January Blues

Morning everyone,

I can't believe January is nearly over with, and, my blog is a year old!  Where did that time go?!  Happy Birthday Blog (it was actually a few days ago - but who's counting!) 
This is post number 200 and I've enjoyed sharing every single one of them with you.  I still find it hard to believe that so many of you enjoy reading my little old blog.  I love reading all the comments you leave, and I really enjoy stalking following you guys too. Thank you so much for keeping me company on my crafty journey.

As usual I'm on the last minute with my entry for the current Penny Black Saturday Challenge.
This month's theme is ......

JANUARY BLUES!

Don't worry it's not about being all sad and miserable, it's just they want us to use mainly blue tones on our creations.

As always, rules apply ...... only Penny Black images can be used, large sentiments and Stickeroos included.

Here's mine ......

Tea for two ..... all in blue!

Well, it's definitely blue!  I must say, it's not a colour I tend to use a lot, not for the whole card anyway.  I do like how this turned out though.

The background paper is from Magnolia, and is called 'Something Blue'.  The band across the centre was done using the PB 'clique' stamp (3858E) and Stormy Sky Distress Ink.
The main image is PB 'Tea Cozy' (1680J), stamped and coloured using Copic pens.  It's then been cut out and layered using Nestabilities dies (what did we do before we had these!?)
The tiny little sentiment on the tag is an extra, I thought it went with the stamp.  It's from the Stampin Up! Tea Shoppe set.

To finish everything off I added a couple of  Memory Box die cut flourishes, some paper roses and a pretty organza bow.

The main sentiment on the large tag is also a PB stamp - ..... special treasures (3629E).

Well, only one more day to go before hubby is home - I have missed him!   I hope these strong winds die down a little before Friday though, otherwise he's going to have a bit of a BuMpY flight.

Off to put the kettle on now.  A nice cup of Earl Grey I think, before I head off to the old craft room.

Thanks for popping by again.  Enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

I'm doing it all again!!

Hellooooo .......
Happy Wednesday everyone, from a very wild and windy Isle of Man.

I mentioned yesterday that I'd finally got around to doing my Timmie Tag for January.  I'm so glad that we're able to do it all again this year, I really enjoyed the monthly challenges during 2012 (and to actually win twice was an added bonus!)

12 Tags of 2013

As usual I didn't have all the stuff Tim had used, but I managed.  Here's my version .....

The words are different and I didn't have the little pointing finger stamp, but I think everything else is pretty much what the Master used.   Ooh, except the stamps on the ribbon ......

I used the calendar ticket from the Odds and Ends stamp set (CMS100).  This is a really cool idea, to customise the ribbon to match your project.  The Idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon takes colour so well and as long as you remember to stamp in a permanent ink and dry it straight away, your design shouldn't bleed into the ribbon.
Full details of all the products and techniques used on the tag are on the Tim Holtz Blog.

Why not join in the fun, if you're not doing so already.

Well I'd better be off.  Sorry it's a bit short and sweet, but I have a busy afternoon ahead.  And, it's also my day to post over on the Indigo Blu DT Blog - see you over there later!

Thanks for popping by today.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x  

First Twinchie of 2013

Morning eveyone,

What a busy start to the week.  I got loads done yesterday.  Lets hope I can keep it up for the rest of the week.

I found my missing Tim Holtz dies over the weekend, as well as a few other bits and bobs I'd forgotten about (oops!).  It took me most of Saturday though, before they turned up.  I went through all my Christmas stuff, all the boxes under my table (and there's a few).  I went through all my ribbon boxes and searched through the pile of stuff that's not been used yet.  Eventually, there they were - sitting in a box full of Cuttlebug stuff!!!! No idea how they got there, but never mind at least I don't have to rush out and buy new ones.  Phew !  -  panic over.

The reason I got so much done yesterday is I'm home alone (sigh!) - well apart from Christopher that is, who I saw for all of 5 minutes yesterday. 
Stephen's gone to Dublin for the week with work so I've no distractions.  I can basically do what I like for the whole week - I might just get those wedding invites finished you never know!

I started the week off catching up with Blog Challenges.  Seeing as it's February on Friday I thought I'd better get a move on.  Nothing new there then.  

First off ..... It's Twinchie Time again - the first one of 2013.  (This challenge doesn't actually close until the 4th February)

What's a Twinchie? 
In case you don't know, it's a 2"x2" square piece of Art work, and they are so much fun to do.  Pop over to the Twinchie Blog and see what I mean.  There's a fab Design Team over there that always come up with great inspiration pieces.

Challenge #1 of the year is .........   Anything Goes

 'Time Flies' ...... I've been saying that a lot recently, what with the kid's birthdays, and it being our 25th wedding anniversary later this year, and January's almost gone.........

The background is done with Distress Inks and I've used the cogs from the Clockwork set of stamps from Indigo Blu, stamped in Versamark and then dusted with pearlescent chalks (something I came across while searching for the dies, and thought 'I've not used those in a while'). 
The words are from a Creative Studios set of stamps called Time Flies.  The clock is one of my favourite Stampendous stamps.  I've stamped it directly onto the Twinchie (obviously it's too big), so I stamped it again, cut it out and layered it over the top.  I also stamped the clock face again, coloured with DI and attached that over the top again.  I've add small highlights to the watch using a Stardust gel pen, and also edged around the twinchie with the same.

Well that's 1 Challenge down ......... 3 more to go.  I have done my Timmie Tag,  but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for that.

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

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Thank Goodness it's Friday!

Evening everyone .......  I don't say that very often,

A bit of a late one from me today, it's been one of those days.  Nothing has gone according to plan - except the evening meal surprisingly enough.  Considering I wasn't giving it my full attention the roast dinner was perfect, even if I do say so myself.

This flippin' cold is still hanging around.  At least it didn't spoil my meal out last night.  What's the old saying......... Feed a cold, starve a fever, well I'm certainly giving it a go.  I would show you pictures but I can't figure out how to get them onto my blog from my new phone - me and technology, not good!!
Anyhow, we had a lovely meal.  Crab for starters (yum!) followed by surf and turf (the lobster was de-licious!), then Stephen twisted my arm and forced me to have dessert (well, not exactly forced me).  The lemon and raspberry creme brulee on the menu sounded just too nice to turn down.  We all thoroughly enjoyed the food, but I think a second trip is needed just to make sure (big smile!)

Enough about food, back to today.  As it's Friday it's my day to post on the Creative Studios DT Blog.  I eventually got something finished (on the 3rd attempt!), here's just a sneaky peek ........

........ if you want to see more, you'll have to pop over to the DT Blog
 
Speaking of Creative Studios, if you're a Sam Poole fan you'll be pleased to know that she's back on our screens tomorrow - yeah!!  Saturday 26th Jan, Create and Craft (Sky channel 671, Freeview 36, Freesat 813) at 10am and 4pm.  She's got some new stamp designs, some old favourites and lots of other goodies to add to your stash, plus loads of tips and techniques too.  I've already set my Sky box.

Disaster struck this afternoon, whilest I was making my DT project.  I went to use my Tim Holtz Rosette Dies and they were nowhere to be seen (Oh No!)  You can imagine my reaction - where could they possibly be!  Mind you, if you could see my craft room at the moment,  it's lucky I can find anything.
Once I'd calmed down and stopped looking in the same places, when I knew they weren't there, I did tidy my desk a little.  I found my favourite scissors which had disappeared a couple of days ago, and my craft knife which I broke earlier in the week, but NO Timmie dies (sigh!)  I'm not happy at all!  I had to make my own rosette!

Guess what I'm doing this weekend ......... yes that's right, I'm turning the old craft room upside down.  I will find these dies, they have to be in there somewhere.  And if I don't find them I've already warned hubby that I will be ordering some new ones.  Wish me luck!

Have a lovely weekend, whatever you're up to.  I hope the weather's kind to you.  Stay indoors and craft is what I say.

Just before I go, thank you all for your lovely comments this week, and birthday wishes for the kids. I can't believe that they're both in their 20's.  How can that be, I'm only 35 myself  (haha .... I wish!!)

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Happy Thursday

Hi there,

It's not been a bad day so far, considering I'm suffering with a cold.  I must admit I did go back to bed for a while this morning.  Got Stephen off to work, had my echinacea, then I grabbed my laptop and spent most of the morning checking emails, reading blogs, FB and Pinterest.  Well I need to keep up with what's going on!

Oooh!  And look what my Postie brought me .......

the full set of Seasonal Distress stains - oooh!  My prize from being one of the winners with my December tag -  12 Tags of 2012.
And .......

a lovely little parcel from AFTH.  But what's inside ............?

THESE!!! .......

....... the first of my new Timmie stamps - whoo hoo!  They'll have to wait though,  I really need to get these Wedding invites finished.

I have squeezed in a couple of blog challenges this week.  Here's my Less is More entry .......

It's Week 103 and it's a THEME week, all to do with

FRIENDS

My card is very CAS (lots of white space).  I've used the Star Gazing stamp from Lavinia, added a moon using a mask and some Distress ink, and the 'Friends forever' sentiment which is from a PB clear set. Mat the whole thing onto some black cardstock and Voila! A touch of fine glitter on their wings adds a little bit of  sparkle.  Well, you can't have fairies without 'fairy' dust can you?!

It's my son's birthday today - he's 23!  Happy Birthday Chris.  (January's an expensive month for us!)
Here's his birthday card .....

(full details and a closer look can be found on the Creative Studios DT Blog)

We're off out again this evening.  We're finally going to Tanroagan - I've only been waiting ever since we came to the island (2 years in May!) to try this restaurant.  Apparently, it's one of the best places to eat on the Isle of Man.  I'll let you know.  I love seafood!.   I just hope my cold doesn't get any worse or I won't be able to taste anything, which would be a shame as there's lobster on the menu!

Enjoy the rest of your day.  Thanks for spending time with me.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Dates for your diary

Hi everyone,

How's your Tuesday going?

We had a lovely weekend celebrating Lauren's 21st birthday - expensive, but worth it!  She loved her card too!
We went out for a family meal then, a group of her friends met us at the Casino in Bolton for what turned out to be a VERY late night.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and I've managed to get hold of a rare picture of both of the kids together (thanks Sam!) .......

my babies ......!

We'll be celebrating all over again on Thursday - it Christopher's birthday this time.  He's 23!  Doesn't time fly.

I've a couple of reminders for you today.
It's that time of year when all the craft shows are starting again.  One of my favourites, the GNPE (Great Northern Papercrafts Extravaganza) is on Sat 16th/Sun 17th of March, at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.  Tickets are now on sale here, on the Craftwork Cards Website.
If you've never been before, its a fabulous little show.  You've got 50 of the countries finest papercraft retailers all under one roof, with great demonstrators showcasing all the newest products.  It's a great day out.  Go on, treat yourself and I'll see you there.

On the subject of Craftwork Cards, it's my day to post on the Design Team Blog.  Please pop over and have a look at my latest project.  Here's a little tease for you .......

awwww ....... so tweet!

Well, I'd better be off.  The old craft room is calling.   More Wedding invites today I think - I'll be glad when they're finished!
Thanks for popping by.  Keep nice and warm and Happy Crafting!

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Doesn't Time fly ........

Happy Friday everyone,

Welcome to my new followers this week.  Thank you for taking the time to share in my crafty journey,  it's nice to have you along.

It's a little bit chilly on the Isle of Man today, and it's SNOWING!!!  Nothing like what parts of the UK are getting but the white stuff is definitely falling.  I don't think we're getting enough here in Douglas to cause any major problems (famous last words!) but, up on the mountain road is a different story .........

These are pictures taken this morning from the IOM Webcams up there ...........Brrrrrr!!!
We're off across to the UK tomorrow morning (hopefully!) I'd better wrap up warm I think.

The reason for our little trip across is Lauren's birthday.  She was 21 yesterday, and we're having a little family get together on Saturday.
Where has that time gone, I ask myself.  My baby's all grown up ......... and she now has a baby of her own. How old does that make me feel ........!!?!!

As it's a special birthday I had to make a special card ......

....... it's even got a box!  Here's what's inside ......

I hope she likes it ........ it's a 'more is more' sort of card.  I got a bit carried away I think.  There's a lot of my favourite products on there, Fran-tage, Mega Flakes, the Indigo Blu Vintage Flourish stamp  ......

I've used my Cricut machine for the numbers (Storybook cartridge), and a Tim Holtz Alterations die for the clock ....

..... which has been painted and crackled to give an aged look. 
Of course there had to be a key on there somewhere too, and I had to put lots of flowers, a handmade paper rose, ribbon, lace, beads, glitter for a bit of sparkle, you name it, it's on there ........

The inside has been decorated too, just to finish it all off ....

As I've said, I hope she likes it. 

Well, that's another busy week nearly over.  I've just to do my weekly post over on the Creative Studios DT Blog then I can close the old Craft Room until Sunday. 
Here's a sneaky peek of this weeks project ........

a little something for the guys again .... maybe.


Have a lovely weekend.  Stay cosy and warm.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Look what I've been doing .......

Hello again,

Nothing for a week, then twice within a few hours ........... thank you to all my faithful followers for being so patient with me.  I have been busy though - I've just not had time to blog.  Not had time for much really.

It's all over now though, for a while!

I've been busy playing - oops! there I go again - I mean working with the latest designs from the fabulous Indigo Blu.
Did you all see Kay on C&C last weekend, LIVE from CHA? - how exciting was that!  If you did, then you'll have seen what I've spent the last few days with.

I know, I know, I'm sorry! I didn't give you the heads up.  Not doing my job properly there am I!!?!  Hopefully all you IB fans will have seen the show but, if you didn't, then worry not because Kay's on again this weekend - yeah!  Saturday (19th) at 11.00am (Sky channel 671, Freesat  813 and Freeview 36).  They'll have the same products, the new kits, the gorgeous new stamps plus loads of inspiration and new demos from Kay.  Don't miss it!

I must say that DT members Jo and Clare did a fab job in getting samples made for the show at CHA - well done girls, everything looked stunning!   
The new stamps were only ready a few days before the show, I didn't have long enough to get anything done and back with Kay, in time to take to the US with her. (One of the disadvantages of living on this little island in the middle of the Irish Sea).  
So, my box of goodies arrived last week and I've had a little less of a stressful time with them.
My samples have all gone off in the post this morning, with good old Royal Mail, in time for Saturday's show (I hope!)

Here's a sneaky peek at some of the things that are in the box ............

Tick Tock, Tick Tock .......

somewhere to save for your crafty stash .....

I did make a few cards too ......

All of the stamps, and the MDF items are on the Indigo Blu website, you'll find them in the Shop section under New Releases.  They'll  all be on the C&C show on Saturday, but if you just can't wait, and who can blame you, you can pre-order them from the website.


Well that's me done for today.   Thank you for popping by.  Hopefully it won't be as long before you hear from me again.

Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Linda

x

Happy Anniversary Darnell (and Mister!)

Hellooo ......

I can't believe that it's a week since I've blogged - shame on me!!  I'm not quite sure where that week's gone but hey ho ........ it's gone. More about what I've been doing later.

I want to wish one of my blog pals a Happy Anniversary.  The lovely Darnell and her Mister have been married 43 years today - congratulations to you both!
This is for you .......

Darnell has been one of my followers since virtually the beginning of my blog, she comments on nearly every post I think.  It's always a pleasure to here from her, and I love to read her blog.  There's so much inspiration on there, and lots of laughs.  Grab a cuppa, take a seat and use the link above to see what I mean.

In honour of Darnell's anniversary, another of the fabulous bloggers that I've come across, Ardyth, is hosting a really fun 'challenge' over on her blog- MASKerade.  She wants us to post our wedding photos.

Here's me and my Mister (Stephen), nearly 25 years ago (July 30th  - I think!)

(That's my big brother sneaking into the background there)

Speaking of the other half, I'd better get dinner on, he'll be home soon.  I'll be back later though with some sneaky peeks at what I've been up to this week.


Thanks for popping by.


Cheerio for now

Linda

x

Middle of the week already .....

Hi everyone,

And a big 'Hello' to Kim, my latest follower.  I'm so pleased that my numbers are still growing,  it's great to have you along for the journey.

It's so nice to get back into the crafty swing of things.  Now that Stephen is back at work I can spend as much time as I like in the old craft room and not feel guilty.

I've had a busy couple of days what with Wedding Invites to do - I must admit these are getting done in short bursts.  They're not complicated or anything too fancy but doing the same thing over, and over, and over again is not good.  Especially when there's so much other stuff I have to do too.  A girl can easily get distracted, but more about that later.  They don't have to be finished until the middle of February so there's no immediate rush.

It's the beginning of a new year, and the beginning of a new month and that means one thing over at Less is More  - a Colour Challenge.
This time the girls have chosen one of my all time favourite colour combinations .........

BLACK and WHITE

with an added touch, splash, hint, suggestion, dab, or patch of a COLOUR of our choice

Here's what I came up with .......

Black and White, with a hint of pink.

 

The Vase and the Roses stamps are both by Clarity.  

The vase was stamped first and then I made a couple of masks, one to cover the vase whilest I stamped the roses, so that they actually look as though they are in the vase.  Then another one to cover the outside of the vase whilest I coloured it with a touch of Worn Lipstick Distress Ink.

I did a little bit of shading underneath, to ground the vase, using a piece of copy paper, Smokey Grey Versafine Ink and a make-up sponge. 

The sentiment is from a clear set of stamps which I think are from Stampendous.

A really quick and easy, but very pretty looking card, I think. 

Well, that's one off the list of many cards I have to make in January.  

Here's a sneaky peek at another one ........

You'll find all the details for this one, later today, over on the Indigo Blu DT Blog (no prizes for guessing whose stamps I've used on this one).

Speaking of Indigo Blu, my postie brought me a box of brand new goodies yesterday.  Oh, my goodness!  All you IB fans, watch this space.  Are you in for a treat or what!  New stamps, new stuff to alter ....... oops! I've said too much I think, I'll be getting into trouble.  (This was the reason I got distracted from the Wedding Invites)

On that note, I'd better be off to the old craft room.  It's playtime, sorry, I mean time to get to work.

Enjoy your day, I know I'm going to.

Thanks for popping by.

Linda

x

Back to normal again - yeah!!

Happy Monday everyone,

Finally, things can start getting back to normal.  The Christmas decorations have gone back into the loft at last, the fridge is nearly empty of all the festive food stash, although the Christmas pud still hasn't been touched.  And we're down to the last box of chocolates.

What a performance it was though, getting all the festive stuff down.  I'd decided Friday was going to be the day, so after breakfast I made a start.  I started with the easy stuff - candles from the mantle piece.  I picked up a Yankee jar candle, by the lid, which is something I NEVER do (normally).  Yes, you've guessed it, the jar fell, landed right on top of a glass vase on the hearth, which was filled with baubles, beads and fairy lights. SMASH!!! Glass absolutely everywhere. Great start!
I was still in my PJ's at this point, but I thought I'd start cleaning it all up.  Bent down to pick up the candle - which hadn't broken - OUCH!! my back went.  I was in agony.  I couldn't move, and Stephen was out, taking Christopher to work, so I had to stay where I was until he got home. Thankfully he wasn't long.  He cleaned all the broken glass up for me, and had a good giggle at me, I get no sympathy you know!   I'm afraid the rest of the deccies had to stay where they were.  Nobody touches my tree!!!!!   Well,  I still had another day, before 12th night.
I spent the rest of Friday trying to get comfortable.  I couldn't lie down, I couldn't sit - so the old craft room was out.  The only position I could find any relief in was standing up, so I did all the ironing!
It's not too bad now, thank goodness.   A load of pain killers, a hot water bottle, and the odd glass of red, seem to have done the trick.

Today see's me back to work in the old craft room.  I have rather a long 'To Do' list already.  There's Wedding Invites to do (165 of them!),  birthday cards to make (I've loads in January!),  DT samples to start on (really cool and exciting stuff coming up!) and of course Blog challenges to enter.  I can't wait to get back into the swing of things.  I hope Mr Mojo's all ready for this, he's had a long enough break.

As it's a brand new month, Kath from the The CubbyHole has got a new Monday Monthly Ribbon Girl Giveaway.  There's a £10  The Ribbon Girl Gift Voucher up for grabs. All you have to do is pop over to Kath's blog and leave your name on the Linky thingy - simples! 

Well I suppose I'd better go and make a start.  Before I go though, I've noticed that I have a couple of new followers.  Hi to Linda and Lindsay and Thanks for taking the time and joining me on my crafty journey.  I hope you have as much fun as I do.

Enjoy your Monday eveyone.

Thanks for popping by.

Linda

x

Cheers!

Morning all,

How are you this Thursday morning - it is Thursday isn't it?!  I'm still not sure what day of the week it is. The holidays really mess up my time clock.  It doesn't help that Stephen still hasn't gone back to work yet.  Roll on Monday then we can get back to normal - whatever that is!

I mentioned yesterday that I had a couple more 'drinks' themed cards for this weeks Less is More Challenge
Here they are .....

how true is this!

I couldn't resist using this little guy, and how true is that sentiment!  Both stamps are from the Changito range from Stampendous.  I've just stamped him and coloured with Copic pens.  Once the ink was dry, I gave him spotty PJ's using a white gel pen.

The second one is very quick and easy .......

Just what I like....... a nice bottle of red, tasty chunk of cheese and a bunch of juicy grapes - yum! (The diet hasn't started yet)
The image is from Inkadinkadoo stamped in Crimson Red Versafine.  I added the words across the bottom, then masked off the area and added a touch of Aged Mahogany Distress Ink.

Three cards for one challenge, not like me at all.  Must have too much time on my hands - I wish!

I'm off now to have my second coffee of the morning, then I think it's time to get Stephen in the loft to bring the boxes down for all the Christmas decs.  I've had enough now, it's time to put them all away and get the house clean and tidy again.

Thanks for popping by. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Linda

x

It's 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! everyone,

Hope you had a good one.  It was just Stephen and I on New Year's Eve, a nice meal, bottle of champagne and a Batman movie. 
We watched Big Ben chime in 2013 on the TV, and saw the fireworks in London which I thought were spectacular by the way.

We've actually been there on New Year's Eve, a few years ago, and the atmosphere is amazing. It's a bit chilly, but well worth it.

My crafting year got off to a good start.  I found out yesterday that I'm amongst the winners again on Tim's 12 Tags - whoo hoo!!  Can't quite believe it, twice in one year. I'm absolutely thrilled.  So, it was time for another little dance around the house. 
The fun starts all over again this month, and I can't wait to get started

I'm slowly getting back into the mood for crafting.  I've made a start on the many cards I need in January - well, I've done one!

It's Lauren's 21st this year - where did that time go!?!!   I thought I'd try and do a 'two for one' here and come up with something for the latest challenge over at Less is More

It's Week 99-100 (a two week challenge), and its a Recipe week.

The girls have chosen .......

DRINKS

.......... very appropriate I thought, with it being the festive season and all that. Although it dosen't just mean alcohol, it can be tea, coffee water etc.

Anyhow, here's mine .....

It's not quite how I intended it to be.  This year is starting how last year finished - nothing going right!

I used the Penny Black stamp ' Bubble of Joy' (2098H).  I love this little guy sitting on the champagne cork.

The image is coloured with Copic pens and the metal cage around the cork, or the egrafe to give it it's proper name, has been highlighted with a Sakura Stardust pen.  The little guy on top has been layered for a bit of dimension and the bubble has had a coating of Glossy Accents and some Diamond Dust on top.

I added a few more bubbles and some tiny gems for a bit of sparkle.

I'd more or less finished the card when out of nowhere, came the dreaded black ink mark, right on the bottom - argggghhhh!!!!  I really didn't want to start it all again so the scalloped borders are a last minute addition (to cover up the splodge!).   Not sure if I'm 100% happy with it, but I'll leave it for now.

Well,  I've made a start on the next chapter of my crafty adventure.  Who knows what 2013 is going to bring.   

I do hope you'll continue with me on the journey, it's so much nicer to share it with friends.

Cheerio for now.  I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more 'drinks' themed cards.

Enjoy your evening.

Linda

 x