Merry Christmas

I've just looked through all the christmas cards that I've made and I think that this is my favourite of the year. So I'm sending it to you all to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As most of you know this year has been a very hard year and christmas especially has been very difficult and upsetting time. But thanks to you all and all your messages of support and friendship, I have made it through.
I've decided that from today, I'm going to take the time off until the new year. So this will be my last blog of 2014. I will return in the new year with lots of new cards and new ideas. I have lots of plans for in the new year which I will share with you all then. I will also have some exciting news. But for now I'm off to put the carols on and do some christmas baking.

So from my heart, I hope you all have a fantastic christmas. Lots of love to you and yours..take care and as always happy crafting..Genny xxx

The Farmyard Robin

Todays card is the most made card I produce. I just love it and the fact that it appeared on a cdrom that I never expected is an added bonus. This image and backing paper is on the Leslie Anne Ivory Cats cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. I never expected this image and I was so pleased when I found it. I have of course glittered the image. What I really like about this image is that the farm in the background looks so much like the farmhouses in the valley here. What has always made me laugh is that the outbuildings are always so much bigger than the house itself. After all the animals were the important things and you had to make sure that they were looked after to enable you to make a living. But as you look at this picture it's just the same as the farms round here.

It's a cold day here in the mountains today. It has spent most of the morning hailing. The nip has returned to the air..so I've got my winter socks on,,it's not as cold as I need my leggings yet but it may come to that yet, I was feeling rough yesterday after my B12 injection..I don't know why it affects me like that but I'm the same with every injection. I was in bed by 8.30 last night. The cats looked at me as if I had lost my mind but they didn't mind the electric blanket..lol. And I must have needed to go to bed..for the first time in an age..I slept through until 8 this morning. I woke up feeling as if I was 17..lol. If only I could convince my legs that they were 17. I'm expecting deliveries today, so I'm sat by the window. I still haven't finished wrapping but I aim to do all that this weekend. I've got some cards to finish which hopefully I will do today.

As far as my christmas preparations are going, I think I've nearly finished. The veg is coming next week..it's got to be the smallest amount that I've ordered in the last 25 years. It seems so strange thinking back over the years..my life can be compared to how many pounds of sprouts I buy at christmas..lol But still to me it wouldn't be christmas without them. I now do them with bacon,chestnuts and pinenuts and personally would be quite happy with a big bowl of them for myself. The only thing that I could add is that it's probably just as well I only share my bed with the animals. They aren't judgemental..lol. I'm having turkey on christmas day with gammon on christmas eve ..maybe..I may have it on Boxing day..I haven't decided yet. I'm just waiting for some presents that I've ordered that should come in the post today..then I'm all done.

It will be a hard christmas this year but I have lots of happy memories of christmas past. I can't imagine that life will ever be the same again but I have to count my blessings. I have such a lot of things to be thankful for.

Well the coffee is calling and a caffeine hit is needed. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

Snowman and Friends

Todays card is from the Giordano Christmas cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. I started on this card by mounting some green gingham paper onto some red backing card. I then mounted the image onto some of the same red card. I of course had to glitter it..lol. I added an embellishment ofa diecut poinsettia, holly leaves and foliage.

We are even more in Brigadoon today than we were yesterday. I don't know about not seeing down the valley..I can't even see across the road today. It's as if the mountains have drawn their curtains and the world outside doesn't exist. As far as the cats are concerned, they're not even going out to check..lol. They all keep going to the window, looking and then go back to the basket,I can't say that I blame them. It was a wild night with the rain lashing down and the wind raging. I was glad to be cosy in my recess in the bedroom..the bed was toasty, the cats were cuddled round and I had a great book. I was one happy bunny.

Christmas seems to be rushing towards us at a great speed. I've got lots of wrapping to do and I still have some friends presents to make. Hopefully today I will get them finished. I'm just so tired today for some reason. I think that perhaps I need some caffeine to boost production..lol. I had a visit off the district nurse today to give me my B12 injection which was due today. It seems that I'll have to have these for the rest of my life..what a joy. The nurse always expects me to look forward to it, as most people say that they notice such a difference when they have it..but I don't. All I get is a headache for 2 days after. Goodness I am whinging fool today..lol I need to get a grip and find some festive feeling.

Well as the coffee is definitely calling I'd better do something about it.So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Thomas Kinkade..part 2

Todays card as promised is from the new Thomas Kinkade paper pad brought to us by Joanna Sheen. It is a design team make for the fabulous team over at JB Crafting Supplies. I love this image and think it would be a great card to send in the spring, also I think it would be a card suitable for a male or female.. I have mounted the image onto some green card and have used some plain coloured backing paper.I love the fact that there is so much detail in the image and also that you could use the image on a variety of different sized cards. It really is a great little pad to add to your stash.

The mists are down low here in the mountains today. Somedays we really look as if we live in Brigadoon.You can look round and it's really as if the rest of the world isn't out there. There is no view down the valley just a wall of white mist. All the cats are in..most of them I have to say have taken themselves off to bed and no not their own but mine. And the electric blanket isn't even on..lol
They have all been busy keeping an eye on the freezer though. They know that there is a lot of meat in there and everytime I go to touch the handle.. a little head will pop up. After yesterday and Jeffrey trying to head off with the bag containing the gammon..they're all on the lookout.

So how are you getting on with your christmas preparations? I have finally finished buying christmas presents...I've just waiting for 7 to arrive in the post..I'm just hoping that they arrive in time. Since I've placed the orders, all I keep hearing is the backlog of deliveries. Keep your fingers crossed for me..lol. I'm planning to have a few days of baking next week. I know I'm sad but I find it really relaxing. I'll have some christmas tunes on the cd player and spend a couple of days baking and getting my kitchen ready for christmas. Some things I know that I'm going to find hard...Henry and I always made mince pies together..chatting and laughing..these are memories that this year will be hard to deal with. I'll just keep counting my blessings and remember the special years that I was allowed to share with him.

Well the coffee is calling and I've lots to do..presents to wrap and cards still to make. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Thomas Kinkade Christmas

If you like Thomas Kinkade images, please read the blog tomorrow..I will be sharing some fabulous images from the new paper pad from Joanna Sheen. They are not christmas images, so will be the perfect pad to set you off crafting in the new year. By the time that I've finished making all the christmas cards, I love to have new projects to look forward to. The paper pad is available from Julie at JB-Crafting Supplies. There are two available as well as other designs. The paper pads are great value for money and so handy to have in your stash.

What a busy couple of days. So to make up for not blogging I have decided to share 3 of my Thomas Kinkade Christmas cards with you. All the images are from the Thomas Kinkade triple cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. All the images in my mind call that little bit of added sparkle, so I've added a little glitter.

I have used diecuts to embellish all the cards and all the images have been mounted onto gold mirri. For any information on the dies that I've used, please message me and I'll be more than happy to let you know.

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I have to admit to being exhausted. My friends Sunshine and Mr. 5 Cheeks came to visit and it was so nice to see them both. Sunshine and I exchanged presents and she has teased me by saying that I wasn't to open them until the day itself. I was allowed 2 of them but now as I'm sat here the others are waving at me..lol. The two presents that I was allowed are fantastic. One is an owl for the owl tree. I will have to take a photo so you can share in the madness that is my house. The other present was something I'd seen and loved. It is a costa mug with two handles. I can imagine it filled with hot chocolate all over the festive season. I have threatened the cats that if they go near it there will be no turkey come christmas..lol. And talking of turkey..well we nearly lost that and the gammon. I had a tesco delivery today and Jeffrey made it there first. I had to convince him to let go of the gammon bag...luckily he didn't gethold og the gammon..just the carrier bag. One thing I must say is that if you have a tesco delivery..make sure that they have taken any offers into account ..I had bought a couple of things that were on offer and I noticed that the offer hadn't been taken into account. Now I rang and have had the money refunded...though accordingly it will take up to 5 working days. I know that it's not a lot of money but if they forgot to take the money off a few orders they could be rolling in it. I mean I was down £5 and do that to a hundred orders..what can you say. So please check all your orders. Times are hard enough for everyone.

Well the coffee is calling..well shouting actually..lol..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Under the mistletoe

Todays card is from Joanna Sheens Hollypong Hill Christmas cdrom. As many of you know, I love this cd and all it's images. I can't believe just how much is packed into this cd. There are fabulous backing papers as well. The image today I mounted onto some burgundy card, as I also did with the backing paper. I made a little mistle toe bough to go with the card. I used pearls to represent the mistletoe berries. When I was little I made a lot of pocket money selling mistletoe at the farm gate. Of course that was in the dark ages when children could be left to do something like that without any worries.I used to make quite a lot of money selling various things at the gate..mistletoe, holly, eggs, berries. I was always surprised at what people would buy. I mean I used to pick berries for free and was amazed that people would buy them when they could have so easily picked their own. These days I find it hard to pick blackberries because I can't get the wheelchair into the field where the best brambles are. But I'm lucky enough to have a couple of friends who picked some for me..so I can still have the taste of summer in the middle of winter.

When I was in my teens, I used to earn money by picking soft fruit at a fruit farm..strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries..they were fun times. At the weekends I used to work on a cheese stall at the local market. I can still cut a pound of cheese off a round with none over..lol. I don't know what use it is to me now but it's one of my hidden talents..lol. I also used to be able to pick up six eggs in each hand and put them into their boxes..it's just something that happened when I was working at it every week. The job that I hated the most was unwrapping a whole Stilton at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Don't get me wrong..I love a piece of good stilton and some grapes but the smell of a whole one first thing in a morning was not a good thing.

The weather here in the mountains is not too bad today..it's still cold but not as miserable as it was. I took my life into my hands this morning and changed the papers in the cat pens...lol. The thing is that I was given some newspapers to use and the house where they came from has a cat and obviously a lot of catnip. When the papers arrived all my cats went mad. Loving the paper and rolling on it..they have never before had such a reaction to catnip...lol Well the minute I put it into the pens, the cats in them went into raptures. They are all asleep at the moment..having worn themselves out with the catnip. I'm going to have to find out where they get it from...it's so worth the spectacle.

I think I went into christmas meltdown last night. All of a sudden, it was all too much. It took 4 cigarettes, three pills and 2 cups of coffee to calm down.But I'm fine now...I've worked everything out..made lists and now am calm again. A plan is all that I needed and now everything looks alot more manageable. I intend to just plod my way through..slowly as I only have one speed. My friends Sunshine and Mr. 5 cheeks are coming on monday..I'm so looking forward to that.So I'd better be getting on. I'm off now for my daily dose of caffeine..well my third actually...so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Jiggery Makery Apres Ski

Todays card is one that I've made for some friends of mine. They regularly go skiing as a family but the Mum doesn't ski but really enjoys the apres..lol.She lets them all go off skiing all day while she enjoys sitting by the fire sipping on hot chocolate..and who could blame her. She has always said to me that she'd sooner be inside looking at the snow, than outside freezing and falling over.

The digi design is called Cindy and is the work of Adele over at Jiggery Makery. There is a link to her page on the sidebar. Why not pop over and see all the other delicious ladies. I printed out Cindy to fit an A5 card. I then coloured her using my copics and cut her out. I have to say that I really enjoyed colouring her jumper..I just love the detail. I decided to colour her so that she is only wearing her jumper and shorts because that's what my friend does..stays so warm that she could walk round in a tshirt..lol. She is always fresh and ready for all the partying that happens later on. I created a background for the card using my copics and some glitter. The other members of the team have made some fantastic projects..why not pop over and take a look.

Well today is really the day for some hot chocolate..it's hailing and snowing outside here in the mountains today. All the cats have been for a look outside and have given up on the idea of going out. I don't blame them..lol. I received a present in the post today which was a lovely surprise.It was a black lace scarf and some marzipan fruits which I love.I have got to get to grips with my presents. They are at the moment all in boxes in my bedroom..I really do need to sort them out. I haven't even got enough wrapping paper yet. How is your christmas prep going? I've still got some presents to get..at least I know what I want to get now...that's one better on last week where I didn't have a clue..lol. As most of you know, this christmas has been hard going but Henry always loved this time of year and I know he would hate the thought of me not celebrating in some way. He will always be with me but at christmas I intend to make it a special time and remember all the wonderful memories we shared.

The coffee is calling and then I have to make some christmas cards for myself. I haven't decided what images to use yet, and also I need to make some more notelets as a present. So if nothing else..I'll be busy. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

In a stable

Todays card is an unusual one. It features all the baby animals around the manger. I just love the details that the artist has managed to achieve. It's hard to pick my favourite animal but the little black donkey is just so cute. The image itself is part of the nativity section that forms only a small part of the Giordano Christmas cdrom by Joanna Sheen. This cd has been one of my most used christmas cds..I can find an image for just about anyone on this cd.

Again the weather has spent all the night trying to blow the tiles off the roof. Sometimes there's nothing nicer than being in bed all warm and cosy, listening to the weather rage outside. I had 3 of the cats with me last night..Raven,Tankie and Sprout had all followed the call of the electric blanket..lolIt was hard trying to read my book around them. All of the other cats spent the night with Nicademus on my wheelchair, except for Jeffrey..who just had to be with Reg. It seems to me that everynight Reg and Jeff manage to get themselves into trouble. Last nights disgrace was that they had ripped a part a binbag that was holding a box full of shredded paper..and of course you can imagine what the parlour looked like this morning. I have been picking up tiny little pieces of paper all day and I can still see some from where I'm sat.

I have friends visiting on Monday and am very excited to say the least. I intend spending the weekend getting the kitchen tidy and hopefully getting the rest of the crates unpacked. My friend hasn't seen the kitchen since it's been done so I'm hoping that she will like it.

Well my friend the sparkle has just arrived so I'm hoping that a coffee with be forthcoming.I may get one it just depends if Jeffrey leaves him alone.At the moment Jeff is thinking that he will unpack the paper again. He's just pulled an empty cat food tin out again...I can see it's going to be one of those days with him..lol. I'd better go and sort him out...so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Farm Cat

Todays card is from the Joanna Sheen cdrom Nostalgia which features the art work of Kevin Walsh. This cdrom is a double cd and the second disc in the set has a christmas theme. A lot of traditional images which I like to use year after year. I may use the same image year after year but the card will never be the same. It will always depend on my choice of backing paper and what decorations I decide to use. For this card I have used a silver coloured poinsettia with a flourish that has snowflakes and pearls. I of course love this image of a black cat. To me it looks the most like pandora who id prettys cat..who is also the sister of Rave, Milky and Tankie. And this is the actual card that pretty has bought for his parents. It's safe to share it as neither of his parents read my blog..so I'm not spoiling the surprise..lol. As you can tell I've also glittered the image. All the snow in the farmyard was calling to be glittered.

What on earth is going on the weather. I feel so much for the people in the scottish isles who have seen 50foot high waves and have lost their power. I'm amazed that we kept our power here last night. The wind continued to rage and all the cats thought that home was the best place to be. And as it's still raining and windy..no-one seems to be moving. Of course that means I'm being pestered by little furry bodies wanting to sit on the computer as I'm writing..lol. It's  the same when I reading a book or magazine..they always want to be between you and the book. And the trouble that I have trying to read a book when I'm in bed..you just wouldn't believe. Many a morning I've woken up to a stiff neck.

Honestly somedays I wonder what my life would be like without my cats.Don't get me wrong, I would never be without them but I do sometimes wonder what a normal life would be like..lol. I was just on my way to the bathroom and there were 5 of them demanding food. Now they have had more than enough to last them until supper but if you had seen them you would have thought that they hadn't been fed for a fortnight. I tried ignoring them but they then came into bathroom with me and all tried to get on my knee. And I thought to myself whenever will I get a bit of peace. They nag me in a morning and it continues all day..lol. But it comes to something when you can't even go to the loo. I'm safe behind the computer for a few minutes..Sprout is on the couch, Reg, Jeff and Tank are in the basket and Rave is on my knee. Everyone else is downstairs on the wheelchair. Oh for the quiet life..lol

So it won't be long until I go down to start dinner. Tonight I'm going to make fried chicken, mashed potatoes and chicken gravy. Not gravy like water but gravy like they make in KFC. It's something we don't have because it's probably an 60 mile round trip to the nearest..if not more. So I'm going to make my own. And I think I'll do sweetcorn as well. I don't know what is going on lately with gravy. Is it a north south thing. I have always had a thick gravy not coloured water. I see so many cooking programmes and they say gravy and it's nothing but water. What do you like? I've made myself hungry now..so I'd better go and do something about it..lol

But first as always, I think a cup of coffee is called for. That little hit of caffeine will ensure that I get downstairs. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Christmas Cottage

Todays card features a real christmas cottage as painted by Thomas Kinkade. The image is from the Thomas kinkade triple cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. Of the 3 discs one is just christmas designs.I just love these images and always spend quite a time glittering them. I mounted the image onto some gold mirri, as I did with the plain backing paper. I decided to use a plain backing paper because I wanted the image to be the focal point without anything taking the view away from the cottage. What you can't see clearly in the picture is the amount of glitter and how it shimmers. The only embellishment is the wreath at the bottom.

It is certainly blowing a hooly here in the mountains today. All night the wind has raged and continues to do so now. All the cats are inside and by the looks of it..are not intending to leave the house any time soon.Reg is curled up in his basket. It seems to be one of those days. I had the nurse visit this morning to take my blood and she said that it was wild on the roads. I've been told to be a good girl and to keep off my legs today..I over did it a bit yesterday. But no doubt I will be better tomorrow...at least I can do a little work today. I make notecards as gifts for a couple of my friends and I need to get on with them. I'm thinking maybe some Janet Kruskamp or perhaps some images from One Summers Day. I will share them with you as soon as I've done them. It's so nice to be able to make gifts for friends. I have been so lucky in my life..my friends have been so supportive since losing Henry..I know that I can talk about him and even if I buble they know what to do...just hand me the tissues and talk about something else. It's the only way that I can cope with it at the moment. and they all understand that. In the early days after Henry passed..they got me through and I will be forever grateful. As I always say..count your blessings..and my friends are definitely a blessing.

Well the coffee is calling..so I'm off to find a caffeine hit. And then perhaps I shall spend a little time with the printer. I hope that it's in a good mood today..somedays the air becomes blue..paper jam, running out of paper, running out of ink, dog pulls the lead out..any of these can send me in to a tail spin..lol. Yes I know it's only a piece of machinery but it can still drive me mad  So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Christmas music

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. It uses a Joanna Sheen stamp from the favourite flowers range..christmas flowers..music. I have given the stamped image a soft feel by using my watercolour pencils. I stamped,coloured and added them to a backing paper from my stash. Both the main image and the backing paper have been mounted onto some gold mirri. I have of course had to add a little fine glitter.

Well what a day it's been today. I was up at a ridiculous time and hoped to get loads done and I have and now I'm worn out. I had a meat delivery today..just chicken and minced beef for the freezer. I got a really good deal on 5kg of chicken and 8lb of mince. It is now in the freezer waiting to be made into meatballs, ragu sauce and anything else I can come up with. It maybe chicken and mushroom pie for dinner tonight. Well at first I put all the meat into portions and put it into the freezer and then I decided to unpack some of the kitchen..finally. I now have a working worktop. The microwave, the kenwood, the food processor and the slow cooker are all now in place. I managed to unpack 4 crates of stuff but still have about 6 to go. But I've definitely done enough for today. My legs don't want to move at the moment..so I've put them up and intend to stay here until it's time to make dinner. A painkiller may be needed to help with the cooking..lol

Because of all this virtuous..lol..work. I'm so late blogging. The light in the valley is not great and I've had to try lots of different areas to try and get a little better light. Some days it's just like that.I think all the cats hate me today. When I was in the kitchen working..they of course all wanted to help and did nothing but get in the way of the wheelchair. They seemed to like sitting under it and then complaining every time I moved. There is plenty of room round the kitchen but you would never know it if you saw them playing about. As soon as I wiped a piece of worktop..one of them would jump on it. There was a lot of shouting in the kitchen today..it's the latin in me. I make a lot f noise..but really I'm just full of hot air..lol And you could do with lots of that here today..it's freezing here. I've got my blanket on my legs and of course I have a Raven on my knee.

Well the coffee is calling as well as the pain killer. I hope all your christmas preparations are going well. I've just managed to get my orders out and have realised that I haven't any cards left for myself..lol. So I'll have to get my working head on. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

In the stable

Todays card has got to be one of my christmas staples. Whenever I look through my cds every year..I always have to print this one.I love the donkey and the puppies. I always glitter the images as well. This picture always puts me in mind of one of Henrys and my favourite christmas film. The film is a cartoon film called Annabels Wish and it tells the story of a little calf that wants to be one of Santas reindeer. In the film all the farmyard animals get their voices at midnight on Christmas eve. And this image always makes me think that they may be having a chat on Christmas Eve. Daft I know but that's the way I am. At this point I have to admit to crying my eyes out at the end of this cartoon film. Henry always took the mickey out of me..but we always made a point of watching it every christmas. And another reason to just love this christmas film is that the voice over is done by Randy Travis..a country singer and his voice alone can give me goosebumps..lol

It's still cold here in the mountains...all the cats are inside. Jeffrey and Reginald are so far in the dog house..they're nearly in the shed..lol. Last night they raided my stash and ate my stollen..the second one. Now I think that they have gone way too far now. Yesterday they ate their way through a stollen, 5 cherry scones and a pack of meaty chunks and the whole living room looked as if they had had a party. So last night I had put everything out of their way..or so I thought. Stupid me. I am seriously thinking of getting the two of them silly hats and making them wear them every time they're naughty. And what makes it worse is that when I get up in the morning..everyone is telling me just how hungry they are when I know that at least 2 of them are telling lies..lol

I had a lovely surprise last night. A surprise visitor. My friend pretty boy came to see me. It felt as if I hadn't seen him for an age.It was great to catch up. Pretty was Henrys best friend and has always felt a part of the family. His girlfriend is lovely and is training to be a vet..bless her it's a lot of work. I shall call her the beauty, as she is. Reg finds her irresistible and doesn't leave her side when she visits. Our Reg really is a ladies man...he has a collection of special ladies who he goes all soft with. it's just so funny to see.

Well the coffee is calling and then it will be back to the dreaded inserts..lol. I'm hoping to get all the cards for posting ready. So today will see me finishing off and bagging them all. And then I'll get to sort my own out. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Blue and Silver

Todays card make is a design team make for the great team over at Gruffies and Guests. The challenge for this month is blue and silver and of course you have to use a gruffie, happy hopper or a house mouse.This months challenge is sponsered by Shaz and the prize is some rubber stamps featuring of course the wonderful Gruffies and some decoupage sheets. A great prize..one I wouldn't mind winning myself but as I'm on the design team I can't enter..lol. But you could. Please pop over to the blog..there is a link on the sidebar..and join in the fun. The other members of the design team have made some fabulous creations if you need a little inspiration.

The card I have made today is from the Triple House Mouse cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen .I mounted the backing paper and the image onto some silver holographic card. I just loved this image of the mice with the bows on their heads..I embellished the card using my die cut snowflakes. Every year I add to my collection. Diecutting has really changed the way that I decorate my cards. What I find really good is that they don't add too much height which is just as well with the postage rates being so high.It's something that you have to bear in mind when wanting to use a normal stamp. The only other thing that I've added is some jewels, another thing which I always keep in my stash.

I'm sat by my window today and all I can hear is the loudest noise of birds.. I can't see them but by goodness I can hear them. They must be gathering before they leave for the winter. It's still cold here but not as bad as yesterday. It was a real fight last night trying to get into bed..the animals had claimed it as theirs..the electric blanket was to blame..lol. Even Reg had managed to climb up and get himself under the quilt. It seems that Nicademus and Obie have moved back home for the winter. Nicademus has taken over my wheelchair in between meals..lol. Obie is just walking round seeing howmany of the others she can upset. She really is a little madam..lol. I've always said that she doesn't like me..she loves Reg and Nicademus and really adored Henry. Ever since he arrived in the house she has looked at me as if I'm something bad under her paw..lol..mind you she does allow me to feed her and as long as I do that when I'm told she will put up with me.

How are your christmas preparations going on. I'm despairing of the whole thing at the moment..I've nearly finished my shopping for presents but am finding it really hard to be inspired. Normally I've spent ages trying to find something special for everyone but this year it feels as if my brain won't work. I need to spend a night and go through my lists and see where I am. I miss Henry..he was always such a help in deciding what to get people but I'll just have to do it all in his memory..I know he would want me to have a christmas. So I'll count my blessings and carry on.

 Well the coffee is calling and then I've got a pile of work to do.I hope that you have a great weekend.
So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Snowflakes

Todays card is a design team make for the great team over at Jiggery Makery. Let me introduce you to Cindy. I just love this digital design and can imagine using her on lots of cards and not just christmas. If you get the chance please pop over to the Jiggery Makery blog and take a look at the fabulous makes created by my team mates. I wanted to make a funny card that I could send to a friend. I printed Cindy onto some white card and coloured her with my watercolour pencils. I loved colouring the jumper..it's just the sort of thing I love to do. I created the background on the card by first using a piece of backing paper that looked like a snowing sky. I then used a torn piece of paper to give the illusion of snow. I then added some glitter to the snow in the sky and to the snowy background. It is a crystal glitter ut when I took the photo, it has picked up the pink shimmer. It is the same with the large snowflakes..they are white but they do have a beige/pink glimmer..and the camera has again picked up the pink. And I have to say I like it. One of the reasons that I love the Jiggery Makery girls is their versatility. You have the opportunity to make a serious card or one that's a little sexy or saucy. After all you are making the card and with these great images you can take your own pick of which way you take the card.

It's still very cold here. The sun is shining but we aren't far from freezing. All of my cats are still in today. They are in the process of eating me out of house and home. If you saw the tummies that they all have..you'd think that they would be fine for a week..lol. As I was making dinner last night, they all sat in the kitchen telling me how hungry they were. Such lies. I had to ask my friend the grump to get me some more today. I know that calling someone the grump but if you knew my friend you would understand..lol. I always call him the grump because, as I tell him, he's not happy unless he's moaning. And whatever you do for him..he will find some way of moaning. But underneath the gruff and grumpy exterior there lurks a great friend. And I always work on the theory that it takes all sorts to make a world..lol

Well the coffee is calling and I definitely need a caffeine hit. I'm feeling so tired. I had a really bad night last night and feel as if I could fall asleep on a log..lol. This weekend I have to get all my parcels ready for posting off next week. Lots and lots to do..but I'm sure a large cup of coffee will help the cause. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

The Vixen and the pine cone

Todays card is from the Giordano Christmas cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen. It has been a number of years since Joanna released this cd and it's one I get out every christmas. There are so many different types of images ..it's hard to know where to start. I of course had to do the vixen..it's half of the name of my business. Henry and I decided that we would call the business Vixenvarg to represent the both of us. Vixen for me because I love foxes and everything country and varg for Henry. Varg is an old name for a wolf and Henry loved wolves and old legends. The wolf also features on our family crest. On the crest it is actually what they call a collared wolf..which fits so well because as a family we have always been surrounded by animals. And so Vixenvarg came into being. Now of course there is only me but I hope to keep the business going to honour Henrys memory. On the card above I just used the large image and some die cuts. The die cuts of the ivy leaves are from the signature die range from Joanna Sheen. The pine cone dies are from the Tattered Lace range. They are my favourite dies of a pine cone because of the amount of detail. As always I try to recommend dies that cut well every time and offer great value for money. I have in the past bought some really expensive die ranges and they have been nothing but trouble. If, when reading my blog see a die that yu like and I haven't mentioned from which range it comes from..just message me and I'll tell you. There are so many craft companies out there all competing for our money...and as a crafter always want the best value..and with dies we need to know that they are going to cut cleanly everytime. One thing that I have planned for next year is that once a week on the blog I'm going to feature a product or range that I love to use. Now I won't be getting anything from any company to do this..so you can rely on getting the truth. There are, as I've already said, so many companies competing for our money  so I thought why not share what I've found out over all my years of crafting. I think that it will be a fun thing to do and if it helps in any way then all the better.

It's certainly a cold one here in the mountains today. Two of my outside cats came in last night..so that proved it to me how the temperature had dropped. Nicademus and Oberon are my two tabbies and are a bit like Laurel and Hardy. They will not be separated. If they're out..they're together and if one comes in then the other is not far behind. Nicademus seems to have made himself comfy on top of the fridge freezer and had plenty to say while I was cooking dinner. He is half Bengal and is a big boy but very stubborn.He loves being an outside cat but come the first hard frosts..he knows it's better at home.And then there's Obie..she is the prima donna of the house. You will only get a fuss if she decides..otherwise she will spend most of the day looking down her nose at you..lol.

Well the coffee is calling and I've decided that I'm going to be using my watercolour pencils. I haven't used them for a while..I use my paints but the pencils have sat there for a while..so I thought..it's about time they had an airing.So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Snow is falling

Todays card is from Joanna Sheens Victorian Christmas triple cdrom.I just love the image of the blue tits on the pine branches. I mounted the image onto some silver mirri, along with the backing paper.I also glittered the image. I then die cut some poinsettias and holly leaves in white to embellish the card. I also added a glittered peeloff. I also added some silver swirls.

Well what a day today and I'm only half way through..lol. I was expecting a tesco delivery this morning ut it hasn't happened. I had a phonecall from the delivery driver to tell me that the van had broken down about 5 miles away. Bless her..it was freezing outside. She said that she had asked another person from the village ( who also had a delivery booked) if they could bring my shopping as they were picking their own up but they said no. I thought well there's a good dose of community spirit. When I think what I've done for people in the village over the years..it took my breath away. But what can you do. So here I was surrounded by a tribe of meandering cats who just wanted their breakfast..lol. Well one of my friends turned up and has offered to go and pick it up..goodness help him..he's gone to get 90 tins of cat food..lol. He may get mugged by the tribe when he gets back..lol.

Yesterday I said that I was going to try to make a bauble wreath for the door..well it just went from bad to oh my god in a short length of time. Once I'd started it didn't take me long to realise that I didn't have enough baubles to do an entire wreath. But I decided to make half the circle with baubles and cover the rest with ribbons and tinsel. So I continued.And I have to say I liked it and was happy with what I had created. Well then bedtime happened. I went to sleep, not giving it a second thought. Well this morning it looked as if christmas had exploded in the parlour. It seems to me that Jeffrey had, had a hell of a night. The parlour was littered with the baubles..he must have spent the night stripping them from their wreath and then chasing them round the parlour. As I speak, I can spy another two under the oak chest..lol. So it seems to me that the wreath is not to be..lol. I had thought of repairing it..but Jeff has managed to break every bauble from it's little holder. Only Jeffrey could cause this chaos..lol.

Well the coffee is definitely calling today. I've got orders to do...so that will keep me busy this afternoon.I shall spend my time glancing at the pile of baubles wondering what to do with 32 broken baubles..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Party Nights

Todays card is a design team make for the amazing team over at The Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog. The new challenge is Use bling and the challenge is sponsered by the lovely Jackie Western at Party Nights Creations. There is a wonderful prize which features paper pads, die cuts, gems and ribbons. Why not pop over using the link on the sidebar of this blog and have a go. If you need some inspiration there are some fantastic cards from the other members of the design team. My card features the wonderful Gruffies from the Joanna Sheen cdrom..Gruffies and Happy Hoppers. I mounted the image and the backing paper onto some blue glitter card. I then used some die cut baubles to decorate the card. I used glittery peeloffs to act as the bauble strings..I then decided to add more of the strings to look like streamers..I added some gems to add a little more twinkle.

It's a lovely day here in the mountains..the sun is shining but there is a definate nip in the air. I have decided that later this week I'm going to decorate the house for christmas..nt as I normally would do but perhaps a wreath on the door and  my owl tree in the parlour. My owl tree was something I made last year with Henry. Henry collected some twigs from outside and then we did the messy job of painting then white, then glittered them. We had a collection of owl decorations which we hung from the owl tree. We always laughed, wondering how long it would take the cats to wreck our creation but they never have. So I'm going to put the owl tree in a prime position for christmas to honour a precious memory. I think that I'm also going to make a bauble wreath for the door. Henry and I always loved the wreaths made of baubles but could never afford one so I've decided to make my own. My idea involves some gold and red baubles and a wire coat hanger. I will share a picture of it if it works out. That's the thing with my bright ideas..you never know if they're going to work. We shall see.

The cats are still loving the electric blanket. I'm sure that they think that it's been sent for them  and only them. The trouble that I have trying to get my legs down the bed around little furry bodies that don't want to move off the quilt is so funny. Sprout has begun to get on the bed right after their supper and stays there all night. Last night when I went to bed..he was super toasty and not moving for anyone or anything..lol Pinkie is still in and has a lot to say. I have put her in a cat pen during the day..mainly to build her up a bit after her adventures..and she seems to be loving all the attention. She comes out after I have dinner and stays out all night..well she's out of the pen but is on the bed of warmth..lol. She has been so funny since she came home..everyone who visits has to be told her tales of woe..she sits there looking them straight in the face..meowing at them and if they say anything to her..she looks to all the world as if she is listening and answering them. It's so hard trying to write this blog today as  Milky is determined to sit between me and the computer. So I'm getting neck strain trying to see the keys over her. I have tried to put her down 4 times and she just keeps coming back..lol. As many of you will know if you have cats..once they've decided on a course of action...there's no stopping them. The worst offenders for this have always been my Birman cats.. I used to have one called Jeremy and would just keep going..13 times I tried to get him to move and then I gave up. Another Birman  I had called Holly was exactly the same. You just have to laugh.

I hope that your own christmas preparations are going well and that you're not wearing yourself out. I have a friend who says that christmas wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the women in the family. That so many women wear themselves out making christmas magical for everyone else. I don't know how I feel about that statement but I do know that many christmas mornings saw me exhausted. So if you are doing all the organising and preparations..spare a thought for yourself. Give yourself some little treats and get to enjoy some of the festivities yourself

Well the coffee is calling and then I've got orders to sort out .I have some orders that have to go out in the next week or so..so more insert making this next weekend..lol. But I know that I'll feel virtuous at the end of it.So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Poinsettia Wreath

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. This card is made using a stamp from the Joanna Sheen Fabulous Flowers range. This stamp is part of the music stamp sheet. There are 3 different stamps on the sheet. This small one featuring a small poinsettia, holly leaves and a sprig is the first that I used. I will feature the larger stamp later in the week. To make this card, I stamped and coloured the image 7 times to make the wreath. I mounted some red card,green card and a patterned paper..and then edged it all with a glittered peeloff. I then added some jewels and a ribbon.

It looks as if we are going to get some rain today here in the mountains. There's a lot of  cloud and it's definitely getting colder. I wonder if we are getting snow this year. I have always loved the snow. The magical blanket that covers the landscape and turns it into an unknown place. I remember years ago I had to walk home..it was 7 miles (this was so long ago it was before my accident) and I can remember thinking that I couldn't recognise anywhere. The 7 miles were country roads that I went down everyday on my motorbike but on this day my bike had broken down and my step father wouldn't come and give me a lift. He was like that..he wouldn't take the risk of getting cold or having to leave his armchair. So I had to walk. I can remember the feelings of shock that the familiar roads looked so different. I managed it...I don't know how long it took me..but I finally arrived home. It's funny how you remember the strangest things..lol. But despite this memory...the snow is still a wonderful sight to me. Henry and I were even known to go out at 2 o'clock in the morning to make snow angels in the fresh fallen snow. I shall be able to sit in my chair, if it snows and look out at these mountains and remember happy times. There is an old saying that God gave us memory so that we can have roses in December. Well I have so many happy memories of Henry over the festive season...they will be my roses.

The cats are all still loving the electric blanket on the bed. Because it goes on before I go to bed..they are always there before me..lol. Sprout seems to be the first to notice and then the word is out...and by the time I finally go to bed..it's already full. And I have to say that none of them want to move. Well the coffee is calling..so until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.