Craftling's Cosy Corner

Vintage..

2011-06-18T16:27:00.005+02:00

.. Sorry, not a card!! ;o)
Now this really IS treasure.. I am heartbroken to be selling THIS baby, but needs must..
I call it my Cruella De Ville coat.. It's beautiful faux fur and it has a print of 101 Dalmatians on it! 1986 vintage, beautifully made in France under license to Walt Disney. In mint condition.

Flog Update..

2011-06-17T14:29:00.001+02:00

Flog, flog, flog, flog, flog.....!!!

Want some 'treasure'? lol ;-)

Click HERE

NB: Not much crafty stuff yet, but there will be, eventually.

Trouble int'Paradise..

2011-06-14T17:53:00.004+02:00

Eee, pet.. t'path of true love never runs smooth, does it, girlz? (sigh) Having a few issues with my Yorkshireman, but I'm hoping we'll be sorted yet.

You've not seen him yet, have you? Here he is.. when I knew him before in the 70s..

.. and here he is present day. Well.. April.

Other news: Job-hunting again. (yawn) My last contract finished last week ~ no funding for renewal ~ and 50 applications down the line, I am still looking. So many really good candidates out there in the same boat, and we all seem to be after the same jobs. Can't believe how difficult it is at the moment. So.. the Flog is active! Anyone want some tat? lol! ;-)

Any road up, you'll never guess what? I have a couple of cards to show you! Wahey!! Both CAS.

This one is from just over a month ago to mark the anniversary of Eric and I getting together...

And this one was for Eric's eldest daughter's birthday, Amanda. One of her main obsessions is Northallerton Football Club, so this was easy.

That's it for now. I will try to get back here more often. Hopefully, it won't be another four months!! Yeh.. I know..

Love to all
xxx

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

2011-02-23T14:50:00.002+01:00

Not zzzzzzzzzzzzing.. just romancing! (Yes, still!) Every day I think about cardmaking, and every day I miss my blog and all your blogs and lovely, tempting morsels of inspiration, but every day I am frustrated not to have the time!!! Grrrr!!

Hope you're all well and happy!

Love,
Chris xxxxxx

Quickie..

2010-09-12T14:38:00.002+02:00

Just a quick post to keep the ol' blog ticking over...

Everything is fab.. job and man! Had a blissful long weekend with Eric last week, and we are even more sickeningly loved up than ever!! lol ;o) He took me to a jewellery store to choose my engagement ring.................. !!!! ;o) No proposal yet, though.. He says he wants to surprise me, and that will wait until he has actually bought the ring. Watch this space!!

Meanwhile, he'll be down from Yorkshire again in a couple of weeks.

Hope you're all doing well. Miss you all (and your beautiful creations) loads! xxxx

Bucket alert.. Bucket alert...

2010-08-01T17:11:00.003+02:00

Not crafty, I'm afraid, but I couldn't resist a little gloat... This arrived for me yesterday! (happy sigh)

Yes, still very loved up and ecstatically happy. I have never been treated so beautifully. He made me cry when he said he wants me to press this rose and keep it, as it's the first he's given me.

Waaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! (OK.. you can reach for your buckets now, but I suspect there will be lots more of this kind of thing to come... ;o)

Hope you're all well and thriving. Miss you loads.

XOXO

Happy Father's Day, Eric..

2010-06-20T11:21:00.003+02:00

My Father's Day card for Eric. Seems a bit odd, I know.. sending a boyfriend a card for Father's Day, but we have spoken much and shed tears in recent weeks about how we were meant to be together all those years ago, and have mourned the years we lost and the children we would have had. Not that we regret the ones we have.. not at all.. but anyway, it seemed appropriate to acknowledge that he could have been the father of my children, and he would have been a great dad. He IS a great dad.

And how are things going with us? Absolutely BRILLIANTLY!!! Start organising your hats, girls!!! ;o) THANK YOU again for all your lovely comments on my previous post! :o)

This is one of those embossing errors.. I embossed the little hearts before die-cutting the bigger hearts, which kind of squished the little ones, but I quite like the effect, so left it as was..

I'm in luuuuurrrrvvvvee....

2010-05-27T23:00:00.002+02:00

Get your hankies out, ladies.. Have a real Mills & Boon moment for you...

When I was 16, I met a very handsome soldier. He was a Lance-Corporal in the Royal Signals, 21, very tall, dark and utterly gorgeous, and we fell in love. He was my first grown up love. We talked about potentially getting married, and decided we would review things when I was 18 and had completed my 'A' levels. We were both completely smitten. However, my dad was not. He was a Wing-Commander in the RAF at the time.. a senior officer, equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel in the army. He did not approve of his daughter being associated with someone in the "other ranks", as they call them, and he used (I'd say abused) his authority and channels through M.O.D. to force us apart. My soldier stood up for us, but lost the battle. He was given no choice except to end our relationship. I was heartbroken.

A few weeks ago, I saw someone's name somewhere with the same surname.. Calvert.. and it brought him to mind (where he could often be found over the years anyway), and I thought.. hmmm.. I wonder.. and a quick search on Facebook led me straight to him. Seeing that he was single, I ventured a message.. Do you remember me? Thought it would be fun to catch up.

Guess what? He had been equally heartbroken by our break-up, and I had always been on his mind, too, throughout the 36 years we've been apart.

After much communication over the past few weeks, we are now back together, totally smitten all over again, and determined never to let anything come between us again! :o)

Now you know why I haven't been back in a while!! *lol*

ALSO.. I have just finished my old job today, and start the new one on 7th June! :o)

Life is soooooo good, and I never dreamed it was possible to be this happy!!! :o)

Hope you're all doing as well, and enjoying life. :o)

Ribbon addict..

2010-05-07T14:54:00.002+02:00

Isn't that brill??!! *lol* Just one on an email I received recently full of hilarious cat pics. (If you'd like a copy, email me at craftling@btinternet.com.)

Please note copyright details.. www.joannascheezeburger.com. (I've not looked yet, but I'd guess you can probably find the pics at that site.)

Brace yourselves!! New Post Alert!!

2010-05-03T15:07:00.002+02:00

FOUR of 'em! Yep, mojo is stirring.. Just a little, but there are definite signs of life! *lol*

There's a big 'Thank You' in the post below, too.

Hope you like, and hope you're all having a fab Bank Holiday!!

Hugs,
Chris xx

Butterfly card..

2010-05-03T14:53:00.002+02:00

For a friend whose surname is Butt!! Not surprisingly, BUTTerflies are her thang! *lol* Have always loved this sentiment, but saw it again on my buddy Lesley's blog recently. Very cool.

Inkadinkado flourish and pretty butterfly stamp, blinged with Stickles, silver antennae and Swarovski crystals for extra sparkle.

THANK YOU

Just wanted to say thank you again for your patience and support while I've been 'off the air'! *lol* Have received some lovely emails, too, and comments on Facebook. I'm sorry if you're still waiting for a reply! I thought things would relax a bit after getting the job offer, but oh noooooooooo!! I still have another month to do on my old job, and had pretty much run out of things to do so was coasting and not doing much except job-hunting. Thought I would be virtually 'on gardening leave' for the last month, but not a chance! Have been given a whole bunch of other stuff to do. Not that I am compaining. They're entitled, and I still count my blessings every day that I HAVE a job in this climate, and still pinching myself that I managed to find another one to go on to.. an even BETTER one! Hallelujah! :o)

So.. my thanks again. Please bear with me.. I WILL get round to replying soon, I promise!

Hugs,

Chris

xxx

Niece's Birthday Card..

2010-05-03T14:43:00.002+02:00

A little card for my lovely niece, Laura... 23 tomorrow (but she definitely won't see this, so it's OK to post). Pity glitter is sooo difficult to photograph!

Navy blue Bazzill and SU punches for the scalloped circle (and the circle cut out of the middle), lighter blue Bazzill for the smaller Martha Stewart punched butterflies. The main butterfly was cut out of a magazine, edges inked then painted with Stickles, decorated with gems and silver wire antennae. Sentiment is computer-generated with Word Art and a font called 'I'm Bored'!! *lol*

One more to come.. above!

Wedding Card..

2010-05-03T14:35:00.004+02:00

This is a commission from a friend at work. She asked me to produce something reminiscent of the invitation design. This was as close as I could get. What do you think? Good enough? I quite like it. I am into simplicity at the moment, after the "over-complicating the life out of everything" groove I got into last year!! ;o) I also rarely use ivory or hammered card as a background, so this was a nice change. Also christened my Hero Arts cling stamp damask thingy. Loving it. So versatile!

More to come.. above! :o)

Brother-in-Law's Birthday Card..

2010-05-03T14:26:00.002+02:00

Hmm. If my mojo is coming back, I think this is indicative of a slow return!! Not very happy with this disjointed little effort, but it will have to do. Happy birthday, Phil..

Harlequin stamp and Versafine Majestic Blue ink (stamped off for a paler effect), script stamp, silver plated chain, silver spiral clip and seashell charm. 'Birthday' text stamp and hand-written 'happy', matted onto navy blue Bazzill.

Happy St George's Day!

2010-04-23T14:48:00.003+02:00

The world is made up of two kinds of people.. English people, and those who wish they were English people! hehe ;o)

So to my fellow English people - and to those who can only hope - I wish you a lovely day!

Chris xx

Good news!!

2010-04-19T15:56:00.003+02:00

And about flippin' time!! (phew)..

Got me a job, girlz!! After the emotional roller-coaster of the past couple of months or so, it is very welcome, I can tell you. Had my interview on Friday, and got on so well with the chaps I'd be working for. They made me feel so relaxed, and we had a giggle, and I left on a real high. But then the voices start and the doubts creep in, and I spent the whole weekend torturing myself... I should have said things I didn't say, and should have phrased differently things I DID say.. and when they didn't call until nearly noon today, I had convinced myself I hadn't got it, but then I got the call, and my face is hurting from grinning so much!! *lol*

There was an awkward moment in the car park as I was going in.. I met the previous candidate on her way out, and I know her! We used to work together at Business Link a few years ago, and she's good, so that didn't help my confidence much, either.

Anyway, it's mine! All mine! ;o)

What's that? What is it? Oh!! It's 'Management & Development Projects Officer, which is very similar to my current role, but with a little bit more authority and a little bit more money! Yayyy! I will be working for the Local Resilience Forum for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, which is a joint committee between all the public bodies in our area who are responsible for responding to emergencies, like police, fire, ambulance and local authorities, etc, and I will be based at Cambridgeshire Constabulary headquarters in Huntingdon. I am supposed to be in my current job until the end of May when my redundancy notice expires, but they have said I could leave a bit earlier, so probably starting mid-May-ish, to be confirmed tomorrow.

It's perfect. Just perfect.

So.... Thank you so much for all your lovely good wishes and supportive emails. I'm sorry I've been a moody mare, but it's been a tough few weeks, given the current climate, and being (almost) 52 now, etc. Haven't wanted to look too closely at this and have been in denial most of the time, but underneath it all, I think my faith has wavered a tad, and if I'm truthful with myself, because of difficulties I've had in the past, I have been quite scared.

But now I can relax and breathe again, maybe my mojo will come back.. ???

Happy Easter, everyone..

2010-04-02T15:01:00.004+02:00

An ATC from the archives.

Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter.

Hugs,

Chris xx

Oh Mojo, Mojo.. Wherefore art thou, Mojo?

2010-03-17T13:14:00.005+01:00

There I sat on Sunday morning.. still no card made... at my craft table, waiting for inspiration to strike. The wind whistled through the room. Ghostly tumbleweed drifted through the space where my mojo once lived... and this is the best I could come up with. (sigh) I know. You don't have to tell me. Bluuurrrgghh. But my mum liked it.

No news on t'job front. Will let you know when something happens. Meanwhile, keep those digits limbered, OK?

Hugs,

Chris xx

Poo!

2010-03-09T19:04:00.003+01:00

Now girls, you weren't crossing hard enough, were you? Some of you were uncrossing to make a sneaky card or two, eh? C'mon.. 'Fess up.

Didn't get the job. Never mind. There will be others and I didn't really want that smelly job anyway. God's in charge. It obviously wasn't right.

I'll let you know when I need you on finger-crossing duty again next time. Thank you for your good wishes and extremity-contortions this time, even if some of it from some people was a tad feeble, let's be honest.

Hugs,
Chris xx

...aaaannd relax!

2010-03-08T22:44:00.003+01:00

It's OK.. You can uncross everything now. Normal crafting service may resume.. that's if cramp hasn't set in. *lol* (That did make me chuckle, Jules!! ;o) T'interview went well, I think. Not 100% convinced it's the right one for me, but a bird in the hand, and all that. Anyway, we'll see. Hopefully news of the outcome tomorrow evening.

Thanks again for all your support. :o)

Hugs,
Chris xx

A Quick Thank You..

2010-03-07T19:04:00.002+01:00

Hello, girls! Just wanted to drop by quickly to say thanks so much for all your lovely comments and encouraging words.. I really do appreciate them, and I'm sorry I haven't had chance to reciprocate lately.

I have my first interview tomorrow for the Fundraising Manager's post I told you about before. Have been busy preparing my presentation today. Just a few more bits of reading to do to refresh myself on the details, and prepare some halfway intelligent questions... bit of laundry and a manicure, etc, and I'll be ready!

4.00pm GMT tomorrow... I want all fingers and toes crossed, and prayers headed to heaven, please.... *lol* ;o) I know you will.

Will let you know the outcome.

Hugs,
Chris xx

Birthday Card for a Delicious person..

2010-03-03T19:41:00.004+01:00

.. Paperlicious Delicious, that is! *lol* This was my birthday card for my lovely pal, Lesley.

It uses Papermania DP, Nesties label die, and about nine different rubberstamps! If there are any you'd like to know about, please do ask.

I also made a giftbox and a charm for whatever Lesley wanted to hang it from ~ a dingle-dangle for her dongle ~ but I forgot to take photos, so you'll have to visit Lesley's blog HERE (which I would definitely encourage, anyway), as she DID take pics! :o)

TTFN.. xoxoxo

Who's a clever clogs, then?

2010-02-26T18:29:00.002+01:00

We-ell.. almost. I've got an interview at least!! *lol*... I don't believe in jinxes, so I'll tell you what it is.. Fundraising Manager at a well know national Cancer charity that has a lot of coffee mornings!! ;o)

Have a couple of other irons in the fire, too, and I would love any one of the three jobs I have applied for this week. They're all little crackers! The other two are marketing and communications managerial posts.

So pleased to have been shortlisted for interview for one of the three already. It's very encouraging and has put a big smile back on my face. :o)

Interview's on 8th March, a little ahead of the closing dates on the other two, but maybe I'll only need the one, eh? :o)

Anyway, I'm in danger of rambling again, so will shut up now. Hope you are all hanging in there, and managing to keep warm if you're up t'north or across the border in bonnie Scotland.

Hugs,
Chris xx

Time for a change..

2010-02-20T22:10:00.002+01:00

Hi, all..

Just a quick message to let you know that I may not be around much on my blog, nor able to visit you as much for a while. Nothing sinister going on; just that I need to spend my spare time job-searching and I may have to down-size fairly soon in order to economise, and that means I need to undertake a major de-cluttering exercise to prepare for that. This project is going to take a while, so will only be crafting for birthdays, etc, and not just for fun.

As I de-clutter, I expect to be selling as much as I can, so please do subscribe to the feed from my 'Flog', if you can bear it, as there will be some crafting items coming up for sale amongst the detritus of my life.

Link to my Flog is at the top of my sidebar >>>

Thanks, friends. Didn't want you to be concerned if I seem to have dropped off the planet!! *lol*

See you soon..

Hugs,
Chris xx

Birthday blues..

2010-02-12T14:22:00.002+01:00

Please forgive my immodesty, but I think this is my favourite card to date (of mine, that is). It is also a commissioned card for the same lady as the Valentine in the post below.

The colour choices were taken from my brief.. she likes bold reds and turquoise. Don't they work well? I think that combo will reappear on my work in the future!

Oh, yes.. The metal corner that's floating out there on its own? It hides a stamping error!! lol ;o) But I think it works, in spite of its 'oddness'.

White CS from madaboutcards.com, Blue Iris Chalk Eyes ink around the edges, the little dots around the edge are created with a Judikins stamp, 'Field of Sky. Harlequin and script stamps used with Majestic Blue Versafine ink (second stampings). Papermania DP panel cut with Nestabilities Labels #8, decorative metal corners, Sizzlits leaf spray die-cuts with Dark Brown Chalk Eyes ink smudged on the edges of the leaves, roses, twine and beautiful lace from my Dutch friend, Lean.

Hugs....

Roses are red, Violets are blue..

2010-02-12T14:09:00.003+01:00

Errr.. I've made a card, and I'll show it to you! lol ;o)

This was commissioned by an old work friend for his wife. I hope he (and she!) likes it! He will be collecting it this evening. (I'm 100% sure she won't see this, so it's OK.) (Oh, and I haven't mis-spelt the name.. there is no 'e' on the end.)

The beautiful DP is from Papermania. Have used Nestabilities Labels #8 and EK Success border punch, Martha Stewart butterfly punch and the heart is a die-cut. Quickutz Eliza lettering, Cezanne font for the 'to my darling wife' at the bottom. Rose image from t'internet. Lots of flowers and bling.

XOXOXO

Plunder from Downunder..

2010-02-12T13:54:00.003+01:00

Well, not plunder, exactly, as it was in fact a very generous gift, but it rhymed with downunder, which is where it's from! ;o)

Regulars may recall that I was after a stamp that had been discontinued, and I put out an appeal on my blog a few months ago...

Chris, a very generous stamper from Australia, contacted me to offer the one she had in her collection.. much loved, but never inked. We have agreed a swap, but when the stamp arrived, I thought, "That's heavy.. there's more than one stamp in this packet", and just look at what it was wrapped in...

How gorgeous is this? I was blown away. Thank you again, Chris.. I love it!! The photos don't do it justice, I'm afraid. The beautiful work around the sides of the box doesn't show up very well.

Chris' blog is well worth a visit, but I have lost the address!! Have asked Chris to remind me, and then I'll come back and edit this post to tell you, so please do check back in a day or two.

What a blessing, eh? :o)

EDIT: Chris' blog is HERE. You may have to scroll back to the 'older posts' to see some examples of her lovely artwork.

XOXOXO

Petition - Robin Hood Tax on Banks

2010-02-10T22:41:00.002+01:00

Yep, politics again, but I make no apology. If it is not of interest to you, then please skip this post, but if you are as outraged as I am by the way ordinary people are being punished for the banks' greed and failures instead of the banks themselves who should be paying for the damage they've caused, then please sign the petition on the links below.

And if you are AMERICAN, please lobby your government to do the same, as our news programmes are telling us that this needs to be a global solution, and the American administration is reluctant for some reason.

I am losing my job next month because the organisation I work for is funded by our local authority and can no longer afford to support us because central government is slashing budgets to pay for bailing out the banks. At 51, in the current climate with so many people unemployed, it's just as well I am a Christian and have faith, or I would have no hope.

It's time to stop punishing ordinary people for the banks' greed and failures.

Please get involved. This is the email I received from 38 Degrees (a campaigning body) about the petition.........

Today we've teamed up with organisations including Comic Relief, the TUC, Friends of the Earth and War on Want to campaign for a simple measure that could make a big difference. We're campaigning for a Robin Hood Bankers Tax, a global tax on high value transactions between banks.

This wouldn't affect high street customers, it's a tax on the sort of risky speculation that caused the banking crisis.

The financial crisis showed us that the global banking system doesn't work properly. Bankers chasing bonuses caused havoc around the world, costing taxpayers billions. We need to make sure this never happens again, and that bankers repay their debts to society.

By working together, we can push politicians to go beyond grand speeches and take real, lasting action.We know that right now UK politicians are desperate to persuade us to vote for them - let's make sure they realise that tackling the problems with banking would be a vote-winner.

Sign the petition to the leaders of the three major parties now: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/Robin-Hood-Bankers-Tax

The tax of just 0.05% will raise hundreds of billions of pounds to fund action against climate change, poverty and other big issues in Britain and around the world.

We know the banks will be speaking up against this idea - thousands of us speaking up in favour will help drown them out. Sign the petition now to leaders of the three biggest political parties, calling on them to support the tax, then please tell your friends.

Last year, by working together we persuaded the chancellor to introduce a windfall tax on bankers' bonuses. Now, we've got a chance to persuade all the parties to take longer-term action to reform banking and raise much-needed cash. Please support the Robin Hood Tax, sign the petition now: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/Robin-Hood-Bankers-Tax

Thanks, chaps. XOXOXO

Still crafting..

2010-02-07T14:33:00.005+01:00

This one is recycling the cute image from my Christmas card from Lean showing kittens playing. I adore tabbies.. This pic takes me back to when Tigger and his brother were babies. Sadly, his brother was run over and had to be put down at six months old, but Tigger is still going strong at sixteen and is curled up at my feet as I write.

Not sure what to do with the fluffy bit, yet, Lean, but I'm working on it! lol ;o)

This card also uses a script stamp, my harlequin stamp and an SU 'Friendship' stamp. The CS is coloured with Chalk Eyes peach, bisque and dark brown inks. The leaf sprays are a Sizzlits die.

The next card uses my own dear Gilbert the Ghost image, but recycled from the Christmas card I received from Allison. I have always loved this DP which is taken from a pad of similarly lovely paper, but don't ask me who it's from! Sorry. But anyway, it reminds me of tapestry, and I thought it would make a suitable backdrop for a ghost.. floating down the corridor of an old mansion, perhaps! lol ;o)

Hugs,

Chris xx

More Christmas..

2010-02-05T18:29:00.004+01:00

Recycled from the lovely Christmas card Brenda sent me. (Hope that's alright, Brenda! Actually, she's busy with organising the HEEEOOOUUGGEE Sir Stampalot blog candy/hop thing this week, so maybe she won't notice! Tell you what, if you haven't entered.. have a peek on her blog HERE at what they're up to, and keep her even busier for me, OK? Hehe!! ;o)

As well as the lovely stamped image from Brenda's card, I have also used a Cuttlebug holly embossing folder, some Stickles for a touch of sparkle, Woodware holly punch using more of the music paper Lean sent me, and some red tinsel pom-poms.

Hugs,

Chris xx

Free vintage image for you..

2010-02-05T14:57:00.010+01:00

It has been a very stressful week, and is not over yet, but until I get chance to show something crafty, here's a freebie for those that want it.

This handsome chap is my Great Grandad, William, in his WWI uniform...

I'm sure most of you know, but for those that don't.. Right click on the picture and select 'Save picture as..', then choose where on your computer you want to save it to, and give it a filename.

This is a family photo, so personal use only, please, and please link back to my blog if you display any creations using it. (And please send me a link, too, so I can come and have a nose!) ;o) If you do take it, please be kind and leave me a comment.

Please do not display the photo itself on your blog, or offer it as a freebie, except by providing a link to this post, and do not offer it for sale in any form.

Many thanks.

XoXoXo

Another Christmas card..

2010-02-01T15:01:00.003+01:00

Pretty standard for me. Feel free to ask if you would like any details.

XoXo

Double recycled! lol ;o)

2010-02-01T14:40:00.009+01:00

Remember this one? I made it for my daughter but wasn't happy with it, so made her another.

And this one on the right was an incoming Christmas card from Lean that I showed you yesterday.

Have used elements from both cards in the new one below..

That frame is beautiful, and I couldn't wait to re-use it. (Hope you don't mind, Lean!) It was a perfect match for the stamped image from the card I made for my daughter..

Multiple Posts Warning!

2010-01-31T20:06:00.001+01:00

To save any confusion, please note that I've been having a catch-up, and there are four new posts below! :o)

XOXOXO

ALMOST new card!

2010-01-31T19:37:00.003+01:00

This one almost doesn't have any recycling on it at all.. Almost. You know how when you're stamping you have some old piece of scrap for taking off excess ink, trying out images together, etc? Yes? Well, I quite liked the collagey look of one area on my piece of scrap, so I cut it out and used it! lol ;o) I think that's allowed. It's the grungy bit in the middle...

My fave harlequin stamp again, plus the Hero Arts friendship text (repeat stamped), and Judikins (I think) 'Field of Sky' used randomly around the edges for the dots.. gives a nice, vintage-looking finish. Sizzlits die-cut leaves and a BG button.

Incoming!!!!

2010-01-31T19:07:00.002+01:00

SHAMEFULLY, I haven't shown you these before.. They are the handcrafted cards I received from some bloggy buds, and before they get recycled to within an inch of their lives, thought I had better take some pictures for posterity...

This (above) is from Lesley at Paperlicious Delicious.. One of my favouritest people in the whole wide world. Trust her to do something really wacky and different, eh? lol ;o) But I LOVE it!!

This one (above) is from Dutch beauty Lean, from Scrapsels from Lean in Holland. Even with Google Translate (which seems to struggle with Dutch!), I don't understand very much at all of what Lean says, but she seems to understand me, thank goodness, so between her Double Dutch and my loving her work (and her stunning border collie, Misty), we rub along!! lol ;o)

This beaut is from Jules at Always With A Heart. Every card that Jules makes has a heart on it somewhere. Can you spot it on this card? Another lovely and talented lady.

This one (above) is by local friend, Brenda (Floral Fantasies), who is a regular demonstrator at my local stash emporium, Sir Stampalot, and we have met 'in the flesh'. Lovely lady again, and makes cards to die for that her blog just simply does not do justice. They sparkle like jewells in real life. Soooo pretty!

My Gilbert has come back to visit me again! This is from Allison (Allison's Crafty Moments), my talented DT buddy from when I was on the Funky Hand team. Great bunch of gals! Loving the glitter Allison gave his fur trim! (For new visitors who don't know Gilbert, he's my first digistamp.. Gilbert the Ghost. Available free to anyone who asks for a copy.)

Thank you again, ladies, for your beautiful cards. God bless you. :o)

More Recycled Christmas cards!!

2010-01-31T18:57:00.002+01:00

Stop yawning in the ranks!! lol ~ Yes, I know, I know.. Surely I must have enough Christmas cards done by now, but you'll just have to get over it, because there are plenty more to come! Hehe!! ;o)

This one is recycling the negative piece of Bazzill cardstock left after punching some fern shapes. I thought they looked vaguely like Christmas trees, so decided to recycle it as a crimbo card! Uses some Paper Pizazz paper by HOTP in the background, and some other piece of something or other with lines on top. Doodled the holly leaves and the edges. Kaleidopunch snowflake and Basic Grey button.

Ahhh, bless!! This one and the next are from the same 'previously used' card. The 'peace' word is a silver metal word embellishment by Making Memories, I think. It has been in my stash for yonks, sans packaging, so I'm guessing. What do you think of super-imposing it over the script underneath? I'm not sure whether it works or not. Decidedly undecided on that one.

Wasn't sure where I was going with this when I started, but quite happy with the outcome. You like?

Recycled Wrapping Paper

2010-01-31T18:40:00.003+01:00

I know it doesn't seem like it, as all the images are so different, but the focal images on all these cards are made from offcuts salvaged from the wrapping paper I used for my mum's birthday present.This one uses a 'Friendship' stamp by Stampin' Up!, and a friendship text stamp by Hero Arts, repeat stamped on kraft CS from Elzybells, using Versafine's Vintage Sepia ink. Not sure how I managed to tie that bow upside down, though. Must have been standing on my head at the time.

I don't like this one, so will probably get re-recycled! lol ;o) Uses that lovely Hero Arts text stamp again, with a Stempleglede border from the Grunge Collection. The image is cut with Nestabilities Labels #8 and the ribbon I picked up at Sir Stampalot recently. The metal word plaque says 'friendship'.

Have used my favourite harlequin stamp in the background, and the Stempelglede border makes another appearance. The 'bloom with abandon' stamp is by Cornish Heritage Farms, stamped directly onto the image in black Stazon.

The green background was one of those 'stamping errors' scraps that's been hanging around for years! Looks cool though, don't you think? I glittered the centre of one of the daisies with yellow Stickles. Martha Stewart butterfly.

Think I've covered everything on this card, except the Prima flower and Ash branch punch, which I think is McGill.

Cat lovers..

2010-01-27T21:50:00.000+01:00

Go HERE. You will relate.

Confused? It's OK.. so am I ! ;o)

2010-01-26T21:46:00.003+01:00

I hear my blogging five new posts in one go has confused Google, in that the posts are not showing yet on Reader. So.. just to let you know.. below this one, there are five NEW posts for your delight and delectation. Enjoy! lol ;o)

... Aaaand another recycled card...

2010-01-26T19:56:00.005+01:00

The image was salvaged from an old card. It had one of the flower heads decoupaged, so have left that on, just inking around the edges and glittering the centre. Had to alter it some more, though, so stamped the harlequins on, using Versafine Onyx Black, but the third stamping. Then stamped the SU stamps 'bloom' and the 'blossom' definition over the top. The butterfly was stamped quite a while ago, and the ink has worn off in the middle, but I quite like the ethereal quality it has now as a result. The pearl sprays are deliberately left like that. I like the way they resemble the catkins (I think that's what they're called).. the little furry buds.. on a pussy willow... if you squint a bit..

Birthday Stripes..

2010-01-26T19:47:00.003+01:00

A new one!! Woohoo! Well, OK, the tags and the centre circle are recycled, but - hey - that's not bad, considering how obsessed I have become with reviving old cards that were destined for the local recycling plant.

The swirl die-cut in the middle is a border die.. Sizzix, I think.. and have used SU punches. I think the DP is Basic Grey.. not sure. It has become detached.

Recycling.. but NOT CHRISTMAS!! :o)

2010-01-26T19:36:00.004+01:00

These are really cute, tiny wee cards, using the images cut from the back and insides of the card, mounted on glittery irridesecent pink paper/card.

Cut ellie out, inked around the edges and mounted on 3D pads onto a white card square with a rosebud, bow and a 'with love' sentiment cannibalised from another card. The pink panel is cut from the printed insert of the old card.

The pink 'ribbon' is trimmed from another card and scalloped using Fiskars threading water punch.. added a couple of recycled sentiments, some cord, rosebuds, pearl spray and a Sizzlits leaf spray. Can't make up my mind if this works on black. What do you think?

Nothing for days, then they all arrive at once..

2010-01-26T18:54:00.004+01:00

See? Told you I was having fun! lol ;o) And there's loads more to come! (For those of you who are fed up with Christmas cards, hang on a tick and there'll be something different in a minute or two...)

These three are using up the negative images left after making snowflake die-cuts with glitter card. Way too pretty to waste! Have also used sentiments cut from 'previously used' Christmas cards.

This one is mounted on white leather-effect card from Elzybells. It gives a great snow effect.

One of said snowflake die-cuts, but in red Dufex card this time.

Here's another of the snowflake die-cuts. (They came in a set of three. Sizzix, I think.) Image and sentiment from an old card, Nestabilities Labels #1 for cutting the image shape and border + waxed cord wrap and Basic Grey button.

The images on this card and the next one were originally together layered up on one of those so-called "handcrafted" cards you can buy from posh shops. You know, the ones that are 99% printed, but may have a bow stick on somewhere to qualify as "handcrafted". Grrrr! Anyway, I think these images work better apart, and handcrafted by me!! ;o) lol

This one has an Elzybells text stamp in the background, and an SU stamp for the December 25th roundel.

Lovely, glittery Santa face, cut with Nestabilities again.. Labels #8, I think.. (He still hasn't answered my letter.. I asked him to define 'naughty', but he is playing it close to his chest. Sigh.) Sentiment taken from the inside of an old card, and Kaleidopunch snowflake with lime green Stickles.

Using up more glitter card offcuts... Just can't throw away glittery bits!

Loving this one, though I say so myself. Using up an offcut, but - again - too pretty to throw away, so mounted it on some dark brown Bazzill, torn around the edges and glamour dusted. Stamped PSX's Christmas script in the background, with more glamour dust on holly leaves punched out of music paper. Fern stamp used underneath.

Hope you're not fed up with them yet.. there is more to come! But not just yet.. Have something slightly different for you next..

Hugs,

Thank You

2010-01-26T18:52:00.003+01:00

Hello, blog buddies..

I was so touched by the really sweet comments on my last post. You fair made me blush!! Thought it deserved a special post all on its own.

So, THANK YOU, ladies. I really appreciated it, and love y'all bunches! :o)

XOXOXO

Don't follow me.. I'm lost, too!

2010-01-22T10:06:00.002+01:00

Just a quick note to my blog buddies.. If you notice that I seem to have stopped 'following' your blog, please don't take it personally! I have cleared down 99% of my feeds in Google Reader, and I *think* that may also have severed my 'following' connections, too. My daily 'hop' was taking over my life, so had to make the hard decision that 3D life comes first, and I wasn't having any!

So.. everything in moderation.. I will hop when I can, but will focus on those people who are always kind enough to visit me. Love ya! Mwaaaah!!

Adorable and Funny!

2010-01-20T21:18:00.003+01:00

Don't ever let it be said I don't entertain you. Go HERE and HERE! Then click on the header and start from scratch...

Recycling marathon..

2010-01-18T00:31:00.006+01:00

Gave ten cards a new lease of life today. Here are my favourites...

This one, I just trimmed the image, inked the edges for definition, mounted onto an A6 card and trimmed to size. Mounted a greeting onto gold mirri card and raised on 3D foam.

This image was matted onto kraft and then gold mirri card onto light blue Bazzill. Greeting just stuck on underneath.

Cut around this cute image, and raised it and the greeting on 3D foam. Punched red holographic snowflakes on top of a glittery red cord wrap.

Cute sentiment, eh? Can't claim credit for it.. it was on the original card. Used some more of that beautiful vintage sheet music from lean's blog candy prize, and embellished as you see in the pic.

This image was on the back of a card (echoing a larger image on the front). I kept some of the blank white card next to the image and used Staz-on 'Dove Grey' to stamp a Penny Black snowflake on the glossy surface. Used a silver greeting from another card and mounted both on 3D foam on a black Bazzill panel. Silver mirri snowflakes completed the new setting.

Straight forward matting and layering, with some Papermania gems in the corners to glam it up a bit.

This is my favourite of the day, but the picture doesn't do it any justice at all. I used a Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes' embossing folder on both the cardblank and the red panel, which I dabbed with Elzybells 'Sugar Candy' which is a lovely white pigment ink. Mounted the image (which was already glittered) and a sentiment onto 3D foam, and added a punched snowflake with a red gem.

It's such fun thinking of how to 're-purpose' an old card!

Bee-yoo-tiful Blog Candy!

2010-01-17T19:13:00.002+01:00

I have another ten recycled Christmas cards to show you, but first.. THIS!

Now, it's rude to gawp, so when you have picked up your jaw from the flaw (didja like that? hehe!).. hop on over to Tara's blog before 23rd January and grab the info on how to register for a chance to win this glorious collection of stash.

Christmas Scrapling..

2010-01-14T22:33:00.004+01:00

This is not recycled by cannibalising another card, but by using up the scrap piece of card left over when making a square card blank for something else.

I learned about these from one of my all-time favourite crafters, Paula Whittaker. You can see her wonderful work on her blog, Cardcraft Creations, and see her definition of 'scraplings' from her challenge a little while ago on the Daring Cardmakers challenge blog. It's a really useful way of using up your scraps!

(Haven't seen you blog for a while, Paula.. I hope you're OK. Was happy to receive your comment here recently. Happy New Year to you, talented lady.)

This one wasn't intended to be used this way. I was just using the scrap to punch snowflakes, and just liked the random shapes it left, and - well - you know how the process works!

It works, doesn't it?

Christmas window shopping..

2010-01-14T22:30:00.002+01:00

Classic Christmas image here, receycled and given a new lease of life..

2010-01-14T22:24:00.002+01:00

Wheeeee!! I'm having so much fun with these!! How simple is this? And how cool! Forgive me for saying so myself, but I love it! And it's not like I can take credit for the lovely photo and original design, but with a few bits of nitchy-notchy here and there, it has a great second bite at the cherry..

Maybe a silver thread wrap as well... ?

Christmas Goldie Pup..

2010-01-14T22:20:00.002+01:00

Well, I think it's a goldie.. Could be a lab? Are you there, Kath? Anyway, was once a naff card, but I think is much improved. What do you think?

More recycling..

2010-01-14T22:14:00.003+01:00

Hang on to your bootstraps.. I have FIVE cards to show you! Can't remember the last time I did so many at once. Well, actually, this is the output of a couple of evenings.

And, yes I know.. Gilbert, here, is a Craftling original, but recycled all the same from the card I gave my niece for Christmas. Very handsome decked out in his glitter, don't you think?

Gilbert is available as a freebie for anyone who drops me an email. I'll send him on to you as a jpeg.

Another recycled Christmas card.....

2010-01-11T21:49:00.002+01:00

OK, being serious now.. Thought I would make all my cards for this year using recycled cards from previous years, and more or less similar takes on the same basic design elements, to save time.
The image and the sentiment are from a bag of Christmas cards my sister passed on to me a few days ago, and the holly leaves are punched from some old sheet music that Lean sent me as part of a blog candy prize.

Right.. back to work tomorrow, and I will try and catch up with you all over the next week or so. I owe so many of you a visit! Thank you for all your kind messages in the past few days.

The Craftling Christmas Card Collection 2010

2010-01-11T21:42:00.005+01:00

And 'ere we 'ave le blogue Craftleeng modelling ze latest trend in stylish greetings cards for zee environmentally-minded..

Zis design is fashioned only from ze finest cast-offs from ze creator's family, and can be worn at all ze best festive parties to present your greetings to your loved ones..

Mucho Mojo!

2010-01-11T21:32:00.002+01:00

Lol!! No, not blowing my own trumpet, but just thrilled to be FEELING BETTER!! Or at least partway human, after being struck with the cold from hell!

I have felt my mojo stirring, too, so I must be on the path to recovery, eh? Here's one of three simple cards.. This one is for my mum's birthday on Saturday. (The message on the inside is.. of course.. Happy Birthday!)

DP is Basic Grey 'Lilykate', and I've used a McGill (I think.. could be Carlcraft, and since my PC is at opposite ends of the house from my craft room, I'm not going to look unless you ask me REALLY nicely!) ash branch, Sizzlit leaf spray with silver glitter glue dots on each leaf. Bit o' ric-rac and an embossed metal embellishment.

Not my most sparkling of cards, but I did say it was just a stirring..!! ;o)

Aaaaaa-shoooooooo!!!!!

2010-01-09T19:02:00.002+01:00

To all my blog buddies, just to explain my absence.. Have the worst cold I've ever had.. five days and no improvement. In fact, got much worse yesterday. Feeling proper poorly and getting really fed up with it now. (sniff)

It's one thing missing work, but it's quite another when it messes with your weekend, too! (moan, whinge) :o(

Off back to bed now with a hottie...

Warning: Political Post..

2010-01-07T14:36:00.007+01:00

Just a quickie.. got a raging cold, and just escaped from my bed for a few moments, and came across a useful site I wanted to share.

Have been debating with myself over whether or not to post this, but - what the heck - it's my blog and this is something I feel strongly about.

The chances are that the conservatives will be voted into power in the general election, and I find that as scary a prospect as labour getting back in! (rolling eyes in horror at the thought of either party getting in)

One of the issues that worries me is that David Cameron has said he will allow another vote on the law against hunting with dogs. If you feel as strongly as I do that this law should NOT be repealed (should be strengthened, in my opinion, to make it effective!)... Take a peek at this site and join their petition (takes just a few seconds to register, and you don't have to do any more than that)...

http://www.campaignfordecency.org.uk/
WARNING: There is an image on the home page that some people may find disturbing, but you won't see it if you don't scroll down the page.

Let's stop being the silent majority and make our voices heard!

Many thanks.

Note: Not sure about the copyright on the fox image I've used which is from this site, so if you own this image and would like me to remove it, please email me, and I will remove it immediately.

Dazzle On, Beautiful Daughter..

2010-01-02T13:07:00.003+01:00

Do you recall that horrid, ugly card I made a couple of weeks ago to celebrate my daughter's important new job? I had to scrap it, it was so awful. What was I thinking?

So this is version two, and I am soooo much happier with this one!

Have to shoot and catch the post office, but there are big flakes of white stuff coming out of the sky, FAST! So I'd better be quick!

Stamps: Corner stamp from Stempelglede's Grunge Collection (second stamping in Versafine Onyx), then Great Impressions 'Dazzle On Beautiful Daughter', same ink plus clear embossing.) The fern stamp is stamped in Olive Green Staz-On and stickled with Lime Green.

By the way, this layout was inspired by a card I saw on someone's blog. If you recognise it, please shout.. would love to give credit where credit is due.

A Quick Thank You card..

2010-01-02T13:00:00.004+01:00

First card of the year.. Had to whip up a quick thank you.

Rose is by PSX, stamped three times and coloured with Koh-i-Noor pencils & Zest-It with paper stumps, then Stickled. The 'Thank You' panel is raised on 3D pads. Stamp is from Stampin' Up's 'Wonderful Words' set, using Versafine Onyx ink and clear embossing.

Papworth Trust £10 Challenge.. We did it!!

2010-01-01T12:34:00.012+01:00

Regulars can skip to the last paragraph, as you will already know I have been trying to raise money for the charity I work for, the Papworth trust, who provide services to give more equality, choice and independence for people with disabilities.

At our annual staff conference in September, Papworth Trust gave each employee an envelope which contained a £10 note. We later discovered we were not to use it to go and buy a Cuttlebug embossing folder or a rubberstamp. Having got over that disappointment, I absorbed the fact that we were being challenged to use that money to invest in something.. anything legal.. and turn it into more moolah for the charity.

I developed a CD-Rom a few years ago for bridal couples with 100 handcrafted wedding invitation designs and instructions, with tips and resources and various other things, to enable even the most craftily-challenged to make their own wedding stationery and save pots of money.

They sell on Ebay when I'm lucky, but as £10 would cover the costs of producing ten CDs (not counting my time and development costs), I decided to offer ten CDs for sale on my blog, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Papworth Trust. The deadline was 31st December.

OK, regulars.. you can join back in now...

Well, guess what, you lovely people? It got right down to the wire, but thanks to the last person to buy one.. our Leanne in Dubai...

WE DID IT!!

. . . . .

Between us, we turned £10 into £110 (as two people donated an extra £5 each)!

Thank you so very much.. You are all stars.. Everyone who purchased a CD-rom, and all of you who so kindly helped me to spread the word on your blogs, Facebook and by word-of-mouth. Give yourselves a big pat on the shoulder! :o)

Now.. you can still donate to Papworth Trust through their website HERE, and you can still buy my CD-Rom on Ebay HERE.

We deserve a big group hug.. so consider yourself squunched!

Chris xxx

P.S. Ladies who've been helping me out with links on blog sidebars, you can take them down now. Thank you again. Mwaaa!!

It's 2010!!!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000+01:00

Craft Review of the Year 2009

2009-12-30T18:22:00.005+01:00

Hello, all..

I first saw this concept on Kath's blog, although I gather it's spreading like wildfire! I'm not surprised.. It's a great idea! The thing is to choose your favourite card from each month. Here are my twelve favourites from 2009 (so far!)...

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

That was a very enjoyable exercise! For me, anyway! lol ;o) Thanks for the idea, Kath.

Hugs,

Only One Wedding Stationery CD Left!

2009-12-27T13:18:00.004+01:00

Hope you've all had a BRILLIANT Christmas, that Santa came and you are now all mince pied out! ;o) New Year next. Ready with the resolutions list? Mine is a work in progress.

Aaaaaanyway ~ back to reality ~ as regulars will recall, my employers, the Papworth Trust, set staff a challenge a few months ago to take £10 and use it for some kind of fundraising endeavour and multiply it. I decided to use it to cover my costs to produce 10 of my wedding stationery CD-roms, so that all the proceeds from every sale would go to the charity, which provides services to support equality, independence and choice for people with disabilities.

The target was to sell all 10 CDs by 31st December, which is when the challenge ends. Thanks to Linda (Lindyloo), I have now sold nine! Of course you will still be able to buy CDs from me on Ebay and 10% will go to Papworth Trust, BUT there is only one more to go that will give 100% of the proceeds to the charity, and that's only until New Year's Eve.

So.. if, unlike me, you have any money left after Christmas, and would like to purchase a CD-Rom (£9.99), please do get in touch with me by email, and I'll send you details of payment options. (And don't worry.. you can pay Papworth directly! lol.. It won't disappear into the 'Craftling Secret Stash Fund', I promise! ;o)

Meanwhile, huge thanks again to everyone who has either purchased a CD-Rom or helped by placing a post or a link on their blogs to promote the challenge. You are absolute stars!! Mwaaaa!!

Hugs,
Chris xx

Christmas Cuteness & Merry Wishes

2009-12-24T16:49:00.002+01:00

I received my 'Merry Christmas' email from Scrapbook.com, and it included a link to a video of employees' little children answering questions about Christmas.. Soooo cute!! Go HERE if you can spare a couple of minutes for some Festive Ahh Factor!

Well, that's me for Christmas, I think.. I shall be starting by remembering the reason for the season at the midnight service at my mum's local church tonight, then out to a restaurant for Christmas dinner with my family tomorrow. Boxing Day at my sister's for her wonderful meatloaf, then my daughter's coming home on Monday.

However you are spending your Christmas, I hope it is safe, peaceful and full of fun, and that it takes you through to a great New Year.

God bless..

For Linda (Lindyloo) re. my Wedding Stationery CD

2009-12-24T15:44:00.002+01:00

Hi, Linda..

There isn't an email link on your profile, so I hope you come back and see this note! :o)

It's very good of you to offer to buy one of my CDs for the Papworth Trust's staff challenge. Thank you! :o) I thought the last two had sold, but neither person followed up, so they're still available.

Right.. details for payment follow.

There are a number of options..

1. You can pay Papworth directly on-line by card by going to THIS link.. (There is a comments page, apparently, and it would be helpful if you could say this is a donation for Christine Fraser's £10 Challenge, so they know what accounting 'pot' to put it in. If you choose this method, please forward on to me the email receipt they'll send you, and I'll get your CD to you ASAP.)

2. Alternatively, you could pay me by Paypal to veritycrafts@btinternet.com

3. You can also pay by cheque (payable to Papworth Trust) or by postal order. Please email me at craftling@btinternet.com for my address.

Oh, and don't forget to let me have your address to send the CD to.

Let me know what you decide, and soon as you've made your payment, I'll get your CD posted.

Thanks again, and MERRY CHRISTMAS! :o)

Might have to re-think this one..

2009-12-21T18:42:00.005+01:00

My daughter will be starting a new job in the New Year, as a Community Care Officer for Hertfordshire County Council. It's a fab job ~ her first that will really make use of her recent psychology degree ~ with an unbelievable starting salary! I won't tell you what it is, but I was gobsmacked.. for the first rung on the ladder for her, it's amazing. Not that money's everything, but she's struggled to put herself through university and everything, because neither I nor her father could help, and I am sooo very chuffed for her. She's worked so hard and so deserves this break! :o)

Karen will be coming for a visit just after Christmas, and this is her card. But I'm not happy with it at all, and I'm thinking she deserves something a lot better. I may very well re-do this one.. completely differently! lol ;o)

Guess-Who's roses again! ;o)

And this is my finest creation (but I had a little help)...

Hugs,

Chris xx

Not a holly sprig in sight!

2009-12-17T12:10:00.001+01:00

Standard Craftling fayre, here.. A card for a colleague who will be moving to a different office in the new year...

Nesties Labels #4, Martha Stewart border punch, pine branch and ash branch punches, lovely glittery card, metal word embellishment (live, love, laugh) and have used the rose tutorial from Brenda's blog again.

I won the Stempelglede Card Contest...

2009-12-16T14:33:00.002+01:00

See, I knew that would get your attention! Ha! ;o) We-ell, actually.. not quite. I didn't win any of the main prizes by merit, BUT Gunhild very kindly offered ten additional prizes for a random draw, and I was fortunate enough to be among the winners. This is what I chose... The beautiful 'Maribel' stamp. Isn't she lovely? I doubt she'll get across the North Sea from Norway before Christmas, but what a treat to look forward to in the New Year! :o)

For more details about Gunhild's beautiful stamps, go HERE.

Weihnachts Candy!

2009-12-15T19:01:00.002+01:00

Don't you love how that sounds? "Weihnachten" (Christmas). I love how the German language sounds. Maybe it's because I was born in Germany? lol.. No, I don't think so, but I always enjoyed languages at school, especially German.

But this Candy is not from Germany.. It's Swiss! :o) From Karina. Please visit her blog to enter the draw and have a chance to win this cute little (discontinued) teddy bear stamp from Lily of The Valley.

Karina will be making the draw on New Year's Eve.

Fröhe Weihnachten!

A Few Things To Show You..

2009-12-13T14:01:00.006+01:00

Firstly, I must confess... My name is Christine, and I'm a blogaholic. It has been nine days since my last visit.

Oh, man! Is it busy, or what? Still, I am just about organised, but I'm not a very patient person, and I want it all done NOW!! You hear me? I said NOW!!

But.. in the meantime.. I wanted to show you the pretty card and gift I received from my lovely blog-buddy, Lesley, from Paperlicious Delicious. The gift is.. err.. a 'thingamajig'... a very pretty thingamajig.. the kind you decorate and put pictures in. I am very excited about that.. something a bit different for me! Thank you again, Lesley. :o)

Do you know what these are called?

Then there is a box, made somewhat hurriedly, to house my sister's birthday presents... two Swarovski crystal bracelets I made (but didn't think to photograph). The box decoration is not great, but - hey - it's crafty so you get to see it.

My second attempt at one of Brenda's roses. (See tutorial here.) It's OK, but "Could do better" is my summation.

Finally, as I felt I was depriving you of craftiness, here is a Christmas card I made for my mum in 2007. She returned it to me recently with a batch of old cards for recycling. Simple, but I still quite like it, so as I haven't shown it to you before, here it is...

The only slightly unusual thing I did on here that isn't obvious is the use of Crystal Tulip paint for the baubles on the tree in the front. You can just about see them. Do you remember Tulip paint? You never see it mentioned any more, but at one time, it seemed really popular. I still have loads of the stuff. Must use it more often.

Well, that's yer lot for another little while. Not sure when I'll be back. Soon as I can. I do have a small list of things to make before Christmas, though, so I'll see you before Santa does!

Thanks for popping by. Do leave a note if you pass this way!

What the Dickens...??

2009-12-04T21:22:00.003+01:00

This is for my sister, Lynn's, birthday on 10th december. (I'm almost certain she doesn't read my blog, so I'm safe showing it now!)

This is revisiting my lovely Personal Impressions stamp from the Beryl Peters Collection that I absolutely adore, and I threatened to use often.. the Victorian Street. Some time before acquiring the stamp, I saw a wonderful image on one of my favourite freebie blogs... ART FREEBIES (June offers some fantastic stuff on there, folks!)... which I thought would go perfectly! Printed in greyscale.. They're such a Dickensian-looking bunch, don't you think?

Stempelglede Contest... By Day!

2009-12-04T20:18:00.004+01:00

Same card, but photographed in daylight this time! Took a sick day today.. Had my swine flu and pneumonia vaccinations on Wednesday, and woke up this morning feeling like I'd got the 'flu! Poor lamb. Feeling a bit better now, though. But the good news is at least I was at home so able to take daylight photos for once. Yayyy! :o)

Slightly darkened close-up below to try and show the glamour dust on the blue rondelle. So hard to capture that stuff! It's much more sparkly in the flesh.

Anyway, a better result than the previous post, eh? :o)

Thank you. by the way, for all your kind comments. You are lovely! :o)

11.12.09 - EDIT: Ah, well, I didn't win anything, but I didn't expect to, really, as there were so many beautiful entries, and the chosen winners' cards were nothing short of spectacular. You can see all the entries and the winners on Stempelglede's DT blog, HERE. Congratulations to the winners!

Stempelglede Contest...

2009-12-02T21:38:00.005+01:00

EDIT: PLEASE SEE POST ABOVE FOR PHOTOS TAKEN IN DAYLIGHT!! :o)

Gunhild Bay, the brains behind Stempelglede, is one of the most kind-hearted people you could wish to meet on Blogland, and I'm not just saying that because I want to win her card competition (although of course I DO want to win!), but because I have had dealings with her and I know this to be true. She is also extremely good-looking and talented. And so is every member of her DT. Extremely.

We-ell... Have you seen the stunning cards people are entering into this thing? I have to build my part somehow if I'm going to stand a chance! lol ;o)

These are the lovely images Gunhild provided for the colour palette...

The following notes refer to the card pictured in the post above.

I used stamps from the Stempelglede 'Grunge Collection' (the only Stempelglede stamps I own, currently), Antique Linen & Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks and Dark Brown Chalkeyes. Faux stitching on the white card, but REAL hand-stitching on the Nesties label. The gorgeous genuine vintage music paper is part of my blog candy prize from Lean (thank you again, Lean!! I love it!)

The punches I have used include Fiskars 'Threading Water' border punch, Kaleidopunch and Carlcraft snowflakes, Woodware holly leaves, Martha Stewart pine branches, and an SU circle punch.. one & three-eighths inches.. which fitted perfectly! A key, a rose, raffia, crocheted lace, glamour dust & gems and a heart charm, which says ' My Heart belongs to Daddy', and a computer-generated greeting complete the card.

Free Gilbert!

2009-12-01T20:40:00.002+01:00

Well, I forgot to do my blog candy draw for Gilbert. To make it up to you, I decided to send him to everyone who commented on the candy post.

And if anyone else would like a copy, just leave a comment here and send your email address to craftling@btinternet.com.

Get Funky! Challenge ~ Autumn Woodland

2009-11-30T00:23:00.002+01:00

Hi.. These are rubbish photos, but my excuse is they were taken after dark, and it will be my only chance to get them done in time to enter the November challenge over at Get Funky!

This month's challenge theme.. Autumn Woodland.. was set by my very talented former Funky Hand teamie, Enfys.

You wouldn't know it, but the Funky Hand element on this card is the paper. I used a beautiful, very subtle paper from the 'Occasions' section on the 'V. Funky' CD-rom. I would describe it as yellow with a very subtle shading in it. It's gorgeous, but I had to spoil it with some distressing with Dark Brown Chalk Eyes around the edges! Does it still count? I hope so!

I've also used dark brown Bazzill CS, with some gold mirri card and my favourite white cardstock from Madaboutcards.com. The card is finished with an Inkadinkado flourish stamp and some maple leaf brads in gold, copper and dark brown.

One Word Answers... Who, Me? Are you kidding?

2009-11-29T18:04:00.003+01:00

My friend, Olga (very talented lady.. go check), awarded me this (thank you, Olga), which reminds me.. I must have a small ceremony, as I have quite a collection of lovely awards that I haven't shared with you yet, so get ready with the posh frocks and bling, girls. Anyway, this one comes with a long list of questions which you have to answer with one word. Hmm. Not always possible, I found, but thought it would be fun, so here are my answers...

Where is your cell phone? Hall
Hair? Grey-ing
Mother? Wonderful
Father? Heaven
Favourite Food? Lettuce. Ha! No.. Mrs-Beeton’s-Rum-N’-Raisin-Ice-Cream
Dream Last Night? None
Favourite Drink? Elderflower-fizz
Dream Goal? Novel
What room are you in? Office
Your Hobby? Crafting
Your fear? Poverty
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Ramsey
Where were you last night? Home
Something you aren't? Unkind
Muffins? Chocolate
Wishlist Item? Tim Holtz’s ‘Forgotten Garden’ stamp
Where did you grow up? Everywhere
Last thing you did? Movie
What are you wearing? PJs
Your TV? Miracle on 34th Street
Your pets? Puss
Your friends? Precious
Your life? Tenterhooks
Your mood? Relaxed
Missing someone? Yes
Vehicle? Va-va-voom
Something you are not wearing? Coat
Your favourite store? Liberty’s
Your favourite colour? Purple(s)
Last time you laughed? Today
Your best friend? Mum
Last time you cried? Recently
One place you go to over and over? Blogland
Person who emails you regularly? Viagra-merchant
Favourite place to eat? Mum’s

I am supposed to pass this on, but I think most have had it already, so I'm just going to invite anyone who hasn't had a go at this to please lift it and answer the questions on your blogs.. and let me know, so I can come and check out what you said! :o)

Wanna be a tree fairy?

2009-11-28T11:44:00.003+01:00

This one is for a new friend who is becoming dearer to me every day. And she likes fairies. I think. (I hope!)

Only one.. maybe two.. more Christmas cards to make, then I'm done for the season! Yayyy!

Hope you like the unorthodox distressing technique? I smudged some ink, so decided to go for it and make it look deliberate!! lol ;o)

The tree is an Artemio stamp, heavily embellished with mini tinsel and 'baubles'.. Couldn't tell you who the fairy stamp is by, sorry.. it's unmounted and out of its packaging.. and the text is 'puter-generated, in a typewriter font from a Lisa Bearnson CD-rom.

Black Friday.. Who Knew?

2009-11-27T19:30:00.003+01:00

I learned something new today.

As mentioned before, I have spent several blissful Thanksgivings in the US with different sets of American friends, but I never knew about Black Friday. I am only aware of having heard that term for the first time this year, and it seems to be everywhere! I mean, I knew about the start of the Christmas shopping season, and that a lot of people across the pond put up their decorations the day after Thanksgiving, but had never (knowingly) heard the expression Black Friday'. Had you?

Wikepedia suggests that it may be so called because it's when retailers go from being in the red to being in the black again!! Ha!

Hmmm. Should maybe make a card in its honour, huh?

Happy Black Friday, American cousins!

A Message From Papworth Trust...

2009-11-27T19:08:00.004+01:00

THANK YOU!!!

"Thanks to you, Papworth Trust wins Big Lottery Funding!

This evening on ITV London Tonight, it will be announced that Papworth Trust has been awarded £31,459 for its 'Cultivating Quality' project in Basildon. This money will change people’s lives and we have been awarded it thanks to you and your votes – thank you and well done!"

May I add my personal thanks to my lovely friend, Lesley (Paperlicious Delicious), because I know she made her ten calls, and to anyone else who voted secretly.. Bless your cotton socks! :o)
Hugs,

Christmas Card 2009

2009-11-26T20:25:00.004+01:00

Thought it was time I posted something vaguely crafty! This is my main Christmas card for 2009, and I made thirty of them (all slightly different) a couple of weekends ago. Have been waiting for an opportunity to take photos in daylight, but have given up waiting, lol! ;o)

For colouring the mouse, I've used Koh-i-Noor pencils with Zest-It and paper stumps for blending. In the past, I have always avoided using rubberstamped images that need colouring because I'm rubbish at it! A five year old can manage it without any difficulty, but I can't! lol ;o) However, I took Elizabeth's recommendations about these special pencils (that's Elizabeth from Elzybells), and they make it all so easy and quick, and it looks great! Who needs Copics, Pro-Markers and Prisma pencils when you've got a set of Koh-i-Noors?! I couldn't be happier with them. :o)

I used up some A6 card blanks from Madaboutcards.com, using Great Impressions Pine Twig stamp with a Kaleidolcolor inkpad for a graduated effect as the base for the decorative corner, then a Woodware holly punch, with Marth Stewart Pine Branches, ribbon (or twine) bow, a McGill snowflake with a gem to finish it off. The greeting is an SU stamp, and the main image is (of course) Penny Black's Xmouse Ornament, coloured with Koh-i-Noors and blended with Zest-It & stumps, a dab of glitter on the snowflake, then matted and layered onto white card.

People's Millions for Papworth Trust

2009-11-26T11:27:00.004+01:00

The Papworth Trust have applied for some funding from the Big Lottery 'People's Millions', and today's the day for voting!

Papworth's project is called “Cultivating Quality”. (You can read all about it HERE. I have also placed some info at the bottom of this post which describes the project.) Please vote for us on the following number:

0871 626 8848

The voting lines opened at 9 am and close at midnight tonight, GMT. Calls made after closing time won't be counted, but may still be charged.

You can vote up to 10 times and we are really hoping that you will. However, if you ring from a mobile, it will cost the bill payer nearly £3.00 for 10 calls. On the other hand, if you use a landline, you can make 10 calls for a £1.00.

If this is a cause that touches you, please support us and vote and pass the number on to other people you know to encourage them to support us.

Thank you bloggy pals!

Hugs,

"Cultivating Quality" Project

This project involves developing a community garden in the midst of urban Basildon. This will be accessible to people with limited mobility and to gardeners of all ages, with raised beds for people that find bending difficult.
It will include a sensory garden for people with hearing or sight impairments, and a wildlife area with a pond to improve the local ecology. The project will enable people with disabilities in the community to develop a range of work and life skills, while improving and sustaining the natural environment. The team will also work with volunteers, local schools and a group of students from Basildon Adult Community College.

Clients at the centre in Basildon said...

"I will be able to use my wheelchair to access the whole garden and not get stuck in the wet grass" Karen Lees

"We will be able to learn how to grow fruit, look after it and eat it" Gill Penning
"It will give us an interest and save us money by learning how to grow our own fruit and vegetables" Pat Humphreys
"We will be able to develop the garden and feel proud of our efforts" Kerry Woolley

American Friends..

2009-11-26T09:54:00.003+01:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I have spent several wonderful Thanksgiving holidays with various friends in America, and they are some of the happiest memories I treasure.

My 'Feedjit' shows me that many people visit my blog regularly from the USA, but only a couple ever leave a 'hello'. I wonder why that is? I'm very friendly really, and I don't bite even a little bit. It would be lovely to hear from you, so I challenge you to pause a moment and say hi.. even if it's only once. It would be great to hear from you.

Blog Candy Win! :o)

2009-11-19T22:49:00.002+01:00

This is the first blog candy win I've had since I took a break from blogging a few months ago, but isn't this the BEST way to win? To be chosen by the most adorable creature I've clapped eyes on for a long time.. Allow me to introduce Misty. Here she is having just chosen my lump of paper...

And here she is displaying my name... (Great French manicure, Misty.. not! I'd get your money back if I were you, hun..)

All done with great style and panache, if you ask me, in spite of the questionable pedicure. And THIS is what I get to win!! Lashings of lace, and lots of other goodies, too!

Now, Misty belongs to my lovely Dutch blog buddy, Lean.. doggy scrap artist supreme! (Her hubby is very handsome, too, and sometimes gets a look in! lol ;o)

If you haven't seen Lean's lovely layouts yet, do yourselves a favour and drop over HERE for a peek!

Thanks, Lean, for the cracking candy. :o)

Hugs,

Please don't look at this post. NO! I said DON'T! Oh, rats!!

2009-11-18T21:28:00.003+01:00

I'm so excited, I can barely speak, which is just as well, as there is no more to be said. You just HAVE to go there.. don't you? Go HERE! NOW! Drop what you are doing and GO!!! I mean, this is STEMPELGLEDE, for goodness' sake! Why are you still here??? But this is in the tiniest possible writing, so you can't read it, and I can win all the lovely stamps. So there.

Gilbert the (Christmas) Ghost Blog Candy

2009-11-18T20:36:00.005+01:00

Just a reminder that if you leave a comment on this post HERE, or this one, in fact.. I will be drawing from all the names on Friday evening (GMT). The winner will get a copy of Gilbert (and the script) digistamps by email.

And if you had left me a comment in the four weeks leading up to last Friday, you'll get a copy anyway, without entering the draw, but please let me know you'd like a copy and send me your email address (unless you know I have it).

If you could see your way clear to putting a post on your blog about the candy, that would be much appreciated, but not a pre-requisite to going into the draw.

Best wishes with that, and for more ideas on how to use Gilbert, scroll back about a week! :o)

Wedding Stationery CD-Rom sales for Papworth Trust

2009-11-18T14:16:00.005+01:00

Hi, all..

I just want to say a huge 'THANK YOU SO MUCH' to all the seven ladies who have purchased one of my CD-Roms to raise money for the Papworth Trust. I now have only three to sell to hit my target for their £10 Challenge by 31st December! I will have converted £10 into £100! Not a bad return, if I can do that! :o) (Actually, it will be £105, as one of the kind ladies added on another fiver to her payment! Thank you.. you know who you are! ;o)

If you have been thinking about buying one, please do grab one while you can! Just drop me a line at craftling@btinternet.com and I'll tell you how. The price is £9.99, and I'll pay for the postage. 100% of the price goes to the Papworth Trust, who provide services to help people with disabilities to have greater equality, choice and independence.

How about a Christmas present? Would make a great stocking-filler for anyone crafty, as the 100 designs could be easily adapted for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, friendship cards.. you name it! Doesn't have to be just for weddings.

Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for looking! :o)

Thomas Kinkade - Stonehearth Hutch...

2009-11-15T02:36:00.004+01:00

I have been in love with Thomas Kinkade's paintings since I visited Colorado for Thanksgiving back in 2000. A lovely memory.. I had been developing a relationship on-line with a man called Mike from Denver whom I'd 'met' on a Christian singles site, and I flew over to the US to meet him for real. We didn't click romantically, but he was a wonderful host, and took great care of me, and took me all over his outstandingly beautiful home state, including Beaver Creek (I think it was Beaver Creek.. it might have been Vail, as we went to both.. and Breckenridge and Boulder, and..).. Anyway, in one of those places, there was a Thomas Kinkade gallery. Enchanting and wonderful, where they dim the lighting and all the lights in the paintings come alive. Also Mike's mum worked in a big Christian bookshop in Denver which had Thomas Kinkade stuff for sale, too, so I strongly associate anything Thomas Kinkade with happy, festive times.

It's a real pity that Mike and I didn't click, as I loved his family, and they seemed to take to me, too, and I would have loved living in Colorado. Hmm. (thinks) Wonder what he's doing now?

So.... I was thrilled to bits when I discovered a while ago that Cornish Heritage Farms have a range of Thomas Kinkade stamps! Woohoo! And I love this one in particular. (There's a lot of love around on my blog this evening! lol)

This stamp is Stonehearth Hutch (aka Christmas Cottage), mounted onto acetate, of course, with the holly punch that Dolly FORCED me to buy, and the MS pine branch punch, and some other bits n' pieces.

Happy Scrooge

2009-11-15T02:26:00.003+01:00

And to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.. Or so they say. So here is good scrooge.. after he has 'seen the light'. Same stamp as in the post below with Bad Scrooge, except this time it is the second stamping so is much paler, and this time, I've used an A5 card blank.

The image this time is Alistair Sim who played Scrooge in an old black & white version of 'A Christmas Carol'. The sentiment is a quote from the movie, printed onto acetate. Punched sooty snowflakes complete the picture.

Bah!! Humbug!!

2009-11-15T02:12:00.003+01:00

For anyone you know who hates Christmas!! Hehe..

I found this beautiful stamp on Ebay. I was watching it and lusting after it for ages, and it kept being relisted, thankfully, until I finally got around to laying my money down, and I just LOVE it! I am into Victorian things big time at the moment.. Forsyte Saga... you name it, I love it, and this is called 'Victorian Street', apparently. It's by Personal Impressions, from the Beryl Peters Collection. Isn't it fab? Doesn't it shriek Dickens at you? Can't you see Bill Sykes with Bullseye wandering down the street?

After stamping, I used my other current fave, the Cuttlebug Snowflakes embossing folder, and gently dabbed the bumps that were covered with black with the white Sugar Candy inkpad from Elzybells, and it worked as well as I thought it would. So pleased with that effect. It really does look like it's just begun to gently snow large flakes.

Found the image of Scrooge on the net. I think it's from the Scrooge movie with Albert Finney (my favourite), but it's not a very clear picture, and it's been a while since I've watched it, so who knows?

The Bahh Humbug panel is using 'A Charming Font' font, and cut with Nesties Labels #8, then shaded to make it look sooty with black Koh-i-Noor pencil, a paper stump and Zest-It.

Updated My Flog...

2009-11-14T18:28:00.002+01:00

Well, like most people these days, I guess, my job is under threat. I am looking for another while I am still employed, but it occurs to me that I have quite a lot of marketable stuff, too, including my Gilbert (see below)! :o)

I may develop that idea further. Whilst not being a brilliant artist, I have a few sketches that I could smarten up and add to the 'catalogue', lol! (Sounds very grand, eh?) And I might try and sell some cards, etc. I have my CD-Roms that I developed a while back, and I can build on that, too.

So.. it's a little bit sparse in terms of items for sale, but I have overhauled my 'Flog' HERE, and added Gilbert for sale.

What do you think? Any feedback would be very welcome.

Gilbert ~ My New Beau

2009-11-13T10:53:00.003+01:00

This is probably my favourite card made using my new (my first!) digistamp, Gilbert the Ghost. I had this image in my head for a while, wishing it could be made into a stamp, and then I thought, "You dosy mare! You could draw that!" So I did, and Gilbert was born.

If anyone would like a copy of him, please leave me a comment, and I'll do a draw a week from today (Friday), evening time, GMT. (If you have left a comment for me in the past four weeks, you can have a copy without going in the draw.. just let me have your email address if I haven't got it already.) After the draw, I will make him available on sale.

There are three stamps.. Gilbert on his own, Gilbert with the text stamp underneath, and finally just the text stamp.

What do you think of my new fella?

The Kraft CS is from Elzybells, as is the white ink (Sugar Candy). It's brill! I've used it here to highlight the bumps after embossing the CS with Cuttlebug's Snowflakes folder. The ink is VERY juicy, so I smudged it a bit, but I quite like that effect.

Gilbert's Second Outing...

2009-11-13T10:50:00.002+01:00

Gilbert is sporting the only thing that a young spirit-about-town would be seen in this holiday season.. a scarlet red felt hat, trimmed with (fake) ermine and to add that touch of je ne sais quoi.. a neat sprig of holly. And a sheet.

Drumroll, please...

2009-11-13T10:47:00.002+01:00

Introducing Gilbert the Ghost...

Click on the image for a better view...

Sad Story

2009-11-12T12:15:00.004+01:00

This card is for a lady in America (Sarah) who lost her three year old son (Henry) suddenly and very recently, after he contracted a virus. Such a tragedy. I don't know this lady or her family, but when I heard about this, I wanted to express my condolences, but how do you? What can you say? So I didn't. I just left it and felt useless, like you do when you see tragic stories on the news.

Then through Kath's blog, I saw that a friend of Sarah's (Kim) has had the brilliant idea of organising the crafters in blogland to shower her with cards. What a lovely way of mobilising the wonderful spirit of camaraderie that exists in this global online village to offer one of our number some comfort and show her that we care.

As an incentive, Kim put together some stash for a blog candy draw, but this has been added to by so many suppliers of craft materials who have donated items to increase the prize.

For details, follow this link HERE.

To enter, you will need to send your card to arrive in America by 25th November. The address is:

Kim Gruetzmacher

PO Box 223

Suring

WI 54174

USA

Then follow the instructions on Kim's blog.

__________________________________________________

I am not entering the blog candy draw, but have made a card for Sarah and her family. It was inspired by the lovely poem 'Do Not Stand By My Grave And Weep', which is attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye.

There are a variety of versions around, but this is my favourite:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

(You'll get a better view of the card if you click on the image to enlarge it.)

I have used Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes' embossing folder, glitter card, Glamour Dust spotted onto some of the raised bumps, Kaleidopunch snowflakes, Nestabilities Labels #8, Cezanne font from ITC Fonts, Gem

Bloomin' marvellous!

2009-11-11T09:16:00.003+01:00

A colleague of mine is leaving us. Her husband has taken a job on the other side of the country, so they are upping sticks and moving to Bristol, and she is going to start her own business.

I love the expression 'Bloom where you are planted', and having recently purchased the SU set, 'Beauty in Bloom' which includes this lovely 'bloom' wordstamp, it just seemed perfect for the purpose, as I know she is a little nervous about what lies ahead.

Just treated myself to the Nestabilities Labels #8 set, and embossing mats which make such a difference to the finished effect, so used one of those here on 3D pads, along with the SU 'bloom' stamp and my own writing. The flourish stamp has become separated from its original packaging, so don't recall the name of it.. sorry.. and to finish, some black ribbon, bit o' twine behind an old silver button, some Martha Stewart punched butterflies with gems, a blossom and roses.

REMEMBRANCE & HONOUR..

2009-11-08T00:01:00.003+01:00

Today is Remembrance Day in the UK when we remember all those who have served, and are serving, in our military services. I just wanted to mark the occasion, and pay my own tribute to those who have given, and continue to give, their lives for our peace. Thank you.

__________________________

I was raised in a military family. Both my parents were serving in the Royal Air Force when they met, and my father continued to devote his life to the RAF for many decades. He retired as a Group Captain, having been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) when he was a Wing Commander for his service to our country. The photograph below was taken at Buckingham Palace after the investiture when he received his medal from the Queen. A week on Monday is the fourth anniversary of his death, and although he didn't die in a war, he gave his life in service nonetheless, and I am proud of him and what he achieved. Hope you don't mind my self-indulgence in remembering him, too, today, in the context of military service.

Thank you, dad.

My prayer today is:

Lord, please comfort those who are hurting through having lost a loved one in past or present conflicts, comfort and provide for those who have been injured in service, and bless, strengthen and protect all those who continue to serve our country, wherever in the world they may be, but especially in Afghanistan, as they fight tyranny and terror.

In the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Coo-ey!! I'm still here!

2009-11-06T09:24:00.003+01:00

Bet you thought I'd fallen off the planet, hmmm? Nope.. just been busy with work, and not much energy outside of that. Mojo took the opportunity for a few days off, too.

This is very similar to previous cards I've made, and many others you'll see around Craftshire, Blogland, so bit boring for you, but I'm pretty sure the person it's for won't have seen anything like it, so hopefully, it will have the right impact.

Bazzill cs, Funky Hand DP (from the Yule Be Funky CD-Rom), Prima flower, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Nestabilities Labels #1, Fiskars Threading Water border punch, Ash branch punch, SU scalloped circle punch + two plain circle punches, Inksentials white pen, bit o' string, some tiny rosebuds and gems. And a partridge in a pear tree.

Hope you're all doing well! See you soon.

Makes Me Smile....

2009-10-27T22:21:00.008+01:00

... when lovely, talented people appreciate my blog! :o) Dolly (whose real name we now know is Vicky!) is a crafter I greatly admire. Her designs are gorgeous, and so fresh and original. And yet she notices my blog. I'm amazed and humbled. Thank you, Doll.. err... Vicky! ;o)

In fact, Doll/Vick likes my blog so much (and a few others who were also dubbed with the Order of the Blush), that she gave me this lurvly blog award! :o)

Hence the title of this post. There, you see? And you thought this blgo was juts thrown together. Wel, their gou yo. Il'l have yoo know this takes degisn and planing. And presicion. Di'dnt no that, did yuo?

Right.. now, you know how things work.. You have to put up with several facts about me you never wanted to know.. sorry.. ALWAYS wanted to know. In this case, it's five apparently.

1. What is my favourite movie? Hmm. That's a toughie, as I am a bit of a cinema fan, and love lots of movies such as Schindler's List, Die Hard, Steel Magnolias, Stepmom, Sleepless in Seattle & You've Got Mail (although I can't stand Meg Ryan, I love the characters she plays).

2. Favourite song... Funny Valentine, particularly as sung by Burt Reynolds in Sharkey's Machine, and I thought Lucy's rendition on the X-Factor last weekend wasn't half bad. No, I mean it was good... although a little bit shrill in parts... and her voice cracked in the end, so maybe I was right in the first place. But she's a nice kid.

3. Favourite classical music piece... Again, many, but favourite has to be Clair De Lune by Claude Debussy. (This isn't the best recording I've heard, but for the sake of speed..)

4. Favourite sports... baseball (World Series starts tomorrow night.. woohoo! Wish the non-subscription British TV channels would show it.. sigh)... ESPN, here I come.. or Fox.. one or t'other! Also enjoy ice-skating, sailing and tennis.

5. What makes me angry? BL**DY FIREWORKS GOING OFF WHEN THEY SHOULDN'T BE!! Don't you know it's against the law? Don't you know every animal in every house for a mile around you is bl**dy terrified????!!! It's not just a case of never knowing when to keep them in or not, it's the fact that it doesn't matter if they're in.. they're STILL scared stiff! I know most people reading this blog are reasonable, kind and considerate people, but if you're not and you are inclined to allow your kids to let off fireworks willy-nilly at any time of year, then GET OFF MY BLOG!!! You're not welcome! The sodding things should be banned from sale to the public, and all perpetrators hung up by their sensitive parts.

They've been going off tonight. Again. Can ya tell? Grrrrrr!!!

Anyway.. sorry.. didn't mean to turn Vill/Dock's lovely gesture into a rant!! Oops.

I am supposed to choose another five people to pass this award on to, but I find this really, really difficult, so I'm going to chicken out and offer it to ALL the deserving visitors to my blog. (That means everybody who doesn't let off fireworks near any house with an animal in it.)

OK. Keep calm and carry on.

EDIT: Hmm. Now why isn't my soapbox man jumping up and down and shaking his fist? I've seen plenty of similar animated gifs working fine on other people's blogs. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong, or not doing that I should?

Hugs,