Saturday, October 31, 2015

It's HALLOWEEN time to scare you with my funny bone!

BOO!
Morning, how are you this Saturday?
I'm off this weekend and am planning a bit of a spooky day and I am hoping to have a couple of  helpers but only time will tell.  I like to bake at Halloween just in case we get visitors later.  Now what to make?
I also like to have a few sweetie bags made up for younger visitors, I shall be doing that at some point too.
Do you do anything for Halloween?

On a totally different theme I'm also hoping to catch the new Bond film at some point.  Mmmm Daniel Craig the best Bond EVER.

It would be rude not to have a Halloween theme for today's funny quotes. 
Here goes, these are the clean ones that made me smile.   There were a couple that really made me laugh out loud, not suitable for my blog, as it might blush!
For this first one I was thinking a Halloween version of the Great British bake off.  Why use a wooden spoon when you could an electric whisk?

 
I also wish I'd thought of this on Friday. 
 
 
I could have used it at a very valid excuse for not doing the weekly chores.  Maybe next year? 
I wasn't very sharp on that front as I could have had more time to craft.
 
Finally, I am not recommending the next quote but it did make me giggle.


 
That's all from me today, I hope you have enjoyed my seasonal funnies, I hope no one scares you later today.
 
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
 


Friday, October 30, 2015

It's that time again, sharing an oldie this Friday, crafty style of course.

Good morning, how are you this Friday?
A day off work for me today with lovely plans...ironing, housework, yawn, yawn.  The sooner I get my jobs done the sooner I can craft.
Those of you who join me know the drill, but in case there is anyone who doesn't, today is all about sharing an old handmade project on your blog to show how you have progressed with your crafting.  It can be anything you have made yourself, feel free to join in, the more the merrier.  All I ask it that you leave a wee comment below, purely for my benefit as it means I can visit your blog and see your project too.  Lets share the love of all things crafty.
My project today is a vintage style Christmas card that I made a couple of years ago with one of my favourite dies, the poinsettia.

 
For this card I have used Spellbinder dies Gold labels four and Layered Poinsettia.  The leaves are a Martha Stewart punch, the paper is by Docrafts At Christmas, the sentiment stamp is from Woodware Wishing you, with bling and ribbon from my stash.
I think this card has a real Victorian feel to it and I love the black and red together, not normally I combination I would think to do.

That's all from me today, I'm beavering away in the background with the promise of more time to play with my new stash as the reward. 
It is amazing how quick you can work when you want to do something!
It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the coming weekend.  I better go and see if I can find some more quotes to share tomorrow. 
Happy crafting everyone and thank you if you have joined me I really do enjoy seeing your work. 

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Let it snow and sparkle.

Good afternoon all, a little earlier post for me today, although I have a wee dog sat at my heels, who would rather I was taking her to the beach.  That's my next job.
Today I have a Christmas card for you, shock horror.  Are you sitting comfortably?


I have used one of my stencils from Imagination crafts together with some Diamond sparkle medium to create the outer frame in Kraft.  The sentiment stamp is white embossed and is by the lovely ladies at Unity Stamps.  I have created a white frame to separate both craft layers, then finally added a "job lot" of pearls.  I started off just placing a few random pearls but I've kept going, even looking at it now I am thinking, oh I could get another one or two on.  Step away from the pearls!

I think I am going to like this stencilling idea!
Though I might refrain from as many pearls next time.
This is my colour combination over at The Great scheme of things this week, kraft and white, why not pop over and join us?

I hope you have had a good day so far?
I've had a busy shift at work, time now to walk the dog and then start the tea.  I think this evening I might relax or crochet.  We were planning on going to visit 007 but I might just leave it till the weekend.  Can you believe it is Friday again tomorrow?  Where does the week go?  I better go and dig out an oldie to share with you tomorrow.
Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Diamonds are forever!

Good evening, doesn't the day fly by fast when you are having fun?
Another busy day, a repeat of yesterday really and again by the time tea was on the table it was dicky dark.  Is it just me or have we suddenly been plunged into darkness?
It was dreich today here, grey all day, a good day to be busy at work.
Time now to relax.

Now my BFF and I both love very minimal cards just now so when she recently asked me for a diamond anniversary card I had my LIS head back on.



With my bling rings I have used Spellbinder Fancy framed tags two to create the focal point of the card.  A CAS WOW card if ever I saw one.  I don't think you could get more minimal.
I prefer to call it clean and fresh!  ;)

Do you enjoy a minimal card?
I seem to be quite addicted to them just now.

That's all from me today, another day in work tomorrow then off till next week.
And relax!
Time to catch up on the housework, ironing and very certainly a wee bit of crafting with that fine new stash I purchased at the weekend.

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.


Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Have you ever been so tired?

Hi folks so it was a late post from me tonight.  I don't know where today has gone and I have just sat down to relax
In the run up to Halloween at the end of the week I thought I'd share this with you today, it did make me smile.  This is how I am feeling tonight!


I did have a card to share today unfortunately the lighting had disappeared before I could get chance to take a photo.  I guess winter is on it's way and I need to be even more organised.
Today has been a normal busy day but the time has just flown.  I got my lot off to work and school and then delivered a couple of poppies on route to work.  The poppies to be posted have been sent too except for a couple of folk I'm still to hear from.  After work I picked my boys up and then the youngest needed to pop back to town, he was most disgusted that I managed a little food shopping at the same time!
Home to make tea and tidy round, nothing out of the ordinary I hear you cry but it's nearly nine o'clock, time to round my two up for supper.
On that note I must leave you, here's hoping I have more hours in the day tomorrow so I can share a little crafting with you. 
I've even had one of my stencils and some glitter out!

Have a lovely evening, back tomorrow. 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Can you tell where I was at the weekend? Crafting heaven is a clue.

Good morning and how are you this bright and sunny Monday morning.  Back to normal here with boys at school and hubby at work, dog walked, washing machine on and a couple of bespoke cards under my belt now to face the rest of the day.

Thanks again to all you lovely ladies who joining me on Friday sharing your old crafty projects, I do enjoy looking back at all your makes.  I hope you all had a super crafty weekend, I did!

Can you guess where I was?
Here's your clue......


If you were there you would have seen this.  It was huge!

On Friday I went down to Edinburgh to Ikea for a browse.   Mmmm that cost!
I love Ikea.  In fact I spent more there than I did at the place above, have you guessed yet?
In Ikea I got some lovely new bedding, new cutlery (mine is looking a bit tatty now but it is 20 year old and funnily enough from M & S, so doesn't owe me anything), square picture frames and then lots of bits and bobs like napkins, lint rollers, candles, stocking up on useful items whilst I got the chance.
After Ikea we headed over to the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, now you know why!
We had a lovely stay at the Crowne which is right next to the SECC.  It was very busy as the world gymnastics was on at the centre and all the athletes were staying at our hotel.  Lots of little people from all around the world, I felt very tall in the lift with the gymnasts from Japan!  Apparently the British team were doing really well but we didn't have tickets to get in.
Instead we enjoyed a nice relaxing swim and jacuzzi at the hotel followed by a lovely meal.
On Saturday we got up and had a big breakfast and I headed to the Christmas and craft show whilst the boys went for another swim.
I enjoyed a quick whizz around the show, there were some lovely gifts and lots of crafty stash but I was on a very tight schedule.  This is what I managed to purchase in my couple of hours dash.


There was just so much to choose from I didn't know where to start!
I finally purchased a striplet die to play with, it just had to be Christmas at this time of year.  More gems, which always come in, I love the itty bitty tiny ones.  Then the rest was spent with Imagination Crafts with their stencils and sparkle medium.  I am not normally a sparkly person but at Christmas it would be rude not to.  I was hoping to play with all these yesterday at my crop but I finished off my poppies first so ladies I will be in touch with you over the next couple of days, hopefully they will be with you by the end of the week.

I really enjoyed my time at the show, I could have stayed a lot longer but that is the downside of having two teenage boys with you.  Still they enjoyed their weekend away too, they managed an airsoft shop whilst I was left at Ikea and enjoyed the pool at the hotel.
That's all from me today, I'm at work tomorrow and Wednesday, will I be organised and post early or later?  That is the question.
Enjoy your Monday and happy crafting.  x

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Have you got your crafty funny bones at the ready?

Good morning to you and happy Saturday to you all.  
Happy for me, but you'll have to wait another day for the explanation.  Intrigue!
These are my choice of the funny quotes I have seen on social media this week, I hope you enjoy them too.


I think the first quote has come from my husband on more than one occasion, but I am not getting a larger craft room.  I'm sure if I went away he'd hire a skip and remove some of my stash.  He just won't know what to keep and what to get rid of.  Keep it all that's what I say!


I need to remember this quote I think it might come in useful.

Finally I really need to make one of these signs for my craft room.  It did make me giggle.


I think added music as you open the door will really add to the effect, something like this..........




Or maybe a warning "enter at your own risk!"  
Do you think your craft room should come with a health warning?
Mine should.  ;)

That's all from me today, have a super weekend.  I'm busy today and then cropping tomorrow, so a busy couple of days.  
More from me on Monday, oh I nearly forgot "happy crafting."

Friday, October 23, 2015

It's FFFFFriday, time to share another crafty oldie with me.

Good morning and how the devil are you this Friday?
Time again to share an old crafty project with me, just for the joy of crafting.
Today I have found another box card for you, remember I gave you the measurements last Friday to make the card, a few of you mentioned it was a style you had not yet tried.
I'm sticking with the Christmas theme as I seem to have so many old festive cards to share, I must have had so much more time on my hands before working, when the boys were smaller.

Back to the card.


For this card I have used;
MME Loss and Found Christmas 6" paper pad.
Martha Stewart punch Doilly lace.
Crackle glaze and Stickles Diamond with StazOn Timber Brown.
Distress ink Tea Tye.
Stamped images from Inkadinkadoo Winter Wonderland and sentiments from PI Kirsty Wiseman Many Greetings.
Spellbinder Shapeabilities die Ribbon tags trio.
Finally ribbon from stash.

I love MME papers don't you?  
If I remember rightly this was the first time I had played with crackle glaze, I love the effect of broken glass.  
Do you remember back to "inches" too?  The little square stamps were really fun to play with.

So ladies and gentlemen I'd love it if you would join in with me and share one of your old crafty projects.  All I ask is that you leave a wee comment below then I can pop on over to your blog and see what you are sharing.  It is the only way of knowing you are joining me and I like to share the fun of crafting.  

As for the weekend I have something up my sleeves tomorrow which I will share soon so my visits maybe later than normal.  Have a super weekend whatever you are up to.  More from me tomorrow.
Crop on Sunday too, I think I might just have to start my Christmas cards.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Less we forget, hooking style.

Good afternoon, getting there with my poppies, I now need to find my pin backs, anyone have any idea where I have put them?  Me neither!

I tried the sugar starch on a trial piece of crochet and didn't like the finished effect so I am thinking of going back to my original plan of using spray starch.  Then it is just the backs and boxes left to do.
If you mentioned you'd like one of this years poppies I have a note of your name and shall be in touch once completed in full.
Thanks again to you all for you support, it means a lot to me, especially after watching DIY SOS last night.  I just feel not enough is done for our armed forces especially those affected by mental/physical injuries coming back from conflict.


I must just add this comment if anyone has just landed here having not read my earlier posts about making these poppies.  I make a limited number every year with a slightly different pattern, ALL the money donated goes to the British Legion.

Back to today, I have one card order under my belt but another still to do.  Then I think I should really feed my lot, a late breakfast makes for a late lunch.  As for the rest of the day, I have no plans as yet, I shall see what the day brings.  Enjoy your Thursday.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Sticking it at ya!

Oh my, I must not be feeling well.  The reason why?
I've been in my bedroom all day cleaning out cupboards and my wardrobe.  
I might just be sickening for something!
Still lots to do but I thought I'd have a wee break and talk "Stick it" with you.
A few of you mentioned in feedback yesterday that you haven't yet used the product.  Oh my ladies, you don't know what you are missing and those of you who love your intricate dies really NEED this product, honestly.  You can trust me.
This is what I am talking about, the lovely Ken Oliver swears by it too.


You can get it in A4 or A5 side, it doesn't really matter what size you go for as I tend to trim mine down to fit a project.  
Basically you decide on the die you are using and cut a bit of stick it to match the size of the card you are cutting out.  It is sort of like a large sheet of double sided tape only much better.  To die cut you remove one side of the backing paper and attach to the card before putting through your die machine. Once the die is cut (it comes out of the dies so easy) you peel off the other side of the backing sheet and attach the die cut to your card.  
No more struggling to glue the back of those intricate dies.  It makes life so easy.  
But you don't stop there, you can add Stick it to both sides of your card before die cutting and then you have a sticky front and back.  
Why would you want that I hear you cry?  
Well, you can then peel back the front and add glitter, foil, Gilding flakes etc.... just imagine the possibilities and no waiting for anything to dry!

If you look at my card from yesterday I have glittered the lightening after sticking the die to the card and remember this one that I used the gilding flakes on?


I've also seen it used with foil to create lovely works of art.  I was looking for a link to share but can't find it just now, but keep watching this space as I have the glue, the material and the foil, I am just waiting for the perfect frame and then I shall be having a go myself.  
Another case of watching this space.  
There are just never enough hours in the day!

I am busy making my crocheting poppies just now I have 10 made except the backs I like to add a wee bit of felt before sewing on the badge, to finish them off nicely and I still have the boxes to make.  I also have another 5 to sew together this evening.
I am now on a time scale to get them all finished and I also have a couple of card orders I need to make.

I better go and finish what I started earlier, you know when you start a job and then wonder why?  
Still it needed to be sorted.
I hope you are all have a lovely Wednesday, the weather is beautiful up here, bright blue skies and sunny with a lovely warm breeze.  It is perfect drying weather, hence my washing machine has been on all morning too.
Catch you tomorrow with some more crafty fun, don't forget next time you are out craft shopping to pop a packet or two in your basket of Stick it.  You won't regret it.  

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Time to have a striking birthday!

Good afternoon and how are you this Tuesday?
I hope this finds you well?

Yesterday's film night went very well, the new Jurassic film certainly follows on the story, you are just waiting for everything to go horribly wrong.  It still manages to make you jump in places, I am so glad I didn't go and see it 3D in the cinema, I think I'd have been hiding on the back row in parts.
The boys made me smile as when we went to Florida last year the Jurassic ride was one of their favourites, what I didn't like is that there was a technical issue (just like the film) and they left you sat in the dark in your jeep.  Now you know you are not going to come to any harm but you can't help but think of the film and start to worry slightly that all is not as it seems.  It is brilliantly done if not a tad too realistic.
Needless to say we all enjoyed the film and varieties of popcorn to munch.

Back to today and this morning I have been playing, sorry crafting with a set of new stamps and dies from Papertrey ink.  I bought them earlier in the year and have just not got around to opening them, you know how it is!
This week's challenge over at The Great Scheme of things is grey, white, teal and kraft, or that is the colours that I took from it.
Here is my CAS card.


The stamp and die set are called So Striking.  I have used grey Memento ink and Black soot Distress ink on the cloud and then die cut it.  The lightning and word "striking" have been die cut card with "stick it" on each side, then attached one side to the card and Stickles Platinum fine glitter to the other.  Stick it makes the job so much easier, have you tried some yet?  If you use dies a lot you will wonder what you did without it!
The raindrops are in DI Peacock feathers and I have edged with DI Tea dye before matting on grey paper and white card stock.  Finally I have added 3 gems to finish.
The wording stamps I got with these pack are great and I also bought another pack so expect to see a few more weather related cards heading your way in the not too distant future.

My plans for the rest of the day, I have some sugar starch on the stove as we speak to try on my poppies and snowflakes later and then I really should do a little tidying and hoovering.
Once that is all done I am hoping to drag my youngest away from his gadgets for a little fun and sticking!
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday.

Monday, October 19, 2015

A work in progress.

Afternoon and how are you this Monday afternoon?
I hope you had a good weekend.  A few jobs under my belt and all my ironing, whilst watching the rugby and shouting at the TV.  On the crafty side a few more poppies under my belt too.

Remember last week I mentioned having some crafty fun with my youngest?
This is what we got up to....


My mum gave me some painted wooden pumpkins just recently after clearing out one of her cupboards, as I didn't like the finish on them I decided to give them a crafty makeover.  I don't very often do a little decoupaging but I thought it would be a fun activity during the school holidays and that my wee man could help me.
They're a work in progress as unlike girl helpers, boys (in my world) only have a limited concentration span.  I am hoping to get him back on task at some point this week.  We have 9 pumpkins in 3 sizes to finish, one side on each is now finished and dry hopefully the other side will get done tomorrow.


Although my wee man enjoys getting clarty he did find the pumpkins a little fiddly so decided to leave me to finish them opting instead to decorate a larger wooden letter.


He picked some tartan and thistle napkins I had purchased a while ago for just a project and set to work with his initial.  I think the bigger project was more enjoyable, with one side completed and left to dry I just now need to wait for the perfect timing to suggest completing the other side!

When the children were small they used to really enjoy crafting with mum, the eldest is "so" past that age now, I am enjoying what little time I have left with the wee one.  It doesn't seem so long ago that I had them both sat up at the table potato printing, making lots of mess.  Doesn't time fly!
Happy times.
What crafty things do you or did you get up to in the school holidays?

That's all from me today, I better go and feed the family.
We have the new Jurassic film for viewing tonight with popcorn.....family film night ahoy!
Catch you again tomorrow.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

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

Good morning and how are you this Saturday morning?
The weather has been lovely this week, clear blue skies with a slight chill in the air just to remind us the time of year.
I do love the weather like this, clean and crisp but sunny.

Back to crafting and it is time to share a little creative fun.  These are the quotes that made me smile yesterday.


Isn't is amazing how your crafting supplies just grow and grow?
First one small box to play with, years later a room fit to burst. 
A fine collector of crafting supplies!
It is most certainly addictive.
Where do all my supplies come from?!  ;)

Who knew before starting crafting that glue could come in so many varieties?


How many do you have?
They may not all be sticks but they will definitely "stick" what you want them to.
Glue for paper and card, glue for material, glue for wood, glue for metal....the list goes on, dry glue, wet glue, glue dots, tape! 
The right glue for the right project, who knew there could be so many varieties, and all are NEEDED.


Back to the increased crafting supplies. 
As the supplies increase so does the creative messy, sorry I mean creative design space.  My portal varies in creative clutter, some days it's hell!  But that is just how I like it, how can you be creative if everything is neat and tidy?


Even when it is tidy I only have to start another project and it is soon a hive of activity or as the above quote says "a portal to hell!"

That's all from me today, I hope you have enjoyed my choice of creative quotes, have a great weekend whatever you have planned. 

Friday, October 16, 2015

It's snowing today, oldie style this Friday.

Good morning to you and how are you this Friday?  Where did that week go?
I'm sure time is speeding up and no one has told me.  Ever get that feeling?

It's Friday so you know what that means today I share an old crafty project with you.  Why not join me too?
I'd love to see your old projects, just leave a wee comment below and then I can link over to you and share the joy of crafting.

My project for today is a little cold, still looking at festive cards, how about a little snow?

 
And from a jaunty little angle so you can see the box effect.



I have used Core-dinations card stock together with MME 12 days of Christmas.  The snowflake die is Create a flake 4 and the sentiment is by Kirsty Wiseman Many Greetings.  Bling and ribbon from my stash.

Did I mention that I LOVE this colour!  


This card is 5 x 10 1/2" in size and it has a 1/2" spine down the middle.  On the front of the card I have scored two inner squares, the outer 3/4" and then a further 1/2" in from that point.  The squares are then cut across the diagonal and folded back to make the frame.  I then attack a 3 1/2" square to the inner box and on the reverse inside the card to hide the workings.  Time to decorate!

Have you made a box card? 
I don't make them very often but do enjoy the process when I do. 

It only remains for me to thank you for joining in with me today, I shall visit all that let me know you are playing along. 
I look forwards to seeing what oldie you have on offer.
Wishing you all the very best for the coming weekend.  No plans here, as yet but we are always lastminute.com when organising to do something.    Have a good one!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Neigh not time to be horsing about!

Good afternoon and how are you today?
A new settee and chairs last week ordered for Christmas, a new carpet this week.  I think my hubby is going to need a strong drink later!
We'll look all tidy for Christmas and we're having no visitors this year.  What a shame.

Back to crafting and today I have a card that one of my friends at work asked me to make for another of my colleagues.  She is very into her horses and riding and having already used my horse stamp previously for a card she ordered I needed to come up with something different.


The rosette comes off the card, as does the silver pin badge so I like to call it a gift card, with a little something to keep at the end of the day.  The rosette was printed on my cricut and the papers are from DCWV.
Vikki I hope you have had a great birthday and enjoy the time off with your folks.  x

Very short and sweet today, I'm away to put another layer on my pumpkins and to walk my wee dog.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, oldie time again tomorrow.  Happy crafting!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Today's question can you create a frame using a strip punch?! (A question all papercrafters are asking themselves) ;)

Good afternoon and how are you this Wednesday?  It's the middle of the week already, doesn't time fly when you are having fun.

Yesterday's crafty session changed slightly but I think my youngest eventually enjoyed it.  I ended up decoupaging the pumpkins and he preferred a bigger project choosing his initial.  I always think decoupage is a great project to do with kids whether you use napkins or tissue paper with PVA glue and a model.  It is nice and messy and not too precise, a perfect combination!
Our projects are definitely a work in progress so today I have a card to share.


I took a Stampers Anonymous butterfly and coloured it with Distress inks and then I got to thinking!
(Always a dangerous pastime!)
I wonder can you use a regular strip punch to create a mitered frame around an image?
Why would you want to do this with all the die cut shapes available on the market nowadays I hear you cry.
Not everything is the right size, wouldn't you agree?
I think there is an opening in the market for something like this, an adjustable frame to finish off your projects that you can change as required?!
Now there's a thought.
I should have kept it to myself and madly gone into design mode.  Hey ho.  I'll never make my fortune.
I used a regular EKSuccess punch called plaid.  Now I know the corners are not perfect but I think with a little more playing about it gives a whole other use for those old punches that you haven't used for such a long time, you know the ones, at the back of the cupboard.
Or is that just me?
I cut out four strips of card the same width and punched them, if I had spent more time I'm sure I could have matched the corners a little better but you get the general idea.  I attached the strips to the back of the black card only securing in the middle.  This is so when I mitered the corners I could have a little flexibility in the corners to cut the strips on the diagonal.

My challenge to you today is why not give it a go yourself and see what you come up with.
I'd love to hear from you and see your projects.

I'm away to the auctions now for a nosy and then maybe a little more project time with my wee one in-between a little housework.

That's all from me today, happy crafting.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Let it snow, hooking style.

Good afternoon another late post for me today, well it is the school holidays.  Food shopping under my belt today and a little reading, I have now promised my youngest that we will do some crafting together.  I did say Christmas decorations but I have just come across some Halloween blanks shouting out to be decorated.  I wonder if he will like my change of plans?

At the weekend when I was crocheting I also decided to try a couple of snowflakes using thin cotton and a 2.0 hook.  I don't normally try something so delicate but here goes.



The patterns that I followed from this book;


It also suggests that I starch them to give them a more rigid feel.  Gone are the days when I had spray starch in the house, it was a staple in my Navy days but it is something I no longer use.  Guess who forgot to buy some whilst out shopping this morning?
Ironing and starching will have to wait for another day, I also thought a very fine iridescent glitter might be nice too?  What do you think?
In the book they're used as a Christmas tree decoration but I am planning a garland similar to the one on the front of the book.  That's the idea anyway.

It's my Dad's birthday today, it was a mad panic at the weekend to get something sent to him, I am so disorganised just now.  Luckily M & S to the rescue and dare I say a well known card site.  Yes I know how bad am I?!
I don't know what is going on just now but I am certainly not focusing on what I should be.
A wee blip so to speak.  Let's hope normal service will resume shortly!

Monday, October 12, 2015

Less we forget......crafty style!

Afternoon already and the start of my holidays, I have great intentions of doing a lot of sorting out this week, a little crafting and plenty of jobs, not to mention some time with the family too.
How did my morning start, a cup of tea and my next book in the Outlander series, I am a complete nightmare once I get my nose in a book!  Especially a good book.

A busy day at work was had on Saturday as things start and ramp up to the festive season.  
Yesterday a few jobs under my belt I decided to start a couple of new crochet projects.

Every year at this time I make a limited supply of poppies for Remembrance day next month.  Now I know some people make them and profit from them, I couldn't do that being x-forces.  I provide my time and all the stash required at my own cost and all the money that is donated for them goes to The British Legion.  
I think with the background both myself and my hubby have it is ingrained early on in your career that it is a charity to be supported.  Put it this way if you didn't display a poppy on your uniform at this time of year you were in trouble.  Some things just "stick" for all the right reasons!
I haven't decided how many I am making this year but I set to yesterday designing this years effort.


It is very similar to some designs on the web but has been adjusted slightly for my own benefit.
Having placed my work in progress on my Facebook page with a note, leaf or no leaf. the overwhelming response was with leaf with immediately orders for four.  Thanks ladies!
Now I suppose I need to get cracking and make more and then I think a wee box to put it in may also be required. 

I hope you had a good weekend?
Did you enjoy some you time or some crafting?  I hope so.
That's all from me today, back tomorrow with some more craftiness.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

How about a bit of a yarn this Saturday?

Good morning to you and how are you this Saturday?
It's that time of the week where I pick a few quotes in order to tickle your creative funny bone, it is the weekend after all!
I will be at work so I picked these for you yesterday, this weeks theme is crocheting.


This made me smile.  I have visions of  a stunt man in my head sat crocheting, it made me smile!


Oh me oh my, this one could appear to be a little sad but then only a crafter would understand the excitement that is created with a new product to stroke.  All none crafters are now thinking out loud "weirdo" meanwhile all crafters are nodding with agreement.  Am I right?  I hope so. 

 
This one really made me laugh today, why?  Well it is very true in this house.  I always sit in the corner of my front room to crochet, next to my daylight lamp and table.  Looking around my room now it is the only table that is cluttered, hooks, felt, thistles finished, balls of wool, scissors, crafty books and magazines....need I go on?
You get the picture don't you?
I like the logic, if the dust can't lay on the table that's one less job to do! 
More time to craft.

That's all from me today, I do hope you liked my choice of quotes this Saturday.  I shall be working then enjoying the rugby today, then I'm off for a couple of weeks.  Yippee.  As we have no real plans I am hoping for an influxes of creative mojo! 
Enjoy your weekend whatever you have planned and happy crafting. 


Friday, October 09, 2015

It's Friday, golden oldie time again. crafty style of course!

Am I showing my age range as I typed the title "It's Friday.....I so wanted to put after it....it's 5 o'clock and it's time for Crackerjack!  Oh I loved that show on a Friday night as a child.  The best bit was the competition with prizes and cabbages.  If you are of a certain age you will know exactly what I am talking about.  I LOVED that game.  Can you imagine kids today getting those prizes or a Crackerjack pen/pencil!  LOL.  I know mine wouldn't be very impressed, a sad sign of the times!

So it's Friday and it isn't 5 o'clock but it is time to share an oldie with me today.  It can be any old crafty project that you have made yourself at some point in the past, the more the merrier.  I'd love to see what you have picked to share but in order to do that the only ask I have is to leave a wee comment below.  This is purely so I know you are joining in the fun and so I can visit you also and see what you are sharing.
I am sticking with the Christmas theme just now, one thing I do love about the festive season is the food.  We always have gingerbread in some form or another, usually biscuits or a house.  The boys over the years have enjoyed kits and I have tried also to make from scratch.  
This sizzix gingerbread man die is the original red die, I don't think it is made anymore.   I do however, still think it is the best one on the market, but I may be a little biased.  As for the colour combo when it comes to Christmas you can't beat a little red and white with a touch of kraft.


I have used;
Spellbinder die labels 14
Stamps by Waltzingmouse greetings and gingham.
Sizzix Gingerbread man.
Fiskars edger punch.
The rest from my stash.

I'd like to thank you in anticipation of you joining me today.  I do appreciate you joining in the fun with me, all for the love of anything crafty.  It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend.  It's an early start for me tomorrow in work and probably a quiet day Sunday but then I have the holidays off with my boys, yes, it's that time already "the tattie holidays!"
We had thought of going away but instead are planning some work around the house.  Boo!
Still it needs to be done.  I'm sure we'll still manage to have some fun and games.  
I'll be back again tomorrow with some more crafty quotes, I think I might go and see what tickles my fancy this week! 

Thursday, October 08, 2015

Ready steady BAKE!

Well, did you watch it last night?


What a final.  Did your eyes become all watery at the end also?
Loved this years series of The Great British Bake off, the best yet.  Lots of difficult challenges, so many bakes I'd not even heard off.
I started championing Iain but last night I was rooting for Nadia, I just think she has grown so much throughout the competition and came across a lovely person.  Her facial expressions were brilliant as was her rapport with Mary and Paul.
I do find the only disappointing thing about the program is that it makes you want to eat lots of cake! Well, it would be rude not to.

The bake off was followed by Dr Foster, wow, what a great series, if you didn't watch it do. It was the final episode last night and it was gripping!

I've been keeping a low profile on here this week, hubby has been on nights so I've picked up lots that he would generally do.  I've been working and then all the usual jobs and running around after the kids.
My youngest one is back to school today and feeling much better.  It's book day today and he has a specific book in mind, being the last class to be able to make a purchase, I wonder will he get it?
At work the theme of Halloween and Christmas is definitely taking hold with new food and gifts arriving daily, the calm before the storm that is the festive season.  It does get pretty crazy as Christmas approaches.
I was moving equipment yesterday and have a sore back today, so an easy day is planned, maybe a little crafting instead of housework?  I'd only wake hubby who is sleeping off his night shift so crafting it is then!  (Best excuse ever for not doing the housework!)
I also have the uncontrollable urge to bake after last nights final, most bizzare.  My youngest did make me smile at the end of the show because he looked at me and said, mum I love your baking especially your chocolate cake but I don't think you should apply to go on the Bake off.  When I asked why he just said very matter of fact, "well you are just not up to that standard!"
Aye thanks for the dose of plain thinking!  Out of the mouth of babes.  I better keep up the practise then.

Back to crafting and today I have a bespoke card I made for a good friend at work.  It is her hubby's 60th, he is ex RAF (he was a rock ape!) and now works on the buses.  I think the brief was covered!


My friend loved it so I hope her hubby does too.

That's all from me today, the washing machine is frantically going as the weather is beautiful and sunny, very welcome after two days of dreich drizzly damp days.  It's isn't as warm as it has been but who really cares if the sun is shining?
Now what will I get up to today?
I am determined to do some crafting of one form or another.  Have a great Thursday and don't forget it's oldie time again tomorrow, it's been a very quick week here.

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

The big reveal....hooking style.

Good afternoon and how are you this Tuesday afternoon?
No post from me yesterday, it is not that I didn't have anything to post just that the day flew by.
By the time I sat down late evening I was bushed and decided to sit and crochet for an hour before bed rather than blogging.  You know when you just have one of those days?  It started off fine, getting everyone off to school and work, then walking the dog and tidying around.  I then had a trip to the dentist, followed by the food shopping and all back in time to catch the wee man's lunch.  The afternoon was spent washing and house working.  Once school was out there was a trip to Elgin for a rugby match, a trip to the hospital visiting, tea out, bagpipe lessons, more dog walking and helping with homework.
That was my day off!

Today I have been into work and actually had a good day, we are still short staffed just now but at least I got all my work done and dusted before heading home.
My wee man was sick again this morning, first time in a while but luckily for me hubby is on nights just now and was able to have him whilst I went to work.
Before I decide whether to start tea or dog walk (it is pouring with rain and isn't my favourite job in the rain) I thought I'd pop on the computer and share my latest crochet project.  I managed to get it finished over the weekend.

This little chap is a Christmas present for my friends daughter, Poppy, hence the poppy around the neck.



It was a teddy!
I have to freely admit is was easier to make than the bunny, whether that is because I'd already made the bunny before I don't know.  I just think the eyes should have been slightly lower but then I am always critical of my own work.  I'm sure wee Poppy who will be nearly three at Christmas will like him.  (I hope so anyway).

That's all from me today, I better go and start the tea and then I've got all the bedding to sort back onto the beds.  All the nice weather we have had of late and I wash the bedding the day it pours down.
Enjoy your Tuesday folks, more from me again tomorrow, a little later in the day again as I'll be working in the morning.

Saturday, October 03, 2015

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

Good morning and how are you this Saturday?
I'm off work today, yippee, time with my boys. 
We are waiting to see what the weather does before we decide what to do although my youngest has a friend in hospital so we will be visiting her at some point. 

Today I have another material themed funny bone.  These are what made me smile yesterday.

Ever called your sewing machine for not doing what you want it to?  I have. 
Oh and yes, I know it is the operator and not the machine but it doesn't stop you behaving like the Tasmanian devil does it?
This is obviously a very smart parrot.

Now the weather outside has definitely not been frightful this week and I was contemplating keeping this one till nearer Christmas but it did make me smile.  Lets hope I haven't jinxed the weather.


I think this is a good plan for the run up to Christmas as the dark nights and winter draws in.  You could be doing far worse.

Finally have you ever suffered from this?


I think I have, but not as much as some of my friends.........you know who you are!

That's all from me today.  Have a super weekend whatever you have planned.
Before I go I have finished my project, I shall share it with you next week.  One Christmas present down, lots more to go.

Back soon, happy crafting. 

Friday, October 02, 2015

It's oldie time again this Friday.

Good morning and how the devil are you this Friday?
It looks like it is going to be another beautiful day up here in sunny Scotland, blue skies ahoy.  We've had a whole week of sunshine, I guess that this is our summer.  I am crossing my fingers in sheer hope that the up coming October school holidays will be as nice.  I know it's a big ask but wouldn't it be wonderful?

It's Friday and you know what that means, why not join me, just for fun, by sharing an old crafty project.  It doesn't have to be an old blogged project as long as you made it yourself in the past, that is the only request.  I just think it is lovely to look back on projects and see how your crafting style has changed.  I will comment on all who join me, all I ask is that you leave a short comment below so I know that you are in.  I look forwards to catching up with you all later today and over the weekend, I can't wait to see what you have decided to share this week.


I have used;  Spellbinder dies Labels 4 and Edgeabilities Classic Petal, Poinsettia die and swirl a gift from Irene, Cuttlebug spot embossing die, Waltzing Mouse stamps Seasonal Remedies, card from the Papeterie Aberdeen and pearls from my stash.

What's on the cards over the weekend here?
I have the weekend off!  Yippee.
My hubby is working all weekend so it's just me and the boys.  
What we do will depend on the weather.  If it isn't great I think we are planning a trip to the cinema and maybe food out but if it is fine I think we will be down at the beach or harbour enjoying the rays.  

I hope to finish of my project, I did try to last night but ended up at the school a little longer than anticipated.  I've also got a wee bit to crochet in black and I don't know about you but I find at night black is very difficult to see?  Do you?  Or is that just my eyesight?
Maybe if I try and sort it in the sunshine I will be able to see what I am doing? 
I also have a couple of cards to make so maybe I will get some time for that too.
Have a super weekend, whatever you have planned, thanks if you joined me today, I really appreciate it.  More crafting funnies from me tomorrow.

Thursday, October 01, 2015

Too sunny to care!

Good afternoon all, how the devil are you this Thursday evening?
Hasn't this week gone fast?
The weather up here in the north of Scotland has been beautiful this week, summer has finally arrived.
Did you see that just down the road in Braemar yesterday it was hotter than Barcelona?!
I'm afraid crafting has gone out of the window and I have been outside enjoying the fine rays.
Yesterday after school we took the dog to the beach for a swim, although I think my little one was in getting as wet as the dog.  It was a case of who could get to the ball first regardless of how far it went into the sea!
In the evening, hubby and I decided to pop to the harbour as the sunsets this week have also been fabulous.  I have to say last night was not the best but still pretty special for all of a five minute walk from the house.


This was taken from the harbour looking out over the west bay towards Burghead.  It surprised me that there were a few folk down there with their cameras. 
Slightly later......


How pretty is nature at it's best?
We had intended on taking a bottle of wine down with us but tea had taken slightly longer than planned.  Such a shame as it was beautiful.

Today hubby and I had a day off together, a very rare occasion.  We decided a trip through to Inverness was on the cards.  We are in need of new carpets and a settee/chairs.  
Exciting shopping!
Not as exciting as craft shopping but a new sofa and chairs are ordered to arrive just before Christmas, I just need to decide now on the carpet colour to match.  
Hubby said that's the last time he is taking me out for lunch!  (Apparently I am too expensive!)

The crochet is coming on, everything is now suitable stuffed and is just needing stitching up and putting together, not long now and all will be revealed.  It's not a frog or a kangaroo, but it is an animal so you are on the right lines.  Mmmm.

I better go and sort tea as we have a meeting at one of the schools later.  
Enjoy the rest of your sunny Thursday, it's oldie time again tomorrow.  
That came around very quickly this week.