roads were closed due to fallen trees, lots more traffic than normal on my usual route.

I am in work early today and as it's another dine in with steak on the menu, it will be a busy one.
Whilst I am beavering away I thought I'd share a couple of funnies with you.
Hazel the first one is for you, in answer to your question, yes working does get in the way of crafting!
 

How true is that!

This is my plan for tomorrow....I best get my "granny crafts" out ready!


And finally, have I mentioned before that I love Pinterest?
Maybe once or twice?
This is my long term plan and I am sticking to it, because some of the pictures I have pinned on Pinterest are just fabulous.


It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for this weekend, stay warm and cozy and if you are crafting have fun.
Catch you next week.  x

Friday, January 09, 2015

It's Friday so lets share an oldie.

Where has the week gone?
No posts from me.
Well, I have been working and catching up with all the normal day to day bits and bobs.
The time just seems to fly.  We've also had a few broken nights, poorly child and a dog that likes getting up to go out for her business.
At this time of year I do find it hard to muscle up the enthusiasm by early evening, dark cold nights, tiredness, a warm fire.  I'm afraid I have found collapsing in front of the fire with a wee glass of something too much of a draw.

Anyway enough of my waffle back to today's post and it's that time of week.  Time for us to share a crafty oldie, it is just for fun and it can be any of your old crafty projects that you'd like to share.
Add a comment below, that way I can find your blog too and see what you have decided to share.
Back to my oldie and today I have a wee card for you with a tartan theme as it is the New Year.



For this card I have used Papermania Christmas in the country together with Spellbinder dies Jewel Flowers and flourishes and Vintage labels two.  The sentiment is from JustRite Live, love, laugh vintage labels two.

To make this card you need to cut a 8½ x 4¼” piece of card stock and score it at 5½”. 
Cut two pieces of patterned paper in 5¼ x 4″ and 2¾ x 4″ and add to above card.
Take an 8 x 3″ piece of card stock and score at 4″. 
I cut a piece of 3¾ x 2¾” patterned paper and add to above card.  Attach two cards together.

I'm back in work today and tomorrow and then getting together with my crafty friends on Sunday for our monthly gathering.  According to the weather forecast there is a nasty storm heading our way over the next couple of days so fingers crossed it isn't as bad as it sounds.  
It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, stay safe and warm.  I look forwards to hearing from you and shall be visit you at some point too, sharing the love of crafting.
Catch you soon.  x

Monday, January 05, 2015

Getting back into the routineP

And breath!  Phew!
My hubby has gone back to work and the kids are back at school.  Is it wrong to be glad to be getting back into the everyday routine?
I did think that today I may have a wee treat and put my feet up or maybe enjoy a little crafting, it's been so long since my last fix!
I am working tomorrow, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week, I guess I should get stuck into the housework and ironing instead.  Boo, hiss!
I need to as I have a few bespoke card orders to make and Wedding stationary to design.
Time to get the boring stuff out of the way before I can play, I mean craft.

First job on the horizon was getting my trusty washing machine up and running.  I decided to be brave this morning and venture into my teenage son's bedroom to empty his washing basket.  What would I find?
I usually have finished all the washing and ironing before he emerges with a full basket and comments of nothing to wear.
It seems teenagers have a problem reaching the wash basket as most clothing was on the floor, does it need washing or does it not?
I can't do the sniff test as my nose still isn't right, in it all goes after removing various items from trouser pockets, on the upside I am a quid up and have acquired a nice shiny new biro!

I have a sick car today too, apparently at some point recently I have lost the front of my exhaust.
Now, I normally pride myself in knowing that there is something not right with my car but on this occasion I just remember one thought on Saturday...."ooooo....my car is a bit noisy today!"
Guess I was tired or could it be I was too busy singing along to new CD's?!
Now that is a scary thought.
As we speak my car is enjoying attention from "you can't get better than a Kwikfit fitter!"
Hopefully it will be as good as new when I pick it up later today.
I think you'll agree it is just what you need after Christmas.

Today I have nothing crafty to show you, have you been like me over the festive season, too much pinning on Pinterest and not enough crafting?
After all the extra hours at work my get up and go seems to have left the building.  I shall be on the hunt later for my mojo, after completing the ironing, crampons at the ready!

Finally before I leave you today, do you have any New Year traditions or resolutions?
I'd like to go through the house and get rid of anything not in use.  I think I also had this as a resolution last year and didn't get very far so am even more determined this year.
I would also like to find more time for card making and crafting, and maybe get rid of that extra weight that seems to have mysteriously arrived around my middle.
(Nothing to do with the fine eating, chocolates and alcohol over Christmas.  :O)
As for traditions my eldest boy and his pal started one a few years ago and it seems to have stuck.
In the next village to ours it is a tradition to jump in the sea on New Years day and swim from one side of the harbour to the other.  It is huge, loads of people turn out for the occasion and all jumpers dress up and raise money for their chosen charity.
Neither of my boys are big on lots of fuss but love jumping in the sea so they jump in our own village usually the day after New year.  This year the tides weren't right so whilst I was at work Saturday they decided to have a dip.
At this point I must add I think they're mad, it is cold enough outside in the North of Scotland without jumping in the sea.  Apparently brain freeze isn't the only effect they feel!
Nuff said.  ;)
On this occasion I was glad to be at work whilst they were under the watchful eye of Dad.


It looks turquoise blue, warm and inviting, doesn't it?  Not!
On the upside I don't think they stayed in for very long but that's them all sorted for the New Year.
Here's hoping the cold shock works it's magic as number 1 son is about to sit all his prelims before big exams in the summer, gulp.  I certainly wouldn't like to be doing all that again.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for this dark dreary day, I'm away to fire up my iron and do what needs to be done.  Enjoy the rest of your day and stay warm.  x

Friday, January 02, 2015

HNY......It's Ffffriday, and the first one of 2015 how about sharing an oldie?

Good afternoon all, I don't think I have done any crafting for over a week now.  I've been just chilling and trying to get rid of this cold.  You'll be glad to hear that it finally seems to be easing, I might just have broke it's back!

Today I have been taking down all the Christmas decorations and getting everything back to normal before next week.
I'm in early doors at work again tomorrow and plan a relaxing day Sunday before everything gets back to normal on Monday, school and work wise.
That's all the celebrations over with now, I nearly forgot,
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!
Whoops!
I hope you had a good one?
We had a couple of good friends and families over for food and games, all last minute.com.
It saw me dashing to work New Years eve to stock up on goodies and get my planning head on.
I think it all went very well and I didn't hit my bed until well after 3 am!
Certainly not my usual New Years eve, a visit to the Cairn at midnight to see in the New year then back up to the house for more games and booze!
We were then out to my best friends for tea on New Years day but I'm afraid I was a bit of a wet lettuce.
All this late night partying, I'm just not used to it.  We still had a good night with lovely food, fun games and giggles.

Enough of my waffling and lets get back to having a little crafty fun, sharing an old project.
It can be anything that you have made over the years.  I have been told I am enthusiastic about all things crafty and would like to share "the love!"
If you do join me, do remember to leave a comment after this post, that way I can connect back with you and see your work too.  Guess I'm nosey too!
Today I have a canvas for you, just a wee one.


The framed canvas was purchased from my "local craft shop for local people!"  Actually it is also the home of Sugar Nellie stamps but is known locally as Papercraft's Boutique.
I have used teal acrylic paint on the frame then Ranger distress crackle paint Picket fence. 
I also sanded it a wee bit as I wanted it to look really old and distressed, then I inked lightly with Distress ink Vintage photo and sealed with Inkssentials Glue 'n' Seal.
On the canvas I covered with Distress stain Broken china then edged with Vintage photo too.
The papers I have used as mentioned in earlier posts are from My Mind's eye Stella and Rose range.
The stamps are Hero Arts Whimsical House and Finding joy.
I have also used some Ranger glossy accents to finish.

It would be lovely to hear from you too.
It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for 2015, may it bring you much joy and happiness.
Thanks for all your support in 2014, I really do appreciate your visits and comments.  Here's to sharing more crafty ideas in 2015, may we all find time to play!  x