Back again! This is really last minute .......

Hello again,

I'm certainly seeing April out with a bang.  I've been busy in the old craft room this afternoon, supposedly tidying the place, but I got a little bit distracted shall we say.

All month I've been meaning to do a little something to enter into the Country View Crafts Blog Challenge, and somehow I've never got around to it.
Since moving to the Isle of Man, Country View Crafts has become my favourite online place to shop for all my craft supplies. 

It's a fabulous online store.  Great products.  Best prices.  Really quick delivery, even across to the island, and it's free p&p too!
It's only their second challenge this month, (I was so disappointed not to enter the first one) and the theme is ..........

BUTTERFLIES

There's some stunning inspiration pieces from the Design Team on the blog, and loads of fab entries too.  The challenge closes tonight - in less than 5 hours actually.  So I'd better get a move on.  See, I said it was last minute.

Here's my entry .........

It's a hinged tag, made using the Indigo Blu Wild Meadow stamp set.

I cut my tag from a piece of white cardstock - approx. 3 1/2 inches by 7, and used Distress Stains - Broken China, Salty Ocean and Picket Fence to colour it.  I put the stains directly onto my craft sheet, spritzed with a little water and then dragged my tag through the stains.  I repeated this a couple of times to make sure the whole of the tag was covered, then dried it off with a heat tool.

Next, I used the stains to make 'splats' to add a bit more interest to the background .......

This is great fun but the ink can go everywhere, so make sure your craft desk is protected - no part-finished pieces of work lying around, or nice new paper pads (why am I telling you this? .......... been there, done that, wearing the splattered t-shirt!).

I stamped the grass silhouette across the bottom of the tag using Onyx Black Versafine, and the dandelion off the edge slightly.  

To make the hinged part I cut off the bottom 1 3/4 inches and made 3 small holes across both edges where I made the cut

The butterflies were stamped onto some cardstock  from my bit box, which had been coloured using blue shades of Distress, spritzed with Perfect Pearls, and then cling film put over the top and left to dry (one of my favourite techniques, I do use it quite a bit, so I've always got scraps of card left over).
The large butterfly is from Wild Meadow, the medium one came free with an issue of Craft Stamper, and the tiny one is a Hero Arts stamp.
The sentiment is from a Dylusions stamp set, stamped onto cardstock and then cut into sections.

I mat the two tag pieces onto some black cardstock, used a fancy border punch for the bottom edge, then joined the two pieces together with some large jump-rings.   I added the sentiment, and butterflies, just attaching the butterflies by the bodies so that the wings could be raised and add a bit of dimension.  I also stamped the large butterfly again onto acetate, and layered it over the top of the cardstock just to make him flutter that bit more.
I added a fancy metal corner and some co-ordinating seam-binding to finish off.  Challenge entry done - yeah!!

I'm also entering this into Hels Sheridan's Sunday Stampers - get me!!  2 challenges from 1 make.  Anyone would think I'd thought about this one (ha ha!)  This week's theme is  ............BLUE  I think it qualifies don't you.

Well, that's it for me today.  Hubby's just got in from work and he's brought me a little treat ........

Fish supper from the best fish and chip shop ever!  It's been a while so I'm going to enjoy these Nom! Nom!

Thanks for popping by (again).

See you all soon

Linda

xx

Cutting it fine ..... again!

Happy Tuesday everyone,

Well, it's the last day of the month again, so that means it must be time for my Timmie Tag.  Talk about cutting it fine ...... I'm getting later and later with this each month.

12 Tags of 2013

As usual, I didn't have everything on the supplies list but, I got there in the end.
I don't think I've mastered Tim's technique for this month that well.  Could be something to do with me not having the right paints - that's my excuse anyway.  This month the master has been showing us how to create the look of patina on different surfaces.  Check out all the details here 

This is how mine turned out .......

Similar I suppose.  I didn't have a lot of time to mess about with it really.   Are you ready for this ...... I didn't have ANY of the colours of Distress Paints - shock! horror!  I had the metallics, no problem there but, I had to find some similar colours in my box of acrylic paints.  In the end I went for Paperartsy's Fresco Finish in shades of Blues and Greens.  Not sure that they work in the same way as Distress though but I quite like the result.  And using the distress inks over the top is so clever, I love the mottled effect.

I pretty much kept to Tim's design (again, not a lot of time to play around), but I decided to add a bit of fantasy film into the mix.
I stamped the dragonfly onto the Clearly for Art - if you've not used this before try it. It's so cool! The clear version feels like thick acetate but when you heat it, it goes all soft and pliable so you can shape it before it cools.  Once it cools down, it holds it's shape.  Perfect for adding a bit of dimension to you projects. And, if you're not happy with the shape first time, just heat it up again, it all goes flat. and you can shape it again.
Once I'd stamped the image, I used some Glossy Accents, and stuck the fantasy film onto the back.  Once this was dry, I cut out the wings and the body of the dragon fly and attached them to the tag.
I wasn't sure if the film would stick once I heated the wings again but, it worked ........

You can just see a hint of colour as the light hits, they look quite delicate.

The rest of the embellies I've used are more or less the same as on Tim's tag, but with a little LindyLou touch.

I decided to make my tag a little more feminine, I inked and stamped a paper flower and added it to one of the mini gears.  We should be seeing a few more flowers bloom now, it is supposed to be spring after all!

Well that's April done and dusted.  I've already made my 'To Do' list for May.  It looks like I'll be spending quite a bit of time in the old craft room in the next couple of weeks.  I've loads of stuff to do before we go away.  New stash to play with too.  Look what my lovely postie brought me yesterday ......

It's all out of the packaging and sat waiting to be used.  Hopefully, before the end of the week, I can get melting. Watch this space.

Thanks for popping by today.  Sorry I haven't been visiting everyone recently, I don't know where the days are going.  I will try and catch up with you all this week.  Enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheerio for now

Linda

xx

Finally Taken the Plunge .....

Happy Friday evening Bloggers,

Have you had a good week?  I'm soooo looking forward to the weekend, and hopefully spending some time with all that new stash of mine.  Plus, I have a Melt Pot winging it's way across the water to me, as we speak.  So, when that arrives next week nothing's going to get done! (I've still got my Timmie tag to do - better do that before the MP arrives).

As you probably know (and just in case you don't) I'm a big fan of the lovely Hels Sheridan.  I stalk (oops) follow her blog regularly and always check out the Sunday Stampers Challenge that she hosts. I've never been brave enough to enter it though.  Well, up until now that is.  This week I've finally taken the plunge ........ I am going to enter.

This week the theme is PAPER.   I love how she chooses her themes, they're all based on song titles (clever eh!).  You know what it's like, you get a certain song in your head and that's it, it's there all day - drives me nuts!!!   For me, it used to be whatever was on the radio as I left the house, or the last track on the CD in the car.  Now it happens when hubby decides to play the keyboards.  Whatever he finishes with, you can guarantee I'll be singing, or humming it for the next few hours.    Anyway, the song that links with this weeks theme is Paper Sun.  To join in with the challenge all you have to do is create something, add in the theme along with some rubber stamping (well it is called Sunday Stampers) and use the linky thing on the Challenge post. 

I've been playing around with a technique this week that's a favourite of Hels, 'paper blocking' so I thought it fit in quite well with the challenge.

 .

It's actually my Creative Studios DT project for this week, so I hope it still qualifies.  The background has been paper blocked using the gorgeous Prima range - Engraver, and the rubber stamping part is done with Sam Poole's fab Art Houses stamp set.

I won't go into all the detail here, you can find all that over on the Creative Studios DT Blog.

Speaking of hubby and the keyboards, he's at it again.  He's just got home from work, decided to 'tinkle the ivories' and he's left me with Billy Joel - It's Still Rock and Roll To Me - thanks love!

On that note (oooh, sorry!), I'd better go and link my Challenge entry.  (Are you singing it now too?). 

Have a lovely weekend, and I'll see you all next week.

Cheerio for now

Linda

xx

A Quick Reminder .......

Good morning,

I'm nice and early today (it's a scheduled post, that's why!).   I'm spending a crafty day with a friend, so I'm probably gathering up paper, card and craft tools as we speak.  
We're going to be making bunting and decorating party bags and stuff, ready for her daughter's birthday bash - should be fun!   A little coffee and cake will no doubt be in there too at some point.

A big HELLO to my latest followers.  Thank you so much for taking the time to join me on my crafty journey.  I hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as I enjoy blogging them.  (Ooooh .... I'm getting nearer to the big 100.  Better sort out that Blog Candy I think!)

Just a little reminder that it's my day to post on the Indigo Blu DT Blog today.  I've still got my Floral hat on from weekend, I'm afraid.   You'll find some quick and simple cards on there today using just a few of the fabulous Floral stamps from the Indigo Blu range.  There's so many to choose from ........ where does a girl start?  You can tell Kay loves flowers.

Here's some sneaky peeks ........

one of my favourite IB stamps

flutterby butterfly

clean and simple

I'll be back again later in the week, hopefully with my Timmie Tag (that's if my Metallic Distress Paints have turned up).  And I've still got a Twinchie to do, and my DT project for Creative Studios ......... there's no rest for the wicked.  That box of new craft goodies is going to have to wait another day - sigh!!

Enjoy your Wednesday, thanks for popping by.

Cheerio for now

Linda

xx

Hello Tuesday!

Morning everyone,

Happy St. George's Day! 
How's your week going?  Well, I managed to get the old craft room tidy over the weekend - sort of.

My desks are done, and at least I can sit down now!  I'm not showing you the other side of the room though!!  It was a long job, but most thing have found their way back to where they came from.  
We've had a bit of a sort out, again!  Re-arranged a few things (I'll never be able to find anything now), but, some of the new stash is still in a box outside in the hallway ........

I WILL make time this week to play with my new stuff. 

I'm still busy with DT projects.  It's my day to post over on the Craftwork Cards Blog if you fancy a read.

Oops..... is that a little sneaky peek at my project?!  I've been having a go at one of the techniques that Hels Sheridan does so well - paper blocking.  Pop over and see what you think.  Be kind though, it's my first attempt!

There's also a Give Away on the Blog every day this week.  We're showcasing the Craftwork Cards new Bunting Shapes.  Each day one of the DT will be sharing their bunting, all you have to do is leave a comment on the post and become a follower of the blog, if you're not already.  The next day the winner will be chosen at random and they'll receive a Bunting Kit so that they can create their own special bunting.

Well, it's back to the old craft room for me today, Indigo Blu hat on this time. Check out the DT Blog tomorrow to see what I've been up too.

Have a lovely day, and thanks for popping by.

Cheerio for now.

Linda

xx

Bloomin' Great! - new Forever 21 Blog challenge

Morning all,

And a very happy Sunday.  I don't say that very often on here, weekend posts are a bit few and far between from me.   Today is different though, it's the start of the new Indigo Blu Forever 21 Blog Challenge.  This months theme is ............. FLOWERS.  So, get out all those lovely Indigo Blu floral stamps that you all have in your stash, and away you go.

Before I show you my DT creation for this month,  CONGRATULATIONS to (drumroll)............

 Number 12  .........  KERRY

Well done Kerry, enjoy your prize. Thanks to everyone that took part, there were some fabulous creations once again.  I can't wait to see what you all come up with this month.

Here's mine ........

There's just one or two flowers on there!

I've painted one of the MDF folk hearts with Black Gee-So Good then covered one side with a good layer of Kroma Crackle, that's been mixed with a little pink acrylic paint.  I left this to dry for a good couple of days, then covered it with Slap-it-on Matte.

 I love how no two projects are going to be the same using the Crackle, you never know how it's going to turn out. This time I got quite large cracks towards the centre, see how the black shows through.

Once everything was dry, I brushed some silver metalic paint around the edges to give a bit of a contrast.

For my main floral image I chose the beautiful rose from the Clockworks stamp set, (love this). I added in a couple the smalller trailing rose from the same set along with a small flower from another fabulous Indigo Blu stamp set - Live Laugh Love.  It was difficult to choose which floral images to use as there's so many within the Indigo Blu range - Kay loves flowers.

I coloured a piece of white cardstock using pink shades of Pan Pastels, with a touch of pale blue in there and Kay's technique of doing lots of circles of colour all over ......

Doesn't look much at this stage, but bear with me.

I then stamped my flowers randomly all over the card, using a Black Versafine ink ......

Can you can see where I'm going with this now?  It's a quick and easy way to colour lots of images, and you get a bit of shading in there too.  I did the same thing with some green shades and stamped the leaves

Next job is to cut out all the flowers.  This takes a bit of time but I must admit I do like a bit of fussy cutting now and then.  Many moons ago, when I first started crafting (I can just about remember that far back!) decoupage was one of the first techniques I tried.  I do think most crafters give it a go at some point.

Once all your flowers and leaves are cut out, it's time for the fun part - flower arranging!  Now I'm not a florist, I'm more of a 'pop it down and see how it looks' kinda gal.  You just need to play around with the flowers without sticking them in place, until you're happy with the arrangement.  Once everything is on place, carefully glue each individual flower - I used a hot glue gun for this.  You can still get a bit of dimension without having to wait too long for the glue to dry.
You can see I've also added layers to some of the flowers for a bit more depth ........

And I've covered the leaves with a bit of Glossy Accents to give them a shine.

The sentiment is from the Bloomin' Great stamp set, stamped and cut out using one of the circle Nestabilities dies.  It's been layered onto a circle covered with the Mega Flakes to highlight it, layered again onto black and then it's been attached to a cocktail stick, painted with Black Gee-So Good and then glued into place with hot glue.

A pretty ribobn bow, and some white rafia string to hang it with, add the finishing touches.

Hope you like it, and that it's inspired you to enter.  There's another fabulous prize up for grabs so come on, get your Indigo Blu stamps out and create something with a FLORAL theme.

Thanks for popping by today.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  It's been lovely here so far, I hope it's nice where you are.

I'm off to spend the day tidying the old craft room.  You can't actually put anything else in there at the moment, every surface is covered in STUFF!! Even my chair!!!  I need to get in there and put everything away, then I can start with a clean workspace tomorrow - well, I can hope can't I.

Have a lovely day.  Cheerio for now, and Good luck in the challenge.

Linda

xx

Back home and raring to go!

Hello, I'm back!

Just a quick post to let you know I'm back on Manx soil, and hopefully I'll be back into the swing of all things crafty very soon.
I love taking my trips across to the UK, it's the coming home I don't like.  All that unpacking, washing, tidying up to do, it's just no fun at all.  But I knuckled down yesterday and all the washing is done, the house is clean and tidy again, and the cupboards are full!  Now I can get on with the important stuff - back in the old craft room.

I had a fabulous weekend with my lovely crafty girlfriends, down in London.  We did a little bit of sightseeing.  Had dinner in China Town (nom! nom!).  Shopped in Covent Garden, tea and cakes in Shaftsbury Avenue and of course, the main reason for the trip, the Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show at Alexandra Palace.  We had such a ball, we're already planning next year's trip!

I was ever so good, I only bought one thing that wasn't on my shopping list, it was a little on the large side though so I've had to leave it with Susan in the UK for now - I only had hand luggage and there was no way it was going in my case!!!  What did I buy???? ......... well, it's a pocket watch (for BIG pockets!).  It goes with the large clock face you can see in this picture of all my new stash - you guessed it, we went to see the MDF man!!!

I told you I'd been good.  There's not that much there, really.

This is why I bought the pocket watch ........ here's the sample that was on display on the stand .......

How fabulous is this!!!!  Follow this link, it'll take you over to the blog of the lady that made it.  There's details on products and techniques she's used to create this stunning piece of art.
No idea when I'll have the 'time' to start mine, but I've already jotted down a couple of ideas.

I can't wait to get started with all my new goodies.  You can see, I finally gave in and bought a Gelli Plate (thanks to Barbara Gray for that!)  The new JOFY stamps came home with me too, along with some Studio 490 goodies and a few other bits and bobs.  I think the rest of this week is going to be fun, don't you!

I gave you a sneaky peek of some of my Indigo Blu samples, that I left with Kay on Saturday (thankfully they made it down there ok).   Did you see the shows?  We actually watched the morning one from our hotel room before we checked out.  Here's some of my samples in full ......

This one is using the gorgeous Ella Bella stamp and the Bubble Background .........

A very simple card to do.  I lightly inked a piece of white cardstock, using Distress inks then stamped the bubbles around the edges in two shades of blue ink.  Ella has then been stamped in the centre, in black ink, and heat embossed using a clear powder.   A touch of Glamour Dust highlights some of the bubbles, and I added the word Dream to finish it off.

I also decorated one of the Folk Hearts, using the Poppy Meadow stamp set.

The heart was given a coat of white Gee-So then a layer of white acrylic paint.  I stamped the lovely sentiment in the middle, using Black Archival ink, then stamped the poppy around the edges.  I added the colour using a mix of markers and pencils.  There's a touch of Kroma Crackle on there too, just patches here and there, on the front, that have been painted over with white acrylic paint once the cracks had appeared. The back of the heart was painted with the Black Gee-So then I mixed some of the Kroma Crackle with some red acrylic paint, spread that on and let it dry. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the back, but Kay did show it on the telly.

The last one is the gorgeous Elizabeth Bennet, framed using the Vintage flourish.  So pretty!

Hope you like them.  All the products I've used can be found on the Indigo Blu Website.
There'll be more of my show samples over on the Indigo Blu DT Blog tomorrow (Wednesday) if you'd like to take a look.  If you pop over there today, you'll find more inspiration using the Indigo Blu stamp range, from the very talented Jo Rice.

I'm off now to read a bit more of my Dummies Guide, for my Mac Book.  I'm not getting very far, but I have managed to sort out my email, write this blog post (minus the pictures - haven't worked that one out yet!), and of course bookmarked some craft sites.  So, I'm getting there, slowly.

Thanks for popping by today, I'll see you again later in the week.

Cheerio for now.

Linda

xx 

Sneak Peeks and Cheerio ....... I'm leaving the island again!

Hello there,

Only one more sleep then it's London baby!! - whoo hoo!!  I've been really busy this week trying to get everything done and out of the way and I think I've finally managed it.  I've even tidied the old craft room a little - well I need to make room for all the new goodies that will be coming home with me.  After all, the main reason for my latest trip across is The Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show at Alexandra Palace.  I'm only taking hand luggage with me so I'm a bit limited as to what I can buy. (Just as well, as I'm not spending that much - yeah right!)  Stamps don't weigh much and I'm allowed 100ml bottles of liquids so the new Distress Paints are fine.  If I need to I'll leave my clothes with Susan (well, I'm back over there again in May - I won't need to pack anything then (ha! ha!))

This week has been spent doing DT stuff, some of which is going to be on display at Ally Pally.  And also Kay and Indigo Blu are back on the telly this weekend.  Sky Channel 671/Freeview 36/Freesat 813 Sunday 14th at 9am and 1pm, as part of the Create and Craft Birthday Celebrations.
Set your Sky boxes now, it's going to be a good show.  There's Flitter Glu and flake, Kroma Crackle and some favourite stamp sets.  The mannequins are also back in stock I believe too, so it's going to be a busy one.

Here's a sneaky peek at some of things for the show, that I'll be giving to Kay on Saturday ........

 

(ooh ...... just realised,  these won't be coming back in my suitcase.  More space for me to fill (hee hee!)

I also sent some Craftwork Cards goodies off at the beginning of the week .......

The lovely new Dolly Mixtures Collections - meet Coleen.  Everything is available on the CWC website, and you can see Coleen and the girls, in more detail on my last DT Blog post

Before I leave you to go and check my shopping list, and pack my suitcase, a quick reminer that it's my day to post on the Creative Studios DT Blog tomorrow.  Get this ........ the post is done!  and scheduled for 9.30am tomorrow morning.  Organised or what!  (I am trying).
Don't tell anyone, but here's a sneaky look at what's going to be on there .......  you'll have to pop over there on Friday to see it in full.

Well, that's craft stuff done and dusted.  I'm off to pack now.  Have a lovely weekend.  If any of you are going to Ally Pally have a great day, spend loads, and say Hello if you see me. 
I suppose I should put some dinner on too.  Hubby will be home soon and no meal on the table.  There goes my Domestic Goddess points ... again!

Thanks for popping by.  Cheerio for now.

Linda

x

I've got an award!

Hellooooooo!!!

Yes it's me! I'm still here.  I've been a little quiet on the old blog recently - sorry.  Nothing major, I've just been really busy juggling the usual things.  It's a short week for me again too.  I'm off to the UK on Friday for another roadtrip with the girls - well train this time.  We're off down to London to Ally Pally - whoo hoo!!!

As you can imagine I'm trying to get everything done before I go - DT stuff and all the household chores. I'm getting there - slowly!! 

My week got off to a great start. On Monday I received my second Liebster Award.  I'd like to thank the lovely Kim Robertson (Kim's Blog), one of my Craftwork Cards DT pals for nominating me. It was a lovely surprise, and thank you Kim, for you lovely comments.  I shall display the badge with pride.

This award is designed for blogs that have less than 200 followers.  Once the award has been accepted, the idea is to pay it forward to 5 other blogs that you like to read and follow, and hopefully encourage others to visit, read and follow them too.

To accept the award you have to ......
Thank the person who gave it to you, and link back to their blog
Post the award on your blog
Give the award to 5 other Bloggers, with less than 200 followers and leave a comment on their blogs telling them they've been nominated.

Here goes ........  my 5 nominations are ...

1. Redanne http://bollyanne.blogspot.com/
This lady is fab-u-lous!!! and soooo talented.  Her blog is always full of inspriation and great projects.  She's been one of my followers since I started my blog, and there's always a lovely comment from her on every post.  Thanks for your support Anne xx

2. Avril http://mrsbsaddiction.blogspot.com/
Again, Avril has been with me from the start I think.  We actually met recently at the GNPE in Harrogate and she's lovely.  Her style is very vintage and I love it!!

3. Jo Rice http://jr-crafts.blogspot.co.uk/
One of my fellow Indigo Blu Belles.  We met last year, briefly, at the Indigo Blu Retreat then again a few months later.  It was like we'd know each other for years.  She's such a nice lady, and so talented.

4. Jane http://janescraftybits.blogspot.co.uk/
Jane's another fabulous lady who's blog I've followed for a while.  She's a member of the DT for the Clarity Blog Challenge and her work is simply stunning.

5.  Elaine http://wavesofcreativity.blogspot.com/
I came across Elaine through the Less is More Blog challenge, and Show Us your Twinchie.  Another fabulous blog, full of inspiration and great ideas.

There you go.  Congratulations ladies!  If you choose to accept the award, follow the instructions, grab the badge from the top of this post and display it on your blog.  Don't forget to link back here to show who was inspired by your work and awarded you the Liebster. xx

I finally got my birthday present off  hubby too .........

isn't is pretty!!!  I'm not actually blogging on it yet,  I need to figure out how to use it first!  Stephen also bought me something he thought might help .....  (me and technology - not good!)

Thanks love!!  Look at that beautiful big pussy cat on the front - I've been up close and personal with one similar to that a few years ago, but that's another story!!

Well I suppose I'd better get back to the old craft room.  Samples still to finish and all that.  No rest for the wicked!

Before I go, a quick reminder it's my day on the Indigo Blu DT Blog.  There's some sneaky peeks of what I've been up to this week, and details of Kay's next shows on Create & Craft.

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

 Cheerio for now

Linda

x

There's just not enough hours in a day!

Morning everyone,

I was hoping to do this post yesterday but somehow I never managed to get around to it.  Don't ask me what I was doing all day, goodness only knows.  But, before I knew it, hubby was walking through the door, after a long day at work, and there was I, still messing about in the craft room and no dinner on - oops! (My Domestic Goddess hat must have slipped slightly!)  To be fair I was tidying up for the day, and packing up my craft bag ready to go on a workshop.

I'd spent the afternoon transforming my Flower Twinchie.  It's now on a birthday card for a very special friend (Susan, if you're reading this, look away NOW!  You'll have to wait until next week to see it)

What do you think?  Can you spot the twinchie?  Who would have thought that a little 2inch x 2inch piece of art would make an 8inch x 8inch card.

I've used the same BoBunny paper that's on the twinchie, and some co-ordinating cardstock to make a very simple background layout.  Added a white strip across the bottom with my sentiment on - which by the way, is from the same Penny Black stamp set as the flowers (Petal Party)

I've stamped another of the flowers from the set, 3 times onto white cardstock using Versafine Inks - Imperial Purple and Deep Lagoon, cut them out and arranged them on the front of my card, with some stamped leaves.  My twinchie has been layered onto some of the blue cardstock then attached as part of the floral arrangement, using foam pads.

To finish off I've added some large gemstones to the centres of the flowers and a beautiful silk ribbon bow.
Even the inside has been decorated to match.

I probably shouldn't say this but I think spring is finally here.  Just look at the blue sky we had yesterday,

and it's pretty much the same today, with not a cloud in sight - gorgeous!  You can see there's still a bit of snow up on the hills though.

We actually drove over the mountian road yesterday evening.  There's still plenty of snow up there I can tell you, but the local authorites have certainly been busy.  They've done a brilliant job, the actual road is clear, but the snow is still very deep off to the sides.  It was like being on a cresta run in places.  A wall of snow, higher than the car, on either side of us. It was weird!

It's back to the craft room again today, busy, busy, busy!  I've a couple of things on the go - DT stuff. 
I did post on the IndigoBlu DT Blog yesterday if you fancy a look.  And I'll be back on the Creative Studios DT Blog tomorrow.  It's a hard life!!

Thanks for popping by today.  Enjoy your Thursday.

Cheerio for now

Linda

x

I think it's time for a Twinchie

Hello there,

Happy April!  Month number 4 already.  This year is flying by. 
Only 7 weeks on Friday until we go away on holiday - whoo hoo!!!  (Not that I'm counting)
Yes, we've actually booked some time away.  We're getting off the island during the TT fortnight, and we're flying to Italy.  Lake Como to be exact.  I can not wait!

We've booked a lovely villetta on the banks of Lake Como ........

Look at that view from what will be our balcony ........ (sigh!)
 
We love Italy ........ stunning scenery,  the food is to die for, they produce all our favourite wines, and the Italians - well need I say more. 
We've got 14 nights, just the two of us, to do exactly what we want.  We've hired a car so we'll be doing a bit of sight seeing.  I'll be taking my new birthday present along with me too, so I'll still be able to blog - hopefully!   Hubby's finally making up for briefly forgetting my special day, he's ordered me a Mac Book (who's a lucky girl!).  Well the old laptop keeps having funny moments, so I thought it was time I had a new one.  I'll have to get used to using a Mac though,  tried one at the weekend  and it was very strange - so it could take a while.  Hopefully there's an instruction manual that's easy to follow ...... a Dummies Guide would be good!

Anyway, enough waffling.  Time for my Twinchie ......... (I haven't said that for a while)

It's Challenge #3  over at Show Us Your Twinchie and the theme for the month is

'Flower or Flowers'

For those who don't know, a Twinchie is a little piece of artwork that measures 2inch x 2inch

Here's mine ........

I've used the Penny Black 'T for Transparent' stamp set 'Petal Party'.  I've stamped one of the flowers and a leaf a couple of times onto white cardstock, and coloured them in using Copic markers.

I covered my Twinchie with some BoBunny paper from the new C'est La Vie range - left over bits from my Tim Tag.  And the edges have been sanded a little to give an aged look.

I've layered the flowers and the leaves, and added a large pearl to the centre.  The tiny tag on the side is made using a Nestabilities die (Labels One) to cut around the computer generated word.

I love how this little project has turned out - perfect for Springtime I think (as you can see in the picture, we've got sunshine again on the IOM - has Spring finally arrived? - Lets hope so eh!)  

I don't normally give my Twinchies away but,  I do think this one will make a nice card.  I'm off now to see how it turns out.  Watch this space.

Thanks for popping by today.  Enjoy your evening.  I hope it's as nice where you are as it is here on the island.

Cheerio for now

Linda

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