Thursday, December 30, 2010


So guys guess what time it is?
It's Sugar Bowl  challenge time.  
We had a wee bit longer off over the festive season but as it's Sugar Nellie stamps second birthday....


...we have not one but two prizes. 
The prizes are Spellbinder Nestabilities and Sugar Nellie stamps worth over £50.
That's two prizes worth over £50!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sugar Nellie!

The challenge has been set by the wonderful Marlene and the sketch is as follows:


The theme to go with the challenge is to use "embossing" this can either be heat or using an embossing folder.
For my card I have used:
Stamp:  Home Grown Manga girl 2, SU "4 you ".
Paper:  Black and craft, Jillibean black bean, inch garlic salt.
  Oval Nestabilities, small leaf punch and MS edger punch new scallop.
Cuttlebug Dots embossing folder.
Embellishments from stash and copics to colour.

I love the Manga stamps...kids with attitude! 
I wanted to use totally different colours to my last couple of Sugar bowl challenges so I have taken out the colour and turned to craft...which seems to be having a bit of a revival of late then teamed it up with black....we all need a bit of black after over indulging at Christmas, LOL!
Better than extra exercise!

Before I sign off I would just like to take the opportunity to wish you all a
"Happy New Year!"
May 2011 be the best for you all...with plenty of happy crafting time and lots of yummy new rubber!
I look forwards to seeing what you create.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

He's been!!
Wishing you all the very best for today.......eat, drink and be merry!!
Well, my kids have been up since just after 5 a.m. this morning and no amount of cajoling was going to get them to stay in bed any longer. 

 I should have got to bed earlier.  LOL.

So everything is now opened and is being played with....batteries are being popped into toys left, right and centre, great fun is being had by all.
And relax before stuffing the turkey!

So what did you get?
My favourite pressie which made my hubby laugh is a soldering iron and a helping hand clamp, bring on the crafts!!
This is what I shall be doing with it:



So my friend Karen was the guinea pig for my first attempt.
I would have liked to have done more but I think I need to practise first.

Oh and on the theme of eating, how about some Christmas muffins:



 
Finally wishing you all a super day and I hope that Santa has been kind. xxx

Friday, December 24, 2010

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my fella bloggers and crafters a
Merry Christmas
I hope Santa is good to you all.

On to part two of today's post and my card entry to LOTV blog challenge.


But also a birthday card for my pal.

I have used LOTV stamps, angel and circular sentiment.
The papers are from Memory Box gossamer courtesy of Elaine who sent them with my recent H & S stamps.
The flower is from Prima.
Spellbinder nestabilites label 8 and Martha Stewart edger punch lace heart.

I wanted to use a Christmas image as my pals birthday is Christmas Eve, but I didn't want to make it too Christmassie as it is her birthday after all.
Pink is not a colour I use very often so I really enjoyed getting down and girlie!!
Anyway that's all from me for now I am away to check out where Santa is on the NORAD site as my little boy is sat next to me constantly asking "where is Santa!" 
I think he is a tad excited.
Will the kids sleep tonight?!! 
And oh my what time will they get up in the morning!!




Today it is one of my very good friends birthday Gill.
I saw this box with a china mug in whilst away this year and it so reminded me of Gala week in Hopeman.  All the beach hutty's painted different colours and all the bunting in the streets....I just had to have it for her.  We enjoy getting together for a cuppa and a little something homemade!
It then got me thinking so I made a beach hut calendar to match using papers from the Making Memories Kids Sam collection.
I also made up a couple of baubles with photos of her kids in too, very much like the snowman in my previous post.

Gill hope you have a great birthday xxx.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010


So here's my teacher gift for my youngest. 
My eldest will take his presents when he goes back to his school in the New Year having finished early.
The Snowman soup is a mug from Asda that has a little elf on it....looks like my wee man LOL. 
Inside it has sachets of hot chocolate, candy canes and a packet of small chocolate and ordinary marshmallows. 
The tag reads:

I was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather already here
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!

The snowman design is the art work my youngest did for his school Christmas cards so I have used it to add the personal touch...his teacher mentioned she liked it.
I have also used photo bauble (you can pick them up at the supermarket by the photo development) adding the snowman inside with some snow and glittery bits for her to hang on her tree.
I have made a few of these baubles this year for family with photos in just as little extras, great for baby's first Christmas or to remind folk of special events during the year.

Happy crafting!


Tuesday, December 21, 2010


On to gifts for friends. 
I haven't done these candles since last Christmas but the do make great pressies for folk that are difficult to buy for. 
These are for friends of friends who married this year.
Well they won't get two of these!
Stamps used from SU and PI.

I am having crafting withdrawals, still got another couple of presents to make including my youngest teachers gift which needs completing for tomorrow....I like to leave it till last minute, LOL!
On a better note I got some LOTV stamps in my post this morning so I must have a play with them later....best parcels to receive aren't they? 
Who would have thought a parcel of rubber could be so exciting!!


Saturday, December 18, 2010

Another giveaway today and it's for all you Tim Holtz fans.


You can enter the prize draw over on Yours Artfully Blog and the winner will be announced on New Years Day....what a start to the New year that would be!
Lot's of yummy stash to get all inky over!


Did you know the guys over at Lili of the Valley are teaming with The Ribbon Girls to issue challenges in the New Year?
In order to celebrate the fact they're giving away a £10 voucher for Lili and the above goodies from Ribbon, all you need do is post to your blog and link back between now and the 29th of December.
Go on you know you want too!  Good luck and happy crafting. x 

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Oh I am so excited this morning I have won some candy from Elaine's blog.  It's hAnglar and stAnglar stamps too, woop, woop.  Lush or what?
Thanks very muchly Elaine for being so generous.  :)
Can't wait to play.


On to my latest creation...I have made these and shown them on my blog before so this is just the finished item wrapped and ready to go. 
My hairdresser finishes work next week to go on maternity leave....good luck Sammy, hope all goes well. 
I wanted to give her a little gift that she wouldn't get from anyone else.
The egg box is covered with Kay and co baby papers, the top decorated with the word "BABY" with chipboard, inked and covered with glossy accents.  I also have added two fimo baby feet and ribbon.  Inside there are 3 sets of baby first size white socks and 3 sets of scratch mits.
I love making these for baby gifts as they are not labour intensive and also I get to "recycle"
.....Kirstie Allsopp would be proud of me, lol.


Saturday, December 11, 2010

So what have you put on your own Christmas cards this year?
You've already seen my first batch of toppers.....courtesy of my Tim Holtz and the Ranger products.
On to my second batch and I have used craft card from Papermania and rubber stamps from Waltzing Mouse Stamps
I love the simplicity of this stamp and I think my 3rd batch will also be the same....I'm hooked!


I think this range of stamps are so cute and simple and love the look on craft card.
Plus of course keeping it simple means that you can rattle lots off at once....always a good thing at this time of year.
I have also used distress ink vintage photo and Ranger glossy accents.
Happy Christmas crafting!!!



Thursday, December 09, 2010

Anita Renfroe | William Tell Momisms | Official Version



So today I dedicate this to all the mum's out in cyberland, who at this time of year not only juggle childminding/chores and work but the "perfect" Christmas too.
I don't know whether it is the same in your home but Christmas just happens..............it's super magical!
You are not alone......... so make a cuppa, take a seat and have a wee laugh at this. I just love it.
Oh and happy Christmas planning!!

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

So for all you crafter's out there, have you been following Tim Holtz's blog? 
He is running 12 tags of Christmas with loads of tips and techniques. 
Well I had to get out some of my Ranger products and have a play, so I have made some toppers for my Christmas cards. 
Oh I really enjoyed that....nothing better than getting mucky playing!!  LOL

Stamp:  Christmas Miracle T.Holtz, Hero arts Dot pattern.
Ink:  Black and white Stazon, Vintage photo distress ink.
Liquid pearl white, ruby rub, Tattered Angels glimmer mist gold and 3 "bling!"

Thursday, December 02, 2010

It's that time again, doesn't it come around quick?  On to todays Sugar Nellie challenge
So what do you win this time well, all I can say is yum....Lili of the Valley round sentiments stamps, Spellbinder round Nestabilities and six Sugar Nellie stamps, WOW!
The wonderful sketch is by Maria Terese and the theme is snowflakes...how appropriate for us just now as we have so much snow in Scotland.


And here is my version.


I think I must have a "thing" for this colour scheme this Christmas....it wasn't intentional but I just loved these papers.
Papers:  Dream street papers Wonderland.
Dies:  Spellbinder Nestie labels 15 and Create a flake 2, SU scalloped edger and Papertrey Ink ticket.
Stamp:  Sugar Nellie Pure of heart coloured with copics, ticket from Papertrey Ink and Merry Christmas from PI.
Gems, gingham and thread from my stash.

Come on over to the The Sugar Bowl and give it a go.
Sorry I'm not very chatty on this post, all this snow and I seem to have picked up a nasty chest infection, ouch and I have a class tonight....roll on tomorrow!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Spot the beach?  Nope? 
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!
Had fun today sledging, making snow angels, snowball fighting etc...  Let the child within!!
Brrr! 
But good fun....tomorrow as school is out again me thinks I shall mostly be making a snowman!
Mind you it ain't helping in my preparations for Christmas, lol.

Yesterday we were supposed to have our Christmas crop but due to the weather conditions and the fact that it would have been difficult to travel it was cancelled....to be re-booked after Christmas.
A couple of the girls still managed to make it around to my home instead and we tried to make a good dent on all the home bakes whilst doing a wee bit of crafting. 
I thought as I recently bought some Lili of the Valley stamps that I would have a go at their weekly challenge here.
So this is my attempt.


I saw this stamp and immediately thought of my eldest so had to send him this card to let him know I am thinking of him after a difficult week at school.  The stamp is coloured to his school rugby strip with copics oh and of course I had to add the mud! 
Paper:  American craft "Junior" range.
Punches from SU and Spellbinders
Stamps IOTV and Hero art.
Distress ink:  Tea dye, vintage photo and faded jeans.


Saturday, November 27, 2010



There's no business like snow business!!!
Yaah....NOT!
Mind you there are advantages of living close to the sea, we have far less than the rest of the North of Scotland and it usually melts.  Unfortunately we do get cut off as the roads seem to be really bad or as they say on the travel news
"Don't travel unless you have too!"
Like you would contact them if you didn't have to make a journey and check the route!

When the weather is like it is there is only one thing to do...wrap up warm and stay indoors.
Sounds like a crafty/baking day today...but what to do first?

Looking forwards to our local crop tomorrow so maybe I shall be organised for once and take something to do and have it all to complete, that would be a first. 
It's our Christmas crop so looking forwards to seeing every ones festive "challenges".

Tuesday, November 23, 2010


So today having had crafting withdrawal symptoms I decided to get out one of my new Lili of the Valley stamps to play with. 
Yes I have lots of other things I should be doing but well I'm not!
I was introduced just recently to Lili of the Valley stamps by my friends who come to the Hopeman crop....it's all your fault!!!  LOL  (You know who you are!)
The girls had been to the recent Craft event at the SECC down in Glasgow and came armed to our monthly crop with lots of new lovelies...I just HAD to check them out.

This little chap is for a close friend who's little dog "Mac" looks the double of the stamp. 
The likeness is uncanny.
My friend is always there for me, rain or shine, good times and bad....so this is sent with lots of love and many thanks for just being you. x

This card also doubles for the challenge over on the Lili of the Valley blog which this week must include "Glitter and Glitz".  My glitter and glitz as with the time of year up here in Scotland is my "snow".  Apparently snow is on route and it is definitely cold enough!

Papers:  Dream Street papers Wonderland Magic moments & Let it snow.
Dies:  Martha Stewart Vintage lace patp, Spellbinder Nestabilities small deckled rectangle & Papertrey ink ticket.
Snowflake purchased on line, glitter & satin ribbon from stash.  Image coloured with copics.

Friday, November 19, 2010

One of my fella Sugar Bowl Sweeties is giving away some lush candy today....can you believe it?! 
Have you seen what these are going for on a well know auction site? 
They are so cut especially the little boy holding the bunting, my favourite. 
Anyway to be in a chance to win go on over to Elaine's blog and check it out.
Happy crafting!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Whoops, sorry ladies, I'm a wee bit late in posting this....there is no real excuse for not doing so but I do have a sick boy just now and a fuzzy head!
On to this Sugar Bowl challenge which has been set by the wonderfully talented Marlene, and the prize this time?
A set of Spellbinder Nestabilities scalloped squares and, can you believe it, a sheet of not yet released Alice in Wonderland stamps designed by Leanne Ellis.  Wow how fab it that.
Anyway onto the sketch:


The challenge to go with the sketch is to use black, white and one other colour!

Here is what I came up with:


I loved this challenge....it is sssssooo hard to stick to just three colours and I have cheated a wee bit with the colouring in....you couldn't not could you?
This stamp is sent with love and a special wave to two of my Sugar sweeties who took me shopping last year and opened my eyes to a world of beauty products and labels!  You know who you are!!
What fun we had.
Anyway folk I hope you enjoy this challenge...I'm looking forwards to seeing what you come up with. x

Stamp:  Miss Clause, Just the ticket Papertrey ink.
Papers:  Basic Grey Figgy Pudding range.
Spellbinder nestability labels 8, Papertrey ink ticket die.
Prima flower.
 Stitching detail rub on DCWV.
The button brads are from stock and I picked them up at a Scrapaganza event in Holland.
Coloured with copics.
Glitter from my sparkling craft room, lol!





Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I feel as if I haven't crafted for ages!  :(
All my crafting pals seem to have been very busy too...got lots of catching up to do once I've finished this post.

Our children have had 4 in service days over the last week so in our house we have been busy doing other things.
On Saturday we went to see the Rugby International at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland v New Zealand.

The hacker!!
A wee Scottish voice broke through it to say "is that the best you can do!"
He would be eating his words by the end of the match as Scotland got whooped!
The NZ team were in a whole different league although it started well with a Scottish penalty but soon went down hill.


The atmosphere was amazing and we had copious goes at Mexican waving much to hubbies delight...he was worse than the kids!
We also had a streaker who didn't manage to get over the wall to the pitch but was near us so we got a "bum" salute!!  He must have been cold!  (Dressed as a chilli!)
The there was a group of Scottish supporters dressed as "Where's Wally" and one manages to get past security and on to the pitch with all the crowd shouting "Where's Wally!"  LOL  So funny till he was set upon and marched off.

Sunday was spent at my eldest boys school for their Remembrance parade which was magical...if not a little emotional.  He looked brill as did all his pals.  The band and the dancers were great too.  I don't like to post their pics on here but you may catch a look if I ever get around to scrapbooking them.



Thursday, November 11, 2010


Now I know I'm a bit late with this today, but in my defence is has been an in-service day....and we all know what that means.
To all friends and colleagues from the armed forces that are no longer with us and to both my grand fathers....we remember you, with love. x