Share an oldie this Friday.....crafty style of course.

Morning and it's a bright and breezy day here in the north of Scotland.  Brr!  Summer seems to have gone.

To my American friends and  fellow Brits in the States Happy Independence day, have a great celebration.
I was going to say "may your day go with a bang!"  But after the news today of the increased security it doesn't seem appropriate, even though I actually mean enjoy the fireworks tonight.
Why the increased security because apparently now humans are being used as the bomb!
Why in the right mind would you?  Bizarre.

Anyway on to lighter things and it is that time again "Share an oldie Friday!"
Feel free to join me sharing an oldie, I only ask that you link here and leave a comment, that way I know you are taking part and can visit your blog too.
Today I have decided on a little black and white number using one of my favourite ranges of Sugar Nellie digital images.

I have used Lizzie from the Simply Adorable digital range over at Sugar Nellie.  The papers are from Doodlebug and the Sentiment from Marion Emberson Find joy everyday which is layered on SU punches.  The Spellbinder dies are Grand Nestabilities Ovals and Scalloped Ovals plus the flower is from the Shapeabilities range Bauble blossom 1 and Foliage, pins and ribbon from stash.  The digi image is coloured with copics and Stickles diamond glitter.

These images are just a dream to colour, not that I have been doing much colouring in of late, preferring to make more clean and simple cards.

Moving on from our oldie what are your plans for the weekend?

My eldest is playing in the pipe band again tomorrow at Forres Highland games so I think that will be our Saturday sorted, as for Sunday I have no plans as yet.  I'm sure we'll think of something!

Today I intend on enjoying my last day of FREEDOM for a while as it's that time again...the schools break up for the summer holidays.  Yikes!  Family time can restrict craft time but maybe I should try and get the boys involved more.  When younger they would jump at the chance but now-a-days not so much, the draw of electronic gadgets is too great.  Lets hope for some fine weather so we can spend some quality time outside and down at the beach.

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the weekend and I'll be back soon with more.  x

A material girls, crafty bag....how to store your stash DIY style.

Good morning to you, weather not as good this morning but at least it is dry.
I think my dog might be sulking just now!  My hubby has been walking her before going to work as I am banned from doing so just now.  Even with an early walk she still sits by the door round about the time we would go out and gives me a look.  Why are we not going to the beach?
How guilty do I feel, apparently going out in the garden and shouting at the neighbour's dog is nowhere near as much fun as a gallop along the local beach.  I don't think she knows what to make of the fact that mum isn't playing like she usually does, bless.

Back to today and I am actually a little excited at showing you this make today.  Again this went to the lovely Elaine as per my post yesterday.  I didn't think I'd be able to make this but I got there in the end, with many thanks to Irene for sharing her pattern and experience.  It isn't perfect but I was happy with my first attempt.
I have to say I really enjoyed the process until I had to put all the bits together and that is where it got a little trickier, purely lack of experience on my part, I may add.

A handmade with love tag inside.  And finally with the owl.

I really wanted cat material as I know Elaine loves her cats but I couldn't find any, instead I saw this owl material and spots and just thought it was fab.  Having just had a craft room overhaul I thought these colours would match in with her theme.  

The material is from Patches corner which is over near Inverness on route to Beauly.  The wee owl die is cut with material and felt and is a Sizzix die called owl!

Yesterday my pal and I went to a new coffee shop in Elgin called The Ditsy teacup, oh my, what mighty fine scones!  I had a fudge scone with fresh raspberries and clotted cream, nomm, nomm, I'm drooling just now thinking of it.  I do appreciate a mighty fine scone.  

The decor was right up my street too, shabby chic Cath Kidston style.  I certainly will be back again.

Today I have a trip to the opticians, the excitement!  I think I need new specs as I am forever lifting them up to see close #getting old. :D

Between now and then I think I might have some light crafting time.....mmmm....now what to make?!*

Decisions, decisions.  

Don't forget to join me tomorrow sharing an oldie.  x

Twit woo and a happy Wednesday to you! Yarn style.

Morning, today I am sharing a little something with you I told you about last week.  The lovely Tanya from Little things blogged shared a crocheted owl pattern and I decided to give it a go.
Thanks Tanya for sharing.
Here is my little chap.

How cute is he?  He was fun to make too.  I used cotton yarn and a couple of embellishments from my craft room.
It took a little longer than I thought to make so my hat goes off to another crocheter Rachel from Rocky loves Rosie who produces the most beautiful bunny's and mice all dressed up too.  I really don't think I'd have the patience....it takes so long!  (Spoken like a true card maker!)

This little owl has a new home and has made it's way to the lovely Elaine to share in her new craft room, you should see it.  It is fabulous dwarlings!
It arrived a little later than planned after having my interlude in hospital but I know Elaine will have had a great birthday with lots of super treats.

What are your plans today?
It appears that now my mum has gone the bare minimum will be achieved around the home over the coming weeks, having 3 male members of the house.  They just don't see things like us women do they?  A few minutes everyday saves hours later but hey ho I ain't doing any housework yet.
It is taking all my willpower to walk away and relax.

Yesterday I spent most of my day uploading the holiday photos to get prints, always a job I put off.
It takes so long to do.  I think I shall have quite a bill once I send my album for print as I have opted for vintage prints, small 4 x 4 photos a bit like the old Polaroids.  Why I hear you ask?
Well, I've had another bright idea!  Always dangerous.
The lovely Elaine bought me a smash book for one of my birthdays, I love it but I've been wracking my brain what to do in it.  I have decided to create a book on our Florida holiday, with the smaller photos it will give it a true vintage journal style.  That's the hope anyway.
Another project in the making but one I think I can start whilst banned from chores.  I shall keep you posted.

Today I am away for lunch with my BFF soon.  We don't see each other as much as we used to as she has changed jobs so it will be great to catch up on all the news.  Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday and more from me tomorrow.

Happy crafting!

Sending a Thank you, SU style, a giggle and a hug, what better way to share the day?

Good afternoon all, how are you today?
We have bright blue skies her in the north of Scotland, summer is here!
As I mentioned yesterday I decided to have a wee bit of crafting time and I got some SU products out I'd bought ages ago and have never opened.  I am so bad, I think of myself more of a collector of fine crafting products!
I really need to have a good sort out but always get distracted with another purchase I've found after squirrelling it away.

I decided on a black and white theme using SU honeycomb embossing folder, Six sided sampler stamps, Hexagon punch and Itty bitty banner stamp and die set.  Pearls and ribbon from my stash.
This card shall be winging its way to work to say thank you very much for my lovely surprise yesterday.

I also had to share this funny I received from my father today, it did make me giggle and as you can tell from previous posts I do like to share a smile/giggle or funny every now and again.  I do think laughter is the best form of medicine and who doesn't need that sort of medicine everyday?  
A mood brightening moment!

Yesterday I was at my local Tesco store buying a large bag of My Dog dog food for my loyal pet and was in the checkout queue when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. 

What did she think I had an elephant? 

So, since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Dog Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in hospital last time, but I'd lost 10 kilograms before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. 

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with My Dog nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in queue was now enthralled with my story.) 

Horrified, she asked me if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off the kerb to sniff an Irish Setter's arse and a car hit me. 

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. 

I'm now banned from Tesco. 

Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of daft things to say. 

I could just see my father doing this too on a good day.  LOL.

For those of you who mentioned the Pipe band championships, yes my son had a good day Saturday.  He was not competing this year having just joined but those who did came 3rd in their category.  He did however, join in at the end of the day for the mass band and then at a Wedding dance.

To finish today I also was sent this commercial, yes it is advertising but I guess we all could learn something from this too.  Here's to happiness and a wee visual hug for the day.  x

https://www.youtube.com/embed/uaWA2GbcnJU

It really is worth a watch.  

Perfect timing!

Hello everyone and how was your weekend?

I made it out yesterday for Sunday lunch one of our local pubs The Duffus Inn, roast beef dinner, yum.  I really enjoyed it.  The only thing I found a little disappointing was my little fussy eater could not be accommodated, don't get me wrong they had a kids menu but it had nothing he would eat on it.  He wanted a burger and as it was a set menu he couldn't have from the regular menu.  Shame really as the regular menu has a whole range of lovely items.  We could so learn from America when it comes to customer service especially in the restaurant environment.
Hand on my heart having been there a couple of times recently I do prefer their food on the regular menu so will bare that in mind in future.
I was surprised when I got home how tired a wee trip out can be.  I was warned by the consultant.
The rest of the day was chillaxe.com.

Today I went with my husband to take my Mum to the station for her journey home.  She has been my rock all week chasing up the kids and keeping on top of the house.
It might all just go pear shaped this week as I am still at least another week away from being able to drive again.  You don't know how much you appreciate this freedom until you haven't got it.  I'd hate not being able to drive on a permanent basis.
Whilst dropping Mum off I popped into work for a few bits and bobs and got these off the staff.

Aren't they lovely?
This isn't even all of them because I have another vase with the lillies in too, I couldn't put them all in the same vase.
They smell fabulous guys and I'd like to say a big thank you to all my colleagues for thinking of me, especially Roma who I believe organised them.

I started a lovely wee crochet project Saturday night and finished it Sunday, all ready to share with you today.  Then I decided I wasn't quite happy with it and unpicked it all.  It was going to be my show and tell with you today but I guess I want to get it correct first!
It would have worked but I'm afraid I am a bit of a nightmare, if it isn't passable I start again and I just wasn't happy with it.  I do however have another couple of projects to share later this week which think you will like.  Hopefully I might get inspiration to make a few cards.....surely that counts as light exercise?

I'm going to sign off for today as the children will be home soon and I have a parcel to post, today's light walk coming up.
Enjoy your Monday guys and more from me tomorrow.  x

Chillaxing on a weekend! Piping all the way.....

It really is strange not going into work on a Saturday morning, especially when I know it is going to be a busy one.  

So what else is on the cards today?

It is the pipe band championships in Forres, over 100 pipe bands are competing so I imagine it will be quite a sight.  As my boy has just joined the band this year he is not competing but will be joining the mass bands later. I do hope the weather improves as the day goes on as I am hoping to go over, just for an hour to watch him play. 

That will be my light exercise for today.

I have finished a couple of projects whilst taking it easy here which I am looking forwards to sharing with you next week, but as they are gifts I'm afraid you are going to have to wait to see them.  Boo!

Whilst busy crafting I received this email from my Dad yesterday and it did make me laugh so I thought I'd share it with you today.  

I am not a big sport fan but I have been watching a little football, because it is on and have to admit this pretty much sums up how England have performed.

"A seven year old boy was at the centre of a courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible. The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the England Football team, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone".

Your smiling aren't you?

I have shown a little more interest than normal in the football because I have the Netherlands and Chille in the draw at work, both teams are still in and doing well.  Whoop, whoop!  A wee gamble certainly makes the sport more exciting.

Andy Murray seems to be doing well in the tennis so far too although I don't know whether he will make it to the final like he did last year, I hope he does.

This popped up on Facebook yesterday, shhh don't tell anyone but this strange phenomena appears to be happening in my craft room.  My one bag of yarn has grown to two or three and seems to multiply overnight. 

Yarn making pixies at work!  (I wish!)

Stephen Fry also tweeted this a day or so ago and I did actually laugh out loud.....great marketing at work for those a bit worse for wear or under the influence of alcohol.  I bet someone did it, don't you?

I can just see the faces of folk trying to work out whether this really is indeed a bargain.    

How to up your sales!  Shear brilliance.

That's all from me today guys I'm away to try another crochet pattern before me wee trip out later.  Enjoy your Saturday and more from me real soon.  x

Share an oldie this Friday and today how about apples for teachers?

Morning, how are you this Friday?
No post yesterday sorry, I got a few visitors during the day, I can't believe how the days are just flying by.
In the afternoon my youngest had his open day at school so I took a slow wander down and had half an hour there, that was my light exercise for the day!
I then spent sometime hand sewing and crocheting whilst chilling in the sunshine.

Before I go any further I'd like to give a big toot to the lovely Patricia for her beautiful card yesterday.
Thank you so much Patricia for your card, it is very thoughtful of you and I love the flower.  (You do flowers so well).  We so need to get together for some crafty fun!

Back to today and it's share an oldies day and don't forget ladies or gentlemen it can be anything crafty and it doesn't even have to be that old, just sharing the crafty love in the run up to the weekend.  Don't forget to leave me a comment below and if you can link back to here, for purely selfish reasons, I'd love to see your work too.  I will comment on all who join in this way, pinky promise!
I have picked this oldie today as we near the end of the school term, it's not a card but a small canvas using a Sizzix die.

Got to love die cuts, haven't you?
What did we do before we had them?
I have to say that Sizzix and Spellbinder are my two favourite companies when it comes to die cuts although there are so many more newer companies and versions now.

Confessions of me......am I alone in dreading the school holidays?
When I speak to other parents they can't wait for the holidays to start.
Me I like the routine of school days and work I am afraid, get up and get going.  I find during the break the pace slows and very little gets done.
Trying to motivate my two boys some days can be plain hard work.
As a child I would have been out all summer long, I loved the freedom of my bike and would cycle miles. Today kids just want to be up in their rooms wired to the electricity.........would Mum be cruel hiding plug in gadgets during the better weather?!  Get out, get out!
We will have to wait and see what happens.

That is all from me today, I hope you have a lovely Friday.  It's dine in this weekend at work so I am thinking of my work colleagues, tomorrow will be a busy day.  I think as hubby is now back home he might be paying somewhere a visit for something nice to eat!
Catch you soon.  x

Can you tell what it is yet?

Good afternoon to you and another lovely day although a little colder than yesterday, which was beautiful.  How are you this hump day?
Things going well here, a few visitors today so the day has just zoomed by, more flowers too, thank you so much....you know who you are! 
The house has never smelt so good!

Today I have a puzzler for you.....it's a case of can you tell what it is yet?
If you visit me regular you should get it straight away but lets see......

How about that for a selfie?!*
I'm so tempted to say "answers on a postcard to!"  But it would be quicker just to leave a message as to what it is. 
I am of the generation that if you entered a TV competition you did so via postcard, not something that is done now. 

To add to the interest I also had this delivered yesterday, I'm now a collector of fine cotton yarns too.  These are to add to colours I recently received for my birthday, aren't they lovely bright and summery?

 

Mmmmm.  Already played with two of them, no stroking here just straight on and making!

It's a short post from me today, it's the boys busy evening with two lots of drumming and golf to go to and tea somewhere in-between...better get cracking.  My Mum is doing a sterling job running around after us all, she'll be needing a holiday by the end of the week.
Enjoy the rest of your evening and happy crafting!

Another day chilling......

Morning all.  I'm still working on my crochet, I did say I was taking my time.  One thing for sure I couldn't make to sell just now, far to slow. 

I had a wee walk out yesterday just around the block, flat pavement and a bit of fresh air.  Felt good to get out. 
In the evening I had a popcorn and film night with Grandma and the boys.  The boys wanted to watch Elysium, a sci-fi action film with Matt Damon, which was good although took me a wee while to get into.  Then we had Pitch Perfect, a musical comedy, light hearted and funny, more of a chick flick!  (For Grandma and me.)

Today I am planning on baking some muffins and doing a little more crocheting then maybe enjoying a little sunshine in the garden.  It's a hard life!

I saw this whilst on line this morning and it made me smile.

 

Not so in my case, I can't believe how much better I feel and it's not a week till Thursday.   Still taking it steady.

 

I plan on taking full advantage of this soon too.  I don't know about you but it doesn't matter how much time you have to craft it is never enough......time just disappears when having fun.

 

 

Not much crafty inspiration from me just now, bare with, bare with! 

I shall be back up and running in time. 

I'm away to relax, enjoy the rest of your Tuesday.  x

Do I look like a morning person?!

Morning all.....I think something very strange may have happened to me recently!
You see historically I am not a morning person, choosing to perk up later in the day.  In fact when I started at M & S and told some of my pals that I had to get up around 5am, it was met with lots of guffawing and sniggering.
You, at that time of the morning?!*  LOL.
I even have the mug......

So it really must be official, don't you agree?

What is going on then?
I am up at the crack of dawn, 5am every morning, #wideawake.com.
In hospital they did wake us early, in fact you are disturbed throughout the night, but the beauty is you can catch up during the day with a wee afternoon nap.  The morning thing however, seems to have stuck, just when I have a "free chit" to chill and relax and not worry about getting the kids or house sorted or even dashing to work.  It's most bizarre.
I think my chip might have been changed whilst in theatre! ;)

So I am busy making my first owl, pattern from Tanya and link on yesterday's post.  I'm just taking my time and enjoying the process, lots of counting required!  That way it will hopefully look like yesterday's post and not like some other pictures I've seen.  Have you seen them?  I'll try and find them.  It is a case of I saw this on Pinterest and made it myself.....LOL.  It's really funny.  The polite thing to say would be that the "makes" look nothing like the originals!

Today I would like to take the opportunity to thank my best pal, Gill and my family members, Judy & Allan, Mum & Dad and hubby and the boys for all the lovely flowers, the house smells so good just now.

"One could even say the house smells of roses!"  LOL.  Very nice indeed.  Thanks guys.  x

It only remains for me to wish you all the best this Monday.  I'm away now as there are signs of life as others start to get up.  Enjoy your day and more from me tomorrow.  x

A little owl to stop me going crazy.

I'm listening honest to your lovely comments ladies, thank you.
Take things easy and don't do too much.
So today I saw this little cutie on Pinterest and thought I'd give it a go.
I'd like to give Tanya a toot and say thank you very much for keeping me sane today....I just can't sit and do nothing at all.  You can find Tanya's lovely blog at Little Things Blogged.
Aren't they cute......mind you looking at Pinterest everything always looks so good and perfect, guess this could be like one of those before and after shots....here is Tanya's owl....

Will mine turn out similar?  

Well, only time will tell.  I'm away to give it a go.  

Enjoy your Sunday folks, happy crafting!

It really does feel strange not working on a Saturday.

Good afternoon all.  How the devil are you this Saturday?
I am waiting the arrival of my mum who is coming up to help for a few days whilst my hubby is away with work.  I don't normally need help but if you read this on a regular basis you will know I was in hospital for an operation on Thursday.
I got out yesterday and am now home, a tad sore but on the mend and 100% better than I was Thursday after my procedure....guess who didn't really want to wake back up?! 
That would be me, heavy eyelid syndrome!  Sleeping like a baby.

I have been given strict instructions not to do much but I have had a wee sneak on my sewing machine this morning when left alone for a wee while.  It didn't last long as I've reached a sticking point.  The executive decision to leave for now till I have more patience. 
Boo....I was doing great guns too. 

As I have nothing crafty to share just now I came across this quote and it made me smile.  I therefore thought I just had to share.....

 

I also saw this too.....

 

But in my defence, only in my craft room because I'm so easily distracted!

It only remains for me to wish you all the best this Saturday, I think it's time for a film and a wee doze before everyone returns home.  Enjoy your weekend.

Share an oldie this Friday.

Morning all and how the devil are you this Friday?
If you read my blog you will know that I might not be feeling the brightest today so I have taken the opportunity to schedule this post....just in case.
Are you joining me with a crafty oldie this Friday?

Today I have another card for you and this was for one of my eldest boys birthdays.

I saw this digi image over on Mo Mannings site and just had to have it for my eldest boy.

Always head down with one gadget or another.  I thought it was appropriate to his age.

The papers I have used are green SU textured card and Kaiser scrapbook photo friendly.  The rub ons are from daisyd's birthday descriptive words and letraset.  Hemp cord from True Hemp.

"Hi there" cloth sticker from my stash and invisible stitching on machine, coloured with copic pens, tag punch from stash, ink by Ranger Distress ink tea dye.

If you are joining me this Friday don't forget to leave a comment below so I can visit your blog and see your oldie too.  Sharing the crafty loooovvve!

Enjoy your weekend guys.  No work for me tomorrow, feet up and chillaxing....mind you I am hoping to get quite a bit of crafting done as I'm not allowed to do my regular chores.  Always a silver lining!  x

It's time!

Gulp!
Whilst I am busy under the knife I thought I would share these quotes with you as no crafting time for me today.
I saw this quote and it made me smile....I am going to try and wear mine today.....if the surgery allows!

Then I saw this and thought it was a lovely quote.

Don't you agree.  A diamond looks so much better than a lump of coal.  

So that's my big pants on, check, and I'm going to try and shine bright like a diamond today then hopefully all will go well.  That's my theory anyway.

I will be in touch soon.  x

An Anniversary yesterday and today a Wedding.....a little rejigging for a different occasion.

Morning all, today's the day.  Into hospital at two, operation tomorrow, gulp!
Did I get all the housework finished.....no, it was too warm yesterday but I did dent the ironing pile only to wash more.  As to taking bets on how long the house will be tidy....mmmm.....maybe tomorrow teatime is a safe bet!
I'm hoping the kids will step up and help their Dad, I have been trying to prepare them but they've been dragging their heels and would much rather be playing.  Only time will tell!

Anyway today I wanted to show you another bespoke card I was asked to make.  I liked the style of yesterday's card and decided that with a colour change it would also work well for a Wedding.
A variation on a theme so to speak.

A little tartan number for a Scottish Wedding.  I quite like the WOW with a splash of colour.  I have kept to a simpler font this time.

I'm going to love and leave you this morning, I have a birthday gift to make that I  haven't started yet...I need to get it done before I go out this afternoon.  There is nothing like leaving till last minute!
Enjoy your Wednesday.  x

Congratulations on your Silver Wedding Anniversary.

Morning and it's another lovely day.  A super walk along the beach this morning enjoying the sun and listening to the sea, whilst throwing a stick for the dog.  I don't know who gets more tired!

I couldn't manage an appointment at the hairdressers before my visit tomorrow so this morning I have taken matters into my own hands....fringe cut and I am now RED!  A change is as good as a rest.
Today I have a bespoke wedding card to make and then it's time to get the house as clean and tidy as I can and the ironing all up to date ready for my weeks of rest....I wonder how long it will stay tidy...a day or two maybe?!

On to todays card and this is for a special couple in the village who are celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary, congratulations Karena and Jon, I hope you both have a super day.  This was an order for my BFF who is so much better at sending cards than me....I just make them!!

The punch is by Martha Stewart and the bling from The Handcrafted card company.  Ribbon from my stash.

Another LIS card.  

I so am enjoying this cleaner line cards just now.  I think I must be going through a minimal phase everywhere but my craft room!

I thought I'd leave you today with this, it did make me giggle.

I think this is how my hubby felt when I hit Michael's in the States.  It was a good job the kids were with us as I would have probably tried to squeeze more time in the store.  I know what I like!

I'd take Michael's over any shoe, handbag or clothes store.  

Have an enjoyable Tuesday, more from me tomorrow.  x

A little sporty number this Monday afternoon for you? Crafty style of course!

Good afternoon, and what a lovely day it has been so far.
I've been into town today tying up a few loose ends as my trip to hospital looms later this week.
Food stocked up as are all other essentials in order that hubby and the boys can manage without me for a couple of days.

Did you have a good weekend?
Ours was very busy here.  Our visitors arrived tea time on Friday, so a good evening was had by all.
The harbour day in the village seemed to go down well although I only managed the last ten minutes having been at work, where I had a good day.  Saturday night I enjoyed a chinese and wee drink or two with good friends and family, the house was buzzing!  (For us anyway!)
On Sunday we had a ride out covering the local area Elgin, Lossiemouth and then over to Fochabers showing our visitors the area, with a stop at Baxters for lunch and one of their pancakes, oooo toffee sauce and ice-cream, nomn, nomn!
They then had some fun in the boat with hubby, as the weather was good but unfortunately missed the dolphins.  Then it was back home for tea and another wee drink or too.
All in all, a nice social weekend!

Back to today and this was another bespoke card I was asked for last week.  I believe this young lady is about to start a sport course with the request including the age and anything sport related.

Simple and to the point.

What do you have planned for the rest of today?

Me it is getting on top of the housework as come the end of the week I will not be able to do any for six weeks.....I plan to craft instead,  :) 

I'll be back tomorrow with another card for you.  

Happy crafting!  x

Share an oldie with me this Friday. You know you want to!

Morning all, bright and breezy today......most unnerving!  I was wide awake at 5 am so I have decided get busy...it will all go horribly wrong later as I burn out mid-afternoon.  :0
Apologies for my lack of post yesterday, real life just got in the way.  After a busy day at work I got home and cracked on with things here, I had a couple of card orders to start and some baking to do for work....more of that later.  As it was a lovely evening I decided on a good walk with my BFF and the dogs instead of sitting on the computer, whoops sorry.

Todays oldies were inspired by Annies Attic with my own twist added, but I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Becca Feeken of Amazing Paper Grace for the constant inspiration.  What that lady does with Spellbinder dies is amazing, her work is absolutely stunning.  If you haven't visited her blog I urge you to, she creates wonderful work.

The papers I have used are white and grey American crafts textured card and Kay and Co Elegance Speciality Mat pad.  The lace boarder, strip, leaves and candle surround were made using Spellbinder borderabilites Classic lace border (Grand 12"). 

The ovals have been cut with nestabilities petite ovals small and the flowers with the peony nestabilities, finished with a white brad and silver bead spacer.  
The ovals were decorated with K & Co Elegance words Grand adhesions and rub-ons from Elegance Swirls rub-ons with gems.  Finished with a couple of small pearls.
The candle had white grosgrain around the lace and then finished with a smaller version of the peony flower.
Don't you just love the elegance you can achieve with Spellbinder dies?

If you would like to join me in sharing an oldie this Friday don't forget to leave a comment and link here, that way I can visit your blog and share the crafty loooove!

Finally before I go I wanted to leave you with a giggle this Friday.  I was asked to bake for work as we are raising some money for cancer charities so last night I set to work making some oaty banana and dark chocolate chunk muffins and some carrot cakes.  Whilst I was making the carrots out of icing the kids came in the kitchen and wanted a go.  
If you are easily offended turn away now......I made all but 4 of the creations....can you guess which ones the kids made.  My youngest sniggered like crazy as he did his.  Boys and their toys!
Apparently mine are too stereotypical! 
That's me told.

What can you do with them?

On of my pals put the best spin on it, it's anatomically correct, A+ for biology!

On that note I am going to sign off and crack on with getting the kids sorted for school.  We have visitors tonight and I'm working tomorrow so lots to do today.  Enjoy your weekend and if you are near Hopeman tomorrow don't forget it is our Harbour day so lots of fun to be had.  

Have a good one.  x

I could not resist this little craft bag.

Good afternoon and another busy day here......the weather is beautiful, bright blue skies and sunshine.
After a busy morning at work I have other things to catch up on here.  How is your Wednesday going?
Wednesday is my busiest night with my boys with both having activities on....tea is in two parts as I dash between the two of them, chief taxi driver!

As I have no crafty makes to show you today I thought I'd share with you this wee bag I picked up recently.
I thought it was so cute and would be great to put a little present in.  Plus the added bonus that if I had made it, I couldn't have bought even the material for the same price.

I just couldn't resist!
It has pompoms on too, how on trend is that?!

I'm sorry folks but I am going to dash and start tea.  Hopefully my husband will do one of the runs later so I can put my feet up and get a little crafting in.
Enjoy your Wednesday, I will catch you again tomorrow.

How about a very wee dram this Tuesday, well it is a week day!

Good afternoon, what has happened to the weather today?  It is raining, it isn't, it's raining, it isn't!
I have just seen an amazing downpour in Elgin, hailstones and rain like you wouldn't believe.  The only other place I've seen storms like that is in the States.  Then it passes and we have blue skies again.
The world is changing!

That is me home from work and a wee appointment, time to put on the tea and chillaxe....craft or iron again?!
Decisions, decisions.

I thought I'd pop on and show you the Father's day card I decided to run with.  It's another clean and simple design again.  (That way I can fit more in my day!)

Which man doesn't like a wee dram?!

I have used some tartan paper by Joanna Sheen and Spellbinder die A2 curved matting basics A to create the frame.  The ribbon and the whiskey bottle I had in my stash, apparently you get a whole teaspoon from these wee bottles.  One thing is for sure you'll not get drunk on this card!

I'm away to start tea now, M & S chinese, nomm, nomm, on a weekday too!
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday.  x

Monday morning.....so good to me! A little something for the wee uns today.

GOOD MORNING all.
What a glorious morning it is too, it is such a lovely sunny day the early walk was extended today.
The beach was calling!

This week is going to be busier for me than normal as I'm in work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  I'm looking forwards to it but it does mean with all the usual mummy jobs I may not get a lot of crafty time.  Bet I can manage to squeeze a little in.
We've also got one of my husbands cousins coming up for the weekend too.  I don't think she has been this far north before so I do hope this weather continues.

Today I am sharing more CAS cards, using up my very cute buttons again.  It hurts!  LOL.
When I saw these buttons I just had to have them regardless of what I would be using them for and I'm sure you will agree.

They are so cute!
The stamp and die set is by Papertrey ink and is one of my favourites just now, I have also used a Spellbinder circle to make the frame, Distress ink Broken china, Tsukineko Pink petunia and white ribbon.

Now what are my plans for the rest of today?
Can you guess that I have some ironing to do?  No shocks there, it seems to be never ending in this house.  I also need to put my thinking cap on about Father's day cards as it is this coming Sunday.
Mmm what theme to go with this year?

Enough of my chatter I am away to crack on as the sooner I am sorted the sooner I can play, sorry I mean craft!

Enjoy your Monday and catch you later on tomorrow.  x

Posting on a Sunday?! What crafty news could I want to share?

I was going to say good morning but I've just checked the clock and by the time I've finished this post it will be after lunch.  How is your weekend going?

Nothing crafty to show here, well that is not totally true as I thought I'd share my recent book purchases.  I think I might have a few more projects up my sleeve!

How cute are those animals and the little bags?

Now can I understand the patterns.......it might take sometime!  

Oh and remember the stamp set from earlier in the week?

I love the twirling circle at the bottom.

I hadn't planned to make jewellery initially I have other ideas which will incorporate with what I already do. 

There just isn't enough hours in the day to achieve everything and I'm picking up some extra hours at work next week.

What to do first this lovely Sunday afternoon?

I think getting off the computer and enjoying some of the lovely sunshine would be a good idea.

Have a super Sunday and I'll be back tomorrow.  x

How about a crafty thought for the day?

Whilst I'm busy beavering away at work how about a little crafty quote to share?

I wonder if anyone else gets this feeling when engrossed in a project?

 

Or is that just me?

Enjoy your Saturday folks and I'll be back soon.  x

Share an oldie this Friday.

Good morning, just, and how are you today?
Are you ready to share with me one of your oldies, remember it can be anything crafty to join in, not just cards.  Just leave me a message at the end of the post so I can come and check out your oldie too.  Lets share some crafty love this Friday.  x

My oldie today is a little black and white number using Spellbinders dies as layers.  I love creating this style of card especially for demonstrations and classes.  Something I haven't done much of lately but I do intend on getting some form of classes up later in the year.
Back to the card.....

For this card I have used:

Colorbok Nocturne pearlescent card.

Spellbinder nestabilities oval, Fleur de lis square, Shapeabilities Fancy tag three and Parisian accents.

Pearls from Zva Creative and stamp from Hero Arts Finding joy, black seem binding from stash.

Today it is my mum's birthday so I'd like to give her a shout....."Happy Birthday MUM!"  I hope you have a grand day with lots of surprises.  She has just text me to say she loved her card.  Wish I lived nearer so I could pop over in person with cake, but no such luck.

Have you got anything exciting planned this weekend?

I have an exciting date with my ironing this afternoon and then I'm on earlies at work tomorrow....after that I have no more plans except to chill and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Have a good one and happy crafting!

A card in a box....bout time I had a go.

Lately I have seen lots of variations of  "cards in a box" so I thought it was about time I had a go.
It is my mum's birthday tomorrow and as I share an oldie on Friday I have decided to share her card today.
If you are a regular reader you will know that my mum, or Biker Grandma as the boys call her is not your everyday gran.  You are more likely to see her fully clad in black leather on the back of a Harley Davidson motorbike than ever in a skirt and pearls.  With that in mind I will now share her card......

I have used Harley papers, embellishments and stamp by EK Success, fancy tags by Spellbinder, cogs by Tim via Sizzix cut with grunge board and inked with distress metallic stain, SU stamp set Label love with matching die and fire stencil by Crafters workshop with black embossing powder.
The bottom of the box has fire all the way around too and I have distressed all the edges to finish.
The usual Harley colours are black and orange but a couple of years ago EK Success brought out a girly version in bright pink and black, so that is what I have gone with.

It isn't a very girly card but I know she'll love it and be on the phone wanting to know how it is done.

How has your Thursday been?
I was absolutely soaked to the skin walking the dog first thing, and it's still raining....it shall be a man job later this evening.
The the rest of my morning was spent topping up the food cupboards, which so needed replenishing, we can eat again now.
When I got home I noticed that the roof has been leaking in two different places, great news, not.
I guess that will mean I need to find a roofer now and hope the rain stops soon.  If not it will be needing more than a couple of buckets!
On that wet note I am going to sign off, I was going to do so much this afternoon and I've ended up on the computer...must step away.
Back tomorrow with an oldie.  x

So what crafty toy would you buy yourself on your birthday?

Morning, today I did have a crafty sewing day planned with my pal Irene but my wee boy is coughing like a seal again and feeling a tad rough.....plans changed for another day.
It actually gives me chance to make my mum a birthday card as it is her birthday at the weekend.

Remember I mentioned I have birthday money to spend and I couldn't make up my mind what to do?
Well, I have ordered a few crochet books which are yet to arrive with some new patterns for me to play with but I also ordered this......

Now I know a lot of you will be thinking but why?
I have seen a lot of gifts and crafts recently that have stamped messages on them and I decided I would like to have a go.  You can get some real fancy fonts from the states but I decided I would like to keep it simple to start with till I see how much I'll use them.  They take me back to when I was in the armed forces as we had to stamp all our uniform with our name and ID, this sort of idea was used for items that wouldn't take a regular stamp.  Happy times!
My head is already buzzing with things I would like try......another case of watch this space!

I also mentioned another of my gifts that I hadn't shared.  Now I got some lovely gifts for my birthday....great jars for storing my crafty bits, thanks Irene, a super teapot, mug and selection of teas which have been in full operation since my birthday, thanks Gill.  Some fabby smellies from my pal Gayle, which totally remind me of our shopping trip to America five years ago, more happy times!
Then I got this off Elaine and it just took me back in time....

How retro is this, oh my I had one of these when I was little, it just took me back to my childhood. I can't for the life of me remember what I kept inside it mind but I do think it was crafty bits, did you have one and can you remember?  

More importantly can you guess what this one is holding?

Mmmmm.

Double mmmmm!  Now what can I make with these beauties?
I still have more birthday money to spend at some point I just need to decide on what?  Any suggestions?
To all my friends thank you for such lovely thoughtful gifts and I'd also like to add I can thoroughly recommend a M & S Percy pig cake too, it was lush.

Back to today and I'm away to strip beds and make a card.  My youngest has been tasked with some colouring in to keep him busy.  Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with more.  x

An apple for my teacher....

Hello there and how are you today?  We've had a mixture of weather this morning, sunshine and showers and I would know this as I've been down to Sports day for my youngest child.
I was asked to help and my job was to give out "well done" stickers to the youngest children who weren't placed in the first 3.  In true mummy mode I wanted to give the kids stickers who weren't at the front of the pack, so to speak and also to those who fell and got hurt too.  The younger ones didn't care where they came as long as they got a sticker....the older ones were a little more competitive.  My eldest child has always been the more sporty out of my two and I always feel for those that don't do well.  I know life is like that and the sooner they learn the better but there is nothing wrong with giving a wee boost now and again.
It's all about the taking part!  ;)

Remember yesterday I mentioned that I have been playing with a crochet pattern?
Every year I like to make a wee something for the kids teachers to say thank you for their work during the year.  Over the years I've made all sorts, candles, picture frames, scrapbooks, jewellery etc...  This year I have decided to embrace my crocheting and have been playing with this idea.

An apple for teacher!
It is a coaster, just in case you were wondering, and I thought it would be nice with a china mug and maybe some tea and biscuits?
I'd rather give them something useful and I've nearly always included an apple for the teacher within the theme.
I changed the original pattern a wee bit as I didn't like how they'd finished off the centre and the seeds.  I know what I like and prefer the LIS approach of the pattern above, just because it's plainer.  I don't really do fussy!
Get me being organised!
I have to be organised this term as unfortunately, nearer the end of term I have a hospital appointment to keep and might be out of action for a wee while.  The joys!

That's all from me today, enjoy your Tuesday.  I'm away now to get the housework I should have done this morning under my belt before it's school dinner time.  Then I have the chimney sweep arriving later and a meeting this evening.  A busy day is planned with no crafting!

With sympathy isn't always the best way to start a week?

Afternoon all.
How was your weekend?

I have a confession, the reason I had a nice day out on Friday was that it was my birthday on Saturday....and I wasn't working too.
Irene and I went out to Beauly for lunch at the school house which was lovely, I certainly be going there again.  We also popped into a material shop on route there...so I now have another couple of projects to start.  I'd like to show you what I bought but I don't want to spoil the surprise for a friend.
We went to Inverness shopping and I had to smile, I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, which doesn't happen often but did I get anything exciting other than the material, nope.  My hubby had given me some birthday money and I just couldn't decide, craft stuff, books, clothes, shoes....so in the end I got some.......glue dots!  (Well I did need them, LOL.)
On Saturday I got more money from family and some lovely gifts from my friends as well as some beautiful cards too.  It was a lovely sunny day and we were invited to friends for cocktails, which went down very well, hick!  (I was banned from housework but I did manage to clean my car.)
To top off the evening I had a Percy pig cake, with a couple of candles!
Yesterday I decided to embark on a new crochet pattern with a few tweaks in the morning, cause I can and it was a Sunday, then I spent the rest of the day catching up with the dreaded ironing, boo!

Today I am sharing with you a couple of Sympathy cards....firstly 'cause I'm another year older but most importantly because friends and neighbours lost loved ones last week, it goes without saying that my thoughts are with them at this time.  x

I always get asked for Lilies for a funeral, these ones are quite rustic so decided to go with cream theme instead of my usual white, also keeping to a LIS theme.  The embossing folder is by Spellbinder code EL-002.   

I was also asked for a Thinking of you card with only a white lily on it, so this is even more minimal.

Clean and simples with one Spellbinder die and a Dress it up lily button.

That is all from me today, I best get my skates on and start the tea or little fingers will be raiding my cupboards.  Enjoy the rest of your Monday evening and thanks for popping by.