Hydrangeas for my Grandmother.

Todays card is another from the 'One Summers Day' cdrom from Joanna Sheen. I have mounted the baking paper, main image and greeting onto some silver holographic card. The main image is decoupaged. I love this image of the hydrangeas..just because it brings memories of my Grandmother. My great great uncle was well know for growing them and my Grandmother always had some in a vase. Sometimes fresh and sometimes dried. I have the vase still...on my bathroom windowsill . The vase is from the 30's I think..it has blue and lilac streaks and catches the light. Sometimes I find it strange that one object can bring so many memories..a chance glance back in time.  The wind and rain have battered the mountains all night. I spent a cosy night curled up in bed with my furry little friends..I just wish sometimes that they'd give me a little more room. For a large lady, I seem to manage with only a small piece of the bed..lol. The rain has finally stopped for a while but the wind continues. When I was little, I always loved to be out in the wind. I loved the way it blew around me and somehow it made me feel like a wild creature.I loved to roam the fields with the wind blowing my hair everywhere. I really was an outdoor girl and was never happier than when I was out in the fields with my dog...we covered many miles..I remember picking wild flowers..sitting hidden in a corn field, with the corn blowing above my head. I can remember spending hours lying on my back in the corn field, watching the clouds go by. Oh the dreams I used to have. Sometimes I think when you're older it's important to find a new dream to follow and I think that is what I need to do. I need a purpose..a way ahead and I'm still searching. Since Henry, the hardest thing has been to find that purpose, for in there lies hope. When all your dreams for the future are swept away, it's hard to find the new dream...to even think that you have the right to a dream..but I hope I do. Well the coffee is calling and I think a caffeine hit would be a good thing. Virgo man has just visited with Jack the dog. He didn't come in the house because Jack and the cats are yet to meet. The wind had blown lots of papers into my path and when he looked at them, they were from an address about 4 miles away..from a village that lies over the mountain from us. So goodness just how hard the wind blew last night,,lol. So I'm off to finish a couple of canvases and make a list of the next months work. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

JB-Crafting Supplies.....Pansies for a friend

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful JB-Crafting Supplies. I am lucky enough to be able to work with this wonderful cdrom 'One Summers Day' brought to us crafters by Joanna Sheen. I have mounted both the image and the backing paper onto some silver holographic. Then I mounted the matching greeting onto some of the same.I have always thought that pansies are such friendly flowers ever since I was a little girl. This picture reminds me of a little posy holder that my grandmother always used to hold smaller flowers. In my memory I can see it filled with snowdrops, pansies, sweet peas or even buttercups...depending on the time of year. She would put it in one of two places....either on her desk or on the kitchen windowsill. She used to laugh that they were the two places that she spent a lot of time.
At the moment we are in Brigadoon again. The mists are covering the mountains, the rain is lashing at the window and the wind is raging. I'm never so happy as when there is weather like this and I don't have to go anywhere. It makes me feel so blessed for my small cottage. The walls are so thick...if only they could talk..lol. It makes me cosy to be inside and let the weather do what it will. The weather man has said that the wind is going to get worse..goodness help the owls. Virgo man has been round and has hoovered the house for me....he's very handy like that...lol. he was impressed with what I'd been doing in the kitchen...I washed all the cut glass and put it in a cupboard. I'm going through all my china and glass, depending what I want to keep...it's always a bit of a nervy moment..washing anything fragile...especially with all the cats wanting to be nosey and to help. Jeffrey, of course, has to investigate everything and when all the cut glass was draining on the draining board...he decided that he had to walk over the top of everything. I couldn't shout at him because I didn't want to scare him, in case he knocked anything. My heart was in my mouth, but he managed to walk the whole length without any damage...thank goodness.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time to head downstairs to make dinner. It's going to be lasagna tonight with salad and I'm thinking maybe a stew tomorrow. So at least I have a vague idea of where I'm heading. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting 

The Garden Room

Todays card is from Joanna Sheens 'One Summers Day' cdrom.I love this picture of a garden room and think it would be perfet for a gardening friend. The cd features the art work of Barbara Mock and there are some delightful images on this cd. The backing paper has a lace pattern on it, which I could see myself using for many different cards not just this one. I have mounted both the backing paper and the image onto some pale green card. I edged the image with lace and added some small green velvet bows.
This afternoon we are now living in Brigadoon. The mist has rolled down the mountains and now I can see absolutely nothing. Not even the cottage across the road..nothing but the white mist. It's strange when you look at the phoneline..you can follow it for about 5 foot and then it disappears. It reminds me of a game that Henry used to play on one of his machines..it was called the bridge to nowhere and you had to follow on this bridge but you didn't know what was coming because the way ahead was not visible. It's just like that here at the moment. The really strange thing is that it can be gone in a minute...I could just turn my head to thr right and the mountains will be back in focus.
As I am writing this, I am sat here in my apron, just because I have been painting all morning. Not the walls for a change..but a couple of canvases which I'm hoping to finish later. I have to say that it's been a long time since I painted and enjoyed it quite so much. I had to put my apron on because I',m a very painter and as I'm always helped by the tribe of furry tummies who don't mind spreading the paint..lol. And typing this today is also a small workout as Raven has decided that she wants to sit on my left arm...which is not helping with the typing. She is as I said sat on my arm, padding me and purring so loudly and I have to say that she has a very heavy bottom..lol What she is really protesting at is the fact that Milky is sat on my legs and she does think that that is her domain. After all I only live her to see to their needs..lol
Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has arrived. The coffee need must filter round the valley..lol. It's fish pie for dinner this evening and I have already planned to do lasagne for tomorrow night. I'm feeling the need to do a roast dinner at sometime but haven't decided what type yet. I can be a bit of a roast junkie and like all the trimmings...so perhaps it will have to wait until I'm finally properly well. It will give me a little time just to decide just how many trimmings I can add to one plate..lol. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting 

Jiggery Makery presents Darlene and The Sewing Room

Todays creation is a design team make for the great team over at JB-Crafting Supplies.As soon as Adele sent me the digi of Darlene..I knew what I wanted to create. It happens like that sometimes. When I finally do my dining room, it's my plan that it will be somewhere where I can keep my sewing machine  and I have every intention that it will be the only room in the house that will be a cat free zone. The door is going to have a lock on it so that if I'm not in there, there will be no visiting furry little beasts...lol. One of the main reasons is that should I be in the middle of sewing something...I can just shut the door on it without a cat finding it's way to sit on it. So many times I have left a pile of clean washing only to turn my back for a minute to discover a little beast on it..lol. To make the sign, I took a chipboard sign and covered it with pink acrylic. I then coloured Darlene with my copics, cut her out and added her to the sign. I then embellished with a decoupage rose, ribbon roses, lace,ribbons and buttons.I will be using this on the dining room door...one side will say 'Dining Room' and this will be the other. When I have finished the sign , I will varnish both sides. I like the thought of having a nameplate that will have two sides. I must say thankyou to everyone who has sent me messages about me having 'man flu' and I'm so pleased to say that today, I feel so much better. I had an early night and woke at 8a.m., feeling the best that I have for a while. My head is nearly back to normal, thank goodness. It's strange but last night I was thinking about being ill and being little. Henry always said that when he was little I always made him a little nest to cuddle down in and that he could feel all lovely and cosy. When I was little I can remember lying in bed and messing around with my candlewick bedspread and my eiderdown. One of the things that always got me into trouble was for picking the bits out of the bedspread. Eventually majority of the bedspread was just lines of little holes that told the tale of what I had done. And I always remember that I knew I was really ill when my breakfast arrived on a tray...it was usually porridge, as that was my favourite. I would lie in bed listening to the house noises of everyday life going on without me and also listening to the noises from outside on the farm yard. I'm sure that's what got me through a lot of stuff..just hearing all the noises made me want to get out there. It's so different when you're an adult..you just have to deal with everything...there's no-one to make a nest for you..you just have to put your big girl pants and deal with it. And somedays, just somedays..it's a hard thing to do. I think that is something that no-one tells you about..the need for big girl pants..lol. Well the coffee is calling and I've got some 'art therapy' to do this afternoon..lol. All the animals are quiet...I'm just wondering what they are planning..lol Even Twinkle is quiet..mind you she normally is in the afternoon...she's saving all her noise for the evening. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting  

It's a Blue Day

Todays card is made using Joanna Sheens 'Age of Elegance'.cdrom/.It is a well known Mucha design and I love the details in the image. The baking paper is also from the cdrom. I mounted the backing paper and the image onto some blue card.I also created a small border with the same card. I added a bow and some pearls to the card. I cannot stress enough just what a beautiful cdrom this is and just how many times I find myself going back to it.
I've had quite a day today. When I first got up, I decided that I would blog early and went to switch my computer on....and nothing. The computer wouldn't load at all and everything that I tried didn't make any difference. So instead of throwing the whole thing through the window..I decided to do some painting on a project and to remain calm. As soon as I had managed to put the paint on the palette, Jeffrey decided to jump on it...black and pink paint were everywhere..lol. I cleaned all that up and then luckily for me, Sparkle arrived. He is a computer whizz..thank goodness. Just as he was trying to fix the computer, Jeffrey decided to play with the paint again..I managed to stop him this time, but you should have seen the dirty looks he gave me..lol. He obviously thinks that playing with paint is going to be his new game...well I can tell you that's not the case. At the moment he's sat on the wing of my chair, glancing at the paint...hoping I'll take my eye off the game no doubt..lol
I'm still full of cold..getting better though...I can now make it to the bathroom without feeling dizzy. Of course it also helps when you haven't got 10 cats weaving their way round your legs. I'm sure some days I look as if I'm trying to do my own version of Riverdance..lol..perhaps cat dance.I think another early night will be called for. I just want to stop looking like Rudolf with a tissue permanently in my hand. The only way I can describe it is that my head feels as if it's full and not with creative energy..lol. Everything just seems to be an extra hard chore...I'd just like it to go away.
Well the coffee is calling and perhaps a good dose of caffeine will help...I can only hope. I hope that all of you are well and finding lots of ways to be creative. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights..The Roses and The Butterflies

Todays card is a design team make for the great company of Decoupage Delights. For today I thought that I would share how I use the Decoupage Delights alongside my other cdroms. I had this lovely image of the lady in the big hat which is on Joanna Sheens 'Age of Elegance cdrom but, knowing what sort of card I wanted to make, I knew that I needed a bouquet of roses. And that's where the Decoupage Delights 'Fancy Floral' cdrom came into play.I just went through the floral cd until I found flowers in the right colour for the image. The baking paper is also from the 'Age of Elegance'. I created the mat for the image using a tonic punch, then added the decoupaged roses and the greeting. Finally I took some peeloff butterflies and stuck them onto the matching pink card and cut them out and added them alongside some pearls.
Goodness me I hope that all that made sense..lol. I have been ill since yesterday and my head is still very foggy. I keep trying to tell myself that it's not that bad but I do look quite a bit like Rudolf..lol..my nose is a lovely side of red. I got up this morning and by 1p.m.I was back in bed. I have to say that after being in bed, I do feel a little better. So hopefully, with another early night, I hope I will get back to normal. Even though I live with pain everyday, when something like this comes along...it just throws everything else out. The cats must be wondering what is going on...when I went back to bed, they all followed me and stood looking at me as if I'd lost my mind..lol. Sad to say when I got up, they thought that they were going to get another breakfast..they can dream on..the greedy little beasts.
Well the coffee is calling and I'd better have one as my head is going a bit mussy again. It's hurting my eyes to focus...goodness me I'm a whinging ninny today. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

Jiggery Makery....Veronica calls again

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful team over at Jiggery Makery. Yes I know that it's Friday so therefore it's Jiggery Makery but it's Tuesday and I'm playing catch up..lol. Jiggery Makery will be featured again on Friday, to get things back in order. This card features the very glamorous digi of Veronica. She is available to buy from the Jiggery Makery site. I have coloured her with my copics and then doodled in black over the top of her gown and then added some black glitter.What inspired me was a memory of seeing a dress in a similar style that had black crystals at the top of it. The saying is from my collection book..and it makes perfect sense to me..lol.

The sun is shining here in the mountains today, even though it's very cold. I got up this morning feeling as if someone had jumped on my head. I thought that I had a cold but I'm not too sure..my head is very mussy and if I move too quickly I get a bit dizzy. I just hope that it goes away quickly.As most of you know, I have to take quite a number of tablets every day..well the doctor has now added to these and to make matters worse..the side effects now necessitate me taking another to counter act the side effects. You just couldn't make it up..lol. If I have to take any more I'll be rattling round the valley.

I was visited by Hobo this morning. Luckily all my boys were inside. He decided that he would come and sit with me while I drank my morning coffee. He is a lovely boy but I can't let him in until he's been seen to. He is a big tabby boy and has a lovely thick coat. He is obviously hunting well, as I know that no one in the village is feeding him. I gave him some food which he inhaled and then made a great fuss of me. The Virgo man was here and said that it was obvious that Hob knew where to come..and I replied that yes he knew where the soft touch lived, laughing. Hobo has now gone off to do whatever he does and I've spent my time listening to AC/DC and colouring some other work.

Well the coffee is callingand then I shall be spending the time colouring ...what a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Sad I know but I love to colour.What has made me laugh lately is that they have brought out an adult colouring book...but are now calling it Art Therapy. After all most people seem to think that colouring in is only for children and that as adults they can't enjoy it anymore. Personally I've always loved to colour and have encouraged everyone I know to do it..well now it seems it's ok in the eyes of the world if you call it therapy. Then I suppose crafters must be the most together people I know..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting..enjoy your therapy..lol.

JB-Crafting Supplies...featuring Joanna Sheen

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. I am lucky enough to be able to work with Joanna Sheens 'Age of Elegance' cdrom. As I've said many times on here..I love this cd and it features some of my favourite artwork. For today, I've made a card using this wonderful Rossetti image. The backing paper is a William Morris design..the backing papers   are fantastic too.To make this card I have mounted both the image and the backing paper onto some gold mirri. I have also created a small side border using the same mirri. To embellish the card, I diecut some ivy leaves and then coloured them with my copics. I then added some small sequin flowers and a bow.

I have been off for a couple of days, trying to find a bit of order in my life. If you knew my life you could do nothing but laugh. I'm aiming to be spending some time soon, creating the dining room..but as always, I need to get my work sorted out first. I'm aiming that I do as much work as possible on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays card wise and then in the week, I can concentrate on doing a bit more in the house. At the moment, I have started in my bedroom..sorting stuff out for the dining room and hopefully I can have a moment and get rid of a bit more clutter. It must be the change in weather that has set me off again..lol. I shall let you know how it all goes in a couple of weeks.

The weekend has been very noisy here in the mountains and I can tell you that most of it has come from here. Jeffrey has spent his time growling and yowling at Hobo and Hobo has spent his time answering. Every time I tried to open the window...they were off. I have promised both a trip to the vets come the better weather..lol. I'm grateful that they are not fighting but the male cat noise is enough to drive you mad. And to make matters even better, Twinkle has come on call and spends her mornings and nights calling at the top of her voice..and what a row that is..lol. She spends her afternoons fast asleep and I honestly feel like shaking her duplex and waking her up..lol. She has no consideration for me..a mighty yowling has woken me twice..I've come into the parlour and she's just so happy..Icabod is usually sat there with a patient look on his face..lol. I reckon that he's just waiting for her to shut up as well. All the other cats are fine..a little bit crazy because it has been a full moon and that does seem to affect them. Last night as I was cooking dinner, I had 3 of the girls lapping the table..it was so funny. They all do brighten my day in one way or another..even if it can become a little loud.

Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has just arrived. Yippee...the caffeine is coming. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Gruffies and Guests...Flowers and Ribbons

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous Gruffies and guests. It is a halfway reminder of the current challenge that is running. The theme is anything goes with the option of flowers and ribbons. Please remember that your project has to include a Gruffie, happy Hopper or a House Mouse. As you know I love all of them. My card is from the gruffies and Happy Hopper cdrom brought to us crafters by Joanna Sheen. It features the artwork of Ellen Jareckie who is world famous for all her House Mouse creations. For this card I mounted both the backing paper and the image onto some gold mirri. I created the border using some more gold mirri and some vintage lace. I added some flowers, ribbon and a butterfly.
it's a nice day in the mountains today. Still a bit nippy but the sun is trying to shine. The birds are singing and the cats are out. I had a bit of a surprise today though. I was sitting in my chair doing some work and a cat walked through the window..nothing strange you may think..until I looked at the cat and realised it wasn't one of mine. It was Hobo. He is a large tabby cat that was dumped in the village about 3 years ago. He has always visited my house when he's been hungry or if he has had a problem..bless him. Well he was missing over the winter and I thought that he must have found somewhere but now he's back and has decided that he wants to live here. At the moment he is sat sunning himself on the studio roof.I have fed him because he looked hungry but the trouble is that he doesn't get on with my tribe. But we shall see how it all goes. I don't know where he is eating..he must be eating somewhere because he is a massive tom but who knows. I have rang round all the village and no one knows him...so it's all a bit of a mystery at the moment.
Well the coffee is calling and there is lots of work to be done. I finally decided on toad in the hole last night which we had with mashed potato and steamed cabbage with onion gravy.For tonight we are having a weird concoction which involves cabbage, pasta and bacon. I will let you know how it all goes. I hope you all like the new look for the blog. As you can see there is now a picture of Henry on the right hand side..as he is my inspiration for all that I do. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

Decoupage Delights....The Lady and The Daisies

Todays cards are design team makes for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. The card above is due to feature on the upcoming cdrom..Vintage Fashion. I can't wait for it to come out..lol. On the card above I have decoupaged the lady and have created a background using some matching background paper and some mirri holographic. The card below is this Fridays freebie. It would make a lovely Easter card as well as a spring birthday card. So remember to pop over to the Decoupage Delights facebook page and collect your free download.

As I'm sitting here by the window, I have to laugh about how quiet people say the countryside is. Well if they were sat by the window with me they would understand me when I say it's not. A cockerel is crowing his head off, and it seems as if every bird in the valley is singing..lol. And on the inside, Twinkle is on heat and calling her little heart out. Goodness knows how a tomcat would cope with her...the noise that she makes is enough on it's own. All the other cats are outside because the sun is actually shining. I can see blue sky and a couple of fluffy clouds..the only other thing that would be nice is a little heat..lol.It is still really cold. My friend the pa is back from Barcelona and we were laughing about the weather. In the photos my friend is wearing a tshirt (one with Henrys owl on it), yet all the other people were bundled up in coats and scarves. To the people of Barcelona it was a cold day but to my friend from here in the mountains it was quite warm..lol.The other funny thing was that there she was in Barcelona and bumped into someone from the next village..lol.The world can seem like a very small place sometimes.

Well the coffee is calling and I have to figure out what to make for dinner. Last night I made a chicken pasta bake...and have to say, have no idea what to do tonight. My mind is a total blank. It could well mean that it's sausages or a crumble...I think that I'll have to have a look. So until tomorrow..when hopefully my brain will have come back..lol..take care and happy crafting.

Crafting Musketeers..Ribbons and Pearls Challenge

Todays card is a design team make for the great team over at The Crafting Musketeers..it is about time for me to remind everyone about the current challenge. The wonderful sponsers are the fabulous Crafty Ribbons. They stock so many gorgeous ribbons...it's so hard to pick..lol..I just need them. To make this card I have used The Janet Kruskamp Collection by Joanna Sheen. I loved this image of the chef surrounded by the delicious cakes...I never look that happy when I'm baking but I always do when I'm eating..lol. My friend Sunshine makes the best brownies in the world..and I can qualify that, having eaten a lot of brownies in my life. I just loved this ribbon as well, I couldn't believe it when I first saw it..the macaroons ..they look fab. So if you get chance why not pop over and join in the challenge...the theme is ribbons and pearls. I have seen many of all your cards and they are all fabulous..I would so love you to join in the fun.

Well it's mighty cold here in the mountains. It looks as if the cardigan will not be removed any time soon. As I'm sat here by the biggest cat flap in the world, I'm watching the chickens out of the window. It looks as if they have all decided to take a stroll down the back entry. It's so funny..it's as if someone has said..now lets all walk in an orderly fashion ladies..no stepping out of line and stragglers..keep up, the worms are this way..lol. My favourite type of chicken...now doesn't everyone have a favourite chicken..lol...is the large type wth feathers on their legs..I think that they're a rare breed..but to me if I was a chicken..I'd be one of those. They look like older matrons with large bosoms and a lot to say. They always make me smile. I shall have to find out the name of the breed..if I do start chickens..I think that they would be the type that I would go for.

I've got so much work to do..I don't know where to start. My Gran would have said..well shut up moaning and get on with it..lol. I intend to make a list and just work my way through it all. In a lot of ways, I'm grateful to have a lot of work because it keeps my head full..and after all Henry would want me to carry on. It's strange but as I look round the house, I feel that in a lot of ways he is still here. As I look at the ornaments..I remember laughing with him about the memories they brought back. Presents he had chosen himself and bought for me. Songs we chair danced to and music that we listened to. It's all still here and I suppose I should be grateful for all the memories I have. But somedays it just feels so wrong that he won't walk through the door, making some joke. When I cook a meal and he isn't here to share it..somedays it's so hard. But then somedays like today I feelas if his love is still in the house and I have to be grateful for that. It was my Gran that taught me to count the blessings and it's one thing that I shall have to do.

Well the coffee is calling and I think that the caffeine will perk me up enough to start work. Jeffrey has just left the building..goodness help the village..lol. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

JB-Crafting Supplies...The Puppy and The butterfly.

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful JB-Crafting Supplies team. It was made using the wonderful Moreheads cdrom brought to us crafters by Crafters Companion. I just love this image of the puppy and the butterfly. I have decoupaged both. The black decorative frame is made using a Tonic die. There are just so many toppers on this cd...it is a great cd to have in your library. You would be able to find a topper suitable for anyone. One cd features boys and girls and the other features animals. I have to say that it is the animals one that I love the most of course..lol

What a weekend. I had lots of visitors and ended up getting no work done,,lol. But to me the friends that came are more important..so today it's going to take a lot to catch up. The weather here is the mountains is strangely fine. No rain, no wind and as I sit here, all I can hear is the birds singing. I heard the owl land on my bedroom ceiling again last night. Some one told me that they have their own flight route and that I must be on that route. What I found strange before I knew it was an owl, all I heard was the scratching as it climbed the roof. First you hear the thud of it landing, then you hear it scratching it's way to the ridge. When it is on the ridge you are sometimes hear it flap it's wings.

All the cats are very quiet today..Jeffrey is the only one that has gone out. Reg is in his bed by his self for once. He makes me laugh because he keeps moving his dog bed across the floor.I don't know where he thinks he's taking it to..lol. Everyone that comes in ends up moving it back to it's place...and as soon as he's alone..on the move again it goes. Virgo man has now planted the trees on the land...we shall have to see if they take. It would be nice to think that in a couple of years we might be picking fruit.

Well the coffee is calling and I'm hoping that Sparkle will come. He does make the best of brews, it has to be said. I often think that coffee is to me as petrol is to a car. I don't have a clue in the world until I've had a caffeine hit..lol.  I'd better get on with some work..I've a long list of cards to make , as well as some ideas that are floating round my head. It makes me laugh sometimes..there I am lying in bed, and I'll see something or read something and the idea for a card is there. Every day something will inspire me...I've just come to the conclusion that I need more hours in my day..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Rosey Hearts...Naughty or Nice

Todays creation is a design team make for the wonderful team over at Rosey Hearts. I am so pleased to announce that I now am a member of this fantastic design team. I am so excited..it's a wonder that I don't pop..lol. A new challenge has just begun and the theme is anything goes with the option of naughty or nice.Why not pop over and join in the fun. All the designs are digis and available to buy. The owner of Rosey Hearts is a fabulous artist called Melissa and her art work just takes this breath away. There will be a new challenge on the 15th. of every month.So to enter the challenge please pop over to the Rosey Hearts Challenge page. If there is anything that you'd like to know just please ask and I'll get any information for you. Later on today, there will be a sidebar link for you to use..hopefully if I can remember how to do it..lol. I got told off by Sparkle yesterday for not doing any computer housework..cache, defrags etc.,I said I didn't know how to..lol..it's enough that I think about cleaning the cooker, let alone tidy my computer..lol.

I decided to make a canvas for my kitchen using this fabulous design from Rosey Hearts. Working with this image made me smile because I was thinking to myself..which is naughty and which is nice. And which I am. And the more I thought about it the more I thought that I'm probably both and can be either depending what's going on or who I'm talking too..lol To begin I painted the canvas with my acrylics..starting with a cream colour all over and then adding pink from one side and blue from the other..meeting in the middle creating a lilac. For the girls, I coloured them with my copics. I then cut them out and added them to the canvas. I then created the bottom piece and added the saying..it is one which I wrote down a few years ago and was looking for something to use it on. I have a book of sayings or poems which I find on my travels and add them and then when I'm looking for a theme..I go to the book. This saying always makes me think back to when I was a punk and so full of confidence..and also when my legs worked..and this saying felt so right. I always felt as if I could rule the world..nowadays I think that maybe I still could but it would take me so much longer..lol. I have always believed that we all have wild hearts but sometimes they just get hidden by life and the things that we have to live through. So my message would be to never forget your wild heart.

I feel like a at round about again today. The weather is fine here in the mountains and all the cats want to be outside..for a moment and then they run back in. And I'm in the middle of it. Sprout has managed to have another fight today..with Hobo. Now Hobo is a cat that arrived in the village a few years ago..he doesn't belong to anyone..I know because I've phoned everyone in the village to find out..lol. Well he has started to come here if he's hungry or has a problem..and I don't mind that but it seems that Sprout does. Who would think that Sprout would turn out to be such a macho little boy. When he arrived, he wouldn't even look at anyone let alone try and take on the world. Well I've told them that come the summer they're both off to the vets for a certain operation. I've decided to take on the vet care of Hobo..no-one  else wants to know so I'll include him with my tribe. I will get him looked over by the vet and get him doctored. He seems quite happy outside so I'll just make sure that he's ok health wise. I do wonder where he came from..I can't understand why people get animals when they don't want to look after them for the rest of their lives...no-one tells them that they have to have an animal..but they still do it and just dump them when they feel like it. It's just not right.

Well the coffee is calling...and Pretty is here today..so I'm being spoilt again. It was such a surprise to see him..I miss him so much when I haven't seen him for a while. His girlfriend Gorgeous is out lambing at the moment..bless her..I bet she's exhausted. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Owls everywhere

Todays card is another one from The Jane Netley Mayhewcdrom by Joanna Sheen. As you all know, I have a thing for owls. I was thinking of what card to make and then I received an email from my friend the pa,who is currently in Barcelona. She had taken a picture of Henrys Tshirt..so she will be the first dot on Spain. As many of you will know a tshirt has been produced featuring Henrys artwork and in his memory, people take the tshirt with them when they travel and send a picture back. That way Henrys artwork travels to places that he never got the chance to see and it all helps to keep his memory alive. Also all funds raised go to the Henry Memorial Fund which will help to fund emergency equipment for the village. Well my friend the pa took the tshirt to Barcelona with her and took the picture. But was really amazing was the fact that she also found a huge art installation of an owl which was perched on top of a building.

I just couldn't believe what I was looking at. Henry would have loved it. It must be the week for owls..my friend who owns a fab antique shop got in touch yesterday as she had just had a vintage brooch in and said she thought of me...so now that will be arriving soon.And then there is the owl still landing on my roof every night...so I thought that it was only fitting that I made another owl card.

Here in the mountains today, the sun is shining...it's so  unusual All the cats have left the building, apart from Nicademus..he has decided that the airing cupboard is his place of choice for today.

Well the coffee is calling and there is lots of work to do, so I will smile at Sparkle and hope for the best. So until tomorrow take care and happy crafting.

Jiggery Makery..proudly presents Veronica

How I wish that I had a figure like this...I can but dream..lol. This stunning lady is Veronica and is a new digi available from Jiggery Makery. She is my design team make and I loved every minute of making this card. I first coloured the image using my copics and then glittered the dress and cut it out. Onto the card, I mounted some black mirri and some black mirri with a silver decoration. I did a very dark background to show off the dress. I have edged the middle panel with a glittered peeloff. Why not pop over to Jiggery Makery and take a look at all the other fabulous ladies.

I can't believe that the weekends here again..it seems to have come round again so quickly. The weather here is a normal village day...raining a bit, wind blowing a bit and quite cold. The mists are trying to make their way down the mountains. Here in the village the council in their usual wisdom have replaced the street lights and goodness me they are a waste of time and money. Personally I wouldn't mind if there were no lights but I can accept that there a lot of people that need them. Well the council seems to have tried to make everyone happy by putting in new lights that don't give out any light..lol. The only thing that they actually light is the base of themselves. They throw out no light..it's just so bad..I don't know what the council thinks it's playing at..lol. And the thing that drives everyone crazy is the fact that it seems as if a car is coming the other way with this pathetic blue light. I've been told that they're better for the environment, but I don't know how that works when they don't let out any light to see by, but cause problems for the cars that enter the village. Mind you there are lots of things of things that the council do that make no sense and just waste a lot of money.

All the cats have been very quiet lately,the weather being as cold as it is, they just settle into their own little places and don't move until the chance of food beckons..lol. I hope it won't be long until we can all trip out again...goodness help everyone. Reg, of course goes out everyday, but I have been keeping the cats in because of the bad weather. It's an easy dinner tonight..last night we had steak and mushroom pie (I'd slow cooked the beef with onions and mushrooms) and there is enough left for tonight. So I'm just going to make chips to go with the pie and probably green beans. So a lazy night really. Tomorrow is going to be fish pie. Any one would think that I was organised..lol. I've lots of work to do this weekend, so I'm looking forward to some serious colouring..lol

Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has just arrived. He must sense when my caffeine levels are low..bless him. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

The Owl

Todays card is from the Jayne NetleyMayhew cdrom from Joanna Sheen. As most of you know I do have a bit of a thing for owls and am building a collection of owl ornaments and pictures. So every so often I just have to make a card featuring one..lol. The lovely backing paper is from another Joanna Sheen cd...Hollypond Hill. I've said many times that the Hollypond Hill cdrom is a great cd if only for the pretty backing papers.I mounted the image and the backing paper onto some gold mirri. The small cut outs..the leaves and the baby owls were on the sheet with the main image. I think that this would make a great card for a man or a woman. Sometimes I find that I also need a card for someone that I don't know very well and this could be perfect for that.

Surprisingly it's not too bad a day today and is only lightly raining..lol. I've just had the nurse to give me my B12 injection..so now it's just waiting for the headache to arrive. The nurses tell me that other people that have to have this injection are so pleased with it and feel so much better..well I wish that someone would tell my body that. Every time that I've had it, I've ended up with a headache for 4 days. I've also had to have all my bloods done..so I can feel virtuous if nothing else..lol. The district nurses that cover this area are so lovely..they have such a wide area to cover and are always so nice.The lady that came today was so taken with the cat duplex, I just had to laugh..it seems to me that the Virgo man could make a fortune creating a new trendy cat duplex..lol

And here at last is a picture of Jack...Virgo mans dog.One of these days I will be able to crop a photo...lol..but as it is..at least you can see him. He is a lovely dog. When this photo was taken, he was in the middle of playing with his stick. As you can see..it's a very big stick but it is his favourite thing to play with. He also has a fanbelt which he carries around. At night he won't settle unless his sticks and his fanbelt are where he wants them..lol To give you a laugh..I thought that I would share the story of the old outbuilding that you can see in the background. Many many years ago this little outbuilding was the family toilet. Whats strange about that you may ask but when you realise just how far it is from any house..it takes my breath away. To get to the loo you would have to walk up a garden, cross a track and then walk along another track for at least 1000 yards before you got to this other garden and finally you would reach the toilet. And as it was then, there was no flush..just a wooden seat with a bucket underneath. These were emptied by a horse and cart. I can't even imagine what it would be like to traipse all that way in your nightie in the dark.

Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has just arrived..perfect timing I think. So I'll head off and do some begging..lol..and then some work. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...The Fashion Model

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. This card is one from the up coming new cd..Vintage Fashions. I can't wait for it to arrive..it's due in the next few months and should earn a place on your shelf of cdroms. I have to admit to having 5 shelves dedicated to my cdroms..but then I'm lucky enough to work with them every day. If you would like a chance to win a copy of their wonderful Fancy Floral cdrom, then just pop on over to their facebook page and join in the fun..the competition runs until the Thursday 19th March..so there's plenty of time to have a look.

The weather man has been right yet again..it's raining. So the perfect day for crafting...which I could do when I've finished sorting my crafting stash. I've managed to clear half the couch..half to go. The only trouble is as I'm sorting, I spot lots of things and my head becomes full of ideas. I really want to use more embossing powders and gold leaf..I will have room once I've finshed sorting..so I'll just have to plod on. The cats are all in and for a change have all settled..not knocking my piles of sorting like they did last night. One of my friends came over to take Reg for his night time walk and noticed that a candlestick had been knocked over..he picked it up and Jeffrey immediately knocked it over..to pick it up again and Jeff did the same again and this went on until my friend just had to give up..lol.He said how on earth do you put up with it..I said that's only one of them..you should be here on a full moon when they all go a little crazy..lol. Somedays only a mother could love them. As I'm typing Twinkle is on a wild one...she is running round and round the duplex and Icabod is looking at her as if she's crazy..and the truth is..she is.

I had wonderful news today which I will share with you as soon as everything is organised. I'm just going to say that I've been doing wheelies in my wheelchair...I'm so happy. I've also got a printers block arriving some time in the next week. I ordered it before christmas to turn into an art piece. My idea is that Henry had lots of little things that he loved..keyrings,small gaming figures,disney figures and lots of other tiny things..well my aim is to make a backing paper for each little square which includes a memory and put one of his little figures in..then hopefully it will be a representation of his childhood. A friend has said that he will be able to fix a piece of perspex for the front..then everything will be protected and be secure. It's a project for the next couple of years but it's something that I'm looking forward to. I do find that since henry passed, I need projects to fill the empty hours and this will be one of those. I will keep you all updated.

Well the coffee is calling and the couch needs sorting. For dinner tonight, I'm doing a chicken satay with fried rice. Keep your fingers crossed..it's a new recipe for me. I'll let you know how it all turns out..if it all goes wrong..it will end up being beans on toast..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

The Perfect Thank You

Today's card is from Joanna Sheens Hollypond Hill cdrom. This cd features the artwork of Susan Wheeler.This particular image is another which doesn't have rabbits on but I adore it. There always seems to be a time when we need a thank you card and this is an image that I have used lots of times. I mounted the image onto some pink card and then mounted that onto a decorative card. When making cards, I normally start with a blank white card and take it from there but this time, I'm using a decorative card that I was given. The card has a pink and white pattern that looks like lace and also features a shaped edge which also looks like lace.

Well today it looks as if the weatherman has got it right. Which doesn't bode very well for the rest of the week. He had said that today would be sunny and fine and it is..lol...for the first time in ages. The worrying thing is that the weatherman has also said that the rest of the week is going to be terrible..with high winds and more rain. I'm hoping that the Virgo man has managed to plant the trees. One of my friends has sent 4 trees in Henry's memory and they arrived yesterday. There is an apple,pear,plum and a cherry. I hope that they take and will prosper. I'm hoping to buy a bramley apple later in the year, alongside the herbs. I always remember my Grandfather saying that he was never able to grow parsley from seed until he met Percy Thrower. For those of you so much younger than me, Percy Thrower was the Alan Titchmarsh of his day.He was a well known gardener and I can remember meeting him lots of times.He said that the only way to get parsley to grow from seed was to pour boiling water on the seed. Don't ask me why this worked but my Grandfather swore by it. He was such a good gardener. In our vegetable garden we grew peas,rhubarb,carrots, onions,potatoes, green beans, cabbage and sprouts. I always grew salad in a little greenhouse of my own...lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber. My Gran had charge of the herb garden and grew parsley, mint, pineapple mint and chives. She was always responsible for the flower gardens as well. What is it about sunny days that take me back to my childhood and to the gardens. When I was really small I had a tiny wheelbarrow of my own and I still have it. It was my pride and joy. I can remember one of the dogs would always come for a ride in my wheelbarrow and later she would come on a bike ride with me.She always chose to sit on the crossbar. I have some photographs of both these things..I will have to try to find them..and then I can share them with you and give you a laugh.

The shopping arrived this morning and the delivery driver turned out to be a cat lover. He had 4 of his own and was thinking of getting another one. I told him that was the road to ruin..lol. He said what difference would 1 more make..I said that I can remember those days...about 30 years ago..and now I still have 10..lol. The cats immediately knew that he was a cat lover and were all over him like a rash..lol. They were sat in the van until he pulled the cat food out and then they just followed that..lol. So with lots of feline help, I managed to get all the shopping away. I am so looking forward to dinner tonight...there is fresh salad...I do have a bit of a thing for raw spinach, rocket, onion and salad cream. So tonight we are having plaice, boiled potatoes and salad. It will feel like a treat. Thank you to all of you who have sent recipes and ideas for cheap meals..have some great ideas to try.

Well the coffee is calling and I'm hoping that Sparkle will arrive. He has already been round and put some handles onto my dresser. For some reason..all the handles had broken on the dresser and when I was sorting in the kitchen, I managed to find a bag of handles..goodness only knows where they were from but they have worked and look a treat. Now I can actually get into the drawers and cupboards with the use of bad language..lol I think that the pasta maker is in there..so happy days. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

JB-Crafting Supplies..featuring Joanna Sheens 'Hollypond Hill'

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. The card features the artwork of Susan Wheeler on the Hollypond Hill cdrom. This has got to be one of my favourite cdroms because of the amount of simply beautiful backing papers it contains. As you know, I do love the rabbits and there are so many cute images.For todays card I picked to do this one which doesn't feature the bunnies but is just a pretty card. I am thinking that I may use this as my Easter card this year.All I have done for this card is to simply mount the backing paper and the image onto some pink card. Bearing this in mind, it would make the perfect card to use as an Easter card because you could make a few of the same without too much effort. The image is just so detailed it provides a perfect focal point.

The weather here today is, I have to say, horrible. It's raining and the wind is continuing to howl it's way around the valley. It sounds like a train as it circles the valley, round and round. I've spoken to people over the weekend and they have had lovely weather...managing to get their washing out and have a sit in the outside. If you wanted to have a sit down outside here...the chances are is that you'd need a waterproof padded coat and you'd have to be tied down, to save you blowing away..lol. For the past few weeks there has been a happening every night. As I've lay in bed, I've heard something land on the roof. It's always between 11.45 and 12 midnight. The other night I managed to hear the flapping of wings. Well it seems that it is an owl..and as you know that is the symbol of Henrys Memorial Fund. Fanciful as it may seem, I like to think that Henry has sent me an owl. He often spoke of the barn owl that sat on my back garden wall..perhaps it is that one that is now landing on my roof.

It's been all change here in the parlour today. We now have an armchair.It's looks good and of course..the first thing to sit on it was a cat...Jeffrey to be precise.At the moment the couch if full of crafting goodies which are waiting to be sorted..I aim to sort them later.

Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has arrived. It's going to be shepherds pie for dinner tonight and I'm looking forward to an easy time making it. Last time that I made a spot the meat dinner, I froze two lots of the mixture, so tonight all I have to do is mash some potatoes and put the whole thing to cook. Easy dinner to my way of thinking. I may even make a pudding if I'm feeling energetic...lol  So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Gruffies and Guests...Flowers and Ribbon

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful team at the Gruffies and Guests Challenge Blog. The theme for this month is Flowers and Ribbon. Why not pop over and join in the fun...there is a link to the challenge on the sidebar. The sponsors for this challenge are the great team at Bugaboo Digi stamps and they have kindly offered 7 digis as a prize. For my card, I have used an image from the Gruffies and Happy Hopper cdrom brought to us by Joanna Sheen.I mounted both the image and the backing paper onto some purple mirri and also made a border with the same.The border strip, I edged with some adhesive ribbon from my stash and placed the greeting at the bottom. I had some white flowers in my stash and decided to colour them to match in with the card. I used my promarkers to do this.

I'm having a lovely morning...I've been up since early because the athletics started at 8.30a.m...so I have been sat here working and watching all the action. For me it's a grand day on the television..with athletics and a triathlon this afternoon. Sometimes I wonder why I bother with the television, as there seems to be so much on that I don't want to watch. I don't do any of the soaps, don't like horror and am not that keen on a lot of the reality type shows. I'm getting that there is less and less on that I want to watch. But it's probably the same for most people.There's either nothing that you want to watch or there's 3 things that you rather quite fancy but they're all on at the same time..lol

The wind is still blowing herein the mountains. It carried on all night..with the cats spending a while just looking at the ceiling ...they must have been wondering if the ceiling would hang on. I was blessed last night with 3 furry little bodies wanting to share the heat of the electric blanket. Rave, Tankie and Sprout. Usually Tank and Sprout are on the bed, the minute that the blanket goes on..lol. By the time that I get to bed, both of them have usually got under the quilt and there is just two little heads popping out.They both have a little moan when I try to get into my bed. At the moment it's all quiet here as they are all sleeping off their breakfasts. The only trouble with giving them their breakfast early on is that they think that they should have another breakfast every time I move. I wouldn't mind but they have a top up bowl of biscuits downstairs.If you saw the fat little tummies that wander round this house, you would have to laugh.

Well the coffee is calling...come on Sparkle..where are you? He does make the most perfect brew. He has many good points I have to admit but his coffee making is superb. So I'm sending out a vibe...lol. I hope that you are all having a good weekend and that the weather is being kind to you, wherever you are. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

Jiggery Makery...Presents Penny

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous team at Jiggery Makery. Let me introduce you to Penny. She is a digi created by the wonderful Adele over at Jiggery Makery. I just love her and wanted to do her as a rock and roller. I really enjoyed playing while creating this card. I created the background paper. I remembered that I had bought a stamp featuring a line of music, which I hadn't used..so the first job was to find the stamp..lol. I then stamped the image onto some pink card. I then decided to make some 'records' just using some black card and then a beige card for the centres. For Penny herself, I coloured her using my promarkers and then glittered her underskirt, shoes, beltand the top of her dress.I then also decided to add a bit of glitter to the records.There are a real wealth of glamorous ladies over at Jiggery Makery...why not pop over and take a look.

Things are definitely moving here in the mountains..even if it is only the furniture..lol.I am replacing a chair in the parlour and because of that it means that a lot of other things had also to be moved. Even Regs basket had to be moved...and he's still sulking..lol. The chair hopefully is coming tonight but we shall have to wait and see. Virgo came and moved the big pieces for me..bless him but now I have to sort out my craft stash. Now that's a moment. As I've got lots of work to do this weekend..I'm making plans for next week. If I can get all the work done this weekend then I will have all week to sort stuff out. The weather here is definitely telling me to stop in. It has been so windy all night and even now is blowing a hooley. The cats have taken a look and all gone..no thanks and are now scattered around the house in their special little places.

At the moment, I'm thinking what to do for dinner. It may be quiche, fish pie or even something else. I shall have to talk it over with Sparkle. I also intend to make some muffins for a change. No doubt I will have lots of eager little faces watching me...hoping that something will drop on the floor..lol

Well the coffee is calling and so is the kitchen. Please don't forget that there is a giveaway over on the Decoupage Delights facebook page. Why not pop over and have a go. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights..Fancy Floral

Todays cards are design team makes for the fabulous Decoupage Delights. For today I decided to share 3 of my favourite cards that I have made using the Fancy Floral cdrom. The decoupage on this cd is so easy to do, and the ways that you can use them is endless.As with the card above...you can use the frame to hold any picture you have...it would make a fantastic addition to a frame to hold one of your favourite photographs. As you know I have a bit of a thing for vintage and this cd mixes very well with this theme but also features many fabulous flowers that you could use with any style.

Now you know that Decoupage Delights normally do a freebie on a Friday, but this week it's a little different..there's going to be a giveaway..so please make sure that you pop over to the facebook page on Friday and join in.

What a day today has already been. For once in what seems a lifetime ..the sun is shining here in the mountains. Last night was awful with hail battering the roof and all the cats sat on the bed looking at the ceiling. It was bad that it woke me a couple of times. It seems very strange sometimes being in the house on my own. There have been very few times in the last twenty years when I have been on my own..so that in itself has been a learning curve. I'm getting used to it but in the middle of the night can be a very lonely time. It's another time that I need to put my big girl pants on and deal with it.

Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has arrived..lol. I've got a long list of work to do and am looking forward to having a play. My friend Dotty is coming on Sunday...am so looking forward to seeing her. And of course there will be updates on Merlin..so watch this space for a cute moment...lol
So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

JB-Crafting Supplies..One Summers Day

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful team over at JB-Crafting Supplies. I have used a cdrom from Joanna Sheen. It is called One Summers Day and features the wonderful artwork of Barbara Mock. There are so many fabulous images on this cd, it is hard to know where to begin. You just want to print them all out..lol. To make this card I have mounted the backing paper and the image onto some purple card and have also created a border using the same card. I edged a strip of the backing paper with some lace and then make a border strip using die cut ivy leaves and small sequin flowers.

I'm not having a good day today..but at least it's only my legs. Perhaps the cold weather has affected them. All night I have been asleep on and off because of the pain. Personally I'd like to give them away for a fortnight..lol. I've always said that waist up I could conquer the world but waist down it would take me a while..lol.At least it's quiet here. All the cats are asleep, so my head at least doesn't feel like a cat round a bout. Normally, as they go out through the window..my head becomes a round a bout with the incoming and outgoing cats. This summer I'm hoping to be able to get new windows for the parlour..I've already told the builder that it needs to be operable in such a way that the cats can still get in and out onto the studio roof..lol. I bet that there's not many people that have to bear that in mind when buying windows.

I had a phonecall last night from a friend who told me that she had purchased some fruit trees for the land as a present. I couldn't believe her kindness..she knew that I had planned to buy some fruit trees when I had the money but she decided to get them for me. I am really blessed by the kindness of my friends. She has ordered a pear,plum, apple and cherry tree. Virgo man has been told to dig the holes in readiness.I am also going to buy a bramley cooking apple tree some time after Easter. It will be interesting to see how they get on in this little cold valley. For the front garden, I'm hoping to get some herbs. I must be feeling brave because I haven't got one green finger...let alone ten...lol The herbs that I'm hoping to get are bay, rosemary, mint and parsley.And I've also decided to try basil..but in the kitchen. These are the herbs that I use the most. I do fancy having a go at tomatoes but that may have to wait until next year.

Well the coffee is calling and work is also having a little shout. I'm hoping that Sparkle will arrive..as I'm still in crisis after the breaking of my mug last night. This mug was huge..Henry had bought it for me as a joke. It held about a pint of coffee and he said that he'd bought it for me to cut down on the number of brews he had to make..lol.Everything about the mug was perfect and now it's gone...thanks to Jeffrey. He also managed to break my ashtray as well..I'm just waiting for the third disaster..lol. So Sparkle needs to be here to make the perfect coffee, he'd worked out the perfect amount of coffee, sugar and milk over the last few months and now we have to start again...lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Crafting Musketeers...New Challenge..Ribbons and Pearls

Todays card is a design team for the great team over at The Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog. This month is sponsored by the fabulous company of Crafty Ribbons and the prize for the winner of Marchs challenge is a £10 voucher. The theme for this month is Ribbons and Pearls. I decided to make this card from a Joanna Sheen cdrom which is Janet Kruskamp..The Collection. There is a collection of cocktail glasses on the cd and chose this one.I have mounted the image onto some black card and then onto some holographic. I created the border using black card,grey and black ribbon and the greeting. The ribbon that I have used was provided by the sponsor and is of wonderful quality...why not pop over and take a look. The ribbon that I've used is a grosgrain which has to be one of my favourite types to use, mainly because it holds it's bow shape so well with no slipping.I have edged the card with a row of pearls on each side. Pearls and cocktails always remind me of the roaring twenties for some reason. Give me a cocktail and I'd probably end up swinging my pearls..lol

I hope that you will consider popping over and joining in this months challenge.As I've said the theme is ribbon and pearls..some of my favourite things to use. This card makes me think of my friend Sunshine..I've known her to make a mean cocktail and many good times have been had. Today two of my friends were on Bargain Hunt, so the whole village has been watching. Personally I think that they were so brave..I'd never have enough guts to do it. But I thought they did wonderfully and best of all...they won.

It's threatening to snow again but we will have to see.At the moment it's hailing and very cold. Sprout is the only feline to brave the elements and I don't think that he'll be out long. All the other furry beasts are in their special places and at least giving me a little peace at the moment. They didn't give me much peace when I was downstairs earlier..lol. I went downstairs to put the slow cooker on and they all wanted to help. I had help washing up with Jeff and Rave deciding to sit on one of the draining boards the whole time. As you've probably guessed, it's spot the meat tonight..lol. The slow cooker has been filled with carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, parsnips, swede, barley, lentils and peas...with a small amount of minced steak. I shall take some of the contents out tonight, mix with pasta and put a white sauce and cheese on top. I have yet to decide what I will do with rest tomorrow....I may even get 2 more meals out of it but we shall have to see. Maybe will have to add more vegetables..lol

Well the coffee is calling..so I'm heading off for a brew. It's gone so cold, I may have to get the winter socks out..lol..is it spring yet...lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

That Oriental Moment

Todays card is one that I have been thinking of making for a while. I did a feature of it on the JB=Crafting Supplies blog last week but thought that I would share it with you all this week.It all started with the background paper which reminded me of a Japanese friends favourite flowers and then I was off. I had in my stash this oriental lady peeloff and decided to use both together. I took the peeloff and stuck it to some white card and then coloured it using my copics. I then cut it out and mounted that onto the card. I then coloured some white paper flowers to match. I am impressed with the way that peeloffs have improved over the years..in fact I'm so taken with this one..I may make another very soon.

What a day today. The wind has raged all night and the rain is lashing down. The mist is sitting low today..it's just like Brigadoon..it's as if the rest of the world doesn't exist. You can't see the mountains in fact. Other places have had snow but not here. The weather man has promised snow so many times but we've had nothing much here at all.

The weather has been so bad again that all the cats are in..again. They have all disappeared to their favourite places and no doubt, I won't see them until their tummies tell them that they need more filling..lol. The only one that is in the parlour is Jeffrey..who is of course on top of Reg in the dog basket..lol.

Well the coffee is calling and Sparkle has just arrived and put the kettle on. How's that for timing. For tonights dinner we have decided to have fried rice. Tomorrow is going to be spot the meat for a couple of days..first day with pasta and with potatoes on the next. I'm hoping to spend the afternoon unpacking some crates..and brae yourself...I'm even thinking of cleaning the cooker.I can't even believe that I've said that..but it has been pecking my head for the past couple of days...perhaps I need a pill..lol. So I'm off to inhale the caffeine moment and then do some more work. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.