Sharing the love, corny but true!

Back again and it looks like it is going to be another super day weather wise. 
Yesterday evening I took the boys to the beach after dooking.  The weather was beautiful and even the breeze was warm...which you don't get to say very often in Scotland. 

Today I want to share the last of my corny makes and it's a heart.  Now I was trying to go for a more primitive shape here but having made it I do think a more traditional heart would work better.  You live and learn, there is no right and wrong in crafting....just remaking and altering till you get exactly what you want.  Unfortunately that only comes with experience and practise, with a new hobby I need to learn patience and not expect perfection from the outset.  I'm finding that with my crocheting too.  I will share more of that at a later date.

Here is my heart......

I think these will also look good on the Christmas tree...rustic will be the way to go this year if I get organised.  I always have great intentions at this time of year but with the start of Christmas demonstrating looming my own work takes a back seat.

Have you been watching clips from CHA in the states this week?
Drool, drool!
Myself and 3 friends went over the pond for the Craft show 4 years ago and had a ball.  The show is where all the years new craft releases are shown for the first time.  Lots of "ooooing" and "arrrring" and dare I say a little stroking occurs.  LOL.  With all the big names there demonstrating and chatting with fella addicts.
Well jel!  Would love to be there.
Can't wait to see the new Spellbinder and Tim Holtz products in the shops over here to name but two.
Have you seen Tim's new glitter........

Oooo I've gone all girlie....glitter and sparkle but not as you know it!

The smell of summer.

Back again today with another corn creation this time a Lavender pomander.

This little corn creation holds a net of lavender inside and smells amazing.  I love lavender and grow it in quantity and different varieties in my garden.  This week some has even been cut and is presently drying in the conservatory, which smells lovely just now....achieving two jobs in one!
I think these will look great on the Christmas tree with winter spices like orange, cinnamon and clove. Mmmm another gift idea!

All go on the demonstration front here today with a break for dooking later.  I have glitter everywhere!  Ho, ho, ho!
My eldest is in the room next to me playing the drums just now which does nothing for the creative process.....when do they go back?!  LOL.
The joys.
Have a super Wednesday.

How about a bit of country glory?

Morning, bit misty here today but it will hopefully clear later.  I think it looks like we are getting the better weather today with a lot of areas of the UK getting rain.  Mind you it is needed after all this beautiful weather.

What did you think about yesterdays exciting news?
A prince is born!
Bless.
I heard the announcement of the impending birth going into work yesterday morning but how did they manage to keep it quiet for four hours?  A quiet moment for mum, dad and baby.  I think it is fab and I wouldn't say I'm a royalist at all.  Now what will he be named.....George seems to be the favourite at the bookies.  I would like to see Spencer in there somewhere for Williams mum.  Maybe Phillip after Granddad or Louis after Lord Mountbatten?  Will Andrew feature after meeting at St Andrews? 
Only time will tell.  I do hope they stay traditional and don't go for something trendy or too unusual.  I'm sure they will.
Lets hope they all get to go home very soon and announce the babies name, then they can be left in peace to adjusted to becoming a family unit.

Back to crafting and I did have to smile when I read the name of this next corny creation. 
It is a Country glory braid. 
If you don't smile than you have a better mind than me.  LOL.

In history these plaits/corn dollies were used to decorate pew ends during Harvest festivals.  They can be displayed either way up and are made with a simple hair plait technique.  Mine is a little wobbly on the plait but I am happy with it.

Today I shall be mostly be starting some work for my demonstration in Aberdeen on Sunday.  I shall be taking advantage of the fog just now and maybe get out later once it lifts.  Enjoy your Tuesday and happy crafting! 

This may sound corny but it is a crafty clue?!

Do you want to know about my secret crafting day out then?

A while back a good friend of mine asked me if I fancied going on a Corn crafting course with her.  I have to admit at first I wasn't so sure but then I thought why not, you might even enjoy it, and I did.
We visited a lovely lady called Elaine at Somethingcorny.  It was a beautiful day and we set to work in her garden shed.  Now this wasn't any garden shed.  There were four of us in the class for the day, a nice small group so we learnt a lot.
This was our classroom...isn't it fab?



It was a beautiful sunny day and it felt like we were crafting outside with the window and doors all open.  Elaine has a beautiful garden which we even had our picnic in at lunch time.  It was heaven.

We made a practise item with the wheat and then four other items.  I have decided to show you my simple corn dolly.

A little bit of history for you....corn dollies have been made for thousands of years and are thought to date back to pagan times.  The last sheaf of corn from the harvest was used to make corn dollies which were believed to hold the Corn spirit in the plait, usually hung in the kitchen. Next spring the dried seeds would be planted again and were believed to encourage a good harvest for the following year.
Nowadays they are believed to bring peace and prosperity to the home, in other words they are thought to be good luck charms.
Here is my dolly.....

 

The wheat is worked whilst it is damp, plaited and shaped and then left to dry, holding it's shape.  I like the simplicity of this shape and have added a wee heart and halo for now.
I am still thinking whether to add wings?  I quite like her simple design.  What do you think?

A late post for me today after a day in work.  Time now to crack on with a BBQ to be followed with a tad of ironing....the excitement!
On the upside I had a good weekend.  Friday night we did the Gala car treasure hut and won, having a giggle in the process.  How to get people going.....keep stopping and jumping out of the car!
Work went well yesterday and Sunday was spent on the beach then home for an evening BBQ with friends. 
That was the weekend gone.
This week I shall be getting ready for my Sunday demonstration day at The Papeterie in Aberdeen. 
It will seem a bit strange mind as I'm thinking Christmas in the sunshine!

Enjoy the rest of your Monday and I'll catch you again tomorrow.  x

Going back in time again this Friday

Hi back again with a blast from the past.  This was a gift I made for my parents Ruby Wedding Anniversary back in 2007.  It was a blank purse and the papers were by Rusty pickle. 
If nothing else I can see that my photography skills have improved in the last 6 years.  Not a great couple of pictures but as I don't have the project I can't retake them.  Still you will get the general idea. 

I love creating mini books for special occasions.  It has been too long since I made one...confession time....I have a cupboard in my craft room full of mini book blanks....just waiting to be altered, all shapes, sizes and mediums and even a couple of projects that have been started.  I need to set aside the time to play!
The idea behind this book was to have one side with their wedding photographs and the other with them bang up to date as they are now.

That's all for me today, if you want to know what crafting I got up to on Monday then you can see my post tomorrow over at It's a Creative World.  If you are happy to wait I will share it next week with you.  Have a super weekend and enjoy the sunshine. 

Happy crafting.  x

Down at the beach CAS style.

Oh my I'm loving CAS cards just now.  Just thought I'd share that!
Thanks for all your lovely comments ladies.  I'm glad you liked my nail varnish. 
It's funny I have been thinking of stamps, quite often I make a bespoke card needing an image and can't get it.  Something definitely to think about. 
Is there anything you wish you could get and can't, an image or maybe a sentiment, I'd love to know?

Last night it was Harbour night in the village and what a beautiful night it was too.  The band playing, food and drink flowing, good company and the kids in wet suits dooking in the sea.  I didn't want to come home!  (Which I was surprised at after an early start at work). 
The boys also took the pup down yesterday during the day for the pet competition.  Holly didn't win anything but we think she is cute.  This was followed by watching the Skate park competition.

Tonight it is, as my kids call it....Bingo by jingo!  The men go off to the golf club for an adults quiz and the ladies take the kids to the village marque for the Tombola night.  Now I'm not normally a bingo kind of girl but it can be quite an exciting evening especially if you get down to one number!!  (I've lead a sheltered life!)
As for today there is a baby competition, story time, golf and a coffee morning.  We're saving ourselves for tonight and I'm catching up on a few jobs and card requests.

Today I have another CAS card....catching up on some card stock for my local shop.  This range are all clean and simple and nothing like my demonstration cards. 

This is my Hopeman hutty!
The hut is by Hobby craft, I have a "thing" for beach hut stamps.  The sun and cloud are by Sugar Nellie.  The papers are Docrafts Ahoy there.

Enjoy your Thursday folks.  x

On your 40th, paint the town red!

Whilst I'm at work I thought I'd share this with you today.  This was a bespoke card for one of my work colleagues to give to a friend on her special day.  My brief was that she loves painting her nails so I knew exactly what I wanted to do but again couldn't find a suitable image.
I have taken the bull by the horns again and have drawn the nail varnish bottle myself, glossy accents is added to the varnish escaping the bottle to give a more realistic effect.

The image is coloured with copic markers and the background emboss is by cuttlebug.

Inside it mentions rather than painting her nails red on her special day.....paint the town red instead...or words to that effect!
I believe Elaine liked the card so that is me a happy bunny!
Enjoy your Wednesday.  x

Let them eat cake!

Back again with another late post today.  I had an early appointment through in Inverness this morning so it was a chance to do a wee bit of shopping.  I've stocked up on cotton yarn for my next crochet project and some materials for another idea. 
Yesterday I had a super crafty day out trying a new hobby but I'm going to keep you in suspense a little longer as I have my monthly post coming up this weekend over on It's a Creative World.  More will be revealed then, needless to say I went not knowing much about this craft and have come back with supplies to practise with.  Another string to my bow....and that won't help you guess either!  Musical I most definitely am not!

Today I wanted just to share a simple card with you, another LIS style card. 

The gingham card is from Pebbles basic, the circle and sentiment die cuts are from SU and the dots embossing folder is by cuttlebug.  The cake is a Dress it up button....mmmm low fat cake!  (It never tastes the same!)

I've got more hours at work this week and a few bespoke orders to crack on with, plus that ironing pile just doesn't seem to shrink at all. 
I hope you have had a good Tuesday, more from me tomorrow.

A little something for you whilst I'm having fun!

Oooh what am I up to?!
It's crafty....and that's all I'm saying at this point.
I thought I'd leave you with this today whilst out and about having fun.

 

Barbara mentioned something on Friday about this......calling them crafty plasters.
I like the idea of "crafty plasters" and lets face it every now and again they come in handy but shhhh, don't tell anyone!

What's your favourite crafty plaster?

Missing in action on Friday.......but was in stamping heaven!

Whoops, no post on Friday last week but that is because I was out and about having fun.  To start with I went to The Papeterie in Aberdeen to watch Barbara Gray's demonstration.  I love Barbara's style of stamping and she is a natural demonstrator. 

 

 

Irene and I had a lovely crafty day out, stopping for a couple of statutory coffee shop revivals on route!

Here are a couple of my favourite cards from Barbara's selection.....

 

I love how she layers her cards using a brayer with lots of stamps and inks creating 3d images on a flat card. 
This is a technique I really need to practise more.  Now where did I put that brayer!

After our trip through to Aberdeen and stops for "yummies" I came home to an empty house as we'd been invited to a BBQ down on the village beach.  I wish I'd taken some photos.  I have never seen the beach so busy so late in the day.  It was a wonderful barmy warm evening and if I hadn't needed to be up bright and early Saturday for work I think I'd stayed late into the evening.  The kids were happy popping in and out of the sea, sunshine, fab location, good friends and yummy food....what more do you need?
A great finish to a lovely day.

Yesterday was spent at work and then again down in the harbour for a dook. 
We have got to make use of all this lovely weather whilst it is here don't you agree?
This was followed by a cheeky M & S Chinese meal, nomn, nomn, and my excuse.....it is a Saturday night and I can! 
All washed down by a bottle of Crabbies Scottish Raspberry Ginger beer.  Have you tried one?  Oh my, they're mighty fine and just perfect for a summer's evening. 

That's all from me today, with all the extra hours at work my daily chores are mounting, boo, hiss, but I do hope for some time to play at some point later. 
It is our village Gala this week, it started yesterday so I think we'll be out and about a lot with activities this week.  Tonight it is the family quiz....better get my thinking cap on!  There are never any crafty questions.....the thickness of card stock...die cuts...LOL.  I think I shall be relying on my QI knowledge! 
Tomorrow I am having another crafty day out so it will be another late post but I am hoping it will be worth the wait!  Mmmm, what am I going to be up to?!

Looking back in time scrapbooking style.

I read an interesting article yesterday about making your blog more readable here.  It is a good article with lots of hints and tips. 
Today I had another card to show you but as I link to other sites from my blog it will have to wait.  The recipient might just see it. 
I also have a couple of Spellbinder cards that I am holding off sharing.....you might see them elsewhere....if you do let me know.  Ooh that could be a competition!  A wee prize for the first person that spots a card made by me in a crafting magazine....that's all the clues I'm giving.  I will share them later on here.

One of the recommendations of the above article was to share something from the early days when you had less followers/readers. 
I am always "made up" when I meet fella crafters locally and they've mentioned reading my blog.  I was brought up on the phrase "it's good to share" and in the crafting world it is a great part of blogging, there is always something to learn, new techniques to try and new products to fuel the fire of the creative mind.  If you get my drift. 

This is an early double scrapbook page I made inspired by a pal Pam. 
It also was created at a time when there was a heated debate on a scrap booking site, I won't name it. The debate........how you shouldn't put flowers on a beach scrapbook page?!
I don't want to open a can of worms by re-opening the debate but I added flowers to my layout because I could!
I am a firm believer in doing what you want to do regardless of the current fashion and trends.  It is your work you are creating and you can do with it what you wish.  That is the beauty, in my eyes, of crafting, there are no right or wrong answers.  If you want flowers on a beach page then what the heck....put them on.  So I did.

I made these two pages separately and then put them together and would I do them differently now.....probably.  I think now I would remove the flowers and go for a LIS approach but that just shows how your taste changes too.  Was I right or wrong, it isn't important, I had fun making them and that is all that counts in my book.  When I look back now at the pages I smile remembering the "hoo ha" and laugh at the rebel in me.....and guess it answers the question I keep asking myself....where did my youngest get that stubborn streak from?!  LOL.

On that note I will leave you in peace.  I have a man mountain of exciting ironing and work later, enjoy your Thursday folks.  x

Just like buses coming along together, today I have another baby card to share.

Back again and another late post. 
To all of those that have been at work today close your ears whilst I share my day. 
First the boring bit.....a morning spent updating the food stock in the kitchen.  The afternoon....a little more exciting, spent on the beach watching my boys dook again and the pup swim.  I did manage to have a wee dip of the toes, by heck that water's cold.  LOL.  Very pleasant on a warm day.  I have red shoulders to prove it, even wearing factor 50.  Standard practise for me, I go from blue to red then back white, very rarely sporting a healthy tan by natural means, if you get my drift!

I digress...
Back to the crafting front....

This card has been created for a lovely lady to be sent to Canada for a new arrival.  I have kept it neutral as we don't know whether the baby will be a boy or girl, Scott will be the babies surname and the wording is as requested.

I have used Spellbinder die Fleur de lis square, classic square and dots embossing folder.  The pram is an embroidered patch. 
Another CAS card which seems to be what I am drawn too just now.

That's all today from me, short and sweet.  I do hope you've had a super Wednesday, it's still beautiful up here....I can feel a dog walk coming on, before chilling out for the evening.

It's summer time and babies are a foot!

Back again after a lazy morning reading a book I haven't been able to put down since I started it.  I tend to do that with books, I don't read for ages then I can't get my nose out once I start. 
I'm working again this evening so have been taking it easy.

Just recently I have been asked for a few baby cards.  It seems always come in spurts.  This time it's a baby girl.  The lady I made this for was very specific in what she wanted.  I made a similar card for her 7 years ago and she loved it so much she wanted something along the same lines. 
Another CAS card for you today.

A simple card with the addition of some pink and gingham scraps, a bit of bling and a cute wee button pram from Dress it up buttons.

That's all for me today better go and iron my uniform....it was a hot one in the warehouse last night!  Too much information....

All my boys are off dooking this afternoon so I think I'll have a couple of hours sunshine before heading into work.  Enjoy your Tuesday.  x

By jove he only went and did it!

Did you see the tennis yesterday?  OMG wasn't it fabulous.  I was on the edge of my seat....but he only went and did it. 

It is your time Andy and enjoy it, what a great match from two great professional tennis players.
After my eldest spending a couple of years at a school in Dunblane, the area has fond memories for me. 
I'm sure not only Dunblane celebrated last night but the whole of Scotland and Britain.   So now the pressure is off I do hope he finds time to enjoy a well deserved rest.
My youngest boy did make me giggle mind.  About an hour into the match he walked past the TV and said "don't know why you're watching this mum I can tell you who wins!" 
As I try to explain to him that the match is playing now and that he can't possibly know who wins he turns and says....."look mum I'm telling you I've seen it before, Murray wins!"
LOL.  Spooky or what?
After the match he came downstairs and said "see I told you he would win!"
What can I say to that?

Back down to earth and boy isn't it warm and sunny.....I don't really know what to do with myself.  LOL.  Far too nice to do housework or ironing plus if I stood outside till I'd done all my ironing I'd come in with 3rd degree burns at least.  Yes, I've got a mountain of it again.
I ended up in work again yesterday, with holidays staff are low on the ground and I'm in again this evening to cover a late shift.  Maybe I should find a little craft time this afternoon?

Enjoy the sunshine whatever you have planned today.  I will hopefully be back tomorrow with something to share.  x

It's a busy day in the crafting world!

Hi folks just a very quick post before I head into work this morning.  I'd like to wish Lesley all the very best with her demo today at The Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin.  You must pop and see her ladies as her work is fabulous.
Also today the ladies at The Papeterie are welcoming the wonderful Sue Wilson from Particraft.  She is lovely lady too and her work is also outstanding and even better in the flesh.

So ladies I will be thinking of you all having crafting fun whilst I'm beavering away at work.  I hope you have a super time and I look forwards to hearing all about it.

Oh no it's that time again.....end of term. Boo! Time to come up with a teachers gift or two!

Good afternoon folks thought I better post today before going near the tennis....maybe I'll save the ironing to do whilst watching later. 
So today's the day I've got about an hour and a half of peace left before the joy of the school summer holidays commence.  My two boys aren't keen in doing anything this year, if the weather is good they just want to be down dooking in the harbour, on the boat or at the beach and if the weather is bad at the local pool, cinema or on the dreaded x box. 
In previous years we've galloped around seeing family or insisted on taking them somewhere just to break up the long break but this year will be slightly different.  I have no time off work in the school holidays, it's a last in all school holidays have gone situation so it will mean us just popping off midweek if we do anything. 
I do sometimes wonder why we bother mind as one year we went to Edinburgh for a week and their favourite bit was getting home and going dooking! 
So why as parents to we feel the need?!  Especially when the kids aren't bothered.
It can be just as much fun with the good weather and a picnic or BBQ at the beach.

Anyway I'm going away at a tangent again, today I want to show you my youngest boys teachers gift and card.  This is the first year I haven't bothered making for my oldest, apparently it isn't the "thing" to do at secondary school, as he was boarding in a different school last year I did...it was his family away from home.  Now he is back home, and enjoying it...it really isn't the done thing!
Back to the youngest and the card.

Elaine and Tracey I thought of you two whilst making this card.  These two lovely ladies from my local crop love all things "owl" related and I am beginning to get it too.  Isn't this wee chap so cute and really quick and easy to make up with scraps.  Juls you'd be proud of me!
He is a Sizzix die and I can feel a felt moment coming on....he'd be great in material too.

To go with the card my youngest and I made some gingerbread cookies last night and I also made another dishcloth, not exciting I know but useful!  I do like things that are useful.

Here's a photo of it all packaged up ready to go to school this morning.

Now my blog might take a wee blip over the holidays dependant on what we do and what adventures we get up too.  It could also go the other way as they've both found the local skate park and are enjoying freedom and fresh air there too.  I can't knock it if they're out and about having fun with their mates.....it does take some getting used.
I'm quite liking a bit more freedom  rather than the word "mum can I" frequently.
Some days I have to remind myself just to chillaxe and think back to when we were kids.  If we weren't out for the day somewhere or camping we'd be out till either
a.  It got dark.
b.  We were hungry.

Learning to let go a bit at a time!

Anyway that's all from me today, work in the morning and an early start again.  As for Sunday I don't know yet what we'll get up to but I am excited at the weather forecast.......folks we're in for more summer weather, whoop, whoop!
Have a super weekend whatever you have planned and I want to finish today by wishing two lovely crafty buds a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY....."JAN" and "KATE", I hope you both have a super birthday weekend.  x

Come on the Murray!

Hi folks and no post from me yesterday as I got side tracked, whoops.  Who was to blame?  Well it was this chap of course.....

What a brilliant match.  I was on the edge of my seat.  So very sorry bloggers but watching the tennis distracted me after work and walking the dog.  I wasn't going to watch it but some how got hooked and I thought it was only the crochet hook that had my attention just now. 
Watching the tennis reminds me of when I was in the Navy, I applied to do the marshalling at Wimbledon whilst serving and was appointed to centre court!! 
Now I must explain I am not the biggest fan of tennis as I can't play it for toffee but I thought it would be a good life experience.  I was all ready to go down to London when I got a new posting in to a different base.  When I arrived at the base the main exercise I was involved in ran over the same period as the Wimbledon competition and so to cut a long story short I was banned from going!  Gutted.com!
I always wonder what it would have been like but guess I'll never know.
Still that is not stopping me following Murray and wishing him all the very best for the up coming semi's.

I'm going to leave you today with a inspirational quote rather than a card as I have a long list of bespoke cards sat here waiting to be made and I better crack on.
The kids also break up from school tomorrow, where did that term go, so I better come up with a teachers gift and card too.  Alwayslastminute.com in this house!

 

 

Enjoy your Thursday.  I'm off to try and be creative!  x

With Sympathy on a less is more theme.

Hi guys I did mention another late post today and this time it is another less is more card.
I have used a stamp from Papertrey ink again from the lovely Elaine.  I have kept to a simple colour combo of white and cream with it being a sympathy card.

Another busy day at work today with a little bit of everything under my belt.  Time now to crack on with tea then I've got a few bespoke orders to do.  I hope you are having a super Tuesday, the weather hasn't been great here today, it has been warm but cloudy with occasional rain, perfect weather for working and crafting.  Bring it on!

Horsing around....crafty style of course.

Back again late today and the reason this time? 
Well, this week I have picked up extra hours at work and I was in today and tomorrow and Wednesday but just for the mornings.  That should keep me out of mischief and away from my craft room.
Today I thought I'd share with you a recent very specific order for a card.  The brief was silver riding boots, hat and a crop, could I also add something relating to dogs too.  This is what I came up with....

I hunted around on line for something that would work with the brief but came up empty handed so these were all drawn/made by me. 
I think I covered everything....don't you?

That's all from me today.  I hope to get chance to post again tomorrow afternoon....I better get some creative ideas together then!
Enjoy the rest of your Monday...I'm away to do a Sunday lunch...on a Monday!

Clean and simples again Papertrey ink style.

Whilst you are reading this I shall be beavering away in work but I thought I'd share this with you.  Remember back on Tuesday I made a card for a friend of the family and her new wee addition?  Well, this is the one I sent to Grandma and Uncle John to also celebrate the arrival.  I wanted to keep with the theme of the birth but just do it slightly different. 
Thanks again to the lovely Elaine for this set too.  Mwah!

The die cut and stamp are Papertrey ink Framed out #12 and the embossing folder is Spellbinder So Trendy.  The rest is from my stash.
Oh I can see me doing a lot more cards in this style another less is more. 

Both my boys are out walking today so I do hope the weather holds out for them.  My eldest is doing a sponsored walk for school and the youngest visiting the next village for a picnic. 
I think the foot spa might be out later!

Have a super weekend what ever you have planned, I'm in work early tomorrow and plan on having a day out with my boys Sunday.  Happy crafting and I'll be back Monday.  x

And now for something completely different......no not part of a comedy sketch...and yes it's still crafting!

So I'm sat here with the words "and now for something completely different" running around in my head thinking it's a catch phrase from a comedy show.  Was it Not the Nine o'clock news?  I don't think so.....Monty Python maybe?  I think so.  I love Monty Python sketches "The Ministry of funny walks" and "The dead parrot sketch" are two of my favourites and still make me giggle.  I bought the box set for my eldest boy at Christmas to share the joy and he now sits watching it sniggering.  I do think the humour was so out there at the time it was produced but still very clever and funny today.

Anyway back to crafting and as I've mentioned in previous posts my good friend Irene who is right handed has been trying to teach me, a left hander how to crochet.  Up to now I have just been making dish cloths as I work on the principal that at least they're useful. 
Who would have expected them to be so popular?
I'm on my fifth one already having been asked for the last couple.  I used the first one at the weekend, finally plucking up courage to.  It is little oddly shaped being my first and with a few missing stitches but it works well and has washed out beautifully.
The life of a dish cloth maker!  I can feel a story coming on.  LOL.
Anyway at our crop the weekend just gone I wasn't feeling great and was not in the best of humour initially so Irene took me to task and started me on a flower pattern.  Here are the results in order.
The first is a bit wobbly and loose with a short top, the second a bit better all round but still loose then last night I sat with the same idea but changed the pattern a wee bit and as a result the third flower. 

I have used cotton thread for the first too but just loved the multi colour of the third yarn and had to have it.  I don't know why do you?  :)
So it's onwards and upwards on the crochet front.  I am so keen to get on with some granny squares just now, you would not believe.  Sad but true.  It's such a shame I have another mountain of ironing to tackle and I am doing an extra shift at work tomorrow. 

I better go and get moving, I've got my pals dog and mine to walk today and my boy home for lunch again.  Enjoy your Thursday and I'll be back tomorrow with another LIS card.

Remember the magic?! With a little Spellbinding Saturated canary help again.

Hi folks back again mid afternoon, it is becoming a bit of a habit.  I don't know where the days are going just now.  Today I only have two dog walks, food shopping and washing under my belt but I am hoping to have some crafty fun later.  Now that my craft room is all neat and tidy I can feel a little inspiration coming on.  Funny that now it's tidy I feel the need to craft!

Now before I start I have some sad news, remember yesterday I mentioned that I was meeting my boss Jan from Personal Impressions? 
We had a lovely lunch and good chat about all things crafty.  There was another reason for the meet....it is with great sadness that I have handed over my roll at PI demonstrator for the North of Scotland.  Since working at M & S I have been unable to commit to both companies as they both want me on a Saturday.  I don't know whether I have made the right decision.....I tend to be pants at decisions, but only time will tell.
In saying that you don't get rid of me that easily as I intend to work independently when I can and I have already got dates set up to work through in The Papeterie later in the year. 
I also have a few other ideas up my sleeve which now I should have the extra time to do. 
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jan for all her support and to PI for the use of such fine crafting products.....I am well and truly hooked on Spellbinder products now and don't I intend that to stop. 
On that note have you seen the new Christmas dies?  Ooooh! 
Which ones do you fancy and you can't say all of them!!

Anyway enough of my waffle and back to what I wanted to show you crafty wise.  Remember my earlier post where I did the "Magic" card? 
It was my nieces birthday earlier in the week and she is a big crafty fan, it's just a pity she lives so far away as I think we'd have a ball in my craft room together.  I thought she would love this card so I decided to make one instead of a standard birthday card.

 

 

You can catch my earlier post here with a link to where to get the instructions to make it.

 

For this one I have again used a SC image Lilliana with Spellbinder dies Labels 21 and Fancy tags.

The butterflies are from SU Sizzix Beautiful wings. 

She rang me on her birthday and thought it was magic and now wants to know how to make one next time I see her.

 

That's all from me today, every time I end my post like that I hum the Warner brothers tune.....that's all folks!

Is it just me?  Aye probably.  x

Clean and simples!

Morning, and it is today.  Busy catching up on some housework this morning, boo, hiss, but just thinking of all that body magic....if you know Slimming world...you know what I'm talking about. 
Today I want to share a clean and simple card I made last week for a good friend of the family who had a baby girl.  I'm sure I mentioned in an earlier post.  I can't wait to catch up with Poppy next time I'm home and have a wee bosie.

I have used my birthday present from the lovely Elaine, a stamp and die set from Papertrey ink Framed out #11, together with a pram charm and some scraps of pink card stock and pink ink.
I'm loving less is more just now. 

Another short post for me today as I am planning on lunch out with my pal and boss Jan from Personal Impressions...I'm sure crafting might come up in conversation.  LOL.
Have a super Tuesday and I'll be back tomorrow with more.  x

What a day....oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

Hi folks another late post from me today.  I have been in my craft room all day today and have had a very good tidy up.  OMG I have desks, draws and a floor!!  Whoop, whoop, and it only took all day.
Yesterday we had a good giggle at our local crop all though I didn't do much I did learn to crochet a flower which I will share with you later in the week....it will make you smile!
Today I wanted to share a canvas I made for my monthly post over at It's a Creative World. 
This stamp so reminded me of our local beach so I just had to have it to make a canvas with.

 

 

The stamp is by Molly Blooms Seaside huts.  I have coloured with my copic markers.  The frame has been coated with white acrylic paint then distressed with vintage photo.  The canvas is inked with Distress Broken china, picket fence and brushed corduroy.  The paper and tiles I've had for ages so can't supply details....probably not made anymore but I guess behind every crafter is a bit of a hoarder....or is that just me?!

 

I now just need to put it up in the house somewhere.

 

That's all from me today, short but sweet....more tomorrow.  Take care.  x

It's magic Saturated Canary style with a touch of Spellbinders!

 

Today I have a bit of magic for you.  Why, whilst I'm typing this am I thinking, in a Paul Daniels voice, "that's magic!"

Yes I know...one crazy lady but that is what I am thinking.

Today I am sharing a silent video.  I have been asked a few times to do on-line tutorials but I hate the sound of my own voice.  So think Charlie Chaplin in colour whilst watching this very quick clip!

The thing is with this card today if I was just to show you the card you wouldn't get the full impact of how it works so it was a necessary evil, I just hope it works.

Now I can't take the credit for this idea as I found the instructions on good old You Tube here with many thanks to Christina Griffiths for sharing.  This is a great card to do for kids as both mine have said "Wow, how do you do that?"

 

To the photographs....

 

This is the card shut.

This is it open.

To make the card I have used Spellbinder dies Ornate Square, Classic circles and Decorative labels eight, together with SC image Lilliana, coloured with copic markers.  The paper is from MME and textured cardstock.  The sentiment it from Hero arts Anytime messages and the ribbon and embellishments are from my stash.
It really looks difficult to make but is quite easy you just need to make sure that the two different images match up exactly or "the magic" doesn't work.
That's all for me today.  I was absent this morning as I was away to weigh in at Slimming World, I've changed sessions to a Friday morning.    Whoop, whoop I got my 3 stone award today.  Happy, happy, happy and a good start to the weekend.  Have a good one.  I'm in work tomorrow and then cropping on Sunday so another busy couple of days.
Happy crafting and I'll be back next week with more.  x

More tag fun with a Spellbinding twist......let the summer begin!

I was going to say "morning" but by the time I finish posting it probably won't be.  Whoops, where did this morning go?  A couple of phone calls and a long walk with the dog....there was my morning gone!
Today I want to share with you my favourite tag, I can't believe I haven't done this before now. 
You know when you just have a eureka moment?  This was one I shall be repeating.

I have used Crushed olive in my Spellbinder 3D Delightful daisy's embossing folder.  I have then added different shades of perfect pearls using Versamark ink and a dauber before applying the powder.  I love the shimmering effect you get from this technique, I think it works really well with this folder.  To finish I have distressed the edges with Vintage photo Distress ink and added a gold satin ribbon which has been stamped using a sentiment from Crafty impressions Star greetings, the pearls and lace are from my stash.

Dig out those perfect pearls ladies and have a play, I'd forgotten how much fun you can have with them.  I shall definitely be doing more.
Have a super Thursday and I'll be back again tomorrow.  x

Tag-tastic inky fun with a touch of Spellbinder magic!

Morning, yes it still is and I'm posting!  Got a few cards to make this morning and as the dog is now walked and happy I can crack on.  It's a beautiful day outside, bright blue skies, washing on and time to get my craft on.
Today I wanted to share with you this tag....

I have used Peacock feathers and Vintage photo distress inks together with Tarnished brass distress stain.  The papers are MME Miss Caroline and the Spellbinder dies are D-lites Bird cage 1 and Back to  basic tags.  The stamps are from Crafty impressions Butterflies and Inkadinkadoo Utopiary.  The lace bling and ribbon are from my stash.
Now I say this every time I do enjoy playing with tags, don't ask me why, I just do.  I always mean to do so many more.  I started Tim's 12 tags of 2013 this year with vim and vigor...oh I have so much catching up to do! 
Still on the upside I did finish all the ironing yesterday but why is putting it away so much more of a chore?  Boo to housework.
Anyway folks cards to make and things to do, enjoy your hump day! 

Before I go I thought I'd link to the fab Christina's instructions on you tube of how to make the card on yesterday's post.  Happy crafting!

Spellbinding labels.

Evening all, what started as a morning post yesterday has slipped to an evening post today.  Whoops!
Sometimes getting out and about just gets in the way of blogging....but isn't that how it should be?
With all the lovely weather we've been having you've just got to get out and make the most of it.  This morning as I walked the dog along the beach a pod of dolphins swam by playing behind a boat...I never ever tire of seeing them and each time is magical.  What a great start to the day.

Yesterday I went to a new craft shop in Forres as they hold a craft and chat once a month on a Monday morning at 10.30.  I took some crocheting and met a few new faces and a couple I haven't seen in a while so that was a nice start to the week. 
Today having caught up on the ironing I have been making a couple of cards for a new addition in our extended family...well not strictly family but you know those really good friends you like to think of as family?  I will share them at a later date.

Back to my demo samples and this is a card made using my spellbinder dies.

For this card I have used Spellbinder labels 8 and Decorative labels 8 together with papers from MME The sweetest thing Bluebell and Saturated canary image Honey, coloured with copic markers.
To create the Spellbinder card I cut one decorative labels 8 as normal and then another with a one inch flap at the top that folds over, this then attaches to the other label cut earlier and you get the whole of the die shape for the card.  Make sense?!  I hope so.  If you don't use the flap and make a card the tendency is to loose part of the shape with the fold...this way you don't.  Clever eh!  When cutting the label with the flap remember just to keep it under the last of the cut on the die, that way the fold stays in tact.

I have kept the card simple as I like to when using the intricate dies.....I personally like it that way, but that is just my opinion and style just now.
That's all from me today, hopefully I should be back tomorrow morning....depending on what the day brings of course.
Happy crafting. x

Another re-jig Saturated canary style.

Hi, thank crunchie it's Friday!
Don't know why I said that as I'm in work early tomorrow and it's Dine in weekend...a busy day ahead then.  The day will go super fast. 

This morning however I am having a rare treat and having my hair cut and coloured at the hairdressers....I normally just get it cut and colour it myself.  So with this in mind I have scheduled this Thursday instead.  Get me being organised!  So not me. 
This card today is a remake of one I made earlier here. 
Click on the link for instructions and dimensions of the card.

For this card I have used Spellbinder dies Classic scallop edgeabilities, Decorative labels 22 and Fancy tags two.  The SC image is Little ladybug and the papers are MME Miss Caroline.  I have coloured the image with copic markers and Distress ink Vintage photo.  The sentiment is again from Inkadinkadoo and pearls and seam binding from my stash.
I love these 3d cards and they fold flat into a 6" envelope although with all the extra layers you'd still pay large letter postage.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for the weekend whatever you have planned.

I'll be back very soon!

Fluttering by papillion style!

Good morning all, I had a wee detour this morning as I ended up driving my boy to school.  Whilst in town I did some food shopping saving me going in tomorrow.  A "top up run" as I like to call them....putting off the huge weekly shop just a little while longer.
As for the rest of the day I still didn't get near my ironing pile yesterday...it's the fear of the climb! 
I also have something to make for my Saturday post over on It's a creative world. 
There is nothing like leaving everything to last minute. 
On the upside all Father's day gifts and cards are done and organised, just got my nieces birthday on Monday now.
I also had some exciting news yesterday which I need to work on to later today, I will have to fill you in on that at a later date....how naughty am I?!  Another project in the making!
Back to my cards from Saturday and this one is for all you ladies who love butterflies....

And from the front....

For this card I have used papers from MME Miss Caroline, isn't it cute?  I love the little butterflies.  The sentiment is Inkadinkadoo Thoughts for the day and the Spellbinder dies are D-lites Ornamental tags two and Les Papillions two with pearls to finish.
In the Papillion set of dies you two dies of each butterfly I have used one to cut the butterfly paper and the other to cut the butterflies.  One cuts a clear butterfly shape and the other cuts a filigree butterfly.  They both work beautifully put together too.

That's all from me today, back again tomorrow with some more.

Wishing you a D-Litefull day!

Hi back again as promised and today with another Spellbinder card.

For this card I have used a frame using Ornate Squares and negative image from D-Lite die Medallion Seven.  Before I cut the Medallion Seven die I added gold ink to my die from a Tsukineko Delicata ink pad Golden Glitz, this gives the effect of matting and layering with out actually doing so.  I have then layered the card together with 3d foam and added a bit of bling with the card stock from The Papeterie in Aberdeen.
Another simple card that could be used for any occasion. 

What's on the cards today?  (None!)
You know when you have one of those weeks that you just don't feel the best but for no reason?  That's been me this week but I have beavered on, as you do.  Today I'm catching up on a few odds and ends and some housework.  I have a mountain of ironing that may just be in need of a rope and crampons to tackle it!  You think I'm joking?!
Believe me I am not.
It's also Father's day at the weekend so I better get my thinking cap on.

Time for a little Ornate Spellbinding time....

Afternoon, I've pottered around this morning tidying and doing a few jobs.  Still beautiful outside so keen to do some more gardening later....I believe the weather is forecast to change later in the week...plenty time for housework and crafting.
I had a friend around earlier who wants some help creating a scrapbook or mini book so a wee chat and cuppa in the garden, was in order.  Just got time now to update my blog before my wee man comes home for lunch.
Now I don't want to fall off your chair but I have only used one Spellbinder die set for this card!
I know that is so unusual for me and I must apologise....I usually get guys saying at demonstrations, but why did you have to use so many sets, now I NEED them all!
All part of my vicious plan to get you as hooked as me....cackle, cackle!  Mwah!
I thought this set was so good on it's own it didn't need more.

For this card I have used Shapeabilities die Ornate Squares with a standard 6" easel card.
The embossing folder is A4 Dots also by Spellbinder with the sentiment by Crafty Impressions Butterflies.  I have added ribbon and pearls from my stash and have layered the different dies with 3d foam even the wee corners came from the tag cast offs.  Waste not want not!
The paper is from The Papeterie, I love working with their shimmery card stock when using Spellbinders....it's a marriage made in heaven!
Keeping it simple and letting the dies do all the work.

Right time for me to put on some lunch, back again tomorrow with some more crafty exploits. 
Enjoy the sunshine.  x

May you have a Spellbinding day!

Hello again and I'm back as promised, a little later than planned but as always there is a good reason behind that.  After a busy weekend at M & S and through at The Papeterie in Aberdeen, today I enjoyed a day in the garden sorting it out and potting out the rest of my bedding plants and having a good old tidy up. 
It is glorious up here today, as the song goes....."the sun is out, the sky is blue, there's not a cloud to spoil the view!"
Plus my garden is now looking a lot better than it was.
I've even managed lunch out and a couple of dog walks.  I will be tired tonight.com.  Far too much excitement for one day!

Back to the first of my card samples for Aberdeen and this is a re-jig of one I made earlier as it was so popular.

For this card I used Spellbinder embossing folder Framed Petite labels together with Nestabilities die labels 21 and Shapeabilities die Fancy tags 2.  The key and lock are from the D-lites die Love locket.
To make the card I coated the folder with Versa mark ink and then put it through the Calibur.  I then coated  the card with Perfect pearls silver powder.  The dies were then placed on top and the sentiment from Inkadinkadoo Thoughts for the day was added together with a satin bow and pearls.
I love the shimmer you get from this technique, you really need to give it a go....it looks so much better in real life and perfect for Wedding and Anniversary cards.

That's all from me today...back tomorrow with more.  Enjoy the sunshine.

Still beavering away...but hoping for sometime to play with this next week....

Back again today with just a couple more samples to come up with for my demonstration on Sunday at the Papeterie from 11 till 4, in Aberdeen.  I have an unusual problem this time mind, so many ideas rattling around in my head, what to finish off with?  Decisions, decisions.  This is not the norm, believe me!

At the moment next week for me is pretty free although with it being fitness week at school I might get roped into something there.  Still got a lot around the home I want to do and I am definitely going to find time to practise some more of this....

 

I have been set another challenge by my pal Irene before I can start on Granny squares so next week....let the challenge commence!

 

Here's hoping the weather is as good next week as it has been this, we spent a couple of hours yesterday late afternoon on our local beach....it was packed...see...

 

The only ones on the beach!
Who needs to go abroad when we've got this on the doorstep.  Even the pup loves a good paddle now.

Anyway folks, have a super Friday, if you are in Aberdeen Sunday don't forget to pop in and say hi it would be great to see you.  I'm up early tomorrow for my stint at M & S, I think BBQ and picnic stuff might be the order of the day.
Have a super weekend whatever you are up to and I will catch you again Monday with the start of my samples from the demo.

Happy crafting!

Whilst at play....today's words of wisdom! With a crafty feel in the best colour of all.

Back again.
Whilst beavering away in the background I thought I'd share with you this quote....from one of my favourite inspirational sites Pinterest.

 

For years I have always tried to please other people, doing what they wanted me to do or what I thought they wanted me to do.  

Then it eventually hits you like a bullet and you realise that you can't please everyone all of the time.

So what to do?

That is where this picture above comes in. 

Be yourself no matter what.

If folk don't like you for who you are, faults and all, then it's tough for them and it's their loss not yours.

 

That's my wisdom for today, LOL. 

I've now got off my soap box and back in my crafty chair.

Enjoy the sunshine. 

Crafty hugs.  x

My wee man's birthday cake "May the fort be with you!"

 

Hi I thought I'd share a picture of the other birthday cake I mentioned on my blog in a previous post.  I had made my boy a chocolate fudge cake on his birthday but on Saturday night he had a pool party at our local swimming baths followed by tea at Scribbles.  He is not called Ryan but the photos I took don't do the cake justice.  Click here for a better view.

When it comes to cakes I normally try and make one or end up dashing out last minute to the local supermarket.  This year I decided as I'm at Marks and Spencer's I would try one of theirs.  I was not disappointed.  It was a lovely light sponge, great butter icing and really fruity jam, decorated beautiful.  All the kids loved it, as did I!

I sometimes find other birthday cakes a little sickly, too sweet, if you know what I mean?

This was not and was a pure joy to eat....even the dragon...got it!

So if you are looking for a super cake for a special occasion.....you know where to go. 

It can be ordered on-line and picked up at the store in Elgin for no extra charge.

 

I was so impressed I thought I just had to share.com!

Motoring along, it's tractor time.

Morning all and what a beautiful morning it is too.  Yesterday I eventually managed to get in a bit of gardening sorting most of my pots out only to find "more bedding plants required...my Lord!"  A job to finish at a later date.  I never get enough.

I feel a little bit like Widow Twanky today as my washing machine has been going full throttle since early morning......keen to get all my bedding and clothes done and out whilst the weather is good.  If only it wasn't followed by a mountain of ironing, which is definitely the downside of trying to do it all in one day.  Half way through the household bedding as we speak, exciting.com!

I had an unexpected super day out yesterday with my pal Irene as she was dropping off some lovely craftiness at Eileen's house in Fogwatt, a lovely little village.  We were spoilt with tea and homemade fruit cake and a lovely crafty chat, this was followed by another "ladies wot lunch" session at Speybay.  The weather was beautiful and the views stunning, my soup and cheese scone wasn't bad either.
I paid for it at Slimming world last night with a "wee gain" whoops!  That will be the birthday cake and all other manor of lovelies that I had last week after hitting my target.  Guess I'll have to be better behaved this week, boo!  (I do like my cake and scones!)

After a lovely walk along the beach this morning with my pal Gill it's time to get in my craft room and get my thinking cap on.  Why?  Well this Sunday I shall be at the Papeterie in Aberdeen for a Spellbinding demonstration.  I'm looking forwards to it and with lots of ideas in my head, I can't wait to get started.
So I guess the rest of this week I will be quiet on here as I am trying to get those creative juices flowing but I will be back next week to show you what we got up to.
Have a super time this week as I believe we are going to have nice weather all week, yippee, Summer is finally here!
Finally I shall leave you with this card today, Happy 50th Gavin, I hope you liked your card.  x