So Who's Got A Big Fat Belly Then??

Totally Gorjuss # 58 = Christmas Tree (DT)

Brrrrrrr, it is chillsome here in the east of England - the wind is coming straight across the North Sea from Scandinavia with nothing to get in its way until it reaches us.  And it is bringing snow with it!  We haven't had much more than a shower but I know some parts of the country are getting it in big, fat flakes so I hope that wherever you are, you are keeping snug and warm.

Despite the cold, it is still Saturday and Saturday means that it is TOTALLY GORJUSS day!  Thanks to everyone who took part in our non-traditional Christmas colours challenge last week.  We had some really super entries and every one was a joy to look at.  Don't forget to check the blog to see who was chosen as the lucky winner.

This week we would like to see a Christmas Tree somewhere on your card - I love Christmas Trees, they remind me so much of my childhood when we always had a real tree.  The smell of the pine was just amazing.  It also reminds me of the day my mum called up the stairs to me that the cat had just pooed under the tree (we always had ours in a bucket full of damp sand).  As it was my cat, you can guess who had to scoop the poop!

Anyway, I'm rambling so let me tell you who our lovely sponsor is and show you my DT card.  Cupid Clear Stamps have very kindly put up a prize for you, and there is the bonus Magnolia stamp to go with that.

And here is my card:

How adorable is this little Penny Black hedgie?  Coloured with ProMarkers, matting with Nestabilities dies, papers are from an old pad of Anita's Christmas papers and that yummy sentiment is from the new range by Lili of The Valley.  The gems that decorate the tree are from stash.

Thanks for popping over and wading through my whitterings, I do hope you still have the energy left to join us for the challenge!  See you there.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

LOTV 75 Bev's Sketch + CCT 140 Blast From The Past

Whooooooo, look at meeee, with the day off and the not working and the sitting here blogging!  Hope you are all having a fabbie Friday - mine started well, I got discharged by the physio after four months of treatment!  I've got to be a good Squirrel and continue with the exercises though, otherwise my neck will seize up again and I'll be back to square one with the numb fingers and weird elbows!

To celebrate, I went into town, aiming for Aldi, for a few bits and pieces.  Oh my, the traffic at 9am!  Now I understand why I go to work at 7.30.  Anyway, duly loaded down with Jelly Babies and some delicious chilled espresso lattes I got home and got stuck into two challenges.

LILI OF THE VALLEY are featuring one of the amazingly talented Bev's sketches

And CUTE CARD THURSDAY are having a Blast From The Past where you choose a previous challenge to reuse.  The only problem I had with this was choosing which one to go for as they are all such fun.

Anyway, here's my card:

For the Lili Of The Valley challenge I have used Bev's sketch (of course, d'oh) and the LOTV stamp I Baked A Cake.   For the Cute Card Thursday challenge I've opted for Challenge 55 Marshmallows & Chocolate.  All the papers I have used are from Dovecraft Piece of Cake collection and the matting layers are DCWV Neutral Stack.  Sentiment is also LOTV, from the new range of circular sentiments and I love them to pieces!  Image is painted with Distress Inks and I've finished off with a Martha Stewart border punch.

Right then, next job on the list is to go to the Post Office to collect a mysterious package.  Anyone sent me a present that won't fit through the letterbox?  Puzzled now.  Then it'll be on with some DT work and, before the Toadster gets home, some internet shopping for his Crimble present!

Thanks for popping over.  I've rambled on again haven't I ............ ?

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Bit Of A Makeover .....

D'ya know that feeling, sometimes you just need a change?

Well, I can't do anything much about me that has an instant effect so I've had a go at my blog instead!

What do you think of the new look?

Squirrel xxx

Sketch & Stash # 49 (DT)

I am sure that there are more Mondays in the year than there are any other day - they seem to come round all too often!  But, there are some Mondays that are very special and this is one of them because ..... it's SKETCH & STASH CHALLENGE day! Whooooooo!  Are you excited?  I know I am.

You were loving Challenge 48 so don't forget to check back to see who the winner is!  We had some stunning entries.

Sue has provided another of her superb sketches for you to play with and here it is:

Our sponsor for this challenge is the wonderful Whiff Of Joy - what more do you need to tempt you?!

The DT have created some brilliant inspiration for you - it never fails to amaze me how different cards using the same layout can look.  Here is my offering:

Ain't he just the cutest pup?  He's my new stash - a Lili Of The Valley stamp of course - and I've painted him with Distress Inks.  The papers are my old stash, the Plum Pudding collection.  The photo tabs were cut using a Nellie Snellen die, ooh and the gems and peel-offs are from old stash too.

Thanks for popping over for a peek, and I do hope you will find time in the next two weeks to join in the fun at the challenge.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Mixed Feelings .....

..... about this card.  It's on of those that seemed so much better when I was planning it in my head but in real life I'm quite disappointed with it.  Hey ho, never mind.

Totally Gorjuss # 57 - Non Traditional Christmas (DT)

Wow, you guys rocked it with your traditional Christmas colours for last week's TOTALLY GORJUSS challenge - so many wonderful entries.  Do check the main blog to see who was selected as the lucky winner of the yummy prizes.

So, as you were all so good with the red, green and gold, this week's challenge is to think different - we'd like to see NON traditional Christmas colours this time!

We have a great sponsor on board in the shape of Crafters Companion and don't forget there is an extra surprise at the moment by way of a bonus Magnolia stamp for the selected winner.

Here is my card:

I adore this Sugar Nellie snowman and have coloured him/her with ProMarkers.  Papers are from Papermania, the sentiment is Personal Impressions by Paula Pascual and the mirror shine gems are from stash. Martha Stewart border punch to finish off.

As there is only FIVE WEEKS to Christmas (aaaaaaaaaaargh, better start some shopping soon) I know you will be busy with your cards so why not share them with us and enter the challenge.  See you there!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

One For Every Day Of The Year (CANDY)

Even'n all!  Now, I know that I said there would be some Christmas candy coming up but I've just noticed that I now have 365 Followers, so that is one of you for every day of a year - how super is that?!

So, as an early Christmas present, I shall be offering a SURPRISE CANDY - but this one is only for my lovely followers, as my way of saying THANK YOU for making this all possible.  Love each and every one of you guys!

Now I have absolutely no idea what will be in this candy so if you are up for a surprise or two, and you have already signed up as a Follower, then please leave a comment to be entered into the draw and then spread the word on your blog.

Candy will be open until midnight on Friday 10 December - if the winner is UK based that means you will hopefully receive it before Christmas but if you are Overseas it will turn into a New Year package (blame Royal Mail for such early posting dates!).

Hugs, Squirrel xx

ABC Christmas Challenge - X is For Xmas (DT)

Morning all, hope you are well and itching to get stuck into the next ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE which this time is X for XMAS (well, what else could you have for X that that Christmas themed?!).

We had a bumper crop of entries for our Winter Wonderland challenge and the design team have had a really tough time choosing the Top 5.  Your talent never fails to amaze us!  Do check back to the main blog to see who was selected as the overall winner and who the Top 5 are.

Our X for Xmas challenge is sponsored by Wild Orchid Crafts who have offered a fabulous prize for one lucky crafter (wish I could enter!).

Here is my card:

I've used one of the new Tildas from Magnolia and she is coloured with Copics.  Papers are from an old pack of Christmas papers that have long since lost their identity.  Flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts, Martha Stewart leaf punch, and Craftwork Cards sentiment.  The swirls are Sizzix dies which I have glittered (and the cat) with Art Institute glitter.

Now I know you are now up to your elbows in making your Christmas cards, so why not enter our challenge!  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Afternoon all - hope it is warmer where you are!  There's a lazy wind that is creeping around to the north and when the north wind blows .......... it gets chuffty cold for Squirrels!

Anyhoo, been having a sneaky play with Tilda (naughty, I should have been busy DTing) and would like to enter her into a couple of challenges:

Totally Tilda Challenge - Icy Christmas (blue and silver)

My Partner In Crafting Crime - Marker Madness

Papers are a right ol' mix of Joanna Sheen gingham, Dovecraft and textured mirri card.  Tilda coloured with ProMarkers.  Martha Stewart punches for border and snowflakes, and LOTV Sentiment.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Candy Winner

Morning all - no messing about today - the winner of my Wild Rose Studio/Joanna Sheen candy is ......

No 17 - so that is Aussie Loz

Congratulations sweetie - email your details to squirrel1964@hotmail.co.uk please and I'll get your package on it's way.

Many thanks to all who took part.  Don't be disheartened - there'll be a little something extra before Christmas!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Totally Gorjuss # 56 - Traditional Christmas Colours (DT)

Morning all, hope your weekends have got off to a good start - well, they must have done because it is TOTALLY GORJUSS challenge day!

Thanks to everyone who took part in last week's sketch challenge - Net does create some fabulous layouts doesn't she - and do check back to the main blog to see who won!

So, onto to this week's challenge - we are feeling  bit festive already at TOTALLY GORJUSS so this week we would like to see some Traditional Christmas Colours.  If you are in any doubt, I think you will find that red, green and gold might do the trick!

Here is my DT card:

I've used my new Whiff of Joy stamp Winter Charlotte.  I bet that poor cat's toes are cold but he doesn't look too worried.  Coloured with ProMarkers and Copics.  Papers are an old collection called Plum Pudding that I am going to cry over when I reach the end as they are so beautifully coordinated and a dream to use.

Hope you can join us this week, and there is an extra surprise for the winner!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Sketch & Stash Challenge # 48 (DT)

Is it really Monday morning again??  "Good grief Penfold" (as Dangermouse would say), where did the weekend go?  Anyway, no need to be blue because it is SKETCH & STASH CHALLENGE time - whoooo!

Thanks for all your super entries last week, you really rocked Sue's sketch with that one.  Don't forget to check to see who the lucky winner is.

So, the challenge - Sue has struck gold again with this brilliant design and we are thrilled to be sponsored by Simon Says Stamp (how do you get so much stuff in one craft store?).

Here is Sue's sketch:

And here is my DT card:

My new stash is that adorable Tilda in her reindeer antlers and bells, so cute, and my neglected stash is more of that Papermania Christmas paper (will I ever run out) and the silver snowflakes which I didn't even know I had!  Tilda is coloured with ProMarkers.  The sentiment is Craftwork Cards which also counts as new stash as I'd not opened the packet lol!

Thanks for popping over and I hope to see you with your challenge entries very soon!

Hugs,

Squirrel xx

LOTV One For The Girls

Wotcha chaps!  Hope you didn't have too many fireworks keeping you awake last night - it was pouring with rain here so kept the casual fireworkers indoors.  Tonight is the big one - lots of organised displays locally so it maybe a bit noisy.  I hope those of you with pets don't have too much trouble.  Pleased to say that Vince (he who runs away from the vaccum cleaner and mineral water bottles) is fairly chilled about the whole thing and has been know to sit on the windowsill and watch!

Anyhoo, I have a card for you - LILI OF THE VALLEY challenge this week is One For The Girls and as I needed to make a card for one of my bestest girlfriends what more of an excuse did I need?

I've used Glamourous Gardening from LOTV and coloured her with Distress Inks.  Papers are a mixture of Dovecraft and Forever Friends and Basic Grey and the mat cardstock is Papermania.  Sizzix Architectural Corners, EK Success retro flower punch and gems from stash.  Nestabilities of course for the mats.  Can anyone explain to me why peel-offs stick more to my fingers than they do to paper?

Thanks for popping over to have a look, I treasure each and every comment you leave me.  I will do my best to hop over and see you again very soon.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Totally Gorjuss # 55 A Sketch (DT)

Morning all!  And welcome to another challenge from TOTALLY GORJUSS.

As it is the first Saturday of the month it is sketch time we are being sponsored by JOANNA SHEEN.

Thanks for all your Spooky entries last week - is is safe for me to come out from behind the sofa yet?  We had some fantastically imaginative entries so please do check back to the blog to see who won the lush prize from Wild Orchid Crafts.

So here is Net's sketch for you:

And here is my DT card:

The stamp I've used is Emmilou's Cool Ride from High Hopes and the papers are from the Basic Grey Wander collection.  I thought all was lost with this card when I applied 3d glaze to the car as it flooded out of the bottle.  I was so cross I walked off and left it but when I came back later and picked it up there was an ominous cracking noise.  So by a total accident I had achieved a crackle glaze effect which I thought actually worked quite well!

Anyhoo, the design team have come up with some fab inspiration for you so do have a peek.

Looking forward to seeing your entries.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

ABC Christmas Challenge - W - Winter Wonderland (+ White) (DT)

Hello all, and welcome to another fabulous challenge with ABC CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE!  You guys were loving Samantha's sketches for the V challenge - don't forget to check back to the blog to see who the winners are.

Now, W for Winter Wonderland sounds quite harmless doesn't it?  Yeah, and then a certain teamie throws in the optional extra of White.  Ha!  I cannot possible repeat in polite company the words I used, and I've had confessions from other teamies that I was not alone.  Having said that, the team have totally rocked this challenge - just check out those fabulous DT cards!

And I must say a big warm welcome to our three new DT members who join us for their first challenge - that's Delphine, Dorte and Carissa - and to our two guest DTs - Paula and Tanja.

We are sponsored this time by SIMON SAYS STAMP so what more encouragement do you need?  Get crafting!

I've made two cards for this one - the first with the White option and the second without:

For the first card I've relied heavily on my Cuttlebug folders and some white hammered card for embossing the dots and stripes.  The snowman is Dapper Dan from High Hopes.  Ribbon from stash, Card Candy from Craftwork Cards.  Sentiment is Personal Impressions.

The second card uses cute little Lili Of The Valley penguins and loads of Glamour Dust.  Papers are Papermania and Co'ordinations Cardstock and a peeloff from stash.  Martha Stewart snowflake punch.

Both very clean and simple.

Looking forward to seeing all your creations!

Hugs, Squirrel xx