WELCOME!


Welcome to Squirrel's slightly nutty world of rubber stamping, papercraft, cats, Formula 1 and a variety of other off-the-wall topics. It's fabulous to see you and I hope you enjoy your time here. Please do pop back and visit me again soon!


Monday 31 December 2012

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

Sunday 30 December 2012

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


Saturday 29 December 2012

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

Friday 28 December 2012

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

Monday 24 December 2012

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.


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

Wednesday 19 December 2012

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

Tuesday 18 December 2012

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!

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

Sunday 16 December 2012

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?



I chose to use Sunday Sketch And Stamp sketch 102
Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)
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

Saturday 15 December 2012

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

Friday 14 December 2012

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

Thursday 13 December 2012

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

Wednesday 12 December 2012

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

Monday 10 December 2012

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

Sunday 9 December 2012

A Wee Hamster

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


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

Saturday 8 December 2012

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

Friday 7 December 2012

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

Thursday 6 December 2012

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

Wednesday 5 December 2012

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
Hugs, Sxx

Tuesday 4 December 2012

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

Monday 3 December 2012

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



Sunday 2 December 2012

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!


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
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

Saturday 1 December 2012

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
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