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

Sneak peeks and a couple of reminders ......

Hi there,

Just a quickie before the madness of the weekend starts.
My brother and his family arrived on the island this morning, it's the first time they've been.  And I've got Lauren and Alex coming tomorrow, so we have a house full.  Just the way I like it!  I've still got a bit of tidying up to do though, so this will have to be short and sweet.

Just wanted to remind you that Kay is on the telly with Indigo Blu on Sunday - Sky channel 671/Freeview 36/Freesat 813 at 9am and 2pm.  Set your Sky boxes now, you won't want to miss it.

Here's a little sneaky peek of one of my samples that went in the post yesterday .......

And don't forget about the new Forever 21 Challenge Blog over at Indigo Blu.  Have you entered yet?  It's well worth giving it a go, the winners prize is HUGE!!!!
 

As it's Friday, it's my regular weekly post over on the Creative Studios DT Blog.  Check out what I've been up to this week .......

There's also a Guest Designer this week over on Sam's Blog.  The lovely Tracy Evans has been working with the Sam's new Art Houses and she's done a great little project, with full details.  Well worth a look.

That's it from me today.  A nice family weekend is coming up.  Stephen's home from work at lunchtime, and it's tea out this evening so we're off to a good start.

I hope you have a lovely weekend too, and I'll see you all next week.

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

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

Just a sneak peek .....

Good afternoon and Happy Friday!

We survived our Ghost Tour on Halloween.  It was reeeeeally spooky, very cold, and VERY dark. We enjoyed it though.  Lots of ghost stories, and creeping around the castle by candlelight.
The Grey Lady even made an appearance at the end of the tour, along with the Lady in Black - whhooooo! (I don't think they were the real ghosts though!)   I want to do another one now.  Apparently they do a tour around the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, that's next on my list.

I've had another busy old week, and it's not over yet!  There's still stuff on the 'To Do' List and it has to be done before I leave for the UK.  Guess where you'll find me this weekend!

I will be taking some time off though, remember Kay is back on our screens on Saturday - yeah!  Indigo Blu is on Create and Craft on November 3rd  6-7pm (I think).  Don't forget to tune in, there's going to be some fabulous stamps, and of course Flitter Glu and Flakes.  Kay will be doing her stuff demoing all the fab products and you'll get to see what all the DT have been up to.
My box went in the post yesterday morning.  Just hope that Mr Royal Mail does his job now and gets it there in time.

Shhhh ....... don't tell anyone, but here's a sneaky peak of a couple of things that went into the box

Full pictures will go on the Indigo Blu blog, probably sometime next week.

As it's Friday, it's my day to post on the Creative Studios DT Blog.
Here's a little tease of what I've created this week........

If you want to see it in full, you'll have to pop over to the DT blog.  There's all the details on there, what I've used etc., and there's some other fab projects from the rest of the Design Team too.

Well, that's another week over, doesn't time fly.  I'm off now to try and come up with something for this weeks Less is More Challenge.  I have a few hours left before the deadline.

Have a lovely weekend.  If any of you are celebrating Bonfire Night and are off to Firework Displays, stay safe and enjoy yourselves.

See you all soon

Linda

x

Another week over!

Morning everyone, (or should I say afternoon),

I've had a busy old morning, it's my day to post on the Design Team Blog over at Creative Studios, and  I still had to put the finishing touches to my project this morning.  Time just ran out yesterday.   Here's a little sneaky peek of what I've done for this week ........

If you pop over to the DT Blog you'll be able to see it in full along with all the details.

Things are slowing down a little, thankfully, in the old craft room.  The 'To Do' list is getting shorter, which means I can concentrate on my Christmas cards soon.
I do have a couple of things to do before my next trip across to the UK (less than 2 weeks to go - yeah!), one of them being, to mock up some Wedding invites.  One of the girls who was bridesmaid for my brother and his wife asked if I'd make her invites etc.  She has sent me a picture of the style and colour she would like so at least I have a starting point.

One of the outstanding jobs on my list that I have managed to finish is a Memory Box for Alex.  Lauren asked me to do one of these absolutley ages ago, and finally it's done.  Sorry about the pictures, they were taken in a bit of a rush (don't look at all the stuff around the box!)

Stephen's Dad made the box, and it's just been sat in the old craft room waiting to be decorated.
I've kept it quite simple really, because it's for a boy.  The outside's been painted blue then washed over with white to give it a worn look, and the edges have been distressed a little with Stormy Sky DI.  The ABC stamps are from a set I got in the sale, ages ago, from that well known shopping channel.  They've been stamped randomly all around the box using a black Archival ink.  The little nursery rhyme stamped around the bottom is from the Indigo Blu  - Vintage Nursery Rhymes I set.
The lid has had a little bit of the Fran-tage treatment (Shabby Blue) on a couple of the corners just to add a bit of texture, make it a little 'touchy feely'.

The verse is from Clarity Stamps.  When I spotted this it brought back a few memories.
When Lauren was at primary school, she made a calendar for me with this poem and her handprints on and I thought it was so sweet (I still have it somewhere, tucked away with the rest of my keepsakes).  My idea was to do something similar in Alex's scrapbook.
The little hand prints and the sentiment are from an SU stamp set that my lovely friend, and SU Demonstrator, Sally-Jo has kindly lent to me. (Thanks Sally, I'll bring it back when I come across in November!). You also get footprints in the set too, you can see I've put these inside .......

The inside has been covered with scrapbooking papers and some co-ordinating Bazzill cardstock.

It was meant to be a surprise, but Lauren spotted it when she was over here last.  It wasn't decorated then so I hope she likes it.

Well, I think that's me done for this week.  I'm carving out pumpkins over the weekend, ready for Halloween.  It also means I'll be making pumpkin pie too - yum!

Don't forget to pop over to the Creative Studios DT Blog and have a read of my latest post.

Have a lovely weekend, and if you're off to see the new James Bond Film - enjoy!  I tried to book tickets for Saturday night here, but it's sold out.  I'll have to wait until next week for my Daniel Craig fix!

Thanks for popping by.  See you again soon.

Linda

x

What a busy week I've had

Hi everyone,
Happy Friday!  This week has flown by, but it's been fun.
I'm still busy in the old craft room, at least the 'To Do' list is going down (sort of) - yeah!
There's a project on there that's been on for weeks, I just haven't had the time to do anything about it.  It's a Memory Box for my Grandson Alex. 
My father-in-law made the box last time we were across in the UK and up until yesterday I'd only had time to put a layer of primer on there.  Now it's had a coat of colour - whoo hoo!  I'm trying to get it finished before we go across again - November 7th.  I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, here's something I did a couple of weeks ago.  I think I'm safe posting it today - the lady who it was for should have seen it by now.

It's an anniversary card for the wife of someone who hubby works with.  It was their 1st Wedding Anniversary on the 14th (I think) and Baard asked me to make a special card for him to give to his wife. I even made a matching box with Gift Tag for it to go in.

When I started out I was going to keep it quite simple, but I think I got a little carried away. There's a bit of everything on here .....

As you can see, my 'Fran-tage' phase is still in full swing.  I used the Shabby Blue on the corners of the background paper and the black card.  Everything was distressed around the edges using the Tim Holtz Distressing Tool, and then inked with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink to soften it and give an aged look.

There's some embossing on there (Birds and Swirls embossing folder).  There's some die-cutting (Weathered Clock, and the Tree Branch).  Rubber Stamping - the hearts were done with a Stampendous stamp and heat embossed in white, the sentiment is from Penny Black.
I used punches for the birds and the blossoms on the branch, and I added ribbon and gems to finish it all off.  It was pretty when I'd done - I was pleased with it anyway.
It's always a bit of a worry when I'm making something for someone else, especially when I don't know them that well.  But, I know that Baard likes it, I just hope Alena, his wife, thinks the same.

As it's Friday, it's my day for posting on the Creative Studios Blog.  I had fun yesterday finishing off this week's project.  I've gone all frosty looking this time, same stamp sets as last week but a competely different look.  I can let you have a sneaky peek, but if you want to see it in full, and read how it was done you'll have to pop over to the Design Team Blog later and have a look.

Phew! I think that's me done for this week.  Not sure what we have planned for the weekend.  Stephen's back from his London trip this evening, so no doubt the washing machine will be going on a some point - I get all the good jobs!
If I do get time over the weekend  I'm hoping to do my Timmie Tag.  I've made a start.  I've coloured my glitter .......

....... it was white when I started!
I had a bit of an 'OMG! I've done it wrong' moment when it all started to clog, but it all came good in the end - Tim said it would!
Full instructions are on Tim's Blog post for this month's tag.  What a fabulous technique, I'm now looking at all my alcohol inks and thinking what fab colours of glitter I can make.  I'll be using this one again!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Thank you so much for sticking with me this week, all your fab comments really do mean a lot.  I always look forward to hearing from you.
I'm off to do my DT post, then it's back to the old craft room.  It's a hard life! 

Bye for now

Linda

x