Blossom repeated

Does it look familiar? It should do...it's the same stamp as yesterday but I've used the same embellishments and a different backing paper. I made both cards for the fab team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. Even though lots of the same things have been used..it's a different card. This is something I love to do..stamp and colour an image and then make 2 different cards. When making cards I love to try lots of different backing papers and see what different effects they give. For all the details of the image please have a look at yesterdays blog and have a look at the slight differences in the card. They both have the same image, mounted in the same way. The same lace,flowers and backing card.

And this card is one that I made using all the scraps of left over paper.I laid them in stripes onto another card and edged with peeloffs. I had decoupaged this figure of Boofle and thought it would be ideal. I'm going to add a greeting..I had thought that a 'Sorry I forgot your birthday' would be funny.So out of 2 pices of backing paper and 2 sheets of backing card and I've got 3 cards.

 Well it's a little cloudy in the mountains today. Yesterday was spent sorting my crafting boxes out. Two reasons really to why I entered into the fray..one was getting some boxes free in readiness for christmas crafting and the main reason was Jeffrey. The last week or so he has been an absolute pain..lol..he has kept pushing my boxes over and then he looks at me as much to say..what are you going to do mother. He has driven me to distraction..so I decided to stop his fun. Mean woman that I am.

The coffee is calling..but first I'm going to have to take Reg for a wheel. I wonder how many cats will come today. I'm hoping that I can make it while it's still dry. So until tomorrow take care and happy crafting.

Pink Blossom Days

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous JB-Crafting Supplies. It uses a Sheena Douglas stamp from her little bit sketchy range. Ijust love this design of the blossom and feel that it would suit lots of different occasions. I mounted some backing paper from my stash onto some pink card and then created a small border from the pink as well. I stamped the image using my memento ink pad and then coloured it with my copics. I embellished with pearls and two types of pink flowers. I love making this type of card because it's my chance to go a little bit girly..lol If you met me you wouldn't think that I had a girly bit to me but it's there..just hidden well. When I was a little girl I was extremely girly..dresses with rosebuds on, playing with my dolls..but then life happened and all of a sudden before I knew it I was punk and was as far away from pink rosebuds as you could get..lol

It's a dry day today here in the mountains. Most of the cats are outside apart from my best cat friend at the moment..Rave. For the past week she has not left me alone. Her favourite place to sit is between me and the computer...which is all very well, until you want to type. So as I type this I have put her on the wing of my chair and I can virtually hear her tapping her paw..waiting for me to stop..lol. There's alot of movement in the village today..one of the holiday homes has decided to become a permanent let, so they are emptying the house. We can only hope that they are careful to who they let it to. I have lived through many, many tenants that move to the valley and then cause absolute chaos. I think alot of people forget just how long I've lived here and with some houses can go back through the last 6 owners. Really these days with some of them it's all about the money and they don't care about what the other village residents have to put up with.Don't get me wrong..there are some houses let and you can't find fault with the people that rent..but in the past there's been so many incidents..it just makes you wary. We shall have to see how this one goes.

Well the coffee is calling and there is still lots of work to do. I hope you all had a fab weekend...I had lots of visitors and hence not many cards made. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

Otters

Todays card is another from the fabulous Waters Edge brought to us crafters by Design House. Everything I have used on this card prints out on one sheet. I have mounted the image onto some green card, as well as the border.The backing paper is also on the matching set. The images on this cd are all beautiful and work well for ladies or gentlemen. A really nice cd to have in your library. I was looking at my cds yesterday and am always astounded by the variety of images that I have contained in it. I also realised that I have a whole shelf of christmas themed ones. Perhaps it is the fact that I'm a christmas nut. I have been planning with my friend, spending a weekend doing all the die cutting ready for festive card making. Last year I must have cut out at least 500 snowflakes..so I plan to get organised this year, putting all the different ranges in separate boxes.

The sun is shining here in the mountains today and all the cats are stretched out on the studio roof. It's definitely getting cooler at nights now and all the furbabies were in last night. As the weather gets colder and colder, I always end up with less and less bed. Reg always sleeps on the bed and all the cats as it gets colder,want to be nearer him. I end up on the edge. It doesn't seem to matter what size bed I have either. At one time I had a king sized bed, now I have a single..and I always end up on the edge...lol At the moment Reg is hoping for some dog treats and is giving his pathetic face to my friend..trying to convince him that he's going to fade away if he doesn't have another gravy bone.Anyone that knows Reg knows what a rotund little boy he is. When I first got Reg, the vet told me always to keep him that I could feel his ribs, as he has an extra long spine with very short legs and th vet said if his weight wasn't kept down , he could have real problems in later life. Well it has been years of convincing Reg that he doesn't need any more treats. He always has been a greedy little boy and the battle about the extra gravy bone has always raged..lol. But I'm glad to say that he has never had any problems with his back..bless him..but he can't half do a pathetic face.

Well the coffee is calling and lots of work to do. I hope you have a great day..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Playing with string

Todays card is from the Leslie Ann Ivory cd brought to us by Joanna Sheen. Being as cat obsessed as I am, it was a must have cd and I've used it ever since it came out. There is not a time when there is not an image to suit my mood. I loved this image of the ginger kitten rolling around. Theymanage to get themselves into unbelievable positions. I mountd the image onto some gold mirri, and mounted that in turn onto the backing paper. This card is A5 in size so you can see that this is a good sized image. I just added some string at the bottom. Every cat I know loves nothing better than a play with string or ribbon..usually some that I want to use on a card..lol

I thought thatI would share this picture of Reg and Jeffrey in the new 'cat' bed. They could not possibly lie in separate beds.It makes me laugh because in this picture you can see just how large Jeff is. Reg is not a particularly small dog but Jeff is definitely oversized..lol. I think it must be all the dog treats. I remember when he arrived he was such a tiny kitten with the biggest feet and claws I have ever seen.He always jumped across anything like superman with his legs straight out in front and always had his mouth open..it was so funny. He is now still only 1 year old so has a bit more growing to do before he starts filling out. Goodness help us.I've just gazed across the room at the empty cat bed and you could fit at least 4 normal sized cats in there..lol. At the moment the two of them are in the large dog basket...alongside 4 crafting boxes. Jeff thinks it is so funny to knock my pile of boxes over..so this time I haven't moved them and they will just have to lie round them. He did it 4 times yesterday so I'm not playing his games today.

Well the coffee is calling...and I really need one. I've been trying to take photos of my cards today and it has been driving me crazy. It must be a really dull day here in the mountains.I must have tried about 50 times to take them, different backgrounds, different lighting, flash on, flash off. I got to the point I wanted to throw everything out of the window..lol. So I have given it up until tomorrow, and I'm hoping having a coffee will help. I hope you all have a fab weekend and manage to find a little 'me' time. I'm sure that you all bother about everyone in your life but forget to put yourself first. So please this weekend do something for yourself and have a little treat. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Hello Sailor

Today I am sharing another Jiggery Makery lady. She is definitely the sailors friend. I coloured her with my copics and mounted the image onto a card which had been covered with silver  mirri and a blue paper. Adele , who is the designer at Jiggery Makery has also designed a sheet full of sayings with a marine theme. I used the Ahoy there.and cut it out into a flag shape, then did the same with a print out of happy birthday. To complete the side of flags, I diecut a piece of bunting and coloured it red, white and blue. I'm always really envious when I see the Jiggery Makery ladies because they have such perfect long legs..lol Even before I was in the wheelchair, I never had cute legs..lol I always wanted to be able to wear really high high heels but at 6 foot tall it was never a good idea. Plus the fact that I would never be able to walk in them...I'm way too clumsy..lol.But I do have a couple of friends that can and do wear fabulously high heels and manage to walk. My feet are always jealous. I was thinking of getting a pair of really high sexy shoes just to wear in the wheelchair..after all I wouldn't have to even try to walk in them...now there's an idea to follow..lol What this space..sexy shoes may follow.

This week I have received a couple of surprise presents. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends. The best one in Jeffreys opinion is a grey furry cat bed.As soon as I unwrapped it...he was in it. Now this isn't a big bed but he convinced Reg to join him and there was more dog and cat hanging out than in..it was so funny. I managed to get a photo, so I will show you tomorrow. So many people have seemed surprised that all my animals will lie together...I must share some pictures with you come the winter frosts...you can sometimes hardly see Reg because of the amount of cats on him..lol.They always have, I'm not convinced that Jeff even knows he is a cat. He behaves more like a dog..running to catch dog treats. Show him a cat biscuit and he'll show you an unhappy face.

I'm hoping for a quiet week end with lots of crafting. That's my plan. I've had lots of upsets this week and just fancy crafting and planning future projects.Well the coffee is calling and today I'm really thirsty...the truth is I need a caffeine hit..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Swing me right round

Todays card features another fabulous lady from Jiggery Makery.I just love these sassy ladies and enjoy everything about using them. I love to colour so that's the first hit and then I love to come up with the phrase to use with them. When I was colouring the image the song line..you swing me right round kept going through my head and I thought why not..so I typed the words out and stuck them round the image. I coloured the image using my copics. My only nervous minute was cutting the actual hula hoop but it was surprisingly easy. I mounted her onto a sheet of glitter board.

I'm sorry that I didn't get chance to blog yesterday but I had such a horrible day, I felt like finding a corner and hibernating. But I gave myself a good talking to and now I'm back on track. All day yesterday and the day before was spent talking to the coroner and writing letters to the coroner.It was so hard because I had to go over what happened again and again and it's like living in a nightmare. I was lucky that I had friends to support me and help me go things but it's still a harrowing experience. The coroner still hasn't decided on a date for the inquest. I know now it will be November at the very earliest. At this point he still hasn't decided who he is going to call. No matter how far along I'm managing to get, it still feels like that a black cloud that is the inquest is lurking over my head. I think to myself that I'm doing ok and then have a couple of days like the last 2 and it just brings the horror of it all back. But as always I'll have to get my big girl pants on and deal with it.

When I'm like this..I find that counting my blessings gets me through. My animals are one of my biggest blessings but sometimes they can push it..lol..especially Jeffrey. By my chair I have a pile of plastic boxes containing my copics, inkpads and embellishments. They are always a bit precarious..always nearly falling over and I know I should move them but I use the contents every day. Well Jeff has decided that it's great fun to push them over. The worst thing about is that he pushes them over and then looks me straight in the face. As much to say what are you going to do now. He's managed to do it twice today so far and each time, after looking at me, he's run to his cat bed and lay down..like a little angel. The air has been blue..but I shall continue to count him as a blessing..lol..I think.

Well the coffee is calling. Shepherds Pie for tea and scones again I think. I am hoping to make a ginger parkin sometime soon. Onwards and upwards I think. So until tomorrow, take care and happy crafting.

Christmas Lantern

Well here it is , the first christmas card of the year. I'm definitely late starting this year..but once I get going there's no stopping me...lol Watch out, there will be glitter in the air. This card is one that I've made for the fabulous design team over at JB-Crafting Supplies.The stamp is from a set called The Elite Collection 2008 and it has about 12 designs on the sheet. This is one of the smaller images, yet it provides a nice focal point. I stamped the image using a memento inkpad and coloured it using my copics. I then mounted the image onto a diecut mat of gold mirror. I embellished the side with an ivy flourish and a tartan bow.

The weather here in the mountains doesn't know what to do with itself today. It has had a few tries at raining but so far we have remained dry. The strange thing is that the mist is down giving everywhere a hazy look. As I look out of the window I can see alot of leaves falling.It's as if someone has told Mother Nature that today is the first day of Autumn and she's shouted to the trees..come on boys get on with it..lol As I look I can oranges, yellows and reds swirling their way down onto my path. My friend, the pa, went blackberry picking again at the weekend and has brought me another bagful. So as Henry always said we can have a taste of Summer in the middle of winter. It's so strange that he won't be here to share it all with me. I have good days and I have bad days and then I have days when they seem to go on for ever and it feels hard to breathe. No matter how many times in your life you have had to grieve for someone..it never gets any easier..the pain remains on the inside and nothing you do will move it. At the moment I'm still waiting for the inquest..we still haven't got a date..it was initially called for June but that was postponed and we still haven't got a date. There are a lot of questions that I would like answered and hopefully the coroner will be able to do that but the waiting hurts as well. So today is another day to count my blessings and stroke the cats. Thatseems to be my way of getting through.

Well the coffee is calling..so until tomorrow, take care and happy crafting.

Autumn Leaves

Yes I know it's not a card butI felt like sharing what I saw on my way back from taking Reg for a wheel.It is a beautiful day here in the mountains, the sun is shining and the leaves are beginning to fall. I'm at the moment working on some autumn leaves for a project and spotted these. As always my photography isn't the best but the colours took my breath away.Not till you look closely do you realise what a variety of colours can appear on just one leaf. Don't worry I haven't gone all hippy dippy..I'm just going to rework my leaves. We had Milky, Tankie, Pinkie,Rave and Jeff with us today. It was the nearest I came to off roading today..I ventured into the side of the field to pick these leaves andI have to say it was hard work. Reg who was attached to the chair, looked at me as much to say what on earth are you doing. I can say that it took me a long while to get out of the field and I won't be doing it again any time soon...but if you don't try..you don't know.

I have spent the morning cutting out decoupage and have lots of work to do. I also spent about an hour looking for the safe place where I had put my spare card blanks. Why is it that it seems like such a good spot at the time and then when you need the stuff..you have no idea where any of it is..lol. But I finally found them..so the next 30 cards have at least have a base card now. I also managed to clear a shelf in my bedroom to put all my creams on. The doctor has decided that I have a couple more problems and has given me 5 lots of cream for my hands and my face. By the time I have used all these creams and potions I should look like a new person..well anyone can dream..lol. My thinking was rather than have them scattered around the house,they can all live in my bedroom and I can see to them all when I get up and when I go to bed, and I can sit comfortably and do it all. How my life is changing. Since Henry passed it has been a case of learning a new routine and trying to find a way to do things unaided. Some days it's really hard and what would be a simple job for most people can knock the stuffing out of me. But I will get there in the end. Fingers crossed.

Well the coffee is calling. I hope that you have all had a fabulous weekend. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

The Black Cat

Todays card is another collaboration between two of my favourite cds. The vintage image is from the fabulous Fashion Boutique triple cd.I have been dying to use this image because I love the fact that she's holding a black cat.The outer frame and decoupaged pansies are from the fabulus Fancy Floral cdrom brought to us by Decoupage Delights.The backing paper is from my stash, as is the wonderful piece of lace. The lace which I just adore is available from JB-Crafting Supplies...I will be using it on a project that I'm aiming to do when ever I manage to fight my way to my sewing machine. I know that my machine is at the back of my studio..but Henry, bless him..piled stuff in the doorway and it's going to take a whole week to sort it out. I am hoping to do it sometime in the next month..it just depends how my various ailments behave. The head may be willing but the legs are not always up to playing..lol.

I have yet to take Reg out for a wheel yet. The cats were playing about this morning and I had to wait for everyone to come in..so their food time was later than normal. I'm amazed that I fed Jeff this morning..he is in so much trouble..lol. It was only his little pathetic look on his face that resulted in meaty chunks today. You see, in my parlour I have a set of floor to ceiling shelves. The TV is in front of them..secured to them in fact..so that the cats cannot knock the TV over. Now even though the cats use the shelves in my corner as a cat shelf, none of them have ever gone on to the large shelves..that was until last night and the cat that caused chaos was of course Jeff. He climbed up Twinkles pen, walked across the top of the TV (even though it's not even an inch wide) and then progressed to the top shelf of the unit. Once there (and now he can't be reached) he proceeded to push the photos and ornaments out of the way so he could lie down. Well the air was blue. He absolutely refused to move and without my builder and a ladder there was no hope. He must have stayed there for an hour and ignored every try to tempt him down When he eventually decided he wanted down he couldn't work out to do it...lol. and ended up sliding down a nearby dresser upsetting one of the other cats in the process. And this morning he looks at me like butter wouldn't melt, demanding his breakfast..lol

Well the coffee is calling. Happy news..I now have glue..thanks to my friend so at least I can get on with some work. It has been said that it may rain later..at least it will test my new drain..I shall be reporting the results as they happen..lolSo until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

The Dove Cote

First let me say I'm sorry that I'm a little late today..it's been quite a day so far..goodness knows what funny incidents are still to happen..lol. Todays card is another of the fantastic vintage specials from Decoupage Delights.The whole card is available to be printed straight from the cd. The image itself is two layers and the pansies have 4 layers., even the greeting has been decoupaged.

I have had a crafting crisis today..I realised that I had run out of my pinflair glue. Now I can cope with many things but running out of my glue is a huge thing to me. Especially as the nearest shop is about 40 miles away. Luckily my friend, the pa,is going up to the coast so I have begged her to get me some. The thought of spending a whole weekend with the chance to make cards has been known to drive me into a dithering mess..lol. After everything that has happened this year..making cards to me is a form of therapy. When Things get a little rough, at least I can lose myself in making a card.

The weather here is fantastic..I can't remember when we have had a year with so much good weather. I took Reg for a wheel and was joined by Jeff ,Rave, Tankie, Milky and then much to my joy Pinkie arrived. She had gone missing again and hadn't been home for a while. She had gone very thin again but was really pleased to see everyone. It must be the good weather that is keeping her out. I just hope that she would stay closer to home. On the way back we all sat in the shade on the road and enjoyed a quiet time..then a man appeared and said that it was the most surreal thing that he had ever seen.He just couldn't believe that there I was sat in my wheelchair surrounded by one dog and 5 cats who were all lay down round the chair. He said he had heard about it happening but couldn't believe it really happened. Who knows we may be famous yet..lol.

Next week I am lucky enough to be able to share some more of the Jiggery Makery ladies with you. I love the sassy attitude that I can give them and I will be putting a link on my blog to her shop so you can purchase  the digital images if you want to. So get prepared for some sassiness next week..lol

Well the coffee is calling and I'm thinking of doing some baking. Quiche for dinner I think with new potatoes and salad. And maybe some scones..for a change..lol..I have been making them for weeks trying to get back to the way I used to bake and I'm nearly there but not quite. I think by the time I finally get them right I will never want another one. So until tomorrow take care and happy crafting.

Rosy Memories

Todays card is a merging of two fantastic crafting cdroms....Decoupage Delights.Fancy.Floral  and Joanna Sheens Fashion Boutique. As most of you know I have a bit of a thing for vintage images. On the Joanna Sheen cd there is a wonderful collection of vintage photographs that I have used on many different cards in many different ways . When I first saw the cd from Decoupage Delights I knew that this was the sort of frame that would work well. But first let me tell you about the Fancy Floralcdrom. I was blown away with the amount of decoupage and variety on this cd. There's a number of the frame style similar to what I've used here but that is only a small part of the range. I have made a different selection of cards which I will share with you over the next few days. I have to say I had forgotten just how much I love old fashioned decoupage..there is something so relaxing about sitting cutting.The piece of decoupage that I've done for this card has about 5 layers. I would recommend having a look at Decoupage Delights..they have a facebook page. There are 3 cds available at the moment and there is a wildlife cd coming out in November. Any day now I will be working with their vintage christmas cd, so you will get chance to view some of the images then.

Well did you hold your breath? The council, as I type are fixing the path and gateway. I am so happy. I won't even think how Long I've been waiting. For years I have suffered with my path flooding due to the bad job that they did of the pavement in the first place. Then to add to my misery, when they resurfaced the pavement a little while ago, they managed to leave a lip between the pavement and my path. And as I told you before I caught my foot on this lip and me, Reg and the wheelchair went flying. So after this happened I started to nag and finally today they have arrived and are working on it. They have put a grid along the length of my path end which will hopefully catch the water and send it to the drain.Also they seem to have got rid of the lip and now it looks as if it is all flat. What the council seem to be ignoring is that if they had paid attention when they were laying the new pavement and had not directed the water around the drain..had actually realised that the water should be able to flow into the drain..then all of this would not have to have been done. What can you say. And no one at the council could see that if they were going to drop the kerb for me as well, then it would make more sense to do it at the same time as this..thus saving a patchwork of the pavement but no. It will be another day, another team...and no doubt another blog story..lol.I'm still waiting for the streetlight boys to get back to me..I will have to chase that later.

Well the coffee is calling and I have cards to make. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Kingfisher

Todays card is another from the wonderful cd Waters Edge by Design House.This is another type of decoupage which they call side stackers. You build up the edges using strps of the image. What I love about this is the fact that you are only cutting straight lines, so if you need a card which has a bit more than a flat image but don't have much time then this is the ideal card for you. Again this card would be ideal for a man or a woman. It is very rare that I've been lucky enough to see a kingfisher in the wild..so they have always seemed very special to me.I just love this image.

I took Reg for a wheel today, joined by Rave and Tankie. There was no Jeffrey today..he is still sulking because I won't open the new dog treats. I have put the box on the floor..almost like a cat puzzle. He keeps going over to it and pushes it round the floor and then looks at me as much to say undo it mother..but I refuse..lol. The way I see it he shouldn't have been so greedy with the gravy bones. It was a lovely wheel today but I know my skin has suffered.I have recently discovered that I suffer from vitiligo.(I probably spelt that wrong..lol) and every time I go out in the sun I come out in brown patches...my neck is looking as if I've got a leopard print on it. The advice I've been given is to not go out in the sun but the sun comes here so rarely, I'm not going to miss it..lol The wierd thing about this condition is that in skin that's ok it gives me leopard print and any skin that's damaged..it goes white. I have always said that I'm a freak of nature..at least I'm keeping the doctors busy.

Well the coffee is calling and I've got to get on with some serious work. I have a new cd to share with you soon but first I need to make some cards..lol. I hope that you are having a good day. It's lovely to hear from so many of you and the fact that you share your fabulous work with me, makes me feel really blessed.Thankyou. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Dragonfly Dreams

Todays card is a new type for me. It is decoupaged but using a scallop cut, building up from the left hand side. I just loved this image from Design House..the cd is called Waters Edge. It is a compilation of 4 themes...Dragonfly, otter,kingfisher and Swan  and the amount of choice of these themes is amazing. Lots of choice on what style of topper you want and backing papers plus a lot more. Looking at the cd..this card may be what they are calling a wavy stacker.As I look at this card I think the next time I make this card, I may add some glitter or glaze to the dragonflies wings. I think that all these images would be suitable for a man or woman. I have made the otter and the kingfisher from this set and will share them with you later in the week.

Do you remember when I spoke to the council a couple of weeks ago about my pavement and path issues..well..it's been the two weeks that they promised during which they would deal with the problem..well guess what..you're right nothing has been done. I spoke to the lovely gentleman yet again and he has promised the end of the week by the latest or maybe beginning of next. I told him that I would not be holding my breath..lol. I also told him to write the words..nagging fat woman by my name on his list and then he may remember. We shall see. It makes me laugh..when the council wants their money for council tax..they're after you like a dog with a bone...but when you want them to do something that actually involves them doing any work you have to chase and chase..mostly like a greyhound after a rabbit. It seems that I'm taking on other issues for the village as well. I had a phonecall from an older lady today who was also having a problem with the local council. The streetlight outside her house hasn't worked for 6 weeks and she's phoned 3 times and told that it would be sorted straight away but still nothing. So I'm now on the case..I'm waiting for the 'streetlight boys' to get back to me..no doubt it will be another case of having to nag. Every member of the work teams that have been out have been lovely..it's all down to their bosses trying to save 10p.The best time to get anything done seems to be February and March when they're trying to use up any money before the new tax year. I've still got to get in touch with yet another department to find out where we stand with the memorial benches..sometimes I know I'm going to get a headache..lol

Well the coffee is calling. I've finished 2 paintings which I will share with you also this week.I'm just in the middle of making an earring stand for my bedroom..I'll share t with you..if it works out..lol.Sometimes I have bright ideas that come to nothing but if you don't try you won't know. So keep your fingers crossed for me..lol. So until tomorrow take care and happy crafting.

To everything there is a season

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. It features the stamp set called Seasonal Branches from the Sheena Douglas range called A Little Bit Sketchy.I have to say having used rubber stamps for many years there is a world of difference out there..quality and price wise. I have paid a lot of money for some stamps that no matter how you try it..the stamps are hard work to use. These stamps in the Sheena range are I think reasonably priced and the stamping is so easy. Every time I've used one of her stamps, no matter how detailed they are..stamp cleanly with a very sharp image. Just what you want. I stamped the image using a memento inkpad and coloured the image using my copics. I then used my distress ink round the outside using my blending tool. I mounted both the image and the sentiment onto some burgundy card. The card itself I took the same burgundy card and mounted some white card on top, along with some burgundy lace. I finally added a burgundy flower. Next week I'm hoping to make a christmas card using the same image.

I had a lovely weekend and managed to get a lot of work done. I'm hoping that this week is going to be a better one..but you can never tell who is going to turn up. I'm hoping to get some painting done..I've two skulls to finish and a small canvas. I will sharing a couple of new cds later in the week.I am thinking to myself that I will have to start making christmas cards..oh yes the glitter will be coming out..lol. I will need to have a sort out of my stash..all my christmas stuff gets put away together..so I will need to dig it out. Poor Reg..he hates nothing more than when I 'm going through drawers and making piles of stash. He never knows where to put himself..lol.Unlike the Jeffrey who loves to be in the middle of all the chaos. Jeff especially loves it when I get the ribbon box out..lol...it does get that bad that I end up having to shut him out of the room.

Well the coffee is calling. I would just like to thank everyone who leaves a comment or messages me..it means such a lot to me. And I love it when you share your wonderful creations.I noticed today that It's gone over 8000 views...goodness me I can remember when I was astounded to get up to a 1000..so thankyou all. Until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Sundays Angel

I was looking through the cards that I made in the last six months and I came across this one. It was a very simple card but I still love it. The image is from the Aspire range..the frame is from the same as well.

Today has been lovely. I had a surprise visit from some friends. She had just come back from America and came loaded with a bag of American goodies. I will have to ration myself..lol. By my side as I write this I have Reeses pieces,  twinkies and hohos. I have to admit to the reeses pieces being my favourites..I'm allowing myself 3 a day. Failing that my sugar high would be so high I'd end up in outer space..lol. The other present I got was a recipe book from Disney Land. There are some great typically american recipes..buttermilk fried chicken and sweet potato pancakes with a honey pecan sauce..to name but a few. It's a fab book and I shall be putting it with my collection of other books from across the globe.For a woman who doesn't leave the house much..I can cook you a recipe from many different cultures. It always amazes me how different cultures have very similar foods but using ingredients native to them. Every country has some sort of pasty..whether large or small..but they have something wrapped in a pastry or dough. I can't wait to get back into cooking properly when my kitchen is finished.

Well I hope that you are having a great weekend..time just goes by so quickly. The coffee is calling and maybe just one more reeses piece..so until tomorrow take care and happy crafting

Watching the ducks

Todays card is the one that I mentioned yesterday. It's the one that I have chosen to be the card for the new grandparents. I have again chosen an image from the fabulous Hollypond Hill cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. For some reason the picture is looking a little faded..it must be the light in the valley. Every time I photograph my cards so much depends on the light in the valley here...somedays I can take a great picture and somedays..well it doesn't work as well. I take the photos in the same place every time , using the same equipment and still it's not consistent...lol. But the whole of this blogging journey has been a learning curve with having to learn lots of new things and I have to admit that I still love it all.

I've lots of work to do this weekend and hopefully will have lots of new products to share with you next week.Reg and Jeffrey are today in the dog house and cat house respectively...they both had a very busy night and are both in so much trouble...they managed to get hold of a new box of gravy bones and ate the lot. Jeff has never realised that they are dog treats and has loved them since he was a kitten. I have friends who take Reg out for me at night and when they come back after the walk, there are cats lined up for a dog biscuit. And they always know which visitors have dog treats in their pockets.And they never get a minutes peace until they have dished the goodies...lol

So I will be heading off now to begin on the pile of work that I have put ready for this weekend. I like nothing better than having lots to do..including some new discs which I will be working with. That's one of the things that I love about crafting..there are so many things that you can do, so many different crafts you can use together. I feel as if I'm always learning or trying something new..if I get bored I can just move onto something else. It's normally not a case of me being bored it's a case of me wanting to do so many things at one time...I can drive myself quite mad sometimes...lol.

Well the coffee is calling , so until tomorrow, take care and happy crafting.

Moon baby

Todays card is a new baby card that I made for a friends daughter. I just love this image..you know how much I love rabbits..so it was an easy choice for me. The image and the backing paper are from the wonderful Hollypond Hill cdrom from Joanna Sheen. I have framed the image using a die from Tonic. Even though I have used this image for a card for a little boy, it could easily be for a little girl. I normally don't do cute as some images I find a little too much but I just love the images on both Hollypond Hill and the Hollypond Hill Christmas. And the backing papers are gorgeous..some of them I wish I could have as wallpaper. While I was making this card I thought it would be nice to make a card for the new grandparents as well, as my friend was so excited about becoming a grandma at last. I'm happy to say that this one little boy who is lucky enough to be born into a wonderful family that will surround him with love. Who could wish for more.

I feel as if I'm recovering a little today from the nightmare that has been this week. I'm hoping that I can get to 6 oclock tonight with no more phonecalls or visits. Then hopefully I can spend the weekend crafting and get myself centered again.It really has been horrible this week and I feel in some ways it took me back into the space I was just after Henrys death. I spent weeks feeling as if I was hanging on to my sanity by my fingertips and took a lot to get out of that space. Then with no consideration or warning the agencies put me right back there. But today has been calm, I took Reg for a wheel and have managed to get my work sorted out for the weekend. I have had some new products come my way and will be sharing them with you next week. I love them and was surprised with the quality and selection...I know I'm teasing..but I promise I will share next week..lol

Well the coffee is calling and then I'm just going to put some music on and craft my way back to sanity..or at least my version of it..lol.I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and always remember to have a little me time. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Thankyou

Todays card is a very simple one that I made to thank some young girls that helped to make Henrys Midgestock so very special. One of the young ladies made loom bracelets on the day, selling them with all the proceeds adding to the pot. She also sent me an orange one in memory of Henry..it was so kind. The other two sang the song from Frozen that everyone apart from me knows..but everyone told me how special it was. I thought it would be nice just to send them a little card to say thankyou.

To make the card I wrote out the word thankyou and then zentangled every letter. I then coloured one pattern orange and made some orange petal shapes  and made a flower. When I had finished the word, I scanned it and made 3 copies. I cut out the letters and added them to a card alongside the flower As I said it's a very simple card but I am pleased with the result.

I'm afraid that yesterday was much the same as the day before..ending with me in tears yet again. After I had blogged yesterday the doctor arrived. She needed to go through the same stuff as the day before because she had received some paperwork from the same person doing the report. No matter how many times I go over what happened on that day, it doesn't make it any easier..it's like the worse case of deja vue. It is the stuff of my nightmares and now they want me to relive it in the daylight. There seems to be no escape. I also had a phonecall today which reminded me of other things from my past which need to be brought up and it seems I shall have to go through that as well. I'm of the mind lets just get it all out there and hope that it will help other people in similar circumstances. Too many times agencies are out there, not caring, not listening..just intent on having their boxes ticked. I pray to whoever is listening that things will change and that the agencies that failed me for so long will actually start to do things right. Another day to count my blessings. During all this Rave never left my side. I think that she has been voted in designated comfort cat of the week and is taking her job very seriously..lol

Well the coffee is now sitting by my side..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting..

Hello Cupcake

Todays card is a design team make for JB-Crafting Supplies. It features a stamp set from the Pink Cat Studio. On the set there are ice creams, cherry pie and of course cupcakes, In fact there are 10 images and 3 small sentiments. Great value for money. The stamps are on a whole rubber sheet and you have to cut the stamps outside yourself. It's a very easy thing to do, but I would advise you to do it slowly. I have been known to go at it a bit gung ho and have nearly ruined an expensive stamp. I coloured the cupcakes in pastel shades and mounted them onto a butterfly embossed paper and then mounted it onto some gingham card. The word cupcake I added using a peeloff. When I made this card I thought it would make a great baby shower card or invite..I may make one later on. The stamps themselves stamp really well..I stamped with a black memento ink pad because I intended to colour with my alcohol pens.

Yesterday wasn't that bad..considering..even though I did end up a blubbing mess. The social worker came with a lady whose job it was to report when a child had died and to report on how the parent of the deceased had been dealt with by the different agencies..police, ambulance, social services, doctors and the list went on. And so did my complaints. I found it so hard having to relive it all again...it doesn;t get any easier no matter how many times I have to go through it. And there's still the inquest to deal with...because Henry was under 18 there has to be an inquest and we still haven't got a date for that. It was supposed to be in June but was postponed..now we are looking at sometime in November..maybe. It's a horrible thing to have lurking over your head..I only hope that some of my questions get answered and that no-one else has to go through the same horror as I did.

Well the coffee is calling and hopefully an afternoon of crafting will lift my spirit. It's definately a day for counting your blessings. I intend to do that while sipping my caffeine hit..lol So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Daisy chain

Today I thought that I would share a small canvas that I have made. I made this for a design team make for the wonderful team at JB-Crafting supplies. I have used a stamp sheet from Joanna Sheen. I stamped, coloured and then cut out the daisies,stems and leaves. I first coloured a small canvas with blue acrylic and when it had dried I added the daisies. I then used one of my favourite Oscar Wilde quotes, adding it to a torn piece of blue paper. There is something that always reminds me of childhood when I look at daisies. I can remember making lots of daisy chains with my friends and we would sit draped with them.

Only a short one for today as I'm waiting for the nurse and social services are coming later as well. I can't say that I'm in the mood for either but we shall have to see how it all goes. I keep telling social services that I can't get up to the quarry to throw myself off even though I now have a wheelchair..lol..but they just won't listen. I'm sure they only come out so that they can tick their little boxes and let's be honest by the time they've come out here that's their afternoon done with. A nice trip out for them..I just wished that they liked the cats a bit more..lol

I will let you know how it all goes tomorrow..so until then take care and happy crafting...I'm off for a coffee before they get here.

Through the leaves

Todays card is from the wonderful cdrom by Creative Crafting World which showcases the amazing paintings of Pollyanna Pickering. This has to be one of the most requested cards that I make. This cd features so much..I would buy it just for the backing paper..which to me speaks of what a great buy it is.I mounted the backing paper and the image onto some cream pearlised card and then edged the image with some peeloffs. I stamped some leaves..something you know that I love to do..and then coloured them with my copics.

Yesterday was quite productive..I spent the day colouring and searching for quotes. But when it came to bedtime I realised that I hadn't made a card! I probably have the pieces to make 10 but haven't got to putting them altogether yet. Mind you I did have a fall yesterday..one of them that takes your breath away and you end crying with the shock of it. So I was feeling particularly tender yesterday..and then I woke up this morning and goodness me everything hurts. I'm ok apart from when I move my head..lol. If I move my head I get a huge pain in my side. Sounds strange I know but then you always feel worse the day after a fall. As I was on the floor yesterday following my fall I was kissed by Reg who was obviously trying to make me feel better. The cats looked at me as much to say what on earth are you doing mother..lol. Today Rave has not left my side..I must look like I need cuddles.I'm hoping that today I get finished a least a few of the projects that I've started..lol

Well the coffee is calling along with a couple of painkillers I think. I have the nurse coming tomorrow to have a chat about my illnesses...that should be exciting..lol.So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

The Kissing Bough

Todays card is another I made for the new challenge that has just started over at the Gruffies and Guests Challenge Blog. The theme was Fall or Anything goes.I chose to make this card featuring these two cute mice.I cut out some spare leaves from the backing paper to create the border. The image is from the House Mouse Triple cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen.I love the colours in this image and backing paper and think that they are perfect for Autumn. What is it about Autumn that makes me feel cosy? I've always loved this season but it always makes me think of new shoes..lol. Strange you may think but when I was little a new autumn term meant new shoes bought to see you hopefully through the winter. And you just weren't ready to let go of your sandals...and for some reason I can't remember but we always called them Jesus sandals. Can anyone remember why they were given this name?I've noticed the leaves starting to change..the colours are amazing..I once read about a lady who collected autumn leaves, dried them and then varnished them. She then used them to decorate her studio. I wonder if it would work..could you capture the colours and for how long..I may have to give it a try.

I had such great plans for yesterday and they didn't come to very much. It was one of those days when everything I tried just went wrong..lol. As it stands I have 2 cards nearly finished, I skull half painted, I baby hanging heart nearly finished, one painting half done and a pile of work still to be done. And today Ihave to do some work ready for posting on my JB Crafting Supplies design team. I'm hoping that it goes well today. I think it may be a case of getting my head down and just keeping on. First thing though is to find a poem that I was thinking of by Maya Angelou..it's been going round my head in bits..I need to find it. Wherever I get to tomorrow, I will photograph it to share all the chaos with you.

Well the coffee is calling, so until tomorrow take care and happy crafting

Ginger and friends

Todays card has been made for the new challenge over at the Gruffies and Guests challenge blog. I'm lucky enough to be on the design group for this wonderful site..the other members of the design team are so very talented and a wonderful source of inspiration. The theme for this month is Anything goes with the option of Fall into fall. I chose this image from the House Mouse triple cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. Why don't you pop over and join in the fun. The wonderful sponsers for this month are Bearly Mine Designs and the prize is a £10 voucher. I so enjoyed making this card. I love the image of the cat asleep with his little mice friends, although in this house it's a little dog covered in cats..lol. I mounted the image and the backing paper onto some brown card. I then stamped and coloured some leaves. I coloured the leaves with my copics. I just love this leaf stamp and I have to say that it one of the very first stamps that I ever bought. It has certainly been worth every penny.

The weather hear today is undecided. It keeps drizzling and then the sun comes out. All the cats were trying to wake me this morning. They had all obviously had a chat and decided that breakfast should be early..lol Have you ever tried to go back to sleep with a little tribe of cats meowing and jumping on you?..it doesn't happen. So with no good grace I got up and discovered that everyone was there apart from Jeff. When he finally did come in, it was so funny..he just couldn't understand why and how everyone else was eating and he'd missed out. Not that he did miss out though..he has to have his own bowl with a whole tin of cat food to himself..after all he is a growing boy.

So what have you got planned for the weekend? I have a pile of work..so much in fact that I don't know where to begin. I have an idea to make a frame to hold my earrings, a couple of skulls in production and a gift for a new born..as well as about 14 cards..so it looks like a good weekend here..lol. I will be sharing all my efforts with you over the next couple of weeks.

Well the coffee is calling and work is shouting..lol. So until tomorrow take care and happy crafting

Cat on a mat

Todays card is from a favourite cd of mine. It's from the Leslie Ann Ivory cdrom from Joanna Sheen. As you all know by now cats form a large part of my life and this artist is one of my favourites. This card was for an order..the brief was for a long haired ginger cat..and I just love this image. This is a fabulous cd for the backing papers as well. What you can't tell by the photograph is the way in which this card seems to glow. I have mounted the backing paper and the image onto some gold mirrorboard. I have coloured an insert to match the deep orange colour on the backing paper.

Today has proved to be a very strange day. I think perhaps my head has gone west without me. After losing Henry, I'm having to take each day as it comes and I think today is a bad one. It sometimes overwhelms me and I can't make sense of anything I'm doing and why. It's on days like this I need to count my blessings and remember that there are a lot of people in a worse place than me. I at least have my animals to give me a purpose...they would have too much to say if I didn't see to what they wanted..lol. As the marines say the worst day is yesterday..and I've got through that.so at least I know I can do it. Perhaps I just need to have a purpose and a plan for the future. I shall have to give it some thought.

 I took Reg for a wheel today and he trotted along with Rave, Jeff and Tankie. The weather here in the mountains is fine even if it seems to be a little misty. The smell of cut grass drifted on the wind and Reg and the cats like nothing better than a roll in the offcuts.One thing I did think about today was just how much I love to blog and just how thankful I am for all your comments, messages and encouragement. When I began this blogging journey, I never thought for one minute what a large part of my life it would become. I have made new friends and still would encourage you all to think about starting your own blog. I've had to learn how to do new things on the computer which has been hard...I admit to being the worst person with technology ever..lol. But the journey has been a good one and who knows where it will take me. I think that blogging has become another of my blessings to count.

Well the coffee is calling and I've made sure that I have lots of work for the coming weekend. ..keeping busy does seem to help. I hope that you are looking forward to the weekend..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

46th Anniversay

Todays card is for a 46th wedding anniversary. It turns out that the theme for a 46th anniversary is a piece of poetry. Personally I think that after 46 years it should be something a bit more fabulous but hey ho. I used a glitter girls board..I think it's called tall stories..it's a board that makes a tall book. Onto this I decoupaged some flowers from the Joanna Sheen cdrom called The Royal Horticultural Society. It is one of the older cds but has a wealth of images of different flowers,plants and fruits. I also added an inkpot and a quill to tie in with the poetry theme. Hanging from the bow is a pair of angel wings to tie in to the poem. I hope they like it.

It is a lovely day, here in the mountains.Taking Reg for a wheel was a joy..we were joined by Milky, Rave, Tankie and Jeff. I'm afraid that my cats are getting used to the limelight and now seem to be very relaxed when people take their photos. People seem to find it so unusual that the cats come for a walk..no doubt we will end up being posted on Facebook..lol As I was sitting at Turnaround tree I was looking at some trees that have grown round a local garden..it suddenly struck me that I can remember these trees being planted about 20 years ago. They now look magnificent and are just taking on the colours of Autumn. AsI sat I pondered on the fact of how lucky I am to live in such a place where I get to see the seasons change. It only seems a blink ago that I was saying how much blossom there were on the blackberry brambles and now the blackberries are ready to be picked. I shall have to convince my friend to do battle with the brambles. As henry used to say then we could have a taste of summer in the middle of winter.

When the post arrived it brought a package that I wasn't expecting. It was from one of my design teams and contained alot of stamps..so no doubt the weekend will see me stamping my little heart out. I just love stamping and don't get to do as much as I want to..but I shall designate the weekend to playing with my inks. I may even get my embossing powders out. Something to look forward to...see it doesn't take that much to make me happy..lol

Well the coffee is calling..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

The shelf Cat

Todays card is another from the new Joanna Sheen cdrom...Janet Kruskamp..The Collection. I loved this cat on a shelf image as it reminds me of my tribe. They are very attached to the set of shelves that I have had built to hold my crafting stash. The cats often complain about my stuff being on there and have been known to send piles of stash tumbling onto my head..lol. They all have their own little spaces and it's really funny when people visit and don't always notice the cats. Then it becomes like a game..all of a sudden they will exclaim..oh there's a cat up there and then they notice another and then another...and it continues. It always makes me laugh. On this card I used a backing paper from another Joanna Sheen cd...it's one of my favourites from The Age of Elegance cdrom, and is a William Morris design. The plant pot at the side I created using a diecut plant pot, diecut leaves and sequin flowers. I coloured the leaves and plant pot with my copics. I have yet to put a greeting on this card as I thought it would be a good card to have ready in my stash for whatever comes along. I decided to make myself a stash of cards ready for any occasion..I always seem to making a card for someone in a rush..never seeming to have any on standby...hopefully I can rectify this problem.

Here in the mountains it is a lovely day.I have been up since early getting some cards ready to post off. And what a problem that turned into. I have found a bunch of what seemed to be 8x8 cards and have been working with them only to discover that they are even larger. I cannot remember where I got these from..they are a lovely quality but today when I came to put them into a padded bag to post..they wouldn't fit..so that means that they are even wider than normal A4.So I had to construct a larger envelope for the cards to go in.And I can honestly say that my head wasn't in the right place this morning to cope..lol I also wanted to photograph my next batch of cards only to discover that the battery on the camera wanted charging..and could I find the charger. Of course I had put it in a safe place..and forgotten where that was. It took me half an hour of searching my brain to remember..lol And that was the beginning to my day..lol.

Well the coffee is calling and lots more work to do.I hope you have a great day..so until tomorrow take care and happy crafting.

Country Cat

My excitement knows no limits today. As a member of the fabulous Crafting Musketeers design team, I have been lucky enough to work with this beautiful image by Helz Cuppleditch. I have made this card for the new challenge over at the Crafting Musketeers Challenge blog. There is a fabulous prize of a selection of crafting goodies. Why not pop over and take a look at the prize and join in the fun.As with most of the designs I have been working with lately please be aware that all copyright to this image belongs to Helz Cuppleditch. I have to say it has been great to work with such a beautiful image. And a cat..what more could I ask for..lol. I have coloured the main image with my copics and then mounted a die cut oval over the top. I then added some diecut leaves and some little flowers which I had drawn to match. These too were coloured with my copics. All of this I mounted onto some gingham paper from my stash, adding some lace and ribbon. And of course to comply with the challenge theme, I added some buttons. I think it is a really pretty card but then I am biased because of the cute little kitten on the image.

Today is a lovely day here in the mountains..I have just got back from taking Reg for a wheel. Today it took nearly an hour and a half...I was of course chatting. Reg had given up and taken himself to a shady spot and lay down. I'm sure he mutters to himself..god my mother can't half talk..lol. It was a lovely chat with a lovely lady..I think we put the world to rights and ended up finding out that we both loved painting. She is in process of having a studio put up. I am so lucky in a lot of ways that I share my days with some fabulously talented people. I strive everyday to become a little better at what I do and love to share the results. Only 2 cats came with us today..Jeff and Rave. Jeff has been in so much trouble this week, I could just do a blog based on his exploits..lol. Last night I was making scones..yes I know..again..but I decided to make some apricot ones which I love. Well I had just finished chopping them and had turned round to get a bowl and there was Jeff pinching them. I shouted at him to get down..which he did, turned round to get the bowl and blow me..there he was again. He obviously like apricots too. The air I have to say was pretty blue. And the whole time he just looks at me as much to say what is your problem mother..lol. I have to say that my cats certainly keep me on my toes.

Well the coffee is calling and the work is piling up. I shall just have to focus, get my head down and get on with it. I hope you will pop over to the Crafting musketeers and take a look. There are some fabulous creations on there, made by the other members of the design team..a wonderful source of inspiration. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Afternoon tea

Todays card is another from Joanna Sheens...Janet Kruskamp..The Collection.I just love this image. Oh how I would like to be sat there..ready to partake of a nice cup of tea and a cake. I have actually seen this image before now and never could find out who painted it..but now I know. The fan embellishment is made using a Signature die...I coloued the roses and the leaves with my copics.I always had a thing for fans when I was little..perhaps it was my inner self telling me that I would need one when I reached a certain age..lol. I have been known to be fanning myself when it's been -10 outside. I had thought that my hot flushes had gone but they've come back with a vengence.

I've had quite a day today. I rang the council to complain about the pavement again. Ever since they originally laid it years ago..every time it rains..my path floods. Well they came to resurface it not long ago..and have managed to make it even worse. They have now made a lip between my path and the pavement. So much in fact that I managed to catch my toe on it and went flying..me, Reg and the wheelchair all ended up the path in a right mess. I rang them today and they have promised to fix it within the next couple of weeks. I told them that I was a large lady and falling over was not my favourite thing. So we shall have to wait and see if they live up to their promises.

At the same time I mentioned that the kerb was supposed to being dropped to help me and the wheelchair. And it made perfect sense to me that it should all be done at the same time and therefore not make a patchwork of the pavement surface. Obviously this is too much for the council to deal with. Accordingly it is a different department that deals with dropped curbs and therefore it can't be arranged for the same time. Communication does not seem to be something that happens in the local council. So I will just have to wait and see what happens next.

Well the coffee is calling and my order book is running a bit slowly..I've got lots to do and will share it with you this week. So until tomorrow ...take care and happy crafting