Thursday, May 31, 2012

Hand around the Sugar bowl 85

Hi folks and it's that time again another fortnight has whizzed by and time for the Sugar Bowl.  This time it is a sketch from the lovely Kiki and the challenge "shades of violet!"
Here is my card...


And the sketch....


I have used Sugar Nellie digital image Rebecca together with papers by DCWV The Mademoiselle.
The image is coloured with copics, the sentiment is from Marion Emberson and the dies from SU.
The purples I have used match the paper although they'd don't look as close in the photo, mmm, I think I took the picture too late in the day.  Never mind.
Up for grabs are 4 of your choice from the Sugar Nellie range of stamps going to 6 if more than 100 entries. 
It only remains for me to say as always...you've got to be in it to win it!
Enjoy and have a great Thursday.

I nearly forgot....today is my birthday another year older but at least that gives me a great excuse to have some CAKE!

Thanks for popping over.  x

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Whats on your Workdesk 156

Hi folks and it's an exciting day over on Julia's blog today for WOYWW because it's the third anniversary, yaah! 
Today to mark the event we are having an ATC swap.
I've never made an ATC (yes, I'm a ATC virgin! LOL) tending to stick to cards, tags and home decor items so I'm all ready to play this morning.  However.....I'm not giving anything away with my desk!



Such a meanie aren't I!
In my defence I was going to be really organised and make yesterday and photograph but a good friend of mine leaves to live in the States today so I had to see her before she left.  Plus I had a couple of card orders and a mega house clean required after a busy week last week demonstrating, teaching and having visitors.  Excuses, excuses! 
I'm away now to dry my hair, have my breakfast then sit down this morning.....have some time off and get creative.  
Here, is my link for the next in line!

Why not pop on over to Julia's blog and see what the party is all about.

It only remains for me to say thanks for popping by and happy anniversary everyone!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Sneaky peak two revealed!

Hi back again, yesterday was spent galloping down and back to the central belt of Scotland....and there was my day gone! 
I was all ready for the lovely sunshine again donning shorts and vest top but boy it was chilly when I got back up north thanks to our lovely haar off the sea, brrr, and I was just starting to get used to the heat!
We are never happy with the weather are we?  Guess it is good that it is so changeable.

Moving on and today I wanted to show you the second card from my class in Aberdeen on Sunday.


I have used Spellbinder M-Bossabilities Flower fun together with Nestabilities Lables Twenty four.  The tags are from the Shapeabilities range and are Fancy tags, Fancy tags Three and Ribbon buckles.
The sentiment is by Marion Emberson Find joy everyday and the pearls are from my stash.
The card was supplied by the Papeterie.

I love layering the different Spellbinder dies as they all work so well together.  They also have the added benefit of making the card looking more difficult than it really is.  :)

During yesterdays post I showed you the bag we made in class but you couldn't really appreciate the shape of it from the flat picture....hopefully with this below you can get a better idea.


Now that's better!
I have some catching up to do this week but I'll be back tomorrow with my weekly trip to WOYWW.

Monday, May 28, 2012

A hot and sticky weekend!

Is it me or was this weekend hot and sticky?  We are just not used to the lovely weather in the North of Scotland especially all week and the weekend....what a treat!  LOL.

I had a lovely day on Saturday at the Papeterie in Aberdeen.  It was a little quiet but with the sun shining I suspect most people were out and about making the most of it. 
I'd like to thank the lovely ladies who made it in and sat in the heat whilst I had great fun playing with the Spellbinder dies.  Who wouldn't!  I shall be sharing my samples later this week.

Yesterday we had a wee change of plans with the beautiful weather and I am now running what was the Sunday morning class (see sneak peak on Friday - black and white) on Saturday 11th August in the afternoon 12.30 till 3.30 p.m.
I would also like to mention the lovely ladies who came to yesterdays afternoon class through at the Papeterie....it was hot and sticky just like Saturday but armed with a couple of fans and plenty of liquids we made it through.  I hope you all enjoyed playing with the new dies and thanks for making my class so enjoyable.

This was the first item we made...


You can't see from this picture but this is the new Grand Dahlia nestabilities die and we used two of them with a central gusset to create a gift bag.  This style of bag was inspired by the lovely Becca at Amazing Paper Grace. 
I have also used Shapeabilities Labels Twenty four (my new favourite!) and Fancy tags Three.
The sentiment stamp is by Hero arts Anytime messages.  Bling is from my stash.
The great thing about creating these bags if you have the Calibur it that you can make them as big as the largest dies and you can adjust the internal gusset to fit height, width and depth just allow a small boarder each side to attach all three pieces together.  Lots of different possibilities and combinations! 

That's all from me today I'm away to catch up on a few things after a busy weekend and family up visiting.  Have a super Monday and more from me tomorrow.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Sneaky peak 2

So while I am beavering away in Aberdeen I thought I'd add another sneaky peak for you. 
This is my second class 1.30 p.m. till 3.30 p.m.

Again this is using wonderful Spellbinding products together with card from the Papeterie and a wee bit of stamping.



Mmmm what can they be?
I will reveal soon.

Enjoy your Saturday.  x

Friday, May 25, 2012

Sneaky peak!

Do you fancy a sneaky peak at one of the classes I am running this Sunday at the Papeterie in Aberdeen?

This is my morning class 10.30 a.m. till 12.30 p.m. and yes we are going to be playing with the wonderful Spellbinder products.



We are going to be using the Papeterie's fabulous pearlescent card together with the dies and embossing folders with the addition of a little simple stamping and embellishing.

If you want further details do not hesitate to click on the above link for the shop.

I am also looking forwards to demonstrating tomorrow too with......wait for it........more SPELLBINDERS!

Have a great weekend whatever you are doing, enjoy the sunshine and if you are in Aberdeen with time on your hands feel free to pop in and say hi, it would be lovely to see you.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Keepsake

Recently it was my very lovely friend Gayle's birthday and well it couldn't go by with a little keepsake.
So together with a few other bits and bobs I sent her this....



Wish I could have been there in person to give you the bumps Gayle! 
Still next time we get together we are definitely doing CAKE!
It will be late but it will be fun.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

WOYWW 155

Hi and another Wednesday is here and today it is my youngest wee chaps 8th birthday, he went to bed very excited last night hoping for a new bike and some Lego.  He also asked for chickens, a rabbit and a dog but he may be disappointed on that front!
Anyway back to my desk...


I've got some stamps from PI out on my desk with there new Stamping card which is fab plus one of my folders of Spellbinders dies open ready to play with.  Today I shall mostly be making some cards for my up coming demo and classes in Aberdeen mentioned earlier in the week.

What's on your work desk Wednesday is organised by the lovely Julia here where you can have a look at other peoples crafty spaces and find out what they're up to this week. 
I hope you have a look later this evening but thank you for popping by.

I want to leave you today with a story my father told me yesterday, it's a bit long so sorry Julia but I do normally keep my posts short. 
I just had to send this....it was sent to him from a friend....the language is a bit base in places but I have left it as it was told. 
You really should read it to the end as you are guaranteed to be rolling laughing. 
My mum and I both needed tissues we were crying that much!  It is real belly laugh material.
Needless to say I think I might have to get one of these......

A Pocket Tazer Stun Gun a great gift for the wife.

A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Tazer for their anniversary
submitted this:

Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest.
The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized Tazer.

The effects of the Tazer were supposed to be short lived, with no long term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety...??

WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home.. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed I learned, however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time, I'd get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs.

AWESOME!!! Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.

Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two AAA batteries, right?

There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target.

I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and then thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want
some assurance that it would work as advertised.

Am I wrong?

So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and Tazer in another.

The directions said that:

a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant;

a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; and

a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the
ground like a fish out of water.

Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.

All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference (loaded with two itsy, bitsy AAA batteries); pretty cute really, and thinking to myself, 'no possible way!'

What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best.

I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side so as to say, 'Don't do it stupid,' reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny lil ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad.. I decided to give
myself a one second burst just for heck of it.

I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and...

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. WHAT THE... !!!

I'm pretty sure Hulk Hogan ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position,
with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs! The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.

Note:
If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a Tazer, one note of caution:

There is NO such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor!
A three second burst would be considered conservative!

A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape.

*    My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace.
*    The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was.
*    My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching.
*    My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs.
*    I had no control over the drooling.
*    Apparently I had crapped in my shorts, but was too numb to know for sure, and my sense of smell was gone.
*    I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head, which I believe came from my hair.
*    I'm still looking for my testicles and I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return!

PS: My wife can't stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift and now regularly threatens me with it!

If you think education is difficult, try being stupid!!!!

I said it was funny didn't I?  Have a great Wednesday, crafty hugs from me.  x

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

And there's more!

Another telescopic card for you today, I'm quite liking these...simple yet effective!



This time I have used Spellbinder dies Classic circle and Classic scalloped circles together with PI stamps bu Marion Emberson Sunshine and flowers and Love script.
The Distress inks are Shaded Lilac and Squeezed lemonade.
I have used the masking technique with the flowers and layering with the stamps. 
Remember when placing together the second layer is attached upside down so it opens the right way up.

I'm away to play with my Spellbinders now getting ready for my trip to the Papeterie at the weekend.  I shall be demonstrating on Saturday and teaching on Sunday.

Monday, May 21, 2012

I spy with my little eye.....

....something beginning with T!

It is a telescope card but you wouldn't get it without this picture.....


This is it closed.....
And this is it open....


It is attached together with brads and basically the only thing you really need to remember is to place the second layer upside down so that it will open the same way up as the bottom and top layer.

I have used;

Spellbinder nestabilities dies Classic square and Classic square scalloped.
The stamps are Marion Emberson's Build a tree and Birthday kisses plus the sentiment is Hero arts Anytime messages. 
The little butterflies are the left overs from my Pop up butterfly Martha Stewart punch.
I've used white liquid pearls in my flowers...the reason I haven't used bling or pearls as normal is the telescope mechanism works better when the card is as flat as possible. 
The distress inks I have used are Walnut stain, Shaded lilac and Peacock feathers.
The brads and ribbon are from my stash.

I love the way this opens and closes and it is a fine change from a card shape.  I took inspiration from the lovely Su Pennick. 
That's all from me today I have my parents arriving shortly so looking forwards to spending some time with them.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Calling out an SOS!

The Sugar Nellie blog had a wee break last Sunday but it is back today with "Share on Sunday"
I have decided that I would like to share this with you from Pinterest.


I love this shabby chic look for furniture but have yet to try it.  My paint is on order and my kitchen will be getting a make over, hopefully very soon.  This piece is from here.  Isn't it fab?

Why not pop over to Sugar Nellie and see what Karen is sharing with you today.

Oh and I also thought I better add this....


This is for Debbi.....here is my top totty!
Ian Somerhalder to play Christian in Fifty shades of Grey.......mmmm can't wait.
Look into those eyes!
Sorry where was I....LOL. 

Have a great Sunday whatever you are up to...me, I'm off to the rugby pitch so praying for Sunshine.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Abracadabra....

Did my spell work?
So today my youngest is having a sleep over and has insisted it it planned to the T!  Oh, like me or his father?  A bit of both I feel.
Whilst I'm beavering away making cake and preparing his evening entertainment I thought I'd share this with you.
This is an 8 inch card, I don't normally make many that big but the beauty is you can fit lots on it.


For this card I have used the following Spellbinder dies;

Edgeabilities Classic triple scallops, Shapeabilities Labels 2, Fancy tags 2 and Nestabilities Beaded ovals.
The paper is K & Company Poppyseed Shimmer 12" pad.
Sentiment is Marion Emberson stamps It's all in the words.
Seam binding and pearls from my stash.

This card doesn't look quite so BRIGHT as it does in real life, I found it a tad scary putting such bright colours together but was happy with the final effect.  I love mixing up and layering different Spellbinder dies, they all just work so well together.  Mind you this is another 3d, another box required me thinks!

Have a great weekend.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Thank crunchie it's Friday...I'll put a spell on you!

Hi folks and as another weekend looms what am I up to today?
This morning I have the dreaded dentist but on the upside there is a super cake shop nearby...mmmm.
This afternoon I have a Crafty birthday party for a lovely young lady and 7 of her friends.  We will be making a card and a box, then decorating them both.

Meanwhile back on the blog today I am sharing this card....


I have used Spellbinders M-Bossibilities Garden delight and Shapeabilities Moroccan Motifs.  The motif is two dies folded and then placed together.  The pearls and ribbon are from stash and the greeting stamp is from Paula Pascual Punchable labels.

I hope you have a super weekend whatever you are up to. 
My youngest has a sleepover on Saturday evening with a couple of his friends so I'm looking forwards to that!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

What no sketch? Sugar bowl 84

Where did that fortnight go?!
Yup it's that time again over on the Sugar Bowl and this time the challenge is anything goes.  That's right anything at all as long as you are using a Sugar Nellie stamp then you will be entered into the draw.
Here is my card.....


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

Up for grabs are 4 of your choice Sugar Nellie stamps which rises to 6 should we have more than 100 entries, you can enter more than once in the fortnight period.

It only remains for me to say come along and have some crafty fun and thanks for popping by.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

WOYWW 154

Morning all and another WOYWW, it's officially hump day and my last day of peace this week as the kids and husband are off the next couple of days....reduced crafting time ahead!
So what's on my desk this week....well you will have to forgive me but the project I am working I have removed from shot.  Why?  Well, I very good friend of mine in blogland has a big birthday this coming weekend so I'm making a little something for her and I don't want her to see it yet.....you know who you are!!


Oh my, I'm needing a good tidy up and this is the best bit, you should see the rest of my room, I'd be mortified if you did, LOL.
Have you spotted my badge?

Why not pop on over to Julia's blog and see what other like minded crafters are up to.

It's short and sweet today as I'm away in to my "local craft shop for local people!"  I feel a little spend coming on....don't mind if I do!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I'd give you my heart!

At the beginning of the year I made a heart wreath for Karen.  I had seen the idea on Pinterest with no instructions so I set to work playing.  The wreath is hung up in Papercraft's Boutique and she asked me to show how I made it during the recent demonstration as ladies had been asking how I'd made it.

I created just single ones for the demo, one using 12" papers and the other 6".  I love the wee one the best and think these would be fab to decorate a Christmas tree or Wedding event with the relevant double sided paper.  Yes, double sided paper works the best and to show you the 12" is single sided and you will get what I mean.

First the 6"....


For this heart I have used two strips of 6 x 1 1/4", two strips of 5 x 1 1/4" and two strips of  4 x 1 1/4" and the centre piece is 4 x 1 1/4".  Building it starts from the inside out the you attach one of each strips together to create loops within loops.  The middle strip is then placed either side of your loops and the whole thing is secured at the bottom with a eyelet, brad or staple.
The 6" heart was created using MME pad Sunshine.

The 12" is created the same way just with double the length of paper with a width of 2", the centre strip is 6 x 2" but can be any length you want.

Here.....


For this heart I have used K & Company Poppyseed shimmer pad and the colours work fabulously with the new limited edition ink pads Peacock feathers, Shaded lilac and Squeezed lemon.  I have used the distress inks to colour the seem binding to tie it together with the heart.

These are great to make with kids.  I did some earlier in the year with the local Beaver group for Valentine's Day and really the only time they needed help was putting the whole thing together which is a little fiddly for small hands.

Here is a reminder of my original wreath.


For this one I used Paris nights by gcd studio.

That's all from me today, it's also my turn over on the "It's a Creative World" blog today with some Spellbinding fun from the weekend.  I will be sharing that photo later in the week on here too but why not pop over and see what the other girls have posted about, all manor of crafty hints, tips and ideas.
Have a great Tuesday.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Manlyagain.com!

Monday morning again and another week begins....to start this week I am putting together samples for two classes I am running on the 27th May at The Papeterie in Aberdeen.  We will be working with some yummy Spellbinder dies and places are limited so if you are interested in coming along contact the shop on the link above.
It should be fun!

Back to today and another manly but not "shirty" card for you!


And the inside view...


For this card I have used...
Stamps by PI Mens 3, sentiment from Mens 1 and ticket from Paula Pascual Punchable labels.
Papers MME 6" pad Sunshine.
Distress ink Wild honey and markers Black soot and Wild honey.
Spellbinder nestabilities scalloped circle and circle dies. 
To create the half cut out shape remember to place only the section you want cutting in the plates before putting through the Calibur.
Little mini buttons from my stash.

This MME paper pad is just wonderful for manly cards, loving the plaid and there is also gingham in there ladies!  Yum, my favourite.  You've got to love 6" pads.  They are just great for card makers with the patterns reduced in size and everything coordinating, it beats cutting into 12" paper any day.

Anyway I'm away to get out my Spellbinders and play some more, have a great Monday and more from me tomorrow.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Beer anyone?

Another Sunday and all quiet here, some ironing done, coffee with a close friend catching up and now a couple of cards to sort.
First let me share a manly card with you.


I have used;
MME 6" pad Sunshine, PI stamp Mens 1, Spellbinder die Lacey square, Distress ink Wild honey and Distress Markers Broken china, Walnut stain and Wild honey.

I'm loving playing with the new Distress markers, they're a real change from using Copic markers or Prisma pencils.  It's fab they match instantly with the ink pads, oh the possibilities!
I have used them here to colour with Tim's new watercolour brush which again is a must, it works so much better than other water brushes on the market. 
Mind you I think my favourite way of using the markers just now is inking direct to the stamp....more of that technique when I have time to play.

Right I've promised a pal I'll make her a birthday card now and I've also got a children's party coming up so I need to rustle up some invites.  Mmmm it's also one of my boys birthdays the week after next so I better get organised for that too.


Saturday, May 12, 2012

Busy day getting inky!

I had a super day today at Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin. 
Firstly I'd like to say a big thank you to all the lovely ladies who popped in and for kept me nice and busy, the day just flew!
I'd also like to give a big shout to Fiona and Karen who made it all the way up from the Glasgow area, it was great to meet both of you.

So what did we get up to today....?
A bit of stamping, a bit of inking and even a bit of Spellbinding fun but to start with I wanted to share this card first.


Oh my, I love this new ink pad Peacock feathers....did I mention teal is my FAVOURITE colour!  LOL.
I only laugh as it is becoming the normal for me to turn up always dressed in teal to a demonstration and it has been commented on on more than one occasion.

So what did I use for this card;
Distress ink Peacock feathers,
Stamps;  PI stamp Polkadot background, Paula Pascual Punchable tags and Punchable labels.
Spellbinder nestabilities die Scalloped square and M-bossibilities Garden delight.
Bling and ribbon from stash.

I created the background by making a mask so that the dots became more random.  I then layered up the different stamps.   I combined ghosting techniques and double coloured stamping with the various tickets and the tag.
I think I might have to play some more with these stamps!

More from me tomorrow.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Flutterby!

Late posting for me today as I've been out food shopping and getting my hair cut.  The excitement!
These things have to be done.
I've got a couple more cards I want to make this afternoon for my demo in Papercraft's Boutique in Elgin tomorrow so I better get a shifty on.
Whilst I do I thought I'd share another simple card with you.


For this card I have used green paper from K & Company with Martha Stewart edger punch Pop up butterfly and Spellbinder M-Bossibilities folder Garden delight.  The sentiment is from Hero arts Anytime messages and seam binding and pearls from my stash.
A quick and simple card.

Before I go I just want to wish you all the very best for the weekend and if you are in Elgin tomorrow don't forget to pop by and say hi.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Tag you're it!

Hi folks how did we get to Thursday already?  Doesn't time fly when you're having fun.
Unfortunately I didn't get much chance to pop around everyone desks yesterday but hope to catch up over the weekend.  Meanwhile I'm still crafting away getting ready for the weekend.


I thought I'd share this tag with you whilst I'm beavering away.....

I have used Distress inks Seedless preserve, Milled lavender, Peeled paint, Pine needles, Crushed olive and Walnut stain.  The stamps are Marion Emberson Butterfly kisses and Hero arts Anytime messages.
The little butterflies are the leftovers from the Martha Stewart edger punch Pop up Butterfly.  The bling and seam binding (Coloured with Crushed olive and Peeled paint) are from my stash.

I am beginning to get the whole tag thing, I love making them.  I can't wait to have a go at Tim Holtz 12 tags of 2012 but I always seem to have something else that needs doing.  I must make time!
Anyway that is all from me today, have a good Thursday, I'm away now with a nice cup of tea to play...I mean work!

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

WOYWW 152

It's that time again...where does the week go.  Back around to hump day and what have I got?
Today I am starting working towards my demo on Saturday at Papercraft's boutique in Elgin. 
The night before I start my demo work I always clear my desk before getting new stash out so I'm ready to go in the morning.  In hope that I wake up with my mojo at full steam ahead!
What am I working with this time....?!


Oooh I'm in for another fun day....lots of stamping and inking, colouring and die cutting.  Can't wait to get started.  Time to play.
Why not pop on over to the lovely Julia's blog and check out some other desks.  I will be having a look later on this evening.

Finally the post below has my wee funny for today.  It was sent to me by my dad and really made me giggle, I hope it puts a smile on your face this Wednesday.

Have a good one.  x

Senior Moments by Golf Brooks - Lyrics

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Simply distressed!

Hi all and it's Tuesday, everyone is back to work and school so I can crack on in my wee room.  Before I do I wanted to share this simple distress card...


It is very similar to one I have done in the past.  I have created cloud masks then added Broken china to the card.  I have then used Create a tree and Find joy everyday (M Emberson).  The frame is Spellbinder nestabilities Fleur de lis and I have added a wee bit of bling to the flowers.

Did I say yesterday that I'm loving this style of card at the moment, oh I did....better get back to crafting then.  Have a super day.  More from me tomorrow.

Monday, May 07, 2012

Distressed and inky!

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

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

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


I have used stamp sets by Marion Emberson at PI On your special day, It's all in the words and Build a tree.  The Spellbinder Nestabilities die is the new Postage stamps, oh another new favourite!  The inks I have used are Distress inks Festive berries, Mustard seed, Ripe persimmon, Spiced marmalade, Vintage photo, Crushed olive and Peeled paint.  The seam binding is also coloured with the ink.
For the sun I used a round Spellbinder die to create a mask before getting all inky. 

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

Sunday, May 06, 2012

Calling out an SOS!

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

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

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

Are muffins ugly?

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


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

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

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Flutter by!

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

Today I have more Spellbinders for you.


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

How about another one too?

A simple one maybe?


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

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

Have a super weekend all.

Friday, May 04, 2012

Spellbinding blossoms!

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



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

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

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

Thursday, May 03, 2012

Sugar bowl challenge 83

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


And the sketch...


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

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

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

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

WOYWW 152

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


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

It was entertainment night at the Senior
Citizens’ Centre.


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


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


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


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


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


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


"SH*T!", yelled the hypnotist.

IT TOOK THREE DAYS TO CLEAN UP
THE SENIOR CENTRE.


Claude was never invited back.

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

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Hanging out with my Gorjuss Hero!

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


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

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

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