Decoupage Delights....Christmas Designs..Day 5

Here I am again, with a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights.  Both the Christmas images are from their fantastic Vintage Christmas 1 and 2 cdrom. I think that I'm having a bit of a bell day today...lol. Both cards have been decoupaged. The first one I have matted and layered and used some backing paper from my stash. The card below I have shared before but I love it so much, it seemed only right to share it again. I have glittered both of the cards..just because I can't resist.

The third card is one from the Decoupage Delights latest cdrom..Those were the days. What a wonderful selection there is on this cd. So many male themed card possibilities  and lots of them are very different from the norm. I particularly love the image of the rowers. What a different type of card for a change. Also contained on this cd are the most amazing backing papers..images of the sea, wood patterns and grass..they are just so useful for any of your crafting. And the price point is fabulous. I hope that you will check out their facebook page and take a look at all the wonderful cds and downloads that they have available.

Well I need another coffee..the first one has disappeared like a flash..so I definitely need more caffeine..lol. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Christmas Designs...Day 4

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. This is another card from their vintage Christmas 1 and 2 cdrom. I love the soft effect of this image and it reminds me of a lot of cards that arrived in the post when I was a child. On the farm we didn't get the post until lunch time and quite often the post man would sit down for a natter and something to eat...how times have changed. These days the postmen are given so little time to complete their rounds..after all these days it's all about doing it for the least money possible. In the old days the postman and the milk man were means of getting the news about surrounding farms and villages. Looking back to the Christmas cards of the era, getting one with glitter on it was considered to be a very upper class product..perhaps where I got my glitter obsession from. I was always fascinated by the twinkle..lol.
It's quite nippy here in the mountains today. The local paper has given out a hail and snow warning but who knows. My Grandmother would have said that it's too cold to snow but who knows. The sky is a very strange colour..I don't know what to expect.Most of the cats are in..all claiming their special spots. I think Simon has the strangest..it's behind the parlour door..when it's open..lol. He likes to sit in the triangle made by the door being wedged open. He likes to sit head first into the wedge shape...I think that it's something to do with his problems with his eyes. It may make him feel safe and secure. Isn't that what we all want when we're looking to settle down for a little rest?
Well the coffee is calling and then it's off to get the paint and ink out. A messy afternoon is called for..lol. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Christmas Designs Day 3

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. For this card, I decoupaged the image and then mounted the image onto some purple and then some gold mirri. I used some paper from my stash and mounted that on some more mirri. I found this image to be so classic that I just couldn't resist it.If  you get the chance, please pop over to the Decoupage Delights and take a look at the fantastic cdroms that are available.
It's been a busy day already today. I spent a while last night stamping hundreds of images. Some I have to admit ended in the bin due to cat help..lol. Their timing is incredible...as soon as the wet ink comes out, they just can't help jumping on it. They were quiet all day until the ink came out. It's as if a bell has gone off somewhere and they're all running in and out. I'd just sat down this morning to start colouring and the phone rang. It was a gentleman who gets me to make a card every year for his elderly Father. He comes to me for the card because there are not a lot of things that this elderly gentleman likes apart from large gardens..so that's what I've provided for the last 10 years at least . And I always provide the Christmas card..that always have to be vintage..so Decoupage Delights has filled that gap for quite a few years now.
Most of the cats are outside..it's bright and cold outside..so they don't mind as long as it's not raining. Nicademus has decided to stay in..I think that's because of his stiff back legs. The cold always seems to affect him and he just curls up on the couch. He's my oldest cat now and he's 12 now..it doesn't seem 5 minutes since he arrived with his brothers and sisters to be rehomed. Henry just fell in love with him..so he just became part of our family.
I heard a great thing this morning. There are builders just up the road from my cottage working on a drain. I heard a shout.I've found summat..and then one of the builders said..it's a sovereign. Much excitement ensued and it turned out to be a sovereign from 1874. The last thing I heard was one of the builders saying Google it. It made me laugh. The sovereign must have been dropped when the chapel was built..probably by one of the mine owners..I couldn't imagine any of the workers having one.
Well the coffee is calling and then I'll be getting down to searching out an image for the elderly gentleman's card. An hour sifting through images should sort my problems out. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Christmas Designs Day 2

Here I am again, with a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. This week I will be featuring cards made using their Vintage Chruistmas 1 and 2 cdroms. With this card, I mounted it onto some blue mirri and some blue snowflake background paper from my stash. I hope that you will pop over to the Decoupage Delights face book page and take a look at all the fabulous cds that they have available. And one of the things that really surprised me when I began with the company was the total value for money. I have bought many cds over the years and the amount of content in the Decoupage Delights cds and the price of them..blew me away.
I'm just enjoying my coffee..thanks to Sparkle and am just getting prepared to do some stamping. I have been a collection of wonderful flower stamps and thought that they would make lovely little notecards. I have also a collection of things to alter for Christms presents. I have all the ideas in my head..it's about time that the ideas got transferred into actualities...lol. Sometimes my head is so full of ideas..until I get them down onto paper or created..I don't get much peace.
I'm off to finish my coffee and then to get my inks out. No doubt there will be an influx of cats in to help any moment..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Christmas Designs 1

Here I am again with a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. This is the first of a 7 day stint featuring their wonderful Vintage Christmas cdroms 1and 2. I have been lucky enough to present their vintage cds for quite a while now and absolutely love them. If you get the chance please pop over to their facebook page and take a look at all their cds..they are a really great collection and the backing papers alone make them a great resource. For the beginning of my Christmas special week, I have chosen this fantastic image. I like this one because it would be suitable for friends who like a religious card. The amount of decoupage that you get with the image makes it's a stunning card. All I have added is some mirri card and of course I couldn't make a Christmas card without a little glitter. After all it just wouldn't be right. It is a very traditional vintage image..one of so many on these 2 cds.
Now that Halloween is over, it's time for me to get my head down and get on with some serious crafting. I have got lots of ideas in my head but now it's got to the point where I need to be making a goodly pile. No doubt that the cats will spend the next few weeks glittering. It seems that they are no where near me and yet still they are covered in it. Sparkle hates it..he ends up twinkling with out even touching it. Even my old milkman would go back with glitter on him and his wife knew that he had been here..I'm convinced that it's in the air..lol.
Well I'm off to begin with Christmas designs. I'll be back tomorrow with another vintage Christmas make. So until them..take care and happy crafting,

Snowflakes Promise....New Challenge

Here I am again..with my coffee in hand. This card is a design team make for the wonderful team over at A Snowflakes Promise. A new challenge has just begun and will run for the next fortnight. Check out the Snowflakes Promise blog for the theme. At this time of year, I love making Christmas cards..in fact I make them all year..lol. I have chosen to make this wonderful card from Decoupage Delights..The Vintage Christmas cdrom. The image is fully decoupaged and of course it cried out for a little glitter.
 As I'm also on the design team for Decoupage Delights, I just wanted to note that I will be doing a feature for Decoupage Delights after the 31 days challenge has finished. One funny friend said that I should do 31 days of Christmas after the Halloween challenge has finished. Oh how I laughed..lol. I think a week will do.
Here in the mountains, it's very grey again today but at the moment it's not raining. So the cats are in and out. Nicademus and Obie are asleep on their cushion, Raven on my legs and Pinky on the wing of my chair. All the others are out but I'm expecting them all in any time soon because their tummies will be twitching. Every night they know that I feed them when I have put dinner in the oven to cook. They all sit and wait for me to get back upstairs..lol...I have to say that Jeffrey and Simon always have a lot to say.
Now here's a question for all of the crafters out there..where do you get your gesso from? I've been after some for a few weeks and everywhere I would normally buy it from it's out of stock. Do you have certain crafting items that drive you crazy when you don't have any. I know I can get twitchy if I have less than 2 tubes of my favourite glue.
Well I've finished my coffee and I'm still thirsty so I think the kettle will have to go on again. It's my favourite dinner this evening..fish, new potatoes and salad..and as a treat we're going to have cherry pie for pudding. At least tonight there will be no sulking cats watching every mouthful..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Those were the Days

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. It features this decoupaged image from their latest cd 'Those were the Days'. I have found just so many images on this cd that I want to work with...and they are something just a little different. It was created with men in mind but so many images would work for the ladies as well. This image is called The Game keeper but could easily be a number of different characters. I just love the image of the man and his dogs. As with all Decoupage Delights cds, the amount of decoupage that you do is your own choice. Equally the images work as well with no decoupage added..just in case postage is an issue. The backing paper that I've used is one of the two that are given with this image. There are an amazing amount of backing papers on this cd that will be so useful for all your crafting. I do hope that you will pop over to the Decoupage Delights facebook page and take a look at all the other cds that are available. I will be sharing some cards made with the Vintage Christmas in the next few weeks.
The weather here today in the mountains doesn't know what it wants to do..I am just thankful that it's not raining. The clouds are overhead but hopefully will continue on their way past. The cats are all on the studio roof. Yesterday a dog chased Simon up my path and onto the patio. I got really annoyed because the owner hadn't had his dog on the lead..even though he had the lead in his hand. He thought it was all very funny but I didn't. I'm just so fed up with my cats being chased and scared and some dog owners not caring. I'm sure that they'd have something to say if one of my animals hurt their dogs. I mean it's not as if I don't like dogs..I love them and have some dogs come to my house on a play date. It's dogs that have always had an issue with cats and come to get socialised with them. My cats aren't bothered in the house as they have all grown up with dogs and it's lovely to see them with the dogs. But it seems to me that it's the people that are totally to blame. They let their dogs run wild..I always worry that these dogs might get hit by a car..and what would their owners have to say then. And as far as I can see there is no excuse for the owners not to have them on a lead...I walked  or rather wheeled Reg in my wheelchair and we had some lovely times. When I go out now in my wheelchair, all the cats all come with me. I don't even have to encourage them...they just come along...all of them..lol.
Well the coffee is calling and then I need to sort out my work pile. I have lots of photos to upload and put into their folders ready to share...lets hope that BT are in the mood. I've done so much sorting in the last couple of days..my legs need to have a little rest..so I've got them up and I may do some stamping later. I steam cleaned the carpet yesterday along with all the rugs..so I'm feeling very virtuous...lol. I'm hoping to do some more in the bedroom tomorrow but I don't want to hurt my legs any more..so I'll see how it goes. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights.....It's all Cricket

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. This image and backing paper are from the just released cd 'Those were the Days'. I have had so much fun scrolling through the fantastic collection of images and backing papers. I don't think that there is one image that I couldn't find a recipient for. The images include tanks, music, books,rowing, cricket to name but a few. There are altogether 40 design sets which are all vintage and there are also 50 extra backing sheets. The grass backing paper which I have used on this card is one of the 50. I also loved the selection of wood and water backing papers...I can see them being used in so many cards. As you would expect, every image has it's decoupage..the number of layers that you do is entirely up to you. I hope that you will pop over to the Decoupage Delights facebook page and take a look at all the cds that are available....I just love them all. The sun is shining here in the mountains today..hence I have no cats in the parlour. Gannie I'm sure, blames me for the rain..lol. As soon as it starts, he's in front of me yowling like a good one..lol.I don't mind the heat but I do wish that there was a little breeze. After all being a woman of a certain age I can get a little over heated all on my own. I've had some deliveries of craft goodies in the last couple of days..so it's been very exciting. I ordered some more of the Starlight Metallic paints, brought to us crafters by Imagination Crafts. I just love the shimmer that they have and the colours that are available. Pinks and purples arrived yesterday...I already have the gold and the orange. Slowly I'm trying to get the whole set..that may well take me into next year. I've also just bought another 300 card blanks and envelopes..hopefully they will last me until November. No matter how many I order..I always end up running out by Christmas. New Year usually finds me without any. I keep a notebook by my side and if I see anything I may like for crafting is jotted down..priced and logged.The one thing that I'm pondering on at the moment is a new die cutting machine. First I'm thinking I need an A4 one but then do I want a manual or electric. I do like the idea that one with a dial would mean that I could alter the pressure as and when I need it. Or do I rely on an electric one to do it for me. There are just so many on the market I'm stuck. As for me it would be a major investment..I'm taking my time. I did have a Grand Caliber and have to say that I had nothing but trouble with it and I felt that it was just a waste of my time and money. Yet I know of many people that have loved theirs and had no bother. What can you do.It probably won't be until the new year when I could afford one but it's something I'm going to take my time over. I do have my old work horse..my Cuttlebug, which has never let me down but with the problems with my hands, I'm finding it harder and harder to use. Every way that I look there are other considerations to take into account. Well the coffee is calling and then I've got to sort out my load of work for the weekend. My printer will be working harder than ever..it does seem to protest most of the time..lol. The cats have broken the catching tray from the front..so the paper dos seem to shoot out into mid air..which if you're not paying attention you're in for a shock..lol. They have also broken the paper tray off at the back..that means I have to get Sparkle to load it with paper...I can never see the small lip that holds the paper..the chaos in this cottage continues..lol. Dinner is decided for later..we are having a roast chicken dinner with carrot and swede and then with the chicken that will be left, I'm planning a chicken and leek pie for tomorrow. It's not very often that I'm this organised..lol.  So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Day 2

Here I am again..though actually I'm amazed that I have managed it. BT have been up to their games again and my connection has been flashing on and off like a disco light. Every time that I've tried to upload it's gone off and it's a wonder that I haven't thrown the computer through the window in frustration..lol. But enough of BT..here I am with a design team make for the fabulous Decoupage Delights. This is another card make from the upcoming new cd. For todays card, I have used some backing paper from my stash..but I thought that it went well with the image. On the cd there are two different backing papers..so really you could make three cards totally differently depending on your choice of backing paper. I loved the image..for some reason it reminds me of Cornwall..I don't know why..but I thought it would be a great card for anyone who had been on holiday or was just interested in fishing. I just loved the colour ways in the image and the way in which the different layers add up. It was so easy to cut but I loved the finished decoupage. Tomorrow, I will be back with another card and it will not be featuring any thing to do with fishing..lol
The weather hasn't changed but the mists do seem to be coming down the mountains...we may end up in Brigadoon again. The cats have all settled. I have just had an iced lolly..strange I know but I had a hot flush and thought it would help..which it did. But as I was enjoying it, Jeffrey arrived on my lap. He suddenly decided that it looked good and blow me he had a lick. I have never ever had a cat interested in an ice lolly..lol. Milky and Tankie do have a thing for ice cream and if I ever have any..they sit right by me in the hope that I will leave them some..lol. I had some friends visit yesterday and they were amazed that Gannie loves sultanas. I had put the remains of a cake on a cat dish and he was having a wonderful time picking the sultanas out. Each to their own I say.
Well the coffee is calling again and then it will be time to start moving the parlour round I think. I will have to remember to go down earlier tonight as I have decided to make fish pie for dinner last night. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights.....The Vintage Fish

Here I am again with a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. This image is from their upcoming new cd..'Those were the Days'. I'm so lucky this week to be able to share a card a day for the next 7 days, featuring some of the fabulous images that are due to be included in this wonderful cd. These images are going to be the one that you go to when looking for a card for a man. They are all fantastic images but include some unusual images. I especially love the motorbike themed ones and the classic cars. As I said I will be sharing a card a day with you for the next week. Besides the images there are some fantastic backing papers that I know will come in so useful for all of your crafting. I also love the fact that this cd is vintage themed...an area of crafting that I adore.
For my first card, I chose this image of the fish. I loved the way that the backing paper features a scene and that it had a sentiment that said 'what a catch'..I think that this would make a perfect card for any fisherman but also perhaps they enter competitions as well..what a way to congratulate them. I know that there are lots of fishing cards out there but I think that this one is something a little different. I'll be back tomorrow with another image from this upcoming cd.
I've managed to have a caffeine hit and I've taken some more tablets, in the hope that my nose will recover shortly..or that at least the pain will go away. I never realised just how much 2 and a half stone of cat can hurt when aimed at your face. I have to say that it wasn't a decided aim ..more like the fact that my head was in the way of a cat escape..lol. I'm sat here wondering what to make for dinner tonight,,maybe fish pie or steak pie I think. I just can't believe that it's the first of August today. Time seems to go so quickly.
Well the coffee is calling again and then it will be time to get all my pile of work sorted. I'm currently working on two canvasses for later in the month and they're proving to be tricky..thanks to all the help that I'm getting from the cats..the canvasses have had to change colour twice..just to cover up the pawprints..lol. Sometimes they look fine..as if they were meant but sometimes the paw print is so clear and so not meant..they have to be covered with another layer of paint..lol. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Pink, Girly and Vintage

Today's card is a design team make for the fabulous Decoupage Delights. This card is a mixture of two of my favourite cdrom designers. The main image and the rose are from Decoupage Delights and the backing paper is from one of my Joanna Sheen cds. What I'm hoping to show here is that a lot of designs work together and in that way you are getting even more value from your cds.. I often look through my cds and make a note of different backing papers that would be useful in my day to day crafting. I've always said that having a library of cdroms is like having many shops available to you, no matter what the time. As I've used a Joanna Sheen cd for the backing paper, on many occasions I've used backing papers from Decoupage Delights in other work.
As most of you know, I adore.all  things vintage...and this card having roses, pearls, a large hat and butterflies just about ticks all my boxes. Really it shows just how diverse my crafting is..and I suppose that's why I never get bored. I love working on vintage but also love slightly risky designs. I love skulls, owls, cats and all things Day of the Dead..but that's just me. Most of my friends have come to accept all the differences and know that my cottage is surrounded with all the above..lol.
Today in the mountains, the weather really doesn't know what to do with itself. it has been thinking of raining all day but hasn't got round to it yet. The clouds are looking really dark but I'm hoping that they will pass over. All the cats are all settled on the studio roof...near enough to get back if it does start to rain. My cleaner has just been and done my stairs for me. he's such a lovely lad. I find it really weird that I've known him since he was a little boy and now he's a Father with little boys of his own..where has that time gone?
Well the coffee is calling and I'm going to be back later with another design team make. For some reason today I feel as if I need a caffeine hit. I'm only heading towards my third coffee of the day...even when I'm working, my coffee is to my right hand side..I really should have it on drip..lol. I can even remember having my very first sip of coffee when I was little and that was it..I was hooked. My grandmother was a coffee drinker, which back in the day was unusual..and she drank proper coffee. She was horrified to discover that a lot of her friends drank 'Camp' coffee..she used to say the only reason she bought this was because it helped make good coffee cake..lol. So with all this in thought..I'm off for a brew...so until later..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Vintage Motorcycle

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. This wonderful image of the vintage motorcycle is going to feature on the next cd rom. I just love this image with the gentleman dressed as he is..no leathers for him back in the day. Lets hope that he only went slowly.For the background paper I decided to have a play and crumpled some cream paper and went over it with some distress inks. I'm pleased with the outcome as it looks as if it has texture when in fact it's perfectly smooth..it's the way that the paper has picked up the ink. I matted and layered the image onto some gold mirri and then onto some black.I decided to put the greeting onto some blue card to echo the blue of the sky.
The sun is trying very hard to shine here in the mountains but me thinks that we have rain on the way. I'm hoping that it holds off until tonight, as I've got to go to the doctors later.I don't know what the kittens will make of me going out.It's such a performance to get the wheelchair into my friends car but it's got to be done.I really don't know what has happened this week..I seem to be a day behind and seem to be playing catch up. Goodness only knows what I'll be like after the bank holiday..that's guaranteed to confuse me..lol. I've braced myself for the hoards of second homers and their power tools..bring out the chainsaws.
All the cats are in and out like a collection of yoyos..back and to..I've told Sparkle it's a wonder that I haven't got paw prints permanently indented into my arm..they can't walk past me without putting a paw on me..lol. As I write all the kittens are sat on the studio roof...I think that they don't want to go too far, just in case it starts to rain. They are not used to it yet and seem to find it a trial..this getting dry lark. I had to laugh last night..I was having a bath and Gannie just has to keep me company. he loves nothing more than playing with the bubbles and I'm unsure who is the most shocked when he finds my toes..lol. One of these days he is going to end up in the bath..and goodness only knows what he will think of that. He does insist on tapping my head when I'm washing my hair..I think he worries that I'm not going to come out of the bubbles.
Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has just made a brew. I just feel so spoilt some days. Norah Jones singing in the background and a coffee in my hand..who could ask for more. I'm just being grateful for the little things today. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...I just couldn't help it

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. And I really couldn't help it..lol..I know that I've picked this image before but it is one I just adore. I was actually working on some vintage motorbike images to share with you, when I found this image which I had printed out. I had used the decoupage on another card and this topper was what remained. So really I had no other choice..lol.
I just love all the vintage images that are available from Decoupage Delights. I'm very excited about the upcoming cd rom. There are many unusual vintage designs which are perfect for the men in your life and I just can't wait for it to come out. Next week I will share one of the vintage motorbike images that are due to be on it. So far I have made two versions using the same image...goodness only knows just how many I will have made by next week..lol.
I'm still working on a card for a little girls first birthday but my head is full of another design. I'm so sad that I lie in bed at night having ideas about cards that I could make. My new idea involves 2 digi designs,parchment and needlework..I don't even know if it will work yet...I'm going to have to have a go..else it will drive me crazy. If it works, I'll share with you all soon...if it doesn't I'll just keep on with the original thought in a different way.
Well the coffee is calling and the colouring pens are as well. On the cat front..they are all stretched out on the stairs..pretending to be well behaved. They have all had their lunch and are now sleeping off their full tummies. It's the one time of the day when a little peace reigns..lol. By dinner time they will all be running round and round, telling me that they haven't been fed for an age..lol. Anyways until next time..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights.....Vintage Moments

Todays cards are all design team makes for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. I think that today seems to be a celebration of large hats. As most of you know, I do have a bit of a thing for hats, especially the Edwardian ones..large and covered with flowers, feathers and all other delicious things. As much as I try to turn my bedroom into an Edwardian bower..the cats are determined to prevent me..lol. I try to turn my dressing table into a collection of silver topped bottle and dishes of jewellery, with flowers at every turn  and then the cats arrive. Flowers and jewellery are carried round the house, bottles and dishes are knocked off and before you know it..everything is on the floor and the dressing table is bare..lol

Little do they know that there are plans afoot. I have had a huge lock put on the door and once the new bed arrives...an actual Edwardian one..they are going to find themselves locked out in the day.
I feel that there will be a lot of sulking cats..lol.

I hope that you will pop over to the Decoupage Delights face book page and take a look at all the cds that are available. It won't be long until the new cd is released..personally I can't wait. Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time to do some more filling of the new cupboard. I am being very strict with myself and only putting in boxes that have been sorted. This afternoon I'm hoping to sort out the shelves by my chair and what I don't use all the time will be sorted and put in the cupboard. Even though my friend Pretty said he had never seen so much glitter..I have managed to shock myself at the range I have...dry,ultra fine, tinsel, wet...and I think nearly every colour available..lol Just as well that I love the stuff. So until next time..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Vintage Moment

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. For this card I have used one of my all time favourite images to use on a mans card. The boy with the train set. This image is due to be on the next cdrom from Decoupage Delights and I can't wait. For some reason this image has provoked such a response from some of my customers. I was lucky enough to be able to work with this image before the release of the cd and goodness me..if this is anything to go by..the cd should be a best seller. For this card I was asked to do a collage type card featuring the things that a gentleman loved as a boy. So I went on a hunt through my collection of vintage style things in my stash and managed to come up with this card. The extras include, the cover of a book and small picture of a bird because when he was younger he loved bird watching. The image of the train set..because he still has one, alongside lots of other pieces of ephemera. 
If you get the chance, please pop over to the Decoupage Delights face book page and take a look. There is very often great deals on the page featuring cds, downloads or freebies. It's well worth taking a look. And watch out for the due date on the upcoming cdrom.
The sun is shining here in the mountains and the cottage is nearly empty of cats..lol. It's still noisy though..the kittens are not allowed out yet. My friend has just visited and they wouldn't leave her alone..lol. She was amazed just how large they have become. Actually she is the lady that has had their mother, Flossie. It turns out that Flossie has now become Queen of her new domain and is having a wonderful time. She gets exactly what she wants...which I have been told cuddles at 6a.m. And she has turned out to be a fussy madam..only eating what she fancies..and having lots of little treats. I couldn't have wished for a better home for her.
Well the coffee is calling and then I'm off to make a pansy fan using a stamp which has been missing for about 2 years. I found the stamp when I was looking for my inks and micas...but I still haven't found them..lol. At the moment the parlour still looks as if it's been stirred with a stick..but at least I know it will be better in the next couple of days. And hopefully my new bed will be arriving. So lots of moving round will be going on...and no doubt the kittens will be helping..lol. So until next time...take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Pansies

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful Decoupage Delights.I must be going through a pansy phase at the moment..I did pansies last week and yet here I am again with some more. They do make me smile...so what better reason. This image is from the Fancy Floral cdrom from Decoupage Delights. I always look for slightly different ways to use the images and for this one I matted the decoupaged image onto some mirri and then onto the base card. For the card base I matted the purple and the lilac card with some more mirri and edged with some peeloffs. I finally added a bow.
Yet again I am typing with a cat sat on my wrist. I think that Raven has been voted in as dedicated comfort cat for this week. After I lost Henry it was if the cats had had a vote and decided that I needed a comfort cat and Milky stepped up in place. For the following 6 months..if I was sat down..she was on my knee...if I went to bed...she came with me..and if I was anywhere in the cottage..she was by my side. And now Raven is doing the same. The kittens are galloping around and causing chaos wherever they go.
I had a visitor last night..a friend that had been visiting family in Ireland. I was so treated..she bought me some fantastic chocolates back and a present from her sister, who is also a friend. She had sent me a fairy..A Galway Fairy no less. She is fantastic with crazy pink and purple hair.It was made by Away with the fairies..I think that they may be on facebook. She has arrived with an adoption certificate and feeding instructions..petals, sequins and glitter. She is totally crazy and just perfect for me.Oh and I forgot to add..she also has a pet owl. The kittens would love to get their sticky little paws on the fairy but if I have anything to say on that matter..they won't.
Well the coffee is calling..again. I spoke to a friend on the phone last night and he had been reading the blog. He asked if I was really a coffee addict and I had to admit..I am. Some days I must just be fuelled on the caffeine. Life looks normal to me with the caffeine flowing. I want to hide if I don't have any..lol. I have to admit to running out a couple of weeks ago and goodness me ..did I have the headache to end all. I was never so relieved when my friend bought me some. The headache just left and I was back on track again..so I hold my hands up and admit that yes I am definitely an addict...lol. Better that than some of the other things out there. So until tomorrow..take care..have a coffee..lol...and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Pansies

Todays cards are design team makes for the fabulous Decoupage Delights. Both these cards are made from the Fancy Floral cdrom and both are made from one A4 sheet. For the card above, I cut down the A5 image to create the pansy topper and to create the two borders. I began by stencilling the leaves..the stencil is from my stash and I used a distress inkpad to colour. I then added the borders top and bottom and added the topper. I also added a strip of vintage lace and a ribbon bow.

For the card below I used some gold mirri, purple card and some lilac to create a mat on the card and used the same for my topper. I added some lace and ribbon strip, as well as a bow. All the bottom card needs is a greeting but I will add that as I need it.

It's funny what you decide to work with somedays. Pansies always remind me of my Grandmother. She always said that they had happy faces. Perhaps because I've been a little ill and a little down, I needed to think of her today. It has really taken it out of me losing Reg...he was such a loving little dog and had been with me..always ready for a cuddle since losing Henry. I can only hope that they are together now. I feel as if I need to give myself a good shake and get back on track. The last two years have been a battle and I feel as if I have to fight the good fight every day...and always remember to count my blessings. But just sometimes it's so hard. I probably need a good cry, a coffee and I'll be fine.
Even the cats are quiet today. At the moment half of them are outside in the cold sunshine and the others are asleep. It seems unnaturally quiet today. Raven is of course on the wing of my chair..keeping her eye on me. I haven't been on the blog much because of how I felt but I have managed to complete a huge amount of work. I lost my self in a colouring and painting..it was quiet but I did need to be in that space. I'm even pleased with what I managed to complete. So there is an upside to everything. I just need to find the space to carry on tidying my bedroom. I need to make it kitten proof..they have destroyed the bedside cabinet, the dressing table and my necklace holder. I had a beautiful mannequin that was a necklace holder..but they kept managing to knock it off...I've repaired it about 6 times and moved it to different places round the room but they have continued. Now all that remains is pieces..it won't be repaired any more..else there would be more glue than stand. I'm thinking of making something to hang on the wall and need to remember to lock the door when I leave the room. I made a stand for my earrings and they have managed to destroy that as well. I think that they have ran off with some of my earrings..they very well may have taken them into the loft. What can you say...apart from they had a lovely time..lol.
Well the coffee is calling and then I have 3 pieces of work to finish.I think I shall do the bedroom tomorrow and see how far I can get along. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I have just had a funny moment...I have a horrible feeling that all the kittens think that they are all called Come Here. I have just shouted that to get Simon off the TV and they all came running..lol. The lady that had Flossie has also said that if she calls Come Here that Flossie will run at full speed from wherever she is.It has just made me  laugh. So until next time...keep smiling..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights.....The Bow

Today's card is a design team make for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. Last night I was scanning through the disc...Marlene..Fashion and Flowers and noticed this wonderful image and just had to make a card with it. The reason I just had to do it was the size of her bow in her hair. It just made me smile. I think that there must have been a thing for huge bows in the generations before mine. I was raised by my Grandmother..who was raised as an Edwardian..so some of the things that she loved were from a previous age. Consequently I spent many a day with a huge bow in my hair..and I have many pictures to prove it..lol. My hair was regularly in ringlets..oh how I remember going to bed with my hair in rags..and there was always a fantastic ribbon. I was forever getting into trouble for losing them..lol.

On my card the image is from the cdrom but the backing paper is from my stash. There are some really wonderful backing papers on the cd, but I just wanted to share the thought with you than you can just use your favourite image with any backing paper that takes your fancy. In fact I have used a lot of the backing papers from the cd on other projects that I do. To me that's what having a cd library is all about..being able to dip in and out..whatever the time, whatever the need. And living where I do here in the mountains, the nearest craft shop would be a day out..lol.
I do hope that you will pop over to the Decoupage Delights facebook page and take a look at all the other cds that are available and those that are in the pipeline. I'm very excited about the next one that is due in the next couple of months.It features a lot of fantastic images for men's cards.
Well here in the mountains today..you need your vest on. It's so chilly. Thankfully there is no rain at the moment but goodness the socks are on. Not the Icelandic ones yet..I'm definitely saving them for 2 foot of snow..lol..they are just so pretty. All the cats are asleep and Simon has parked himself in my sewing basket. When he wakes up he is in for a shock..I'm going to move all my sewing stuff into a sewing basket with a lid. I will then turn the open basket into an official cat basket..I'll put some fleece in the bottom and then hopefully everyone will be happy.
Well the coffee is calling and then I've a couple of cards to finish for Friday.I have absolutely no idea what to make for dinner. I've lots in the freezer but no idea what I fancy.Hopefully something will pop into my head later. So until next time..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Vintage Christmas

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous company of Decoupage Delights. This decoupaged bell is from the Vintage Christmas cdrom. Bells have long been decorating Christmas Cards and I always wonder why. Is it just the connection with the church and represents the peeling of bells to represent the good news? I have to say that I don't really know why..but I shall treat it as a quest to find out more. This years Christmas orders have seemed to use a lot of images using bells and this is one of my favourite images. And below is my other most used image..I have used both so much, I feel as if I could cut them out in my sleep..lol

On both images, I have decoupaged the bells and of course I had to add a little glitter..lol. I do hope that you will pop over to the Decoupage Delights facebook page and take a look at all the fabulous cdroms that are available. Also it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for some of the fabulous deals that come up on the page.
Here in the mountains today, the mists are down..so it feels as if we are in Brigadoon again. And it's raining but I have to say that it's surprisingly warm. Despite that none of the cats are going out. Jeffrey is sat on the windowsill looking out but not wanting to put a paw out..lol.
Well the coffee is calling and my list of things to do never seems to get any shorter..as soon as I finish one thing it seems as if another three things pop on. I hope that your Christmas preparations are going well and that you are not wearing yourself out. I shall be back later with more design team makes..so until then..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights....Vintage Christmas

Today's cards are design team makes for the fabulous company of Decoupage Delights. Both of these cards are from the Vintage Christmas cdroms. The card above features this fantastic image of the three little dogs singing their hearts out. I of course just had to add glitter..lol. On the card below, I also had glitter fever but again is a truly wonderful image. I have found over the last few years, vintage has really become a favourite with my customers. I find that they are looking for cards that remind them of their childhoods or that feature very traditional images. Decoupage Delights has been my go to place for these images.

I do hope that you will pop over to their facebook page and take a look at the wonderful cdroms that are available. And I have to say that the value for money is amazing.
At the moment I am wedged into my corner with kittens causing chaos across the parlour. I have been printing images for card orders all morning and now I can't move for card and paper. It is the result of trying to keep four lively kittens off the card. My plan is that I'll be card making all day and then I'll be painting tomorrow. Lots of work...that's how I like it.
The wind has started to rage again and all the big cats have run home. I have to say that it's not raining at the moment..which is something. But as I sit here I can hear the slates rattling on the roof. There have been quite a few off here in the village. I just feel so much for the people in Cumbria that are trying to save their homes whilst flooding is surrounding them. I can think of nothing worse. It must be so heart breaking trying to save your belongings while Mother Nature does her worst.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be down to some serious work. If nothing else at least it will keep me quiet. Finally it seems that the kittens have gone to sleep..on my legs..lol. At least with them there, I know that they aren't around the corner from me causing mayhem. Wherever you are, I hope that the weather is being kind to you. So until next time...take care and happy crafting.