A Wee Kitty

As a little Christmas present to myself, I bought the new kitten stamp set from Whimsy/Wee by Sylvia Zet.  All four of the kittens in the set are just so sweet - and as mum and dad are both big cat fans, I have made their thank you card using one of the little tykes

I've painted the kitty with Distress Inks (ReInkers) and used Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Tattered Rose, Pumice Stone, Dusty Concord, Spun Sugar and Worn Lipstick.

The purple paper is from First Edition Dreamcatcher pad and the green is from Blank Canvas and I used a Nestabilities trellis die.  The perfect sentiment is from LOTV.  And to finish, gold peel-off border lines from stash.

And that's it!

Hope you are all prepared for this evening/tomorrow morning.  We don't bother to stay up for New Year, it is, after all, only another day, so it will be off to bed before the fireworks for me!

Hugs Sxx

Pink Overdose

If you don't like pink then you ain't gonna like this card!!  Sorry Samantha ..... teehee!  When I saw the IN THE PINK challenge was Pink and Pearlie I thought I'd like to have a go but just didn't have the time until today so, brace yourselves, here it is ..... in the pink, so to speak

So I have used this adorable new ted from LOTV Teddy With Balloon (he was in my Christmas stocking)

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Tattered Rose

Shabby Shutters, Brushed Corduroy, Scattered Straw

Papers were free with an issue of Making Cards

Sentiment is LOTV

And all those gorgeous pearls are from Crafty Devils

I promise the next one won't be so hard on the eyes!

Hugs, Sxx

New!

Happy Saturday everyone!  It is Saturday isn't it?  It feels like we have had a succession of weekends and my poor furry brain is a bit confused.  It didn't help with Holby City being on BBC1 last night, which made Friday feel like Tuesday!!

Anyhoo, I've been playing with my new toy - the Grand Calibur - and I have to say, I love it to bits!  I can finally emboss the edges of my dies (I could never get a rubber mat through my Cuttlebug) so I have been cutting and embossing like a mad woman over the past thirty six hours.

TOTALLY GORJUSS challenge this week have the theme of NEW and the challenge over at CRAFT is Not A Card and at WINTER WONDERLAND it is New Beginnings so what I made late yesterday fits these well .......

As you can see, I only have the Grand circle dies for the moment, lol!

Stamped image is Crafters Companion Everyday Mulberry Wood - Relax

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Numbers are Memory Box "Parker"

Papers are a mix of Papermania and First Editions

Calendar tab is Anita's

Finishing items are Cropodile eyelets, two book rings and a piece of ribbon

Sorry about the shine on the photo - I forgot to take the picture before I laminated the page.

I did think about taking this to work to hang on my office wall but Toad says that I'm not too as he likes it too much never to see it again - so it is now hanging in our dining room, bless him.

And what wonderful news from the New Year's Honours List for British sportsmen and women - but the one I am most thrilled about is SIR Bradley Wiggins!

Let's hope 2013 is as good for British cycling as 2012 has been - and maybe even a second Tour de France win.....?  The 100th Tour de France starts on 29th June with the island of Corsica hosting the Grand Depart. I'm off to mark it on the calendar and book some holiday!

Hugs, Sxx

Fairy Dust Magic

Morning all!  Did you have a good Christmas then?  We did, it was quiet and cozy and just lovely.  Christmas Day was just me, Toad and Vince and after we got back from Mass we had a really relaxing day, I didn't even get stressed with the dinner!

Santa must have thought I had been a good girl this year as he brought me loads of wonderful stamps (good job I had stocked up on EZ Mount) and my darling mum gave me a cheque as a hefty contribution towards a Grand Calibur.  I knew she was doing this so I had ordered the Calibur a few days before Christmas, thinking it would arrive in the New Year but thanks to the excellent service from Glitter Pot and an extra effort from Royal Mail, it arrived on Christmas Eve!  Wheeeeeeeee.

Anyhoo, enough of Christmassy things, I had a birthday card order to do - Doreen who I sit with at Church had asked me for a simple but quirky card for a 70th birthday.

I've used  from Sprinkle Some Love from Sugar Nellie Home Grown Collection

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Spun Sugar, Victorian Velvet, Tattered Rose

Tumbled Glass, Dusty Concord, Shabby Shutters, Worn Lipstick

Tea Dye, Walnut Stain and Mustard Seed

Sentiment is from Hobby Arts

Matting layer is Papermania from a Capsule Collection

Iridescent gems from Crafty Devils

And a sprinkling of Glamour Dust in the tea and the tiny pink bag

Hugs, Sxx

Last card before Christmas - and a horrible discovery

Afternoon all, somewhere amongst all my last minute scampering around, I found time on Saturday to make a card for the current Winter Wonderland challenge of Wish Upon A Star and it seems right to be posting it on Christmas Eve.

I've used LOTV - Milly Winter Window

Painted her with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

I'm not happy with the window, I should have taken more time to tidy that up

Papers are Dovecraft Back To Basics and Kaisercraft

And of course good old Nestabilities

In a pre-Christmas tidying frenzy I made a horrible discovery - as most of you know, I craft in our conservatory in a limited space, so there is quite a lot of stuff on the floor in boxes.  Today I discovered that my cardboard box full of paper pads, mostly Basic Grey, has been ruined by damp.  The box is on the tiled floor nearest the outside door so I don't know if we have a leak, or if it is condensation - but I've had to thrown most of them out (about 20 pads).  Somewhat miffed, but nothing I can do about it now.  Bugger.

All that remains is for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I trust that as you have all been nice this year (you have, haven't you?) that Santa will visit you tonight!

Hugs, Sxx

Merry Christmas

To all my dear friends, old and new,
I know we are all so busy at this time of year

so I would like to take the chance now to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas, and may your New Year be a happy one.

Thank you for spending the year with me, it has been a joy to make new friends
and to thrill in all the inspiration you guys share on a daily basis.
Here's to a happy, healthy and crafty 2013 for all of us.

Hugs, Sxx

You've not seen me here really ....

.... because I am supposed to be doing really organised things like wrapping Toad's presents while he is out of the house but ..... just wanted to share this tiny weeny gift box with you that I made for a friend - she is after a new mobile for Christmas and whilst I can't run to buying the phone for her, I can at least chip in to the phone fund, so this is a sort-of money wallet in a box!

Looking at it now I can see that I managed to move the image slightly when I was putting the flowers on.  Bum.  Oh well, if I make sure she has a sherry first she may not notice!

Image is LOTV Telephone Ted

Turned into a postage stamp with an X-Cut die

Box made from First Edition cardstock thanks to Martha Stewart scoring board

Flowers and leaf from Wild Orchid Crafts

Woodware self-adhesive cotton lace

Image painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers) and Markers

Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Spun Sugar, Tumbled Glass, Broken China

Pumice Stone and Black Soot

Right, back downstairs to the wrapping ......

Hugs Sxx

Oh Christmas Tree

Afternoon all - just taking a break from writing cards - well you didn't expect me to go a WHOLE Sunday without some sort of crafting did you?

Allsorts Challenge Blog - Oh Christmas Tree

Winter Wonderland - Oh Christmas Tree

Sunday Sketch and Stamp - Free Choice of Sketch
Stamping Sensations - December Challenge TREEmendous

I chose to use Sunday Sketch And Stamp sketch 102

Image is LOTV Oh Christmas Tree

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment is LOTV Christmas Grungy Messages

Papers are a mixture of Wild Rose Studio, Dovecraft and Kaisercraft

Craftwork Cards Candi Vintage Berries Gold

Oh well, back to the cards I suppose .....

Ooh, meant to say, I've entered yesterday's Cheery Santa in the Make It Crafty Facebook Christmas Card Challenge - if you liked the card I'd be thrilled if you would be kind enough to vote for me - you can find the entries here.

Hugs, Sxx

WINNER of Christmas Mini Candy

Morning all, I'm off to Church in a minute but thought I'd best sort out my Christmas Mini Candy first and let you know who the winner is!

So, cranked up Random Number Generator and he selected .......

No 23 - that's you Caz of Caz''s Crafty Snug!

Thank you to everyone who took part - I wish I could send you all a little something for Christmas.  

Caz, could you email me your snail-mail details please hunny so I can try and get your candy

to you in time for Christmas - squirrel1964@hotmail.co.uk

Next candy will be for my blogoversary - a little while to wait but it will be worth it.

Hugs all, Sxx

Here Comes Santa Claus (x 2)

Two Santa cards for you today - I really really should be writing and not making!

The first card is for this week's Sweet Stamping Challenge which is Here Comes Santa Claus - well he will be here all too soon, and who is to say whether I have been naughty or nice ..... I think this Santa may just have read my wish list......

I've used the Cheery Santa from Make It Crafty

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Tattered Rose, Victorian Velvet, Squeezed Lemonade

Black Soot, Weathered Wood, Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain

Simply matted on card edged with a red Copic pen

Hero Arts sentiment

And the second card is a midway reminder for the Monochrome Christmas challenge over at Without Words - we are seeing a few cards without handcoloured images on this month - come on guys, we know you have the talent to colour so it would be nice to see it please!

Sugar Nellie stamp Santa with Tree

Distress Inks (ReInkers) - every shade of brown!

Hobby Art sentiment

Doodlebug pearls

Hugs, Sxx

Quick Candy Reminder

Just a quickie reminder that my Christmas Mini Candy closes tomorrow night

so you do still have a little time left to get your name on the list

if you are interested in a surprise crafty pressie!

Hugs Sxx

Lili's Little Fairies (DT) Something New

Morning folks, and welcome to another Lili-Day!  This week over at LILI'S LITTLE FAIRIES it is the turn of the A Team and Mummy Fairy has set us the challenge of Something New.

This could be a new home, baby, job, New Year, or in fact a new stamp ..... loads of possibilities, and the Design Team have pulled out all the stops again for you.

Here is my make:

I don't know many people who get a new job tickling starfish, but it sounds like a fun one to have, assuming they don't bite of course!  For this I have used:

Lili Of The Valley - Little Mermaid Friends (my new stamp)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Too many colours to list this time guys, sorry

New Job from the LOTV For You Circular Sentiments sheet

And the gorgeous watery feel papers, which have a delicious sheen that you can't see, are

a very old pack from Craftwork Cards called Tutti Fruiti, cardstock is DCWV

A Whimsy corner die, and a sprinkling of Papermania gems to finish

I hope you have as much fun with this challenge as I did - remember to use a LOTV image and follow the theme for your entry to be valid.  Looking forward to seeing what you make!

Hugs, Sxx

It Would Make More Sense .....

It would make more sense if I started writing Christmas cards but I'm still poorly and I can't face it.  I'll possibly get round to it at the weekend, I always work better with a deadline looming!

Feeling sorry for myself and have nothing newly made to show you and even tomorrow's Lili post is scheduled but I have found this little chap who hasn't been blogged before.

Christmas Bunny from Whimsy/Wee Stamps

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are all from the Bo Bunny Powder Mountain collection

Sentiment is Lili of the Valley

Borders from stash

Hugs, Sxx

Ready Teddy CAS

I can't believe I am bored already, and I've only missed an hour and a half of work so far.  I hope the doc can sort me out this afternoon so I can get back to the office tomorrow - never thought I would hear myself say that in this lifetime!

While I was blog hopping this morning I found the December challenge for READY TEDDY GO and they are asking for a CAS card, as simple as that, so I thought I'd have a go if my head stopped spinning long enough.

This Teddy with Penguin stamp is from Lili Of The Valley

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Tattered Rose, Spun Sugar, Victorian Velvet

Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Weathered Wood

Festive Berries, Black Soot, Scattered Straw, Dried Marigold

The Merry Christmas and the tiny snowflake are from a Hero Arts set

Matting layer is from First Editions Up and Away pad

Hugs, Sxx

Second In A Row

I did say I would have another go at the LESS IS MORE In A Row challenge, so here is my second attempt.  It would seem that my camera doesn't like too much white!

I've used a set of freebie stamps by Adam Pescott that came with a magazine a few months ago, I think these little kitties tell a wonderful story of cake creation!  Splash of Distress Ink colour, Hero Arts sentiment and a doodled border line.

I'm not at work today - this sinus pain is really getting me down and I'm having dizzy spells.  I've phoned for a doctor's appointment, which isn't until 4.40 this afternoon, so in the meantime I'm staying in the warm!

Hugs, Sxx

A Wee Hamster

You don't often see one of these swinging on your baubles at Christmas!

By The Cute And Girly - Red White and Blue

Sunday Sketch And Stamp - Donna's Sketch

Here Come The Boys - Anything Goes

Christmas At Sweet Stamping - Anything Goes
Totally Gorjuss - Oh No Snow
Winter Wonderland - Red And Blue
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Penny Black And More - December: It's Your Choice

So what have I used?

Whimsy/Wee Stamps - Xmas Hamster

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Chipped Sapphire

Tattered Rose, Victorian Velvet, Scattered Straw, Tea Dye, Walnut Stain

Antique Linen and Spun Sugar

Papers are from Penny Black "Madison" pad

Corners are a Whimsy die and borders from stash

I had hoped to do more crafting today but am feeling distinctly under the weather.  Will try and catch up with some commenting later if the room stops spinning.

Hugs, Sxx

In A Row

I was quite excited when I saw the LESS IS MORE one layer challenge this morning - the theme is In A Row and Jen and Chrissie have provided the best inspiration cards.  My head was bursting with ideas ...... but like a good little squirrel I sat down to do my "order" cards first.

I've been fighting with a cold that won't surface this week, but it is playing havoc with my sinuses, and today I feel like I have been punched in the face.  So by the time the order cards were done, I was feeling quite tired and fuzzy headed (not much change there then) and this morning's excitement had faded.

I still have lots of ideas, and will have another go at this challenge tomorrow if I can, but for now, here is the simple idea first.

The stamp is from a clear set called "The Christmas Spirit" but I can't remember the make, and the sentiment is Hero Arts.  Images painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers).

It is now thirteen days to the 21st December and I am looking forward to it very much for two big reasons - 1. I finish work until 2nd January and 2. It is the shortest day of the year, so after that the daylight hours start to increase again!  I never used to mind dark evenings and winter nights, but this year I am really suffering from them and the poor light we have been having.  Maybe it is because I want to be crafting, or maybe I am just getting old and grumpy!

Anyway, hope to see you soon.  Don't forget, I have a Christmas Mini Candy running until 15th December so you still have plenty of time to get your name down.

Hugs, Sxx

Get Well Bunny

Evening all folks!  How has your week been?  I am so glad it's Friday - it's been one heck of a week, especially with the weather we've had - rain, snow, wind, ice, frost, rain, snow, more rain.  But it is December so it would be odd to have a heatwave, lol.

Earlier in the week, my mate Pig's little boy went into hospital so I wanted to make him a get well card ready for when he came home.  This is what I did.

I've used this adorable Get Well Bunny from Lili Of The Valley

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Scattered Straw, Tea Dye, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss

Weathered Wood, Spiced Marmalade, Seedless Preserves, Dusty Concord, Tumbled Glass

Papers are all from the Nitwits/LOTV Petal Fresh pad and I've inked the

edges with Faded Jeans Distress Inks

Card Candi. a few gems and a Hero Arts sentiment to finish off

I've had a text message to say he loved it so it's ok to post it here now.

I've got an order for one like this but in pink, and a ruby anniversary card to get done this weekend, and I need to make a start on writing those pesky Christmas cards, so I might not be around too much but hope to catch up with you soon.

Stay warm my friends!

Hugs, Sxx

Crafting In The Dark

Edited to add better photo!

Remember that Bruce Springsteen song Dancing In The Dark?  I'm changing the lyrics ...... !!

Here is a really poor photo of what I have done tonight - I've made this easel card to go on our mantelpiece when I (finally) get around to putting the Christmas decorations up.

Although the photo is rubbish (camera in one hand, daylight lamp in other) you get the idea - I'll edit to add a better picture when we eventually get some daylight.

I've used the Meoples Nativity Set for this

All painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Too many colours to list this time

Paper is from last year's Dovecraft Back To Basics Christmas

Giant pearls are from stash

Edges done with Gold Metallic ProMarkers so there is a gentle shine

These Meoples are so much fun - I was chuckling to myself all the way through making this!

Hugs, Sxx

It's That Stamp Again

I did warn you that you would see this stamp more than once on my blog this year - this is definitely up there high on the list of Christmas favourites.

So we have Wild Rose Studio "Baby Jesus" stamp

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Bundled Sage, Fired Brick, Antique Linen, Tattered Rose, Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Black Soot, Weathered Wood, Walnut Stain, Old Paper

Papers are from an old pack from Craftwork Cards called Plum Pudding

(I wish they were still available)

Gold stars from stash, mounted on paper from same pack

Not sure which clear set the sentiment is from - sorry

And a challenge
Christmas at Sweet Stamping - Anything Goes

Hugs, Sxx

Ok, own up, who's got it?

When I sat down full of excitement to make a card for this week's LESS IS MORE Red & Green colour challenge, little did I suspect that my sneaky little Mojo had long since legged it into hiding somewhere warm and dark.

Would you mind very much just checking your airing cupboards and under the sofa please?  And if you find the little blighter would you mind mailing him back to me?

I am embarrassed by what I produced but here it is anyway

Sorry for poor photo - we seem to be in permanent darkness in the east just now.  

The central sentiment is from a Hobby Arts set and the foliage and flowers from various sets of Tapestry Stamps.  All done in Memento Inks - Lady Bug, Cottage Ivy and Pear Tart.

And that's it.  Hope to be back with something more creative later in the week - if that shameful creature ever shows his face again!

Hugs Sxx

Without Words (DT) December

Well, here we are, into December already!  Three weeks and one day to go ....... are you ready?  Got your cards done?  No?  Then here is a chance to get another one made!  Join us at WITHOUT WORDS CHALLENGE in December with our theme of Monochrome Christmas.

And we have some exciting news in that starting with this challenge, we now have sponsors on board right through until the end of next year!  This month we are honoured to be sponsored by Rick St Dennis (full details on the challenge blog) who will be offering a couple of his quirky digi images as the prize for our winner.

So here we go with my DT card .....

I've used a Sugar Nellie stamp called Snow Juggler

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Weathered Wood

Paper is from LOTV Frosty Christmas

Sentiment is one of the Christmas Handwritten Phrases from LOTV

And the sparkly gems are Papermania (love these)

I hope you will be able to join us this month and will look forward to seeing your entries.

Please please please remember

a CAS card with the focus on a hand coloured image

minimal or no embellishments

sentiments are allowed

follow the theme for the month

Hugs, Sxx

Oh Baby!

I was asked to make a simple baby boy card by one of my workmates, her partner has just become a grandfather for the third time, and let's face it, who needs to be asked twice to do a baby card!

Stamping With The Dragon - Oh Baby Challenge

And it was the perfect excuse to get one of those luscious new LOTV stamps nice and inky ......

and the inside

So what have I used?

LOTV rubber stamp - Bath Time

and the Babies Companion Set

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Scattered Straw, Tea Dye, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Squeezed Lemonade, Dried Marigold, Brushed Corduroy, Weathered Wood, Salty Ocean, Spun Sugar

Papers are all First Editions but from various 6x6 pads

The corner die is a favourite from Whimsy

In case you haven't already noticed - I have a Christmas Mini Candy running until 15 December, so don't miss out on your chance to win.

And I will see you all tomorrow morning with our December Challenge for Without Words!

Hugs Sxx

Christmas Mini Candy

Hello chaps!  I did promise you a little candy before Christmas so here I am!

This is for all my wonderful and loyal followers who stick with me through thick and thin, even when I am being a bad blogger myself.  I do appreciate each and every one of you.

So, what's in the candy?  That will be a surprise, just like a Christmas present so stop poking, prodding, shaking, squeezing and sniffing - just get your name on that list!

Candy will close at 5.00pm (UK time) on 15 December so you have two weeks.

If you are able to promote this on your blog that would be wonderful, sidebar is fine.

Hugs, Sxx

Lili's Little Fairies (DT) Pretty Pastels

Hello everyone, and welcome to another Lili-Day - this week over at LILI'S LITTLE FAIRIES the A Team have been playing with Pretty Pastels.

Such a welcome change from Christmas cards (if I make many more I may explode) so I really enjoyed making this.  The DT girls have come up with some amazing inspiration for you, I am in awe of them!

Here is my DT card for this week:

So, what have I used for this one

Stamped Image is LOTV Daisy Chain

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

The papers are all Wild Rose Studio Bella

For dies I used an ornate Nestabilities oval, and the Memory Box

Prim Poppy die which I inked in with Distress Inks

Sentiment is Personal Impressions

Pansy border punch is by Martha Stewart

Remember, to be eligible for the prize or Top 3, you need to use a LOTV image (stamp or die-cut), and follow the theme of this week's challenge.

Did you see the new release that came out last Sunday?  Oh so sweet animals for the young at heart.  I have been a naughty Squirrel and hit the overdraft to order the lot!  Thankfully my darling Toad has offered to buy a lot of them for me for Christmas, bless!  If you have not seen them yet you can find them here.

Hugs, Sxx

Humphrey Birthday

Well, this is my last day of freedom after a wonderful long weekend with my Toad, so it is back to work tomorrow.  Sigh.  The time has gone so quickly, but we have managed to get a lot of relaxing done!  Next break for me will be the Christmas holidays when I have an unheard of eleven days in a row, whooo!  It's the first Christmas in eight years that I shall get the whole shebang.  Can't wait!

Anyhoo, I'm not here to talk about Christmas, I popped on to share with you a rather bright little number than I made for the HERE COME THE BOYS challenge of Birthdays Only, and here it is.

A very simple card, but them boys don't like fluff!!

Stamped image is from the Party Time Humphrey set from Crafters Companion

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Big sentiment is Hero Arts, the little Happy Birthday is Personal Impressions

Lots of bright cardstock from the DCWV Bright Stack

Won't see you again until Thursday probably when I shall be back with my Lili's Little Fairies DT card.  Until then my friends .....

Hugs, Sxx

Another Wee

I seem to be Wee-ing a lot lately, but Sylvia's images I just find irresistible!  This little lady was in my exciting parcel that arrived yesterday from Bunny Zoe's.

And yet another on the squint photo!  Just tilt your head slightly to the left please ....

This is Berry from Whimsy/Wee Stamps

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Festive Berries

Fired Brick, Scattered Straw, Weathered Wood

Papers are all from the Nitwits/LOTV Classic Christmas pad

Gold borders from stash

Here she is in close up

Hugs, Sxx

Return of the Squirrel !!

I'm back!  Flippin' technology eh?!  Morning all.  Not the nicest of mornings weather wise so I hope you are all ok.

We had a fab Friday off work and spent the day in Norwich doing some Christmas shopping.  Well, we got one present anyway, but it was an absolutely brilliant day, until I had to run for the train home.  Most of you know about my arthritis so running for trains is not on my agenda normally and this morning I am suffering for it.  Anyone got a spare Zimmer frame?

I have a hairy little helper today - Vince has decided to be the world's stickiest cat and is glued to me, he has even been to the smallest room in the house (a girl has no dignity).  I know what he is after though - he wants me to sit down in his favourite armchair so he can have a cuddle, but I am sorry to disappoint him for now.  Which means I have to put up with a furry, miaowy, shadow!  He is sat on the desk now, with a sad face on.

Anyhoo, enough rambles, I have a card for you at last!

Cute Card Thursday - Girls Only

Sweet Stamping Challenge - Flowers

So what have I used for this one?

The stamped image is Whimsy/Wee Stamps - Amy

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sorry, forgot to list the colours - told you it would take a while to get into the habit

Paper is from LOTV/Nitwits Bonnets & Bowties pad

Memory Box Spring Border inked in with ProMarkers

Sentiment is from LOTV

and finally black matting card is from stash

So that's it for now.   The postman has just delivered me a parcel of delicious loveliness from Bunny Zoe's so I am off downstairs to ooh and ahh for a little while!

Hugs, Sxx

Lili-day

Most important things first!  It is LILIDAY again and this week over at LILI'S LITTLE FAIRIES the challenge is Anything Goes (always a favourite) and Team B have sprinkled the fairydust to provide you with some awesome inspirational work.

And while I am here, a quick reminder that you have six days left to join in the CAS challenge for November over at WITHOUT WORDS which is Bright Colours!

I have no card for you today, Lili or otherwise.  Well, to be accurate, I do have stuff to show you, I just can't.  Having "technical issues" with the computer where all my photos are stored and I cannot connect to the internet from it.  I was shocked to discover that the laptop did connect, but then I have no photos on here!

I'm hoping the problem will be sorted for the weekend or I shall get bloggeritus withdrawals.  I managed to squeeze in some commenting from work this morning but only had half an hour so it really was a case of a flying visit.

Anyhoo, hope you are all well and that the weather (UK or otherwise) is being kind to you.  'tis a dark and stormy night here ......

Catch you soon, I hope.

Hugs Sxx

Summer?!!

I have been overdosing on Christmas cards ..... Santa is starting to bring me out in a rash!  The weather is dull and it is dark at both ends of my day.  I decided that I needed a touch of sunshine and this little love from Wee Stamps just screams summer!

I've kept with a very simple layout for this to show her off

Whimsy/Wee Stamps - Summer Fairy by Sylvia Zet

Papers are Nitwits/LOTV Promises pad, so pretty

Semi-circle banner done with Whimsy dies and stamps

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Lots of colours in this - Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Tumbled Glass, Broken China

Tattered Rose, Pumice Stone, Spun Sugar, Squeezed Lemonade

Dusty Concord and Shabby Shutters

Hugs, Sxx

Crafting on the Titanic

Afternoon all, sorry I didn't see you yesterday, and that I am quite late this afternoon.  I seem to be sinking without trace at the moment - all those plans for a crafty weekend did not come to fruition, I've ended up bumbling about and not making very much at all.  If I were a ship I'd be the Titanic .....

But, here is one that I did manage to finish - mixed reviews from hubby and a friend .....

And the stuff I used

Crafter's Companion stamp, Strawberry Kisses Special Delivery

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Festive Berries, Fired Brick, Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, Tumbled Glass, Broken China,

Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Tattered Rose, Weathered Wood

Dovecraft papers from two different Christmas packs, red mirri card from stash

LOTV tag and sentiment

Die-namics bunting die

Memory Box Savannah border die

Pebbles Inc Candy Dot and HunkyDory gems

I know the bunting looks orange in the photo - but it's deep red mirri card, same as the border at the bottom - it was just the way the light caught it that turned it day-glo orange

Hugs, Sxx

It's Everywhere Grrrrrr

Last night I made a little card to say thank you to a very special lady.  And I decided to use Glamour Dust.  A lot of Glamour Dust.

Anyone who has used this in anger will know just how far the pesky stuff will travel.  I was wearing it, on my trousers, my jumper, my shoes, my squirrely fur ...... and it doesn't wash off.  Ever. 

I am now sparkling in places a woman of my age should not be sparkling!  Still, that will be entertainment for my colleagues who will, no doubt, gleefully tell me about it, as if I didn't know.

Anyhoo, here is the culprit

Ingredients for this little rascal are

Bristol Board scored and folded into an unequal three

Die-namies dies for the aperture (love that shape)

One of the LOTV Present Trio Bears

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Scattered Straw, Tea Dye, Walnut Stain, Tattered Rose, Tumbled Glass

Paper from Nitwits/LOTV Petal Fresh pad

Sentiment from LOTV A Little Message

Super cute little flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts

Thanks border punch by Martha Stewart

And two challenges:

Crafty Catz - Let's Have Sparkle  Or maybe I should enter myself!  And Stamping With The Dragon - So Cute.

Have yourselves a very happy Friday - it is nearly the weekend!!

Hugs, Sxx

Lili's Little Fairies (DT) Food Glorious Food

Yes, it is another Liliday, and this week at LILI'S LITTLE FAIRIES challenge the A Team have been let loose with the theme of Food Glorious Food!

I like cake.  I like cake very much.  Which is probably why my clothes have shrunk.  Cake reaches parts that salad can't even hope to.  It is comfort food for the soul.  But you don't have to use cake - as you will see from the fabulous creations from the DT, there are lots of LOTV food stamps out there for you to go with.  But I chose cake ....mmmmmmm.

Ingredients for this high LOTV content, calorie free cake card are:

Stamped Image - LOTV Rosie With Cake

Medium - Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers - Nitwits/LOTV Bonnets and Bowties, and a few scraps

Sentiments - LOTV To Fit Scroll

Extras - Memory Box Summer Border, Whimsy Corners

Looking forward to seeing all your delicious and yummy LOTV cards this week.

Hugs, Sxx

Fright Night

Afternoon all, are you having a nice Sunday?  The sun is shining brightly, the sky is blue, you've seen it in the movies, so you know it must be true ....... well, sort of.  HERE COME THE BOYS challenge is Favourite Films

I was too late in buying this stamp for Halloween but have been looking for a good excuse to use it - but it took me a while to choose a favourite film from the genre.  I've gone with Fright Night - anyone see it?  I do like a scare now and again.  It is funny watching frightening films with Toad because he really does jump out of his seat ......maybe I saw too many Hammer Horrors on C4 in my teens, lol.  You know what's coming, but it still scares you.

And the spooky ingredients are:

Stamped Image - Whimsy/Wee Stamps "Batty Boo"

Medium - Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers - from stash

Sentiment - Memory Box Typewriter Alphabet

Punch - Martha Stewart Goo Border

Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Pumpkin - Dried Marigold, Rusty Hinge, Walnut Stain, Shabby Shutters

Bats - Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Tattered Rose, Black Soot

Bowtie - Seedless Preserves

Ground - Pumice Stone

Hugs, Sxx

Remember

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lt.Col John McCrae - 3 May 1915