Distressed and inky!

It's Monday again and I have found myself locked in a book.  I don't tend to read a lot but when I do I can't put a good book down.  I blame Kay from the playground as my intrigue has got the better of me!
Making like a sheep!  Baa!

I have plenty of other things I should be doing too so I have dragged myself away, a quick cup of tea and update on here before tackling the rest of the day.
I have my wee man at home today so we will be up to something, I did think maybe a bike ride and picnic but the beautiful blue sky we had earlier has started to move as the grey clouds gather.   Boo!
Mind you I'm sure we'll come up with something.

On to crafting....my card today is using Distress inks and stamping, a technique I am loving just now.  With the recent increase in postal charges it is also a way of layering but keeping the card flat, a technique I think that will be come more popular in the present climate.

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, oh another new favourite!  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 liking this style....a little more main stream than the altered art scene.  Don't get me wrong I love altered art I just think some folk can find it a little daunting...what about you?
More from me tomorrow, enjoy your Monday.

Calling out an SOS!

Hi back a wee bit late today with Karen over on the Sugar Nellie blog for SOS time....Share on Sunday.

I've had an overdue appointment with my ironing mountain which is why I am late today but feeling good now as all done and dusted, just got to put away now.  I hate that job, is it just me?  It's a bit like putting away the shopping having trailed around the supermarket.

Anyway the gauntlet has been laid by Karen, who if you look on the SN blog, has a great wee charm that made me giggle with a reference to muffins. 
Those of you who know me know I like to bake CAKES!
Mainly muffins as I like to think that they're slightly healthier if they hold one of your 5 a day, LOL.  Mind you this is not the case if they've got a couple of inches of butter cream on....

Are muffins ugly?

I shall let you decide.......

This picture is from here and is of the carrot variety, nomm, nomm!
And the benefit of muffins?   
They're usually bigger than cupcakes....mmm...maybe that is why I'm a fan.
CAKE!
Always good for the inspiration.

Why not pop on over to the Sugar Nellie blog and see what the other girls have found. 

Flutter by!

After a day off crafting yesterday out with my boys I'm back in my craft room trying to sort out my blog.  Yes it's had a make over! 
It was a case of having to as the previous background I had was mentioned by Andy Skinner to have Internet issues see here.
I haven't found exactly what I am looking for but I'll live with this just now.

Today I have more Spellbinders for you.

For this card I have used Spellbinder Grand nestabilities Scalloped squares, M-bossabilities Garden delight and Shapeabilities Moroccan Motifs.  I have also used Distress ink Milled Lavender, the butterfly is from Gorjuss girl Hang me up to dry and the sentiment It's all in the words by Marion Emberson.

How about another one too?

A simple one maybe?

Sorry the pictures aren't the best today.  For this card I have used M-bossabilities Flower fun and Shapeabilities Ribbon Buckles together with a few pearls and some black ribbon.
Simples, squeak!

That's it for me for now.  I'm off to my "local craft shop for local people later" to pick a couple of things up for next Saturdays demo...what will I be doing?!  Mmmm.

Have a super weekend all.

Spellbinding blossoms!

Today I want to share with you some of the recent Spellbinder dies I've been playing with.

I'm loving these flower dies, they're great fun to play with but have your tape/glue dots handy for when you've got them just right!

I have used Spellbinder Shapeabilities Bauble blossoms 1 and Spiral blossom 1.  The Nestabilities are Fleur De Lis Squares and Postage stamps.  The card is by American craft and the sentiment stamp is Hero Art Anytime messages then finally to finish I added some Diamond stickles.

Today I have my youngest and my other half at home so no crafting for me.  What will I do?  
Have a great weekend.  More tomorrow.

Sugar bowl challenge 83

Hi folks and it's that time again over on the Sugar bowl for this fortnights Sugar Nellie challenge. 
This time the lovely sketch is by the wonderful Kiki with the request to use your favourite SN stamp. 
What a decision to make? 
I can't say I have one particular favourite more like lots but I decided to run with one of the Adorable digi images Melisa. 

And the sketch...

I have used papers from MME Stella and Rose range. 
Melissa is coloured with copics.
Spellbinder dies; Shapeabilities Bauble blossom 1 and Foliage.
SU punches for sentiment.
The sentiment is by Marion Emberson Find joy everyday.

The prize for the winner, choosen at random, is 4 of your choice from the Sugar Nellie range of stamps rising to 6 if we have more than 100 entries on the blog.  You can enter as many times as you like but remember the image must be from the Sugar Nellie range of stamps.

It only remains for me to say as always...you've got to be in it to win it, enjoy the sketch and happy crafting.

WOYWW 152

It's hump day again and what's on your work desk?
I've got a batch of new Spellbinders for a class I'm running in Aberdeen at the Papeterie on the last Sunday this month.  Better get my thinking cap on!
Today is going to be a day of catching up.  I've got some work to redo as I'm not happy with it and then some orders to crack on with....when I've got all that done I can play.
So here's my tidy desk....not!

Can't wait to open these beauties and play!
Why not pop on over to Julia's fine blog and catch up with many more WOYWW folk....lots of lovely crafty space out there. 
It only remains for me to say thank you so much for popping over today and I'll leave you with a joke my father sent me recently.

It was entertainment night at the Senior
Citizens’ Centre.

Claude the hypnotist) explained, "I'm here
to put you into a trance. I intend to
hypnotise each and every member of this
audience."

The excitement was almost electric as
Claude withdrew a beautiful antique watch
from his coat.

"I want each of you to keep your eyes on this antique
watch.  It's a very special watch, been in my family for
six generations!"

He began to swing the watch gently back and forth
while quietly chanting, "Watch the watch, watch the
watch ..."

The crowd became mesmerised as the watch swayed
back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface.
A hundred pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch
until suddenly, the chain broke.

It slipped from the hypnotist's fingers and fell to the
floor, breaking into a hundred pieces.

"SH*T!", yelled the hypnotist.

IT TOOK THREE DAYS TO CLEAN UP
THE SENIOR CENTRE.

Claude was never invited back.

I know not in the best of taste but it did make me laugh.  Have a great Wednesday whatever you are up to.  x

Hanging out with my Gorjuss Hero!

Back again and loving the weather today, bright blue skies or as the song goes...the sun is shining in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight!
Today I am bringing you a Staircase card, mine is 5 1/2 by 10 1/2 inch, scored at 1 1/4, 2 1/2, 4 1/4, 6 and 8 1/4 inches.

I have used MME papers Everyday flair, Gorjuss girls Little heart and Hang me up to dry. 
The flags are from Hero Arts and are called Friendly flags and the sentiments are Marion Emberson Birds and trees and It's all in the words. 
Cotton and lolly pops from my stash. 
The gorjuss girls are coloured using paper piecing and copic markers. 
Finally I have used Spellbinder Shapeabilities Fancy tags 1 and Mix'd media elements.

I really enjoyed making this card, loving Hero Arts new bunting stamps....I think I shall be playing with them some more.  It's just a feeling!

I'm away to finish off my Order of Service this morning then I have a couple of card orders to do. 
As the weather is so good I think I might first go and make like Widow Twanky....bring on the washing!
Have a great Tuesday.

Gorjuss!

Hi folks it was my turn over on It's a Creative World today and I have posted this frame I made for my trip out to Aberdeen.  I am really enjoying being a member of the Creative World team, so many different creative girls with loads of top tips and ideas.  If you haven't had a wee look at the blog I can recommend a trip over there.

Back to today and after beautiful sunshine over the weekend we are back to a grey and dreary day up here in the North of Scotland, so lets brighten the day up a wee bit.

I have used Spellbinder grand die Labels 23 to create the frame and the tag is from Shapeabilities Fancy tags 3.  The Gorjuss stamp is called "Alice" and the leaves and butterflies are from another Gorjuss set Hang me up to dry.  The script stamp and sentiment are from Personal Impressions by Marion Emberson.  Finally I have coloured with Distress ink Vintage photo and copics, with red satin ribbon from my stash.

I had fun creating this frame and love the grand dies....lots of possibilities on a larger scale....let your imagination run wild!  I'd love to hear what you've used yours for.....
Enjoy your Monday I'm away now to crack on with some Order of Service booklets, mind you I can feel a cup of tea coming on before I start.

Calling out an SOS!

Today I'm taking a break in showing what I was up to last week....and I'd only just started too!
First I'd like to say a bit thank you to all the lovely ladies who came to see me yesterday in Aberdeen.  I had a super day out.

I'm joining Karen over on the Sugar Nellie blog for SOS....or Share on Sunday.  The idea being we share what inspires us. 
So what inspires me?
I like to see all those beautiful crafting spaces folk have out in cyber land and after a chat with my pal Marlene she said I could share a couple of pictures from her little den....oh I would be in HEAVEN!

Isn't it just stunning.  Mine looks like a pigsty in comparison but a girl can dream.

I can feel my mojo wanting to play at just the thought of being let loose in this room.  Tee, hee.
Why not pop over to the Sugar Nellie blog and see what is inspiring everyone else.

It only remains for me to wish you all a super Sunday...I'm away for a rugby tournament...yippee!
I hope it isn't pouring down with rain or I will end up like a drowned rat.

Hang out your bunting!

Hi folks back again, did I mention that today I'm in Aberdeen at the Papeterie?  I know I did, once or twice!  Play the other record I hear you cry but on the upside if you are reading this you are possibly are not at work today. 
Anyway whilst I'm away having fun playing with some fine crafting products from Personal Impressions I thought I'd be good and share my first card. 
Now with this one I was thinking "Less is more!"
I love this trend for minimal cards, right up my street.

I have used Spellbinder M-bossibilities Garden delight, Hero arts stamp set Friendly flags, paper from MME 6" pad Everyday flair and sentiment from Marion Emberson On your Special day.

I am loving the new M-bossibilities and the fact you have two designs with an "innie and outie" of both is great.  I know that is not a technical term but where would be the fun in that...isn't it all about just playing with the products and having fun?!

Got to also love the new Hero arts flags, even though bunting has been big for a while I'm still a big convert.  There is something typically British about bunting and in a year were Union Jacks are everywhere, we have the Olympics to blame for that, I think these are really cute.

Anyway enough from me, have a fabulous weekend whatever you have planned.  x

Sneaky peaky....and there's more!

Hi everyone...I am madly crafting away for tomorrow in Aberdeen having lots of fun with new crafting products...what will I be up to tomorrow?!  That is the twenty dollar question but stay with me and I'll share a couple of sneaky peaks.

First I need to mention this......

Ooo got to pop on over to Funky kits and have a lookie!  New stash....always a good start to the weekend and it is Friday.

This week I was also asked to do three cards all for the same family celebration.....better make them different then.

I hope they both have a fabulous day. x

Finally for today a couple of sneak peaks...what will I be playing with tomorrow......can you guess from the pictures?

How about this one?

Mmm that one was a little easier but how about this one?

Do you know what it is yet?  Move over Rolf Harris!
If you had a wee nose at my desk on Wednesday this week a few more clues were available there.
Shall I be kind and post one tomorrow?
What a tease.  Bad, bad girl! 

Before I go I'd just like to wish you all a super weekend and don't forget if you are near the Papeterie in Aberdeen tomorrow pop on in and say hi.

Boxing clever!

It's wet and windy here in Scotland today, in fact up here there is a word to describe this sort of day and it is DREICH, it's a great word and means a combination of dull, overcast, drizzly, cold, misty and miserable weather...fits today to a tee. 
A fine day to be in the warm crafting.

As I am coming up with some ideas for this weekend I thought I'd share another couple of boxes I've made with the Spellbinder dies; Square petal top box and Square bracket edged box.  I love these boxes as they're so quick and easy to put together.
Due to the time of year I've kept to simple colours with of course Wedding season in mind.

I have also used Spellbinder Shapeabilities Foliage, Parisian Motifs, Ribbon buckles and Spiral blossom 1 together with M-Bossabilities Hearts.  Finally adding a few pearls to accent and a wee bit of white satin ribbon.

Have a great Thursday I'm away to pour myself a fine cup of tea and get cracking with some crafting...bring on the mojo!

What's on yours? 151

Hi folks, it's that time again and What's on your workdesk Wednesday?
Mine is such a mess today it could only mean one thing....I've got another demo coming up this weekend at The Papeterie Aberdeen.  I think a good tidy will be in order at the end of the week.

Some yummy new stamps and Spellbinders to play with.  Yaah!

So guess what I will be doing today?  Yep hiding in my craft room and playing, sorry I mean working!

Happy "hump" day, have a good one.  Why not pop along to Julia's blog to see what everyone else is up to.  Thanks for visiting my wee blog and I'll be along later today to have a wander. 
Finally as we enter in to the season "Spring" it gets me thinking about incorporating more exercise into my daily routine in order to loose those few extra pounds gained over the winter months....I saw this, thanks Sharon, and thought this is my kind of diet!

I think I can manage this one no bother!
Have a great Wednesday.  xxx

In need of a Paramedic?

If I was it would be from eating too much cake!
Today I have the last of the cards I made for my husband...the brief this time was,
A lady going to work off shore as a paramedic and could I include and oil rig?
ERhh....no!  But I'll do a helicopter land site on the rig instead.

Oooo look at the size of that needle!
Again I have used my Cricuit cartridge Dress up dolls and Plantin Schoolbook together with medical charms from Buttons Galore.  The embossing folder is by Sizzix.

I've got my big boy back to school today so better go and get him organised.  Back tomorrow with WOYWW.

Cake anyone?

I was all ready to post yesterday and join in with SOS over on the Sugar Nellie blog when I got a text.  A couple of my pals Christel and Karen were at a cake decorating class in the morning and knew I wanted to go along.  There was a last minute cancellation for the afternoon and three spaces were available.  Yippee!

To cut a long story short Karen, Kate and I headed out to The Almost Famous Bakery in Forres for an afternoon of fun.
This is what I made.....

We had a ball. 
Step away from the card making and bring on the icing! 
LOL....with the added benefit that you can nibble bits leftover.  We played with butter icing and fondant trying lots of different techniques and colouring. 

I've got a busy week this week with some Wedding bits, card orders and an upcoming demo at The Papeterie on Saturday but once I've sorted that I am going to have another play with some cupcakes...bring on the guinea pigs!
Nomm.
Have a great week.

I'm so late!

Hi, I've had a lovely day crafting in Elgin with a great bunch of ladies. 
Thank you all for making today so much fun.
So just a quick post from me tonight with another of my hubby's work colleagues cards...

The brief for this one was "I'd like a forest with a wood cutter and a helicopter hovering in the background!"
Needless to say he hasn't got all that. 
"Less is more my dear!"

Again I used my Cricuit cartridge Paper Dolls dress up together with scraps of card.  I drew and cut out the trees, the background is Distress ink Stormy sky and the grass is Distress ink Crushed olive, Pine needles and Peeled paint with a stamp from Marion Emberson. 

Short and sweet for me today I'm away to watch Britain's not got talent with my boys, top Saturday night entertainment!
Have a good night.

What do you get asked for?

A couple of posts back I asked what was the weirdest card you've been asked to make.....I got a couple of answers, many thanks ladies and my spot prize goes to Susan....I'll be getting in touch with just a little something.

On to today I was going to put a little sneak peak of my class but have been asked to hold back as they are practically full, just a couple of spots up for grabs. 
If you live local and are curious, the samples are on display at Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin. 

As I mentioned again earlier in the week Mr Mojo disappeared, I am happy to report he was found lurking under my desk in a sorry state.  A packet of chocolate buttons and a cup of tea soon persuaded him to get back into gear, phew! 
I'm not a last minute guy....I like to take my time when playing with ideas, it's the fun part!

Back to today. 
I was asked to make some leaving cards for my hubby at work, this is the first of them....
My brief was a bald man busking with a saxophone!

I have stayed with the brief, LOL. 
I used my Cricut cartridge Paper doll dress up to create the man, hat and bag.  The background has been created with bits of card and Distress inks Stormy sky and Iced spruce.  The Sax is a charm and money sequins.

That is all from me today I'm away now to go and prep for tomorrow.  Have a great Friday.  x

Sugar bowl challenge 82

This fortnight the Sugar bowl sketch is provided by the lovely Maria with the theme scrolls and swirls.
Here is my interpretation of the sketch...

I have used papers by Prima Jack and Jill, paper doily, Spellbinders circle die, Zva creative bling, Sizzix butterfly die, SU punch mini tag and matching stamp sentiment, twine from stash, coloured with prisma pencils and Distress ink Vintage photo.  Sugar Nellie stamp Fashionista.

And the sketch.....

As you can see I've played around with the sketch a bit to fit my image in.

Up for grabs are 4 of your choice from Sugar Nellie stamps increasing to 6 if we get more than 100 entries in the challenge. 
As I always say at this point, you've got to be in it to win it!
Good luck and happy crafting.

WOYWW 150

It's that time again and Wots on your work desk?
As you can see mine is again getting messier week by week.  I don't know how some of you keep so well organised and tidy!  I struggle constantly.
Here's my space today.....

New Spellbinders mmmmmm and a new Martha Stewart punch for my classes this Saturday...what will I come up with?!
I'm hoping that my mojo is super charged today or there will be trouble ahead!

Have a great "hump" day and I'll be over later this evening to have a wee snoop at some of your desks too.  Thanks for popping by.  x
To check out other desks why not pop over to the lovely Julia's blog for more information.

Brief!

Hi just a short post from me today.  Finishing off the cards for my hubby and starting on my class samples...just waiting from my PI parcel which I hope will arrive today.
Whilst making the cards for my husband it made me smile...over the years I've been given so many different briefs for cards.  They are always varied and some have even made me smile.  I've had pets birthdays, people coming out of the closet (so to speak), Gynecologists, (lets just say with added anatomy)  you would not believe! 
I actually love to rise to the challenge although that could have been worded better coming after Gynecologists!  LOL.
So what I want to know today whilst I'm busy beavering away, "what has been your weirdest request for a card?"
I'm thinking that I might have a spot prize for the best answer.......

Anyway better crack on. 
It's wet and dreich outside which means a perfect craft day!

To have and to hold!

It's Monday and I have my youngest back to school and my hubby back to work today.....just one more to go! 
Did anyone else find it difficult getting up and at it this morning?  I did.
For some reason I'm aching today, bizarre as I have no reason to, maybe another cup of tea will help then I must crack on. 
I have a few card orders for my hubby of all people to do today so I better get them done.

First I was asked recently for a 6th Wedding Anniversary card by a friend in the village. 
Did you know that the Calla Lily was the flower for this celebration?
Here is my card, another less is more type......

The image is by June from Card making downloads and I have layered 3 together.  The seam binding is flat by request threading it through the card rather than knotting.  The image is layered on black card and stitched by machine.  The lily's are coloured with copic markers.

To just give you a heads up I will be at Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin on Saturday teaching two classes, one with clean stamping techniques and the other using some of the new Spellbinding products.  As far as I am away there are still a couple of places available and I will be back later in the week with a little sneak preview.  If you have any queries contact Kate here.

Have a super Monday.

Share on Sunday SOS

I thought I would join Karen over on the Sugar Nellie blog with Share on Sunday.
The idea being you share what inspires you in life. 
I love this phrase;

It can be found here.

Living in Scotland I think it is really something you learn to embrace!  LOL. 
We like our rain, in fact if today is anything to go by we've had sunshine, blue skies followed by rain then snow and now back to cloudy skies, all seasons in one day.  Where else do you get that variety?

It also reminds me of a time I went down to the school to pick up my eldest son at the end of his day and it was absolutely tanking down with rain.  Everyone hid under any cover we could find except my youngest who danced in the playground covering every style from break dancing to the Micheal Jackson moon walking, he was soaked right through to the skin but he was happy singing and dancing. 
All the other mums were laughing at him having an absolute ball, not a care in the world and definitely loving "dancing in the rain."

I do sometimes think we can learn so much from our kids!

Less is more!

Hello it's me again and today it is Grand National day, have you got a horse?
It is a tradition to have a wee flutter on Grand National day so we have all picked a horse each and fingers crossed for 4.15 p.m. when the race is on......it does make the race more interesting.  I have gone for "Shakalakaboom"  just 'cause I like the sound of the name and nothing more, it certainly rolls off the tongue.  Hubby has gone for Seabass...got to have the sea connection!  The kids have gone for Arbor Supreme and West End Rocker, picked just like their mum...."I like that name!"  But will any of us win?

On to a wee bit of crafting for you. 
I have made this Thinking of you card for a family member who is having a tough time just now. 
The less is more theme has been grabbed head on...I do like the less fussy approach just as much as the layered look and tend to just go with my mood. 
Anyway enough waffle here's the card;

The stamp is PI Marion Emberson "On your special day" and the sentiment was printed on the computer.  I have used Distress ink evergreen bough, pearls and satin ribbon from my stash.
Simple and to the point!
Plus it means I might get to do a bit more on my wee house that I showed you on Wednesday!

Have a great weekend.

A few days away.

That's me back from a few days away with the family in our caravan, in the rain!  We had typical April Scottish weather, one minute bright blue skies the next the heavens opened and we are all soaked. 
Still every cloud has a silver lining....I finally got to pop to the lovely Anne's "The Sew Room" in Alford, a must for all you crafters who love material.  I have ordered my Sloan paint from her to give my kitchen a bit of a make over and eyed up some new cotton fabric to make some cushions for my front room.  Now just to find the time to get creative in the home!
We also had a day out in Aberdeen with a must visit to Build a bear for my youngest whilst the older one shot off to Game.  I was directed away from any craft shops, boo! 
My kids know me too well....don't let mum near a craft shop or we'll be in there all day!

So what will I get up to today.....washing and ironing (isn't that always the first thing to do after a few days away?) then I hope to pop around a few blogs from WOYWW and catch up.  I might even get a little crafting in later if I'm lucky.

Have a super Friday the 13th and I hope it's a lucky one for you.
May this is especially true for my Dad today as he is in hospital for another operation....thinking of you.  x

WOYWW 149

Hi I can't believe it's Wednesday again, doesn't time fly when you're having fun?!
My desk for you today......

I have some cards I am in mid flow with.  Some lovely black lace I picked up in Aberdeen at the Papeterie on Saturday.  My wee hoose, which I love, is my final project from Girls just want to have fun.  The kit was designed by the lovely Kath, it will be super when I have finished it.  All the bits and bobs are to add to the house then I'll need some photos to add the final touches.

Why not pop over to Julia's blog and find out what everyone else is up to today.  You can't beat a good old snoop and there are some fabulous crafty spaces out there in cyber land.

I may not have Internet access over the next couple of days so I'm afraid I will be having my wee wander around later in the week, playing catch up.  Have a great hump day and thanks for popping by.

Girls just want to have fun part 2!

Today I wanted to show you what we made with the lovely Anne at Girls just want to have fun on Saturday.
I loved this class.

And the back....

Isn't it super? 
Now I just have to make a nice place for her in my craft room and maybe give her a name?!*
Thanks Anne for a great class full of techniques. 
I had a ball and I think I'll be using some of these techniques again very soon.

No crafting time for me today, I'm having another family day.....
How soon before I can admit withdrawal symptoms? 

Shh!  Don't tell but it will be soon.  :)

Girls just want to have fun!

I did promise I would show you what we got up to at Girls just want to have fun on Saturday. 
Here is the class we did with the lovely Debbi.

A journalling book. 
I had great fun getting all inky with this book and look forwards to filling it.
A great Steam punk project.

Today I have mostly been getting sorted for a couple of days with my boys but I have also been into Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin to sort out my next day of classes for the 21st of April.  I hope to be doing one class with the new Spellbinders and another with stamping....mmmmm what to do?
Better get my thinking cap on!

Anyway I have a mountain of ironing and tea to sort so I'm afraid it's another short post for me today.
I hope your Easter Monday is going well.
The weather here started off beautiful this morning but the sky has now gone very dark and the heavens have opened, typical April weather me thinks!  Fine for staying in and crafting shame my ironing won't do it's self.

Happy Easter

Hi everyone and I hope you all are having a super Easter Sunday. 
We've had our Easter egg hunt in the garden and my joint of beef is in the oven cooking, yum! 
Today I am having a day off posting crafty ideas...I have been banded by the family from entering my Craft Zone!  Boo! 
I have sneaked on the lap-top to just wish you a great day and enjoy your chocolate eggs. 
We're off for a nice walk after lunch and then back for a film, popcorn and chocolate....not necessarily in that order.

Yesterday I had a fabulous crafty day at the Papeterie in Aberdeen with the Girls just want to have fun gang.  I'd like to thank Kath, Debbi and Anne for a super day and great projects.  Plus a big thanks to Christel and Tina for their great company throughout the day.  I will share what we got up to later in the week meantime I better go and pop my Yorkshires in the oven.

Happy Easter.

What's in the box?

Today I am having a girlie day out with Christel and Tina at "Girls just want to have fun" at the Papeterie in Aberdeen with the lovely Kath, Debbi and Anne.  A day of crafting with friends, chatting and snacking with maybe a few giggles on the way.  Can't wait.

Whilst I'm away having fun I have another Spellbinding box for you....this one is the Grand die Square petal top box and comes complete with swirls and a lovely tag.

I have also used American craft cream and black paper plus PI stamp Love story script.  The little flowers are from the other box die set I showed you yesterday and the big flower on top is Shapeabilities Spiral blossoms 1.  Ribbon and bling from my stash.

I am loving these box grand dies and they're so easy to put together. 

That's all for today I'll be back tomorrow with news of my fun day out. 

I'd like to wish you all the very best over this EASTER weekend, have fun whatever you are doing.  x

Boxing clever!

Back again, late today...I'm starting a trend!
In my defence I've been fighting my way around the supermarket trying to stock up on food and lots of  chocolate eggs!
I like to get lots of smaller eggs for my kids as the Easter bunny usually pops by and sets up a treasure hunt for them, looking at the weather for this Sunday I think the bunny will be coming indoors. 
As the man reading the weather on TV said last night,
"It's just the weather to sit in and eat lots of chocolate". 
Like I need an excuse! 

On to today's show and tell and I have been playing with the NEW Spellbinder box dies....this next one would be great for Wedding favours...

It is the Spellbinder grand die Square bracket edged box and it also comes with 6 little flower dies too.  I have also used Shapeabilities Parisian motifs, the new Ribbon buckles and of course not forgetting the NEW M-bossabilities Hearts.  I have added a few pearls and a ribbon bow to finish.

 And the view from above....

I've also seen this die used to create an Advent Calender for Christmas using lovely Christmas double sided card.  I do think you would get plenty of use with this one....dinner parties, little treats, Weddings, Anniversary's, birthday boxes...you get my drift!

Tomorrow I am away again to Aberdeen to join "Girls just want to have fun!" 
Another girlie crafty day out, yippee! 

Finally today I thought I'd leave you with this....
my Dad sent it to me this morning....I guess we are all looking for Inner Peace....
here's the secret.....
I thought I'd share with you all....

Inner  Peace: This is so true                         If you can start the day without caffeine, If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time, If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, If you can conquer tension without medical help, If you can relax without alcohol, If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,                             ...Then  You Are  Probably  .........                                The family dog! It all makes sense now.  I'd just like to end by sending my Dad big hugs.  He isn't great just now and I want to just let him know we're all thinking of him and wishing him a speedy full recovery. xxx.

Candy winner!

Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to all the lovely ladies who left me comments on the blog hop last weekend so without further ado the winner is.....

Drum roll please.......

Kirsti

If you could e-mail me here with your details I will get the prize out to you.



Sugar arh honey, honey!

I'm late, I'm late....for a very important date.  Whoops sorry folks it's Sugar bowl time again number 81 and the turn of the fabulous Gayle to treat us to a sketch.  The challenge is to use plaid or strips.
Here is my take...

I have used Pirate Monkey from Sugar Nellie, I think he is so cute and he is coloured with copic markers.  The plaid paper is from Elsie and is called Forrest Ranger and is mixed with my own card stock.  The pirates chest is from Darcie's stamp set Shiver me timbers as is the sentiment.  The pearls are from Hobby house.  Finally the embossing folder is by Sizzix and is also a plaid.

The pirate sentiment also hides back into the chest too, as Paul Daniels would say "that's magic!" 
A little interactive card for a cheeky little monkey! 
You've guessed it....I have someone in mind with this one.
And the sketch....

The prize up for grabs are your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps moving up to 6 if we have more than 100 entries. 
It only remains for me to say....you've got to be in it to win it, enjoy and happy crafting!

I'm now away to draw the winner of my candy....I will announce the results very soon.  x

Wot's on your Work desk Wednesday 148

Hi not a very exciting work desk for you this morning....it's starting to get a little untidy around the edges but as for what I'm working on...mmmm!

I have a pile of stamps in the left hand corner waiting to be played with but before that I have a bespoke card to do. 
A very boring desk today for you...to find something much more exciting why not pop on over to Julia's blog and have a wee nosey at other fine crafty spaces....

I will now leave you with a funny a friend sent me today...it made me smile.

Before I go I have candy I am giving away, details on the 1st of April....it closes at midnight tonight so still got a chance to win if you want to enter.
Back to the joke.....

Four Worms in Church

(Four worms and a lesson to be learned !)     A Minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good, clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol ... Dead.       The second worm in cigarette smoke ... Dead.    The third worm in chocolate syrup ... Dead.  The fourth worm in good, clean soil ... Alive . So the Minister asked the congregation, "What did you learn from this demonstration?"   Maxine was sitting in the back and quickly raised her hand and said,   "As long as you drink, smoke, and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!" That pretty much ended the service ! Happy WOYWW xxx.

Getting all STEAMY!

So who is reading this now wondering what I am going to mention!  LOL. 
I could use a quote from one of my favourite films but unless you have seen it...it would be pointless...I would be laughing alone and you thinking "how strange!"

When I mention steamy I am not referring to "hot and steamy" but more "down and dirty" Steampunky with the wonderful and talented Andy Skinner. 
His paint techniques are fabulous and what is even better you can also do on-line classes to learn the art....I will be checking out those later.
If you don't like getting your hands dirty then close your eyes now! 
I find that getting mucky is part of the whole experience and I just keep Mr Scrubby handy now to help with the aftershock!
Anyway enough of my waffle this is what we made;

This is the front of the book and all the workings are made from cardboard.....I love the concept and am already thinking of different ways in using this technique.  I NEED to get some of this modelling paste to play again!

The back we have used paint techniques to create a rust effect and used Andy's NEW stamps, can't wait to get my hands on them, loving the textures, cogs and the sentiments are great too.  I think I might have a wee further play with the back of the book and just add some black soot to distress around the edges.

On the spine and we used a textured paste to create a sandpaper effect and for the book leaves we made our own tissue tape!  I so will do that again and it was so easy to do too.

That's all again for me today, hope you have a super Tuesday and looking forwards to a wee snoop tomorrow for What's on your work desk Wednesday!

Fluttering by.

I had a lovely day out at the Papeterie in Aberdeen yesterday getting all creative with the lovely Andy Skinner, a picture to follow. 
All I'm going to say today is we all got down and dirty! 
Not to mention things got a little "steampunky!"
A great class was had by all and I now NEED more fine crafting products.  Notice I say need and not would like, bad so bad!  ;)

Anyway back to today's card...

Product list;
K & Company papers Spring Blossom.
Spellbinder shapeabilities die Mix'd media elements for tag.
Stamps;
Stampers Anonymous Attic treasures and Marion Emberson It's all in the words.
Coloured with Le Plume alcohol pens, Distress ink Vintage photo and Diamond stickles.

I love this butterfly stamp which surprises me as I am not normal a butterfly person.  The Spring K & Company papers work so well with the butterfly theme covered in lovely bright flowers.  I also can see me using the little tag from Spellbinders too it's just the best size for adding a wee sentiment.

That's all for me today I will take photo's later of yesterdays class to share, don't forget I have candy up for grabs on April the 1sts post if you are interested in some free crafty stash?
Have a super Monday and I'll catch you again tomorrow.

CANDYTIME!

Hi all, no April's fool here this morning instead I will just shout "WHITE RABBIT!"
(Bring on the good luck now, LOL!)

Did you enjoy our It's a Creative World Easter hop yesterday? 
There was lots of different crafty styles to look at and some lovely candy up for grabs too.

So what have I got today....well, I'm carrying on with the Easter theme by decorating these wee cloth bunnies with ribbon and net to create little Ballet bunnies to give away with eggs.  I usually pop them in a little cellophane bag with a selection of mini eggs with little girls in mind of course! 
The boys get the bunny bags I showed you yesterday.

And closer;

Now what you all really want to know......as it's what is my CANDY giveaway?!

Here you go......

A 12" pad of DCWV The Preppy Princess stash with glitter!
A wee bag if ribbons, chipboard, buttons, flowers etc....to match
A selection of charms including crowns, flowers and butterflies and of course a pink bunny and some bunny poop.

To be in with a chance to win all of these goodies I only ask that you leave a comment with this post.
Leave one on yesterdays post as well and I will put your name in the hat twice, double the chance to win. 
UK residents only.

I'm busy over the Easter weekend so shall be closing the candy at midnight on Wednesday the 4th of April and will announce the winner on Thursday morning.