Ha Ha Haaaaaa!

Afternoon all!  It's a beautiful September day here in the east of the UK, the sun is shining, it's a perfect temperature.....so why am I feeling so grumpy?  I have no idea.  I woke up feeling like a grouchy squirrel and it hasn't worn off yet.  I am trying to be upbeat and chirpy but by heck it's hard work.

So, it was a mistake to mention it to Toad when I saw the challenge at Di's Digi Design Challenge was Show Off Those Coloring Skills and he became all encouraging.  Then a dear friend sort of did the same, but with added nagging.  In the end I decided to have a go, the worst that can happen is that you all laugh at the end results, and as it is cyber world, I won't be able to hear you!

So here it is

Lili of The Valley - James Bear Snow Angel

Watercolour painted using Tim Holtz Distress Inks (ReInkers) from Ranger

Papers are all Bo Bunny Double Dots (three different pads)

I used the largest Nestabilities Floral Oval die

and also a Martha Stewart border punch, both sides of the central stripe

Pearls are from my stash

Card base is 6x6 Advocate Smooth 300gsm Brilliant White from PDA Card & Craft

I hope you aren't laughing too much

Hugs, Squirrel xx

A Mouse & Two Bears

Morning all, it's the real Squirrel here today, just popping by with a little card for the House Mouse & Friends challenge 154 which this time is Monochrome.

This is a House Mouse cling stamp from Stampendous

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment is Kaisercraft

Papers are a mixture of Papermania and Nitwits

Border is from stash

The only "tool" used was the shaped corner punch

It has been a fabulous week's holiday with Toad.  We have had a very relaxing time and he has even managed to get a new batch of home brew on the go.

On Wednesday we hopped on a train and took ourselves off to Cambridge for the day.  It's such a beautiful city but neither of us have been more than a couple of times in the past.  We had a super day, including a visit to the Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Grand Arcade.

Let me introduce you to Arnie and Elvis, sitting by the river in Christ's Piece, watching the ducks and swans swimming by.  If you think they look fat, they have just scoffed their lunch.

Right, we are off to the seaside today, after a visit to my parents, so let's hope the sun keeps shining.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Crafty Little Fairies (DT) Autumn Colours

Morning all, another visit from Virtual Squirrel - the luscious Lorraine is in charge of CRAFTY LITTLE FAIRIES this week while I finish my short break.

The challenge this time around is perfect for the end of September and it is AUTUMN COLOURS.

Here is my DT card:

I have used this Mo Manning image, which is a Penny Black stamp called Birthday Joy

Painted her with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are Bo Bunny Autumn Song

Sentiment is LOTV Mixed Circular Sentiments set

the stars are a Memory Box die called Cosmic Stars

and I have used a Martha Stewart star border punch for more interest

While I'm at it, I shall also sneak this into the current PENNY BLACK & MORE CHALLENGE which also happens to be Autumn Colours

Thanks for visiting, and see you soon.  I'll be back in person shortly

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Wee Ruby

Morning folks.  Keep your fingers crossed as this is a scheduled post because I am either (a) still asleep enjoying a lay in or (b) off out for a day trip with the Toadster. 

I've been busy with DT work lately so I've had to trawl the archives to find an unposted card to share with you today and I found this one:

This is Ruby from Whimsy/Wee Stamps

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are Lucy Cromwell (need a new pad of these, have used them so much)

Whimsy corner die

Papermania gems

LOTV sentiment

Hope you are having a super Tuesday, whatever you are up to

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Candy Reminder

Virtual Squirrel here this morning, with a reminder that my candy closes this coming Saturday so you still have a few days left to get your name down.

You can find the candy here.

Just think of the goodies you could treat yourself to with a voucher from Bunny Zoe's Crafts.

You have to be in it to win it!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

This One Is For Dorte!

Never let it be said that I ignore requests ...... the lovely Dorte made a comment recently about missing my James Bear cards, so this one is especially for you hunny!

This is LOTV James Bear In The Snow

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are Dovecraft Back To Basics Christmas

Gems are all by Papermania

Sentiment is Personal Impressions

And the snowflake border - individually punched snowflakes

using Bazzil Bling card

(so relieved the pattern matched up!)

I feel a bit depressed today.  A little a while ago I had a letter from the NHS inviting me to go for my first breast screening (the appointment was this morning).  Now, I know how important these screenings are, but there was something particularly horrible about the realisation that I now fall into the right age range.  Bugger, middle age has finally caught up with me!  I have to say this though, even though I was terrified, and it was a right pain in the bottom actually finding the screening unit at the hospital (its in a Portakabin round the back, right next door to the Mortuary, nice), and I was in danger of being late because I spent ages going round in circles, the ladies there could not have been nicer or more reassuring.  When you get your letter, make sure you go, it could save your life.

Big hugs (but don't squeeze too hard please)

Squirrel xx

Trimming The Tree

It's the weekend, whooooooooooooooo, and I am officially on holiday for a whole, glorious, week!  It was our 15th wedding anniversary yesterday and Toad's birthday on Monday so we are really looking forward to being able to spend some time relaxing together.

I spotted a CAS challenge yesterday over at Creative Inspirations and made this super cute card for it:

Love these new Makey Bakey Mice stamps from Crafters Companion

This one is called Trimming The Tree

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment comes with the stamp

Matting layer is a sheet of Dovecraft Back To Basics Christmas from last year

Sweet and simple, just like me, lol

Sorry the photo is a bit dark, can't believe the light is going already.  Brace yourselves for many months of gloom!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Crafty Little Fairies (DT) Numbered Birthday

Morning all, this is Virtual Squirrel today with a scheduled post for CRAFTY LITTLE FAIRIES so paws crossed that it all goes to plan.  My fellow Fairy, the lovely Sue, is hosting the challenge today.

So, our theme for this week is NUMBERED BIRTHDAY - doesn't just have to be 18th, 21st, 40th but can be any birthday celebration, so long as that important number is on the card.  Easy peasy.

For this one I have used a Wild Rose Studio stamp called

Emily With Dandelion

(seemed just right for making birthday wishes)

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Personal Impressions sentiment with added numbers

Papers were a magazine freebie pad

Whimsy corner dies

\Red pearls and gold borders from stash

Our sponsor for this week is Delicious Doodles

I'm having a short break from hosting the challenge but be sure I will be popping in to see your fabulous entries

Hugs Squirrel xx

A Little Cracker

Morning all!  After yesterday's chilly little fairy, I thought today called for something a bit more cosy.

 

The older James stamps are all sitting on my desk waiting to be used and this one was really anxious and pushed to the head of the queue.  I am discovering that bears are like kids, get too many of them in one place and they start to squabble, lol.

This is LOTV James Bear Christmas Cracker

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are from the Bo Bunny pad Elf Magic

And the postmark sentiment is Kaisercraft

A big hello to the two new Followers who have appeared overnight, nice to see you, and welcome!

Have a happy day everyone, big hugs

Squirrel xx

I Hope You're Wearing A Vest

Now be honest, how many times as a teenager did you hear that from your parents?  You know the situation, all dressed up to the nines for a night out with your mates, or the boy of the moment, and you felt like a million dollars.  Until you got to the door that is, when those immortal words were shouted "I hope you're wearing a vest, you'll catch your death going out like that".  Talk about bursting the bubble!!

 

Now I think this little fairy could do with similar advice.  Let's face it, if you have ice on your wings then a vest is probably a good idea.

This stamp is Penny Black (Mo Manning) Winter Fairy

Painted of course with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

I have iced her wings, snowball and the ground with Glamour Dust

The sentiment was a freebie with Issue 4 of Get Stamping

So were the snowflakes

Matting layer is from First Edition Silent Night paper pad

 

Have a super Tuesday everyone, and don't forget to tuck your vest in!

 

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Tiddly Two

Monday morning, blerrrrgh!  Hello all, how are you?  Sending big furry hugs to all who need one. 

As an antidote to both the newly arrived autumnal weather and the Christmas card overload I thought I would start the week with a couple of sunny cuties.

This little sweetie is from the Tiddly Inks Beach Babe set

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are Wild Rose Studio from one of the Bella collections

Sentiment is from the Beach Babe set

and this gorgeous girl is from the Tiddly Inks Be My Sunshine set

Again, painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are Carta Bella Cool Summer

Sentiment is LOTV from the Scroll Sentiments set

and the single sparkly gem is Papermania

Hope these have brought a little sunshine into your day

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Normal Service Resumed

Morning all!  After yesterday's rather odd card, we are back to normal and it's another Christmas card for you.

This is a new High Hopes stamp called Making Friends

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are LOTV and Dovecraft

Sentiment from a Penny Black set

Woodware snowflake punch

Simples - just what you have come to expect!

Have a happy Sunday

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Quarantine?

Hello all, hope you are having a super Saturday!  I've been for my tail trim and colour and am now a neat and tidy Squirrel.  Weather is carrying on from yesterday, it started to rain late afternoon and continued this morning.  It may have just about stopped but it is still wet enough to justify an afternoon crafting.

I spied two Get Well challenges this morning, and both are CAS, so I thought I'd have a go.  The end result isn't quite what I envisaged but it made Toad chuckle, so not all bad then.

And I have to do a bit of name dropping here and say "thank you" to Kathy of Purple Princess Diaries for leading me astray this week with Kaisercraft background stamps!  Don't feel too bad hunny, I am easily lead into rubber temptation, lol!

Hmmmmmm, yeah

Anyway, this is one of the Oddly Sweet Monsters from Suzanna Loves Stamps

He's definitely odd, and quite sweet and is called Those Days

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Background stamp is Kaisercraft Wood Grain stamped in Memento Grape Jelly

The sentiment came with the monster stamp

And the two Get Well challenges are

Less Is More

Addicted to CAS

I promise that the next post will be something less weird!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Wrapped In Tinsel

Dunno about wrapped in tinsel, after the week I've had I think it ought to be bubblewrap, especially around my head for when I bang it on the wall!  Is there such a thing as a calm work week? 

Welcome to my new Followers!  Hello chaps, lovely to have you here and I hope my strange ramblings and odd postings will keep you entertained and that we are together for a long time to come.

Anyhoo, having exhausted my new James stamps I've started with the older ones so here is today's for you:

This is LOTV James Wrapped In Tinsel

Painted in Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are all First Edition Silent Night

You can just see the silver on the stripes, it's a shame you can't see the sheen on the snowflakes

Sentiment is LOTV Simply Sophisticated

Snowflake punch is of course Martha Stewart

Gems are from Dovecraft Back To Basics

I now have an issue with my beloved Toad and these James cards.  He doesn't want me to send any of them out!  He asked last night if we could keep them to put on the mantelpiece for Christmas.  What a sweetheart.

Well, the weekend is here at last and apart from a tail trim and colour tomorrow, I plan on having a quiet and relaxing one with lots of crafting (and hopefully the weather forecast will play right into my paws so I don't feel too guilty)

Whatever you are doing this weekend, have a happy one

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Crafty Little Fairies (DT) New Baby

Hello Fairyfans, well, would you look at that, it is Fairyday again!  My how they come round quickly.  So off we go with another challenge with CRAFTY LITTLE FAIRIES and this week our challenge for you is NEW BABY.

I think I might have mentioned before that I seem to have many friends breeding at the moment, so I am always grateful for a push to get a baby card made, lol!  It is actually the Pink Fairies who are on DT duty this week but I have gatecrashed, one of the perks of the admin job, but I am sure they won't mind too much.

CRAFTY LITTLE FAIRIES DT

Looks like I made this one with a baby girl in mind!

I have used the LOTV stamp Baby With Teddy

The image is painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

The papers are an assortment of Forever Friends from a freebie pad

I have used a Martha Stewart border punch

and Memory Box Precious Hearts die

Sentiment is also LOTV

and the gold border is from stash

Looking forward to seeing your entries for this fabulous themed challenge

And while I am here, I'd like to sing some praises for amazing customer service.  Late Tuesday night I put in an order at PDA Card & Craft for a new batch of cardstock and envelopes.

I had the email yesterday to say the parcel had been despatched and I would receive it by 4.00 this afternoon!  I have used PDA for years and cannot fault them.  Quality products and amazing service.  Praise where praise is due!

And finally, did you know I had candy on offer?  If you fancy getting your hands on a Bunny Zoe's Crafts voucher (so easy to craft shop til you drop there) and you are one of my lovely Followers, why not get your entry in the draw.  It is open until the end of the month and you can find the post here

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Tag, You're It!

I quite like Tuesdays.  Not sure why as they are not near enough to the weekend to get excited but they are certainly better than Mondays or Thursdays.  Wednesdays are just dull and Fridays are always full of promise, so really Tuesdays are nothing that special, but I quite like them.

So, that's my mindless rambling over, let's get down to business!  Having made a flurry of James themed Christmas cards so far, I thought I would turn my attention to the other fun part of Christmas, the presents, and start on some gift tags.

Of course it's simple - as the Glitter Girls say, I "don't do difficult" (life is far too short)

You have to love this little chap!

This is the LOTV stamp Balancing Act

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment is from a Penny Black clear set and stamped in Love Letter Memento ink

That yummy striped paper is from Bo Bunny Elf Magic pad

Length of red satin ribbon from stash

I have had the fleeting thought of making my own wrapping paper this year by simplying stamping, either in coloured ink or watermark ink, on brown parcel paper - it was a fleeting thought though as the amount of stamping suddenly seemed rather daunting, and time will be too precious as we get towards the end of November and into early December, so it will be the usual cop-out of gift paper on a roll in this household!

Have a happy Tuesday all

Hugs, Squirrel xx

The Last James

Monday morning, ugh!  Here we go again then chaps, back on the hamster wheel of the working week.

I know I had told you that I was almost up to using my last new James Bear stamp .... well I have now.  So this week I shall be digging out my older ones.  Oh I am loving having a James themed Christmas this year, and I have actually got a lot of cards made already instead of the usual last minute headless chicken routine.

Anyhoo, here is the last of my new James stamps....

This is LOTV James Snowman

Painted, as usual, with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are Bo Bunny Elf Magic

and the most overused Christmas sentiment I own

 

Hugs to you all, Squirrel xx

 

Warning: Contains Pink!

Afternoon all, and happy Sunday to you.

I've been wanting to play at IN THE PINK for ages but kept missing the challenges, so the current one of Keep It Sweet & Simple worked perfectly for me as it is running for four weeks this time.

I've used a Gorjuss Girls stamp called I Found My Family In A Book

Painted with a limited palette of Distress Inks (ReInkers)

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

Papers are from my leftovers box

Sentiment is Personal Impressions

I hope you haven't been blinded by the pink overload!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Got The Lazy Bug

Morning all.  How are you on this beautiful and sunny Saturday morning?  Thankfully the temperatures have dropped 10 degrees from Thursday (that really did make me feel unwell, it hit 32C in town, blah) so I have a tiny bit more bounce in my tail today.

Now there is an awful lot I could be doing today, but I think I have been bitten by the lazy bug because I just can't find the motivation to get up and get going.  Perhaps a quiet day is what the doctor ordered?

Anyhoo, another James Bear card to share with you today (only one to go and I'll have done all the new stamps).

Awwwwwwh!

This is LOTV James - Christmas Stocking

Which has, of course, been painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

The sentiment is from a Country Companions stamp

And you might just be able to see the glint of gold on the paper

This gorgeous foiled sheet is from the DoCrafts First Noel 6x6 paper pack

Gold Papermania Shimmer Domes and a few gems from stash

I've got lots of crafty stuff to be getting on with, a couple of orders, some DT work and some family birthdays, so that might just take priority over the housework again.  Sounds like a plan to me!

Hope you have a super weekend, whatever you are up to.

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Crafty Little Fairies (DT) Cute 'n' Cuddly Critters

Hello chaps!  It's here again, but with a difference!  OK, it used to be Liliday, but now it is Fairyday and we have a super first challenge for you at CRAFTY LITTLE FAIRIES!

Our theme is CUTE N CUDDLY CRITTERS so be getting those little furry pals out and inked up.  Remember, you have the choice now to use a stamp or digi from any company, but of course we will always have a soft spot for those Lili cuties so don't be afraid to use those too.

Yes, another CAS card, I'm sorry, but I was fighting a losing battle with time this week

and my colourwork didn't get it's usual love lavished on it either - I am ashamed

This is a LOTV stamp called Party Pup

Slapdash painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Dovecraft Back to Basics Christmas paper

Sentiment from LOTV Christmas Handwritten Phrases set

Glittery gold borders by Anita

Shockingly simple folks, but hey, what's new!

Anyhoo, there are two chances at a prize this week so I hope you will hop on over to the challenge, not only to check out the new look but also to see what my fabbie team mates have created for their DT inspiration - they have put on an amazing show for you (don't they always?)!

 

And while I am at it, I shall sneak this little pup into the Christmas challenge over at CRAFT

Enjoy the challenge!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

A Little Bit Crafty

Now then, you know I can't resist a CAS challenge, so when I saw the new A Little Bit Crafty challenge is Clean & Simple (as beautifully DT'd by my other-challenge-teamies Sue and Lorraine), I just knew that I couldn't let this one pass me by.  And I shall also sneak this one in to the Bearly Mine Challenge of Anything Goes.

And I have been obsessed by my new James Bear stamps from Lili so out came another one!

Now I know that I said the James Santa Stop Here was my new favourite BUT

this James Snow Angel is level pegging at the moment.

Oh let's face it, all the James stamps are my favourites, lol

Painted as usual with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

6x6 white card base

Snowflakes are from a Hero Arts sentiments set stamped with Sky Blue Memento ink

Matting layer is Dovecrafts Back To Basics Christmas

Sentiment is from LOTV Christmas Handwritten Phrases

And if one CAS James card wasn't enough, here is another one

This one is itty-bitty 4x4 and would make a good gift tag for a large present

This is an older James called Big Star

Again, painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Sentiment from a Hero Arts sentiments set

Simply finished off with Anita's Glitter Borders

Oh ok, if you insist, here's a close-up of that oh-so-cute-and-scrummy Snow Angel

Thanks for popping over, lovely to see you, as always, and don't forget

there is candy on offer (a Bunny Zoe's Crafts voucher) - you will find the link in my sidebar to take you straight to the right post!

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Without Words (DT) September: Happy Anniversary

Here we are again gang, the first Monday of September, and you know by now that this heralds a new challenge from WITHOUT WORDS.

When I had the hair-brained idea to start this challenge I wasn't sure how it would be received, but with the most amazing team behind me who have colouring skills beyond my dreams, our loyal sponsors and all our wonderful Followers who have gradually found us, we have now been running for a whole year!  And this leads us nicely to our challenge for September which is HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.

There was a personal reason for setting this theme, not only because it is our challenge anniversary, but in just over two weeks, it will be my wedding anniversary, so a great excuse to make an early start on my card for my beloved Toad.

I have used

Tiddly Inks clear stamp set - Some Bunny

Painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Papers are from leftovers box

Martha Stewart grass border punch

Sentiment is also from the Some Bunny set

I know this is not a traditional anniversary card - but Toad will understand the thoughts behind it.

I found out that 15th anniversary is supposed to be Crystal but we have had a chat about this and decided that we are changing it.  To Cake!  I like the idea of a Cake anniversary, lol.  That'll be the diet shot down in flames then.

Anyhoo, I hope you are able to join us for our Without Words anniversary celebrations this month - your card doesn't even have to be for a wedding anniversary, it could be for the anniversary of another event, just remember to tell us what it is.

We have the lovely Elaine of Quixotic Paperie sponsoring us again this month, so not only can you have fun, you could win a super prize too!

Remember that for your entry to qualify you will need to follow the rules

A clean and simple design

Handcoloured image

Minimal or no embellishments

Sentiments are allowed

Hugs, Squirrel xx

Unhappy Tree

Afternoon all.  I can't believe it is Sunday afternoon already - where the heck has the weekend gone?  It will be back on the hamster wheel of work before you can even blink!  But I have been making the most of the break and been playing with another of my new LOTV stamps.

I had trouble with the tree on this one.  Getting depth into it was a right grrrrrrrrr and it got touched up four times.  What it ended up like is ok, but I am still not overly happy with it.  Hey ho.

This stamp is from Lili and is James - Christmas Tree

As usual, he's been painted with Distress Inks (ReInkers)

Glitter on baubles and star is DoCrafts ultra fine glitter

Papers are LOTV Classic Christmas

Matting layer is white card edged with a red ProMarker

Pearl "berries" are from stash

Hugs, Squirrel xx