Baby's R us again, congratulations on your new arrival.

Good evening all, where does the day go when you are chilling out and relaxing.  There are so many things I should be doing!

Today I did a big shop, it has been so long and the boys now think that they've got to eat it all in the next couple of days.
I'm sure they eat more after a big shop.
My youngest has astonished me tonight, as I've been at home I made a curry from scratch, just a mild one like a korma.  Now he only eats certain things and curry with rice is definitely not on his list.
He ate it tonight with the rice too.  I am so chuffed.  It's the simple things!

I have also been looking for one of my crochet animal books all afternoon, that will teach me to sort out my craft room!  High and low I have looked to no avail, I really fancied making a teddy or rabbit over the holidays too.  It's not as if I haven't got other crafty makes on the go but I just fancied a change.  I'm still doing my hexagons, I'll be making them for ages, this blanket will be a long time coming.

Today I have another birth card to share with you, it is similar to others I have made but I just love this style at the moment.

The heart stamp and die are by Papertrey ink, writing on the computer, wee pram embellishment and a couple of scraps of blue card.
I do love clean lines just now.

I also have this photo to share.

This clever statue appealed to me at Landmark earlier in the week.  The first thing my youngest said was I know how they do it mum, he got it correct too.  I just think it's magic and would love one as a feature in my garden.

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the rest of the evening, I'm away to crochet some hexagons as I can't find my pattern book.  :(

Monday, Monday so good to me, holiday time.

Good afternoon all, boy I've had a lazy morning today.
How was your weekend?
Work was as busy as I thought it would be on Saturday and the time just flew by, I only wish I had an extra couple of pairs of hands, the only way I could have achieved what I needed to in the time allotted.  A nice relaxing evening followed.
On Sunday my hubby and I took my youngest and his girlfriend to Landmark for the day and had a super time.  It was really quiet, which is most unusual so we got to take part in all the activities as many times as we wanted.  No queueing whatsoever so the kids had great fun.
We are all now off for a fortnight, Easter break, nothing planned at all, hoping my eldest will do some studying for his exams.  I'd like to get some work done around the house, some crafting and a few more days out and about, lastminute.com as always.

Today I thought I'd share a couple of bespoke card orders.  The first is for my mum who's friends daughter will be hitting the grand age of 21.  I was told it must have a horse on.
Now I don't have any horse stamps so I bet you can't guess where I got this from?

Did you guess correctly?
This horse is a child's colouring in page available on-line.  Now of course you can't use these images for profit but as it was a favour for my mum, I don't see the problem.  I just printed it off and coloured it in, as any other child would, I used my copic markers.  I then made the rosette with ribbon and a button.  The inside reads, "Yee haw, saddle up and enjoy your 21st birthday Lauren!"
Mum has now received the card and thinks Lauren will love it.

My second card is for my best friend and she asked for a card with a touch of football.

The 40th is die cut from my cricut machine and the buttons are from Dress it up.  Inside reads, "Today you are man of the match!"
A simple masculine, football card.

Well, that is all I have to show you today, I really should be off food shopping or doing some housework but I am tempted to craft instead, so bad!
Enjoy your week, whatever you have planned.  x

Good morning and it's Saturday, time for some crafting quotes again.

Another day for me beavering away at work so I thought I'd lighten the mood by sharing my pick of crafty quotes found on line this week.
How about this one to start with?

This one did make me smile.  Mental maybe, creative maybe, so put them both together!  

Why not it's the weekend.

I have to say this looks like my normal face after a Saturday shift in work, still it's nothing that a glass of wine can't rectify!

Is this you?

Mmm I think I can tick nearly all 10 of the above, maybe one doesn't apply, can you guess which one?

Then there is the dreaded process of being creative.  Ever start a project with a certain idea in your head. then loose the will to live as nothing seems to be going right?

Work through it, coming through the other side with something completely different and love it?

It's always a good feeling if you get to number five and six and not just bin at number three!

Don't you agree?

It's the only way to learn.

That's all from me this Saturday, I hope you are having a lovely weekend no matter what you are up to.  Take care and I'll be back with more next week.  x

It's FFFriday, you know what that means, time to share an old crafting project.

Good morning all, how are you this Friday?
Ready for the weekend?
I have a day off today and plan on catching up on some card making, then maybe even some crafting.
The jobs can wait today!

Before I start I'd like to say a big thank you to those of you who join me on a Friday "sharing an oldie!"
I really love to see your old projects, so what have I picked to share today?

I have used:

Sugar Nellie digi image Summer.

Spellbinder grand die scalloped square and nestabilities oval.

The papers are DCWV Linen Closet.

Brads from Cathy, trim and rub ons from stash and coloured with prisma pencils.

Sharing an old craft project is just for fun, the start to the weekend!

I'd love it if you'd join me, leave me a wee comment below I can pop over to your blog and share in the love of crafting.  I look forwards to seeing your choice too.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, I'm working earlies tomorrow then I'm off with the boys for the Easter holidays!  Yippee.

No plans as yet as to what we will get up to, as with everything else it's a case of lastminute.com.  

I guess it's the forces background, don't plan, just in case!

Have a super weekend, more from me tomorrow.  x

Another craft free day, planning one instead.

Remember I mentioned that I had ordered some goodies from the States?
I had a play with them on Sunday but didn't like the acrylic felt, so today after work I picked up some wool felt already to have a go at this.  These are the samples from the Papertrey ink blog, link below.

Aren't they lovely, you can see more inspiration over at the Papertrey ink blog.
I do hope mine look as lovely as these, it's a case of watch this space.
I did start to have a play on Sunday but didn't like the felt or colours.
Can you guess what colours I picked up today?  LOL, bet you can.

Today was a momentous day for my eldest boy as after work and school we had another visit to the dentist.  This time was the best one as he had his brace removed, teeth all polished and perfect.
What was the first thing he did?
He came home and ate an apple.
He hasn't been able to do that in the last four years and really enjoyed it.
The simple things!
My youngest had a gang of friends around when we got home, the noise coming from upstairs would suggest that a good time was had by all before they all disappeared for tea.
Other than feeding my lot I don't know where the evening has gone, a tad achy here tonight so I think a nice aromatherapy bath is in order.
More from me tomorrow when I share another oldie, why not join in the fun?  x

Not a crafty thing in sight but a good day was had by all.

Good evening, where has the middle of the week gone?
Today I was in work early, so early I saw the sun rising as driving in.  What a lovely way to start the day and not another car on the road.....so glad I don't live where you have to sit in traffic everyday.
I finished work at lunchtime as I had a lunch date with my BFF.  It was great to catch up and we went to a lovely place in Elgin.  I have to share, as it was excellent.

Did you know the Distillery at Glen Moray has a gift and coffee shop?
I certainly didn't.
It is lovely and will certainly be a stopping off point next time we have visitors.  Actually I think I might have to go again before then!

After lunch out we had a lovely walk with the dogs up the hill past the pigs in the fields, all the little piglets were out squealing around their mums, so cute, if not a little crazy!
A beautiful spring day and a lovely walk out, finished off just perfectly with a M and S dine in meal.
An easy tea too!

I still have a few card orders to make but I think tonight I am going to go and chill out with a little crocheting.  I'm starting to feel tired, bless this girl isn't used to getting up SO early more than once a week!

To finish today I'd just like to add a wee "toot" for one of my work colleagues and friends, Donna, she came into work today saying, I've got a pressie for you.  So kind.  x
What did I get, some of her lovely chickens eggs, for cake of course and this lovely brooch she bought from another friend raising money for charity.  As I crochet she thought I'd like it.

Isn't it cute.  I have some real ones just the same as this in my kitchen just now and they smell lovely.

No more news from me today, I hope you are having a super Wednesday?  

I do hope to get in some crafting before the weekend.  Working again tomorrow but hopefully I'll get to play later!

Fingers crossed.  x

Where do you get inspiration from?

Good afternoon all and how are you?

I've had a good morning at work, another dine in starting today ready for the coming weekend and it's another good one.  Get in early to get more choice!
I was home for my boys after school and now I'll start around the home, with the hope and wishes that I'll get it all done soon, then later I can get in a little crafting.
Today I wanted to share a link from Youtube, where do you get inspiration from?
I love art journalling and canvasses and would love to improve my skills and be able to create something like this canvas.
Donna Downley sends me regular e-mails with loads of inspiration but this one today, by Stephanie, caught my I and I had to share.
WOW!  How stunning is Stephanie's work?
I LOVE this canvas.

What do you think?

Here's how Stephanie made it.

Doesn't she make it look easy?

I'd love to be able to create work like this, maybe this year I need to give it a go?
So what inspires you this Tuesday?

Now I just need to find the time to give it a go.
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday.  x

Monday, Monday, so good to me. What are you crafting today?

Good morning all, how are you this Monday?
I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend?

I had a busy day Saturday and much better than Thursday and Friday, but my wee one woke up at 1 a.m. Saturday morning and then I was up for work at 5.  I didn't get back to sleep unfortunately so ended up being such a lightweight and was in bed early, on a Saturday too!
Sunday was better after a good nights sleep with a lazy morning and then off to crop with my crafting buddies in the afternoon.  I had a play with my new Papertrey ink purchases but have decided some better quality felt is the order of the day.  I bought a job lot of felt ages ago and unfortunately when it arrived it wasn't the best quality, acrylic felt rather than wool.
It's fine for making things for the kids but you can't beat the real McCoy.  That sounds really bad but wool felt does die cut so much easier and also it sews up better too.    It's all about the quality!  ;)

Today I have a couple of CAS baby girl cards for you.  The first is for a lady who I've made a few baby cards for over the years, she always asks for this style and colour combination, I guess she is like me and loves clean lines too.

The lettering was done on my cricut and the little metal feet were purchased on line.
I did say the card was going to be clean and simple, didn't I?

The second card I made for her daughter and I actually made two of these, both for friends who were due the same day, they didn't go on their due date but actually both went into labour on the same day and both had girls.  How spooky is that?
Because of the similarities I made two cards identical but with the different names and weights on.

I have stayed with the theme, the die and stamp are by Papertrey ink and the metal embellishment was purchased on line.  Both cards are made with scraps of pink card and papers, with the lettering done by my computer.
I do love to personalise baby cards with dates, times and weights as I personally think it is a nice keepsake.  Well, it's something I would keep!
I have had people tell me they've framed them and popped them in the child's nursery in the past, which is lovely to know.

Lots for me to do today, I'm working the rest of the week again so housework, ironing and food shopping is the priority, I do have a couple of cards to sort too.  Time to crack on rather than sitting in front of my computer, it's the easiest way to lose hours in your day!
Enjoy your Monday and I'll be back tomorrow just a little later in the day.  x

Saturday crafty quotes, which one applies to you?

Good morning all, whilst I am busy at work I thought I'd share a couple of crafting quotes I have found on line again this week.
I'm going to start with good old stamping.  This made me smile.

My answer would always be to stamp, whether it be the rubber variety or the feet!
Once you've decided to stamp you need to then bare this in mind.

Oh confessions of a stamper!
How many times have you turned over and started again?!

Finally this is for all the material girls out there.

As if a crafty girl ever needed a reason for buying more fabric, my favourite one is the final one.  It says it all in my eyes. 

What is wrong with liking pretty things?  LOL.  

I don't really do handbags or shoes, give me paper, ribbon, yarn and material instead, thank you!

I've not had the best week at work this week but lets hope today is better, I'm guessing it won't be.

On the upside my nice new stash from the states arrived yesterday so I think I might play with it at the crop on Sunday, because I can!  Can't wait.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and I will catch you again, same time, same place next week.

Share and oldie this Friday, crafty style of course!

Good morning all, how are you this Friday?
Are you ready for the eclipse this morning?
I don't think I will get to see it as I'm in work, I'm sure it will look better on TV later.
Friday has zoomed around again so it's time to share an old project that you have made, just for the fun of it.  Today I have a spellbinder card for you.

For this card I have used:

Spellbinder dies:  Grand Big Scalloped Circles (Grand Nestabilities), Classic circles (Nestabilities), Parisian Motifis and Fancy tags 3 (both Shapeabilities).

Sentiments from Hero arts Anytime messages.

Card stock (great VFM) Nocturne Colorbok pearlescent.

Pearls from Zva creative.

Ribbon from stash.

I really enjoy making this style of card, letting the dies do all the work and keeping the colour combination quite simple.

If you would like to join me don't forget to add a comment so I know who is joining in and who to visit too.  I shall be plugging in later once home from work.

Short and sweet today as I'm away now to see what today brings, working again early tomorrow and then cropping Sunday with my buddies.  Enjoy your weekend.  x

Good evening Easter crafting time, Throwback Thursday style #7.

Good evening, oh what a day, you know the kind, bedtime can't come around quick enough!
It will be good just to get the day over and done.
Not a great day at work, fun and games after, a school report that could have been better and one burnt arm!
On a brighter side today I have decided to play along with the lovely Bibiana and her Throwback Thursday challenge.  This months challenge was to share an older project with an Easter theme.  Unfortunately I couldn't find a card, I don't make many Easter cards but I did find this.

 



I have used plain card stock inked with Distress Inks Vintage photo and Peeled paint.

The tag and ticket are from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology range fragments and adage tickets and the skull is from the plain grungeboard range.

The stamp is from the Andy Skinner Gothic range....I think the barbed wire is just fab and can see it appearing on a lot of my teenage boy cards. 

The sentiment is from Hero arts Anytime messages.

 

You can also join Bibiana here with a previously made Easter card, I'm afraid this is the nearest thing I have, but it's the taking part that counts, right? 

Throwback Thursday is open till Wednesday the 8th of April.

 

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Thursday evening, roll on tomorrow!  x

A little hooker interlude!

Good morning, get me being organised and typing this out for you yesterday!
Today I wanted to share a little something I made for my first post over on The Great Scheme of Things, remember the rose I showed you as a "work in progress" a couple of weeks ago, I finally got it finished and sorted.

A little break from card making.  I have used cotton yarn and the centre is wired diamonte, the sort a florist would use.  The underside has been finished with a circle of matching felt to hide all the workings and attach a brooch pin to the flower.
The lovely June has shared the rose on her blog Planet June.
This is going to be a gift to one of my pals at work after helping me out last week, as a wee thank you.

Over on our new blog The Great Scheme of Things we plan on inspiring you to try different colour combinations for your projects and cards, this weeks colour combination is......

Don't forget you can chat and show us your makes on the Facebook page too.
I look forwards to seeing your makes.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Wednesday, the middle of the week already!
I hope you find some time for crafting.  x

What do a birdie and a light bulb have in common, crafting time again!

Good afternoon, guess that's the morning gone then?
How did that happen?
If you are touch with me on a regular basis you will know that my wee man has been ill off and on quite a lot of late, still trying to get to the bottom of it but it's never just one thing is it?
This morning he had the trauma of having blood taken!
I don't have a problem with this as I have regular checks but to a wee man it was a very big deal, this mornings trip was all about having my best distraction techniques in full fettle!
Constant games in the waiting room and the promise of a quick ice-cream before heading back to school.
The poor dog had to wait for a later walk and was sat legs crossed when I got back.  Mind you the weather is beautiful again today and we've just had a lovely walk along the beach to the next bay.
Washing on the line and everyone else sorted I now have a wee bit of time before the wee man is home for lunch.

Today is my Uncle's birthday so this card was quickly put together yesterday, he is a big fan of golf.

 
A wee bit of tartan by Joanna Sheen, an oval spellbinder to create my green using sticky back felt, a hole punch for my ball and the golf hole and a wee bit of offcuts to create my flag.  "A hole in two!"

It was also my cousins birthday the weekend just gone, whoops, missed it, a perfect excuse to use this light bulb stamp that I bought ages ago but hadn't got around to using (that happens a lot in my craft room!)

This appeals to my sense of humour as quite often I do feel like the lights are on but nobody's home!

(I know you know what I mean, right?)

The stamp is made by Unity Stamp company, I first dabbed versamark on the black card and added Perfect pearls Interference gold to create a background glow.  Then I stamped and embossed the light bulb.  Finally matting and layering on coordinating cardstock.  

Now I know what you are thinking, if you did the glow first with the versamark did that not make the embossing powder stick all over it?  

The answer is yes it did so I used a fine brush to remove all power that wasn't where it should be. 

The next question, why did you not do it the other way around?

I did try that first but found the pearls also altered the silver of the embossing powder and the stamp didn't therefore have a clean outline.  Believe me it is tried and tested the first way worked the best. 

I love the glow of light making it look like the light is actually on which unfortunately at the weekend was not!  

As you move the card because I have used perfect pearls it alters with the light, that is why the card has been photographed at this jaunty angle.

Two cards, totally different techniques, and both very simple to create.

I have some extra Wedding invites to crack on with now and then a couple more cards to sort, then hopefully I will get on to some housework or ironing, can't wait!  NOT.

Enjoy your Tuesday, I'm in work now for the rest of the week but I do hope to blog too, maybe a little later in the day.  

I hope you have the lovely sunshine we have, it is really starting to feel like spring, it almost makes me want to get out in the garden and start weeding!

Steady on girl!!  

That would be a step too far!  x

Happy 16th birthday! A quick dash into my craft room required.

Good morning all, how are you this Monday morning?  We had bright blue skies first thing this morning but now the clouds seem to have arrived and it's gone grey.  Time to craft!
Lots to do.

My eldest boy hit the grand age of 16 today, I don't know where the time has flown.  I've been checking out some of his old photographs of late, how he has changed.
Mrs Organised as always I had a mad dash to my craft room yesterday afternoon to make him a card.
I don't know whether it is because I've made cards over the years but when shopping for a factory made one I am incredibly fussy and more often than not can not find what I am looking for.  To particular I think!
This is what I came up with yesterday.

The papers are by My Minds eye "Rock on" Good day Sunshine, the guitar is actually a keyring I have dismantled, numbers are done on my cricut and lettering on the computer.
He is music mad I think I've mentioned he plays a few instruments in the past, my favourite of course being the bagpipes as they are so quiet!

Two cards for you today!
I'm spoiling you!
This next one I made from his brother, I wanted it to look as if he made it.  Unfortunately he was too busy out playing yesterday to make it, I was commissioned to do it instead!

His favourite colour is red so I used Distress ink barn door with Tim's stencil Splatter's.  The black stars are a die from Papertrey ink and boysrock is an old Sizzlit die, with a little bling to finish then layering on coordinated cardstock.  

I had wanted to use my old Sizzlit die of a game station but could I find it now I've tidied my craft room, that always happens and is usually my excuse not to tidy.

I've just taken delivery of a surfboard and all the gubbins which is his present from us today but I must just show you his cake.  

The cake is an M & S one, I just couldn't resist, how cute!

He really wants to work with wild animals when he is older and has always shown an interest in animals, when little he had every little animal under the planet in plastic form and could tell you all about them all!

He could always be found with his nose in an animal encyclopedia.

Time for me to crack on with some more orders now, enjoy the rest of your Monday.  x

A Sunday post, it must be Mother's Day!

Good afternoon all, what's this, a post on a Sunday!
Time out for good behaviour.  ;)

Happy Mother's Day

To all Mum's, Mom's and Mother's I hope you have had a relaxing day and your children, no matter what age have pampered you?

I unfortunately live no where near my Mum or my Mother in Law but both have received gifts and cards today, if we lived nearer I certainly would have popped to see mine.  We've had a chat on the telephone instead.

I've been spoilt today having had a beef roast dinner (I only had to make the Yorkshire puddings!), I've had flowers, white spring flowers are my favourite plus CAKE!  

I've never had Mother's day cake before!  It was yummy.

I love how the daffodils have been made on the cake, must make a mental note of that and have a go next time I have left over icing to use.

I have spent my afternoon crafting, needs must I'm afraid, I have a building list of cards to make and I also have four family ones to do.  

Sad admissions of a crafter, I bought Mother's day cards at work this year!  #RanOutOfTime.

So very naughty I know but needs must.

As for my boys, I've not actually seen very much of them today.  It would have been nice to have done something together but the big one had homework and then a new game for his machine, no chance there then!  The little one has been out playing in the sunshine with all his friends popping back for feeding before dashing back out.  I would say I've had peace and quiet but every now and again the eldest picks up his bagpipes and blasts out a few notes!  Nice.

I can't believe my big boy is 16 tomorrow so I guess he is first on my list of cards to make. 

My middle name should be "if your lucky" or "lastminute.com" at the moment.  Oh to be Mrs Super Organised, a girl can dream!  One day!  Unfortunately I just keep getting worse.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the rest of today, I hope you had some sunshine too.  More from me tomorrow, I really need to show you my eldest boys cake, I know more cake, for his birthday.....it is fab!

It's Saturday again and you know what that means? Crafty quote time.

Good morning to you, I'm busy at work today, it's Mother's Day weekend and it's going to be a busy one.  Good meal deal, great gifts, cards and flowers, it should be fun!
Lets hope the weather is as beautiful as yesterday, #feeling like spring!

I have a few crafty quotes for you today to pass the weekend, I'm not sure if I've shown this one before but it always makes me smile, look what's going on in my brain!

No wonder I am tired!

This also made me smile.

I have to say the taste of some high fibre food, yarn has got to be better.

Finally I saw this on Facebook earlier this week and LOL. 

Don't you just want one of these hoodies?

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the weekend.  I hope you find time for a little crafting, I'm hoping to tomorrow.
To all you Mums "Happy Mother's Day" for tomorrow too, I hope you all get spoilt rotten!  x

It's Friday again, time to share and oldie, crafty style of course!

Good morning all and it is looking like it is going to be a nice day, I'm off work today so that's a good start.  I'm looking forwards to my walk once I've got the boys off to school.
Today I have a job lot of cards to make, orders for friends and then I have a wee treat later, a hot stone massage!  Mmm, looking forwards to that.

Did you watch the GBSB last night?
I have championed Neil all the way through the competition but thought he lost the plot a little last night.  I was surprised that, in my humble opinion, that the underdog won, Matt, but really chuffed for him.  On the day he produced the better garment.

Back to sharing an oldie and today I have this card for you.

For this card I used Spellbinder embossing folder Framed Petite labels together with Nestabilities die labels 21 and Shapeabilities die Fancy tags 2.  The key and lock are from the D-lites die Love locket.
To make the card I coated the folder with Versa mark ink and then put it through the Calibur.  I then coated  the card with Perfect pearls silver powder.  The dies were then placed on top and the sentiment from Inkadinkadoo Thoughts for the day was added together with a satin bow and pearls.

Feel free to join me sharing an oldie today, no prizes or pressure, just for fun.  It can be any crafty project that you have made yourself, sharing the love of all things crafted in the run up to the weekend.
All I ask if you are joining me is to leave a quick message below for purely selfish reasons, I can pop over to you place and see your work too.  I will comment on all.  x

Finally it only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming Mother's Day weekend, I'm in early at work tomorrow and expect a very busy/hectic shift.  I plan to chill on Sunday!  (Hopefully I might get a little crafting time too!)
Catch you soon and thank you for popping by.  x

The Great Scheme of things, crafting style of course.

Good evening all, how are you?
Another busy day this end.  I don't know where the time goes.
Today I have something new to share with you.

For those of you who have been with me for a while, you will know I contributed to another blog called "It's a Creative World."  Unfortunately due to other commitments we stopped posting last year. The good news is that we have all missed doing so, to cut a long story short our new blog starts very soon "The Great Scheme of Things."  You can also interact with us on Facebook too here.

We will be sharing lots of different crafty ideas, with different themes and colour combinations and even better we go live in 3 days!  Saturday is the day!
Don't forget to set your diaries and pop on over and to check out the blog.
You can also fire any questions or come over and join us on the Facebook page too.
There will be lots of different crafts to share and a super new blog.
I'm really looking forwards to getting my teeth into some new projects and sharing them with you.
See you there.  x

There was today, gone, so a little craft shopping required instead!!

Good evening, what a day!
Busy, busy, busy!
My day started well with me snapping my new bifocal glasses in half, through the lens, can you believe that?
I had a busy time in work getting ready for the new deal coming in tomorrow for the run up to Mother's day, a roast dinner for 4 for £20.  It's looking like another cracker.
I got home just in time to catch up with hubby and see how he was feeling, much better today and his "dicky ticker" seems to finally have gone back to it's normal rhythm, at last.
Then it was straight back to town to meet my eldest for his annual eye tests and chance for me to get my glasses sorted.
Luckily for me the opticians have agreed to replace my glasses but I've had to agree to a cheaper frame and lenses.  Not a bad deal.  I got them in August but didn't take to them for the first three months finding myself having headaches getting acquainted with bifocals.
By the time we had both been eye sorted, bought some tea and came home to make it, this is me now sitting down with a wee drink to relax and write this, so no crafting today.
I did manage a little crafty spend first thing this morning.  One of my favourite stamp companies at the moment is Papertrey ink and they had a lovely brand new kit out today with limited numbers.  Oh I just had to have one.

A little bit different but how cute is that?

I have loads of felt too so plenty to play with.

I now just have to be very patient and wait for it to arrive.  Play time!

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Tuesday, I'm bushed and away to relax.

Catch you again tomorrow.  x

What a weekend, there's only one thing for it.....let them eat cake!

Good morning all and how the devil are you this Monday morning?
It's a little dreich outside today, lets look and the bright side and hope it clears later in the day.
What a weekend this end!

I was on earlies at work Saturday so although I had an early start I was finished by lunch time.  My hubby woke me in the early hours Saturday morning to let me know his dicky ticker was playing up, which was received well when I get up at 5 anyway!
He didn't want to go back to A and E, quite frankly we've had too many visits there in the last couple of weeks, just to be told to go home and take it easy.  He'd leave it 24 hours to see whether is settled down, so whilst he had a quiet morning with the boys I went to work.

It was hubby's birthday yesterday and I got up with plans of baking a cake and starting a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.  That soon changed, after a discussion with one of his workmates and NHS24, mid morning we were driving to A and E for a check up.
He had a full birthday check up and was eventually given the all clear even though his heart is still not beating correctly, the advice being taking it easy, no excitement, no caffeine and no alcohol and see his own doctor today.  Scary!
He seems OK in himself just a little tired and has gone to work.
This has happened a couple of times over the last year, he has had check ups each time but nothing can be found that seems to trigger it.  Still at least he has had it checked out.

The eldest boy is doing well and had bounced back to full form very quickly, he is now just very disappointed he is signed off any sport for three weeks.

All in all an eventful weekend, I'm sure you'll agree?
So did I get the cake and roast done?
Yes I did but we had to settle for tea time and not dinner.
My hubby wanted a Victoria sponge cake but there lied a problem, having had a clear out when decorating the kitchen, as I no longer bake ordinary large cakes, preferring to bake muffins, I got rid of my tatty old cake tins.  I therefore had to do one large cake and split it.
I also don't like the sweetness of a Victoria sponge as well as butter icing so I used my muffin recipe instead.  A bit of an experiment!
It turned out to be a lovely light sponge but a tad crumbly to decorate, hence the appearance.  It was also done in record time and I was naughty and iced the top too.  Mary Berry would have given me grief for not leaving it long enough to cool before cutting it and she would be correct, but hay ho it tasted good and that's the main thing.
The photo was also taken with my mobile so I'm sorry it isn't the best quality.

I decorated it with little rice paper dinosaurs, for my old dinosaur!
I like to rib him about getting old!
I also had to open my last jar of homemade jam, shock, oh my, bring on the summer, more jam required!

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Monday, I am in work the rest of the week except Friday and Sunday.  I hopefully will get some crafty time in but first I have a serious mountain of ironing to get through and all the housework, better crack on.
Catch you later in the day tomorrow, have a good one.  x

It's the weekend, you know what that means time for some crafty smiles.

Good morning and again whilst I'm busy at work I thought I'd share a few crafting smiles with you. it is the weekend after all.

This one made me smile as I have reached the age where threading a needle can take some time.  I can remember back when my mum started to ask me to thread her needle for her as it was driving her mad.  I am now there!

Whether it is knitting or crocheting you are into I'm sure you'll agree there is always that selection of yarn you bought on a whim, either you liked the look of it or the feel or it was a bargain.  Then once you have it home it just seems to grow of it's own accord!  (You know exactly what I mean, don't you?!)

Finally this quote isn't craft related, yes I am running out of funny quotes, but I did feel it is a good attitude to have when being creative.  Not every project is a success but I love the thought of shouting "plot twist" then cracking on with something else.

That will really worry folk around you!

If they didn't think you are crazy to start with......oh well, all the best people are!

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, have a good one, don't forget to enjoy a little craft time.  x

It's FFFfriday again and time to share an oldie. #GBSB style.

Good morning folks, a little late today and no post yesterday, whoops!
A bit going on this end.  I had my eldest boys school trying to get hold of me yesterday at work, didn't find out till I got home by which time my husband rang to say he was at A and E with him!
Again!
Unfortunately at work we are not allowed mobiles whilst working for obvious reasons, normally I do check mine before heading home but I was late leaving and had to get home for my wee one.
It turns out he had concussion after a knock to the head playing football.  He was very tired and sick in the hospital so I am surprised they let us have him home but he seems fine.  I just have to keep an eye on him today.  He seems bright enough in himself, a quiet weekend should do the trick and no further sport for a fortnight!

With all that going on I fairly forgot the time yesterday I normally do my Thursday and Friday posts together.
I'm sure you'll forgive this once?

Back to today, did you watch the GBSB last night?
Were you as surprised as me as to who is left for the final?
I thought Lorna and Neil would definitely have been in the race till the end, I have favoured Neil from the start and I love Lorna's quirky side.
I was not surprised that Paul was out as unfortunately he had a bad week but I think I would have kept Deborah over Matt.
I loved the fact that they all made a leather jacket in a day, what I would give to be able to do that.
Brilliant work.
In honour of the GBSB today's oldie has a sewing theme.

Stamps:  PI Vintage Sewing and "Stitch" from Andy Skinner  A stitch in time.

Paper:  TH Idea-ology Kraft resist pad.

Ink:  Distress ink Black Soot and Rusty Hinge.

Embellishments:  Idea-ology Ornate plates and brads, Pearls by Zva Creative,

Seam binding, thread and lace from stash.

An early start again for me tomorrow at work and it's hubby's birthday on Sunday, I better get organised!

Have a super weekend guys and don't forget if you are joining me sharing an oldie today, leave a comment so I know to visit you back.  Sharing the crafty love in time for the weekend!  x

Baking with little helpers!

Good evening all, and how are you this evening?
It's a busy night here as I've mentioned before it's double drumming lessons, luckily for me M and S are running another great deal this week, 2 pies, 2 sides and a free bottle of wine or box of chocolates for £10.  The main meals are all from the gastro range, nomn, nomn.
As you may guess I've had a little help with tea #stuffed.com!

Today I've got another baking session to share with you.  I made these with my young man and the reason?  When shopping on Monday I was looking for a wee treat for the school lunch box, everything is laden with sugar or sweeteners, not to mention all the things with names you've never  heard of before.  It can't be good right?
Now don't get me wrong these aren't healthy but at least I know how much sugar and fat are in them.

Who doesn't like a rice crispy cake?  I use dark chocolate for mine, as it is healthier but they are a little sticky and shiny with a wee dollop of butter and golden syrup, not forgetting a few marshmallows on top.  Rather than putting them in cases as normal I opted for a slap and then cut them up after allowing to chill.  Little hands have so much fun making these and especially licking the bowl out!
Needless to say I came home from work this afternoon and thought I'd just have one with a cup of tea before the school run.  An empty box was on the work top.  I don't think anything homemade lasts more than a couple of days in this house!  (Unless it has sneaky vegetables in it!)

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the coming evening, I seem to be getting a square a night done on my crocheting by the time I have the boys sorted and the evenings jobs dusted.
What are you up to?
Catch you again tomorrow afternoon.  x

Creating a card with dies by Sue Wilson.

Good morning all, remember my wee rant last week?
I had bought one of the new dies by Creative Expressions, Sue Wilson's New York collection, Madison Square, and was having great difficulty playing.
Going on my experience so far the dies by CE are no where near the same quality as Spellbinder dies, but then I have been well and truly spoilt working with Spellbinders for PI.

You'll be glad to know with a little more perseverance I have managed to make a card using the above die.

I haven't had a wee play like this for a long time and really enjoyed it.  This card is navy and white and together with the die the sentiment stamp is by Papertrey ink Half and half set, pearls and ribbon from my stash.  This new die set from Sue's collections is lovely even if it is a tad difficult to work with, but I got there in the end.  Hopefully the more I use it the better it will get.

That's all from me today, optician appointments tonight after school and work, such fun!

I hope you have a super Tuesday and more from me at some point tomorrow.  x

A crafty weekend away!

Good afternoon all, how are you today?
Lovely bright blue skies and sunshine here today but it is cold outside, my morning walk fairly blew away the cobwebs!

How was your weekend?
I had a sneaky weekend away with my hubby and boys, can you guess where?

Hubby and I got married in this city 19 years ago this weekend just gone, in a very special castle!
We didn't visit the castle this time as we have visited on numerous occasions, this time we went to find this wee chap as my youngest boy had been learning about him at school.
I also popped my engagement ring, which I broke at work before Christmas, into the jewellers who made it, to be repaired.
We stayed at the Marriott hotel near the Gyle centre, close to where I used to work at Turnhouse, which has now all been demolished, very sad.  The hotel was very smart and the boys loved the fact there was a pool, mum and dad loved the jacuzzi and steam room!
We got the tram into the centre on Saturday and had a wander, watching the street displays and checking out all that was going on.
We didn't plan anything specific as everything we suggested to do, the boys weren't interested, I think next time we will have to go without them!
Still we had a good couple of days.  I loved the tram system, so worth the wait and very well done.
The only thing I found a little disturbing was all the beggars.  I lived near this city for 8 years about 20 years ago and I can't remember seeing any beggars.  The streets were littered with folk asking for change in all manor of dress, it was bitter cold too.
My boys would have bought each and everyone a cup of tea if we'd had the time and money.  Very sad.
The boys had a couple of disagreements over the weekend, as kids do, grrr, it was nice to bring it home to them how lucky they are!
Sunday we popped to the Gyle for a wander before heading back up the road in the wind, rain and snow!

On Friday I actually started to tidy my craft room.
I have thrown out about 4 bin bags of rubbish and there is still far to much stuff in the room.
On the upside I now have a desk back and a floor!
You know what that means?
I can walk in my craft room and actually craft!
Scary.
Hubby asked if I was nesting!  LOL.
A tidier craft room was that much of a shock to him.
I also had a bespoke 50th birthday card to make on Friday, it had to have a cat theme.

It is not the best of light to see the card but the cat and background are navy.

I am working the rest of the week except Friday and Sunday so I better make a move.  Food shopping done this morning so at least we can eat.  Now to crack on with the rest of the housework, washing and ironing, then hopefully I might get a little craft time later.
Enjoy the rest of your day.  x