Snappycrafts

Sugar Bowl challenge 78

2012-02-23T09:00:00.000Z

Today I shall be taking a wee break in the proceedings to bring you this fortnights challenge from the Sugar Bowl. Today's sketch is from the lovely Marie Theresa and the added challenge is to use kraft paper. Here is my interpretation;

And the sketch;

I have used;

Sugar Nellie stamp Hazel, isn't she too cute?

Paper by DCWV The Linen Closet, Spellbinder nestabilities classic round, SU small tag punch and stamp. Flowers by Marianne design, seem binding, lace, bling and metal embellishment from stash.

I coloured Hazel on craft with my Prisma pencils and glitter Diamond stickles.

Up for grabs this time your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps again moving on up to 6 if we get more than 100 entries.

Thanks for coming by and looking at my version of the challenge, I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have and remember you've got to be in it to win it!

Happy crafting!

More pictures from Stitches tomorrow. I have a wee boy off sick today so my crafting time will be drastically reduced. Boo!

What's on your workdesk this Wednesday 142?

2012-02-22T09:25:00.001Z

Hi and another "hump" day. (Middle of the week!)
What are you up to in your crafty space?
Today I have a card waiting to be made for a nurse and I have a couple of projects from the weekend to finish. I have finished my day invites for my Wedding and now have to start the evening.
On another note I must replenish the food cupboards today and also pop into Papercraft's Boutique to get organised for my classes this weekend.
It's going to be a busy one today!
Anyway enough waffle here's the lovely tidy desk....as always!

How about a closer look?

Did you see these? I'm still pinching myself. We got them at our class in Birmingham at the weekend...if you want to see what we made have a wee look at yesterday's post. I think these Distress markers are going to be on my wish list!

This is the project we made with the lovely Lindsay Mason and her new stamps. I put off finishing mine till I brought it home, but enjoyed playing with masking techniques.

This is the project we made with Dyan Reaveley, we got very inky with stencils and sprays...still to finish.

As you can guess I have had great fun playing with different projects, why not also check out other desks via the lovely Julia's blog and go see what everyone else is up to. I'm afraid I will be back later to check other blogs out....must get some food first!

Just before I go I also saw these cute bags on the PI stand at the weekend.....me likie!

Got to love My Minds Eye's products aren't these bag kits cute...and wouldn't they make a great gift?
More MME products to show you tomorrow....got to be one of my favourite range of products...mmmm!
Ever feel like a kid in a candy shop?!
Thanks for popping on by today and having a wee lookie at my desk and other items, have a great Wednesday and "happy crafting" whatever you are making. x

Tim Holtz Class

2012-02-21T09:00:00.000Z

Guess who is sat waiting to start class?

Before I share some more Stitches photographs with you I wanted to show you what we made in Tim's class on Saturday. He always creates a great project for us to make and is a great teacher, very relaxed and helpful.
Enough of the waffle Erika and show us what you made!!

And a close up;

And more;

I don't know what you think but I loved the class and I love the project....am I biased?! LOL. Of course but I'm sure you'll agree.

How about a few more pictures from the show too?
As we are talking Tim Holtz products lets have a look......

Wouldn't you just love to play with all of these? In particular I loved these;

And how about this for a configuration tray;

And finally one for the scrapbook......

I look like a startled bunny and hate having my photo taken but it's got to be done. I had a great day and would like to thank Tim, Mario and all the staff from Ranger and PI for a fun and educational event. More tomorrow!

Stitches

2012-02-20T13:31:00.001Z

As I may of mentioned in earlier posts, I was away at Stitches in Birmingham this weekend. I had a lovely time wandering around all the crafty stands checking out what is going to be hot for the next year. So what did I see?
What is going to be hot......lots of wool and some really trendy funky wool with fab patterns. Lots of traditional felt, kits to make felt items and materials like felt. Plenty of materials with lots of bunting in red, white and blue not a surprise really with the Queen's diamond jubilee and the Olympics on this year. Lovely threads, buttons and ribbons. Step away from the ribbon....I do have a thing for ribbon!

I took some pictures of things I liked so I'm afraid it's paper crafting all the way. Let's start with a special picture for my fella sweetie Elaine....I saw these on the Personal Impressions stand and thought of you;

We used these in our class with Tim and even got a couple to take home. I love them. They have a brush nib and a thin plastic nib for journalling or fine work. Tim mentioned it is a fine plastic nib as a lot of the felt nip thin tips tend to split over time so you will always get a fine finish. I also love the fact that they all coordinate with all his other ink product ranges, there is even a white! YES!
Elaine you so NEED them all, LOL, oh and I did put in a good word for you. :)

On to some of the new papers, I loved these by Cosmo Cricket;

There is still a lot of Steampunk around both in embellishments and papers. I also noticed that the Circus seems to be up and coming too, check out this range by Graphic 45;

And finally for today lots of lovely new PI stamps;

Within the stamping world there seemed to be a lot of scene making ranges, lots of stamps with either matching metal die cuts or chipboard cut to size and lots of altered art style images.

Today that is a wee taster of a few items I liked. I've got loads more photos to share with you this week but guess you all want to know what did we make with the main man......Mr Tim Holtz....do you want to see that tomorrow?

Last but not least!

2012-02-18T09:00:00.000Z

This is my final sneaky peak with reference to Friday's posting and my up and coming class in Elgin. See that posting for all the details.

Today as you read this I am hoping to be flying down to Birmingham.
Like a kid in a candy store I'm checking out all the latest products and taking in a few crafty classes too. (Have I mentioned it already?)
Heaven, I'm in heaven!
Mind you so are you as you can't here me sing over the computer!
(Do you get the impression that I might be a wee tad excited!) Sad I know.
I will tell you all the gossip next week when I get back home.....lets hope the nerves stay in check!
I'm not used to all this networking. Wish me luck I'm going in........

Sneaky peak 2

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000Z

Back again today with another sneaky peak reference yesterday's post....more inky techniques.

Mmmm what can it be?!

Today I'm away to the hairdressers to get a tidy up before my trip south.....oh my I'm now getting excited. Can't wait to see what we will be making in Mr Tim Holtz class!! Squeal!
Guess I better pack my bags and check into my flight....oh and pray for no snow tomorrow.

Stamping techniques

2012-02-16T15:39:00.000Z

Next weekend February 25th I am teaching stamping techniques at Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin. We will be using different inks and stamps together with Spellbinder Nestibilites to create simple yet effective cards.
Fancy a sneaky peak?

If you would like more details please contact Kate on 01343 548864.

On to today and I've been getting my next Sugar Bowl entry ready and having fun with that. It makes a lovely change from invitations and I'm looking forwards to sharing it with you. Me likie this coming challenge a lot.

Then it's on to ironing in order to get my boy ready for going back to school....why?
Well, this weekend coming is my annual trip to the NEC in Birmingham for the Craft, Hobby and Stitch International show. A chance to see what is going to be hot or not as the case may be for the up and coming craft year. I must remember to take my camera so I can maybe get a few pictures to share with you.
It's going to be a mad weekend with a very early flight down Saturday morning and late back Sunday night....me thinks I might need to recover Monday!! (No staying power at all!)

Back tomorrow with another sneaky peak!

WOYWW 141

2012-02-15T09:56:00.000Z

Doesn't Wednesday come around quickly?
Today I'm afraid it's more of the same from me. I was hoping to have this Wedding licked by now but with children off for half-term....need I say more. I need to get it sorted as I'm away to the trade fair at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend and have another lady wanting Wedding invites coming next week......yikes!
My desk this week;

I'm about 1/2 way through my day invites. I've left a finished one there for you to see. It is very simple from the front with everything going on inside. All the information of the wedding on the top and a pocket with the RSVP on the bottom.
Why not go and have a nosey via Julia's blog and see what everyone else is up to....I love having a look.

Just before I go I mentioned yesterday about Herman. Now 10 days ago my good friend Christel arrived with a plastic contain of shall we say goo and some instructions announcing that she had "Herman" the friendship cake for me and I had to look after him or he would die! No pressure there then!
It turns out that Herman is a sour dough cake mix that you have to look after and leave out on the kitchen worktop covered with a tea towel for just over a week....feeding it twice in this time before splitting it on day 9 and sharing with your 3 of your friends. The 4th section you bake yourself on day 10. I was surprised how tasty it is as it goes against all your natural instincts to leave food out of the fridge for that length of time.
Fancy a slice?
Here it is........it goes mighty fine with a nice cup of tea!

That's all from me this Wednesday, whatever you are up to enjoy.....happy crafting!

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T10:58:00.000Z

So ladies did you get spoilt this morning? No?!
Neither did I.
Mine you I did find this quote I used on a card last year and it pretty much sums today up.......

Happy unimaginative
Consumerism - oriented
And entirely arbitrary
Manipulative and shallow
Interpretation of a
Romantic day!

So there you go, LOL. Romance is dead! Mind you I do have to admit I have noticed the decline over the last 10 years in general. When I first started making cards I did a roaring trade at this time of year with gushy cards, rude cards and simply romantic cards... But I have noticed the decline in sales too. At the end of the day who needs a day to be told be romantic when you can do something everyday?
Not that that happens either....but I tend to find it's the little things I appreciate now.....like that first cup of tea being brought to you in the morning, a couple of hours peace when the kids are dragged out on a bike ride, a bottle of brandy! Hick!

Anyway yesterday I mentioned that tonight I am doing a craft class with a group of Beavers....and to those of you who think little brown creatures...I'm afraid you are mistaken, although wouldn't that be an interesting concept?!
Beavers as in Scouting.....younger than Cubs and Scouts.
That being the case we are doing something for Valentine's day but I am keeping it simple.

The card;

Simple heart punches and sentiment from Marion Emberson Design "It's all in the words" from PI.

The decoration;

which may be a wee bit fouterie for them but we will only see tonight.
It is all cut out ready so we have all the time in the world to put it together....well about 1/2 an hour!

I have just used different length of red paper and card and a brad....simples!

That's all from me today...I'm off to carry on with more work on this Wedding and then I've got Herman to bake later....more about that tomorrow.

A Wee break.

2012-02-13T13:21:00.002Z

Today I'm putting the Wedding work on hold to come up with something for my son's Beaver group tomorrow night.
I have been asked to do a simple crafting class for Valentine's tomorrow evening so I'm away to "beaver" (sorry couldn't resist the pun) in my craft room and try to come up with a couple of simple projects that 7/8 year old boys can do.
Mmmmm me thinks it might be easier said than done...do I go full out with red love hearts?!
Once I've decided I need to make them all a kit.
I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I've come up with.
Wish me look I'm going in! LOL.

Still crafting!

2012-02-12T20:34:00.002Z

Busy, busy, busy! Just like a little bee. I'm plodding along with my Wedding invites so no time to play just now. :(

Enjoying having everyone at home, a busy house, all together with friends over playing too. Still it gives me time to hide in the craft room if all are entertained.
Yaah!

I hope you are all enjoying the half-term holidays?
Back soon I hope.

Chocolate overload!

2012-02-10T19:56:00.001Z

Today is the start of half term here in Scotland so I've had a little voice following me around all day saying "mum, mum, mum." Don't you just love that? Argh!
As I wasn't going to get any crafting done we decided to make a chocolate cake for his big brother who will also be home from school tonight.

A couple of years ago my mum bought me one of the very large cupcake tins and as yet we've never quite got the measurements correct. Not that this matters as they've been converted into volcano's and other ideas. For those of you who have this tin and haven't quite got the measures correct...it takes...a 14 oz cake mix with a wee bit chopped.

Now in this picture it doesn't look big but it is on a dinner plate, not a side plate and a little man helped decorate it with smarties and chocolate butter icing.

I don't think we will break in it tonight, far too much chocolate at this time of night for me never mind the kids but I think we will be tomorrow.

Having licked the mixing bowl and the icing bowl my youngest announced it is very yummy mummy, the best ever....but I'm all chocolated out now....me too son...time for a sit down and a nice cup of tea.

And my kitchen....well, I think I shouldn't have cleaned it this morning 'cause after baking I've had it all to do again.

Enjoy half term break I know I'm going to!

Sugar bowl challenge 77

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000Z

Doesn't this challenge come around quickly?
Today's sketch over on the Sugar Bowl is from the lovely Kiki with the theme "LOVE".
Now I don't normally do mushy love cards, I'm more of a "say it how it is card" be it rude or cheeky, especially for this time of year but in true challenge style I decided to have a go and got out the heart paper!

Now I know this wee cutie has a Christmas style hat but it's cold and wintery up here in Scotland and with cute hearts on her hat and that lovely knitted heart I thought why not use for Valentine's day too.

This paper also takes me back to my childhood....confession time....I used to have red love heart paper!! I know....ME! Maybe that is why I don't do hearts, LOL. Now that you've picked yourself off the floor I have used;

Paper by Teresa Collins "Crush", Kraft, white and red card, Knitted with love SN stamp, Hero arts carta stamp sentiment, prisma pencils, glossy accents with ribbon and charm from stash.

And Kiki's fab sketch;

Up for grabs for the random winner of the challenge is your choice of 4 fabulous Sugar Nellie stamps which will rise to 6 if we get over 100 entries.
It only remains for me to say one thing;

"You've got to be in it to win it, enjoy and happy crafting!"

WOYWW 140

2012-02-08T09:00:00.000Z

It's that time again and I was a bad crafter last week and missed "What's on your work desk Wednesday". In my defence I had a call to say my parents had decided to visit so I had a mad dash around the house tidying, as you do!

Today I shall be mostly preparing Wedding stationary.
I had the go ahead from a bride to be yesterday to crack on with her invites, navy and white, very elegant and stylish (I should say at this point her choice).
This is me cutting everything out ready for a mass stick together!

If you would like to see what other crafters are up to today on their desks why not pop on over to the lovely Julia's blog and have a nose.
My craft room tidy has ground to a halt as it does frequently, I never get all the way around.
Things to make first, tee, hee, which is much more enjoyable.

Happy WOYWW and "Keep calm and carry on crafting!"

Less is more again!

2012-02-06T16:10:00.001Z

Twice in one week must be a record for me. I found myself with a wee bit of time this afternoon inbetween jobs and as the ladies over on Less is More have added the challenge this week to use the colour AQUA....one of my fav's....I had to have a play. Well it would be rude not to, LOL!

I have used Broken china distress ink and stamps by Marion Emberson Design; Finding Joy everyday, Birthday kisses and Just because from PI. The frame is by Spellbinder Fleur de lis Square and bling by Artoz.
I really enjoyed this challenge again this week.

Wedding samples away for final approval, my parents have gone home to snow....so now I have some housework and crafting to catch up on. Boo to the housework but bring on the crafting!

On the crafting front we have just got a new link for the Sugar Bowl blog......are you liking it....I am.

Less is More

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000Z

Yesterday once all my orders were complete I decided to have a wee play on the "Less is More" blog. I am feeling really bad as I haven't played for such a long time but with the run up to Christmas and all that comes with it I was a tad busy. The sketch which closed tomorrow is as follows;

And my take is;

I love the idea behind the Less is more site taking cards right back to the bare bones....but it sometimes can be a little scary! For my card I have masked the area I wanted to ink, adding Antique distress ink then Tea die. I have then used a PI stamp by Marion Emberson Just because for the swirls. The butterfly is by Spellbinders and has been cut twice embossed and then glittered. The sentiment stamps is also by Marion, the glitter is by Martha Stewart and the bling from Zva Creative.

I have been very quiet on here just lately as I am busy doing samples for a Wedding and my next demo at Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin. I also have my parents up for a few days so I fully intend to chill with them and have some fun days out and about.
So that is all from me today.....back soon.

Do you take shortcuts?

2012-01-30T12:07:00.000Z

Do you find that you are really bad at sending cards especially on time when you make them?
Or is it just me?
Talk about a bus man's holiday!
If you are like me and get caught last minute to you cheat a wee bit?

Confessions of a crafter!!

Today it is my wee nephew's birthday and I remembered Saturday just after last post for Monday. After a conversation with my brother it seems my wee nephew is very keen on dinosaurs just now. My brother and I do have an arrangement that we buy an extra present for our kids from each other that way they get something that is needed or wanted. However the guilt of not sending his card yet sent me onto the net yesterday looking for a wee something to send....I came up with a walking helium filled dinosaur balloon which will arrive in a huge box for him to open tomorrow.
What two year old isn't happen with a large balloon and a big box?

Now my brother loves minimum cards so this morning I set to work on my "cheat" card and here it is;

The dinosaur is from PC Hugware and I have decoupaged it myself adding google eyes and Glossy accents. The two was created on my Cricut machine and the lettering on the computer. Less is definitely the case on this card, but I'm guessing he will be more interested in the box and balloon, if my boys are anything to go on at that age.
I bet all you crafters out there are much better organised than me....in my defence I do always seem to have other work on, honest.

I also wanted to send my eldest boy a wee food parcel at school so always like to pop a note in too.
Again as I am needing to be elsewhere today it has been another quick card using PC Hugware......shock horror!!

He loves all animals and at the moment is showing a real interest in reptiles so I thought this Gecko would be ideal, again I've just added a 3d element and Glossy accents.

So ladies and gentlemen my confession is official.....runs off to my craft room to hang my head in shame! LOL.
I'd love to hear how you cheat when you're short of time........please don't tell me I'm the only one!

New class.

2012-01-27T17:02:00.001Z

Today I have mostly been playing getting ready for my next class in February at the Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin, samples will be in the shop from next week if anyone local is interested.
Unfortunately if you are not "local" I will be listed them on my blog later next month....
the shop gets first dibs!

I will have a word and see if I can do a sneaky peak.......if you are interested?

Mmmmmm what have I been playing with....big clue if you look back over the last few posts you will get an idea.

Anyway that's all from me today I'll be back with something to show you shortly.

Happy crafting!

Sugar bowl 76

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000Z

Sugar arh, honey, honey....it's that time again and today is the turn of the wonderful Gayle to set the sketch for the Sugar Bowl. The challenge this time is paper piecing.
Here is my take on the sketch;

And the sketch;

As you can see I have rotated the sketch through 90 degrees and added the wee cutie Delia from over at Sugar Nellie.
The papers are Memory box gossamer, Martha Stewart punch Scalloped dots, ribbons and embellishments from my stash.
Delia is coloured with Prisma pencils, paper from Memory box, Stickles glitter, Glossy accents and Distress stain Vintage photo.
Unfortunately the picture was taking on a dark day...we seem to be having a lot of them just now...maybe 'cause it's Winter!
Roll on Spring.

And the prize..............
Up for grabs are 4 of your choice Sugar Nellie stamps jumping up to 6 if there are more than 100 entries.....top tip if you have chance you can enter more than once! LOL. Just remember to use a Sugar Nellie stamp to qualify for a chance to win.
That's all from me today, happy crafting and as Arnie would say "I'll be back."

What's on your Workdesk Wednesday 138

2012-01-25T10:30:00.000Z

Another week and another Wednesday, what time is it?
What's on your work desk?
Today I've just added some final charms to my Tim Holtz bag. I decided to personalise it a wee tad more. First my choice of Tim's four new bags;

Now I found these fab flowers in Dotty P's in the sale. Bargain! I thought it would work fab with my bag.

I then decided to add a few charms to make it relevant to me.

I have made an angel, added chain with scissors and a sewing machine together with lots of little number charms to go with the theme of the bag.
My personalised District Market bag complete.

Why not pop over to Julia's blog and see what everyone else is up to today on their crafty space. As for my desk....mmmm....lots of new goodies from Personal Impressions in preparation for my first demo this year, do you want a wee look?

How lucky am I that I get paid to play with all these lovely yummy new products, every time a parcel arrives I have to pinch myself. So what am I going to be doing?
I'm going to try out some different stamping techniques but I will show you next month what I come up with.
That is all from me today, I'm afraid to say I'm away to tackle my ironing mountain before having a play with the above...I will be back later to check out your desks and see what you are up to.
Have a great "hump" day (middle of the week)....just in case you thought I meant something different, LOL.

I'm late!

2012-01-24T16:07:00.003Z

Today I am sharing what I like to call a belated "Happy New Year" card or what should have been a Christmas card.
You'd think someone who made cards and has in the past worked in a Post Office would be aware that
a. Christmas is coming!
and
b. That foreign dates are well before UK ones.
I am aware of both, honest, but every year I get caught out with this.
In my defence a new address was required for this card which I would not get till Christmas and I couldn't reciprocate until then.
This year I decided not to worry and just to make a nice card in the New Year with maybe a slight Christmas theme. Here it is;

All the stamps are from Waltzing Mouse, I love their range especial those designed to work with the Spellbinder dies.

I have kept it simple with a brown and cream theme....not too Christmassie but added a wee bit of stickles glitter and Vintage photo distress ink then finished with clear seed beads.

Another less is more card for you....

You can see the glitter better in this picture although it does look a little yellow it is in fact clear.
Anyway this card is winging it's way to New Zealand tomorrow....not far to go!

What do you think of my new blog background?
I had a few issues today with my previous one so decided to go for a whole new look. I do wish I was more computer literate. You would not believe how long it took me to change it....let's just say it is embarrassing!
More from me tomorrow for WOYWW!!

New beginnings.

2012-01-23T17:04:00.003Z

I'm back a little later than planned but I had my housework head on this morning and as it is a rare occasion I took full advantage of it.
Today I wanted to show you one of the cards I made at the crop. This is a straight forward card with just a little colour, matting and layering. Less is more! Or so folk say. I have to admit that I seem to be going through this phase at the moment...I think I'm liking the unfussy look.
I still love all the layered cards that are about in blog-land. I'm just a typical Gemini....
I like this way...
I like that...but which is best?
Fight! (As my boys would say, guess what program they love to watch?!)

This little digi image is available at Funkykits and I adore it. It has to be my favourite baby image just now. It has been coloured using copic markers and just layered onto blue card stock. Simples squeak!
Bambino (the name of the stamp) is just too cute for words.
Don't you think?

Anyway that's all from me today I'm away to magic something up for tea...mmmmm!

Crop day

2012-01-22T21:16:00.001Z

Today I've been to our local crop

and I've had a lovely afternoon of

crafting, tea and CAKE!

Great company with like minded crafter's too.

What did I get up to?

Lots of chatting and laughing!

A wee bit of a boogie!

And some crafting!

Unfortunately no photographs yet

as it was dark by the time I got home,

but I made a few cards and some charms....

Mmmm!

Back tomorrow with a few pics.

I'm away for a Sunday night chillaxe.

I hope you've all had a good weekend.

Drum roll please!

2012-01-21T13:32:00.003Z

Right my candy is now closed....

I'd firstly like to say a big

THANK YOU

to all who took part

but unfortunately there can be only one winner and that is......

BECKY

If you could e-mail your address here

I will get the parcel out to you first thing Monday.

Enjoy!

I am very excited today, guess what I got in the post?

Oh my how lucky am I?

Now all I've got to do is pray that we are not hit by lots of snow in the North of Scotland between now and then.

Flights are booked.

Can't wait to see what is going to be new this season.

I must try and remember to take my good camera this year so I can share some snippets with you all.

Finally today I wanted to share this card I made for a pal yesterday.

I don't normal do baby cards in such a bright combination but

my brief was that the nursery was decorated in,

"Mama and Papa's Gingerbread".

You must see the collection, it is so cute.

Here is my interpretation;

I have used my Sizzix Gingerbread man die,

the rest of the papers and buttons are from my stash.

I love this baby range

I'm afraid I was really boring and had

Winnie the Pooh when my kids were babes.

Anyway guys that is all from me today,

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

"Happy crafting!"

2012-01-20T10:35:00.002Z

Last chance.

Just a quick reminder today is the last day to enter my candy giveaway two posts down.

I'm a busy bee just now creating some new card designs.

I hope to share some bits I've been playing with next week.

Happy crafting!

2012-01-18T12:10:00.000Z

What's on your Workdesk Wednesday 137

For a start this week you can in fact see my desk

which is much better than last weeks attempt.

How much neater is that?! LOL.

Note I haven't shared the whole of my room,

it is still a work in progress,

slow wins the race ask any tortoise!

Plus I keep getting distracting finding more things I'd forgotten I'd bought.

Lots of ooooo's and arrrrrr's and maybe a stroke or two....you know what I mean don't you?

So on my desk today is my next Sugar Bowl card, or is it?

Maybe I will use this SN stamp maybe not....such a tease.

I'm away to put on the kettle and make a brew, kick back my heels and make a card.

Why not pop on over to Julia's blog

and see what everyone else is up to today.

Oh and before I go....

I got candy in the post before this one up for grabs closing date is this Friday, just if you are interested.

Happy crafting everyone. x

2012-01-16T12:00:00.002Z

New to you

Whilst having a good old sort out,

I can't believe how much I have that hasn't even been opened yet,

I thought I might share some if you likie?

How about a wee bit of new to you stash?

I am obviously not going to get through everything here so who would like to help me out?

To be in with a chance of re-home what is in the picture below;

...just leave me a comment, follow me and mention on your blog (just the usual).

I will ship anywhere

although I must mention the last parcel I sent to Europe didn't arrive at it's destination,

just so you are aware.

Please could you give a loving new home to this stash?

Included in the parcel;

We are Memory keepers Double sided 12" papers Hoopla x 8

2 x sheets of embossed stickers

Autumn leaves Stampology layered clear stamps Invitation and Party

Imagination coasters Gin-x fun flowers pink

Distress ink Black soot

A selection of glittered blooms, ribbons and girlie charms.

I shall leave this open till the end of the week and announce a winner on Saturday.

Good luck and happy crafting. xxx

2012-01-15T13:28:00.000Z

Still tidying!

Yes I'm still here trying to put some order into my craft space.

In my defence I am not working at full pace

or even half pace

and am constantly getting distracted either by third parties

or the desire to craft rather than clean.

I am officially having withdrawal effects today especially now there is space on my desk.

Still on the upside I've found a stash of chocolate I'd forgotten about so that is getting me through.

My youngest is threatening a bike ride this afternoon

oh the joys!

Can you tell I can't wait?

Still it will work off one or two chocolates.

Hope you are all having a lovey crafty Sunday.

I will craft later!

I hope.

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000Z

We're back!

It's Sugar bowl 75 and we're back after a wee break for Christmas.

This time it is my sketch with the theme

"BIRTHDAYS"

a nice easy one to get us all back into the swing after all those festive nibbles and drinks!

Back to normality.

BUMP!

Here's my take on the sketch;

As you can see I've kept to the less is more approach this time.

I am really enjoying working on craft and stripping cards right back.

I have used:

Sugar Nellie digi image Summer.

Spellbinder grand die scalloped square and nestabilities oval.

The papers are DCWV Linen Closet.

Brads from Cathy, trim and rub ons from stash and coloured with prisma pencils.

The sketch;

I've moved a couple of bits around.

Which is allowed. :)

I wanted to use "Summer" to lift the mood of January....

with promises of warmer weather and sunny days....

not the cold and snow which has yet to arrive...

I hope it stays off till after the show in Birmingham as tickets and classes are booked.

I am not normally that well organised.

The prize this time....

Up for grabs your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps

should we go over the 100 entry mark your choice of 6 SN stamps.

It only remains for me to say....

I hope you enjoy the sketch and as usual you've got to be in it to win it.

"Happy crafting!"

2012-01-11T10:26:00.000Z

WOYWW

The simple answer to that question is everything and nothing.

Everything is on my desk but nothing is getting done.

Can you guess why?

Yup....where do I start?

Today I shall mostly be continuing to tidy my craft room.

I have been putting it off and putting it off with family about over the festive season.

Today marks the day when my big boy is back to school

so get the flags out as I'm going in!!

It might take me some time.

Wish me luck.....

I really should learn to put away after I've finished a project.

I'm always too keen to get onto the next, especially if the mojo is in full flow.

Maybe I'll find my mojo under that pile of stash at the back

...and maybe a few bits I'd forgotten I have.

Why not pop on over to Julia's blog and see what everyone else has on their desks?

Bet not as much rubbish as me?!

2012-01-08T13:56:00.000Z

And for the crafting interlude.....

Yesterday my boys wanted a "family day out!"

So it was decided we would visit Culbin Forest.

So for today's interlude on crafting....I thought I'd share a few photographs instead.

Now boys being boys the first thing in a forest to collect would be a stick or too.

The the imagination sets in...

whether you like guns or not it is a regular with sticks in any forest.

Great hiding places and big sticks at the ready let the games commence!

A sure fine way to wear out kids

as I'm sure they do twice the distance you do just walking the path.

Why do I mention this?

Well, this first photo will answer your question....

As you can see this is not really a twig!

But there were a lot of larger trees down...maybe all the recent windy weather is to blame?

The walk wasn't bad for a January morning in sunny Scotland!

We were heading for Hill 99 Culbin's highest sand dune at 99 feet.

Now this next picture doesn't really do the height justice.

It was high and it was windy up top.

I'm sure on a brighter day you'd be able to see for miles.

Needless to say my wee man wasn't keen to go all the way up.

But what really caught my eye on the way down was a little seating area, maybe for picnics?

Each of the seat had a wee rhyme about the climb!

I loved it so I thought I would share;

Bear Grylls eat your heart out!

At one with nature....

Mind you we didn't go so far to collect sticks and eat rough style, oh no.

Instead a trip to MacKenzie and Cruickshank was in order for a big bowl of their homemade soup and a large cheese scone, nomm, nomm!

Then home for a wee rest and you've guessed

a little crafting!

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000Z

Strange but true!

Now over the years I've had some strange requests for cards.

Some make me smile,

some make me giggle

and some just make me think!

I am always up for a challenge.

Actually I think that is the best thing about creating a "bespoke" card.

The immediate thought of "how will I do that?!"

Then the satisfaction of achieving the goal.

Three of my all time favourites...

A 40th for a man who had just told everyone he was into men! (Get my drift?!)

A dogs 1st birthday. (A good reader!)

A leaving card for a nurse working on a Gynaecologist ward...note please include a male part!

(And I did!)

Now why am I telling you this?

Don't get me wrong I take all card requests seriously,

some are just more memorable than others for one reason or another.

For this next card I was asked for a picture of a cow....

and the wonderful

Custard by Sugar Nellie

sprang to mind.

I have kept the design simple so that all the emphasis is on the cow. :o

I do hope the recipient gets the joke!

Gulp!

Again not the best of photo's but you get the general idea.

I'm afraid we've had a few dreich days when I've needed to take pictures up here in sunny Scotland.

I also would have liked to put the 30 in the top patch on Custard but unfortunately it did not fit.

Such is life!

So Morag...I do hope you are not offended by your card and you do see the funny side.

May you have a great birthday and many moo..re!

2012-01-06T15:27:00.000Z

Wee cutie!

Now as well as yesterday's garland and some flowers

I also saw this wee cutie that Karen liked on Pinterest (linked yesterday).

Again this is my interpretation and is smaller to the original.

I have also hand stitched it rather than using the machine...

it was too fouterie for that.

It is actually made from black and cream felt to go with the garland yesterday,

bad photography on my part doesn't really help,

although in my defence the lighting wasn't great the day I took it.

I also used the closest item to hand to show how small it is.

To those of you without kids it is a Nerf bullet.

You are lucky if you don't have these beauties around your home.

I find them all over my house and they come second only to the backs off 3D foam!

Mind you I'd rather stand on these than wee bits of Lego any day of the week.

Did I just admit to an upside of finding these all over?!

Inspiration was from here.

I absolutely love Agah's version.

She is one talented lady, her felt items are to die for.

Her little badge has a real Scandinavian feel to it

which has been really big over this festive season.

My iron mountain is nearly complete but don't you just hate putting it away?

It's like the food shopping...don't mind doing it but hate putting it away.

I think I might have to have a wee crafting break. LOL.

We have a new Sugar Bowl challenge coming soon after having a break over Christmas.

Me thinks it's time to have a play instead.

2012-01-05T17:20:00.000Z

Birthday time.

Yesterday was my good friend Karen's birthday and she always loves to have something handmade.

What to do so soon after Christmas?

This year I cheated and popped across to Pinterest for a few ideas.

It's great you can look on friends walls and see

"what they like, what they really, really like!"

This is my interpretation;

And a closer look;

My inspiration was from here.

I went with a classic Cream and black combo using Paris Nights by g.c.d. studio.

I love these papers.

This garland would not only great for Valentine's day but up and coming Weddings too.

Me, I think I might just have to have one in teal!!

That will be a shock to my crafting pals.

Watch this space.

That's all for me just now.

My craft room is still a mess and I have a long awaited appointment with the ironing board....yawn!

I have been staying away from my craft room,

a. because it's a mess but also

b. to spend more time with my boys.

It turns out I've mainly just been catching up on things around the house.

Even more yawning!

Hopefully normal service will resume soon.

2012-01-02T19:42:00.001Z

Time to craft!

You'd think so won't you?
Not on your Nelly.
For a start I really can't face going in my craft room.
And my New Years revolution.......
You've guessed it?
A major clear out and tidy required, so I can face my room.
I ain't kidding. Honest.

I saw my New Year in with close friends having nibbles and a games night followed by a trip to the local "Cairn" for the bells.
A late night was had by all but it was great fun.

Yesterday we returned the favour and had our close friends back for more of the same.
So the last couple of days I've had fun in the kitchen baking and cooking and really enjoying myself.
Is that wrong?!

And today I've taken down my Christmas decorations and cards.
The house looks so bare now.
Time to make some more bit's and bob's for around the house.
Watch this space.

I believe a few bloggers have been adding quotes that they like to their blogs being the New Year,
this is my favourite and is a Tim Holtz stamp.

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.
Art is knowing which ones to keep!"

We've all been there haven't we, LOL.

Anyway that is all from me today
I hope you are all enjoying the start of 2012.
I'm leaving you today hoping a magic pixie turns up during the night and tidies my craft room. :)
I know it would be nice wouldn't it?

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

This being the final day of 2011

I would like to thank everyone who has taken time over the year to visit my wee blog

and especially those who leave me comments too.

I love to read what you think.

Here's wishing you all the very best for a crafty 2012.

As this is my last post of the year I thought I'd share with you my five favourite cards from this year.

Surprisingly most of them are Christmas ones.

Here goes;

So that's me for 2011.

I hope you liked my choice of cards.

It only remains for me to say.....

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne* ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my jo (or my dear),for auld lang syne,we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie's a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!

Hick!

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000Z

On your Wedding Day

I would like to wish my cousin

Jonathan and his partner Becky

all the very best on their Wedding day today.

Guess what,

I've finally done a WOW card!

Unfortunately we will not make the Wedding dance as it is at the other end of the country.

We took the decision not to go to the evening dance

after looking at the weather the last couple of years at this time.

And it's been one of the mildest December on record....ain't that just typical!

When it comes to my own cards to send

I always seem to be Mrs Lastminute.com

so in true form this was put together very quickly yesterday to get in the post.

Will I ever learn?! (Were would be the fun in that!)

I have used;

Spellbinder grand nestabilities Scalloped squares,

Labels 15,

Shapeabilities Ironworks Motif

and Shapeabilites fancy tags.

The bling was from stash.

Cuttlebug spots embossing folder.

I was going to play about and add a ribbon but my little helper was chomping at the bit to get to the Post Office so I had to step away from the card and get it sent.

I am so bad!

2011-12-29T14:03:00.000Z

Wedding wall hanging

This is another gift for a friend who got married recently.

I wanted to give her a wee reminder of the day to hang at home.

I have used;

Acetate heart mini book by Papermania.

Spellbinder nestabilities classic round and classic round scalloped.

Swirl stamps by Tim Holtz.

Bling, embellishments and ribbon from stash.

I really enjoy making these wall hangers as gifts,

my mum got one last Christmas and I've also done one for my pal Karen too.

I actually love the challenge of working with acetate,

you've got to think about what will be seen from both sides and cover accordingly....

great fun!

More tomorrow.

2011-12-27T16:52:00.000Z

"A handbag!"

The title is to be said in a posh voice, LOL.

Sorry it was the first thing that came to mind

....no I haven't had a drink

....maybe I just need one!

Here is another handbag charm I made for a Christmas gift.

This charm was for my sons Matron who does all his washing, ironing and mending at school, amongst other things.

I have used my favourite colour combo as she is in a house full of boys.

A very brave lady.

The charms and beads were purchased on line or bought at my local store Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin.

I hope your Christmas break is going well.

Back to some orders for me today but it has made a change to be cracking on with birthday cards.

My mojo was a bit slow on the uptake but it seems to be working which is the main thing.

Time to go and put on the tea now so I will sign off and catch you all again tomorrow.

2011-12-26T15:54:00.001Z

Happy Boxing day

Did you all have a super Christmas?

I did.

Just got my camera out to share a few Christmas gifts with you and guess what?

Duh!

I haven't taken photos....and I was so sure I had.

I was in such a rush to wrap as soon as something was finished, LOL.

Having been topped up on turkey dinner baps I've just popped on to show you another wee felt decoration.

I should really crack on with 1/2 dozen card ordered this week

but just can't seem to get into the groove!

Come on mojo where are you?

Possibly layered in festive brandy sauce!

Anyway here's my little Rudolph's;

These wee felt kits can be purchased at

Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin and are so cute.

I really should make myself some too.

Every year I like to have one new or homemade ornament for my tree.

It is amazing how quick you soon build up a collection.

Enough waffle from me I'm off to find Jamie Oliver's recipe for turkey leftover pie, wish me look.

2011-12-25T08:59:00.001Z

Ho, ho, ho Merry Christmas

To all my blogging buddies I would like to wish you all a

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Santa came here early this year,

all presents are opened and my kids have disappeared off playing.

And chillaxe!

Santa's wrapping was top notch this year as it took a fair while for them to open their gifts...tee hee!

Got to love good wrap and lots of sellotape.

I thought I'd just catch up on here before going and popping in the turkey for dinner.

We're having an early lunch this year as my husband is working over the festive season and is on nights later today.

At least he is home for dinner and pressie opening.

I did very well this year getting a Kindle and lots of other lovely gifts,

my favourite sweeties, Brandy, Sarah Millican DVD and Jamie Oliver's latest book to name a few.

Whoop, whoop!

Enough about me and I can now share with you some more wee Christmas cards and gifts;

I have used;

Spellbinder die labels 14

Stamps by Waltzing Mouse greetings and gingham.

Sizzix Gingerbread man.

Fiskars edger punch.

The rest from my stash.

I love gingerbread at this time of year,

there is definitely something Christmassie about it.

To carry on the theme how about a couple of Christmas decorations?

I saw these little cuties on Pinterest, it's a fab site.

I just had to have a go,

instantly thinking my good crafting buddies Karen and Gayle would likie.

I also made up some Gingerbread men

but I also investing in new Snowflake cutters and embossers and loved these more....

they were a hit with my kids so a few friends got a bag too.

Nomm, nomm!

That's all from me for today,

have a fantastic Christmas day,

eat, drink and be merry.

Feet up and enjoy some family time.

2011-12-24T09:00:00.001Z

One more sleep!

Are you excited?

My kids are nearly reaching the ceiling with anticipation.

Still got my reindeer food to make ready to put out tonight, a family ritual at this time of year,

together with an extremely large glass of brandy...

Santa's favourite,

with a mince pie and carrot.

I thought I'd share a couple of Christmas cards with you today;

This card went to my boss at PI Jan.

This one to Kate at Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin.

For the cards I have used;

Green, red and white card stock.

Stamps by Waltzing Mouse.

Spellbinder Nestabilities Heirloom ornament 2011.

Cuttlebug embossing folders.

Fiskars and Martha Stewart edger punches.

Glitter by MS.

Seam binding from stash.

Distress inks Red brick and Peeled paint.

I'm loving these new stamps by Claire over at Waltzing Mouse stamps.

I'm beginning to wish I'd opened and played with them a wee bit earlier than the week before Christmas.

Would it be wrong to start early for next year?

Today I shall mostly be doing some last minute wrapping and baking.

I'd also like to wish my best mate "Gill" a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2011-12-23T10:00:00.000Z

It's in the bag!

Today it is my turn again on It's a Creative World.

I thought I would continue showing you a few of this years homemade Christmas gifts.

More handbag charms today and these are what I came up with for my wee boy's teachers;

I got the charms from a well know auction site and the beads from my local craft shop in Elgin "Papercrafts Boutique".

I started with the apple charm, ruler and book and then added beads around them.

I love handbag charms and really should get around to making myself one,

I always have something else needing finished.

Is that just me?

Short and sweet posting today as I am now to make more gingerbread,

my last batch has gone already!

I really should also get my marzipan on my Christmas cake.

More from me tomorrow.

Happy crafting!

2011-12-20T12:00:00.001Z

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

So that's my Christmas cake made, what will it taste like?

It smells just fine but the truth will be in the tasting,

not much time left to lace in brandy
so I shall just have to have a glass whilst eating my cake and Wensleydale cheese, nomm.

Gingerbread is also made ready for the kids to decorate,
I think they'll eat more than decorate especially the mini smarties!

Just a few more card orders and a couple more presents to make and wrap
and I think I'll be nearly there.

About time too!

Just food shopping left to do, my favourite job at this time of year, NOT!

You'd think the Supermarkets were shutting for a week and not just a couple of days
and I always forget some vital ingredients even with a list.....

is it just me?

I thought I'd show you what I put in those wee boxes in a recent post.

I'm hoping in sharing this
that the lovely ladies who run my son's beaver troupe have already opened their gifts,
so not to spoil their surprise.

I wanted just to give them a wee something handmade for Christmas and made up some handbag charms.

The names on them are their "Beaver names"

which I'm really bad at using as I know them better by their real names.

We're off to Panto later....

oh no we're not!

Oh yes we are!

We normally go in between Christmas and New Year

this will be the first time before Christmas.

Mmmm will it feel any different?

2011-12-19T15:54:00.000Z

Nearly time!

Yesterday I spent the day at the Hopeman Christmas crop and great fun was had by all.

What a giggle and I managed to craft....maybe because it was a longer day!

We also had some lovely food, lots of nomm nomm's to munch on. Delish.

Why not pop on over to Jo's blog and have a read at what we got up to?

I got caught up on a few Christmas cards, yes I know better late than not, LOL.

I'm so bad when it comes to my own cards.

I think it's the "bus man's holiday syndrome!"

On to today

I've been making teachers gifts for my youngest

more of that later in the week

but as I had my wire and buttons out I thought I'd have a wee go at something that caught my eye on

Pinterest.

Here is the results;

A wee button tree for my Christmas tree.

I'm quite liking this idea and it has now been placed on my larger tree.

I'm off now to go and do a bit of Christmas baking....better get my quality control buds ready!

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000Z

Sugar Bowl 74

As I've mentioned in previous posts I've had my crafting head together with my "Santa's little helper hat" on and have therefore been spending very little time with my computer.

I hope to get back into the thread after Christmas but always have a wee dip at this time of year.

After the frantic crafting run up, LOL.

Anyway the reason for my post today.....

It's Sugar time, arh honey, honey!

Today it is the last challenge before Christmas and it has fallen to the lovely Maria.

Here is my take on her sketch

and the theme....

not to use pre-designed papers

or put another way

creating your own background using plain card stock.

I have used;

Snow Cosy from Sugar Nellie stamps I love this snowman.

Kraft and red card stock with teal and red whitewash core'dinations.

Embossing folders cuttlebug snowflakes.

EK Success plaid punch and Spellbinder Boarderabilities classic grand lace.

Sentiment stamp Kirsty Wiseman (PI) Many greetings and Hero arts Dots background.

The snowman was coloured with my Prisma pencils.

Stitched by hand!

Ribbon from Howden's Inverness.

And Maria's sketch;

Oh me I think I'm hooked on colouring in with Kraft....what have I started!

The prize;

Up for grabs this time is your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps going up to 6 with more than 100 entries.

And to finish as always you've got to be in it to win it so why not take a break from all that frantic Christmas preparations.....and good luck.

Happy crafting. x

2011-12-12T10:37:00.000Z

Beavering away!

I am still here, honest.

My cards are now written and I am confessing my sins....

Mr M & S supplied my cards this year. :0

I know I'm bad, bad, bad!

Having made Christmas cards since the middle of the year I just have no desire to keep doing so, instead concentrating on making a few handmade gifts for a change and enjoying crafting with the kids.

Still got the Christmas decorations to put up and the cake to make but I'll get there.

If I don't have a deadline to make

I'm sure I slow down the making process

and I'm not a fast crafter anyway.

So I'm going to sign off for now and crack on.

I hope your preparations are going better than mine.

Happy crafting!

2011-12-09T10:23:00.000Z

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

At the moment Santa's little helper is beavering away making up some Christmas gifts which of course can't be shown just yet or it will spoil the surprise.

For the smaller items I have made

I shall be not be wrapping them up,

after taking inspiration from Martha Stewart

I have created these;

The stamp is again from Waltzing mouse, ribbon, Kraft card and bell from stash.

Oh my I think I have a "thing" for Kraft just now.

Is it just me?

I'm off to go and write and maybe make a few more Christmas cards,

enjoy your day.

2011-12-08T11:45:00.000Z

TAG you're it!

Today I just have a quick post before going and doing some rapping!

Or should I really say wrapping.

Santa's little helper I am, I am.

I thought I'd get some wrapping out of the way just in case little eyes decide to peak.

I really should be doing cards but I have lost my carding mojo just now.

I'm always the same at this time of year really struggling to make and write all my Christmas cards.

I do get there I just think it's the sheer scale before starting...I've even been known to buy a few!

When you've been making Christmas cards since July the novelty sort of wears off come December, LOL.

Today as it says in the title I have a couple of sets of tags that I've made.

The first are using the new Waltzing Mouse Stamps and my Spellbinder nestabilities Square and Scalloped squares.

Nice and simple yet effective.

Love this new range of stamps from Waltzing Mouse giving a real vintage feel to Christmas.

The second are using stamps from Paper Artsy and my round and scalloped Spellbinder nestabilities;

The combination of craft and red seems to be really big this season and this Artsy stamp is just perfect.

Mind you I can see why, I love them.

Well that's all from me folks I'm off to find my Santa hat and get in the festive spirit...bar humbug!

2011-12-07T17:01:00.003Z

Get the glitter out IT'S Christmas

Today I had the joy of my wee boys Nativity show in school and what a joy!

One little boy in particular had my crying with laughter...why?

Well they were singing a song about not being cross to be counted in Bethlehem,
picture the scene,

all the kids dresses in blankets lining up to be counted...

this little lad,
half the size of all the others shouting at the top of his voice,

"I'm not CROSS!"

LOL

He looked it and he was so cute.
Put it another way I'd hate to see him cross.

My wee one was a Roman soldier and had to march around smartly in his uniform including his Roman hat and count the people.

Gone are the days when the nativity was Mary and Joseph, a few shepherd's, angels, 3 kings and a few well placed animals.

The staff and kids did a great job.

I remember only one Nativity vividly from school when I was Mary,
two things stick in my mind,
disliking the boy that was Joseph
and having to stand up and sing "Away in a Manger" on my own.

Scarred for life!

My mum also tells me I was an angel at about three and just sat picking my nose the whole time. LOL. She was mortified.

Needless to say this came back to haunt me

when my eldest was in his Nativity in nursery at the same age,

he too picked his nose throughout the whole performance.

I think they call it "karma!"

Come to mention it there was one of the little girls having a good route around today.

Kids don't you just love them!

Anyway back to my post and if your name is Gill and you are my buddy stop here and don't read any further as I would hate to spoil the surprise.

If you are not we will carry on.

Here is another kit that I have made with the kids,

this is a fabulous one as it works very much like paint by numbers but glitter.

It is so much faster to work with so kids don't get board easily

plus you get the added bonus of being glittered and have a lovely seasonal glittery table too.

LOL.

This is the pack we used;

And the results;

We then mat and layered them onto a 6" card.

The kids had great fun and we all sparkled after!

Three simple cards done and dusted.

Next job on the list......

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000Z

Biker Christmas

My mum or "Biker Gran"

as my kids call her asked me recently to make a biker Christmas card

for the guys at her local Harley shop.

Here it is;

I decided to go a bit festive but keep it simple and masculine.

I have used;

Harley Davidson papers and stamp (embossed) by EK Success Ltd.

Spellbinder dies Snowflake pendant 2010 and Fancy tags 3.

Bling from Artoz.

I didn't want to cover the Harley paper in the background and just layered the centre.

The last card I made for these guys was all bikes and chains so I wanted to do something totally different....I hope my mum likes it?!

2011-12-05T09:00:00.013Z

365 Calendar

Oh my I'm late again but I'm actually amazed I've made it through the whole of the year.

I can't believe that's a whole 12 months done and dusted...

well nearly

I've just got to fill in December first, here it is;

I'm afraid the quality of the picture really isn't the best

the weather here yesterday when I took it was very dark and snowy,

not the best of conditions.

I have used;

Distress inks Vintage photo, Evergreen bough, Crushed olive, Pine needles and Iced spruce.

The greens are layered on my tree and the background is Iced spruce and Vintage photo.

I have also used stamps to create texture Dot Pattern by Hero arts and SU, Swirls by Anita's and Fanciful flourishes from Simply Homemade magazine.

The labels are Shapeabilities Holiday tags and Nestabilities Heirloom ornament 2011 by Spellbinder dies.

Foam sentiment stickers by Thickers which I have covered with Martha Stewart "Peridot" fine glitter to match.

String from stash.

I think I am having a thing for Kraft just now,

I have stamped on it too but my camera has not picked it up.

Don't you just love this cold winter weather....an ideal time to wrap up warm, stay in and craft!

Here is my November all done and dusted too;

You will need to look back to November the 8th for more details on that one.

For more calendars why not pop on over to Kate's blog,

scroll back to the beginning of the month and you'll find everyone elses there.

I can't believe how different they all are even if the same theme pops up.

Thanks Kate for this great monthly challenge this year,

I have had a ball!

Today it is also my turn to post over on

It's a Creative World

why not pop over and say hi,

there are lots of different lovely crafty ladies sharing ideas and tips.

Some great ideas for Christmas gifts.

Catch you soon I'm off now to do my favourite job in the whole wide world....

the ironing!

Boo.

2011-12-04T12:11:00.001Z

Martha scores again!

Remember I mentioned that I had a great crafting time last week with my youngest and my pals two,

this is another of the items that we made.

I asked each of the kids to pick a house and this is what they came up with;

The church.

The pink house.

And the blue one.

This pack is a great project to do with kids.

My youngest at 7 needed a wee bit of help putting it together but not much.

The village has now been split as above the two houses have been re homed at my pals,

we still have another 2 in the pack to make up to go with the church.

Glitter was added to the roofs but I think got more on ourselves, LOL.

If you can't sparkle at Christmas then when can you?!

You could carry on decorating these wee homes by adding more crafty loveliness if you wish.

Endless hours of fun on a wet cold winters day!

2011-12-02T11:50:00.000Z

Candy time!

Now today I have two types of candy for you....a good crafting pal of mine,

Elaine

has some fabulous crafty candy up for grabs,

just look at these lush papers;

How yummy are they?

Best be quick and pop on over to her blog as it closes tomorrow.

Secondly the next type of candy we also love....

CHOCOLATE!

Yep, suddenly in December my youngest boy gets up a whole hour earlier...why?

For his advent treat of course.

This year as my oldest boy is away I decided rather than send him a chocolate calendar,

which would be munched by the 3rd,

I have sent him mini parcels one for each day.

Now when my youngest saw this....he was keen to play along too...more chocolate!

So I have wrapped him mini packs of sweets and each night I hide the next days leaving him a clue as to where to find it.

It doesn't have to be much but at least we are reading and problem solving

....although I freely admit at 6 a.m. I am not the best of help!

My eldest didn't want a calendar....

guess he's reaching that age where he is growing up but still quite fancied the treats,

which is how the whole idea came about.

I did however manage to find the smallest traditional advent calendars (the size of a credit card)

which I also snuck in his parcel....

"Wow mum that's got to be the smallest!"

Do we really grow out of these traditions?

I also got a Christmas gift through the post....you know who you are...THANK YOU!

A Martha Stewart Advent Calendar...

WOW

...it is so cool.

My youngest and I set to work on the 30th glue in hand, what fun we had.

This is how it arrives in it's packaging but boy it is so much better in real life.

Now my wee man helped all the way making up the house,

adding the windows and door,

but once it came to filling he just looked me straight in the eyes and said

"I'm going to leave you now mum...to fill it with lots of yumminess...

I don't want to spoil the surprise."

Before he left he reminded me that the treat inside....as you can see there is lots of room...must be able to fit through the door on the right.

Now I hadn't been shopping to fill this particular house so

I had to find what I've acquired over the last few weeks shopping.

The little teddies looked so lost I thought blow it and added two presents one for each of my kids.

Now these will be accessed by removing the base which I have just taped lightly in place.

Once filled it was time to put on the lid.

I have filled the roof with chocolate coins, lindt Christmas balls and other Christmassie treats adding two treats in the dates when my big boy comes home so they can share!!

(Lets hope nicely!)

Then it was time to add the roof and chimney.

How fab is that!

Now you could add glitter and snow but we have left it simple.

It is big too taking up half of my coffee table.

It is easy to construct with good instructions and at least a whole afternoons entertainment with a young one.

We both had great fun making it

but I hope the getting up an hour earlier all of December soon wears off, LOL.

Do you have any traditions that you love to keep in the run up to Christmas?

2011-12-01T09:00:00.001Z

Sugar Bowl time again no. 73

Hi folks it's that time again!

Whoop, whoop it's the 1st of December....not long now before

"YOU KNOW WHO" arrives,

have you been naughty or nice?

Yesterday I had fun with my youngest making up a Martha Stewart Calendar for him to open....

he insisted on leaving when it was time to fill it as he wanted a surprise!

We also do a treasure hunt in this house but more about that another day.

Back to the Sugar bowl and today it is the lovely

Cathy's sketch with the challenge

"Out of the Ordinary!"

Ooooh!

I had to think about this one.

And that hurt!

What is meant by this is to try something you wouldn't normal do.

Or as I like to think "stepping out of your box or comfort zone."

Here is my attempt;

I have used;

Sugar Nellie stamp Rosie.

Gingham Paper by MM kids collection Sam. Craft and white from my stash.

Spellbinder Nestabilities dies Classic round and Lacey circles,

plus Shapeabilites Holiday tags.

Cuttlebug embossing die spots.

Sentiment stamp by Walzingmouse stamps from their new Complements of the Season range.

Red lace and white seam binding from my local craft shop Papercrafts Boutique, Elgin.

White liquid pearl.

Image is coloured with my Prisma pencils and stitched on my machine.

The sketch is;

I loved this challenge,

mind you I did have to dust off my pencils

as I haven't really used them since getting my copic pens.

My "out of the ordinary" was using my pencils on craft paper

bet you hadn't guessed that one!

I have looked on in admiration at all the cards with pencil on craft and thought this was the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

I think I might be hooked and have to do it again very soon, LOL.

This is my first attempt too!

I say that only because I was shocked and happy with the results first time,

those who know me will know I tend to be a faffer!

(And will keep going till I get it right!)

On to the prize......

it is your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps.....

going up to 6 if the entries top the 100 mark.

So as I always say at this point...

you've got to be in it to win it...

why not give it a go?

I look forwards to seeing what you come up with.

Happy crafting!

2011-11-30T11:02:00.000Z

Simply Angelic!

Whoops didn't manage yesterday's post,

busy out buying wallpaper and paint to get my front room decorated before Christmas!

Then I had my friends children over in the evening

and we had a craft session with some fabby Martha Stewart products,

I have taken pictures so will share them later this week with you.

Back to Andy Skinner's second class with fabby paint techniques.

Here is my tag;

With this tag we used the "dry brushing" technique with the wonderful new Martha Stewart paints and Andy's stamps "Simply Angelic".

Why not pop over to the lovely Kath's blog and check out her posting for yesterday....why...

well, she has been so good and gone home and finished her projects.

Arh Kath you are too good! LOL.

I love how you've finished them.

An incentive indeed to get cracking with mine also.

Anyway that's all from me today.

I have a little boy off school desperate to help decorate

so I better go and get him from under my hubby's feet.

2011-11-28T15:40:00.000Z

Crafty day out.

Yesterday I was luck to join Andy Skinner for two classes at the Papeterie in Aberdeen.

I also met the lovely Lindsay Mason who was also teaching,

plus some fella crafters and bloggers;

Kath, Anne, Charlotte and Kara.

I hopefully made some new crafting friends too.

This is what we made in our first class.

We concentrated on different paint techniques and ways to create texture, rivets and metal effects.

I really enjoyed all the different techniques that Andy shared with us,

it was a very relaxed class even stopping for tea and treats!

(My kind of class!)

We used the new Martha Stewart acrylic paints and Andy's own stamps Flight of Fancy.

I love the fact that Andy carries across products used in ceramics to his paper crafting....

they works so well.

I have a stack of ceramic items somewhere here as it was my main hobby before paper crafts

...time to go full circle and get some out and play again.

Now where did I put them?!

That is the question.

More from me tomorrow.

2011-11-23T12:56:00.000Z

Bad blogger!

Oh I have been such a bad blogger of late.

Sorry guys but busy making stocking fillers and gifts plus I've had visitors and been away at the weekend.

Having major crafting withdrawal symptoms I can tell you.

Still my youngest is back to school today and I am catching up on some crafting orders.

Thought I'd just share with you my recent Christmas gifts class.

I have made a gift card wrapped in ribbon,

a shoe with thanks to Stacy for the template

and a door hanger complete with chocolate.

I have used;

MME papers Stella and Rose;
Joy Woodgrain paper, Play Damask paper and Hazel special fine floret paper.

Loss and Found 2 Princess stamps.
Spellbinder Nestabilities die Petite ovals small and Shapeabilities Daisy flower topper.
The button is by Idea-ology and ribbon/fibres from my stash.

The card is 4 x 12" and is scored at 2, 4 8 and 10" then decorated with a pocket in the centre to add a gift card.

The door plate is 3 x 11" scored at 1,2,4 and 4 1/2" from the bottom to create the pocket.
Then a oval is cut on the 1" score mark and again at the top to hook over the door.
Then decorate and add chocolate.

Just putting together my next Sugar Bowl sample ready for the next challenge
.....my lips are sealed!
After that looking at this craft room I think a tidy is in order...maybe some lunch first to build up my strength, LOL.
Have a great "hump" day!

2011-11-17T09:00:00.001Z

Sugar Bowl 72 and IACW!

It's that time again and today it is the wonderful

Gayle's

sketch for the next Sugar Bowl challenge.

Here is my take;

With the sketch;

And the theme;

ice and snow!

Brrr!

Up for grabs are your choice of 4 Sugar Nellie stamps if under 100 entries and 6 if over.

For my card I have used;

Sugar Nellie stamp Festive friends coloured with copics.

First Edition Christmas joy 6" papers.

PI sentiment stamps by Paula Pascual Large Christmas and

Distress inks Broken China and Antique linen.

Diamond stickles.

Buttons and string from stash.

Another great sketch and a different shape of card this time around.

I really enjoyed making this card, but remember as I always say....

you've got to be in it to win it!

Today is also my first day posting on It's a Creative World.

I am looking forwards to sharing my ideas over there

as it is made up of a talented bunch of crafters.

I have included my double slider that I made recently

and I know some of the local ladies have been waiting for me to post the link for instructions,

thanks for your patience....it is here.

With an extra big thanks to Dawn for sharing the secret recipe.

Now for the pictures;

The first picture is with the tags pulled out and the second with it closed.

For this card I have used;

MME Loss and found Union Square papers with AC textured card.

Martha Stewart punch Traditional scalloped to create the tree with stickles diamond to accent.

Sentiment stamps by Kirsty Wiseman Many Greetings and the Holly stamp is by PI.

The wee tag is by Spellbinder ribbon tag trio and I have threaded seam binding through it instead of using a sentiment for a change.

Finally I have finished with Distress ink Vintage photo and Tea dye.

As I mention on the IACW blog my little boy thinks this card is just magic.

He promptly went off to his craft box and had a wee go but of course without the special ingredient it won't work!

Another case of re use and recycle those plastic bags but in a whole other direction.

Why not give it a go?

Happy crafting.

2011-11-16T08:01:00.000Z

Charming fragment

Morning guys just a quickie from me today as I'm doing one of my craft fairs tonight and I shall be beavering away all day.

This is a wee charm I made up for the Christmas tree.

Above are pictures of the front and back.

I have used;

Stamps Andy Skinner Simply Angelic and Inkadinkadoo Winter Wonderland.

Papers MME Loss and found Christmas.

Stickles Diamond.

Idea-ology fragment tags x 2.

Charm, bell and ribbon from stash.

I have attached paper to the back of my fragments using glossy accents

and then attached them back to back to create the Christmas decoration,

finally adding a ribbon and embellishments to finish.

Simples!

Tomorrow is my first post on IACW....excited, yes.

I'm away to see if I can also use type pad!!

Wish me luck.

Happy crafting!

2011-11-15T07:32:00.001Z

Boxing clever!

Arh where did yesterday go...yep no post from me.

In my defence my house is tidy except of course my crafting space.

I also had a wee boy off school not feeling well plus my mum arrived.

A busy day was had by all!

On to today and this card;

A closer look at the centre;

And inside;

Whoops the inside I photographed a wee bit wonky, sorry, but you'll get the general idea.

For this card I have used;

MME Loss and Found Christmas 6" paper pad.

Martha Stewart punch Doilly lace.

Crackle glaze and Stickles Diamond with StazOn Timber Brown.

Distress ink Tea Tye.

Stamped images from Inkadinkadoo Winter Wonderland and sentiments from PI Kirsty Wiseman Many Greetings.

Spellbinder Shapeabilities die Ribbon tags trio.

Finally ribbon from stash.

You can find the instructions to make this card here.

I have found through playing

StazOn ink works the best with Crackle glaze.

The stickles have been added on top of the glaze once dried.

I love this shape of card and would like to thank the girls over on Splitcoaststampers for sharing this tutorial.

I'm going to be a wee bit quiet over the next week as I have two craft fairs up and coming and also plans for a busy weekend.

Happy crafting to you all.....cause that's what I'll be doing!

2011-11-13T10:40:00.000Z

New shoes?!

Today it is our local crop in Hopeman so my next job is to pack my bags ready to go.

I have a pamper evening in the middle of next week at the local school that I've been asked to do a stall for, so I think I best get my thinking cap on and make some items for that.

Today I thought I'd share with you my new shoes from my recent demo in Elgin.

I love these.....

great idea for a novel Christmas gift, filling the toe with a couple of sweeties or cosmetics.

For my shoes I have used;

MME Loss and Found Union Square papers.

Spellbinder Nestabilities Layered Poinsettia.

Sentiment stamp by PI Paula Pascual Essential Christmas.

Distress ink Vintage Photo.

Lace from Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin.

Beads from stash.

I'd like to give a big shout out to Stacy Cohen for allowing me to use her fabulous template for my demonstration which you can find here, together with some of her lovely samples too.

Why not pop on over to her blog for a wee look.

When my son saw me making these he said,

"mum they're way to small for you, are they for a baby to wear?"

I replied I don't think the heel would stand my weight if nothing else

and I can't see a baby in them either.

To which the reply was...."then why are you making them?"

Don't you just love kids!

My reply was of course

"because I can....and I love a challenge!"

I'm not a girl who goes mad about shoes or bags if anything I prefer a good sheet of 12" paper, LOL.

But I guess we all know a friend with a love of shoes.....don't we?

Even better a crafter who loves shoes!

Have a great Sunday.

To all those out on parade this Sunday, stay warm.

My eldest is doing his bit today but I am gutted that I won't be able to see him....

but then I'd only embarrass him by welling up!

My other boys are playing rugby or they too would be at a service.

My favourite parade I was involved in was on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh....have you ever tried marching in the wet on cobbles....my it's slippy.

More from me tomorrow.

2011-11-12T19:32:00.000Z

A wee dram!

Don't mind if I do thanks....

Saturday night curry and dram just now sat waiting for Saturday night viewing.

Today I spent the day at Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin.

Now I'm bushed!

I enjoyed my day and thank all the lovely ladies who came along....I hope you had fun too.

Just a quick card to show you tonight and another simple one for you.

I have used:

The large stamp is by PI and was in a special pack at the shop for Christmas.

Martha Stewart glitter.

Spellbinder Shapeabilities Ribbon tags trio.

Sentiment by PI Kirsty Wiseman Many Greetings.

Red and cream cardstock by AC and ribbon from stash.

Distress ink Vintage photo, Tea dye and Black Soot.

With the large stamp I inked it with black soot distress inks and used my heat gun to dry it.

Once dry I took a paint brush and some water to the image and spread out the ink using the shading on the stamp as a guide.

I then added tea dye and vintage photo around the edges to give it a vintage feel before adding the glitter.

This gives it a oldie worldly type of appearance,

I like it, what about you?

I'm away to chill out and watch some TV with my wee boy,

More from me tomorrow.

2011-10-19T13:15:00.000+01:00

Let it snow, again!

Nearly there now.

And for today......

From the side;

For this card I have used;

AC textured black card stock plus MME Loss and Found Union Square.

Spellbinder dies; Grand Nestabilities scalloped circles,

Shapeabilities Create a flake 3 and Ironworks Motifs.

Martha Stewart Crystal coarse glitter.

Pearl by K & Company.

Black seam binding from stash and Distress ink Vintage Photo.

To create this card you need 2 x 6" squares of card and 1 4 x 6" piece of card.

Cut a centre out of one of the 6" squares which is the front.

Fold the 4 x 6" card,

I have folded every 1/2" as the hole in the front card goes quite low.

Then attach the folded card to both 6" squares at the bottom leaving open at the top.

Glitter snowflake pieces then leave to dry, 3D foam together then hang with thread to top of card.

(If the 3D foam has trouble sticking to the glitter either apply foam before glittering leaving the cover over the sticky pad or add a wee bit of glossy accents after which will help stick).

To then finish the card you can either attached with brads at the top corners or use your cropadile to attach ribbon though both sides, as I have with this one.

Why not give it a go,

I'd love to hear how you get on.

2011-10-18T11:37:00.001+01:00

Not more Christmas!

Nearly at the end of Elgin demo samples with only three more cards to show you then I shall move on to Inverness samples, in between that I will throwing in a Sugar Bowl card and maybe the felt item I have been working on. Prototype has been made but as with everything first time around I want to tweak it a wee bit before sharing.

On to today's card;

For this card I have used;

Spellbinder Shapeabilities Lace Doily motifs, Fancy tags and Ironwork accents, plus Nestabilities classic round circles.

Paper is American craft black textured card and MME Loss and Found Union Square.

Stamp by PI Paula Pascual Large Christmas.

Pearls by Zva Creative.

Distress stain Vintage photo and satin ribbon from stash.

This card was inspired by the wonderful Sue over on Particraft, with her introduction to the new Spellbinder dies on TV earlier in the year.

The star shape is make with two square Lace Doily motifs folded across and down plus diagonally on both sides. Then both dies are attached together.

The corners are made by taking the smaller square die and cutting into quarters.

I have then layered tags and the sentiment in the middle finishing with ink and pearls.

I will be honest it is a wee bit fiddly so patience is a must and to post it will of course require a box.

It is an 8" card so it's a whopper!

More tomorrow.

2011-10-17T09:59:00.000+01:00

Plastic balls!

This is another item that Karen at Papercrafts Boutique gave me to include in a sample for the demo.

I loved it so much I had to buy some for myself.

In fact I believe they were so popular that they sold out which reminds me I must check if she will be getting more.

Now I have to admit that I don't think the above photograph does my bauble justice but that is more because of my abilities taking pictures as a good friend recently told me.

"Oh they're so much better in real life!"

So I'm afraid this is more of a taster instead.

I have used;

Spellbinder Nestabilities die 2011 Heirloom Ornament.

Paper by MME Loss and Found Union Square.

Stickles Diamond and Distress ink Vintage photo.

Plastic bauble.

Thread and satin ribbon from stash.

I think you'll agree the die fits just perfectly inside the bauble.

I have used eight die cuts and folded down the centre gluing together with Glossy accents.

I then added distress ink and glitter to the edges.

As I glued it together I added cotton thread which I used to hang it centrally when closing the bauble.

Finally I added ribbon to hang up and a big bow of satin ribbon to hid all the workings!

Now I've just got to remember to make myself three before Christmas to hang in my dining room.

What am I up to today....

To start with I really need to go food shopping, which I really enjoy NOT.

I did send my other half recently but he came back with such an unhealthy bag of pastries and treats and not everything on the list...

"just follow the list!"

LOL.

Then I will be going to my local craft shop as I have given up looking for black felt to finish what I started a couple of days ago.

Guess what?

I will find it as soon as I come home with more.

Hopefully once all my jobs are done I may get some craft time although I think my kids want to go bowling or to the cinema...

I will have to wait and see.

Have a super Monday and more again from me tomorrow.

2011-10-16T09:39:00.000+01:00

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

If I was only this organised with my own gifts for Christmas.

I loved making this next sample and it really came about by accident,

don't you just love it when you have happy accidents!

I had an idea in my head to make my earlier canvas into a wreath

but as you can see I changed my mind.

I then decided I still wanted to do a wreath with the lovely new Spellbinder flower dies

and set to work.

Karen had also asked me to include a calender of sorts....

which I tend to do each year at Papercrafts Boutique in Elgin.

So here it is...and I hate to admit it but I was really happy with how this came out.

I have used;

Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities die large scalloped circles for the base of the wreath.

For the flowers I have used Shapeabilities Anemone flower topper, Spiral blossom 1, Foliage and Ironworks motif.

Card stock by American craft and MME Loss and Found Union Square.

Calender from Papercrafts Boutique.

Bling from K & Company.

Glitter Stickles red and Distress ink Vintage Photo.

I love these two new flower dies by Spellbinder.

What I found really interesting with the Spiral blossom dies was every time the flower came out slightly different, I love that just like natures garden!

Anyway that's all from me again today,

I'm away to watch the rugby and maybe catch up on some more ironing....

don't you just love Sunday mornings!

2011-10-15T09:31:00.000+01:00

A day off

It feels a bit weird to be sat at home chilling on a Saturday when I've done quite a few demo's on the trot.

Still I have a cup of tea and the Wales rugby match on with my boys,

then we have a day to Inverness planned swimming and the cinema.

Before I go I thought I'd post another sample;

For this card I have used;

Spellbinder shapeabilities Lace Doily Motifs, Ironwork Motifs, Layered Poinsettia and Foliage together with Classic circles and classic Scalloped circles.

The paper I have used is MME Loss and Found Union Square.

Distress ink Vintage photo and Fired Brick.

Joy stamp from Andy Skinners set Simply Angelic.

Gold beads from stash.

This is a 5 x 10" easel card folded at 5" and 7.5" with a 5" square added to the front.

Easel cards have become so popular over the last six months with all manner of shapes, sizes and angles being tried.

I do like the simplicity of this simple square one.

I did have a play with my felt yesterday and started to get a wee bit excited as what I was making started to come together....

until I realised I had no black felt. :(

Well, that probably isn't totally true, I just can't find any.

So whilst out today I will be trying escape to a craft shop and acquire a wee bit.

That's my excuse!

I have so many projects I start but then don't get chance to finish.

I am determined this won't be one of them.

Have a great weekend.

And finally COME ON WALES!

(Got to support the only home team left in the Rugby!)

2011-10-14T11:51:00.000+01:00

It's all a load of baubles!

Back to cards we go....

For this card I have used;

Spellbinder Nestabilities die 2011 Heirloom Ornament and Shapeabilities Holiday tags.

Red textured card stock by American Craft and MME Loss and Found Union Square.

For the bauble I have used smooth white card stock, clear embossing powder, PI stamp Large Christmas and Essential Christmas by Paula Pascual, Distress ink Fired brick and Vintage photo, bling by Zva Creative, stitched at home and red seam binding from stash.

I have stamped and embossed the bauble first before adding the distress ink over the top, adding more around the outside to create a 3d feeling.

When I've added the bauble to the card I've also layered it higher in the middle with 3d foam to also continue the effect.

I've really enjoyed playing with this new Heirloom die in lots of different ways.

Honestly I freely admit I've not always been a big fan of baubles in the past for Christmas but I'm and now well and truly a convert.

Watch out for another couple of ways I have used it coming soon.

I'd love to hear what you have done with it should you of course have this new die.

That's all from me today

I'm away to play with some felt with another wee idea up my sleeve.

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000+01:00

There's more!

Today I thought I'd have a wee break from card making and show you a brooch that I have made using the new Spellbinder Shapeabilities Layered Poinsettia.

I have used gold and red felt, stitched by hand then I've added some small gold beads and a brass brooch pin.

Finally adding a wee bit of red Stickles around the edges.

I did need to run the felt and dies through a couple of times in my Calibur just to make sure it had cut but it has now given me another idea........me thinks I might have a play later.

More soon, well tomorrow actually, happy crafting!

2011-10-12T11:31:00.000+01:00

It starts!

Right folks as promised today marks the start of my samples for Elgin demo from the beginning of the month.

Now Karen kindly gave me the next item to include in her demonstration, a canvas.

I loved making this.

At first I knew exactly what I would do but once the canvas was in front of me I totally changed my mind and this is what I came up with.

The canvas is 8" and I have also used;

Red and black acrylic paint plus Distress crackle paint Picket fence for the frame.

Papers from MME Loss and Found Christmas plus old music paper and white tissue paper.

Red glitter lettering and swirl by K & Company.

Spellbinder nestabilities Labels 15 and 2011 Heirloom ornament,

Shapeabilities Fancy tags, Layered Poinsettia, Create a Flake 3 and Holiday tags.

Fragments by Tim Holtz Idea-ology, Distress ink Vintage Photo and Crackle accents.

Christmas sentiment stamp by PI and

Christmas tree stamps by Andy Skinner "Let the Festivities Begin".

Beads, bling and twine from stash.

Did I mention that I really, really enjoyed making this?

LOL.

Even if I spent far to long doing it,

I do loose time when I get engrossed.

I blame the lovely Kath you have a lot to answer for.

After our class earlier in the year I have been wanting to do more canvasses.

You've started something now!

...I can see a few Christmas pressies this year!

2011-10-11T10:49:00.000+01:00

Last but no way least.

Well, this is my last sample from Aberdeen demo day before moving onto Elgin tomorrow.

Firstly I have some really exciting news....

I have been invited to become a Design Team member on

It's a Creative World

I am really excited about this and am looking forwards to sharing more of my crafty ideas with you.

So watch this space!

Back to the sample:

And the back.

I have used:

Paper from MME Loss and Found Christmas, AC textured white card.

Spellbinder Nestabilities Classic circles and Big scalloped circles, Shapeabilities Create a flake 3.

Stamps are from MME Loss and Found Christmas for the sentiment and Gorjuss girl Toadstools and Gorjuss Snowman.

Red and Diamond stickles, Distress ink Vintage photo and Fibres from stash.

Both stamped images were coloured using Copic pens.

I love this box card idea and have made it using a 12 x 6" piece of card.

I have scored it at 1", 2", 6", 7" and 11".

Cut off the first inch then score the rest.

This will make your box shape.

One word of warning decorate it before finally putting the box together,

believe me it is a lot easier.

Yup, I've tried it both ways for scientific reasons of course, LOL.

Oh, did I also mention I love this snowman....

so easy to colour with only really his scarf to do

except for a wee bit of highlighting here and there.

I love him.

That's all for me again today I'm still working on my ironing pile and am playing taxi driver to my boys later.

These kids have better a social life than me.

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

Enjoy a Spellbinding "Tattie holidays!"

Only two more posts for my Aberdeen samples then I'll be moving on to Elgin.

So all change on Wednesday this week.

On to today.....

Closed with a wee peak!

And open.

And inside.

For this card I have used:

Spellbinder Shapeabilities dies; Holiday tags, Layered Poinsettia and Nested Pine trees.

Martha Stewart punch Doily lace.

Gorjuss stamp "Holly" and MME Loss and Found Christmas.

Papers MME Lost and found Christmas 12" papers and 6" pad.

MME Loss and Found brads.

Coloured with copic pens, Stickles holly and Distress ink Vintage photo.

Finally the gold beads (centre of poinsettia) are from my stash.

The measurements for this card are mentioned in an earlier post but for a quick recap...

the first card is 29 x 15 cms scored and folded 7 plus 7 1/2 cms in from each side.

The centre card is 13 1/2 by 18 1/2 cms folded at 2 1/2 cms

this flap is used to attach the card to the centre top

of first card....

now decorate!

And enjoy!

I love this shape of card but I do need to give a wee toot to Create and Craft for giving me the inspiration to adapt an idea seen on there.

For the next fortnight I have my boys off for the local "tattie holidays"

although there will be no tattie picking going on in this house with the X box being favoured.

Little do they know that if the weather is fine....I have a plan!

Fresh air and exercise....this is going to hurt, LOL.

2011-10-09T10:23:00.000+01:00

Thanks!

Today is the second day of the Sugar Nellie blog hop showcasing their new stamps.

A big thank you to all who visited here yesterday and left such lovely comments over the coming week I do hope to have a wee wander to your blogs too.

I will be playing catch up today and joining in yesterdays and today's all in one,

sorry I didn't make it on last night as planned

but I had a date with two kids, a sofa, a glass of red and "Merlin!"

Mr M & S also kindly provided my meal which was all ready once I got home from Inverness.

And chillaxe!

I would also like to thank all the lovely ladies in Inverness for making yesterdays demo so enjoyable for me.

To the staff for my tea and chocolate which kept me going throughout the day.

I would also like to wish the shop manager "Lesley" a speedy recovery. x

To those who made purchases, enjoy your new goodies,

I know you will because I too

had such fun making the samples.

Back to my Aberdeen demo and it's "BAUBLE" time!

For this card I have used;

Spellbinder Nestabilities 2011 Heirloom Ornament.

MME Lost and Found Christmas papers and brad with tag.

American craft textured card.

Adirondack alcohol inks; Meadow, Bottle, Lettuce, Red pepper, Cranberry and Butterscotch with a Copper mixative, dabbed with felt to shinny white card stock and blended with Alcohol blending solution.

Finished with Distress ink Vintage photo and a taupe seam binding bow.

That's all from me today I'm away to join in the Sugar Nellie hop.

Enjoy your Sunday whatever you have planned....

I'm building up my strength to tackle my man mountain of ironing later. :(

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

"At the hop!"

It's time!

The Fairy Glen hop none the less.

Hop, hop, hop!

Guess you want to see my card?

Firstly you should have arrived to me from the lovely Mina's blog

if not you will need to go back to the start (sorry no £200 for passing go!) at the

Sugar Nellie blog.

All these gorgeous stamps are available today from the

Funky kits site.

Are you sitting comfortably?

Then we'll begin:

This little cutie is called Charlotte.

I did warn you that these little stamps are too cute.

This card went to my good friend Christel for her special birthday

so I added her name and age too.

All downhill from now on my lovely!! :)

I have also used;

Spellbinder nestabilities eyelet circles and the new Shapeabilities Spiral blossom 1.

Paper pad by Prima "Jack and Gill" with a beautiful soft colour combination.

Pearls by Zva Creative,

Martha Stewart punch PATP Wild flowers,

Stickles diamond,

coloured with copics

and finally wire from my stash.

Now on to the next blog in the hop and the lovely Pat,

knowing Pat she will have a fabulous card instore for you.

I hope you have a super hop today