A golden ray on this cloudy day.

Good afternoon all and how are you?
Gosh that was a morning and a half at work today?
Still I'm back home now, refreshed after lunch and a cup of tea, time to get my blogging head on.
Today I have another bespoke order for you this time for my parents who wanted a Golden Wedding anniversary card.

I have used my Medallion Impression plate from Papertrey ink together with embossing ink and gold Pearl Ex powder.  I have then mounted on gold, added the ribbon, bling and personalised sentiment.

Did I mention that this Medallion plate is one of my favourites just now, I have used it loads.
I really like the detail you get when using the powders and embossing ink.
I'm easily pleased?

What to do the rest of today?
I believe my boys want to go dooking in the sea later in the afternoon.
I am swaying between baking, ironing or crafting?!
The decisions I have to make.
I might try and see if I can get one of the boys to help me bake first, they're very good at eating the finished article but not so keen in helping like they did when they were little.  I always then mention the children's story, I can't remember what it is called but it is about a Hen.  She wants to bake some bread but no one will help her cut the wheat, mill it or bake the bread.  They all however want to eat the bread, which she doesn't allow because they wouldn't help making it.
Apparently I always use this story when they won't help, obviously the subtle message is not getting through.  LOL.
I guess I need a more direct approach?!*

Anyway that's all from me today, another late post tomorrow as I'm working again.  Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday.  x

Bespoke gardening crafty style of course.

Good afternoon all, another morning disappeared here.  Mind you I did have a quick read this morning as I didn't need to be up first thing.  Once I get my nose in a book time just disappears, especially a good book.
How was your weekend?
I had a busy day in work on Saturday but an enjoyable afternoon with my crafty buddies yesterday card making, I will be sharing in due course.
Today I have a bespoke order to share, I was asked for a 90th birthday card, for mum with a gardening theme.

I have used a plant pot die from Spellbinder, the trowel and spade are Sizzix dies and the flowers and leaves are traditional punches.  I have inked the edges with distress ink Vintage photo to tie it all together, with pearls to finish.

What to do today?
I am working tomorrow and Wednesday so I will need to sort out my uniform to start with.
I also have a delivery I need to be here for from M and S.
My youngest is happy playing in his room and my eldest is out working.  Yes, he has a job, working for the local ice-cream manufacturer in the village, sometimes in the factory and some days in the shop.  That should keep him busy over the holidays!  He is working more hours than me over the next few weeks.
The dog is happy in the sunshine, popping in and out of the garden too.
All is calm and well.
It only remains for me to decide, sitting in the sunshine crocheting, paper crafting or housework?
You know the last one ain't going to win!
I'm in earlier than normal for work over the next couple of days so I shall be posting later like today, it only remains for me to wish you all the very best for this lovely sunny Monday.  Happy crafting.

What a yarn, time to tickle your creative funny bone.

Good morning all, how are you this Saturday?
I believe it is going to be very wet with us here in the North of Scotland today, would it be wrong to say I'm working so don't mind?
Yes, I know it is, still if the weather isn't great it will be the perfect day for crafting!

Today's crafty funny bone tickling has a crocheting feel to it.  Having been busy with roses and thistles this week I have been drawn to the yarn of hooking!

Why is it when you are counting and following a pattern you always get asked a silly question.  I always answer it with numbers.  My family now know to leave me until I stop counting!  

This next one made me smile, oh I so need one of these bags!

With the recent opening of the new Jurassic World film this one made me giggle, a crafter's version, no dinosaur puns please!

Now do you have any of these?

I have a cross stitch I started whilst in the Navy probably about 24 years ago, it was a traditional style sampler but I made a mistake on the cottage roof.  It was an early piece and I was still very much learning.  I have never gone back to it to rectify my mistake and I can now no longer remember what it was.  The funniest part is that is was in the thatched roof and I bet no one but me would have noticed a slight colour change in the wrong place, until of course I have now told you all.  Maybe one day I will get it back out and finish it.

Finally today I had to just add this last quote.  It made me laugh, I like the idea that you only have to please one person a day.  How easy would that be?  I need to remember this next time I am getting hassled by someone.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the rest of the weekend.  Have a good one whatever your plans.  More from me on Monday.  x

"BAGS" you're it! It's Friday, time for an oldie, crafty style of course.

Good morning all, how are you this Friday?  Can you believe it is Friday already, another week has flown by.  My children are now officially on their holidays, I think today will just be a chill out day for them.  I think they get so tired in the run up to the end of term and hubby was on nights last night so hoping for a peaceful relaxing house.  I may even get in a little crafting!

Sharing an oldie on a Friday is all about the fun of crafting, looking back and seeing how your work has changed over the years.  It is all for the fun of sharing but I'd love it if you would consider joining me.  In order that I know you are joining me all I ask is that you leave a wee comment below.  This is purely so I can visit your blog and see what project you have picked.  It can be anything homemade, cards, knitting, painting, anything at all.  I will visit all who leave a message and share in the love of hand making and crafting.

Today's oldie is a wee bag card.  I made this as a class which I taught at the local craft shop in Elgin.
I think this card is a great idea for something a little different on a ladies birthday, a lovely keepsake.
The outer bag.

And inside the card.

The card is made with Kay and Co paper and Spellbinder Nestibilities, Martha Stewart & EK punches and Tim Holtz distress inks.

This project is from 5 years ago, so I guess styles have change a little since then.  I think if I was to make it again now it would be totally different but I still quite like the vintage style of it.
The ladies certainly enjoyed the class and if I remember rightly it was a busy one too.

That's all from me today, at work again tomorrow so a very early start for me, then on Sunday I shall be joining my crafty friends for a afternoon of making, chatting, tea and cake!
The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Have a super weekend all, I shall be back again tomorrow to tickle your crafty funny bone!

School's out for summer, a little hooking teachers gift, Scottish crafty style.

Good afternoon, again I don't know where the morning has gone.  I guess you could say I've enjoyed a lazy one as it is my last taste of freedom before the school holidays begin?
Really I should be rushing around getting on top of everything but it is so lovely outside it would be rude not to enjoy it!
Today I thought I'd share this years teachers gifts with you, as usually I was still making these last night, where would be the fun in being organised!
In my youngest boys class, one of the mums initiated a whip round for both the teachers, to get one big gift instead of lots of little ones.  I think this is always a great idea but I also wanted to send a personal little thank you from myself too.  This is what I made.

My finished thistles, I have added a pin on the back and a wee bit of matching purple tartan ribbon.
Patricia and Hazel your influence is paying off too.  I even made the boxes, albeit simple ones.  I've never gone down this route before, yes, I've made fancy boxes for demonstrations and for special occasions but not like this.  I did think of decorating them but I wanted to keep them simple concentrating on the inside gift, if that makes sense?
I shall be doing it more now, it makes the gift look so much more finished, if you understand my drift?!

You can see the tartan ribbon a little better on this close up.

I also made a couple of tiny cards to attach to their boxes.  I do like little cards, strange but true.
LOL.

I decided to go with the more traditional teachers gift of an apple for the cards.  The apple stamp is a new range called Schoolhouse by Tim and Stampers Anonymous, coloured with my copic markers the matte and layered.  I've added a wee bit of string to finish.

So the holidays commence at 2.30 this afternoon, it is tradition in the village that the children leaving the school all go and jump in the sea after being piped out of school, in full uniform!
Even though mine aren't leaving there is always a good crowd down there and an almost party atmosphere, no doubt we'll be heading down to watch the goings on.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday and more from me tomorrow with another oldie, Friday again!

Phew it's a hot one today, what's in your garden.

Good afternoon, oh me, oh my, it's hot today?
We are just so not used to the warmth up here, two nice days and we are melting, some folk are never happy.  LOL.
A late post from me today, I took advantage of stocking up the cupboards first thing this morning before the boys break up tomorrow and before it gets too hot.
That's one less job to do now.
Today's job it is all about finishing off my teacher's gifts, as usually I have been making all week and left what I wanted to do till last.  Whilst I go and finish my projects I thought I'd leave you with another of my favourite flowers in the garden just now.

I believe this is a rhododendron. but I'm sure you'll correct me if I am wrong.  I do a bit of gardening but most successes are more luck than judgement.  Or should I say I am still learning as I am going along.  It certainly is the day to be out in the garden, although I tend to burn very easily so short sharp bursts are the best!

On to today's CAS card.

This is a card for a lovely lady called Ann who will be 70 this week.  I kept to a clean colour combo of grey, black and white, using Doodlebug paper, card stock and bling from my stash.
Keeping it simple and fresh looking.

I really must now finish off my crochet flowers and wee teachers cards or my youngest will not be a happy bunny.  The eldest boy is just taking in sweeties, easy done with a quick visit to work.
As for the rest of the day, maybe a BBQ later and a nice walk along the beach as it cools.
Mind you I can see a couple of boys insisting on a wee dooking when they get in, North sea calling!

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday in the sunshine, summer is here at last.

Bespoke time, poppies ahoy.

Good morning all?
How are you today?
Is the weather looking good where you are?
It is warm and sunny here although we still have quite a few clouds, to spoil the view, as the song goes.
Yesterday I didn't get half of what I had intended on doing so my list has carried forwards to today.  I don't know why nearing the end of school term it gets like this but I guess the visits to the school for various, teachers gifts and cards all add to the fun and games.  Today it is the P7 leavers service, I shall only be going if I get done what I need to this morning.  My boy isn't leaving yet and I always think it is primarily for the parents of children who are going up to secondary school next term.

Before I share my crafty goings on today I thought I'd share these beauties in my garden with you.
They're huge.

I love my big poppies in the garden.  I must try and keep more seeds this year and see if I can get more to grow.  You can't grasp the size of these but if I said they're the size of a small child's football.
They're just stunning.

Back to crafting and this next card I was asked to use a couple of photographs on.  The quality of the photos were not the best but I was asked not to reproduce them and just to use the originals.  I stuck to a navy theme as that was the main colour that came through with both pictures, then girled it up with a little bling and ribbon, with a wee keepsake charm to remove as a reminder.

Inside the card I was asked to add a list of things that she had wanted to change about herself when she was a child.  Something for her to look back on and have a wee smile about.  How lovely that her Dad remembered too.
Susan I hope you have a super 40th, don't worry it isn't as painful as you might think!

That's all from me today, I better crack on with things as the day will just zoom by.  Have a lovely Tuesday and enjoy the sunshine.
Sunshine for Wimbledon, whatever next!

Not at all prickly, hooking style of course. A taste of Scotland.

Good afternoon, hang on a minute, where has my morning gone?
Or as my kids would say, "there was my morning, gone!"

In my defence, the dog has had a lovely walk, although the weather is not as wonderful as forecast.  It is warm and dry but very cloudy, however it really looks like at any moment a good downpour of rain will come.  Washing in or washing out that is the question?
The decisions I have to make!

Hasn't the news been terrible over the last few days, those poor people in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
What is happening to the world, do we never learn?
Throughout history the human race just keep making the same mistakes over and over.
Oh to leave in peace and harmony!
My thoughts go out to those affected by the recent events, walking on our beach alone with the dog this morning really made me feel for them especially the people holidaying in Tunisia, half naked running for cover not knowing what on earth was going on.

Back to my little world....I've also been baking this morning, oh, how I love to help my waistline!
I have millionaire's shortbread cooling in the fridge as we speak.  Hopefully it will have set by the time my wee man comes home for lunch.  A wee treat!
This week I have a few card orders to get on top of before the children break up for the summer on Thursday.  I also have a couple of teachers gifts I'd like to make.  I was playing over the weekend with this....

 A thistle.
One of my son's teachers is Egyptian and has just been at the school for a year so I thought a little touch of Scotland would make a good end of term gift.  I think I might try it on a slightly smaller hook, it is about 3 1/2" long.
I found the pattern on the wonderful Pinterest, thanks Receita for sharing.

That's all from me today, this week in my world it is all about getting on top of everything before the holibobs start.  Enjoy your Monday, more craftiness from me tomorrow.

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

Good morning all, how are you this Saturday?
It's the weekend off for me so this morning I'm heading down to our school fair, who knows what the rest of my day will bring, I've got no plans as yet.  It would be nice to get some warm weather instead of the rain we've been having on and off all week.  How disturbing is it watching the news from down south and everyone is out enjoying the sunshine and you are like really?!  Are we in the same country?!

Today's funnies have a crocheting theme starting with this one.  My boys have been watching a program from the States called American Guns, it is a company that makes custom guns.
I know, scary but the program is strangely interesting.  I saw this and thought this is the crafty girlie's equivalent.

I've been told by friends, who really don't know me well enough that I can be a little bit O.C.D.
One look in my craft room and they'd see I am not.
Anyway this quote is for them, if I am to have O.C.D, this is the reason.
Nothing wrong with that don't you agree?

On the same topic, this is my excuse and I am sticking to it.  Don't get me wrong I like the rest of the house to be quite tidy but when it comes to getting crafty I like LOTS of creative freedom!

Finally in honour of the new Minions film out this weekend I had to end on one of their quotes.  We went to see the film last night and then had a meal afterwards.  

I was warned by my boys not to laugh out loud whilst watching the film as I embarrass them. Apparently I have the unique ability to laugh at a totally different time in the film to everyone else!

Shall we just say my sense of humour is obviously a little different and leave it at that.  

I was praised for my restraint after the film but I did laugh in my head a lot, the ladies who sat behind us obviously also shared my SOH as they laughed as much as me and at all the same moments.

I have to say this quote is a perfect reason not to do the housework and enjoy crafting instead.

Like I ever need an excuse.  Wink, wink.

Have a super weekend, hope you find a little time to craft.  I'm working on a new project just now, I'm hoping to make a couple of crochet Thistles for teachers gifts.  Watch this space!

It's Friday, time again to share an oldie with me.

I don't know about you but this weeks crafty blogging has had a little bit of all sorts.  We've had some stitching with material and felt, some crocheting, water colouring and some card making.  What to share today, well it has to be an oldie.

I thought today I would share something completely different.  A bit of journalling!

Distress inks:  Crushed olive, Peeled paint, Walnut stain and Vintage photo.

The tree trunk I printed from the computer and created a stencil and the leaves I cut by hand in 3 shades of green.  The lettering was done on my cricut with stone script.

The stamps are from PaperArtsy.

The owl is from Sizzix.

I used to join a journaling group every month and we did a diary of the year.  The idea being that each box or in this case a leaf, was a day, you prepare the double spread in advance of each month and then write in it as the month goes on.  You can keep it as a diary or just put your thoughts in on the day.  It is really lovely to look back on what is written in it but I just found it really difficult to keep up with, as well as everything else.  It is a shame as I really enjoyed getting all inky and creative.

It is also something completely different to my normal cards etc...

So what have you got to share with me today?

I'd love it if you did come along and join me this Friday sharing an old craft project that you have made, it can be anything at all.  The more the merrier!

All I ask is that you let me know you've joined me in the comments below, that way I get to come and see what you are sharing too.  All for the joy of crafting of course.

It only remains for me to thank you for playing along and wish you all the very best for the coming weekend.  

Biker lapping, Harley Davidson style.

Good afternoon, well a day off today and I had earmarked it for all my card orders.  How things change!
My hubby has the day off also, which doesn't happen very often.  As my youngest boy comes home for lunch, hubby announced he was taking me out for breakfast instead.  Yum.
We went to the lovely Allarburn Dairy shop and cafe and had a super big breakfast, still stuffed now.
I managed to buy a few bits and bobs, as you do and enjoyed a lovely morning out.

My cat was one of my projects that I have been working on that needed finishing, this is my other.

A lap quilt for my Dad.  I thought this would be much better to take to his bike rallies than a tartan blanket and it will take up no space at all in their motor home.

On the back instead of wadding I have used a grey fleece that matches the material.  I had wanted to use an orange but unfortunately my local shop didn't have enough available.  On the upside I actually think I prefer the grey for a man, it won't show the dirt either.  (Not that I'm saying my Dad gets dirty of course!)
I was talking to him recently and he had said when they're outside talking at these events you don't realise how cold it gets till you get moving, little does he know I have just the remedy for that!

I'm sure he will like it.  I have kept to a simple patchwork pattern as I quite like that and it is within my capabilities.  I do think quilting is a craft I would like to learn more of.
I can get lessons locally so I might have to look into it.  I've already had orders off my youngest son and husband for one each.
I'd also love to do a big traditional American style one for the bedroom but watch this space......it might happen eventually!

Back to today and how about this little beauty....

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find the real mason jar ones over here but these are the next best thing.  It contains a homemade smoothie.  My youngest is the fussiest eater around and I am always battling with him to try different foods.  This week at school he has had health week, now they do this every year and every year they taste test health foods.  He normally hates it but this year he came home and now loves raisins and fruit smoothies made with apples, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries!  OMG I was so thrilled at the prospect I now have all of the above in the house and we had our first shot last night.  I think I had to close my jaw as he was drinking it saying how yummy it was.  Chuffed to bits, my wee man is growing up.

Back to today, only half a hour before school is out so I think I better try and get a couple of cards started.  That's all from me today, I'd love it if you fancied joining me with an oldie tomorrow as it's Friday, yet again, it comes around all to fast at the moment, don't you think? 

A little hooking, feeling a little catty, meow!

Good afternoon all, whoops another missed post yesterday.  The day just flew by and I never made it to the computer.  In my defence hubby was on nights so had a bit more than normal to do.
Another busy day in work today as we gear up for another dine in, on now.  I'm not working this weekend, it still feels weird especially as I know it will be a busy one.

Yesterday it was a lovely lady's birthday, Elaine.  She makes the most beautiful cards, her water colouring is truly amazing.
When I started crocheting she did say to me, oh would you make me a cat.
Until recently I haven't really had the confidence with my crocheting but decided to go for it.
My first cat.
The photo's are quite dark, in my defence, I know it is supposed to be summer, but up here in the North of Scotland it is just not occurring at all.  This week has been very dreich, cloudy and wet.
Brrr!

I learnt quite a lot making this wee pussy cat and Elaine loved it too, which is the main thing.
I know her craft room is similar shades and I used the owl material for her present last year, keeping it all matching!
I also used my birdie stamps from Stampers Anonymous for the first time to make Elaine's card.

I have used papers by DCWV Linen closet, it matches better in real life than it does in this photograph.  I then water coloured the birdie with Distress ink Peacock feathers and Tea die.
I'm afraid my water colouring is not at Elaine's beautiful standard.
I don't rate my watercolour paper at the moment, mine is textured and not the best for stamping with, I really need to invest in a good quality flat card instead.  I know that old hat, blaming my tools!
But I do think it makes all the difference.

That's all from me today, I really need to go and start the tea.  As for later, I need to start thinking about teachers cards and gifts, plus my bespoke cards to make list, seems to be growing!
Have a super evening, it's hump day, downhill all the way now to the weekend.

Adding a little sunshine and flowers, water colouring style.

Good morning all, how are you this Monday morning?
How was your weekend?
Did you find the time to be a ninja crafter?!

I had a good day at work on Saturday, dare I say ahead of the game, which I have to add NEVER usually happens on a weekend.  Whoop.  It doesn't take much to make me happy at work!
Saturday evening we had a family movie night with chips and dips.  Nomn.  We watched Taken 3, "good luck."  I can't watch any of those films without saying good luck in a slightly dodgy accent.  A great film and well worth a watch, well who wouldn't watch Liam, he has the most amazing voice.
His hair, however, looked a little suspect.  You watch it and see if you don't agree with me?
A bit too groomed for an action movie.  Isn't it funny what you notice?
As for Sunday, I enjoyed a lazy morning reading my book, I've now finished the latest Agatha Raisin book and am back to the Outlander series.  I love crime novels over any other book but I have to admit I am enjoying the Outlander books, being set up here, knowing the sights, names and area really adds to the read.
Hubby was on shift all weekend so he enjoyed a nice Father's day at work, the boys and I took the dogs to the beach and had a lovely walk and then an ice-cream instead.  I know who got the better deal!
The rest of Sunday was taken up with the usual things, getting uniform ready, tea etc.....

On to today and another beautiful summer day here, the sun is beating down, it's going to be a scorcher!
Got ya!
I lie, well, it is the North of Scotland.
A typical summer morning, grey and overcast with a distinct chance of rain.  But I did have you going for just a second or two, didn't I?

Lorraine I haven't forgotten about you I just have a couple of urgent orders to finish with being in work extra last week then I will get things sorted for you.  I plan on having something to you by the end of the week.  x

Today I have another water colouring card for you.  This was a card I made for last weeks colour challenge over at The Great Scheme of things.  Last weeks colour combination was citrus colours but this week is pastels so why not pop over and join us?
My interpretation of citrus....

 

First I have stamped a flower from Stampers Anonymous Flower Garden with Archival ink. I have then used my distress inks to watercolours the image; I have used Squeezed lemonade, Mustard seed, Spiced marmalade, Peeled paint and Crushed olive. After allowing the image to dry I layered on corresponding orange card stock. Direct to the card I have then used The crafters workshop stencil Mini chicken wire reverse to create a background using Spiced marmalade. I have then stamped the sentiment on to cream card, again Stampers Anonymous Perspective, coloured with marmalade and layered onto orange card stock before adding to the card. To finish I have added a bow with cream string on the flower. CAS! 

Did I mention that I am loving these new SA flower stamps?   Mmmm nice.
I'd forgotten how much fun it is to watercolour.  

So what is on the cards today?  
As I mentioned earlier I have a couple of projects to finish and a few card orders.  Then I really must tackle the mountain that is the ironing.  Oh the joys!
It is me or when it comes to the housework and ironing, do you feel a bit like a hamster on it's wheel?
Never ending and SO boring!
I hope it isn't just me or I have just gone even further up on the weird scale, LOL.
Before you think I've truly lost my marbles I shall sign off.  Work again for me tomorrow and Wednesday, will I be organised with an early post or not?  That is the question!
Catch you tomorrow.  

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

Good morning all, you know the drill.  I'm at work, no crafting to be done but lets look on the bright side and have a little crafty fun.
Are you a crafty ninja?
I certainly have enough sharp crafty objects but not so sure about the mask?  I could always make one though!

Or are you a.......

The button came off my trousers at work earlier this week whilst lifting, you know when you need to step away from the cake and appreciate the salad!  LOL.

If only salad tasted like cake and crocheting burnt as many calories as a run.  

I keep saying I shall get out in the better weather for a little exercise but where is our summer?  

I think we've had about four days here in the North of Scotland.  Lets hope we get some more.

I don't really know what more to add to this one.  ;)  

Is anyone else now humming a certain tune from the movie Shrek?  Or is that just me?

Finally for today I saw this earlier in the week on Facebook and totally could relate to it.

How about you, can you relate?

I did used to have a guest room but that all changed, it's a craft room now, guests what guests!

Have a great weekend everyone, may it be super crafty. 

Happy Father's day for tomorrow to all the Dads out there.  May you be spoilt rotten.

More from me next week.  x

It's FFFFriday again, time to share an old crafty project.

Good morning all, how are you this Friday?
It's nearly the weekend, phew.

It's my weekend at work so an early start for me tomorrow, bet it will be another super fast day though.
Before all that it is oldie time.
Every Friday, just for the joy of crafting I ask you to share an old project with me.
For all that leave me a wee comment below I will visit you too.  If you don't comment I don't know you are joining in and it's always good to share!  :)

Today's card is a little different from my normal cards but sticking on the floral theme.

I have used Personal Impressions stamps Build a flower with love.

The card stock is AC textured card and white card to stamp on.

The flower has been inked using Versa magic dew drop chalk ink in Pixie dust, Pink petunia and Thatched straw.  The "with love" stamp has been embossed using pewter shimmer as has the button, which is then threaded with white shear ribbon.  The corners of the background have also been given the Martha Stewart treatment.

I did say it was totally different to my normal cards, for a start it is pink!  I don't normally do pink.

Today I catching up on the housework and ironing but I do hope to find a little time to craft and bake later.  It will all depend on how quickly I can move!

Have a super weekend and thank you very much to all who have joined me today for a little crafty fun.  x

Poppy love.

Good morning, third morning in a row posting before work, I must be coming down with something.
I am normally not so organised.
How are you this Thursday?
Today's card was made for one of my crafting buddies who hasn't been very well of late.  I decided to use one of my new sets of stamps by Tim Holtz Flower garden.

I water coloured the poppy with distress inks Barn door, Fired brick, Vintage photo and
Peeled paint, then I added glossy accents to the seeds and centre of the flower.  The sentiment stamp and surround is by Justrite cling Fancy tags.  Then I have mat and layered on coordinating card stock.
I haven't water coloured for ages and really enjoyed the process, I would love to know more about this technique as I really just go with my gut.

A busy day for me today, after work I'll have the boys and dog to sort, a man mountain of ironing, a step further on my present projects and bag piping classes for my eldest.  Still tomorrow I have a day off so maybe the ironing can wait!
Have a super Thursday, it's grey and dull outside again this morning, I'm glad I'm at work!
I'll catch you again tomorrow, it's Friday so I'd love it if you'd join me in sharing an oldie.  x

Patching up the pieces, crafty style of course.

Good morning all, get me being organised again!
It won't last.
I had so much planned last night after coming home from work but I don't know where the evening went.  I have three projects on the go just now and I managed to finish one.  Such a light weight!
Today I thought I'd show you a picture of the project I started on Friday last week.
Remember I said I had a sewing date?  This is what I started....

I got the material from the States ages ago, if you have visited me for a while you might remember?
Finally I have got around to making a lap quilt for my Dad to take in the motor home when they are travelling around the country.
I am just in the process of quilting it now, then I have to edge it.
Hopefully I shall have it finished for Father's day.  As I have said earlier there's nothing like leaving things till last minute.  I personally find it is the only way I finish something......the pressure!

That's all from me this Wednesday, it's a dull grey day here in Scotland and a little muggy.
A perfect day to be in crafting or at work.  Guess I better get to work first!
More from me tomorrow.  x

Emerald city here we come!

Good morning, get me being organised.  It could all go horribly wrong!  Watch this space.
Why the title today?
As a child I did a lot of dancing and singing, although if you asked me to now, watch out, very scary.
Lets just say it ain't like riding a bike!
Who would have have thought I'd had all that training?!
I always wanted to be a dancer when I grew up but at 17 I went for an interview to work on a cruise ship and was a month to young!
I was told to come back when I was older and well, I then got a job and a boyfriend and didn't bother.
A good job too as I think most of the girls that got the job came back with a bun in the oven after the first season.  Fate obviously stepped in.
So what has that to do with the Emerald city?
Stick with me, there is a link, albeit a slightly bizarre one.
One of the shows that I was involved in was the Wizard of Oz at the local technical college for performing arts.  I was part of the Lullaby league, basically a munchkin who welcomed Dorothy to Oz.  I was only about 9 at the time but I can remember it being great fun plus I had time off school, at that age a billy bonus!  The Emerald context.....well, the Emerald city of course.  I was covered head to toe in a lovey emerald costume!

Now to the link.....I was asked by one of my lovely pals at work to create a couple of Emerald Wedding anniversary cards for her.    I don't think there is the choice in the shops like there is for Golden or Ruby anniversaries.
I picked my two favourite designs just now and gave them an Emerald twist.

This photograph is not the best sorry, the embossing folder is by Papertrey ink and I have used green Perfect pearls.  Emerald bling, ribbon and lace from my stash and the sentiment was done on the computer.  The card stock is from The Papeterie in Aberdeen.

The second card is again using sprinkle dies from Papertrey ink, they are my favourite company for stamps and dies just now.  I have also used a Martha Stewart punch Traditional scallops.

That's all from me today guys, I'm off now to get ready to go into work.  Have a super Tuesday and more from me again tomorrow.  x

Shades of blue.

Good afternoon all, I don't know where the morning has gone.
It started so well too.
I got a bit of a fright when I looked at the calendar this morning.  I wish I was better organised!
Four birthdays and three Father's day cards needed asap.  Normally that wouldn't be a problem but I am working the rest of the week, except Friday, which would be too late.  I also have two projects to finish asap.  Yikes.
I'll let you into a little secret, funky pigeon has been my best pal today.  I know it's bad but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet as you can't do everything.  (Secrets of a card maker!)
The cards are still personalised and a couple have photos on so next best thing to being handmade, don't you think?

Did you have a good weekend?

On Friday I had a lovely day off sewing.  One of my two projects I need to finish this week!
I will share when it is sorted.

Our family day out ended up being a bit of a wash out on Saturday as the activity I had planned was outdoors and it rained ALL day.  I did suggest going to see the new Jurassic world film but one wanted to see it and one didn't!
We ended up having a nice lunch out at The Piers cafe in Findhorn.  Nomn, nomn.

Yesterday I had my local crop or crafty gathering and continued with my sewing project.
It's looking good!  That wasn't me who said that, when I went to buy more materials, a chap in the shop came over admiring my work.  I was well chuffed as sewing really isn't my forte.
We had a good giggle at the crafty get together and lots of yummy cakes and refreshments.  A perfect afternoon with like minded friends.

So what to share with you today?
This was my post for last weeks theme over at The Great Scheme of things.  The colour combo last week was shades of blue.  I shared this LO of my youngest enjoying the rain when he was little.

I don't scrapbook very often but it's lovely to catch up with some old photographs. I tend not to follow the trends but prefer to match the LO to the photos. These are photos of my wee man out playing with what was his new umbrella. We sang the song drip, drip, drip little April showers and that is how this LO came about. I have cut the various raindrops by hand after die cutting the words, then layered on top of mirror card, to look like water. The photos I have enclosed in a cellophane cover and added glitter so it looks like rain.
Both my boys were really bad at having fun in the rain when little, I can't remember the number of times I had to strip them in the back of the car after playing in a puddle!  Happy memories.

This weeks colour combination over at The Great Scheme of things is Citrus twist, another cracker so why not join us?

Finally I'd like to give a wee "toot" out to Lorraine of Raineyscraftroom, I mentioned I had liked a charm she had used on a card, after a wee Internet chat we decided to do a swap.  I got my goodies this morning, thank you very much Lorraine.  What a lovely surprise.  I shall be sorting something to return to you this week.  Now what to choose?!

As I mentioned earlier in this post, that's me in work the rest of the week, I guess posting may be later than normal unless I am super organised!  
Have a lovely week.  More from me tomorrow.  

It's Saturday time to tickle your crafty funny bone again.

Good morning all, how are you this Saturday?
I'm planning to do something with the family as I am not at work today, so while I do I thought I'd share a few crafty funnies.
I started a new project yesterday, one I have been meaning to do for a long time.  I will share my progress next week but lets see if you can guess what it might be....

Here's to being very materialistic!

This next one made me laugh so I just had to share.

PVA glue might be more appropriate?
As a child did you make sure you got plenty glue on your hands just so you could sit and peel it off later in class instead of getting bored?
Or was that just me?
Now I'm just looking even weirder than normal.  LOL.  On that note......

What is so wrong with that?!
Finally I have realised why my craft room is always a mess.

I am obviously just not lazy 'cause I spend most of my craft time looking for one thing or another.  I never find something after having a good tidy so it can't be good, can it?

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the rest of the weekend, I've got some creative time with my crafty buddies tomorrow.  Yay, a good weekend all round. 

Catch you again on Monday.  Happy crafting!  x