Taking a wee crafty break.

Hi folks, hope you all had a super Christmas?
I had a very quiet one with working so it was just the four of us at home.  I shall have to wait till later in the year to see my family. 
Are you doing anything special for New Year?
We shall hopefully be spending it with friends then I'm straight back to work on Monday.  Back to normal for me.
Over Christmas I have enjoyed chilling out at home, eating far to much, a few drinks and a little crocheting.
I got some lovely new crafty supplies for Christmas, did you?
I am looking forwards to playing with them when I get the chance and the inclination.
I always find it difficult at this time of year to be inspired in a craft sense so have decided this year to take a wee break from blogging.  Since working the extra hours in work I have found less and less time to craft and basically have enjoyed more time sat by the fire and TV with one or two crochet projects to keep the hands busy.
Of late, I am finding that I am spending more time making to blog and less time doing what I really enjoy, crafting.
With that in mind it will mean no sharing an oldie on a Friday and no funnies on a Saturday.  I'm hoping that the break might give me inspiration to get in my craft room, have a good old tidy out and start a fresh later in the year.
I'd like to thank those of you  who visit my blog and have left such lovely comments about my work.  I do hope to still visit occasionally to see what you are making but it won't be everyday like I have in the past.  I am going to hope that spending more time sorting and crafting will bring back my mojo and get me back in the mood.

So it is without further ado I wish you all the very best for 2017, may it bring you joy, happiness and lots of crafty fun. 
As Arnold would say "I'll be back!"

It's Christmas Eve, time for a little creative smile or two.

Good morning and Happy Christmas Eve to you all.
Yesterday was again crazy at work, so much food, so many customers, but whilst I was there everyone kept to good humour and there was no fights.  I wonder if today will be the same?
As we are so close to Christmas my funny crafty quotes today are either Christmas themed or about the festive season instead.  So without further ado here we go......

This first one I thought was brilliant for that member of the family who doesn't want anything this Christmas.  I think it would be a great card to call their bluff with.

This next one is me.  I am frantically trying to finish a bunny at the moment.  Ho, ho, ho!

Along the same theme, there is always next year!

I think the above idea is better but then I do the same thing every year.  One day I will be super organised.

On the upside the Baileys chocolate truffles and gingerbread biscuits I made yesterday went down well at work.  Sorry but in the rush I didn't take photos, maybe next time.  I think I'll be making more truffles as my boys were not impressed that most of them went into work.

Finally you know it's Christmas when......

Let's just go for it and worry in January!

Fat pants are ready here. how about you?

That's all from me today, ssshhhh don't tell anyone but I think I am nearly there.  I shall be making my table decoration and setting the table after work ready for tomorrow.  I might even pre-prepare my vegetables.  I think that will be going too far, don't you agree?

Have a great Christmas folks, I hope Santa is kind to you are and that you are fit and healthy over the festive season.  

It's oldie time again.

Well, it's nearly time, are you ready yet?
I've still got my food to get which I am planning on doing today after an early shift in work.  Then my usual shift at work tomorrow and I'm done. 
All the wrapping is done and dusted except for a couple last minute things.  I just have my table decoration to make and my cake to ice. 

Yesterday whilst wrapping I had a little assistance from Holly dog, she loves to open Christmas presents!  I think she would have opened everything I had wrapped given half the chance.  She gets very excited on the big day and has her own stocking.  With that in mind today's card has a doggy Christmas theme and it from six years ago.

It's not a great photo I am afraid but you get the general idea.  It was before my fancy camera.

I have used PI stamps Christmas Santa Paws.

The above dog.....in his "dog house" as is the greeting the card stock is "Holly" from the Papeterie, which I was asked to incorporate into my demonstration back in 2010.  I have also used red and green card stock from AC, the red had been made into a roof using Martha Stewart edge punch new scallop and glittered with MS gingerbread glitter set.  The green at the base has just been folders, which seems to be quite popular just now.
The wee dog is coloured again with copic's, and glitter and glossy accents have also been added....finally I have highlighted with black ink.

That's all from me today I will be back to visit you over the weekend.  Have a great Friday and I hope you avoid Barbara.

An InLinkz Link-up

Ooooh nurse the screens!

Good evening and how are you this dark, cold and wet night?
Have you had the beginnings of Barbara near you?  "There's a storm brewing!"
It has been a very dreich and wet day here, a tad on the cold side too.

Work, as you may expect, was a little manic again today and it is only set to get even worse as the week progresses.  Still it made for a busy and fast shift followed by a little more Christmas shopping.
I think I am nearly there on the present front now.  A few more gift cards to make and another present to make, lastminute.com rides again.
On the upside the Christmas cake is in the oven, gingerbread reindeer's made yesterday and I am in the process of making truffles, though how they'll turn out, your guess is as good as mine.

I was asked recently to make a birthday card for a nurse.  This is what I came up with.

I have created a 3D hat together with a plaster button and stethoscope charm, all on a red background.

Simple and to the point.  Needs must at this time of year.

That's all from me for today, hope you are all getting organised for the big day at the weekend,  I shall be back later to catch up with you all.  

A card as a gift!

Good morning and how are you this Tuesday morning?
It's still dark here and the forecast has just been on TV, oh my, it doesn't look good for the rest of the week up here.  Batten down the hatches!
I'm off into work shortly, yesterday was manic and it is only set to get worse as the week goes on.
Yippee!
Food glorious food!

Back to crafting and today I have an A5 gift card to show you.
What do you buy adults who don't really need anything?
My bestie is great at this.  She comes up with all manner of gift vouchers, tickets for the cinema, a meal out, a massage etc.... Then I make her a card for the vouchers to go in.
The cards today are A5 size, vouchers seem to be getting bigger!

I have used Creative Expressions die Poinsettia mini striplet and layered the white card onto pearlescent red.  The sentiment is by PI and I have added a bit of bling to the centre of the poinsettia flowers.  Inside I have a usual greeting on the right and have placed a pocket on the left to hold the voucher.
Hence a gift in a card!

That's all from me today I am away to crack on before heading into work.  I have a to do list and nothing has been ticked off yet.  Will I get a couple of ticks in before work, I wonder?

Enjoy your Tuesday, I hope your Christmas preparations are all running smoothly.  Catch you again tomorrow.

Rudolph the red nose reindeer, had a very shiny nose!

Good morning and how are you all this Monday?
Another busy shift for me in work this morning, cleaning all the way today.
Whilst I am beavering away I thought I'd share the recent crochet project that I have been telling you about for a wee while.  My lovely friend Gayle has now got her present, which I told her to open immediately and start using.  You will understand why when you see the photograph.
I hate to admit it but I am really happy with the results from this pattern, I freely admit I wasn't sure about it when I first started it.  By the finish I was actually wanting to keep it, which is always a good sign if you are making it as a gift.  If I like it then I'm sure the recipient will too.

Without further ado, here's Rudolph from all angles.

The pattern is from Millionbells which I purchased on line.  How cute it he, I really must make one for myself now.

My friend loves a novelty tea cosy so I thought this would be right up her street, and it was.

I am so glad she loved it as some of you might have seen from my Facebook page.

I spent yesterday getting in a little baking before Christmas but more about that later this week.

The Christmas cake production has started too, or should a say the fruit is stewing in alcohol as we speak.

As for Saturday, it was a busy one at work but the highlight of the day for me was the Strictly final.  

It was such a fantastic show, all the finalists were amazing but as Ore hadn't danced at all before I do think he was a worthy winner.  

Personally I did have my eyes on Danny to win, (who wouldn't with his Samba, I could watch it on wraparound 💖) that guy can move!

That is all from me today, I hope you have a good one.  As Arnold would say, "I'll be back" tomorrow with some more Christmas crafty fun.

It's the weekend, time for a creative smile or two.

Good morning and how are you this Saturday?
It's getting nearer, ho, ho, ho. 
I've never been so disorganised but hey ho, I'll keep at it, whatever "it" might be!
Another short shift in work today and after yesterday I think it might just be a busy one.  So much to do so little time, anyone else need another week or two?

As have become customary on a Saturday, I like to share a few creative quotes that have made me smile this week.  Again I am back with a crocheting theme as that is what I have been busy with in the background. 
This first one show you how to find a hooker!

I have to admit I'd like to be this skinny hooker!

This next one happens at least once every night I pick up my crocheting. 
How do they manage to disappear down the side of the chair?
I only turned around to take a sip of tea!

Maybe it's the guns that make all the difference.  Is that where I am going wrong?

Thinking ahead to Christmas.....you can keep your expensive gifts.  It doesn't take much to keep us crafters happy.  A couple of balls of wool, stamps, ribbons, card...the list is endless. 

I hope you are taking notes Santa.  LOL.  I think my kids might be a tad disappointed though.

Do you have anything exciting planned for this weekend?  If so enjoy. 
I'm looking forwards to the final of Strictly and would really like Danny to win but only time will tell. 
I also plan to get on top of all my Christmas planning as I have a busy week at work coming up. 
Whatever your plans have a good weekend and I shall catch you again on Monday.

It's Friday, time for another oldie.

Good morning folks and I am touching base with you before heading into work.  It's festive jumper day today and mine says, "Don't get your tinsel in a tangle!"  I thought it was quite appropriate as everyone is galloping around trying to get organised.

As every Friday I encourage you to dig out an oldie, something you have either never blogged as you made it well before you started blogging or something previously posted.  It's all about creating a post that shows your creative journey.  It is fun to see how styles change over the years, mine definitely have.
All I ask is to link up with me below and I will visit you all over the weekend and comment, sharing the love of all things crafty.
Without further ado I have another festive card for you today.

I couldn't remember if I have shared this one before but I just love the red, black and cream combo and poinsettias are my favourite flower of the season.
I have used Spellbinder dies Gold labels four and Layered Poinsettia (one of my all time favourite dies) embossing folder by Sue Wilson Interlocking circles.  The leaves are a Martha Stewart punch, the sentiment stamp is from Woodware Wishing you, with bling and ribbon from my stash.

Will you be joining me?  
I do hope you do, but I do appreciate how busy everyone is at this time of year too.  If you do, thank you so much for playing along, I do love to see the project you have picked to share.
A cup of tea and a wee treat with the computer on after fun and games at work is the perfect way to relax.
It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming weekend, I hope you have a good one whatever your plans.

An InLinkz Link-up

Have you hung your Christmas wreath?

Good afternoon and how are you folks?  I've been a bad blogger.
Are you like me running around like a headless chicken, or shall we go festive and say a headless turkey, trying to get everything sorted in time for Christmas?
Bar humbug!

More cards to write today, parcels to wrap and post.  Gift cards to make and lots more wrapping to do, not to mention presents still to buy.
I've had a busy time at work this week as you can imagine but the force is strong and the festive spirit hasn't waned yet.  That probably has more to do with the fact that I am part-time than anything else.
Tuesday I had a lovely trip through to Inverness with my best mate and although I didn't get a lot of what I wanted we both had a lovely day out.
Note to self:   I still haven't baked my Christmas cake or gingerbread house.  Yikes.
It's only one day and it will happen no matter what the state of affairs, therefore I am just going to go with the flow.  If things don't get done, then they don't get done.  If things do get done then excellent.
On the upside I have finished my crochet project and it is winging it's way to its recipient.  I do hope she loves it as much as me.  I might just have to make myself one now.  I'll add it to the list.

With that in mind I have made a few cards using previous ideas, to speed up the process.
Today a wreath!

The Spellbinder die is Fancy tags, twine and bling from my stash with paper from The Papeterie in Aberdeen.  I used Versamark direct onto the embossing folder and then added Perfect pearl Green Patina to the card after embossing.  I have added a little red bling for the berries and a twine bow and button to finish before matting and layering with corresponding cardstock.
I do like this technique of using Versamark and perfect pearls to accent the embossed image.
Another note to self:   I must use it more often.

That's all from me today, I'm away to pick an oldie for tomorrow before getting back to my to do list.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday folks.

It's the weekend time for a little Christmas smile.

Good morning and how are you this weekend?
Are you getting organised for Christmas?
Work is certainly getting busier.
Whilst sat having my cuppa yesterday after work I found a few festive funnies to share with you today, well, it is the weekend.
This first one isn't festive but I guess this is how I felt when I got in last night.

It was the long walks to the fridge that made me smile.

I do like a nice long walk to the fridge especially if there is a pudding in it.

As for naps, wishful thinking on my part.

I know I have mentioned this before but I do LOVE Pinterest, especially viewing it and pinning things.

I have tried quite a few recipes from the site which have been yummy but this robin has definitely been super productive.  I have bought things in the past to make something inspired by Pinterest but as for actually making them, that's a whole other step.

Finally after three, one, two, three, won't you sing along with me....

You did sing along, didn't you?  It made me smile as I instantly sang along.

Another short shift in work today and no further plans this weekend.  I have heard that there is a couple local craft fairs so I might have to venture out for a look. 
Have a super time over the weekend and as Arnie would say, "I'll be back!"

Let it snow oldie style of course this Friday.

Good morning and how are you this Friday?
The end of the week is nearly here, time to share an oldie.  This week I have picked a snowy old project for you, why not join me and link in below.  You can share any project previously posted on your blog or even something that you made in the past but have never blogged.  I will post a link below and visit anyone who joins me.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow........I love this jolly snowman.

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!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who do join me on a regular basis, I really do appreciate it. 

Have a super weekend folks and happy crafting.

An InLinkz Link-up

Rustic Christmas time again.

Hello, and how are you this evening?

The trend this week seems to post later in the day.  Not enough hours at the moment.

I had some emergency shopping to do today as my youngest told me just before school that his shoes were falling apart.  Wish I'd been told that last night.

The magic hot glue gun came in useful till I could get a new pair today.  It's good to be a crafter some days!

Hubby is hobbling nicely and managed a slow wee walk with me and the dogs today, must keep mobile according to the experts.  Gone are the days when the medical profession tell you to put your feet up.  The general consensus nowadays tends to be stay mobile but take it gradually.

I demolished the ironing pile today, crampons and rope stowed away till same time next week, if I am lucky.  Even though I've been, as I would class it "a good girl" today, getting my jobs done rather than crafting I still haven't managed anything creative.  I did however oversea the production of this, another hubby project that he finished off last week.

This one is actually painted with green chalk paint and then sanded back.  There are four small shelves with indentations in for tea lights, finished with a rustic star on top.
This has gone to one of our friends as a pre-Christmas present, I do hope the family like it.  I do.

That's all from me today I am away now to find an oldie for tomorrow as it is another couple of days back to work for me.  Ho, ho, ho!

Sad times warrant a new die.

Good evening, it's Dicky dark again and I don't know where this week is going.
After getting in from work last night I needed to walk the dog as hubby was in hospital having a knee operation.
He got back late last night and so is out of action at the moment.  Mum is in charge!

During the evening I remade my Baileys and brownie trifle, this time doubling the quantities in order to make a decent depth of pudding.  Craft and blog time was none eventful and I ended up collapsing in front of the TV waiting for hubby to return from his day out!

Today it was Christmas lunch in work so I took my pudding in and also managed a bit of festive shopping.  Ho, ho, ho!

Unfortunately not everything at this time of year is festive and jolly and one of my close friends had some very sad news this week.  This is the card I made to send condolences.

I have used Well wishes die by Die-namics with white and cream pearlescent card.  I have added some faux stitching and a few pearls to finish.  Clean and simple.
I am also doggy sitting just now so I have two little friends to walk which is great fun when they both want to go in different directions.  All the fun of the fair and plenty of much needed exercise.  I might just get in that dress by Christmas!  I'm ever hopeful.
I'm signing off now as I am away to watch Kirsties new Christmas show which was on earlier, got to love the ability to tape what you want to watch laters.
More from me tomorrow.

The countdown has commenced, did you pick up yours this Christmas?

Hello, how are you all?
A late post from me today.  I don't know where the days go at this time of the year.

I had a busy morning in work on Saturday followed by an afternoon getting crop ready and writing some of my Christmas cards.
At the crop on Sunday I did more crocheting on my secret project, I don't do anything fast!  I have to admit I can't wait to show you it, I think you could say I am on the downward slope now.  I've just got to stitch all the elements together.
I also finished writing all my Christmas cards on Sunday and those needing posting have gone today. I have about half a dozen special ones still to make but am hoping to find the time for them this week too.

Whilst at the crop I let slip that I had accidentally bought the Tattered Lace advent calendar.  At this point everyone was intrigued and wanted to know more about it.  So today this is what I am posting about.  Did you get one too?
Sorry about the photographs again, poor lighting all day today, it was dark, then icy, then foggy and finally back to dark.

The calendar.

Window one and five I have photographed together, I'm loving my wee snowman.

Window two was a lovely little snowflake.  I love this too.

Then I had a small Merry Christmas die, again I love this as it is a good size for small cards.

Great lighting!  Not.

Finally to date window number four was a cracker.

All the windows are an inch and a half in size.  So very cute and much more fun to open than a chocolate calendar especially as a paper crafter.

Now I just need to find the time to play with them.  

Lots to organise for Christmas and I probably will be picking up some extra hours at work too.  Not to mention the usual mundane stuff, boo, hiss.

That's all from me tonight I'm off to make a very dear friend a card.  

Catch you all later in the week.

A little creative quote or two.

Hi, how are you this festive weekend?
I'm in work for a quick early shift today, I programmed this for you yesterday to read at leisure.  I hope you enjoy it.

To start today I have 33 top tips to staying creative.  How many are applicable to you?

I think the key one for me is number four.  How creative could we be if we didn't spend so much time on the computer looking at what everyone else is making?

As for the more obscure ones......do let me know if watching foreign films gets your creative juices flowing.  :0

Next quote, it is one time of year when I am known to sparkle throughout.

It's probably the only time of year I dig out the glitter unless of course I am making fairy or angel cards.

This last one made me LOL.  Over the last couple of weeks we've had our fair share of these at work.

And the way to deal with them, turn up the "nice" monitor to extra high and smile, whilst hoping no one asks you, "a penny for your thoughts!"

That's all from me today, after a busy morning in work I am home to get organised and packed for our local Christmas crop tomorrow.  On the program for tomorrow I need to get a present finished and my cards done and dusted.  If I manage both I shall be a happy crafter!
Enjoy your weekend, whatever your plans.
More from me on Monday.

It's FFFriday, grab a gorjuss oldie!

Good morning and how are you today?
I'm off into work shortly hoping for a much better day than I had on Tuesday.  It wasn't pretty!

It's that time of the week again, dig out your oldies and do feel free to join me sharing a previously made project.  I'd love to see them, follow the link below and I shall pop by over the weekend to visit.

Not the best of photographs today but it is an oldie.

This image is a Gorjuss stamp "flower girl", I have coloured her with my copic's and highlighted with white gel pen and pearls.  The frame is made using my Spellbinder Nestabilities circles and big scalloped circles with snowflake paper supplied by the Papeterie and edged with black ink, I have attaches a snowflake metal embellishment with some white sheer ribbon.  The background paper is again from Best Creations Inc Fx Tobogganing and has beautifully glittered trees.  I have created a strip across the top with Martha Stewart punch lace heart and a further strip of FX Taboganing paper as well as two tabs in grey AC textured card and snowflake paper, corner rounded and topped with a pearl.  The stamp "Happy Christmas" is from PI Christmas Cheer.  The card is then mat and layers with grey and white AC textured card stock, finished with white gel pen and black ink.

The coordinating Christmas cracker template was from Waltzingmousestamps, with many thanks to the guys over there for letting me use it.  I have used the paper from the Papeterie Snowflake, sheer ribbon and grey AC card with my Martha Stewart lace heart around the bottom.  The rectangles of Best Creations Tobogganing papers were created using Nestabilities long classic rectangles large with a stamp "Noel" from the PI Christmas cheer set finished off with pearls and black marker pen.

That's all from me today, thank you to all who play along, I do look forwards to seeing your oldies.

Have a super crafty weekend, I'm in work early tomorrow then have our Christmas crop on Sunday so a busy couple of days for me. 

Back tomorrow with some crafty quotes.

An InLinkz Link-up

Eat your heart out British bake off!

Good afternoon and how are you this Thursday?
It's already getting dark here after a pretty dreich and dull day.  On the up side we don't seem to be having the very low temperatures that you are getting in the south of England just now.  Most bizarre as we are normally a few degrees colder.

This morning started with my eldest flooding the bathroom and the pitter patter of water coming through the ceiling!
A good start then.
All mopped up for now and hopefully not too much damage done.  I don't know what is hiding between the upstairs bathroom and lounge ceiling, at this time of year I think it will be allowed to dry out and we shall investigate further in the New Year.  I say we, what I really mean is I shall be foreman and hubby shall be doing the grafting, as it should be.  ;)
With my eldest off his stride I had to drive them to school but this created the perfect opportunity for me to do a little Christmas shopping.  I was back home by ten with a special treat of a gingerbread latte and muffin.  Job done!
I have since been getting my cards and list sorted for Christmas, wrapping a few presents etc....followed by lunch out, nomn, nomn.

Next week we have our Christmas dinner at work and I have been asked if I can provide a pudding for the occasion.  I had asked a couple of staff what they'd prefer.  I had been thinking of doing some finger puds like banoffee pies or strawberry tarts.  The general consensus was no, please do a trifle, a Baileys trifle.
Last night I had a wee practise after work.

Now much to the joy of my husband and youngest there is no fruit in this trifle.  They're so bad!
The base is homemade chocolate brownies soaked in Baileys liqueur, topped with homemade chocolate custard and then cream.  I have to say it tastes right grand and certainly should be a less is more kind of pud.  I dread to think of the calories!
It is just not as deep as a usual trifle so I shall be changing the glass bowl for the party next week.

That's all from me today.  I'm away to try and get my eldest vaccinated against Meningitis, this will be the 6th attempt for him to get the jab.  I think someone upon high is trying to tell me something.
Every time we go to the surgery there has been another issue.  Most disturbing.

Enjoy the rest of your evening and I'll catch you again tomorrow with an oldie.