There's nothing more comfortable than an old pair of shoes. Joining Bibiana, Throwback Thursday style.

Good morning all, how are you today?
Bright blue skies here today but still a tad chilly.  Our walk on the beach this morning was fresh, the sea looking a bit rough or should I say great surfing weather?!
There was that definite salty sea air smell and every now and again the fine mist hit your face whilst walking past the rocks.  I certainly got a good blow dry this morning!

This week my eldest boy has started his study leave ready for his National 5 exams which start next month.  He has been really good and has gone to school the rest of the week but has decided to study at home today.  I shall be keeping my eye out as I think the draw of electronics might be too strong!
I also have my youngest off again complaining of chest pains, bless.  He was coughing like a sea lion earlier in the week so I am hoping he has just pulled a muscle, he can't be too bad as he is refusing medicine!  Still they've got a long weekend off from tomorrow so plenty of time for him to recuperate.  He just seems to get one thing after another at the moment.

Today I have decided to join the lovely Bibiana with her Throwback Thursday challenge.
She has shared an old shoe project so I have decided to dig out something similar.  These shoes were made for a Christmas demonstration rather than Mother's day but I thought why not?  It is a pair of shoes after all!
A girl can't have too many of those, can she?

For my shoes I have used;

MME Loss and Found Union Square papers.

Spellbinder Nestabilities Layered Poinsettia.

Sentiment stamp by PI Paula Pascual Essential Christmas.

Distress ink Vintage Photo.

Lace from Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin.

Beads from stash.

I'd like to give a big shout out to Stacy Cohen for allowing me to use her fabulous template for my demonstration which you can find here, together with some of her lovely samples too.

Why not pop on over to her blog for a wee look.

You too could join Bibiana with an old project, I am late joining this months challenge which finishes on the 8th of May.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the rest of your Thursday.  It's housework day for me, boo, hiss but then I'm off for the whole of the bank holiday weekend.  Yippee!

If I get my jobs under my belt today, hopefully I might get some crafting time over the weekend.

Catch you again tomorrow for my sharing an oldie.  x

Flowers, every girls tonic, crafty style of course.

Good morning, another day in work for me so another quick post before I head in.  It's a tad dreich here today but lets hope the weather improves later in the day.

I seem to have got back into my card making groove although still along the minimal phase this last week.  It is also evident in my craft room which is a tip again, a creative mind definitely isn't a tidy one.  Where would be the fun in that?
Today I have a wee tonic for all you ladies out there.  Who doesn't like flowers?

Did you pick up on my pun on words?
For these cards I have used Tonic die set Garden terrace, header set together with Papertrey ink sentiment die birthday.  I have layered on coloured cardstock and added a bit of bling.
Rather than used the tonic die as a header I have rotated it through 180 degrees and cut it twice on the same card.  Lots of detail going on and the different colour creates depth, the card is actually flat for postage.

That's all from me today, I'm away to get the kids off to school and have some breakfast before heading into work myself.  Have a super Wednesday, whatever your plans might be.  x

On your Wedding day, CAS style, of course.

Good morning all, and how are you today?
Another beautiful sunny morning here but still a tad chilly.  I have new working hours this week so into work soon.  I thought before I go I would just share this with you.

Can you remember I did a card recently in pink here, I did think then that it would make a good Wedding card in silver so here we have it.  The embossing plate is from Papertrey ink and the Mr and Mrs stamp is by Hero arts.
Just to recap I placed some embossing ink over the plate before embossing my card in my big shot.  I have then added silver pearl ex pigments with a soft brush and wiped of the excess.  The sentiment was embossed with silver powder, to finish I have matted and layered on corresponding card stock and adding a wee bit of bling.
Did I mention that I think this is my favourite embossing plate just now?
I love the subtle effect.

It only remains to wish you all the best for the coming day.  All the ironing completed yesterday, just a mound of washing waiting to be done now.....it's never ending!

I shall be catching up with you all later, what crafting are you doing today?

Another pigging Monday with a crafty twist!

Good morning all, another bright and breezy day here, what happened to the weather over the weekend?  Brr!  We got hail and rain yesterday but a lot of folk nearby got snow!  After the lovely temperatures during the week too.
It's lovely and sunny here today although there is a chill in the air.  Whilst walking the dog this morning we saw a feeding frenzy going on out at sea, unfortunately it was just too far out to see if it was the dolphins again but it was high tide, nice weather and lots of birds diving about, usually a good sign that someone is having their breakfast!

I had a busy day at work Saturday, then a quiet evening.  Yesterday as the weather wasn't the best we had a family film afternoon with popcorn and treats.  We watch Paddington Bear then The Hobbit Battle of the five armies.  Both are totally different films but both very good viewing.

Today I have man mountain, again, of ironing so crampons at the ready and some TV viewing taped to catch up on, first I have some cards to show you.
On Friday afternoon I decided as I was working Saturday I was having the afternoon off crafting, it's been so long.  I used to supply my local shop with a few CAS cards but of late with demonstrating, teaching and then working, I have found it harder to make time.  Friday was the day!

Firstly, sad but true Sympathy cards are always required, on that note isn't the news about the earthquake in Nepal horrendous?  Those poor people and how scary would that be?
It makes you realise how lucky we are here as it is not something we suffer from at this moment in time.

To the sympathy card, I am always asked for white lilies.

The lily is a digi image I purchased on line, the stamp by Marion Emberson gold embossed.
The die cut is by Papertrey ink and embossing folder by Cuttlebug.  CAS (clean and simple), don't you think, lots of white.  If you think that one CAS wait till you see the next.....

I love this pig, another Cuttlebug design, with added google eyes.
You really can't get any CAS that than, can you?

I always find on the card front that none crafty folk prefer a cleaner card with less going on.
Maybe that is just me?
Anyway, that is all from me today, crampons at the ready.......I'm going in!
Enjoy the rest of your Monday.  x

It's Saturday and time for a giggle or two.

Good morning all, whilst I'm busy at work here are this weeks, funny quotes that I want to share.
It is the weekend, after all.

I think that says it all don't you?
Basically enter my craft room at your own peril.
However there are always exceptions to the rule and this is definitely one of them.
I do think we could do something better than sort paper, cough, cough, wink, wink!
Like card making of course.  ;)
What were you thinking of?!*

Now I know why I have so much patterned paper, it's all the paper's fault!
Do you think hubby would believe me it I told him this?
I don't think so either.

Today I am going to leave you with this final thought..........

Aah, if only losing weight and feeling younger was that simple, fifteen minutes in the dryer!

I seem to have it the other way around, my clothes have been in the dryer and are three sizes smaller!

Time to get back on track before the summer, but why when you think about eating healthily do you eat more rubbish?

That's all from me today, enjoy your weekend and more from me next week.  x

Sharing an oldie, why, it's Friday of course!

Good morning to you all and it's that time of the week again where I encourage you to dig out an oldie from your blog and join in with me.  It can be anything you've made yourself and all I ask is that you leave a message below, so I know you are joining me.  I can then also visit your spot and leave you feedback too.
Without further ado, today I have something different for you, it's not a card but a scrapbook page.

When I was home all the time with my little one I used to get a bit of time to scrapbook.  It's something I never seem to get around to now.  This was a result of a scrapping weekend on the UK Scrappers website.  Every now and then they used to have a crafting weekend with lots of challenges and classes, this was one of those occasions.  I don't tend to visit the site now so I don't know if they still run these events.
The challenge was "Waterworks" and it was to scrap a holiday and include water.  I have used paper from Imaginisce A Shore thing, a sheet of bazzill, paint, plastic bubbles, fish brads from doodlebug and KI lace cardstock.

I don't know how I managed to capture this photograph of my eldest boy, right time, right place!

It is still one of my favourites and he is still very much a Water baby. but taller than me now, he has always loved being in the sea.

I guess you could say it's one advantage of living 5 minutes walk away.

Thank you for joining me in sharing an oldie today, it's really is great to see your work too.  

Another day in work for me tomorrow, on the early shift and no plans yet for Sunday.  

Enjoy the rest of your Friday and have a super weekend, whatever you are up to.  x

Catching the sun rays, crafty style of course.

Good afternoon, a little later post from me today.
Since having my gallbladder removed last year, some mornings are good, some are bad. this morning wasn't the best but feeling more with it now.  Luckily I had no plans this morning so have had a quiet one.  On the upside I seem to have mastered the bit of my crochet bunny that I was struggling with.  Whether it is right or not is another ball game, but it is a learning curve.

Back to today and another card for you using the gilding flakes and stick it.....I think this could become my new craze!

For this card I have used Cosmic shimmer gilding flakes Summer meadows, Stick it and Papertrey dies Wet paint cuts, Scene it Everyday dies and Basic backer.
I love the black and white aspect with the flakes as it really makes the image pop.
Here's the link  to Tuesday's post where I tell you how to work with the Stick it and gilding flakes.
You know you want to!

It started off real cloudy here this morning after having a couple of glorious sun shining days.  I did think that was all we were going to get, as the forecast is set to change for the weekend.  Happily the sun has made it out now and it's going to be another lovely afternoon.
On the cards for me this afternoon, well I could do some more ironing or some baking but I might just enjoy a little crafting, it would be rude not to, don't you think?
Enjoy the rest of your day.  x

The sky's the limit, it's a stick up, no room for flakes!

Good morning all, how are you today?
A little cloudy this morning but lets hope it clears later.
Today I have another card for you using the same technique as yesterday.

I have used Papertrey ink dies and stamps ; Blue skies and Blue skies rays.  DCWV Linen closet paper for the background, stick it and Cosmic shimmer Gilding flakes Summer meadow.

I love the effect of the gilding flakes on the sun rays, don't you?
I have shared the "how to" get this effect on yesterday's post, if you missed it.  It is great fun and really gives a different dimension to your cards.

So what's on the cards today, more boring housework, is it never done?  Never, ever!
Dog walking and drumming lessons, but I am also popping out for coffee with a friend I haven't seen in ages, so that should be more fun.  I also hope to get some crafting in later.
First I need to find some nice storage for under my new bed, hubby wants plastic I was thinking more fancy rattan baskets with a cotton lining.  I know the plastic would be more practical but boy they're just so ugly!  LOL.  You will beable see them so I want something pleasing to the eye, is that wrong?

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone, happy crafting and more from me tomorrow.  x

Stick it and gilding flakes, with a little Papertrey die thrown in....through the woods!

Good morning, another beautiful sunny day here, with no clouds in the sky again.  I am looking forwards to my morning walk when I finally get my little one off to school.

The new bed eventually arrived last night, hubby was getting a little worried that we might have been camping out for the evening!
In true M and S style the guys rang to apologise that they were running late, came in and set the whole thing up.  They'd been on the road since 5.30 a.m. and didn't arrive till 6 so tea and bikkies were the order of the day, bless what a long day.  Needless to say I am really happy with the new addition and enjoyed a good nights sleep.

Today I wanted to share this card with you.  This is a new technique for me although it has been around for a while.  So many different ways to play, you can't do them all, can you?
I am really happy with the results but lets see what you think?

Firstly I have used;  Papertrey ink dies In the woods and wet paint cuts (the sentiment), stick it, ribbon and Pebeo deco flakes in silver (same as Gilding flakes).

To make the card you attack the stick it to the card stock and the cut out your dies, carefully remove the stick it backing and then rub the flakes over the sticky side till fully covered.  It can be a bit fiddly but I like fiddly, apparently I am known for it!

This is a technique that Ken Oliver shared with us when he demoed in Aberdeen last year with a Christmas tree die.  Thanks for sharing Ken.  x

I love the multi toned aspect of the flakes.  CAS yet again from me.

My brain is already whizzing with ways I can use this technique, I think the favourite, which I haven't tried yet is to create a picture frame with my Spellbinder dies, watch this space!

That's all from me today, I've got the dog to walk and then some food shopping this morning.  What will this afternoon hold?

I still have some bits to sort in the bedroom, our other bed had storage under it, this one doesn't so I need to find space or boxes elsewhere.  I didn't get any crafting in yesterday as I pulled out my crampons and tackle my man mountain of ironing, so surely today I will get chance?!

Have a good day whatever you are up to and more from me tomorrow.  x

Clean and simple personalised cards. Less is more!

Good morning all, the sun is out and the sky is blue, even though it is Scotland there isn't a cloud in the sky, to spoil the view.  No rain here!
It is definitely feeling like spring today.

Did you have a good weekend?
I had a busy dine in day on Saturday but then a quiet evening with the family.  Yesterday I got together with a few of my crafty friends and had a play with my new yummy stash.  I shall be sharing what I made later this week.
To start the week off I was asked to make a couple of clean and simple lined cards for a lovely lady who is turning 60.
The first I was asked for a handbag.

It doesn't get much cleaner and simpler, does it?
I have made the bag myself using scraps of Tilda paper, ribbon, wire, a pearl and handbag charm.
I quite like this style of card just now, there would have been a time when I would have thought it too minimal but isn't it funny how tastes change?!
Embracing change!

The second card needed to be A5 size as it was from all Dianne's work colleagues, for this one I was asked for a big 60.

The butterfly die and stamp set are by Papertrey ink, funny old thing, they seem to be my FAVOURITE stamp company just now.  The lettering has been cut on my cricut machine and then embossed with a floral cuttlebug die.  Then I've added a wee bit of bling to finish.  

What are your plans today?

I am spring cleaning our bedroom which is a pain when it is so lovely outside, bedding in the machine, hoover and cloths at the ready.  The sooner I crack on the sooner I can get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  And the reason, apart from the time of year?

This afternoon a new bed is arriving from M & S, yippee!

Can't wait.

Hopefully I will get some crafting in later too.  Well it would be rude not too!

Oh and on a final note I did really enjoy playing with my new stash yesterday, trying a new technique too, I can't wait to share with you all.  Enjoy Monday, back again tomorrow with some more crafty fun! 

It's Saturday, you know what that means? Crafty funny time.

Morning all, it's the weekend again.  A day in work for me today so time to share a few crafty funnies in my absence.

Hazel I think you mentioned printer problems recently so this one is for you.  Do you ever get this feeling?  My printer has one speed and doesn't ever go faster, but it can always go slower.

This second one is definitely me, why be organised when you can have a last minute dash/panic, where would be the fun in that?

This one is a seasonal funny but it did make me laugh the most yesterday when I was looking for "funny quotes!"
I therefore had to share it.

The funniest part of the above quote is I had this wrapping paper too but never thought to check it, I guess that makes it even funnier, don't you think?

And finally today this one also made me smile.

I was once told you should carry a notebook around so if you have a brilliant idea you can jot it down.  I think this is a great idea but you then need to find the time to put the idea into action.  If I acted on all my bright ideas I would be awesome so guess it's good that I don't and remain on the variable scale of normalness!

Have a super weekend all whatever your plans, crafty fun for me tomorrow afternoon with my pals, can't wait.  Catch you all soon.  x

Share an oldie, crafty style this Friday.

Good morning all, it's that time again....FFFriday and time for an oldie.
Please feel free to join me sharing an old crafty project, just for the fun of it, all I ask is that you leave a comment below, that way I know you are joining me plus I can pop over to your blog and leave you one too.  All for the love of crafting!
Today's card I am sharing is this one.....

For this card I have used:

Paper:  Tim Holtz Kraft resist 12" pad, American craft black textured card stock.

Stamps:  Andy Skinner Flight of Fancy and Word Up.

Inks:  Ranger distress inks Crushed olive, Vintage photo and Black Soot.

Spellbinder nestabilities:  Labels 14.

Embellishments:  Tim Holtz Tissue tape, Game spinner and Sprocket gears. 

Wool from stash.

I saw this idea for a box card over on Shari Carroll's blog, although mine is very different the basic structure of the card is the same. 

This is a 3D card that folds flat to post providing you don't add lots of embellishments. 

This is a little different to my usual style of card just now.  Lots of inky fingers making this one if I remember rightly.

It only remains for me to thank you for joining me today, have a super weekend, I hope you find some crafting time.  I have a bit of a treat this afternoon, a hot stone massage!  Can't wait, it is so relaxing.

Tomorrow I am on a later shift at work, another dine in day so it will be a busy one.

Then on Sunday I have my monthly crop, I'm looking forwards to it.  I think I shall be packing all those lovely new dies I showed you yesterday for me to have a play with. 

Have a super weekend, more from me tomorrow.  x

AWOL from crafting but that doesn't stop a fine collector of crafty stash!

Good morning and how the devil are you this morning?
Did you miss me, LOL.
I've just come home from a lovely walk along the beach, not another soul on it, except my four legged friend.  The sun is out, the sky is blue, there are plenty of clouds, well it is Scotland, you can't have everything!
Just as I walked along past Daisy rock, to top my morning off something out at sea caught my eye.
Yes, I had my very own dolphin display team.  #lovewhereyoulive.
They were so close to the shore, fabulous, I never tire of seeing them, truly magical.
I think they should be described on the the National health for uplifting your mood, today is going to be a good, productive day.  (You heard it hear first!)

Where have I been?!
I had another busy and productive day at work on Saturday but Sunday, oh no I was super lazy.  My husband's pal had recommended a TV series to me on iplayer, that he thought I'd enjoy.  I thought well it wouldn't harm to watch an episode whilst everyone else was still in bed?  Would it!
It was addictive, with the bare minimum of mummy jobs done I watched the whole first series, a bit dark and scary in places but I did enjoy it, and the program "Penny Dreadful."
Then Sunday evening would not be the same without a visit to Cornwall for the delights of the wonderful Poldark! ;)
Monday and Tuesday I was in work and we had music lessons and a school visit, so they passed so quickly.  I did sit down late evening and think oh my gosh I haven't blogged!
That feeling soon passed with the thought I'm sure no one will miss me for a couple of days.
Yesterday I had a long awaited trip to the hairdressers, how quick does the day go with that trip and a few jobs under your belt, followed by tea out and then band drumming practise.
When my husband is working longer shifts, the week goes so fast, as I am picking up everything, he quite often takes the dog or the kids to various activities.  It does make a big difference to how much free time is available.
Today is going to be different as I am starting off crafting, I have a couple of cards to make and then it's on with the housework before back to maybe have a play with these beauties.....

Confessions of a crafter;
I appear to have a little bit of a Papertrey ink addiction at the moment!
Gosh!
I might not be getting much crafting in but I am certainly finding a wee bit of time to add to my very fine collection of crafting products.  I can't wait to have a play later, how quick can I do the housework?!

It's oldie time again tomorrow, how did that happen, I'd love it if you'd join me.   x

Share an oldie, it's FFFFFriday! Crafty style of course.

Morning all, how are you this Friday?
Another beautiful day yesterday, I had some shopping to do first thing, getting the boys geared up for going back to school then I spent the rest of the day in the garden.  New plants in, I know a little early.  I was going to let them grown on in the conservatory for a couple of weeks but hubby said go for it.  Will he be correct?  Time will tell, at least it is another job off the to do list.
I continued with my crochet last night, I now have a body, head, two arms and one foot.  I have reached a point with the pattern where I am thinking eh?  Stuck.com!
I was beginning to feel confident that I was managing to work the pattern, so it has bitten me back!
Hopefully with a little more thought I will get it sussed later today.

Back to today and a little Spellbinding card for you , I may have shared this one before, mmm, can you remember?

For this card I have used the following Spellbinder dies;

Edgeabilities Classic triple scallops, Shapeabilities Labels 2, Fancy tags 2 and Nestabilities Beaded ovals.
The paper is K & Company Poppyseed Shimmer 12" pad.
Sentiment is Marion Emberson stamps It's all in the words.
Seam binding and pearls from my stash.

Just my colour combination and a whopping 8" card.  Not a size I usually make.

Feel free to join me sharing an oldie today, it's just for the fun of it and the love of crafting.
I only ask that you leave a small message below so I know you have joined in the fun, I will visit everyone who does.  It can be any crafting project you have made in the past.  I look forwards to seeing your projects too.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, I'm back on earlies at work tomorrow morning, the holiday is over!  Boo.  As for today, some more gardening, a little housework and then hopefully some more fun in the sun!

Fun in the sun!

Oh me, oh my, what a glorious day it has been.  I hope you've had the sunshine too?
No crafting for me today, lots of wash, wash, washing, which can only mean one thing....another huge ironing pile!
I don't mind the washing it's the latter that should be banned.  LOL.

No crafting yet today, I've also been out gardening, doing a little light deadheading and cutting back ready for the new years growth.  Then this afternoon we've been down to the harbour at high tide for the boys to go dooking.  It was a little chillier down the front with the breeze, but still beautiful.
I took these from the harbour looking back on the beach.

High tide time but still just a little beach to show.  The sea looks a little choppy but it really is nice to see the good weather returning.
I was watching a flock of seagulls far out to sea in a large group circling, there was definitely something else out there feeding.  It is just a shame I couldn't see what it was, bet it was dolphins feeding.  They have been about lately with the lovely weather, it's high tide and it's lovely, usually the two requirements to see them.  It's a shame the sea is just a little choppy or I would have had a better view.

No crafting as yet today but hopefully later this evening I might get a bit more done on my present project.  I better go and find something for tea now, two very hungry kids after jumping in the sea all afternoon.

Time to play with my new crochet project.

Good afternoon all, well today's plans didn't work out.  We were supposed to be heading to Edinburgh for some family fun time but I seemed to be the only one who really wanted to go!
Why waste good money?!
As the weather has been so good over the weekend the boys have been dooking everyday in the harbour then they've enjoyed a football match with the other kids in the village.  It's amazing the difference a week makes, last week we had snow, this week glorious sunshine.  You can't say we don't get variety!  I prefer this weeks weather, it almost feels like spring!

Today I thought I'd share a little more of my on going crochet project.  It seems to be taking time but it is the first animal I've really made, except for a simple owl last year.

I have a body, a head and an arm.  Can you tell what it is yet?

I hope you had a super Easter, I didn't get an egg either but I have two boys who love to share and plenty of little bags, bought to bake with, which might not make it to that point!
I'm back to work on Saturday so I still have a few days left to relax and enjoy.

Have a super Tuesday, whatever you are up to. 

In the great scheme of things.....handmade is best!

Good morning all, how are you today?

Another lazy morning here, at this rate spring cleaning will be doing itself.

On Friday last week I had a post over on The great scheme of things and it is this card;

It is made using a Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Classic favourites stamp set. I have stamped the dragonfly with Navy memento ink and coloured using copic markers BG10 and 34,BV02 and 08 then V15 and 17. I have mat and layered on coordinating cardstock, purple and aqua and added a little glitter using Stickles Diamond and Distress stickle Tumbled glass for the dragonfly body. Finally I have added a Hobby house ocean aurora embellishment.

This is last weeks colour combination, should you wish to join us there is a new combination this week. 

I have to admit I had to move this card away once I got to this point, do you sometimes find that difficult?
I so wanted to add a 3d layer to the wings with transparent paper.
Step away from the card and keep the simple lines! 
I don't know about you but when I think Tim Holtz stamps I never think clean lines preferring to go grungy and or inky.  This time I wanted to do the opposite to what I would normally, if you get my drift.

No plans as yet for today, but I'm sure I shall come up with something, have a super Easter Monday.  x

Happy Easter all!

Good morning to you all and a HAPPY EASTER!
It's a beautiful sunny morning here in the north of Scotland, not a cloud in the sky.
The Easter bunny has been and the kids are munching their way through an egg as we speak.  I was boring and made them get dressed and have breakfast first!

Today I have my BF and family over for Sunday lunch and a few Easter treats then I'm hoping for a nice walk later if this weather holds up.  The beef is cooking as we speak, smothered in treacle (I prefer it to lamb).  I now just to get myself organised and in the zone.

I did plan on a little baking this Easter, I have still to make my Easter muffins but with the amount of chocolate in this house I think tomorrow will be a better bet for them.  I did however do the statutory Easter basket crispy cakes.

A nice simple job to do with the kids unless their gannets and keep pinching the mixture and the eggs!
Needless to say these didn't last five minutes.

Remember I said I lost my new crochet book, then I found it?
Well, as I wasn't working yesterday I enjoyed a wee trip to the local wool shop where I bought enough wool for at least three projects.
I started this one last night....

Can you tell what it is yet?!
I will keep you updated.  I finished this bit last night and started another bit.  The plot thickens!

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Easter, have fun, enjoy time with the family or friends and don't eat too much chocolate!  Lol.

It's Saturday, time for some funny quotes to lighten the weekend, Easter style of course!

I don't know about you but this Easter I may need to lighten the weekend, on the account of all the chocolate eggs that may be consumed.  Back to being good on Tuesday!
On a normal Saturday I tend to post a few crafting quotes or funnies but as it is Easter I decided to stick to this theme instead.  Here is what I found.

What else can I add, dogs like bunnies!
It's just the look on his face, why have chocolate when the real thing is so much better!
Or it could be that face where you think the dog is thinking, too late mate, what you going to do about it now?

Then there's these two....

Both of which made me smile.

This final one however, is my favourite because I see it all the time with my boys.

Maybe I am approaching things in the wrong way, if I lay a chocolate egg on all the boys dirty pots, washing, wet towels, coats and toys........then maybe they'd feel different about finding things and tidying up.  I think I've just had an epiphany!  Well, it is Easter!

It's Friday again, time to share an oldie.

Oops nearly forgot sharing an oldie today, in my defence being off work does something to your brain and for a brief moment I didn't know what day I was on.  Oh it's holiday time and the brain has switched off!

As today is Good Friday it wouldn't be right if I didn't share an oldie with an Easter theme.
These are real, real oldies and a little something I made for a school Easter fayre.

Sorry it's not the best picture but I think back then my camera was not as grand as it is now.  

The wee bags and bunny faces were made using my cricut machine and the poem was done on the computer and made into tags.  Inside we have, of course, chocolate raisins.  The poem goes;

I'm running short on eggs this year

My chicken flew the coop

I'd give you something better

But here's some bunnies poop!

Good pocket money sellers and a little something different to a chocolate egg.

I'd now like to take the opportunity to thank those of you who join me sharing an oldie on a Friday, it is really lovely to look back at yours and my progress in the crafting genre.
It is all just for the fun of sharing your crafting, in order that I can visit you I would be grateful if you leave a wee comment below and then I can do likewise for you.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this Good Friday, have a super Easter weekend.
It's fish for us tonight, some traditions you stick with, some you don't, this is one I always do.

More from me tomorrow.  x

Now for a little hand sewing, a change is as good as a rest!

Good morning all, how are you this Thursday?
It is a beautiful sunny day if not a little on the chilly side.
Can you guess what I decided to do yesterday?
I wimped out going to the auctions and stayed in the warm to craft.  I had a really enjoyable afternoon but why do we always feel guilty when there are so many other things we should be doing?
I've had a really lazy week so far, so I really need to get my "bum"in gear and crack on with some spring cleaning.  It really isn't my favourite thing to do, but I do love it when it is done and dusted, so to speak.

Yesterday I got my new wool felt out, my new die set from Papertrey ink "Sewing staples" and decided to have a play.
This is what I made.

The first picture is the front of the scissor case and the second is the back with the scissors in.  All bits are hand sewn.  I really enjoyed making it, I am drawn to fiddly things and all those wee dies were fun to cut out, no problems at all with the wool felt.
It was quite time consuming to make, making more might be for special people only!
LOL.  Or whenever the mood takes me.
When I showed my boys they said "Very pretty but why cover your scissors, Mum?
To which my reply could only be, "Because I can!"
They just don't understand why us crafty folk are drawn to make "nice" things just because we can!

Now to plan the rest of my day, a nice walk in the sunshine with the dog and maybe a little ironing to start with.  Then will it be spring cleaning or crafting that wins?!
I know what I would put my money on if I was a betting person.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday.  x

A little less is more creative time.

Good morning all and how are you this cold and snowy April afternoon?
I guess I should shout out "white rabbits!"
I think my boys have forgotten it is April fools day today, phew but one of my pals did get me on Facebook first thing, well done Ali, I fell right into that one!

My plans for today......
I was hoping to make it to the auctions soon, then to the garden centre to get some plug plants for the garden.  The snow and howling gale, I have to say, are putting me off leaving the comfort of the warm house.  I could stay in and craft!*

This morning I decided to have a play with an embossing plate I purchased quite a while a go from Papertrey ink, I just haven't got around to using it.
I have made a minimal birthday card for my brothers partner, it is her birthday later this month.  Get me being organised!
She likes minimal cards and is a big fan of pink.

I have used embossing powder direct to the plate and then added a similar product to perfect pearls, which I've had for many, many years.  I have then matte and layered in corresponding card stock and added pearls to match.  The sentiment and die are by SU.
How about a close up...

I like the uneven coverage of the powder obviously dependant on where the ink sits.  It is just a shame you can't see the pearlescent shimmer that you get on tilting the card, it does give a whole different dimension but it is difficult to pick up with the camera.

I think this would be lovely in silver or gold for wedding or anniversary cards but then you could use it for almost any occasion if you dress it up accordingly.

I guess you could say 6 months down the line, I am happy with my purchase!

That's all from me today, enjoy your Wednesday, oh and I nearly forgot, I found my book so now I just need to order more wool.  Catch you soon and happy crafting.  x