Flying Solo

Morning everyone,

Sorry I went AWOL yesterday.  No time to blog,  busy, busy week ahead.

I'm off across to the UK again this afternoon, just until Thursday evening this time, so I won't be posting again until the end of the week  - who said 'Thank Goodness for that!' (only joking).

The reason for this trip is the Indigo Blu Not a Christmas Party.  The lovely Kay and Alfie have got all their team together, including all the Design Team.  I'm so excited, it's going to be great to finally meet everyone. 
Most of yesterday was spent sorting out what outfits to take, trousers or a dress - Trousers definitely (I don't do dresses unless it's a long one!)
Do I sparkle or not sparkle - couldn't decide so I'm taking both. 
Shoes or boots - again taking both (I much prefer boots, my feet don't like shoes).
Anyway, finally decided on what to take, covered just about every occasion (I never travel light!).  My  suitcase is packed and I'm ready to go.
It's going to be a bit of an adventure this trip, you see I'm flying on my own, for the first time (eek!)  I'm only going to Manchester so it's not a long flight.  Thankfully the airport here on the Isle of Man is only small so I can't get lost, and I'm being met at Manchester airport by Jo, another of the Indigo Blu Belles, then we're travelling the rest of the way together.  I just hope I can find my way around Manchester airport.

Well enough about my travels.

Did you all see Kay on the telly on Saturday?  What fab shows, as always.  There were some great new stamps and some fabulous new kits available.  If you didn't manage to get what you wanted because of Sell Outs, check out the New Releases Section on the Indigo Blu website.  You should be able to find the products there.

Not all of my samples were featured on the show, here's one that I didn't see ........

You know how I love my oversized tags. 
For this one I blended Distress Inks onto the tag, then used one of the new background stamps - Ledger  and stamped randomly over the tag.  The rest of the stamps I've used are also from Indigo Blu - Take the Time. 
This is one of my favourite sets.  The cogs and the pen nibs have been stamped using the Flitter Glu and the brand new colour of Flake - Autumn Blaze.  It looks fab on black card.

It's all been finished off with a touch of Tim Holtz Idea-ology, some vintage seam binding and cotton ribbon.
I made my own little banner for the bottom from some left over cardstock, and stamped with one of the words from the stamp set Sarah's Choice.

That's about it from me.  I need to do last minute checks that I've got everything for my trip, put a casserole in the slow cooker for my men tonight, then it's off to the airport.

Cheerio for now.

Enjoy your week.  I'll see you Friday, hopefully with my Timmie Tag! 

Linda

x

Quick and easy Gift Bag

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all safe and warm and have escaped the storms that have been battering the UK.  We've had some of the heavy rain and wind over here, but nothing like across there.  Let's hope the worst is over.

I'd like to say Hello and welcome my latest follower Rita.  It's nice to have you along on my creative journey. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy blogging it all.

On Friday, my DT post over at Creative Studios was a cute little Christmas Gift Bag.

For those of you who don't already know how to make it, I did say that I would blog some instructions on how to put it together.  So here goes .....

My gift bag was made from a piece of A4 cardstock.

Take your cardstock and score, along the short edge, at  4.5cm and 16.5 cm
Turn the card and score along the long edge at 12cm and 17.5cm, so you end up with this ......

you can just about see the score lines (I hope)

With your cardstock in landscape position, measure 7.5cm from each of the 4 corners and make a small pencil mark on the edge of the card

Score a line from your pencil mark diagonally into the corner where your scorelines meet.  (once you've done this you can rub out the pencil marks)

Fold and crease all your scored lines.  Use a bone folder to get nice crisp edges.

With your cardstock in portrait postion, lift up the bottom edge about half way, fold up the side of your card and the diagonal score line should naturally want fold into place, giving you this sort of shape .......

Gently open out your folds and apply adhesive as shown below.....

Stick all four sides, then apply more adhesive to these bits ....

Fold up the sides to complete your gift bag.

Holding the top edges together, punch two holes about 4cm apart, so that you can thread your ribbon through to tie the gift bag.

You can now decorate it, with scrapbooking papers, rubber stamping, use your embossing folders, whatever takes your fancy.  And there you have it, a nice little bag that's quick and easy to make, for all those special little gifts.

Hope these instructions were easy enough to follow.  Happy wrapping!

Thanks for looking today.  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Bye for now

Linda

x

It's Showtime!

Happy Friday everyone,

We've actually got some sunshine on the island today, a nice change from all the wind and rain.  It was horrible last night, the waves weren't half crashing over onto Douglas prom.

Stephen's emergency trip to the dentist went well.  They managed to sort him out with a temporary fix for now, but he has a lot of treatment to go through in the next few weeks.  I won't bore you with the gorey details, lets just say I'm glad it's not me!!! (sorry love, you know I hate the dentist xx)

We had a lovely Thanksgiving celebration last night, ate far too much as usual.  But it was all soooo good, lots of turkey, sweet potatoes, and stuffing.  Followed by pumpkin pie, and pecan pie - yummee!
This year there were more Brits there than Americans too.

Onto things crafty.
DON'T FORGET Kay is back on our screens tomorrow (Saturday) with lots of fabulous new Indigo Blu stamps and some great new kits. 
She's on at 12 noon for an hour long show, then she's back again at 5.00pm

Create and Craft  Sky Channel 671/Freeview 36/Freesat 813

If you can't watch live, please set your boxes to record, you won't want to miss it.

Here's a few sneaky peeks at some of the samples I've done using some of the new products ........

........ and one for the guys

a little bit of altered art

one for the girls .....

 There's cards too ....
 

And even a couple of tags .....

There's a bit of something for everyone.  Don't forget, Saturday 24th, Create & Craft at 12 noon and again at 5.00pm.  I'll be watching.

Thanks for popping by today, I really do appreciate it.
Have a lovely weekend, and I'll see you all again next week.

Bye for now

Linda

x

 

PS    As it's Friday, I've done my regular DT post over at Creative Studios ......

I've been playing with felt again.  If you want to see it in full, please pop over to the Design Team Blog

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thursday everyone,

And a Happy Thanksgiving to my US blogging friends.

image taken from Google

We're going to be joining in the celebrations tonight.  Stephen and I are off to a traditional US Thanksgiving meal organised by the company he works for.  That is if his emergency visit to the dentist goes well!?! 
Long story but, we went out for tea last night (after we'd picked Chris up from the airport), and during the starter Stephen had a little accident - three of his teeth came out (OMG!) Not a pretty sight I can tell you, but after the initial shock he did laugh about it.  It's a section of bridgework he had done years ago (lost the teeth in a fight when he was a lad), but it's never caused him any trouble before.  For it all to come out just like that was a little scary.  It wasn't as if he was eating anything hard, we'd only ordered some crispy lamb.  Anyway, we finished our meal, which was very nice, considering.  And Stephen is off to the dentist later to see what can be done.  No doubt it's going to be expensive!! (Thank goodness for BUPA Dental!)

I know I've been rubbish at blogging this week.  I don't know what's the matter with me.  My creativity has seriously gone walkabout, and I have a list as long as my arm of things that need doing. Everything seems to be such a major job.  I just feel like closing the craft room door (with me on the outside) and just not bothering to go near for a few days (or weeks!!).  Unfortunately that's not an option, so it's thinking cap on and back in there I go this afternoon - wish me luck!

I had a lovely day yesterday though.  I spent time catching up with a friend which was nice.  And we even managed to fit in a little bit of craft too (in between all the chatting, coffee and chocolate cake!)  I actually made a start on some Christmas cards - whoo hoo!  Didn't get any finished but at least I've something to work from now.
I did show Catherine how to make the lovely SU Christmas decoration I made with  Sally-Jo while I was across in the UK

Sally had organised an SU workshop for her Stampers 5 ladies (a small group of us who make up a virtual SU party each month).  As Catherine is one of those ladies, but wasn't able to join us in the UK, Sally put together the bits she needed, and I brought them back with me.  We didn't quite have time to finish it off completely yesterday, but at least I remembered how to put it all together.

I suppose I'd better be off, things to do and all that.
I will be back tomorrow, I promise.  I've got some sneaky peeks for you of the new Indigo Blu stamps that will be on Create and Craft on Saturday.  Yes, that's right, Kay's back on our screens 12 o'clock, Saturday 24th.  Don't miss it, the new stamps are gorgeous!

Have a lovely day, and if you've got weather like we have, stay warm and dry.
Thanks for popping by.

See you soon

Linda

x

Date for your Diary

Good afternoon everyone,

My poor little Blog has been neglected for the past few days.  I've been so busy in the old craft room with DT samples, and it hasn't been easy.  Mr Mojo is still not back, I'll be having words when he does finally arrive I can tell you.  This is no time to be off galivanting.  I need all the help I can get at the moment.

Anyway, all the samples are done now, and as of this morning, they're in the hands of the Royal Mail. (I'll be back later with some sneaky peeks)
I'm actually going to spend some time tomorrow crafting for me!  I'm going to make a start on my Christmas cards - hopefully. 
I'm spending the day with a friend in her new craft room.  I have chocolate cake, Catherine will provide the coffee, what more do we need.  (Must remember my stamps and ink!)

I also wanted to let you know about this .......

.........  wish I could go!  It's all happening this weekend at their factory over in Leeds, and it sounds as though you won't want to miss it. 
Also, this week over on the Craftwork Cards Blog, they will be featuring a different product every day, that will be available from the website, for one day only at a very special price.  Today it's the Bohemian Glitter Pad and it's HALF PRICE!  Don't forget to check everyday this week for another fabulous bargain.

Well, I'd better be off.  I need to catch up on some household stuff, before the craft marathon begins again tomorrow.

See you later in the week with some sneak peeks.

Bye for now

Linda

x

Only two colours!!!?

Morning everyone,

Well it's Friday again.  I would say 'Thank goodness' but I'm not looking forward to this one.  I've got a dentist appointment (oh joy!).  Nothing major, just a routine check-up followed by a clean and polish but I'm still not happy about going.  
So, I'd better get on with things, I don't want to be late now do I. (I'd rather not go actually!)

It's Twinchie time again.  For those who don't know, a Twinchie is a 2 inch x 2 inch work of 'ART'  You can put what you like on there, just so long as it fits in with the rules, (there's not many) and the challenge theme of course.
Over at Show Us Your Twinchies  it's challenge #10 ............ Use Two Colours

What! Only two.  It seems like most of what I've done recently has been nothing but colours, and lots of them.  So, I've put all the bright coloured inks to one side and gone with my trusty Stormy Sky Distress Ink and Onyx Black Versafine.

The stamps are from a mini re-mountable set from Clarity and are a perfect size for this job. (I know Santa normally has eight reindeer, but they wouldn't all fit!)

I started by making a mask for the moon, then brushed Stormy Sky DI over the top half of the card.  I then spritzed with a little water, and dabbed a paper towel over the top to remove some of the ink to give the effect of a snowy sky.
Santa and the forest were just stamped in black, with a couple of the trees stamped a second time.  I hope this is still within the rules of  use 2 colours - it's still just black and blue. (I know there's white on there too, but that's the card).  I'm sure someone will let me know if it's not.

As it's Friday, it's my day to post on the DT blog over at Creative Studios.  Better get over there hadn't I!
Here's a sneaky peek at my project for this week ............

We've all been playing (oops! I mean working) with felt this week.  Pop over to the Blog and see what the rest of the DT have been creating.

Well, time is getting on, I'd better get a move on.
Not only do I have the dentist to cope with today, but Stephen's boss is coming for dinner tonight - eeek!  I only found out when he came home from work yesterday. 
When I get back this afternoon, it's straight into the kitchen for me - no crafting today I'm afraid.  I really need to tidy the house too!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a lovely weekend - mines going to be spent in the craft room I think.

Bye for now

Linda

x

From Our House to Yours

Good Morning,

Well, I feel as though I'm actually getting somewhere this morning.   Mr Mojo is slowly making his way back, he's taking his time though.  Not as much ended up in the bin yesterday, which is a good sign.

Inbetween all the DT things I've got on the go, I've managed to make a card for this weeks challenge over at Less is More

It's Week 93, it's One Layer Week and the theme is ...

HOUSES  

Talk about quick and easy, this took no time at all.   It's perfect if you're doing a whole batch of Christmas cards, especially if they need to go in the post - they're FLAT!  No embellies. 
The little winter scene was simply stamped in the centre of the card using black ink.  I'm not sure but I think the stamp is by Stampendous, but I could be wrong.
It's such a cute little scene which you can either stamp and leave as it is, like I've done here, or you can add a little bit of colour for a different look.  I've just lightly sponged some Stormy Sky Distress Ink in the background, and added some Glamour Dust to the snow for a bit of sparkle.

I suppose that's another Christmas card done too.  If I don't make a start on the rest soon they may all have to be as quick and easy.

Ah well, back to the old craft room, no rest for the wicked - so they say!   I have to finish off an Indigo Blu project today,  and as it's Friday tomorrow, it's my day on the Creative Studios DT Blog, so I'd better get that done too. 
Sam asked the DT if we'd all like some felt to work with.   Of course the answer was 'ooh .... yes please'.  So this week we're having a felt week.  Why not pop over and see what the DT have come up with so far.

Thanks for popping by today.  Enjoy the rest of your Thursday.

Bye for now

Linda

x

How Do I Make That ......... ?

Hi everyone,

A couple of weeks ago I sent some DT samples off to Kay at Indigo Blu, for her show on Create and Craft.  We had to include some home decor items along with some gift ideas.  One of the things I sent in was a little note holder box .....

Details are on the IB Blog

I've had quite a few people ask how I made the box, and if there's a template.  Well, I don't have a template unfortunately, so I thought I'd have a go at some 'How To's'

I found the instructions for the box on the internet, on SplitcoastStampers.com.  If you're not familiar with this site, take a look, it's fantastic. It's full of fabulous ideas for cards and gifts along with detailed instructions and what you need to make each one.
The Note Holder was a fab little project by Beate Johns,  here's my version  .........  I'll warn you now it's a bit of a long post,  there's quite a few pictures along with the instructions, you may want to grab a coffee first!

You'll need ......
cardstock
score board & tool
3/4" circle punch
Copy Paper
Strong double-sided tape/wet glue
Rubber Stamps
Ribbon
Button

1.  Cut a piece of cardstock to 7 5/8" square.
     Score at 1" and 2" on all four sides.

2.  Cut off the 3 outer corner squares, leaving one on each side. 

Then cut off a small triangle from the the remaining square to form a tab to glue the box.

3.  Punch a hole in the centre of one of the sides - across the score line.

4.  Crease all the score lines using a bone folder

5.  Mask off the sections that will form the sides of your box, and stamp your chosen design.

6.  Once the ink is dry, turn the box over and apply strong double-sided tape to the outer sections on all     four sides.

7.  Start with the sides that have the tabs on first,  fold down the top edge, and stick.  Repeat on opposite side.

8.  Next glue the four tabs to the neighboring sides to create your box shape. Strong tape will do the job, I prefer a wet adhesive - you just have to wait a couple of minutes for the glue to dry.

9.  Fold down the remaining sides to complete the box.

10.  Stick one end of a piece of ribbon to the bottom of the box.

11. Cut sheets of copy paper into 31/2" squares - enough to fill your box.
      Stamp the squares to co-ordinate with your box.

If you didn't want to stamp all the notes, try using some pretty coloured or patterned paper instead.

12. Fill the box with the squares, fold over the ribbon and cut to size.  
      Attach a pretty co-ordinating button onto the ribbon, this will form a weight to keep the notes in place.

A quick and easy, useful  little gift.  I tied the original box up with some natural string, but you could use ribbon, or make an acetate lid perhaps.
Cut a 53/4" square of acetate, and score at 1" on each side.  Cut away a triangle from the corner squares, and use a bone folder to make nice neat creases.  Stick the tabs to form your lid and a length of ribbon to hide the adhesive.

I hope these instructions are easy to follow.
Pop over to the SplitCoastStampers website and see what other fabulous ideas you can find.

Thanks for looking
See you again soon

Linda

x

I'm Back!

Hi everyone,
Just a quick post to let you know that I am back from my latest trip across to the UK,   I'm just struggling to get back into the swing of things though.  I don't know what's the matter with me. 

We actually got home on Saturday, but to be honest I just haven't been in the mood to do anything. I'm still trying to fight off a flippin' cold. 
It didn't stop me from having a fabulous trip to the NEC though.  Full of echinacea and armed with a bag of cough sweets, we spent the whole day in craft heaven.
We walked miles, chatted all day long, met up with people I hadn't seen in ages, and of course spent far too much money but hey, I came away with a great new stash to play with.  Forgot to take my camera with me though, so no pictures (sigh!)

Here's what I brought home with me ........

I had to be a little restrained, we flew over this time.  Luggage allowance is not that much - so it's a good job I didn't need many clothes!
I am looking forward to playing with my new purchases but, I think I've left my mojo somewhere (oops!)  This isn't good at all, I've got a 'To Do' list as long as my arm, and not a lot of time to do it in (including my Christmas cards),  I thought I'd take today off, then tomorrow I've got to make a start.
It should be fun though once I get going - loads of new Indigo Blu stamps to play with, and a new colour of Flake.

Along with all my other goodies .......

more Fran-tage

can't wait to use these ...

 

 

 

 Watch this space!

While I was across in the UK, I also stocked up on my Stampin Up! supplies too.  Sally-Jo, my SU demonstrator, had also arranged for our little group to get together and do a workshop.  We made this gorgeous Christmas decoration, off the front of the latest Seasonal Catalogue .....

.......  isn't it pretty?  We don't all get to meet up that often, so it was really nice.  A good old chat and a Chinese takeaway finished the evening off perfectly.

Another great trip to the UK over.  I think that's the last one this year. Better start planning for next year now.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday, and I'll see you all later in the week.

Bye for now

Linda

x 

Dates for your Diary

Morning everyone,

Just want to let you all know that the lovely Julie Hickey from Craftwork Cards is back on our TV screens tomorrow (Wednesday 7th Nov ) - yeah!  She has a show on QVC (Sky Channel 640, Freesat 800, Freeview 16 and Virgin TV 740) at 2pm and she's got some fabulous new kits to share.  If you can't wait until then to see them , Julie's done a sneak peek over on the Craftwork Cards Blog. They look so pretty.

Also, if you're planning to go to the Hobbycrafts Show at the NEC this week (I'm popping along there on Thursday), Craftwork Cards are offering a fantastic 10% discount, from Thursday 8th through to Sunday 11th, to anyone shopping on their stand - G30.

All you have to do is pop over to the website - click here,  print off the special voucher, present it at the till when you pay for your Craftwork Cards goodies and you'll receive your 10% discount - simples.  A great reason to get yourselves down there.

Happy Craft Shopping!

Linda

x

Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot!

Good evening everyone,

I'm afraid I'm in 'headless chicken' mode at the moment - losts of rushing around but not getting very far!!  Tonight's dinner is in the oven, and Stephen's not home till later, so I thought I'd make myself a coffee, and take a few minutes to catch my breath.

I'm off across to the UK on Wednesday afternoon and I'm frantically trying to get stuff finished before I go.
Memory Box for Alex - done!
Sample Wedding Invites - done!
Christmas Card for my brother to send - done!

I think that's everything that needs to go with me.  Now I just need to do DT projects that are due in while I'm away.  Ooh, and pack of course! 
I've got quite a bit started today, but nothing finished.  Oh well, you know where to find me tomorrow!

I must confess I did get a bit distracted for a while this afternoon, with the latest Twinchie Challenge
It's Challenge #9 and the theme is ......

HOT COLOURS 

Hope this looks hot enough .....

It started life as a piece of white cardstock which I then added a few Distress Inks to - Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade, Barn Door, Fired Brick and a touch of Rusty Hinge.  I then stamped over the top using Onyx Black Versafine ink and a Butterfly Kisses stamp called 'Firework Frenzy'.  I added a spot of Stardust Gel pen to some of the fireworks, and used some ultrafine glitter to add a bit of sparkle.
There's actually fireworks going off as I'm typing this, well it is Bonfire Night I suppose.  We went to the display in Douglas Bay on Saturday night, and the fireworks there were spectacular.  Tonight I'm staying nice and warm indoors.

If anyone is off out to a Firework Display, stay safe and enjoy yoursleves.  If you've already been, I hope it was a good one.

Well, I must dash.  I can smell the lamb shanks cooking nicely, and I need to get my plum and apple crumble in the oven.

Hopefully I'll see you again before I go on Wednesday.  Have a nice evening

Thanks for popping by.

Linda

x

Remember, Remember .....

Morning all,
Just a quick post to remind you that the lovely Kay Halliwell-Sutton from Indigo Blu is back on our TV screens this evening.
Tune in to Create and Craft between 6 and 7pm, Sky channel 671, Freeview 36 or Freesat 813.
Kay will be demonstrating with some favourite Indigo Blu stamps,  as well as launching some brand new sets, here's a  peek at one of them .....

It's a special set of stamps perfect for all those mens cards and gifts, and ideal for the month of Movember.  Kay will explain why. 

If you really can't wait until the show, details can be found on the Indigo Blu Website.

I've had some fun with these stamps, even done a couple of pages in my Altered Art Dictionary .....

Top Hat

moustache

So make a date, today, 6-7pm, Create and Craft.  You won't want to miss it.

I'm off now to the craft room.  I have a date with some sample wedding invites.
See you again soon.

Linda

x