Shades of citrus!

Good morning and how are you all this Monday morning?
First the weather forecast, yes I have noticed I always seem to start with what the weather is doing.
I do find it generally sets the mood for the rest of the day, don't you?
On the upside today it is sunny, not overly hot but it sure is nice to see bright blue skies.
How was your weekend?

I had a crazy busy day on Saturday at work, oh my was I glad to get home!  A hot bath and glass of wine later and I felt more human.  Sunday was as it should be relaxing, a good book, pottering around and takeaway for tea.
Sad but true I always regret a lazy day, why, well there is so much I could be doing to get ahead of myself for the coming week but I never go for it.  Where would be the fun in getting ahead of yourself, it just doesn't happen in my world.
Guess some days you just need to chill.

Today I am sharing the current challenge over on The Great Scheme of Things Facebook page.

This week we have the lovely citrus shades challenge from Karen Leahy, here is my version. I have tried something a little different this week. One of my crafting buddies popped in for some advice on Friday with some stamps I hadn't played with before. I was up for the challenge. The stamps are by Card-io Majestic, I have used Summer wreath, sweet birdhouse and A lovely friend. The idea behind these stamps is to make up your own backgrounds and features. I took the twiggy stamp and used the second stamped image (first stamp onto scrap paper and then use the second stamp on your project) with Distress tea die (for a softer effect), first at 12 o'clock, then 6, 3 and then 9. Filling in between to create a wreath effect. I then used Versa colour stamps to create the outer flower with Marigold and then Canary in the middle, finishing off with a pearl in the centre. The leaves were stamped with Bamboo versa colour, the outer leaf straight from the ink pad and the inner stamped using the second image stamp technique again. I cut the centre with a circle die cut (before adding the pearls!) and then layered onto matching cardstock. The sentiment was stamped onto the background layer with a Dark brown Versa colour. I then added a spotty olive sheer ribbon bow before gluing to a 6" square card to finish.

I've not used stamps specifically made to create scenes or your own image before, I have got a couple and I have done similar with dies and stamps not designed for the purpose.  I have to say it was very liberating, if not a little scary.  I can see how you could get carried away, the hardest challenge in using them is knowing when to stop!
I did really enjoy the process and thanks Irene for allowing me to have a play with your new stash, so kind.  I think you might have started something now.  It is very difficult to type sitting on your hands, trying to avoid the desire to pop on over to Card-io for a wee shop!
Why is collecting fine crafting products so addictive?  
Still I could be doing far worse.

That's all from me this Monday, I'm in work again for the next couple of days.  You know the drill, if I get super organised I will post early if not it will be later in the day.  I'm away now with the lovely task, my man mountain of ironing (I should have done it yesterday!) then a couple of bespoke cards are on the menu.  
Did you try anything new this weekend?    I'd love to hear if you did, clean versions only!  
Enjoy the rest of the day, happy crafting.

It's Saturday, get that funny bone out for a wee yarn!

Good morning all, how are you this Saturday?
It's that time again for me to share a few creative funnies that I have found this week.  This week I am feeling as if my crocheting has been taking a back seat so that is the theme today.

Firstly this has been me all week.

Stupid question really, don't you agree?
Why would you ever choose cleaning first?
I think in this day and age why do things not clean themselves, we have to!  Thus giving us far more time to craft.  A perfect solution.

This next one did have me thinking of Harry Potter.  My youngest bought one of the wands whilst in the States last year.  It is beautiful but I don't know when he will ever use it!

At least I get plenty of use out of my magic wands.  :)

Finally I know a few of you who regularly pop over here are cat lovers so this one is for you.
It really did make me laugh out loud.  I have to say on the scale of crazy I am nowhere near this.....I think!

I freely admit I am more of a dog lover personally but even I wouldn't do this to a cat.  The look on it's face says it all really.
I have seen this look before though, usually when I ask my children to do chores, before swiftly escaping to their bedrooms.

So it must nearly be the end of the summer as the X Factor returns tonight.  Lots of changes a foot by the look of things.  Will you be watching?
After a day in work I quite to switch off and watch something easy, the best bit is all the auditions anyway.
I know I can't sing although I did get a compliment today, I think it was just kindness or maybe shock.  I rang my bank and was put on hold, so sang along with the tune playing, only to realise too late that the music had stopped and a lovely lady was listening to me!
We did have a giggle about it.
You'd think someone would tell folk they couldn't sing before they audition for these shows wouldn't you?
Still it is the best bit.

I hope you have a super weekend, more from me on Monday.

It's crafty oldie time again, that must mean it's Friday.

Good morning to you and how are you this Friday?
I know I say this every week but this week does seem to have flown and to be honest I can't say I've made best use of my time.  Maybe I shall slowly get back to normal after the end of the school holiday.

Friday is all about sharing an old crafting project, just for the "crack" of it.  The only request I have is that if you are joining in you leave a wee comment below, not for my personal benefit but so I can also visit your blog and see what project you have decided to share.  Remember it can be anything at all that is handmade.  It is just nice to share the love of all things homemade.

This is my oldie for today and was part of a class that I taught back in 2011.  We had lots of fun stamping on to acetate, I guess you could say I am a hard task master!
Acetate can be notoriously slippery to stamp on to, you have to be clean, precise and confident when tackling it.  If at first you don't succeed, try again, it is amazing what solutions can wipe away the evidence so you can dry the acetate and have another go.

I have used black and white American craft textured card, Acetate, Martha Stewart punch Deep edge flower bed, Hero art stamps Anytime messages, bling by Zva creative and ribbon from stash.

Are you joining me today re posting an old project, I'd love it if you would.  I will visit all over the weekend to see what you have selected.

I am in work again tomorrow, an early start for me and no doubt it will be a very busy one as it is coming up to the end of the month.  It should make for a very quick day, but then all Saturdays are.
Have a super weekend.

A little personal number.

Good afternoon all, how are you today?
Bright blue skies here in the sunny north but a tad colder in the air.  Boo, do you get that feeling that winter is on it's way?  The mornings are certainly getting darker, especially the early starts for work.

I have been a bit slow in getting going today, I don't know why.  You know when you have one of those days where you get up all guns firing ready to take on the world and then you sit down to breakfast and fizzle out very quickly?  That's been me today.
I need a rocket to get going, if you find one, think of me.  It might just get me moving a bit quicker!

Today's card is a personal request from a friend.  She gave me an old photograph to go on a card and wanted the recipient to be circled in some manner.

I tweaked the photo a wee bit and tried different ways to do the circle.  In the end I thought this little brass ring did the trick as it didn't block out anyone else in the picture.
She said the family hasn't seen this so is hoping they love it.

Before I forget I didn't mention the stamp in yesterday's post and have since been asked about it.  If you don't remember it was the label for my jam.  The stamp is by Unity Stamp company based in America and it is called Premium Authentic Quality.  I thought it would be a perfect addition to any presents that I had made myself when packaging them.

That's all from me today, oh I so should be doing my housework right now but I'm really not in the mood.  I think I'll go and put tea in the slow cooker and chill out, maybe craft instead, you won't tell anyone will you?
My excuse.....not that I need one, hubby has been on nights and is currently sleeping off, I couldn't possibly make lots of noise tidying could I?  LOL.

Catch you again tomorrow, can you believe it's Friday again already, I better go and hunt out an oldie.  I think come September I might start with some Christmas oldies, I seem to have plenty of them from my demonstrating days.  Enjoy the rest of your Thursday.

I'm just jamming, won't you join me?

Good afternoon, how are you?
As I am posting this the heavens have just opened and it is absolutely dinning down.  I'm glad I am inside and not out walking the dog.

A late post for me today.
I had a wee health scare recently, it has been on my mind even though I have tried not to dwell. Today I had appointments over at Raigmore hospital after dropping the boys off for school to follow up on previous results.  The good news is that I have been given a clean bill of health.
Hurrah, to celebrate hubby and I enjoyed lunch out before heading back before school home time.

I mentioned earlier in my blog that I had been making jam at the weekend.
This coming years Raspberry jam is done and dusted and stored away for the coming months.

I didn't boil it as much as last year so I have a soft set jam this time.
Last year was the best batch I've ever made, I guess you could say I was a little distracted this year with the goings on.
It tastes good, which is the main point, I always like it with a bit less sugar than recommended so it is a little sharper than shop bought jam, more like fresh raspberries, if you get my drift.  Just perfect with freshly made scones and cream, nomn, nomn.
I so need to loose weight at the moment but I just love all the wrong things!

Talking of food it's The Great British Bake off" again this evening.  Are you watching?
I love it.
The only problem with the show is that you really have to partake in a little something naughty whilst watching, a scone or cake with a cup of tea is the only way.  I don't know about you but the show always leaves me feeling hungry.

That's enough from me, all this talk of food I better go and think about putting the tea on.
Enjoy the rest of your "hump" day.
I hope you have better weather than we have today?
More from me tomorrow.

Let's celebrate, crafty style of course.

Good morning all, how are you today?
I'm being organised this week and typing this on Monday for Tuesday, get me!
LOL.  I am not normally that organised.  The weather today is dark and driech with the definite promise of rain, let's hope tomorrow is better.

Today's card is again inspired by the lovely team over at Papertrey ink.  You know when you see a new technique you haven't tried and you think, I must have a go at that?  Or is it just me?

I have finally got some decent flat watercolour card, yes, Elaine finally I have bought some Acquarello and what a difference.
For this card I used Tim Holtz distress ink Cracked Pistachio, Fossilized Amber, Mermaid Lagoon and Abandoned Coral.  I cut my celebrate die out of a scrap of card and stick it before die cutting and then placed it onto my card rubbing down to make sure it is secure.  I then added the ink and water and left to dry before stamping "It's time to" and adding a little bling before layering on black card.
If you follow the link above to The Papertrey ink site the lovely Lexi has a you tube video for you to follow.
I enjoyed trying this and love how the ink just finds it's own way of blending, I had to resist the urge to try and keep it within it's block, OCD are us! 
I then had to leave it till it was dry before removing the mask.
Now I've tried this my mind is buzzing with other ways I could use this idea, thanks to Lexi for the inspiration.

That's all from me today, I better go and get some housework done and then I have a couple of card orders to sort.  Enjoy your Tuesday and more from me tomorrow. 

Now who's for an ice cream neapolitan style of course, and not what you think!

Good morning and how was your weekend?
I had a busy time Saturday morning at work and on the afternoon we popped to the next village along where there was a Viking event going on.  I was a little disappointed that I didn't find Eric the Viking from the True blood series but then you can't have it all!
Yesterday my best pal and I decided to go fruit picking on our own.  Both sets of kids usually come with us on our annual trip to get berries to make jam with.  This year none wanted to come so more jam for us!
We had a lovely morning out in the sunshine picking raspberries and strawberries, followed by refreshments at a local garden centre before heading home.  We had a peanut butter and chocolate scone each and they were yummy.
Once back it was lets get the jam making head on before tackling the ironing with occasional stops to enjoy the sunshine outside.
On to today and this week's theme at The great scheme of things is Neapolitan ice-cream inspired, yum, I have to admit I really wanted an ice-cream whilst making this card, thinking "Neapolitan!"  MMmmm.

I have matted and layered paper from Memory box onto brown cardstock, adding stitching detail before layering down. I then cut out Papertrey ink Birthday horizontal die in brown and layered on to white card, 3D foaming to the background. To finish I have added a brown photo corner, pink ribbon and some pearls.

Why not pop over and join us with a little pink, brown and white number?

That's all from me today, back tomorrow with more card making. 

Let's get those crafty funny bones tickled!

Good morning all, how the devil are you this Saturday?
I'm popping into work for a short shift as we're a little light today, it should give my lot chance to get up and organised but I'm pretty sure they won't.  It is a Saturday morning after all!

My Saturday posts are all about lightening the load for the weekend, hopefully they'll make you smile or even giggle.  I choose the quotes that make me smile, laugh or even provoke a little thought in the hope you enjoy them too.
Today for a change I am feeling a little like a material girl again!

The first one is for my material friends, Jan, Susan, Irene, Christel and Hayley.  How right is this?

LOL. 

This next one quote is on a doll, I think most folk could do with one of these at one point or another, it is a great idea.  

I wonder if they do a more masculine one too?

A super way to get rid of the tension after a bad day, don't you agree?

Everyone should have a Dammit doll.

This last one made me a smile, although not a material link I think it makes a great verse especially for an event where you know the person will be opening the card in front of others.

For all those times when you don't know exactly what to say.  

I love it.

I'm sure we've all had cards which could do with a verse like this?

Another fabulous idea.

That's all from me today, more thought provoking today than funny ha ha but I did think they were worthy of sharing.

Have a super weekend whatever you have planned and more crafty fun from me on Monday.  x

It's Friday, time to share another oldie for fun.

Good morning and how are you this Friday?

It's that time again, sharing an old crafty project for the fun of it.  I'd love it if you'd join me resurrecting an old project on your blog just for the joy of crafting.  All I ask is that you leave a wee comment below, that way I know you've joined the fun but more importantly it means I can pop along to your blog and check out your oldie to.  I will comment on all.

After yesterday's chilly post I thought I'd bring us right back to the summer months with a sea theme.

Today I have used Sugar Nellie image "Ocean's gift!" together with papers from DCWV The Linen Closet.  The sentiment stamp is by Stampendous and the image is coloured with Prisma pencils and Distress ink Vintage photo.  Wire, lace, pearls, ribbon and button are from my stash.  

Mmm my favourite colour combo, Kraft, cream and shades of teal.  In my eyes it can't be beaten, but then it would be very boring if we were all the same.

Plans for the rest of today really depend on the weather, the housework still awaits my approval as does the ironing, decisions, decisions!
I did actually have this weekend off work but have been asked just to do a short shift in the morning tomorrow.  It is holiday season after all!  
I believe the market is also on in Elgin so no doubt the town will be busy.

Do you have anything exciting planned this weekend?
I hope you enjoy whatever you get up to!  
I shall be back tomorrow to tickle that creative funny bone. 

Throw back Thursday......Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....just not right now as the sun is out!

Good afternoon, another morning has disappeared!
I now have a couple of days off before back in work for a short shift on Saturday so this morning I have enjoyed the sunshine.  Yes I know I should have been dashing around cleaning bathrooms and tidying the house.
When the sun shines you make the most of it in the North of Scotland and I am in the middle of a good book.  With this in mind I am afraid I say "boo" to work having instead enjoyed breakfast in the garden, a nice cup of tea and a very good book.  Bliss.

Today I have decided to join the lovely Bibiana over at Stamping with Bibiana for another Throw back Thursday event.  This month the request is anything technique bases.
Bibiana has shown the positive and negative use of dies, I had shared this technique at the end of July with my snowflake card so I have picked another card today.
This card, funny enough is still on the snowflake theme but I have used the die to emboss as well as to cut out, I have also cut into the die removing some of the arms.

For the card I have used Spellbinder Grand Nestabilities Scalloped square, the card is all from the Papeterie too.  For the snowflake background I have embossed the snowflakes from Shapeabilities Create a flake 3.  For the large snowflake I have used 2 Snowflake Pendant 2011 dies and 1 2010 Snowflake pendant and cut out in the centre with Spellbinder Nestabilities Classic circle.  I have layered them together and have removed the little bits in between the snowflake arms off.  The sentiment stamp in the centre of the Snowflake is from Kirsty Wiseman Worded baubles and embossed in Silver.  "Snow is falling" is from KW Many Greetings and is inked onto a Shapeabilities Fancy tags 3 but I've then cut the fancy bits off and added some bling.

I do like to play around with the dies, positive, negative, embossing, stencilling and then even removing bits.  Why just stick to a straight forwards cut, there are so many more possibilities available.  
The only thing holding me back is time, the imagination is still flowing it's just finding the time to catch up with all the ideas in my head!
It's maybe not a bad thing 'cause some ideas are probably better not shared!  LOL.

That is all from me this Thursday, I hope you have a good day one.   Is it sunny with you too?
Now the big question is, do I continue my lovely day with some crafty fun or do I knuckle down to the housework?
I fancy myself as a bit of a rebel today!

Time to move on with a new M & S job on the horizon.

Good morning all, two mornings on a row I have been organised, will this last?  Probably not.
I love it that the kids are always keen at the start of school term to get to school early.  I am making the most of it as I know it won't last!

Yesterday whilst at work I was asked if I could make a card for our manager who is leaving to another store.  They needed it today.  Yikes!  I don't normally do such a quick turnaround, I had to get my thinking cap on quick smart.
This is what I came up with.

As we are a Simply food branch of M & S I decide to stick with that theme.  I made up the carriers in the present colour combination at work, printing the logo on the computer then added random food buttons from my stash.  Inside reads, "from all the staff at Elgin Simply food."
Hopefully as it is an 8" card there shall be room for everyone to sign it today.

Are you watching the bake off again this year?
Looking forwards to seeing what happens later today.  Is it just me or do you feel the same way, I always want a "mighty fine piece"  (a fancy cake in local lingo) and a cup of tea whilst watching the bake off.  It always makes me hungry for something naughty but nice!

That's all from me today, back into work very shortly so better go and get some breakfast to keep me going.  Have a super Wednesday and more from me tomorrow.

Celebrate in style, CAS crafting style.

Good morning, get me being organised.  Most unusual.  Both my boys are away and my hubby isn't home from his night shift yet so I am having a few minutes peace before heading into work.
What a difference a day makes, it is really dreich and cloudy here today, a real back to school day!

This weeks challenge over on The Great Scheme of Things is to make something crafty using the colour combination lime green, black, white and silver.  This is what I came up with.

Now lime green wouldn't normally be my first choice of colours and I did have fun trying to find that shade.  I have lots of greens and none of them lime!
I recently received these stamps from The Papertrey ink,  Yes, I've been bad again, more crafty stash shopping, I can not resist!
Can you tell from the link above which card I really liked and why I bought the stamps?
Thanks to the gang at The Papertrey ink for inspiration.

I have matte and layered white card on to black but before doing so I stamped the dots and "It's your birthday" in green ink by Kaleidacolor, it was the nearest green I had to lime, and believe me I looked!
The stamps are from a new set released in June called Good times.
I have then cut out the matching die set "celebrate" in black card and 3D foamed to the card. Finally adding some silver stars from my stash.
I love the simplicity of these stamps and think they'll get a lot of use for CAS cards. Who doesn't need a quick card now and again?
I seem to need them all the time just now or maybe my style has just changed all together?!
Anyway I thought this card would be good in a whole manner of different colour ways so guess which other colour I tried first?

Yep you guessed right, I guess I'm so easy to read.

I used Distress ink Peacock feathers for this one and some small sequin stars for a change.

I can see me rattling a few of these off.  I do love it when you get new crafty stash that you know you are going to get plenty of use of.  It must be the Yorkshire in me!

Anyway time for me to go and grab a bite to eat before heading into work.  Have a super Tuesday whatever your plans, more from me tomorrow.

CAS congratulations you've done it, what a star!

Good afternoon all, gulp where did my morning go?
In my defence I have walked the dog, and a lovely walk it was too, it's a beautiful sunny day up here in the North of Scotland and the beach was empty again.
I've also had a move around in the garden.  It's all excitement here!
I have moved my garden table and chairs onto my deck and popped my lounging chairs on the patio to catch more of the sun.  I don't know why I did it but I just got the urge and it was well rewarded with my breakfast outside in the sunshine, so typical of the weather as it's the day before my boys are back to school.  You watch we'll get our heat wave now.
I have also been washing more uniform that I had forgotten about, I always get the usual stuff but forget the gym kit situation.  I guess I must work better "lastminute.com" as my BFF always says to me as I run around in a mad panic (she is always super organised), "yes but Erika, you always get there in the end!"
This is very true.
My boys are the same, both have sat this morning doing their homework, six weeks off and it is done the day before going back.

In all the fun and games of having no Internet I have forgotten what I have and haven't shared with you all.  Bet you are glad!
Upon making today's card I am sharing with you I remembered that I had forgot to mention exam results.  We had headed to my parents the day they came out.  My eldest was not impressed as he had not asked for them by email or text, which they can get nowadays, so was reliant on the post which never arrives here till mid afternoon.
My BFF came to the rescue and rang him whilst we were on the road, opening his results and giving him the news over the phone.  He was very happy with his results, he got 4 A's and 2 B's in his National 5 results.  His A's were in Maths, English, Chemistry and French, with B's in Biology and Geography.  Needless to say he was very happy with his results as were we.
My BFF's daughter did amazingly well too getting 6 A's!  Wow.  I had been looking for a congratulations card whilst away and nothing did her results justice so I decided to wait till home.
This meant that I'd have to make one quite quickly so I went with a CAS style and a little decoupage.
Now I am not really a big fan of decoupage kits but I do like to do my own version either with stamps or some of my fancy American clip art.  This is what I have done on this occasion.

I do very much feel that this is really cheating when making cards but I liked this cute image.
My clip art is by Pc Crafter, I don't think they are still running now but the used to make some really lovely computer art.
I have produced my card on the computer personalising it and then reproduced the image another 3 times on the same cardstock before cutting out and layering with 3D foam.  I have then added some Glossy accents to the apple and glasses to make them shine, you can't really pick that up with the photograph.  Finally I rounded my corners with punch.  CAS all the way.
The fun part is deciding what you are going to have as the background and working from there plus how many layers you really want to do.
I may not be a fan of decoupage but I enjoy the DIY version now and again for a change, it also gives stamp a whole new dimension too.

That's all from me today, I hope you are getting the good weather too?
I plan on sorting out the rest of the school bits and bobs this afternoon before another walk along the beach.
Back in work for me too tomorrow so better sort my uniform as well.
It will be good to get back into a routine again although I am not looking forwards to the up and out mornings.
I have enjoyed going back to bed with a cup of tea and reading for a short while in the mornings when not needing to be up.  Lazy I know but some days it's just nice to chill and nothing is better than a cup of tea and a good book.

Catch you again tomorrow probably a little later after work, unless I get super organised this afternoon.  Ha, if only!

It's Saturday time to tickle that creative funny bone again.

Good morning and how are you today?
By now I will have been beavering in work for a couple of hours and well into another busy Saturday.  As usual I have found a couple of funny quotes about crafting to share with you in my absence.  This Saturday's theme is crocheting, for a change!
My boys would comment on this first quote and then snigger uncontrollably.  I guess boys minds are wired differently but in honour of them this is my first funny today.

Plenty of balls here!  ;)

This next one I can't really add to.

Fairy nuff, don't you think?

Something definitely to be wary of.

Have you ever felt like this?

I have to admit I sometimes don't listen to a crochet pattern either.  LOL.

Does this really just mean I have control issues, probably!  

Is it a bad thing?

Who cares.

Finally this none crafty quote made me laugh so I thought I'd add it too.

Again, I needn't add more.  

Is it just my sense of humour or did you find this funny too?

On the bright side, back to school next week.  I can't believe that is the holidays nearly over, hands up who else hasn't done everything, sorry, anything from their to do list over the break?  ME!

Still if I was as efficient as my to do list there would be something very wrong.  

I certainly would be running a temperature at the very least.

That's all from me today folks, my gang are having a boys only day tomorrow and I plan to craft, craft, craft!  

Who will know?!

Enjoy your weekend.  

It's FFfriday time again to share an old crafty project.

Good morning, I hope this finds you fit and well today?

It's Friday and you know what that means, time for an old crafty post.  I'd love it if you would join me sharing an oldie for the joy of crafting.  It can be anything you've made in the past yourself, all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below so I know that you are joining in.   Basically this is only so I can visit you to, sharing the love of crafting, I'd like to see your old project too.  I will comment on all I visit.

Today I have a wall hanging for you.  This was made as a sample piece for The Papeterie in Aberdeen one demo day.

To make the wall hanging I have used:

Ranger Grungeboard bracket book

Paper Tim Holtz Ideaology Shabby vintage pink, American craft pink textured card.

Spellbinders nestabilities Labels 1 and 14.

Martha Stewart Punches:  Cosmos flower, Frond branch, Vintage lace corner punch, Lace heart edger punch, Scallop 2 dot edger punch.
Hero art stamps Anytime messages.
Ranger distress ink Spun sugar.

Zva Creative bling in a wheel & jewel brads.

Ribbon and bell from my stash.

I don't normally do pink!

It is most unusual for me.

I'm back to work tomorrow after quite a break, oh my, how will my system take to an early start?!

It might just be a bit of a shock to the system.  I guess the only bunny in my house tomorrow will be a very tired one come home time!

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for this coming weekend.  

Thank you for visiting today. 

Did you share with me? 

I hope so.  The more the merrier!

Catch you tomorrow with some funny quotes, what will I find this week?  

Finding funnies is definitely getting harder and harder. 

Lets hope I get a couple of corkers! 

Bunny hopping back into the land of the Internet at long last.

Good afternoon folks.
Well, I thought it would only be the kids that would miss the Internet but I'm afraid Mum did too.
I certainly missed blogging.

Whilst internetless we took the time to go and visit the family.  My Mum had been in hospital after a nasty fall and was a bit worse for wear but you'll be glad to hear she is now on the mend.
My brother also travelled up to see us, we haven't seen each other for over a year and a half so it was also great to catch up with him and the family.  His youngest now no longer a baby and definitely the boss of his two older children even though only a toddler.
I'd forgotten how hectic having little ones around is especially during the night!
Good fun.
My brothers children took to my kids like they'd only seen them a short while ago and Holly was also a very big hit.
We didn't do a great deal just enjoying each others company!
Trips to the local parks, a wee bit of shopping and looking after Grandma the order of the day.
A lovely BBQ's with friends we also haven't seen for a couple of years, meeting new additions to their family too.

Today I have the crocheted Bunny I started making a wee while ago, can you remember that far back?
As my friend had had a little boy I decided it was the perfect opportunity to get the wee rabbit finished and ready for a new home with baby Joao.

As it was for a baby I just stitched the facial features, the bow can be removed and the rest is perfectly safe for little fingers.  I even made a point of stitching on the various parts twice so that it would stand the test of time.  Hopefully!

I've already been asked by friends to make more, gosh I wish I could crochet fast.  A production line I am definitely not!  I tend to be more of a one off kind of girl, I certainly don't mass produce anything.

I hope this finds everyone fit and well too as I haven't visited anyone of late, I'm away now to catch up.
Don't forget to join me tomorrow sharing an oldie, I'd love to see your projects too.
That's all from me today, now to start all the holiday ironing or craft, that is the question?!

It's Saturday time to tickle that creative funny bone.

Good morning all, how are you this Saturday?
Boy its warm.  Summer is here!
I am busy finishing off another crochet project at the moment, I shall share it with you next week once it is completed.  It has taken a while but I am nearly there.
Today it is time to have a little crafty fun so here goes.....

I found this out this week on more than one occasion when I tidied my craft room.  Lots of yummy nice new stash to play with and I haven't even needed to leave the house.  Bargain!

This one is especially for my crafting friend Tina, who loves her scissors.  

I guess you could call it a crafters Russian roulette!

Now I don't know if I have posted this one before but it really made me giggle this morning.

You know you've spent too long in your craft room when........

Or in my case, this is the look a couple of weeks before Christmas when I'm madly trying to finish too many projects, wishing I'd started this month instead.

My final funny for today made me laugh so I had to share even though it isn't a crafty one, although I think you'd agree there is a certain amount of style in getting that on your washing line?

Ever had that feeling?
LOL.
I personally would say that if a woman was being that subtle at working out her anger stand well back because at some point she will blow.

That's all from me today folk, we've got a big BBQ this weekend, should be a good get together.  No other plans as yet but I might just get a little crafting in there too.  Enjoy and hopefully by Thursday next week, normal service will resume.  If not the Internet company will be getting a lot let subtle working of my anger!

Share an oldie this Friday with me, crafty style of course.

Good morning all, how are you this Friday?
Boy, this family are missing the Internet.  Who would have thought?!
Friday is all about sharing an old crafting project just for fun.  Won't you join me?
I will respond to all who leave a message below. 
Just so you know leaving a message is the only way I know that you are joining me.

Today I have another card for you but your oldie can be any item that is homemade.

A little teal and white number, how unusual for me?!  I do love that combo.

I have added teal ink with a dauber to the embossing folder from Kaleidacolour ink pad Blue Breeze, before placing it through the Calibur with card stock. 
Then I have mat and layered on corresponding card. 
The Spellbinder die with the sentiment on is Labels 21, which too has been inked before placing through the Calibur. 
The sentiment is from Hero Arts set Treasure the moments and ribbon from my stash.

Thanks for stopping by and for joining me in sharing an oldie this Friday.
What are your plans this weekend?
None here as yet but I have the weekend off so lets see what the weather brings.
Have a good one. 

MIA!

Sorry folks but I'm afraid I am MIA just now.  We foolishly decided to upgrade our internet connection on Monday and have been without internet since! 
I have had to pop to a friends house just to let you know.  I will still try and post Friday and Saturday but don't want to outstay my welcome by popping around everyday just to get onto the internet. 
How rude!
We have an engineer coming out on Thursday next week so hopefully we should be back up and running.  What to do meantime?  LOL.
It's amazing what you get done when you have no internet. 
All the housework and ironing is up to date.  Shock horror. 
I even think my craft room could be classed as quite tidy too.
Time for some family fun and maybe even a little crafting time.

Have a lovely week and I shall catch up again soon.

Monday morning and time for a little black and white number.

Good morning all, how are your school holidays going?
I have to say we're still waiting for some warm weather up here in the North of Scotland, we've had one good week so far this break.  It's been so lovely the last couple of days we've even put the heating back on in the evening, in August!
What's that all about?

Today it's my turn for a post over at The Great Scheme of things, with my colour combo, a little black and white number.  The blog hasn't been as busy as we would like so we are trying the Facebook page instead.  If you are looking for a weekly colour combo challenge just for fun why not pop along and join us?
Here is my version.

For my card I have cut a 6" card and then matte and layered with black then white pearlescent card, the white embossed with a A4 folder called Garden lattice. I have then cut Spellbinder dies Beaded ovals, labels 30,21 and 14, layering together with 3D foam. The sentiment added before layering and is from It's all in the words by Marion Emberson. I have then added a bow in black satin and some small black gems to finish.

Yesterday I actually decided to tidy my craft room (CR) as it was a bit like this.....

You know that feeling......

I know you're smiling as you too have had this problem. (Unless you have OCD, then you have the best organised craft room ever and I have CR envy!) 
Losing something I NEED is always the case in my craft room.  Still I have become very good at shaking it off and using something else instead but it can get a tad annoying.  
I have to say you'd probably think it is still a bit of a mess or cluttered, it is but now I have two desks and a floor.  The simple things make a crafty girl very happy.  Maybe my mojo might now pop out for a quick airing too.  I certainly found a few lovelies I'd forgotten I'd bought, the best thing about tidying a CR, I was very good and put them to one side too instead of getting distracted. 

That's all from me today, enjoy the start of another week.  I'm am starting to get my "going back to school" head on this week so may not be around as much.  For once I am going to try and be organised and get the kids kitted out sooner rather than later.  
Going shopping with boys is as nasty for Mum as it is for the boys!  
Both of mine hate clothes shopping so it could take some time.  Yaah!
Enjoy the rest of your Monday and happy crafting.  

It's the weekend, yippee, time to tickle that creative funny bone again.

Good morning all, I hope you are all well this Saturday.  I am in work today, no doubt it will be another busy one as it is another dine in weekend.  Whilst I've got my head down beavering away I thought I'd share these with you today.

I hope you can read these because they're funny.  When life throws stuff at you then get creative!

Now onto glue, what is your preference?

There are so many different types on the market.  One for paper, one for card, one for material, one for wood and metal, the list just goes on.   

Personally I'm thinking the crazy glue is the answer.  LOL.

Now do you occasionally get asked to make something and you really want to say no?  Are you like me and just don't like to?
Here are some great ways to practise being more assertive and picking the projects you really would love to do but more importantly binning which ones you don't want to do.

Finally I couldn't leave without sharing this last quote, I think it is because this contraption has not been far away from me this week.  When I saw this it just made me smile.

That sounds like most mornings in this house especially during the school holidays.  Do you ever get that feeling?
I think it's the nearest I'll get to surfing except of course on the world wide web!

Enjoy your weekend folks, I'll be back again soon with some more crafty exploits.