Thank you Friend!

This is one of the gorgeous new stamps from Sugar Nellie....I finally got around to having a little play with her last night...I had to finish my christmas cards and voucher wallets first and I'm glad to say that they are now complete for another year, yeeeahhhhh!! I only have one present left to buy...but....it's that difficult-to-buy-for person so I'm still waiting on divine inspiration!! LOL

And I just realised that I hadn't shown this stash I won from Frances....I was thrilled and delighted....there is loads in the package....and I love it all.....including those little angel charms! Thank you so much Fran...you know how to pack a fun parcel!! bx

Holiday Blessings!

Oh my goodness..."christmas" is just sneeking right up on me...faster than ever!!!!! I absolutely loved this Whiff of Joy stamp when it was released but haven't had the chance to make many cards with her...to my shame!!

I still have a few cards left to finish so I'd best be getting on with it!! bx

Friend!

Gosh it's been a busy few days for me!! I haven't been near the craft "studio" and haven't had much pc time either! And I still need another couple of christmas cards...so I better get to it!!

I'm going to a couple of school plays this week...I just LOVE watching the kids on stage...this is what makes it "feel" christmassy for me!!

The hubster is watching Peter Kay's wind-up show...I just WISH you could hear the laughs of him.....!! bx

Hip, Hip Hooray!

Been creating some "guy" cards recently........I used 2 of the magnolia winter kit stamps and Basic Grey "offbeat" papers to create this card...I thought it turned out quite "funky" or should I say "hip"!!!

My gorgeous new Sugar Nellie stamps arrived this morning.....only 2 more weeks to wait until santa officially gives me them though....hmmmmm, maybe if I talk nicely to him....! bx

Giving and dreaming...

This little cutie from the Magnolia winter kit is sooo adorable...when colouring her I couldn't help but wonder what she might be thinking....I looked through my sentiments and found this line on a marriage sentiment stamp (that's the versatility of stamps for ya!!) and thought it was perfect for this time of year! I do love how this card turned out!! bx

Merry Christmas dear friend!

These 2 make such a lovely pair...this magnolia winter kit is such a pleasure to use.....and yes, I'm still enjoying MM's Paperie (poolside)!!

I was delighted to receive this lovely award from Natalie...she always leaves me a sweet comment and I'm honoured to receive it from her!

Here are the rules :-

1. Pick 10 people and pass this award to them

2. Contact them and let them know you have chosen their blog for this award

3. Link to the person who gave you this award

Ok, I nominate Claudia, Deb, Erica, Frances, Ila, Jeanet, Johanna, Katharina, Maria and Tiets - I love all your blogs! I'm sure many of you have already received it so don't worry about forwarding it on!!

Did you notice my new banner...? It's my first attempt at "digital"...it took my technical expert (ahem, aka the hubster) and I a while to get the hang of this (hours in fact!!)...but once we did...my word it was so much fun...and so simple!! bx

More Sweet Candy!

Oh crafters.....look at this delish candy being offered by Erica (in celebration of 51,000 hits)...it's gorgeous!! I've recently discovered Erica's blog and love to visit as she makes some beautiful cards...so pop across for some inspiration, and to find out how to be in with a chance of winning these fab goodies...you have until next saturday to do so!! bx

Claire's santa sack loada goodies!

Feast your eyes of this little lot (ehh, not much little about it though!!)...the extremely generous Claire is offering this ton of goodies to a lucky lucky crafter!! Go take a peek at her lovely blog and find out how to be in with a chance for this gorgeous candy....you have until 14th December to do so...good luck everyone! bx

The first day of Christmas...

It's the most wonderful time of the year....and Whiff of Joy is certainly going to make this season very special for the craft community!! Each day until Christmas they are going to "open" a window on their advent calendar to reveal a special gift for a special person!! How much fun is this?!!!

So pop across to Katharina's blog to find out all the details of how to be "in it to win it"!! Good luck everyone!! bx

Bev's Pink Candy!

Hmmmm....yummy new toys for another lucky crafter!! Bev is offering this bundle of pink goodness to a lucky gal (or guy) "just because"...so pop over and have a peek at her lovely creations and find out all the details of how to be in with this chance...you have until 4th December to do so!!! bx

A Little Birdie...!

Something a little different from me.....!! I needed a card for a very special male friend....so cute wasn't gonna cut it!! I was able to pick up some fab Memory Box products when I was away...the papers on this card are from their Winterberry 6x6 paper collection. It is excellent quality and value for money and I loved the patterns! They actually reminded me of Basic Grey a little...! bx

For you!

Another favourite "sweet" gal of mine....I used her to make a card to send to one of my blog candy winners......I used Euphoria papers...love these colours...and found this ribbon (which I've had for ages) was the perfect match! bx

Ila's Celebrating in Style!

One of my favourite crafty blogs to visit is Ila's...she is full of inspiration...and I want to be able to colour like her when I grow up!! So it's no wonder she is now celebrating 100,000 hits....and boy is she offering TWO fabulous candies....it'll be like the proverbial "christmas morning" delight for 2 lucky peeps!! So pop over and join in...you have until 3rd December to do so!! bx

CPS sketch no92

I haven't joined in a challenge in what seems like ages...been busy making my christmas cards and just doing my own thing I guess!!

So I decided to give the current CPS sketch no92 a wee try....this is the result!! I used one of my favourite Sugar Nellie stamps and some of the yummy MME papers I got when I was away (seems sooooo long ago now!!)

I thought this Hero Arts sentiment was perfect as this sassy girl certainly has style!! And I love how you can manipulate acrylic stamps to curve like this!

Would anyone care to guess where I got that little heart charm...?

Apart from that, I wish all our American friends a very happy, healthy Thanksgiving...I love the idea of that celebration...wish we had it here!! bx

More Sweet Rubber Candy!!

The very generous Katharina has dished out more candy to share!! Frances has 2 gorgeous Whiff of Joy Stamps to send to 2 lucky winners....so pop over and bag yourself a chance ( you have until 2nd December to do so!!)

Check out France's cute lil ATC while you're there!! bx

A True Friend....

I am loving this Urban Prairie collection by Basic Grey! The colours are gorgeous!

I decided to use a Sarah Kay image for a wee change tonight....and when I saw this rub-on sentiment by Kelly Panacci I thought it fitted so well!!

And that little swirly fella in the top right corner, my friends, is a piece of Mr Holtz's grungeboard finally sampled!! Yep...it's only been sitting quietly unopened 5 months now!! bx

Whimsy Stamps!

Do you see this cutie...don't ya just love him...and NEED him!! He is just one of a new range of Whimsy Stamps being launched by Denise in her new business venture!

For a chance to win him, or one of his cute mates, pop across and put your name in the hat as it were!! Good luck with the new business Denise...I hope it's all you want it to be!! bx

Christmas Magic

I've been busy getting caught up with my christmas cards but didn't seem to have anything to show here....until...I saw my new magnolia kit....I absolutely LOVE it!! It's definitely my favourite kit so far!

These Making Memories papers were still on my desk so I thought I'd give them some more lovin'!!!

It's such a rainy, blustery day here it's definitely a craftin' in the "jammies" day!! bx

O what a candy!!

Oh yes....believe it!! Your eyes do NOT deceive you!! This is the fabulous candy being offered by Debbie in celebration of her blog hits...which as you can imagine is growing wildly now!!

You have until the 26th to be in with a chance...so pop over and say hello!! bx

For the love of Sugar!

Sugar Nellie recently put a call out for some-one to manage their blog, and have now appointed Gayle to the role - congratulations Gayle!! Already they are offering some sugar coated candy for a lucky crafter....pop across to find out the details, you have until the 25th to do so! bx

Who's it gonna be...?

I'd like to say a huge "thank you" to everyone who took part in my blog candy!

Before I announce the winner, I'd just like to clarify how I arrived at the winners name. Several people had posted 2 comments on the candy post but I wanted to give everyone a fair chance....so....I typed everyone's name into an excel spreadsheet ONCE, in order of the posted comments, and that way everyone was allocated a number. In the end, I had 77 different people comment, and when I asked Random.org to pick a number, the result was:

Here are your random numbers:
31
Timestamp: 2008-11-14 21:44:05 UTC

So that means Annelies wins the candy - congratulations!! But I then decided to pick another 2 numbers who will also receive a little something from me. The next number was:

Here are your random numbers:28
Timestamp: 2008-11-14 21:45:58 UTC

...so congratulations to Maria, and the last number was:

Here are your random numbers:2
Timestamp: 2008-11-14 21:46:28 UTC

congratulations Sharon!

I hope everyone understands how this worked out, and agree that it is the fairest way!! If the "winners" email me their addresses I'll get the candy in the post next week!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!! bx

A Little Something!

I have been meaning to offer a blog candy for sooooo long...and finally I've got around to putting together a "little something"!

• A set of Inkadinkado Clear Stamps
• Basic Grey Euphoria 6x6 pad
• Pink Ribbons
• Mixture of Prima blooms
• Handful of Autumn Leaves buttons

Anyone and everyone is welcome to enter (of course I will ship internationally). Simply leave a comment here (if you have any tips for storing your nestabilities I'd be grateful!!) and put a link to my candy on your own blog...that's it...easy!!

I'll let this run until Friday 14th November, 8pm and I'll let the random-thingy pick a winner after that!! bx

Full of Sunshine!

As you can see I am still enjoying my gorgeous new MM Paperie Rouge collection!! Just can't put it down!! This card is headed for America to a very special lady who has been quite unwell recently!

Wish I could get a better handle on the photography...no matter what I seem to try my photo's are just plain...well PANTS!! haha

Kristine, a very inspirational and talented crafter, is celebrating her first year of blogging by offering 2 gorgeous candy's...this is one of the lucky packages that you could win...so pop over and get your "name in the hat"...you have until 26th November to do so!! bx

Claudia's Candy Choices!

I'm sure you all know Claudia (Pretty Pressings) and if not where have you been?! lol Anyway, she too is celebrating her one year blogoversary and boy is she celebrating!!

This is only 1 of 4 fabulous candy choices so pop over and get all the details of how to get your name in the hat...you have until 22nd November to do so! Claudia is such an inspirational crafter I love to visit daily! bx

Anita's yummy candy

Look at all these yummy goodies...being offered by Anita in celebration of her one year blogoversary and 25,000 hits!! Go take a peek at her gorgeous inspirational creations...you have until 25th to get your name in the hat!! bx

Sending Winter Wishes!

Here is another of my new Magnolia's....(I'm loving every single one)!! I HAD to have some Christmassy Magnolia's for my cards this year so this is the male one I chose!!

The papers are from Making Memories new Paperie collection (poolside). I must confess that I have fallen for Making Memories papers BIG TIME recently!! I have always loved their embellishments but their last few paper collections have really lured me!!

I couldn't believe it when I got this award from Jakki! She is a very talented crafty girl...so I was absolutely delighted when she remembered petite moi!! (No emphasis on the "petite" you understand haha)!!

The rules for passing this award along are:

1) the winner may put this award on their blog.
2)Put a link to the person who sent this award to you.
3)Nominate 5 blogs.
4)Put links to their blogs.
5)Leave a message for your nominees.

So without further ado I nominate Maria, Paula, Johanna, Leann and Jeanet! There are so many inspirational crafters in blogland that it is hard to choose!! bx

Yum-E Candy Chance!

WOW....look at the stash being offered by Frances in celebration of her one year blogoversary during which she has now exceeded 55,000 hits!! Woohoo Frances...way to go!! Head over girlies for a look-see (you have until the 16th November) and you'll soon understand why!! bx

My Card for Daniel!

Claire's son Daniel was 11 years young yesterday. She had made a very special appeal for a birthday card for him....I made this card but as it only got posted on Thursday night it won't have arrived on time....sorry Daniel! I hope he had a wonderful day anyway!!

This is 2 of my new magnolia's that I NEEDED...I thought the christmas sack would work for Daniel as he had a sack-loada cards to open from crafters all over the world!! bx

A Very Merry Christmas to you!

I'd hate to speak to soon...but...I think I may be coming outta that lacko-inspiration-fog that's been haunting me lately!! I love this result!! Mind you it's full of yummy RED goodies - always a winner for me!!

I was soooo glad to be able to get some of Making Memories Paperie collection when I was away...this is (obviously!) some of the Rouge collection (hope you put on your french accent there haha!!). Scrapbook Nook was only 3 miles from where we were staying....quite a big store and it was jam packed with goodies...if only we had a store like that near me!! Anyways, they had the FULL collection...I was delighted....picked it all!!

I met Irina who kindly ordered me lots of Stamping Up goodies...I am loving this punch (that houses my sentiment).

And isn't this new little christmas Tilda adorable...I HAD to have her!! I love to let the little feet dangle...! bx

Lots of Candy on offer!

There are lots of yummy candy offerings on the go...lots of great inspiration too...so I'm going to add to this post as and when I come across the fun stuff!!

First up is this lovely set of stamps on offer by Craft Stamper to celebrate the launch of their new blog...how fun!

Now you're in for a visual treat at Camilla's blog...oh that girl has talent....pop over n see!

Next up is Suzanne's yummy candy...but hurry as it's over on 9th November and you won't want to miss this great chance!! Take a peek at all the gorgeous projects!

Bev's yummy candy!

The very talented Bev is offering some yummy candy! Some has kindly been donated by Katharina, and some is from Bev in honour of reaching (and then some!!) 50, 000 hits! If you're not in, you can't win!! bx

Ismaki Sketch No38

Oooooooh thank goodness for sketches!! I have been suffering from missing imagination and lacko inspiration - I just hate when that happens!! But...I am trying!!

I put this together with the help of the latest Ismaki Sketch No38 (which I really liked) and a vintage motif that my aunt brought me when she visited at the weekend!! She'd remembered that I liked "vintage" and had spotted these at her local craft store....great for some-one who is waaaaaay behind with the christmas cards this year!!

And no...these aren't "christmassy" papers but I LOVE these K&Co papers and thought they suited my image...so here they are!!

I got a bunch of Prima blooms when I was on hols...I am seriously loving them!! This one has a "foamy" feel to it...so pretty!

Before I finish I wanted to mention a blog candy being offered by Diane....a fun bunch of goodies for a lucky gal, so go say hello!! bx

Happy Hallow'een!

I can't believe a whole month has passed since last my post!! I had to get ONE post published in October!! I feel like a "newbie" again!!

This is my version of the "blessings box" which I saw on Marlene's blog! I could not believe how super easy it was to make (remember I like simple LOL!!). Instead of tying ribbon around the top, I added a coupla l'il ribbon handles, secured in place with brads!! I know it's not very halloweeny but it is perfect for a few choccies!!

I did have a fabulous holiday but have been quite sick since I've come home....that's why my newly purchased stash from San Fran has lain unloved...but I hope to be back n crafty again now!!

I'm off to a 40th birthday party...hope you all have a frighfully fun halloween! bx

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..!

What's the one thing you DON'T need right before a trip - sickness....? Oh gosh I "hit the deck" yesterday....hard!! I was really worried that I wasn't gonna be able to make my trip....but, thankfully I feel much better today!! i need to play catch up now though with things I should've been doing yesterday!!

I haven't had the chance to play with my toys seems like for ages...but I made a couple of halloween cards with those yummy Imaginsce papers (the writing PP is by Teresa Collins) and 2 sketches. For this one I used Jen's sketch...very simple!

And for this one I used Katharina's sketch no11. Another simple card!

So tomorrow morning we're off to San Fransisco....we're all excited and I especially can't wait to get some crafty shopping done!!

Before I finish I'd just like to let you all know about some lovely candy on offer by Jakki....she makes some amazing creations and could do with a little blogging support right now...please pop by and say hello! bx

Halloween's coming...!

I loved this Hallowhimisical collection by Imaginsce - so had to have them all!! I've used Julee's sketch at Poetic Artistry to create this crd.....which actually has no stamping on!! Goossshh...not like me!!

I created my little spider by adding black fluffy stuff to a scrap of black card, cutting out this "spiderish" shape, inserting 2 white itchy titchy brads, then simply adding a black dot in each to create the eyes!! I adhered it to my web and simply drew the little black legs....et voila!! bx

Magnolia's Breast Cancer Awareness Programme

This gorgeous little cutie is a sneak peak from Magnolia's Pink Collection 2008. Could you please take a moment to go leave a comment under this post on their blog...? Not only will you then have the chance to win this collection...they will donate 1Skr to benefit breast cancer awareness pink ribbon! What a wonderful way to raise those vital funds! bx

Let's Party

I used the sketch by Laura this week at 2sketches4U! I love their sketches but rarely seem to be able to "work" them!! I used some of the yummy Noteworthy items from Making Memories (love this company!!)..I love the colours in this PP!

I can't remember who sent me this Bella (sorry!!) but thought it suited my sister...she loooves wine and does have wavy hair!

I seem to have been busy this past few days so haven't had the chance to craft much (sniff)...I'm getting ready for my big hol next week...oh boy am I excited! bx

Challenges Galore!!

I always seem to struggle to keep up with "challenges"...I really enjoy doing them...but I never seem to "git r dun" in time...so today I was determined to complete a challenge....but...now brace yourself.....when I went for a nosy round I got excited.....steady....when I realised that the "challenges" were such that I could do some together....so this card is 5 challenges in one!! Woohoo for b!!

Actually, I was trying to include the Arty Girlz challenge to make it birthday related...but thought I'd enough on this!! So here's the low-down....

Basic Grey - distressing...I've distressed edges with scissors, ink, ripping, rolled the edge of my "sweet treat" tag and of course the base PP is also distressed (I've used 3 papers from the sugared collection)

Penny Black - decorate the inside of your card...weeeeell...I did this with my little Penny Black cupcake - not terribly exciting I guess...but never-the-less it's more decorated than I normally do!

Cute Card Thursday - Food...hmmm...I really needed to use a Penny Black image here so I used my stamp called "cheesecake express" and stamped the cupcake and sentiment inside the little tag.

I had a few cute images with "drinks" but didn't think that would "qualify" for this challenge!! LOL

Friday Sketchers - this fabulous sketch is by Kristine which I really enjoyed working with!

Stamp Something - Embellish It - well I have lots of pretty prima's (can't get enough of these!!), brads, raffia ribbon, 2 different stitches using my sewing machine and some stickles on my cupcake which you can't really see in the 'photo!

I wonder what the highest number of challenges some-one has managed to roll into one creation...? That's a challenge in itself!! Bev is always good for combining!!

Phew!! The most important thing I guess is that I had fun...and...I actually really like this little card!! So now I must return to playing nurse-maid for my poor hubby...he has "man flu"....yep! it's that serious!! bx

Winter Wishes!

When Katharina first previewed this WOJ image i just couldn't wait to get her!! She looks "princessy" to me...so elegant!! Oh to have a "frock" like this!! I loved colouring her and am already wondering about what else she might hold so that I don't have to put her away all year!!

My week just passed in a whizz...and I didn't get to join many challenges despite my good start on sunday!! N'er mind...there's always next week!! bx

Some serious candy offers!

First up is candy from Hazel....yummy Basic Grey goodies...pop over for a look-see! bx

Next up is Bev.....she has a fab Whiff of Joy stamp amongst other goodies on offer to a very lucky gal...go see!!

Next is Becks with more yummy Basic Grey stamps....oh whats a girl to do without her BG fix!!

Next is Carole with lots of fabulous treats in this candy offer.....gonna be another very happy blogger with these goodies!!

PS A new challenge site for Whiff of Joy images is scheduled next week!

Sweet Heart!

I liked Nikki's sketch which she created for last weeks challenge at A Spoonful of Sugar so I tried to use it for this card...but my image was a little too long so I had to rearrange my sentiment!!

I love these Bo Bunny Shabby Princess papers and of course another of my new "toys" from A Whiff of Joy! bx

Make a wish...!

I've been having such fun with my Whiff of Joy stamps....love these little Elizabeth Bell images - they're soooo cute!!

That scraps box is overflowing again so I'm delving into it....I've made this one up using some Crate paper scraps....

If you're interested in winning some gorgeous blog candy go visit the talented creator of these images Elizabeth Bell....you're in for a treat! bx

Basic Grey Challenge Numero Dos!

WOW - get me...two current-just-announced challenges in the one day!! That's a biggie...maybe has something to do with the fact that the hubster did all the chores and I just played (nuthin' new there lass he snickers!!)...and that Basic Grey's second challenge is an ATC!!

I've used paper from the Dasher collection so that fulfills the BG requirement...I love this A Muse sentiment...it works perfectly with all the snow people at christmas!! I'm going to make this ATC into a christmas card for a VERY special little boy I know...and cherish!

Such a glorious day today...we're off out now to pick up a curry...then we'll catch up on the X Factor...oh the things my love does for me!! bx

Let's hear it for the boys...!

Have you got that tune in your head now...? I can't shift it!! haha

This weekends Penny Black Saturday Challenge theme is "A Man's card - but no blue" so I stepped right up to the challenge with this card!! Love these My Mind's Eye papers - perfect for male cards! bx

It's your day!

I love this paper from Basic Grey...I love the colour combo and it felt as if you were looking into a garden...so I chose this Elisabeth Bell image as she is surrounded in flowers, and simply placed her as if she was standing amongst all the blooms...and of course what else could I use as an embellishment only more blooms...?! bx