Ding, dong, Wedding bells are ringing.

Good afternoon and how are you this Thursday?
It is a beautiful sunny day here, Spring has certainly sprung!

Shhh, don't tell but I think I might be getting my card making mojo back.  The lighter nights and a bit more daylight time makes all the difference.
I always seem to have a lull after Christmas.
As I have mentioned in earlier posts, for me at the moment, the style is most definitely a less is more (LIM) approach or as it is also known clean and simple (CAS).

I bought The Sizzix thinlits die set scribbles and splats a while ago after seeing a youtube video using them with foils.  Now I thought, I like that idea, as you do, I bought the dies, foils etc...and as yet haven't played with them.  My foils are still rolled up but I had an idea for a Wedding card using the heart shape and decided to have a play.

I have used the positive and negative of the die attaching the positive to the card using Stick it then added 3d foam to the negative.  As I'm in Scotland my wee touch of colour is a swatch of tartan ribbon covered with vellum and the stamp Mr & Mrs by Justrite cling Fancy tags set.  Finally I added some tiny diamante to the heart to catch the light.  I have used white pearlescent card stock with a golden shimmer to it from the Papeterie in Aberdeen.
When it comes to Weddings in particular I always think LIS is the way to go, then that is just my opinion.

Now I've had time to play I better go and find out what my guys are all up to.
It has gone quiet!
It is not quite so scary as when they were little, as if they were quiet when small it usually meant that they were up to something.  Nowadays it just means they're in their own little electric bubble.
I do like to check they're alive and kicking throughout the day and try and encourage them out and about for a while or a wee walk, fresh air etc...  You think I am asking them to run a marathon!
I take comfort when talking to friends who say their teenagers are exactly the same and that they do grow out of it.  At the moment though I think I have a couple of vampires, living in the dark in their rooms.  On the bright side at least I know where they are.

That's all from me today, I better go and look out an oldie for tomorrow's post.
Will you be joining me?
I'd love to see your crafting journey too.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, the weather and maybe a little crafting.  If you are lucky.

Sending you birthday wishes CAS style.

Good evening and how are you today?
I've been having a few technical issues with my Internet provider this end so no post for me yesterday.  It was nearly no post again today but as you can see I think the problem has now been sorted.  Yippee.  (Always in the school holidays, my boys hate not being electrically charged).

Another shift at work for me today, we've got some lovely new products starting to come in for the summer months, mmmm, it definitely is not good for your waistline.  It is such a shame to taste test the products so we can recommend them for customers!  ;)

As I had no Internet earlier I decided to visit my craft room instead.  It isn't very often I just sit and play but I have had an idea running around in my head for a while and I needed to get it down on card.  This next card is inspired from my visits to Pinterest.  At this point I must say it is nothing like the card that inspired me.  I deliberately don't go back and re look at something preferring to produce my take on the theme.
I don't know whether you do this?
I always find that it can be the smallest element that just gets my creative juices going and the end result is always different.

I am loving this fuss free style of card just now.
I have used some pastel blue twine, tracing paper stamped with Birthday by Waltzingmouse stamps.
The wish die and floral elements are stamps and dies by Papertrey ink.  The ink I have used are SU pads Certainly celery and Baja Breeze, with a diamante on the flower to finish.

I am entering this card into Simon Says blog for this month's challenge to use pastels.

As for the rest of my evening I think I might make a few more of this style as it is so me at the moment.
I have a few birthdays coming up in the next couple of months.

Before going I must just mention, isn't it nice to have the lighter nights?
You know what that means....more daylight.....more crafty fun.  That can only be a good thing, right?
Catch you again tomorrow.

Who doesn't like a tart?

Hello and happy Easter Monday folks, did you survive the break this weekend?
Are you full of chocolate?
I had a busy day at work on Saturday followed by a nice relaxing Easter Sunday, family viewing on TV, chilling out, a lamb dinner and an egg hunt in the garden.  My eldest boy did protest as he is getting too old for egg hunts but went along with the promise of chocolate!
The clues as where to look have got harder and harder.  I have to admit that hubby created a couple of cryptic ones this year that even had me stumped.  He must be on the same wavelength as the boys as they got them.
You are never too old to enjoy an Easter egg.

Whilst hubby cooked the lamb I set to work on some homemade mint sauce.  I am not a big fan of lamb but he loves it.  My mum used to always ask me if I wanted lamb with my mint sauce as a kid, in my eyes it is the only reason to have lamb.  I don't think you can beat mint sauce with roasties.  Yum.  Strange but true.  I was surprised at how easy it was to make too, I certainly won't be buying it again.

I had bought some lovely strawberries from work and had it in my head that I wanted to do a strawberry tart.
When I worked in Edinburgh, the nearest shops were at a place called Corstorphine, on the outskirts of the city.
At Corstorphine there used to be a lovely tiny little bakers that made the most amazing strawberry tarts and we would always get cream cakes to celebrate birthdays at work.
Mmmm.  Nice.  Whilst shopping last week I popped into Allarburn Dairy farm shop for some eggs and found the strawberry topping for tarts.  That got my head thinking, a nice quick dessert for Easter.
Here is the results.

Looks yummy doesn't it, it was.  I can't really take much credit for it though as the pastry base was bought as was the jelly so all I did was whip the cream and add, cut the strawberries and then add the jelly.  A super quick and yummy pud.  I need to remember this next time we have friends over, it's so easy.  Only the my youngest son wouldn't try it, it had fruit on!   He is allergic to most fruit and veg!  I have tried every trick in the book and nothing works regardless what the experts say.


I also got these beautiful flowers from my best pal.

They really brightened up my weekend, thanks Gill.  x

Hubby had offered to get me an egg, he's a big kid at heart and just like the boys.  I'm sure he was just angling to see if I'd got him one.  He'd got me a small lindt egg, my favourite chocolates.
My boss at work at left a chocolate bunny for me, which was a lovely surprise and I enjoyed munching it yesterday.  Thanks Roma.  x
We have enjoyed a variety of flavoured hot cross buns from work too in the run up to Easter, our favourite flavour this year being the fudge and chocolate ones.  I haven't purchased enough of them for the boys apparently this year.
Little do they know that I bought a few extra and am currently hiding them in the freezer.
They won't think to look for them there.

That's all from me today, I've had a craft free couple of days over the weekend, I think quite a few of you will have done the same.  It has been quiet on-line.   The weather has been beautiful up here until a quick bout of hailstones last night after tea.  I believe those of you down south haven't been as lucky and have had quite stormy weather this weekend.
I hope it hasn't been too bad for you?
Can you believe whilst your having all that bad weather today, in the North of Scotland the sun is out and there isn't a cloud in the sky.  Ok it isn't warm but bright and sunny will do me fine.
Enjoy the rest of your Easter break, back to work for me tomorrow and Wednesday, I better get organised.

It's the weekend time for some Easter funnies.

Good morning and I hope you are all enjoying your Easter weekend?
I think today will be a busy one with everyone picking up food and treats last minute for tomorrow but whilst I am beavering away I thought I'd share some funnies with you.
This week I am taking a break from the crafty funny quotes and sharing a few seasonal ones instead.
These are what made me smile this week.  I hope they bring a smile to your weekend too.

We still have snow on the hills up here in Scotland so Santa I hope you are listening.  I'm sure I am not alone in thinking it's now time for a little more sunshine and flowers?

We are very lucky to always be visited by the Easter bunny in this house, leaving lots of treats in the garden for an egg hunt.  The draw of chocolate and treats is too strong so everyone plays along!  (If you get my drift!)  ;)

Did you know as well as delivering eggs the bunny also has top tips?  Who knew? 

I thought these are very useful, the boys like number two, personally it was number three that made me giggle.

Any basket cases out there this Easter?

I hope you are not feeling hollow?

Finally this one made me really giggle having recently re watched The Silence of the Lambs.  

Who knew it was an Easter movie?!

Bless, poor little bunny.

That's all from me today, enjoy the rest of your Easter weekend.
More crafty "going-ons" from me next week.

Will you be having an eggcellent Easter?

Good morning or should I say "Happy Good Friday" to you all.
Now I am among many nowadays who don't follow a specific religion, don't get me wrong I was christened and I did go to church as a child, that was because it was what you did and it was encouraged by grandparents and other family members.
I have not christened my own children, I thought I'd let them decide for themselves what they want to do.  This is partly because both my husband and I live so far away from where we grew up as kids but also because the religion that we were christened into is not practised up here.
We do however stick to some traditions, as do most people and today's tradition is fish for tea.
This is not necessarily because of religion but more of habit, the armed forces always have fish on a Friday.

I thought for this week's share an oldie on Friday I'd stick with an Easter theme.  This is not compulsory.  For those of you that join me regularly I thank you for doing so, for those who haven't joined in before please feel free to play along, the more the merrier.
The idea of sharing an oldie on a Friday is to re post an old crafty project that you have made.
Add your link below and I will visit all.

My oldie today is this...

Not quite your usual fluffy bunny or cute Easter themed project but all I will say to that is that I have older boys.  Nuff said!

This idea was from Simply Sassy blog.  I have used plain card stock inked with Distress Inks Vintage photo and Peeled paint.

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

The stamp is from the Andy Skinner Gothic range.

Here is where you join me.  I look forwards to my Easter hop around visiting you all.  

It's an early start again for me tomorrow at work and no further plans as yet for the rest of the holiday. That could all change though.  

Have a lovely Easter everyone.  x

Time for a little more candi.

Good afternoon folks and how are you this Thursday?  The week is fairly whizzing by.
I made the lethal mistake of sitting down with a cuppa after returning from my walk today.
If I get sat with a cuppa and put the TV I have a very bad habit of loosing a couple of hours.
This morning was no exception but I did have a giggle in the process.  I love This Morning with Phil and Holly, they have such a great rapport on screen.
Well, this morning there was a crafty feature so I thought it would be rude not to catch it.  I have never laughed so much.  At the end of the feature Holly and Phil had bunny ears on made with a Alice band and two sanitary pads!  Phil didn't realise they were sticky on the back and got his hand stuck.
Oh I did laugh.  Guess you had to be there, but I so needed a giggle.
Needless to say the said housework is still awaiting my attention!
I'm feeling a little rebellious today so have come into my craft room instead.
I guess you could say that I'm living dangerously as my hubby shall be home later this evening and he is bound to comment if the place is not tidy.
And my answer to that....let him comment.  I am mum and dad when he is away and sometimes as fast as you tidy and clean it gets dirty again.  Two boys and a dog, it has taken me a long time to just chill and not worry about it.
Quite frankly I'd rather be crafting!

Talking of crafting today I have another of my candi colouring pages from Craftwork cards to share with you all.

Again I have coloured with my prisma pencils, white candi, Distress glitter Diamond, finishing off with a gingham frame and a little blue string.
These colouring pages are great little projects with the beauty that they fit perfectly on a 6" square card.
As I said earlier this trend could catch on!

Today I am joining another challenge over at the Butterfly challenge blog.  The theme on this occasion being butterflies, margins and mint.  Now I have got butterflies, there is a touch of mint on my leaves and how about my frame be classed a margin?  Maybe?!  I'll let you decide.

That's all from me today I guess I really should show willing and go and "turn on" my Dyson.
Please tell me I'm not the only one who would rather be colouring in or hooking?

I could say it is raining cats and dogs but it isn't.

Good morning and how are you today?
It is a little grey and dull here this morning, let's hope the clouds clear later.

Thanks for your lovely comments yesterday ladies.  It seems we are all in agreement over events which occurred in Brussels.  One thing for sure a certain extremist group seems to be uniting the rest of the world against them.
Barbs sending hugs to you too.  x

Today I have another bespoke card for you, the request for this one was a cat and dog theme.  Now this request came from a lady who over the years I have made a few cards for her daughter all on the same theme.  I needed to get my thinking cap on and try and remember what I have used in the past.
I know that I have not used this Sizzix die since purchasing it, how naughty, it therefore seemed the perfect place to start.

The die is Dog #2 and I have used some snippets of paper to make him.  I have added a bone button collar and googly eyes inking the edges with Distress ink Vintage photo.  The wee cat is a button and the printing was done on the computer.  To finish I pierced the background and added white stitching.

That wee pup die is quite a cutie, I remember now why I bought it.  I think I had intentionally thought of making little felt dogs, maybe next time.

I am also entering this into this week's snippet challenge over at Pixie's crafty workshop.
Gosh, get me entering a challenge!
Sorry, I don't do it very often but I have used snippets of paper for this card so thought why not.
Unfortunately I can't remember the brand of paper as I only had bits left.

That's all from me today, I hope you have some crafting planned today.  I am away to put on my crampons and tether my rope, yep it's that time of the week again.  Time to tackle the clothing mountain that is the ironing.  Can't wait!  (I lie).  There  is only one thing worse than ironing and that is putting it all away.
Enjoy the rest of your "hump" day, more from me tomorrow.

Who knew I could be a Candi girl?

Good morning and how are you today?
Whilst walking along the beach with the sun shining and just the dog for company I got to thinking, how lucky I am to live where I do.  I know I say it often but having turned on the news this morning to find the horrendous attacks in Brussels, what is happening in the world?
The mind boggles at the senseless violence against people who have no means to fight back.
It is just dreadful.

Then the tragic accident for the family in Ireland who's car fell into the sea.
So very sad.  The man who rescued the baby and tried helping the rest of the family was interviewed this morning on TV, he said they just couldn't get out of the car as it filled so quickly with water.  Scary.
My husband regularly turns his car around down at the harbour in our village and I hate it as you reach the point where you can't see the road.  

Closer to home on Sunday one of the boys in my eldest boys year at school was killed, he was hit by a car whilst out cycling.
What that family must be going through.
He seems to have been a real outdoor boy loving his mountain biking.
My eldest reported that school was very difficult yesterday.  What can you say?  I personally didn't know the boy but when your child is the same age at the same school it does hit home.
My thoughts go out to the family and all his friends I am truly gutted for them all.

How do I move to crafting from all the sad news at the moment?  It seems so insignificant in comparison.  In fact it is no comparison at all.
All we can do is pass on our concern for others but the reality is that life goes on for everyone else and it is how we deal with these issues that makes us who we are.
The recommendations from the experts go on as normal but be super vigilant when out in crowded areas.  That takes me right back to the start of this post and my wander along the beach alone with the dog.  Living where we do we lose out on lots of things, choice is limited for entertainment and shopping, travelling to destinations is always longer but I wouldn't change it for the world.  The fact I could sit on a bench in the sunshine with my dog watching the sea and the birds going about their business whilst elsewhere the world is in turmoil, it truly is priceless.

Now onto crafting and I promised yesterday to show you my results of playing with my new Candi colouring pad by Craftwork cards.

As I mentioned yesterday I used my prisma pencils to colour this card and then added my candi topping off with a little of Diamond stickles and a bow of satin ribbon to coordinate.
I am enjoying this colouring in at leisure and then making into a CAS card later approach to card making.  Who knows it might even catch on!  :D

That's all from me today I have another card to make for a friend and then lots of lovely housework waiting for me, hurrah!  Not.
Today I am going to be positive and grateful for all I have.  Big hugs to all of you out there who are dealing with one trauma or another.  x

As sweet as candy.

Good afternoon and how are you this Monday.  I've had a busy one so far and am just about to start tea.
I have just got time to quickly sneak on here and show you what I had a play with over the weekend.
For Christmas one of my lovely crafty pals, you know who you are, got me this amongst other items.

The book is 5" square just just perfect for 6" square cards.  I bought a few members of my family colouring books and pencils at Christmas, I was so surprised and happy to get one myself too.
Over the weekend I dug out my prisma pencils and had a little play.  I have just added some glitter so before I can finally add to a card I must leave to dry.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.  I should know better, scratch that I do know better but I could not resist the draw of glitter!
Instead of the finished card today you are getting the a wee sneaky peek at the job so far.

Mmm can you tell what it is yet?

More to be revealed tomorrow.

I have to confess to not having previously owned any Candi so there is a first for everything.

It was food shopping that kept me away from crafting today plus a couple of good dog walks so far.

The boys are now shouting for food so I better get into action.  

More from me tomorrow.

It's the weekend, time for a smile or two, crafty hooking style of course.

Good morning and how are you this Saturday?
An early shift in work for me today, covering a colleague's holidays then the rest of the day will be rugby, rugby, rugby!

Today I am again sticking with the crocheting theme.  I am hoping that my choice of crafty quotes will amuse you this weekend, they did me.

Firstly do you ever just buy something crafty because you like the look of it, or the texture of it or the feel?
I do this quite often with yarn, especially when it's soft and shades of teal.
What will I do with it all?

The next two quotes are on the same theme.  We all have that project no matter what your craft is. You know the one, the one you made a mistake on, (and can't remember where) the one you put down because you just couldn't understand the instructions.  Clear precise instructions, my a**e!

I have a cross stitch sampler I started over 25 years ago and I made a wee mistake on the thatched roof.  Now no one else, till now would know, I don't even know where the project is.  It's probably in the corner of the loft sat in a box in disgrace.  

Please tell me I am not the only one?

This next quote is so true especially when trying out a new pattern.

I have to say the baby's face is more me when I do crack a pattern and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  You know the look....of stubborn determination.

That's all from me today, I hope you have enjoyed my choice of quotes to make you smile this weekend?
Have a "good one" whatever you have planned and more from me next week.
Before I go I'd just like to thank the ladies who joined my oldies post yesterday, the new Mr Link worked well, yippee!

Thank crunchie it's Friday, time for a trip down memory lane.

Good morning and how are you today?
Have you got that Friday feeling?
If you visit me regularly you will know that I share an oldie each Friday and encourage you to join me just for fun and the love of all things crafty.
Here is my oldie for today.

I have used stamp sets by Marion Emberson at PI On your special day, It's all in the words and Build a tree.  The Spellbinder Nestabilities die is the new Postage stamps.  The inks I have used are Distress inks Festive berries, Mustard seed, Ripe persimmon, Spiced marmalade, Vintage photo, Crushed olive and Peeled paint.  The seam binding is also coloured with the ink.
For the sun I used a round Spellbinder die to create a mask before getting all inky.  

I have been trying to add a linky tool so it is easier to join me sharing an oldie, will it work today?
Let me know, please.  I'm not the best when it comes to tech stuff.  You never know I might have cracked it.  Pigs do fly don't they?
If it hasn't worked do feel free to comment below and I will look forwards to visiting your blog and seeing what project you are sharing this week.   I do look forwards to my weekly hop.  It's my kind of exercise!
If you have joined me today, thank you I do appreciate you taking the time to play along.
Have a super weekend folks, another early start for me in the morning at work and a busy day after planned too.  More from me tomorrow.

An InLinkz Link-up

Another golden date but not that you'd know it.

Morning and how are you today?
A damp and dreich morning here in the North of Scotland with a sea haar to boot.  I can only hope that it will clear later.

My eldest boy thoroughly enjoyed his first driving lesson yesterday and came home full of the joys.
This was followed by a lovely curry and chocolate cake so I am still stuffed now.  I really need to think about getting back on my healthy eating plan but the more I think about it the more I eat what I shouldn't.  So cruel, why can't lettuce taste like chocolate cake, that would solve the problem.  Do you not agree?
We had birthday cake the night before Nathan's birthday whilst his Dad was still about so I set to work yesterday making a quick chocolate tray bake.
Looking back over the kids birthdays I can remember spending hours trying to come different party ideas and cakes.
It's a bit late in the day but I have now come to one conclusion, the kids don't care how long you spend organising and "making pretty".  You can spend all day making an exploding volcano or you can spend a couple hours on a tray bake, either way the kids will be quite happy.  With my two as long as it is chocolate nothing else matters.  Hence this birthday I just did a big chocolate tray bake with Easter eggs on top, both boys tucked in with appropriate, yums and what a lovely cake, happy kids, job done!

The 17 are actually indoor sparklers for a change, they look great when alight.

My kids have always been the same about life in general I can remember spending holidays dragging them around activities, museums, parks etc....
When home we would say what was the best part of the holiday?
It would be the free swimming pool on the site we stayed at and used very little as we were always out and about.  Typical eh!  You do your best and sometimes it is better just to chill out and just enjoy doing very little with them.

Back to crafting and today I have another Golden Anniversary card for you, again for the same couple as Monday's card.  This time I was asked to include music/choir and sailing.

Job done.  The sailing boat is from a collection of stamps by Docrafts called Ahoy there and is coloured with copic markers.  The sheet music is from an old music book.

Time for me to sign off for the day, I have my crampons and rope at the ready, can you guess what I am going to be up to for the next 3 or 4 hours?  Can't wait.  It's my favourite job of the week.
I'll be back tomorrow with an oldie, I do hope you will find the time to join me?
Happy crafting.

What the "L", how did that happen?

Good morning and how are you today?
Today my eldest boy is 17!
As I put the inside of his card "How the "L" did that happen?"
It doesn't seem that long ago he was coming home from hospital or since he started school, now he is bigger than me.
Isn't it scary how time flies?
As you can guess his birthday had a bit of a theme this year, I wonder if you can guess what?
Here is his card.

I actually made an 8" card this time, not something I do very often but I know lots of you do.  I have layered the card and made the L.  The printing is done on the computer.  The little cars are brads I picked up in the States, aren't they cute?  Finally I have added gems in the corner in the colour combo of traffic lights.  A CAS card.

I also ordered balloons from a friend who runs her own balloon business Beedeck balloons.
The balloons come a huge box, it is so nice to have a surprise to open as he knew he was getting driving lessons from one of my other friends Christel Clear School of motoring.
Here are the balloons....

How cute are they?

He shall be having his driving lesson after school with the lovely Christel.  Followed by his tea of choice, a curry.  We had cake last night as that is his Dad back to work so I thought today I will make him a chocolate tray bake for later.  I better go and get my baking head on.  The boys do like their chocolate cake.
I think this week I shall have to extend my dog walks to compensate for all the yummy healthy food!

That's all from me today.
I'm away to put on my apron and make a mess in the kitchen.
Do you have anything exciting planned for this "hump" day?
More from me tomorrow.

A little golden number but not the norm.

Good afternoon all and how are you today?

The weather is not as good today, still a little chilly but cloudy also.  

It was nice to wander along the beach this morning, I was slightly later than normal and got together for a chat with other villagers walking their dogs.  I obviously normal walk in-between peak times, after workers and before retirees. 

I've had a bit of a lazy morning today, after tidying the kitchen and walking the dog I watched a couple of programs my hubby had recorded for me saying "this is right up your street!"  It is a program called 13.  It's a bit slow but only watched the first couple in the series, there is something fishy about the story but haven't worked out what yet.  Let's just say, all is not what it seems.

I have also made a card for my eldest sons birthday, 17 tomorrow!   Gulp.  

I have a few bits to wrap this afternoon and balloons to blow up later.  

When the kids were little went to bed at a reasonable hour I always had plenty of time to decorate the window and add balloons and a banner before birthdays.  I tend not to make as big a fuss now probably because I would dearly love to be in bed before them, and am some nights.  No staying power.

Back to today and I have a Golden Wedding Anniversary to share with you.  I was not asked for the usual Golden Anniversary card but could I instead personalise it with something to do with gardening and a builder.

I have made the wall and brick trowel using scraps of card, the packet of seeds are by Docrafts and are paper pieced then coloured with copic markers, everything is aged and brought together using some Vintage photo distress ink.  With a little dirt added for authenticity.

As I said in the title today not your normal Golden Anniversary card.

I'm away now to do a little wrapping and hiding before the boys are home.  Enjoy the rest of your day, more from me tomorrow.

What a weekend!

Good morning all and how are you today, it's another beautiful sunny day up here in the North of Scotland.  The sun is out, the sky is blue, there's not a cloud to spoil the view!

How was your weekend?

I know Cara has had a good one as she was at a crafting weekend with the lovely Hels at her Ink Buds Weekend.  I have been to a crafty class with Hels and she is a lovely talented lady so I know all the ladies who have gone to the event would have had a super weekend.

Then there is the rugby, a win for England and a win for Scotland.  Could the results be any better?
England played brilliant against Wales on Saturday dominating the first half but it got very close towards the end of the second half.  Exciting times.
I missed the game on Sunday where Scotland played France.  I was gutted but on the upside I was crafting with my pals.  Having seen the highlights later in the day it looks as if it was a cracking match, so glad to see Scotland winning, they deserve it.  The fans in the stadium sounded amazing too, would loved to have been there.  What an atmosphere.
I got home just in time for the match starting on Saturday, timed to perfection, a beer thrust in my hand and I plonked down on my chair and enjoyed the match after a busy day at work.  My hubby's pal came over again to watch the match, I provided nibbles (well, Mr M & S did!) and he cooked another curry, this time a red Thai curry, nomm, nomm with my hubby as assistant!
The evening was only marred by my little man being ill again.  Bless.  He is off today but feeling better, still a little queasy.

Yesterday as I mentioned I was cropping in the village with a few of my crafty friends.  I had seen a tweet earlier in the week from PaperCrafter for anyone who has a craft group to give them a shout out, which I duly did.  So ladies look out in issue 94 out next month on the 8th for a wee mention.
This is what I was up to yesterday.

It's coming together slowly but then there was lots of chatting and drinking of tea going on too, maybe even the odd treat!

I did mention we also have a see view from our village hall, this isn't the best of pictures as I didn't take my good camera, I have just used my mobile.  You can just see the sea in the background and the hills of the top of the North East coast of Scotland if you strain your eyes and squint!

Maybe you can't see the hills but you can definitely see the sea.

Not many of us at this month's crop with lots of ladies having other things on this weekend but for those of us who made it, we are busy beavering away with current projects.

The size of the crop varies from month to month depending on who can make it.  Sometimes we have a hall full sometimes just a handful of us.  I do try and pick weekends after discussing with all the ladies which date suits best but as with everything life just gets in the way of fun now and again.

That's all from me ladies I must check on my wee man and then I have a couple of orders to complete for a friend.  Enjoy the rest of you week and more from me tomorrow.

This Saturday's theme "Hookers!"

Good morning and how are you today?
Another busy day for me in work and then a couple of rugby matches to watch, that will be my Saturday done and dusted.  Depending on how exciting the rugby is will depend on how much crocheting I do.  Normal TV is perfect for crocheting but an exciting rugby match is a little distracting, the jumping up and down plus shouting at the TV does not make for nice even stitching.
As I have started the job of stitching up my blanket I have another Saturday of funny crochet quotes for you.  I hope they bring a smile to your face and that you have a great weekend whatever your plans.
So what do you think when someone calls you a hooker?
In crocheting it is probably the only time you won't get upset or slap the guilty party.

These are indeed skinny hookers!
If only, but I like my food too much especially home baking and cakes.

A fan of Star Wars?

You can't beat a strong hook!
This one also looks as if it is glowing, how novel.  ;)
I am now saying in my head, "step away from any further comments and move on to the next funny whilst my brain is going ten to the dozen and I am smirking!"

This is what I am feeling about my blanket just now.

Not that I am close to finishing at the moment as it is about the size of a table mat but the fact that it is taking shape gives me crocheticipation.
Oooo nurse the screens!

That's all from me today again,  I hope you have loads of fun and games this weekend and plenty of crafting.  More from me next week.  Happy crafting.

Time to share an oldie, well it is Friday.

Good morning folks how are you this Friday?

It's that time of the week again.  

It comes around all too fast for my liking.

A missed post from me yesterday, busy catching up on housework and all things domestic.  I did however manage to start putting together my blanket.  It's quite exciting seeing it come together if only on a small scale.

Back to today, for those who are joining me for the first time sharing an oldie on Friday, it is for fun and I encourage you to re post an old craft project, it can be anything you have made yourself.  

I love to share our crafting journey, how styles have changed or how we have.  All I ask is that you leave a wee comment below, I can then link to your blog and see what you have picked as your oldie today.  I will visit all and comment back. 
To those of you who join me on a regular basis I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for doing so.  I do enjoy my wee hop over the weekend to see what project you have picked.

This is my project today.

I have used card stock from The Papeterie in Aberdeen, A4 embossing folder Interlocking circles by Sue Wilson together with Spellbinder die Vintage labels two, Just Rite stamp set Live, love, laugh vintage labels two, bling and ribbon with a bow from my stash.

A busy day at work tomorrow followed by lots of rugby.   As for today I have a couple of bespoke cards to make and a few jobs up my sleeve.
Do you have anything planned for the weekend?

Grumpy by name, grumpy by nature!

Good afternoon and how are you today?
The sun is out again, it is beautiful day.
My earlier walk along the beach was glorious, only a tad cold, plus I got to share it with my BFF and enjoy a wee chat to start the day.
It's so nice I am even looking forwards to my walk after tea too.

Today has been spent getting ready for Grumpy to get home.  He has now arrived and tea is in the oven so I have a few minutes to spare and I am sneaking on here.
As for his birthday card he asked if I had a theme going this year, see what you think...

I have used another colouring in page, as it is just for personal use it is OK.
Grumpy is coloured with my copic markers and a little glossy accents on his nose.
Then I have used 3d foam to make him pop out of the card.  You get a better idea below.

I'm away now to finish the tea and have a rather nice chunk of birthday cake.  Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday, I hope you have had nice weather too.

A bit of a yarn!

Good afternoon to you, another lovely sunny but cold day here in Scotland.  The weather is getting better folks, don't hold your breath but I think Spring might be on the cards soon.

Today it is Grumpy's birthday, I can't share his card yet as he is not back till tomorrow.  He shall be enjoying cakes on his twelve hour night shift this evening and a table for one for his birthday tea.  Bless.
I have been struggling with what to get him.  Cake, tick, card, tick, but what else.  We have just had our Anniversary and Valentine's Day so I am running out of ideas and it is not as if we don't get what we want when we need it anyway.  I'm planning a nice meal and cake and have a couple of small bits and bobs, he needs new parts for his bike which he will need to order himself.  I am no expert when it comes to bike maintenance.
Instead I thought I would take you for a wee yarn.

My blanket is coming on.  I have two more hexagons to complete and then I have ten of each design.
I think at that point I am going to start stitching together as the pattern I am following is for a double bed and I just want a throw for the front room, for those chilly nights!
If I start putting it together I can see how many more I will need.
Not a very exciting photograph today as it is more of the same but at least you can see that I am progressing, a blanket takes longer than a card or two.

On a lighter note I saw this on Friday when I was wandering around looking for funny quotes to share.  What a great gift for a knitter or crocheter, don't you think?

Nice and zero calories.  
You'd need to blow out the candle quick though or you might have a bit of a "whoosh" moment!
It would be a shame to waste that lovely lace and yarn.

That's all from me today, I've just been ordering my son's first driving lesson for next week, gulp!
One excited teenager and one slightly concerned mum.

The rest of my evening will involve picking my eldest boy up from rugby and then starting the tea. Followed by another walk along the beach in the sunshine, it's a hard life.
Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Bagging your retirement.

Good morning and how are you today?
Happy Mother's day to all you mums out there for yesterday.  I hope you had a lovely day?
My youngest took great delight at waking me at 6 am to wish me all the best and thrust a card in my face, together with a bucket of sweet peas and my favourite chocolates.  Whilst my eldest made me a cup of tea in a new mug.  Both of them then disappeared until feeding time as they required their regular weekend electrical top up!
I therefore enjoyed a lovely walk with the dog in the sunshine along the beach.  It was a bit nippy but I was wrapped up warm and the sun made all the difference.
I then had a big decision to make, ironing or cleaning the bathroom.  I took the easy option and thought "blow it" and sat and crocheted instead.
Well, it was Mother's day!

On Saturday we had our staff night out at the Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin, what a giggle.
Unfortunately I was driving but it didn't stop me having fun.  We had a few games and I won a couple of prizes, a cadbury's creme egg and some nougat.  I also won money behind the bar but as I wasn't drinking I passed it to someone else who was.  There is only so much lime and soda the body can take!
The food was amazing, I wish I'd had a doggy bag as there was loads.
I love the Drouthy, it's so nice to go to a place on a Saturday night with an atmosphere and character where you don't have to shout over the music, with good food and drink.  It is a grown up pub for adults, if you get my drift!
As well as being our belated Christmas do it was also Moira's retirement and I was asked to make her card.  Moira did spend a lot of her time at the tills so I had this in mind making the card.

I made the carrier bag and the wee purse and credit card are Dress it up buttons.

My craft exploits at the weekend were all of the crochet variety as I could snuggle on the sofa with the dog, next to the fire, cosy and warm, whilst catching up on some of my favourite shows that I had taped.  Basically a very relaxing weekend.  What did you get up to?  Anything exciting?
More from me tomorrow, the bathroom and ironing still await my attention, boo, hiss.

It's Saturday again, time for some creative funnies.

Good morning and how are you this today?
It's the weekend and I am not working, yippee.  Just me and my boys so I am planning on squeezing in a little craft time but ssshhh don't tell anyone.
I've also got my work Christmas night out!  Early or late, that is the question.  Work is just so busy over the festive season this year we have waited till everything is quieter.

You know the drill by now I have found a few funny craft related quotes this week and today I share them with you in the hope of brightening your weekend or at least making you smile, so without further ado.

Can you guess my theme again this week?
I so need that t-shirt.

Oh and I love this quote too.
 

Now then Harry, I like my stick better!

This final quote had me laughing out loud.
Something for the weekend!

Now ladies don't you wish you had nose warmer at this time of year?
I like the tassel on the end, you could add a bead and rotate it just for fun!  Or a wee bell!
I'm sure this could be adapted for men too!  ;)
I shall not add further to that sentence other than to say, is your imagination going where mine is?!*
I doubt it.

I think I better leave you to the weekend before I dig an even deeper hole.
Have a fun filled crafty making weekend and enjoy.
More from me again soon.

How you bearing up this Friday, oldie time again.

Good morning folks and how are you this Friday?  It's oldie time again.

Are you joining me today?

I'd love to see your old project too.

For those who are joining me for the first time sharing an oldie on Friday, it is for fun and I encourage you to repost an old craft project, it can be anything you have made yourself.  I love to share our crafting journey, how styles have changed or how we have.  All I ask is that you leave a wee comment below, I can then link to your blog and see what you have picked as your oldie today. 

I will visit all and comment back. 
To those of you who join me on a regular basis I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for doing so.  I do enjoy my wee hop over the weekend to see what project you have picked.

Today I'm in a beary good mood so thought I'd share this with you.  

It must be a special occasion as I don't do pink very often but I thought with Mother's day this weekend, this card was quite appropriate.   

This was a demo card I made back in 2010 when the new range of Nitwits arrived on the scene. 
The papers I have used American craft textured card to make a split 6" card, then I have mat and layered with Bear Necessities; heart paper, stitched hearts, strips and finally Girl topper all inked with TH distressing ink vintage photo. The greeting is from Hero arts. 

I'm off this weekend so I am going to hopefully prise my boys away from the electronics and have a bit of Mum time.  Wish me luck!

A wee girlie interlude!

Good afternoon, how are you today?  It's a beautiful sunny day here with a wee nip in the air.  We've had snow, rain and ice in the last 24 hours but now it is lovely, if only it was a tad warmer.  On the upside this mornings walk was, how shall I put it, refreshing and awakening!  You get my drift don't you?
I was walking along the beach feeling very grateful for my M & S thermal clothing, snug as a bug in a rug except for my face.

Yesterday we managed to get my son's rugby boots after school, lets see how long this pair lasts!
Put it this way he no longer wears out his shoes.  From some of your comments regarding my sons growth you have had similar experiences too.  What made me smile the most as soon as we got home he just dumped them in the front room and they're still sat there.
Boys!
I also had to apply for his provisional driving license, gulp.   I have been very good and booked him driving lessons (six months in advance!) for his up coming birthday this month but foolishly forgot to get his license.  It has been a long time since I have had to do anything about my license so it didn't even dawn on me.
Having a bit of a dull moment!
Still it is now ordered and we have just got to sit tight and hope it goes through without any problems and is here before his birthday.

I also mentioned earlier in the week that I would show you the necklace hubby had bought me for our anniversary.  I had a busy day yesterday so I'm afraid any crafting went out of the window.

Isn't it lovely and hence the title today, a wee girlie interlude.  I don't normally go all girlie but I do love the style of this necklace and the shape of the heart.
It was a nice surprise.

So what do I have planned for the rest of the day?  This morning I have been catching up with a little admin and I have also been pulling my hair out with my fitbit which has decided not to work.
It's at times like this that I really hate technology as I am stumped as to what to do, Mr Google has been assisting but I have not solved the issue yet.  I have now lost the will to live with it so I am going to crack on with a few card orders and come back to it later.
What are you up to today?

They say things come in three's.....they're wrong!

Good evening all, how are you tonight?
I had a lovely day yesterday thank you, lunch out and hubby cooked tea, served with a fine bottle of M & S champagne.  Hick!
Pulling out all the stops or showing off, you decide.  ;)

A busy yet productive day in work today, home in time to get the boys.  I had to take my eldest back in town to get new rugby boots, I think just cutting the toes out of his shoes would be the best idea.  In 18 months he has gone from a size 7 to an 11!  He just keeps growing.  He is already over six foot tall, when will he stop?
I have a funny feeling that I am going to be the little one in a few years time and I'm over 5 foot 7.
I had to smile when we got to the sports shop for as the lights were all out and the doors were shut but there was lots of equipment and clothing outside.  The store is normally open till 8.  It turns out that they had a power cut and couldn't sell anything.
I've now got to do the same trip again tomorrow night.
Lets hope the problem is solved by then.

Now as to my title, they say things come in three's.  Last week was not a great week in the village, we lost a neighbour, my husband lost a fishing friend and one of my friends lost her mum.  To top that, on going back to work one of my bosses had lost her sister and another colleague had been rushed to hospital for an emergency operation.
Gosh it's all going on and not in a nice way.
So today my thoughts go out to my pals and my colleagues at work.
As I had made a sympathy card last week I thought I'd rejig the design and keep everyone the same.

Today I just want to finish the post by saying my thoughts and prayers are with the families, neighbours and colleagues all affected by such sad news in the last week.

Life is short, live it to the max.