Sparkle and shine in a production line, whatever next?

Good afternoon to you and how are you this Monday?
It is bitter cold here today and a little icy underfoot, actually it is more like an ice rink but as the saying goes "it could have been worse!"  On my walk this morning I looked out over the sea to the North of Scotland and all the hills are white, very pretty, but glad the snow is not here.  Still I did my good deed for the day when I got back from walking and sprinkled salt at the end of the street. If I was slipping other folk would too.

On Saturday I had a quiet morning and started writing my Christmas cards, I am determined this year to be better organised than I am usually.  In the afternoon hubby and I went to see the new Tom Hanks film "Bridge of Spies", a brilliant film, gripping right from the very start.
On Sunday I wrote more cards, finished off all my ironing and then had film fun with the boys.
Hubby had bought the box set of Hunger Games recently as only my eldest boy and I had seen the first two films and he wanted to catch up.  Another great set of films.
I now only have a few local cards left to make and write and most of the housework under my belt ready for me working tomorrow, Thursday and Saturday, with a day out Christmas shopping with my BFF on Wednesday.  I also have the Christmas crop to organise for this coming Sunday, we usually have a longer crop with food and pressies too.
It's going to be a busy week!

I haven't got anything finished to show you today.  I have a couple of bespoke orders that I can't share as yet and a bit of a production line going on my radiator.  See.....

I've also done purple and gold this run.  I will share again when completed.

Is it just me or are you having that time of year feeling?
You know when you are dashing about with little to show for it.
It is only going to get busier.

That's all from me today, I have another bespoke card I must get done today so I better go and get my thinking cap on.
Enjoy the rest of your Monday and don't forget to wrap up warm.

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

Morning and how are you today?
I have a day off today, yippee.  What to do?
Oh I have lots to do but at this time of year it is prioritising what NEEDS doing rather than doing what you'd really like to.
Decisions, decisions.
Did you survive Black Friday?
I did a little shopping, it would be rude not to, plus I had a lovely lunch at work.

Back to today and I know this is a day or two late but I'd just like to wish all my American crafty friends a Happy Thanksgiving.  I saw this and thought of you all, or should I say y'all?

I'd like anything I eat between now and the middle of January to stay off my thighs please!
Can that be top of my wish list for Christmas, do you think Santa could arrange that for me?
I wish.  Stapling my mouth shut is the only way that would work, a little drastic don't you agree?

Next it wouldn't be Christmas without a little of this....and I've been using lots this year.

It's the one thing my none crafty friends always comment on when I see them at this time of year. "Oh Erika you're all sparkly, it must be Christmas crafting!  Either that or you've turned into a Vampire!"

You can guarantee if I have it all over me then my craft room and home is far worse.  

In my eyes worse things happen at sea, as the saying goes, having a sparkly home, it is quite festive!

Finally today this made me giggle.  

Have you got that certain someone who has everything they need and you are really stumped as to what to get them this Christmas?

Yes.  

Well look no more I've found the perfect novelty gift for you.

I can't believe that someone has taken the time to embroider that loo roll.  It did make me giggle.

That's all from me today, enjoy your weekend, whether you are crafting or not.
More from me next week.

Sharing an oldie this Friday.

Gosh it's that time again, where has this year gone?
It's time to join me in resurrecting an old crafty project on your blog, or as I call it "share an oldie this Friday!"
It is for fun and the love of crafting, all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below if you are joining me.  This is purely so I can pop along to your blog too and see your project, I will comment on all.

Today I have another Christmas card for you, a month today and it will be all over and done with.
How scary is that thought?
I have so much to do between now and then.  Gulp.
Back to today's card.

The card is made with 2 x 6" squares with an inner flap of 51/2" square. To create the card I have scored around the outside of the top square 1/2" in all the way around. I have then scored the centre square from the top at 5" and 3" this creates the lifting mechanism in the centre. Then you cut a U shape in the card leaving the top fold uncut. The flap is added centrally to the small 1/2" flap before sealing the back square to the front....make sure you do not glue the flap in the process or it won't work. The card is then ready to decorate remembering the raised part must only be attached between the 5" and 3" score lines.

For mine I have used Spellbinder dies Grand labels 23 and the new 2012 holiday tree with sentiments from Crafty Impressions. 

A little bit different to my recent cards don't you think?

As for today's plans I have the housework and ironing to finish, how much washing did I do yesterday?!  I don't mind the washing, it's the ironing and putting away I don't enjoy.  I'm not alone, am I?

I am popping to work for my Christmas dinner at lunch time which should be yummy.  I know it is early but things just get too busy nearer the end of December.  

My hubby should also get home today, he has been away all week with work, it shall be funny us both having the weekend off.  I have actually been very organised whilst he has been away, more so than normal which is bizarre as I have had less time.   As the saying goes "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do."

Ain't that the truth.  When I have more time on my hands I tend to take longer coffee breaks if you know what I mean!

That's all from me this Friday, I shall look forwards to blog hopping around and checking out your chosen crafty oldies, it can be anything you have made yourself.  

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best this BLACK FRIDAY, stay safe.

A prickly little Christmas.

Good afternoon and how are you this Thursday?
A day off for me today so I have been beavering around getting caught up with washing and housework.  The dog and I had a lovely long walk this morning, it was quite mild although a little windy.
What have I got to share today?
You know when you get an idea in your head and you think I just have to try that?
I'm sure it isn't just me.
The idea doesn't always convert as well into real life, if you get my drift.
Today I wanted to create a couple of Christmas cards to send abroad for the festive season and I thought that I would like to use the thistle stencil from Imagination crafts, as the card is leaving Scotland.
How could I make the thistle look a little more festive?
Here is my attempt.

I have added some white embossed snowflakes using stamps by Sue Dix for PI, together with sparkle medium Sage green and Amethyst.
I wanted CAS and subtle.
So why am I not totally happy?
Put simply the picture it isn't as it was in my head.  It meets the brief I wanted but I don't know why I am not totally happy with it.
Does this ever happen to you?

I think my brain has just switched off with it being my day off .
I'm obviously not in a creative mood today.  It happens sometimes.  Best I go and get on with something a little boring but productive instead, like the ironing.
I hope you are having a good Thursday?
Don't forget to dig out an oldie to share with me tomorrow.  Happy crafting.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Morning and how are you today?
Another grey, wet and windy day here in the North of Scotland, perfect crafting weather, staying in the warm.  I'm at work again today, another short shift then that is me till next week.  Lots of deals starting tomorrow in M and S for the Black Friday weekend, including a dine in which you can bump up to £20 and have a bottle of champagne.  We have half price biscuits and sweeties and discounts on other items too.  I think it's going to be busy!

Back to today and I thought I'd have a little crafty interlude and have a wee baking session instead.  I finally made my Christmas cakes on Monday and as I mentioned I made two smaller cakes rather than one huge one.
Well they smell good and look good but I guess the proof will be in the eating.  At the moment they're wrapped in foil as I spend the next couple of weeks feeding them brandy.
(I wish I was a Christmas cake!)

Nomm, nomm.  It's a shame I've got to wait till I've decorated it!

Now do you have cheese with your Christmas cake?  We were talking about it at work earlier in the week and I get the impression that my colleagues think I'm a little strange.  I am originally from the North of England and we always serve Christmas cake with a chunk of Wensleydale cheese.  When I mentioned this my colleagues screwed up their noses and made funny noises expressing their dislike of the idea.  Is it a Northern English tradition?
What do you serve your Christmas cake with?
I'd love to know I'm not the only strange one out there.

That's all from me today enjoy your "hump" day, I'm away into work to see what this week's dine in will bring.
There's no wonder I can't lose weight, I just love food!
More from me tomorrow.

A little CAS Christmas making.

Morning and how are you today?
I can't believe I am actually organised today and typing before work.
Today I have a selection of CAS Christmas cards to share with you.  I guess you could say that I loved this Christmas stencil from Imagination Crafts as I have used it loads, I think it goes so well with the Sparkle medium.
Shhh, but I think I might be a glitter and sparkle convert!

I have taken my inspiration from my earlier 6" square card but reduced the card size down to a C6.
Just perfect for bulk making at Christmas time.  We have shades of turquoise, sage green and silver.
I love the simplicity and the added sparkle.

The sentiment stamp is again by Waltzing mouse stamps and the wee metal stars are from my stash.

That's all from me today, short and sweet.  I better go and get to work for my short shift, then I have the dog to walk before picking up the boys and starting round 2 of the day.

It's grey and cloudy here this morning, I guess we're going to get rain, all the better to be inside at work or even crafting, if you are lucky.
Enjoy your Tuesday and more from me tomorrow.

Hot, soapy and lots of friction, what was I up to?

Good evening all!  Bends knees and raises hat!
How are you this Monday evening and how was your weekend?

I had a busy day at work Saturday, the day just flew by followed by a lovely chilli and glass of red wine for tea, and relax.
Did you watch Strictly on Saturday, wasn't it good?  I think it is going to be a very close competition this year.  There are at least five of the couples that are left in that could win it.
They're all so good.

On Sunday I made a couple more Christmas cards in the morning and then packed up for my crop later in the day.  I had a productive day this is what I was up to.

Can you tell what it is yet?
I was told I needed hot soapy water, lots of elbow grease and mountains of friction!
Yes, I was having another go at wet felting.
My good friend Helen at Ar Dachaidh Crafts was at the crop and was keeping me right with gift that I decided to make for Christmas.  Do pop over to her Facebook page and take a wee look at her felt items, they're amazing.  I love her little fairy houses.
We both sat next to each other and I tried to keep up with her but experience won out.  I nearly finished the project at the crop, another hour and I would have done it.  I was so keen after feeding my boys their tea I set back to work and made sure I got the project finished.

This is the finished article.  Another Christmas pressie ticked of the list, I've just got to add a clasp inside once it is dried.
This is my second bag like this, I made a similar one a year ago and I have to say I found this one easier to make than the first, most certainly down to Helen for keeping me on track.
Not only did I have a present at the end of the day but the olive soap and the friction made for soft, soft, soft hands, which had been very dry after the day at work Saturday.  Bonus!

Today I have also been productive.  The food shopping done first thing, after getting the boys out and sorted.  Then back to make soup "butternut squash", yum, yum and two Christmas cakes.  Once the cakes were in the oven the dog and I went for a nice long walk to the next beach,  Thankfully the morning rain had gone and it was actually quite mild if not a tad cloudy.  Then it was back in time for a cup of tea and biccie before picking up the boys.
I guess now it is time to feed them and the animals before relaxing!
Phew!
I'm in work tomorrow and Wednesday but then I have the rest of the week off.  Or you could say the calm before the storm as we ramp up for December.
I am hoping to get some of my Christmas cards written, it would be a first for me to get my foreign ones sent on time.  I usually end up making "Happy New year" cards instead, I guess an advantage of making the cards yourself.
That's all from me today, enjoy the rest of your evening, stay warm, I intend to as I am away to light the fire right now.  Brrr!

Saturday again, already! Time to tickle that creative funny bone.

Good morning and how are you this Saturday?
It's cold here in the North of Scotland, I'm typing this on Friday afternoon and hoping by the time you read this that we don't have snow.  It is forecast, boo, hiss, but I'm ever hopefully it misses us.

Every Saturday I try and find a few funny/crafty quotes to share with you, to lighten the load as it is the weekend.  Here is my choice for this week.

Now I know why I'm tired all the time!
I need to close a few tabs down.
This next funny made me laugh and I can't remember whether I've shared it before.  It doesn't really matter as it is too good not to share again. 
I am definitely five out of the seven below...you know you're a crafter when.....

 

Can you guess which two really don't apply.

The rest do, most certainly.

 

Finally just for fun, what's your crafty name?

 



Mine is Elite Goddess!
It sounds a little pretentious don't you think.  LOL.

That's all from me today, I hope you have a lovely weekend.
A busy day at work for me today but on the upside I have my local crop tomorrow, playtime!
Stay warm and I'll be back again on Monday with some more crafty sharing.

Sharing an oldie this Friday.

Are you with me today?
How about sharing an old crafting project with me. 
I started sharing an "oldie" on a Friday as a way of bringing back previous crafty makes to share again.  I would love to see your chosen project too, all I ask is that you leave a comment below, that creates a link for me to be able to visit your blog and share the love of crafting.  I will comment on everyone who joins in providing you comment below, it is the only way I know you are taking part.
Today I have another Christmas card for you and completely different from cards I am making at the moment. 
I can't believe I hand stitched right around the oval. 
I used to have so much more time on my hands!

I have used;

Snow Cosy from Sugar Nellie stamps I love this snowman.

Kraft and red card stock with teal and red whitewash core'dinations.

Embossing folders cuttlebug snowflakes.

EK Success plaid punch and Spellbinder Boarderabilities classic grand lace. 

Sentiment stamp Kirsty Wiseman (PI) Many greetings and Hero arts Dots background.

The snowman was coloured with my Prisma pencils.

Stitched by hand!

Ribbon from Howden's Inverness.

 

I would like to thank you in anticipation of you joining me today sharing an oldie and wish you all the very best for the coming weekend.

 

It wouldn't be Christmas without a little sparkle!

Good evening, another dark and cold evening.  Can you tell I love the winter months?  NOT.
A busy day at work, Christmas has definitely arrived, the party food is coming in fast as are the sweeties, biscuits and mulled wine.  All the things we love but shouldn't really be eating.
I did threaten to put on some Christmas tunes today but I think a couple of my colleagues might have lynched me.  You can get away with things like that when you are part time especially if you can run quickly!  Still I better wait until December just in case, a good lynching might just hurt a little.

Back to today and I actually have a couple of clean and simple cards to show you.  I recently showed you this stencil using a 6" card but then thought (always dangerous!) I wonder if I can just use part of the scene on a smaller C6 card.

The answer is yes you can.
The stencil is from Imagination crafts as is the Sparkle medium Diamond, the sentiment is by Waltzingmouse Stamps, mounted on black card.  Simples!
As I said in my title, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a little sparkle.  I normally very rarely use glitter except at this time of year but it would be rude not to.

Dog walked, kids sorted, time for me to head to the kitchen and decide what I am making for tea tonight.  Decisions, decisions, my fruit for the Christmas cake (yesterdays post) has already absorbed all the alcohol so would it be rude to add a wee bit more?  Wink, wink!

A day off for me tomorrow, if I get the housework sorted as quick as I can then I might get time to craft later.  I am in work again early Saturday and I am hoping the snow forecast doesn't appear first thing.  It might make for an interesting morning.  There is plenty of time between now and then for the weather to change, hopefully.
Don't forget to join me tomorrow with another oldie.  I am looking forwards to seeing your past makes.  That's all from me today, enjoy the rest of your evening.

And now for a little festive interlude!

Good evening, I've made it onto the computer but the daylight has gone again.
I don't like these dark mornings and evenings, the day seems gone once you are home from work, and I finish a lot earlier than most.
I had a good day at work today, I wasn't working in my usual department, a change is as good as a rest.  Or so it is said.

I'm all organised tonight, the tea is on, I have half a dozen card toppers drying.  The dog is walked and fed and the boys are happily on their electronics with friends over.
All is calm!  (That doesn't happen very often.)

As my cards are not finished I've got something a little different for you today.
Can you tell what it is yet?

I am determined to be more organised this year.  This is my fruits for my Christmas cake, soaking in brandy, it smells delish.  All my fruit is measured and shall soak in the brandy until Monday when I plan to make my Christmas cake.  I always follow Mary Berry's recipe but this year I think I might make two smaller cakes rather than one huge one.  That way I won't feel the need to just keep it for Christmas, I do like it soaked in brandy too and like to feed it once baked.  A boozy little number!
"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas."

Thanks for all your kind comments yesterday, I'm glad I am not the only one at this time of the year.
I always have great plans to do everything myself but never really seem to get there.  I don't know why either as we are not having visitors this year.  I shall probably be working extra over the next few weeks and hubby is going to be elsewhere now and again in the run up to the festive season.
Busy times.

I better go and give tea a stir and check on the boys, they've suddenly gone very quiet, which if you have or have had children, it is never a good sign.  ;)
Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.  I do hope to get a crafty post typed up tomorrow after work.
I wonder if I will?

Busy doing nothing, but that is just the way it goes!

Hello, a missed post yesterday and nothing to show you today either?  What is going on?
My husband and the boys went to his parents this weekend as it was his Mum's 80th birthday.  I was unfortunately working Saturday and couldn't make it.  Being home alone I had great plans to get some Christmas organising done and lots of housework.  After a busy day on Saturday my cold got the better of me and I ended up with a very relaxed Sunday apart from walking the dog.
Yesterday I then planned to do some crafting but after I'd sorted all the beds, the food shopping and the dog, the family were back home. 
Where do the days go?
Today I have been getting all the ironing up to date before going into work Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. 
Why am I so tired!
Every time I sit down just now I find myself dropping off!  Scary.  It isn't even Christmas at work yet, I think I need a booster!  Anyone got any spare energy kicking about?  Fancy sharing?

I have to also admit that I have also been glued to the TV after Friday's events in Paris. 
Very shocking indeed.  I haven't really felt like crafting. 
What is the world coming to?

I am hoping to get back to you later in the week meanwhile I am going to listen to my body and relax. 

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

Good morning, I am in work again today, busy times! 
Whilst I am beavering away I found this funny quotes to share with you whilst blogging yesterday.
What better way to start the weekend than with a smile?

I loved this field guide to scrapbookers, which one are you?
I have to say I think I am a good mix of most of them to be honest, the hoarder stands out the most but I definitely have elements of others too.

 

 

Ever wondered why new paper is so yummy, now you know....

 



 

 

I am definitely going to blame the pheromones in the future, how can you resist if you are being hypnotized?  It seems totally logical to me.  More paper required!  ;)

Finally for today, are you suffering from a craftdiction?

I think I might have it!
There are worse things I could suffer from, don't you agree?

That's all from me today, I shall be looking forwards to a quiet evening after a busy day at work.  I shall be relaxing in front of the fire and chilling out watching Strictly. 
Have a super weekend, more from me on Monday. 

It's that time again, dig out your oldie it's FFFriday.

Good morning and how are you today?
It was wet and windy last night up here, it looks like Abigail is definitely on route. 
My youngest had a Christmas fair last night so we braved the weather and went for a wee look.  There was some lovely handmade items and a nice festive feel, I got a couple of gifts.
It was blowing a hoolie on the way home.

Have you noticed the date today.....Friday 13th.....OOOOOO!  Lets hope we get plenty of good luck today and no bad luck.  ;)

Today I have another Christmas card for you.

The products I have used:

Green, and white card stock.

Stamps by Waltzing Mouse.

Spellbinder Nestabilities Heirloom ornament 2011.

Cuttlebug embossing folders.

Fiskars and Martha Stewart edger punches.

Glitter by MS.

Seam binding from stash.

Distress ink Peeled paint.

Why not join me sharing an old crafty project this Friday.  You can share any handmade item on your blog, all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below.  This is purely so that I can then pop along to your blog and see what you have shared too.  I will comment on all.

I have a day off today but lots to do having been busy at work this week.  I might also be working on Saturday dependant on what my boys have planned. 

I'm sure if I get up to anything crafty you will be the first to know. 

Have a lovely Friday and more from me tomorrow. 

And now for something a little different, board of black?!

Good morning, get me with an early post today!
A few jobs under my belt and kids ready to go, organised for work so I have a wee bit of time visit the land of blogs.
Thank you for your lovely comments yesterday, Lorraine in answer to your question, no worries, if you want to give me a mention I would be grateful.  x
Today the sun is out and it is a lovely crisp and clear morning, perfect for taking a couple of photographs.
I ended up walking away from the TV last night, The Apprentice brings out the demon in me.  You're right Carol agreeing with me, "where do they find these people!"  It does make me worry.  Still each to their own, the world would be a boring place if we all were the same.

I decided to be productive instead and have a go at a "blackboard" style card.  I have been admiring the style of card for a while and it has been on my to do list to give a go, I can now tick it off!

I have to say this is the perfect die for using my "Stick it" with, can you imagine the hassle of gluing this down without it?
The die is by Apple blossom and is Christmas chalkboard, it is not a die company I have bought from before.  I did need to use a shim to help get a good imprint but it only took a couple of runs through my die cutting machine.  I have used black bazzill paper and white SU ink to create the chalk effect background then layered on blue card.  To tie in the blue I have used matching gems and glitter to finish.
This is a totally different style to yesterday's card but still very much a CAS card.  At Christmas I tend to have to reign myself in from layering as sending a large quantity of cards last minute can tend to get quite expensive.  This is a flat card apart from the gems so shouldn't require extra postage.

That's all from me today, time to go and grab some breakfast before heading into work for another short shift.

Do you have better weather too today?  I guess it is the calm before the storm as I believe "Abigail" is heading our way tomorrow, just in time for the weekend.

Before I go don't forget to dig out your oldies for tomorrow and join me with a little look back over our crafting.
Have a lovely Thursday.

The reveal, CAS poinsettia style.

Good evening and how are you tonight?
It's dark again but not a bad evening.  I had a strange day at work today, really busy, one of those days where you take a step forward and then a few back, if you get my drift?
When I got home I enjoyed a lovely long walk out with the dog and then decided to do a chicken dinner, I must be mad.  Tea is now on and cooking and hopefully we will be eating in the next hour.
I hadn't planned to walk quite as far as did, but as I've played catch up all day I may as well have the same kind of evening too.

Thanks for you comments yesterday they did make me smile.  I am not deliberately being evil I just have a small window in the day to take photographs either before or after work.
On to the card, I think you have waited long enough, I'm now hoping you won't be disappointed?!
I have stuck to my current trend of a clean and simple card, certainly not the style I would make demonstrating as you are advertising lots of products.  This is more the "me" style, quick and easy and relative to the time I now spend in my craft room.

The striplet die is by Sue Wilson, the sentiment is by Waltzingmouse stamps, I have added a little bling to finish.  Unfortunately you can't see the 3D image quite so well in the photograph but the white card is on 3D foam above the red.

I'm loving this die already and I've only made one quick card with it.  I think I might be making a few more variations on this theme.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the evening, The Apprentice later, where do they get these folk?  My boys enjoy watching it but I tend to pick up my crocheting instead.

More from me tomorrow, I have been playing with another new die tonight....but which one?!

What's your favourite Christmas flower?

Good evening all, bend of knees, lift off hat!
I can't help it, I am a daughter of a policeman and some things just stick.
How are you this evening?

I had a good day at work, tea done, dog sorted, everyone is now relaxing for the evening and I've been crafting!  Shock, horror.
Once tea was done and dusted I decided to have a play with this die.

Now I have admired Hazel's cards using striplet dies for a long time but have never got around to purchasing one.  I have far to many fine crafting products waiting patiently to see the light of day in my little room.  Don't we all?
I am a collector of fine crafting products!

This die caught my eye whilst at Glasgow so I thought I'd give it a go.
Rather than rushing straight onto the computer I took the time to play instead and I have really enjoyed it.
Of course the lighting now is terrible to photograph the finished card and share, but I have another Christmas card completed.  I will get organised this year.  I am going to be such a meany though and make you wait till tomorrow to see what I have made.
How cruel is that?

I hope you have all had a good Monday, the weather here tonight has been "pants".  It is very dark and very wet outside, the perfect evening to be in the warm crafting.
That said I think I better go and get my boys sorted for supper etc....before I loose all track of time and stay hidden in my craft room.
Enjoy the rest of your evening and I'll be back tomorrow to share my CAS card using the above die.

Did you guess what my favourite Christmas flower is?

Monday morning again....time for cake!

Good morning, how are you today?
How was your weekend?
I started with a bit of a head cold on Saturday which was nice, it is now fully in my nose and ears. The morning walk with the dog today should have cleared it as I was sand blasted on the beach, it is a tad windy out there, blowing a hooley.  Perfect drying weather for my washing!

I had a busy day yesterday as we are having our new carpet in the front room fitted.  No crafting for me today as the house is upside down.  The room looks so big with no furniture.
Now just to wait for the new suite in December.
It's looking good so far.

In between moving furniture yesterday I took a little time out to experiment in the kitchen.
I had a pineapple that I needed to use up so what could I make?
I started off making pineapple and orange smoothies, I will get fruit into my kids!
Then I thought I'd try a new recipe with muffins....pineapple, coconut and lime!  A bit of a tropical feel.

I think I could have got an extra couple cases of the mixture as they look a bit full.  :0
I know for next time, they're more of a dessert muffin as they're lovely warmed with custard.
And I wonder why I don't lose weight?!
I do love my cake and it has fruit in it.  That's my reasoning behind eating it anyway.

As for remembrance Sunday I spent it my own way.  I dug out my Grandad's metal tin from the war and had a look through it.  My eldest cousins didn't want to keep it when we lost Grandad and I jumped at the chance to have his military history.  It is much more interesting than anything of real monetary value.  The wee tin has his diary, photos, a poppy, correspondence, his service records and medals.  My "not forgetting who gave all" was spent yesterday reading through his diary from 1942-3.  It was sad but still very interesting.   He was in the Royal Engineers during the war, based in Italy and in Africa.

I also found this lovely letter dated April 1945 thanking him for his sacrifice from Lord Kemsley.  I'm sure it was probably a blanket letter sent to the troops but it is lovely to still have a copy.  I don't know whether you can read the last paragraph but it did make me smile.
I always get the box out at this time of year, it's just a pity I don't have anything from my other Grandad.  All I know about my Dad's father is that he was a fireman and was based in London during the blitz.  He did get an award for bravery but since my Grandma died I don't know where the certificate went.  I must ask my Dad about it.
I think it is good to share this history with the younger generations especially with the attitude of some nowadays.  I sometimes don't think they realise how much hardship our grandparents went through so they could have the good lifestyle they have now.

I think after that I will sign off, time to go and check out my new springy carpet and get my house put back to normal.  As normal as it can ever be!
Enjoy your Monday, I'm working for the next three days so my crafting might be curtailed this week, boo hiss!
Hopefully I will have something to share with you.  Have a good week.

Saturday, time to tickle that creative funny bone again, I think a little hooking is in order today!



Morning and how are you this Saturday?  Whilst I am busy beavering away at work I thought I'd share a couple of crafty quotes with you.  I am feeling my crocheting has been neglected this week so today I have put that right.  Here are a few quotes that made me smile yesterday.



 

 

I don't really need to add anymore to this quote do I?  It certainly speaks for itself.



 

 

Ever get that engrossed in a pattern you forget the time?  I think crafting can be like that.  I'm sure we have all at some point got so engrossed in doing something the hours pass so quickly.  Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day!

 

Finally how many times, as a crocheter does someone ask about your new knitting project.  ARGH!

They are not the same thing.  The only common denominator is the fact they both use wool and yarn. 

 



 

It can be very frustrating.  Do you not agree?

 

That's all from me today.  I hope you are having a good weekend.

It is our local firework display tonight and I am hoping my kids will want to go and I will have plenty of energy left after a fun packed day at work. 

 

May your weekend goes with a bang too! 

Safely of course.

It's that time of the week again, it's FRIDAY time to share an oldie.

Good morning and how are you this Friday?  Can you believe that is another week nearly over?
Where does the time go?
Welcome to those of you who are joining me this week.  It's great to share our crafty oldies.  If it is your first time I encourage you to share an old crafting project with me.  It can be anything that you have made yourself.  It is all for the joy of crafting and all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below, it is purely so I know you are joining in and so I can visit all your blogs and see what you are sharing too.
Today I am sticking with the Christmas theme.

 

Did I mention that I love this Spellbinder die?  The poinsettia is one of my all time favourite as is the Fleur de Lis square.
I have used Tim's kraft core textured card too and added dimension by sanding and using Distress ink Vintage photo.  The sentiments have come from the lovely Paula Pascual's set Christmas tree and pearls from my stash.

I really enjoy seeing your chosen crafty project, thank you in advance of joining me.

I have a trip to the opticians today and more housework on the cards, that way I am only left with the ironing on Sunday.  I am working on Saturday and I'm sure it will be another busy one.
The exciting life I leave!
I am secretly hoping to get a little crafting in, fingers crossed.
Enjoy your weekend, more from me tomorrow.

A twinkly woodland scene.

Good afternoon and how are you this Thursday?
I did have plans today but with a wee man off school all that has changed.
I have to say I enjoyed my walk on the beach again this morning, bright blue skies and only a light jacket on.  The weather was beautiful.
It has clouded over now all ready for the rain we have been promised later in the day.
Whilst on the beach pondering on such a lovely morning, something wasn't quite right!
I wasn't getting that seaside smell I normally get, you know what I mean?  The salty sea air mixed with that lovely rotting seaweed smell, the unmistakable smell of the British seaside.
I was smelling hops!
I guess the malting's was in full production and the wind was blowing in a different direction to normal.
Isn't it funny how a smell can totally transport you to a different time in your life.  I was instantly reminded of my travelling to and from Edinburgh.  I always knew when I was nearly there when I could smell the hops.
Instantly it transported me to bacon butties at John Lewis on a Saturday morning followed by a rummage in their haberdashery department, then a trip across the road to a wall to wall stamp shop which unfortunately isn't there anymore.  Happy times, and all just 'cause I smelt hops this morning!

I also had a visit from one of my crafty pals this morning so that was lovely to catch up over a cuppa.
It is something I don't do enough of at the moment.  I don't know where the time goes.

Back to some crafting and guess what?
I have some more sparkle for you today.  Gosh I am really getting into my stencilling and sparkle medium.

The stencil is again by Imagination Crafts as is the Sparkle medium Diamond.  I have mounted on navy card stock and the sentiment is by Waltzing mouse stamps.
The photo really doesn't do the scene justice as it is really sparkly in real life with a 3D effect, of course that is totally down to the medium and not me!

That's all from me today I'm away to check on my wee man, sniff, sniff!
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday.  Oldie time again tomorrow, so soon, Friday just keeps coming around to quickly.  As Arnold would say "I'll be back!"

A little edible interlude.

Good afternoon and how are you today?
It is dreich and foggy here today, a total contrast to the weather yesterday.  We even had the Northern lights out last night the sky was so clear.  I never tire of seeing them. 

Another busy day at work today ramping up ready for the festive season.  I was very surprised and grateful to receive an award today at work too.  I am so chuffed to have my efforts recognised, thank you to who spotlighted me, it means a lot.  x

I had planned on photographing another card to share with you today but the lighting is so very poor I have had to change my plans.  Winter is coming.
I bought some new bits and bobs from one of my none crafting favourite shop Lakeland Plastics recently, kitchen gadgets are nearly as interesting as crafting ones.  I bought a new cake box as my youngest boy wrecked my old one and I also bought some cookie cutters that I thought would be fun to use with the kids. 
On Monday afternoon I decided to make some biscuits for the children just before they came home from school as a wee treat.
I have to say the process took a lot longer than normal and at moments I must have sounded like the Tasmanian devil, should anyone have been listening to me.  I do not find making biscuits as successful as muffins, to put it mildly.
To cut a long story short I did get there in the end and the kids loved them, munching their way through them very rapidly. 

These are the best of the bunch.  I filled them with homemade raspberry jam and butter icing. 
My youngest said they were the best ever biscuits, so all that effort was worth it. 
At one point I did think a few of them looked more like smilie face's evil cousin, how appropriate so close to Halloween!

I hope you are having a good Wednesday?  And the weather is better with you.
My little one came home not feeling well today, I think it might just be the tail end of his flu vaccination from last week.  Let's hope he bounces back quickly. 

That's all from me today enjoy the rest of your day and happy crafting. 

We wish you a Merry Sparkling Christmas.

Good afternoon and how are you today?
It's been another gloriously sunny day even though I have missed most of it whilst at work.  I may have only worked a 1/2 shift but my feet know I've been on them.  Ouch.  Next job on the horizon is to walk the dog before it gets dark and then start tea but I thought I'd pop on here first and share a little festive sparkle.
Can you believe it?
I've made a couple of Christmas cards, albeit they're quite minimal.
You know me at the moment CAS seems to be the style I am loving the most.

I have used a tree stencil by Imagination crafts together with Turquoise and Sage Green Sparkle medium.  The sentiment is by Waltzing mouse Compliments of the season.  I have layered on black then matching coloured card stock from my stash adding a wee metal star on the trees to finish.

I did say they were clean and simples didn't I?
Just how I like them.

That's all from me today, I need to get to the beach before the light fades.
Have a super Tuesday evening.
More from me again tomorrow.
I think I am starting to like this glitter lark!

A little Scottish flavour, with added sparkle.

Good morning all and how are you this Monday morning?
I believe the south of England has ground to a halt with thick fog this morning, well that's not the case here today.  Oh my it is beautiful.  I'm just back from my dog walk along the beach and we walked a little bit further today as it is glorious sunshine, I had to take my coat off it is so warm.
The sky is bright blue and there is not a cloud in the sky.  A stunning morning.

I didn't end up baking on Saturday as I forgot it was the rugby final.  How could I forget that?
It was a good match but I don't think it was the best in the competition.  I had said to hubby at the beginning of the World cup that it would be a New Zealand Australia final, pity I didn't put money on it.  New Zealand outplayed Australia on the day, though I did think in the second half Australia had the opportunity to come back but didn't quite make it.

I failed miserably on Halloween night, I had 30 bags of treats for my youngest boys pals and ran out so had to send Scooby doo to the shops for me.  Yes I did say Scooby doo.
My eldest had his first house party on Saturday night, scary times.  He had a great night.  He had been determined to hire a costume from the local hire place in Forres and came home like this.

He had a very "jolly" time at the party and can't wait to go out again.  Yikes!
Another hurdle in growing up done and dusted.

On Sunday we went to see the new Bond film Spectre, mmm Daniel Craig, best Bond ever.
The film was good, the action scenes were brilliant, and some of the one liners made me laugh but I have to say there were a couple of slow parts where I found my eyelids drooping!
Although Daniel is a "hotty" I do think Skyfall was a better film overall.  Slightly disappointing in parts.

As for my housework on Friday, I ended up spending the whole day ironing, yes that's how much I had waiting to be done.  I ended up finishing off my chores over the weekend, which wasn't the plan.
I did however manage a little sparkly time.  This is what I came up with.

I have used an Imagination crafts stencil, Thistles with Sage green and Amethyst Sparkle medium.
The punch is plaid by EK success and the sentiment stamp and die are by SU.  The dark purple card and glitter doesn't show up as well on this photograph as it does in real live as it is a real deep purple.
And I said I don't do glitter, I think I might get a lot of use out of this Thistle stencil.

That's all from me today, off now to put out my washing and get the hoover out.  I am hoping to do a little baking later as I have some pumpkin puree to use.  I had planned to make a pumpkin cheesecake 'cause I thought it sounded lovely but my lot stuck their noses up so I might have to make muffins instead.  Pumpkin muffins are just yummy.  I better get moving away from this computer, enjoy your Monday.  I am working tomorrow and Wednesday but I will be back at some point to share some more crafty exploits.
Happy crafting,